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Judge tosses Girl Scouts’ recruitment suit vs. Boy Scouts
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday rejected Girl Scouts’ claims that the Boy Scouts created marketplace confusion and damaged their recruitment efforts by using words like “scouts” and “scouting” in their recruitment drives.
Manhattan Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein ruled that the Boy Scouts of America can describe their activities as “scouting” without referring to gender and that the matter does not need to be put to a jury.
Hellerstein said his written decision caps a “serious, contentious and expensive” litigation and necessitates dismissal of the lawsuit brought by the Girls Scouts of the United States of America.
The lawsuit was filed in late 2018, a year after the Boy Scouts announced that boy scouting and cub scouting would be open to girls, leading the organizations to compete for members after social trends and a rise in sports league participation drove down membership for decades. The pattern worsened when the pandemic hit.
“The Boy Scouts adopted the Scout Terms to describe accurately the co-ed nature of programming, not to confuse or exploit Girl Scouts’ reputation,” Hellerstein wrote. “Such branding is consistent with the scout-formative branding Boy Scouts has used for a century, including in its co-ed programs that have existed since the 1970s.”
The term “scout” is descriptive of both the Boy Scouts’ and Girl Scouts’ programming, the judge wrote.
“The Boy Scouts’ decision to become co-ed, even if it affects Girl Scouts’ operations, does not demonstrate bad faith,” the judge added.
Hellerstein’s decision comes while the Boy Scouts are in bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware that began in February 2020. The Irving, Texas-based organization sought bankruptcy protection after it was named in hundreds of lawsuits brought by individuals claiming they were molested by scout leaders as minors.
Messages seeking comment left with lawyers in the case were not immediately returned.
In his decision, Hellerstein wrote that he was siding with the Boy Scouts in part because the Girls Scouts cannot prove that a likelihood of confusion was caused by the Boy Scouts’ use of the term “scout.”
He said the Girl Scouts had cited instances of parents confusing the two organizations. But he added that the choice to join one organization or the other is made after several interactions with the organization, by children’s desires to join a group siblings or friends have joined, or other factors unrelated to trademarks and branding.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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LPD: Drugs, handguns and more than $11,000 found inside home
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - The Lincoln Police Department arrested a man they say had drugs, handguns and cash in his home.
On Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. investigators served a search warrant at a residence near 21st and N Streets as the result of an ongoing narcotics investigation.
LPD said because of the possibility of weapons being present, the LPD SWAT Team was utilized.
According to police, during a search of the residence, investigators found 7.6 pounds of marijuana, 3 grams of cocaine, two handguns and more than $11,000 in cash. LPD said the residence is roughly four blocks away from Elliott Elementary School.
Police arrested 29-year-old Detrick Smith.
Smith is facing the following charges: delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000-feet of a school, possession of a firearm with a felony 1D drug violation, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of money while violating a drug law.
Copyright 2022 KOLN. All rights reserved.
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Newborn safely surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box
CARMEL, Ind. (Gray News) – A baby was safely surrendered this week to a Safe Haven Baby Box in Indiana.
According to the Carmel Fire Department, the baby was taken to the hospital for evaluation and is healthy.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are used to prevent the illegal abandonment of a newborn and offer a safe place for a mother-in-crisis to leave her infant.
The Safe Haven Baby Box at the Carmel Fire Department is set up in a way that provides complete anonymity to the person who is leaving the baby.
The person opens a door on the side of the department’s building that holds a bassinet, which triggers a silent alarm to alert firefighters that a baby has been placed inside. The exterior door automatically locks to protect the baby.
Authorities said firefighters were able to get to the surrendered newborn in less than a minute and provide it the care it needs before taking it to the hospital by ambulance.
“Our hope is that this baby boy will find a forever loving home the same way and find their forever family as well,” said Fire Chief David Haboush in a Facebook post for Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
According to the organization, 16 babies have been surrendered inside Safe Haven Baby Boxes since the first one was installed in 2016.
If you need help finding a Safe Haven location or to speak to a licensed counselor, call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Pelosi positive for COVID-19, was at White House with Biden
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for COVID-19, a day after appearing unmasked at a White House event with President Joe Biden.
Pelosi received a positive test result for COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic, her spokesman Drew Hammill said Thursday in a tweet. He said she had tested negative earlier in the week.
“The Speaker is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided,” Hammill said.
