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Cutter said another improvement has been the coordination between local, county and state officials. She said lane reversals, for instance, take coordination and time to be sure the roads are clear so stray cars do not collide with traffic coming from the coast.
"That coordination is the thing that has really improved over the past 20 years," she said.
I think each storm is different and each location is different."
At noon Saturday a knock came on my front door. There stood a lady with a brown bag for my husband and I. It was a spring lunch from the Brotherton Belles and Beaus 4-H Club. Everything warm and homemade for our lunch ready to eat.
It even included fresh cut flowers. What a wonderful delicious surprise. I just wanted to say thank you to the 4-H members and leaders. Your generosity and kindness was greatly appreciated.
One of the primary advantages of doing a television series in an anthology format is the opportunity for characters and the narrative to flow in practically any direction, as the series is not beholden to a greater sense of continuity, nor are characters bound to their future story in seasons down the road. There's a f...
'The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks' makes for an excellent example of the series experiencing an overload from the supposed good qualities that spring forth from its unique format. All season long, Coven has been in search of a main thrust that might align its various characters and give them something to do. That m...
To the show's credit, it hasn't completely abandoned anything; the throughline of the search for the new Supreme, Fiona's cancer and various relationships, and a mixture of vague or sometimes overtly clumsy, subtextual elements about motherhood, sexism, racism, and ageism have generally been present at one point or ano...
Generally, things just happen on the show because the writers seem to be only concerned with the next crazy thing they could have happen. While it's largely worked in the past two seasons of the show, the problem with this is, since most things happen in the spur-of-the-moment, there's little context or meaning to thei...
The impulsive nature of this season has led to a feeling of inconsistency that breaks down the character dynamics and works against a true sense of stability in the overall plot. Marie Laveau is suddenly living at Miss Robichaux's and comforting Cordelia, who is suddenly being attacked by Fiona after their reconciliati...
Such inconsistency makes it difficult to take anything Coven does at face value, and what's more, there's little in the way of some larger function to any of it. In essence, it feels like the season is just waiting for the big climax of the finale, and because of that, it'll just keep tossing out the unpredictable as a...
American Horror Story: Coven continues with 'Protect the Coven' @10pm on FX.
Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios, center, shown July 18, 2017, wants county ethics rules voided that place limits on campaign contributions to elected officials and candidates from those who seek “official action” from the county.
With less than three weeks until election day, Democratic Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios went to court in an effort to keep the spigot flowing on campaign contributions from property tax appeal lawyers whose livelihoods can depend on the decisions his office makes.
On Wednesday, Berrios’ lawyers asked Circuit Court Judge Sanjay Tailor to void county ethics rules that place limits on campaign contributions to elected officials and candidates from those who seek “official action” from the county. Berrios’ team argued the county rules violate the state constitution because only the ...
The county, however, maintained that it has the power to set its own, more-restrictive limits on campaign cash to avoid quid pro quo politics.
While the optics of the situation won’t exactly win the old-school Berrios praise from good government groups, a look at where Berrios’ campaign cash is coming from shows that property appeals lawyers remain a vital source of contributions. Since October, Berrios has collected more than $276,000 from those attorneys — ...
The county Board of Ethics warned Berrios last summer that he was breaking the rules and then slapped him with $41,000 in fines in January. Berrios sued, and a judge’s ruling gave the assessor the leeway to continue the questionable fundraising practice without immediate penalty.
Berrios is in court over the issue as his primary challenger is criticizing him for taking political money from those who stand to benefit from the decisions made by the assessor’s office. Frederick “Fritz” Kaegi has pledged to not take money from tax appeal attorneys.
The practice also was highlighted in “The Tax Divide,” a Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois series that concluded Berrios’ assessment practices favored the wealthy at the expense of the poor. Tax appeals, which have flourished under Berrios, only make the system less fair, the series concluded and a recent indepen...
In addition, how Berrios’ case plays out — and is perceived by the public — also could have implications well beyond the down-ballot campaign for assessor. Some of the state’s most powerful politicians, including House Speaker Michael Madigan and 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke, are lawyers whose firms make money handling prop...
For his part, Berrios has long argued it’s an issue of fairness, particularly in a race against someone like Kaegi, a wealthy asset manager from Oak Park who has poured $1.3 million of his own money into his campaign fund. Under state law, when a candidate contributes more than $100,000 of his own money, contribution l...
Many attorneys who made contributions to Berrios did not know they were subject to the limits because the law is vaguely worded and conflicts with state law, Berrios attorney Kevin Forde said at Wednesday’s hearing.
But Assistant State’s Attorney Paul Castiglione said lawyers already are limited by other “ethical restraints. ... What we’re talking about here are ethical rules that protect the operations of local government.” The idea, he said, is to prevent any quid-pro-quo dealings.
As both sides wait for a ruling, Berrios continues to accept contributions that exceed county limits — $750 in a nonelection year, $1,500 in an election year — from the very attorneys and law firms whose previous contributions triggered the fines by the ethics panel.
The ethics probe covered January to March 2017. It found Berrios, through the two campaign funds he controls, had accepted 41 contributions that exceeded the limits. At $1,000 per violation, the fine totaled $41,000.
The Tribune looked at Berrios’ contributions from April 2017 through February and found 28 out of the 33 lawyers and law firms named in the ethics panel’s report have given $184,700 to the assessor’s campaign fund. All but two of those donors exceeded the county’s contribution limits.
The Tribune and ProPublica also looked at campaign contributions from all property tax appeals lawyers and firms to the Committee to Elect Joseph Berrios Assessor. The time period covered the start of October, which is the first full fundraising quarter since the ethics board warned Berrios he was in violation of the l...
The analysis showed the campaign fund received more than $276,000 from such interests, accounting for about 83 percent of the $332,000 in individual contributions made during that period.
Special interests who want to support Berrios’ re-election efforts also have the option of contributing to the the 31st Ward Democratic Organization fund he controls.
Berrios recently transferred $300,000 from the ward fund to his assessor’s account. Most of that money, too, came from property tax appeals lawyers. The 31st Ward fund collected $351,000 from those interests since October 2016 — 78 percent of the fund’s individual contributions during that period, the analysis found.
All of that has helped Berrios amass significant campaign funds, which he has been spending on TV ads that largely attack Kaegi. To start 2018, Berrios had $933,000 in his assessor campaign fund. Since then, he’s reported more than $164,000 in individual contributions, plus the $300,000 from his ward fund.
Kaegi, meanwhile, started the year with $163,000. Since then, he’s received $54,500 in contributions and pumped in $500,000 of his own money. Since launching his campaign in May, Kaegi raised about $336,000 from contributions and put in $1.3 million of his own money.
Berrios has long maintained that he’s well within his rights to take campaign contributions from attorneys who come to his office to get lowered appeals, which in the case of successful commercial building cases can net them millions of dollars in legal fees.
But Kaegi, who has characterized the contributions as part of a “pay-to-play” political culture, criticized Berrios for accepting them.
This report is a collaboration between the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois, an independent, nonprofit journalism organization.
Residents, Council Hopeful For Condemnation Halt by Sally Carroll \| August 9, 2018 at 5:00 a.m.
A couple interested in halting the condemnation process on two properties in Goodman got the go-ahead on Tuesday night when city aldermen voted to dissolve the current situation under specific conditions.
John and Misty Farmer are interested in renovating properties at 119 S. First Street and 108 W. Williams Street. City council members had voted, in a previous meeting, to place the condemnation process on hold for 90 days. The Farmers, however, are concerned that they could pour money into the properties and begin a gr...
Council members voted specifically on the Williams property since the Farmers said they would work on that house first. Aldermen voted that, if the inspector signs off on the improvements made and the deed is transferred to the Farmers' name, the city will dissolve the condemnation process.
In another construction discussion, a representative from Branco presented drawings to the council for the new elementary school in Goodman. Construction on the school, which will take place on the former property, will begin Monday.
The school was destroyed after an EF-2 tornado ripped through the town last year. Now, officials plan to rebuild the school in its former location, complete with a FEMA-approved shelter in the school. In addition, all the kindergarten rooms are FEMA-approved as shelters during a tornado. Construction on the school shou...
Cars will be sequestered to School Street, while bus traffic will travel on Whitmore Street.
Playground equipment from a middle school will replace the playground equipment that officials tried to salvage after the tornado. However, the playground equipment was recently inspected and officials determined the equipment will have to be scrapped. Youngsters will be able to utilize a new basketball court, which wi...