Pelosi will “quarantine consistent with CDC guidance, and encourages everyone to get vaccinated, boosted and test regularly,” he said.
The 82-year-old Democratic leader’s announcement came ahead of her weekly press appearance on Capitol Hill, which was abruptly called off. The House is set to start a two week spring recess.
Pelosi also postponed a planned congressional delegation trip to Asia she was scheduled to lead.
Washington has experienced a rush of new COVID-19 cases as restrictions have lifted and more events and gatherings are happening across Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced positive tests. The officials were among more than a dozen attendees of the Saturday night Gridiron Club dinner to test positive for the virus. Pelosi did not attend the dinner, her spokesman said.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also announced Thursday that she tested positive for COVID-19 and would “work at home while following isolation protocols.”
Several lawmakers have announced positive test results and are isolating.
The Capitol reopened last week to some public tours for the first time since it was shuttered two years ago with the onset of the pandemic.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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UN assembly suspends Russia from top human rights body
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from the world organization’s leading human rights body over allegations of horrific rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine, which the United States and Ukraine have called tantamount to war crimes.
The vote was 93-24 with 58 abstentions, significantly lower than the vote on two resolutions the assembly adopted last month demanding an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, withdrawal of all Russian troops and protection for civilians. Both of those resolutions were approved by at least 140 nations.
Russia is the second country to have its membership rights stripped at the Human Rights Council which was established in 2006. In 2011, the assembly suspended Libya when upheaval in the North African country brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield launched the campaign to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council in the wake of videos and photos of streets in the town of Bucha strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians after Russian soldiers retreated. The deaths have sparked global revulsion and calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, which has vehemently denied its troops were responsible.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
Ukraine’s U.N. ambassador urged members of the United Nations on Thursday to suspend Russia from the world organization’s leading human rights body, saying it has committed “horrific human rights violations and abuses that would be equated to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Sergiy Kyslytsya introduced the U.S.-initiated resolution before the 193 members of the General Assembly vote.
WARNING: Videos in this story may contain graphic content.
“Russia’s actions are beyond the pale,” he said. “Russia is not only committing human rights violations, it is shaking the underpinnings of international peace and security.”
Russia’s deputy ambassador Gennady Kuzmin urged members to vote “no.”
“What we’re seeing today is an attempt by the United States to maintain its dominant position and total control,” he said. “We reject the untruthful allegations against us, based on staged events and widely circulated fakes.”
Approval would require a two-thirds majority of the assembly members that vote “yes” or “no,” with abstentions not counting in the calculation.
Kyslytsya responded to Russia’s complaints about the proceeding saying: “We have heard, many times, the same perverted logic of the aggressor trying to present itself as the victim.”
And his message to those who would abstain: He quoted the late Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel: “Indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor -- never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten.”
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the call for Russia to be stripped of its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council in the wake of videos and photos of streets in the town of Bucha strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians. The deaths have sparked global revulsion and calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, which has vehemently denied its troops were responsible.
“We believe that the members of the Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine, and we believe that Russia needs to be held accountable,” Thomas-Greenfield said Monday. “Russia’s participation on the Human Rights Council is a farce.”
General Assembly spokeswoman Paulina Kubiak said the assembly’s emergency special session on Ukraine would resume Thursday morning, when the resolution “to suspend the rights of membership in the Human Rights Council of the Russian Federation” will be put to a vote.
While the Human Rights Council is based in Geneva, its members are elected by the 193-nation General Assembly for three-year terms. The March 2006 resolution that established the rights council says the assembly may suspend membership rights of a country “that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights.”
The brief resolution to be voted on expresses “grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, particularly at the reports of violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian Federation, including gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights.”
The General Assembly voted 140-5 with 38 abstentions on March 24 on a resolution blaming Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urging an immediate cease-fire and protection for millions of civilians and the homes, schools and hospitals critical to their survival.
The vote was almost exactly the same as for a March 2 resolution that the assembly adopted demanding an immediate Russian cease-fire, withdrawal of all its forces and protection for all civilians. That vote was 141-5 with 35 abstentions.
Thomas-Greenfield urged the 140 members who voted in favor of those two resolutions to support Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council.
Her issue is simple, she said: “The images out of Bucha and devastation across Ukraine require us now to match our words with action.”
“We cannot let a member state that is subverting every principle we hold dear to continue to sit on the U.N. Human Rights Council,” she said.