In other business, Police Chief Curt Drake asked the council to consider a $2 an hour raise for Officer Joe David, bringing his salary more in line with pay in other McDonald County towns. Drake said he didn't want to lose David because of low pay. He mentioned that Goodman is the third largest town in the county and t...
"We will have to look at the numbers and have to look at all positions, citywide," Richmond said. "We will need to look at the whole wage structure for the city. I think that's the only fair way to do it. We'll see what we can afford."
• Passed on its first reading an ordinance increasing the tax rate for 2018 taxes at $.0686 per $100 assessed valuation, up from $0.6671 in 2017. Aldermen are expected to approve the ordinance on its second reading at the next city council meeting on Aug. 21.
• Accepted a report from certified public accountant Nick Myers, who recently finished the annual audit. He said the city's net position is $2.85 million, that the city has a "clean report on internal controls" and that the city is in a "pretty good financial position."
• Heard a proposal from a representative of Kelly Miller Circus, who wants to put on two shows in town in October. The circus no longer features animals due, in part, to concerns voiced by animal rights activists. "We still boast a great show," said Eddie Figueroa, representing the circus. Richmond said the council wil...
Sally Phillips lost her son, Scott, nine years ago and chose to donate his organs. Since then, she has promoted the cause by volunteering for organ donation committees, speaking at events and providing support to those who have lost family members.
Mollie Triplett, one of Phillips' co-workers at Wesley Medical Center, said she is inspired by how Phillips helps others.
"She provides that extra little helping hand for those families, and she always does it with class," Triplett said.
This weekend, Phillips and her family will be in Pasadena, Calif., at the Rose Bowl parade to honor Scott's life and to encourage organ donation.
Phillips said knowing her son's organs are helping eight people allows her to feel like his life is still making an impact.
You’ve seen the blind guy with badass fighting skills, the super strong woman, the really strong guy who’s also nigh-invulnerable, but are you ready for, well, another guy with badass martial arts skills? That’s not the only thing to know about Danny Rand, a.k.a. Iron Fist, but it’s the dominant trait highlighted in th...
Iron Fist’s first season drops April 21 on Netflix.
Tremont Hill "gingerbread boy II" by Courtney prahalis a beautiful reproduction featuring a gingerbread boy with a bow tie and buttons. This piece will add great holiday spirits in any home or office.
ArtWall Courtney Prahl's Map Collage Removable Wall Art Mural, 36" x 48"
RENO, NV - The Great Reno Balloon Races celebrate their 31st year.
To help make sure the races continue, organizers are offering, among other things, an EBAY auction to ride on the Darth Bader Balloon, Dawn Patrol Rides, and a V.I.P section.
Also this year a special “Balloon Brew” from Great Basin Brewing Company.
For a limited time you can buy the beer, where a portion of the sales also go to he Great Reno Balloon races.
“Effervescent beer has all the body and character of a caramel-laced cream style beer, that would actually have some champagne type characteristics. But with the body that can only come from a fine crafted beer,” says Great Basin Brewing Company Owner Tom Young as he describes the beer's makeup.
Balloon Brew is available in six packs and 22 ounce bottles, as well as select grocery stores and casino properties.
Balloon brew will be served at this year's races in the Cloud 9 V.I.P Club Tent.
This year's Great Reno Balloon Races are at Rancho San Rafael Park, September 7-9.
Admission is free excluding the V.I.P Tent.
The “Catamount Health Reform” package has passed the Vermont House.
The vote of 77 – 58 sends the bill to the Senate.
The Democratic majority in the House held firm and turned aside a number of GOP amendments.
The Catamount Health plan would extend insurance to about 20,000 people without coverage and create a new way of delivering care for those with chronic disease.
Audience members sitting at the LeWeb 11 Conferece at Les Docks, Paris on December 9, 2011.
The Mashable Events Board is a great place to find leading conferences in your industry, whether it's advertising, technology, media or public relations. This week, we're highlighting five events that we think can help move your career forward, from those in South Carolina to San Francisco. If you don't find something ...
Cablefax's Digital & Tech Summit is your chance to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty learning about the technology, software and content fueling multiplatform entertainment. This is a time of massive opportunity for everyone in the cable, content and broadband industries and that includes you.