Supporters of the resolution were optimistic about its approval, though not necessarily with the support of 140 countries.
Russia called on an unspecified number of countries to vote “no,” saying an abstention or not voting would be considered an unfriendly act and would affect bilateral relations.
In its so-called “non-paper” obtained by The Associated Press, Russia said the attempt to expel it from the Human Rights Council is political and being supported by countries that want to preserve their dominant position and control over the world.
Those nations want to continue “the politics of neo-colonialism of human rights” in international relations, it said, saying that Russia’s priority is to promote and defend human rights, including multilaterally in the Human Rights Council.
Russia’s ambassador in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov, called the U.S. action “unfounded and purely emotional bravado that looks good on camera -- just how the U.S. likes it.”
“Washington exploits the Ukrainian crisis for its own benefit in an attempt either to exclude or suspend Russia from international organizations,” Gatilov said, in comments relayed by a Russian diplomatic mission spokesman.
Russia and the other four veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council — Britain, China, France, and the United States — all currently have seats on the Human Rights Council, which the U.S. rejoined this year.
The only country to have its membership rights stripped at the council was Libya in 2011, when upheaval in the North African country brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi, said council spokesman Rolando Gomez.
No permanent member of the Security Council has ever had its membership revoked from any U.N. body.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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VOTER’S GUIDE: State Legislature
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Twenty-four of the Nebraska Legislature’s 49 senate seats will appear on the ballot this November.
There are six legislative districts that include a portion of Lancaster County, but only three of those districts feature more than two candidates running in the non-partisan primary. The top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the general election.
In District 2, which includes east Lincoln, four candidates are vying for two spots in the primary election. Incumbent Robert Clements is matched up against Sarah Slattery, Janet Chung and Schuyler Windham.
District 26, encompassing a section of east central Lincoln, features a primary battle between George Dungan III, Bob Van Valkenburg, Russ Barger and Larry Weixelman. Incumbent Matt Hansen is running for Lancaster County Clerk.
Two candidates with experience on the Lincoln City Council are matched up for Legislative District 28. Jane Raybould, a two-term incumbent on the council, will appear on both the primary and general election ballots. Former Councilman Roy Christensen will also appear on both ballots. Incumbent Patty Pansing Brooks is running for the Nebraska First Congressional District seat.
In District 30, incumbent Myron Dorn is running unopposed for a second term in the legislature. His fellow legislator, Tom Brandt, of District 32, is also running unopposed.
Lincoln council member, James Michael Bowers, is running for a Sen. Adam Morfeld’s seat in District 46. Morfeld is running for Lancaster County Attorney. District 46 includes areas of north and northeast Lincoln. James Herrold will also appear on the primary ballot, along with former State Senator Danielle Conrad. Conrad was elected to the Nebraska Legislature in 2006 and 2010. State Senators are term-limited after serving two consecutive terms, after which they must wait four years before running again.
We sent questionnaires to candidates for State Legislature serving Lancaster County. Responses from candidates are posted verbatim and not edited for spelling, grammar, or content.
State Legislature District 2
Robert Clements, Incumbent
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Elmwood, about 18 miles east of Lincoln in Cass County, and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in mathematics. I played trumpet in the Cornhusker Marching Band and continue to play in the Alumni Band. Forty-nine years ago I married my high school sweetheart, Peggy, and we started a family that has grown to five adult children and thirteen grandchildren. Today, along with my brothers and our sons, I own and manage a small-town bank and financial services business in Elmwood, where I have lived and worked for 40 years.
Why are you running for this office?
In 2017 I was appointed to the Legislature to fill a vacancy and was re-elected in 2018. I am a fiscal and social conservative and want to limit government spending, lower taxes, and protect family values.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
I would continue to focus on property and income taxes, support individual freedoms and pro-life proposals.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I am a 40-year community banker, insurance agent, and tax preparer. I am experienced in the Legislative process. I have served in the Nebraska Legislature for six years as a member of the Appropriations Committee. I am also on the Retirement Committee, Rules Committee (Chairman), and Legislative Planning Committee.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
- Further Inheritance Tax reductions, which I introduced and passed in 2022.
- Property tax reduction by increasing the Nebraska income tax credit.
- Increase the Social Security benefit exemption to 100% for Nebraska income tax over 5 years.
- Lower the individual income maximum rate from 6.84% to 5.84% over 5 years.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
I supported the Affordable, Middle Income, and Rural workforce housing programs which help more people afford housing. I support increasing the tax credit for property taxes paid on homes.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
I support increased scholarships for Community College tuition, apprentice programs for trade workers, and internship incentives for high school students.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I toured the Nebraska State Penitentiary in 2022 and believe is is beyond repair, needing replaced. A new prison would have more capacity, increase programming classes, and more counseling treatment to help inmates qualify for parole sooner.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
- We must lower income taxes and property taxes.
- We need to expand broadband to all areas of the state, so new professionals can work from rural communities.
- Incentives for creating more housing is needed.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
- We should require a Voter ID to make sure who is voting and secure elections.
- Ballot drop boxes need to be secure and monitored if used.
- We should prohibit private financing of election functions so only election officials conduct the process.
- I support a shorter early voting time to 22 days before election day to limit fraud.
- Ballots should be mailed only to those who send in a signed request form.
- Signatures must be matched on all mailed in ballots to be counted.
Sarah Slattery
Tell us about yourself.
I am a professional chef, School Nutrition Director, and single mother from Plattsmouth, NE.
Why are you running for this office?
As a working-class mom, I think that working families deserve better representation in the legislature. We deserve a seat at the table where decisions about our lives are being made.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My top priorities all have to do with helping working families thrive. I will focus on funding education and school nutrition programs, increasing access to healthcare, and protecting workers’ rights.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I have worked in a school for the last 7 years, and as a School Nutrition Director for 3. I understand the needs and pressures that our educators and students are under and I will bring that experience with me to the State House. Additionally, I have been a small business owner for 15 years, so I know a lot about the determination and grit it takes to succeed.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Absolutely. Property taxes here are disproportionately high, and we rely too heavily on property taxes for school funding. Proportionately taxing the 1% would enable us to ease the tax burden on working Nebraskans, providing much needed relief.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
The quickest and easiest way for housing to be more affordable would be to increase wages and decrease property taxes.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
As a business owner, I have felt the supply chain issues first hand. Finding ways to connect businesses so that they can source the supplies they need locally would both address the issue and support local businesses. As far as labor goes, providing increased wages and benefits to workers will solve the shortage.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I support fully funding public education so that we can stop the school-to-prison pipeline. I support treatment and diversion programs for drug offenses. I support the development of programs to help inmates assimilate back into society after completing their sentence, to reduce recidivism. I think that mandatory sentencing guidelines need to be re-evaluated and give more discretion to the judges because no two cases are the same. I do not support the building of a new prison to address the overcrowding problem.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
We need to make a conscious effort to retain our most talented young Nebraskans. The cost of living is affordable, so why do they keep leaving? That’s the question, isn’t it? In my experience, young people leave Nebraska in search of more exciting, diverse, and welcoming places to live. Inclusion is important. We can reduce this “brain drain” by ensuring that we welcome and protect our neighbors from all walks of life, in an effort to foster diversity.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Nope! Nebraska’s elections have always been safe and secure. Furthermore, the nonpartisan nature of the Nebraska Unicameral is one of its best features. It ensures that our senators work together to get things done. Adding blatant partisanship to the legislature is a bad idea.
Janet Chung
Tell us about yourself.
My parents were immigrants. They met in Iowa where my father was getting his Phd at Iowa State University. We moved to Lincoln when he accepted a teaching position at the University of Nebraska in Electrical Engineering.
I graduated from Southeast High School and received a bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the University of Nebraska.
I managed people and operations while working in commercial property management, telecommunications, and a public utility. I’m known for my work at Lincoln Electric System in the energy services department where I helped residential and commercial customers with energy efficiency, promoting sustainability initiatives and coordinating community outreach activities. I also worked for a nonprofit promoting community service helping other nonprofits recruit volunteers.
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running so I can help Nebraska families with job opportunities and public education. As a former public power employee, I believe in supporting our public services to better serve businesses and community needs. I’m committed to building a better Nebraska for everyone.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
- Support property tax relief and public education.
- Invest in workforce development, retention, and recruitment.