At Future Insights Live, designers, developers, and product people come together to discuss the future technologies, platforms, and business models your company should be using to launch the next big thing. No matter your level of ability, this is THE event for inspiration, education, and networking that you cannot aff...
In just five years, smartphones and tablets have become indispensable in the lives of more than a billion people worldwide, outpacing every comparable technology in terms of mainstream adoption. From booking a cab to ordering tacos, the experiences that make up our lives are glued together by one indispensible and addi...
In this marketing workshop, the experts at Ajax Union will teach you hands-on, results-oriented strategies to increase the profit from your marketing. This exclusive workshop will only be given to a select group of business owners, VPs, and marketing managers that want to learn the diverse strategies in digital marketi...
Food For Thought is a catalytic event that celebrates the intersection of food, creative thinking, entrepreneurialism and social responsibility. The three-day conference, held annually in Greenville, S.C., brings together some of the country's leading entrepreneurs, innovators, chefs and thought leaders.
Visit our full list of upcoming conferences and events, here.
Want to promote your event on the Mashable Events Board? You can do so here.
NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Less than two months after failing to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, James Hinchcliffe roared from behind to seize one of the more satisfying victories of his IndyCar career.
Hinchcliffe passed Josef Newgarden with just over 40 laps left to win at the Iowa Speedway on Sunday, his first victory of the season.
Hinchcliffe, who followed up his disaster at Indy with three finishes of 10th or worse in four starts, also picked up his first win since Long Beach in 2017 and his second victory at Iowa.
He will now head to his hometown track, the Streets of Toronto on Sunday, with more momentum than he's had in a long time.
"This is such a good feeling after what happened in May. We knew we had it in us, and to come here and do it like that ... I'm just so stoked," Hinchcliffe said. "To miss (the Indy 500) is a huge blow for every single member of the team... but if anything, it fueled us. It made us want to perform better, push harder."
Spencer Pigot was a career-best second, followed by Takuma Sato in his first podium since a stunning win at the Indy 500 in 2017.
Newgarden dominated much of the race like he did in winning at Iowa two years ago, leading 229 of the 300 laps before Hinchcliffe seized control as Newgarden battled lap traffic.
Ed Carpenter threw a curveball at the field when he spun out and got clipped by Sato six laps from the finish, drawing a caution. Newgarden went in for new tires while Hinchcliffe stayed out, with the American hoping to catch Hinchcliffe if the race went green again.
It didn't, and Hinchcliffe cruised past Iowa's corn-inspired start-finish line in first for Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports under caution.
But it wasn't all bad news for Newgarden, the defending champion. He moved from fourth to second in the standings behind Scott Dixon and cut his deficit to 33 points.
Dixon was never a factor, finishing a season-worst 12th.
"I can't complain much. It's a tough pill to swallow to see (Hinchcliffe) go by me. We just didn't have it at the end, and sometimes you can't forecast that completely," Newgarden said. "It just went away from us."
Will Power, Newgarden's Team Penske teammate, started on the pole. But Iowa is the only active track in the series where a pole sitter has never won a race — and it was apparent early on that that trend would continue.
Newgarden, who led 282 laps here in 2016, snagged the lead from Power after just 23 laps and quickly built it up to as much as 9 seconds — roughly half a lap. Newgarden even lapped Dixon after just 54 of them, and the majority of the field was already a lap down just a third of the way through the event.
The first yellow flag of the race came halfway through the event when Zach Veach brushed the wall, but Newgarden easily kept the lead on the subsequent restart. That caution allowed Hinchcliffe to get close enough to begin his takedown of Newgarden though, whose gaudy edge had evaporated.
Newgarden took his final pit stop 76 laps from the finish, and he ceded the lead to Sato for just three laps before re-establishing control.
But Hinchcliffe didn't give up — eventually slipping past Newgarden and building a big lead to add onto his win at Iowa five years ago.
"The car just came alive, and I was able to put it where I needed to to get through traffic — and that's only reason I was able to catch Josef," Hinchcliffe said of his final pit stop.
LAS VEGAS – Henderson, Nev., police checking an apartment three separate times over two days failed to find the decomposing bodies of a woman and her son who were stabbed to death, according to an arrest warrant.
The bodies weren't uncovered until the fourth police check on Friday.

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