- Address the effects of extreme weather that threaten public health and safety.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I’ve demonstrated my ability to work with diverse groups while living in five different states, and towns like Kearney and Grand Island. I am a long-time volunteer with Leadership Lincoln and I’m on the Bryan Medical Center Board of Trustees. I also served on the Board of Directors for Leadership Lincoln, Southeast Fire & Rescue Department, Asian Community and Cultural Center, American Red Cross and homeowner’s association.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
We should be working for reforms to reduce property taxes and support public education with income and state sales taxes.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Nebraska should use Federal funds to help with rent relief and affordable local housing projects.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
We should support workforce development, retention, and recruitment programs. This includes recruiting and development programs for immigrants, refugees and formerly incarcerated people. Supporting community colleges will help provide the technical training needed for qualified individuals to fill workforce needs.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
We should work to increase mental health solutions and prison reform programs to reduce recidivism. We should also provide more resources for public school programs to break the cycle of school to prison pipeline.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
We should work together to make life better for everyone in Nebraska. We should support equal rights and equal pay for everyone. There should be less divisive rhetoric.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Nebraska elections have been safe and secure. For working families, voting may be difficult because they have obstacles of distance, limited transportation and scheduling. We should continue to improve access to voting.
Schuyler Windham
Tell us about yourself.
I was raised in Nebraska and have lived here most of my life. I’m married to my wonderful husband, Daniel, and we’re raising our teenage nephew after the death of Daniel’s sister last year – our nephew is graduating from Lincoln Northeast High School this spring. I’m a lawyer and entrepreneur. I graduated from UNL in 2015 and Nebraska College of Law in 2018. In my spare time, I’m a fiction author and musician in a band out of Lincoln, playing banjo, singing, and writing songs. I am passionate about helping people and believe that good leaders are of the people and by the people, not above the people.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for Nebraska State Legislature to enhance our freedoms. I specifically chose the Unicameral because I have previous experience working with the legislature and love how Nebraskans have the opportunity to testify on every bill introduced. I will hit the ground running when elected without a learning curve as the next Senator for LD 2.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1) Strong Families & Communities: reducing taxes and other government burdens on Nebraska’s families, local businesses, and farmers
2) Constitutional Rights: ensuring our inherent rights are protected from an overbearing government; freedom of choice
3) Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform: making sure we have safe streets and are giving Nebraskans second chances, focusing our resources on violent crime
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I am a lawyer and have worked on public policy for several years: lobbying and drafting legislation. I decided to run for office myself using the skills I developed so that I could better represent my neighbors directly. But really, my most relevant and important experience is simply living in Nebraska most of my life and raising a family here.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Yes, I support tax relief for Nebraskans. I will introduce and co-sponsor legislation which will reduce our tax burdens on any and all fronts. I am interested in serving on the Appropriations Committee so we can balance Nebraska’s budget and respect taxpayer money. You work hard for your money and you should keep it.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Housing is a supply and demand issue. I will help get the government out of the way so our local developers can do what they do best, building quality housing for Nebraskans. I’ve seen some really innovative, affordable housing options from local builders that are helping families at all income levels. I’m a proponent of home ownership when families are ready because it is statistically one of the best ways to pass down intergenerational wealth and gives so much financial peace of mind to initial retirees with a paid off home.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
I’ve spoken with a lot of small business owners, especially in Lincoln, who explained their concerns. While supply chain issues and labor shortages are problems, the major issues brought up were burdensome and discriminatory taxes and regulations in Lincoln, as well as how businesses were treated by the DHMs during the pandemic. When we can alleviate government barriers, the market will sort itself out much more quickly. What is devastating is that our family owned businesses were outright harassed by the government during the pandemic when everyone was struggling and doing the best they could. I will fight hard in the Unicameral to ensure that never happens again.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I want our neighborhoods to have safe streets and for Nebraskans to have an opportunity at second chances. I strongly support policies such as marijuana legalization and freeing those sentenced for it. We should focus our energy and resources on violent crimes (murder, assault, pedophilia, human trafficking, etc.) rather than locking Nebraskans up for mere drug possession. My younger sister was almost taken from our family and placed in a group home for simply not attending high school due to mental health issues – that is absurd. We were able to help her with a private online school option despite the government attacking us at every level, but it just goes to show how much the juvenile justice system has overstepped its bounds, too. It’s irresponsible for the government to waste our tax-payer money on a bloated prison system which does little to nothing to rehabilitate or help people and to escalate juvenile justice situations like what happened with my family.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
As a young professional myself, I will tell you what matters most to me. I value freedom and leadership which trusts that I know what is best for myself and my family. Liberty facilitates prosperity and opportunity. Free markets allow our entrepreneurs to innovate. Respecting the family structure ensures that parents can best care for and educate our children. Policies such as marijuana legalization will do wonders for our hemp farmers and allow Nebraska to be competitive in this growing industry. Eliminating special interest legislation which benefits corporations over our local businesses is a major priority for me. Nebraska is home: I love living here where I grew up and being close to my family. We have a lot of potential with our low-cost of living and a great environment for young people to raise new families. I value the freedoms we have here and I strive to enhance those freedoms in the Unicameral for all people.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Secure and transparent elections are necessary for our Constitutional Republic to exist and thrive. I am well aware that Nebraskans from across the political spectrum want to ensure voters have access to the polls and also that people voting are who they say they are. I will weigh these important considerations when reviewing any proposal on changing election laws.
State Legislature District 26
George Dungan III
Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in Lincoln since 1963, the year my Father accepted a teaching position with LPS. A Lincoln High and UNL graduate, I’ve been instrumental in launching three small businesses in the community.
I worked for fifteen years as a member of the Academic Technologies Group for UNL. Previously, I served for twelve years as a flight medic and a 1st Lt in the Nebraska Army National Guard, as well as a partner and principal in three local business efforts. I was transplanted to Lincoln in 1963 when my Father accepted a position with Lincoln Public Schools and attended Lincoln High and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Business in 2010.
I’ve been honored with a wide variety of awards and distinctions from military and civilian occupations and have been active in many community coalitions, serving on a number of boards including Flatwater Shakespeare Company, The Indian Center Trust, Meadowlane Area Residents Association, The Lancaster County Food Policy Council and the Indian Center Board of directors.
During my tenure with the University, I had been a strategic member of a diverse team charged with the delivery and use of educational technology. That process added tremendous value to the instructional platform for a Big 10 University, allowed rapid transition to remote delivery platforms during the pandemic, and transformed teaching methods and pedagogy for three campuses and over 50 thousand stakeholders.
Aside from my four adult daughters and six grandchildren, an accomplishment that added a deep sense of fullfilment was being part of the effort to eliminate the alcohol sales in White Clay, Nebraska with Frank LeMere and John Maisch. He and Frank inspired me to assist in rebuilding the community and culture that has been intrinsic to the Indian Center, and through some amazing efforts, that revitalization is now well under way.
I truly look forward to investing my talents and energy for the state of Nebraska as an elected representative.
Why are you running for this office?
I have spent most of my adult life in multiple aspects of public service, arriving at an age where I can devote significant time to the office and the constituents I would represent, as well the rest of the state, as we navigate difficult questions about tax policy, funding models for education, workforce development and affordable housing. Creating additional revenue channels that can reduce regressive tax levels would be a priority, assuring equitable rates across income, sales and property taxes. What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1. Continue Senator Lathrop’ work on criminal justice and sentencing reform to alleviate a stressed corrections system 2. Assure asset and earnings retention for Nebraska’s middle-income work force by creating protected savings plans and secure home ownership 3. Nurture rural growth by developing infrastructure that attracts development, entrepreneurial activity and educational opportunity. Food production and security are skilled jobs at every level 4. Supporting early childhood education and affordable higher education that creates actively engaged Nebraska communities.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My top priority is to give families the best chance to succeed. As your next state senator, I will work to create and retain good-paying jobs in Northeast Lincoln, ensure access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, and promote public safety by reducing crime through youth education and employment, mental health services, and investing in problem-solving courts, like drug courts. Additionally, I would fight to preserve the nonpartisan nature of the Legislature.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
Former officer with the Nebraska Army National Guard
Partner or sole proprietor for three entrepreneurial efforts in Lincoln
2010 Graduate, University of Nebraska College of Business
Board member, Indian Center Inc.
Board member, Indian Center Trust
Former Board chair, Flatware Shakespeare Co.
Former Board President, Meadowlane Area Residents Association
Presenter, Rural Futures Initiative
Fifteen years of employment with higher education in multiple roles
Member, Lancaster County Food Policy Council
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
By addressing income and sales reform. Nebraska benefits most by finding ways to increase wages and sales. We have vast resources in our rural communities for entrepreneurs, untapped tourism potential and tremendous local food production capacity. Creating employment that pays higher than average wages attracts talent that contributes to greater productivity and a reduced tax burden for all of Nebraska.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
One of the current practices in urban areas is to create infill spaces that are modeled after European housing norms. By building dense housing in a smaller footprint, taxes associated with housing are held constant or drop because the payments required to provide services (roads, fire and safety, health and traffic controls) are minimized. Lower taxes leads to a small portion of affordability. The other is to create convenient mass transit (see below) that allows for rapid, safe and convenient commutes when needed. Shifting to rural locations supports both affordable housing and builds a broader tax base for school funding.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
I am prepared to propose a trans Nebraska Railroad that would expedite transpiration across the state, increase Nebraska tourism, generate hundreds of full time well paying jobs and increase mobility for the workforce of rural and urban communities.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I would prefer to work towards sentencing reform so that non-violent offenders aren’t incarcerated for long periods of time when they could be contributing to the community. To place these types of offenders in a prison environment may prove counter productive to rehabilitation, and adds to our current overcrowding. Combined with diversion programs, it would help reduce overall prison population.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
1. Attract companies and support small businesses which allow young professionals to express their skills and expertise in a challenging and fulfilling manner, establishing an incentive plan that offsets the first two years of employment cost for companies that hire Nebraska.
2. Create a student loan buy-back process that allows a scaled matching payment system for filling positions vital to the growth and sustainability of Nebraska’s economy by Nebraska graduates.
3. Provide training opportunities for skilled labor positions that are needed desperately to fill voids in all building and trades occupations.
4. Create new partnerships with all of the UNL and State College campuses to establish a 90 day “neutral zone” for graduates entering that work force that allows all graduates who have not accepted employment offers to collectively participate in a “Solve this for Nebraska” exercise.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Yes. I believe that they should be fair, uncomplicated and held on a day that all voters who wish to vote have easy access to the polling places. That includes assuring that local precinct stations remain open and staffed, that voter roles are not purged without a concerted effort to contact any registered voter that is in question, and that vote by mail continue to be allowed for any voter who finds it the most beneficial way to cast a ballot.
Bob Van Valkenburg
Candidate did not respond to survey.
Russ Barger
Tell us about yourself.
As a husband, father and attorney who is active in his church and community, my family and I have lived in Northeast Lincoln for well over 20 years. Having grown up on a farm near McCook, Nebraska, I later attended UNL to obtain both my undergraduate degree and law degree. My wife and I married in Lincoln, and we have raised our two boys here. My experience practicing law has primarily been as a government attorney, including as an Assistant Attorney General. Investments in farming, and a drone company devoted to livestock producers, have kept me connected to the state’s biggest industry, agriculture.
Why are you running for this office?
The current trajectory of our local and national progressives is not good for our state or our city. My skills and experience will bring some common sense and conservative values back to Northeast Lincoln. Despite a significant tax burden, the quality of our streets and educational options have not improved.
Northeast Lincoln needs the combination of my rural upbringing, experience in state government, small business ownership, and skill as a practicing attorney. Northeast Lincoln deserves better than it has received.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Controlling Government Spending. We must establish metrics of success, not just budgets. Property taxes fund too much of our governmental programs.
Protection of Constitutional Rights. Our First, Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights need constant protection. The last two years show our constitutional protections may not be as robust as we thought.
Public Safety. Compared to other cities in our region, Lincoln’s police force is underfunded and understaffed. Because Nebraska is now a gambling state, our law enforcement needs the funds to address some problems gambling brings: Sex trafficking, financial distress, drugs and gangs.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
My direct interaction with the Legislature gives me a jump start on representing my constituents. This interaction includes my practicing as a government attorney for more than 20 years, giving opinions to State Agencies and State Senators as an Assistant Attorney General, testifying on various bills, and understanding the dynamics of the various factions seeking legislation. My experience in taking direct action on social issues, my ownership of agricultural and technology businesses, and my long-time residence in Northeast Lincoln, will only help my constituents and our state.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Nebraska is a high tax state, and this burden must be reduced for us to be competitive with other states. More revenue from increased economic activity and controlling government expenses will both help. We must also find market-based incentives to retain our young talent, to promote investment in sustainable market segments, and to encourage self-regulation by economic forces, rather than relying upon government intervention. We must be strategic, not just tactical.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Market forces can only be guided by government, not stopped or reversed. Inflation, cheap credit, and low unemployment in Nebraska have exacerbated our housing crunch. Allowing high density housing may help in the short term. Long-term, we should consider programs to reduce initial tax burden and give access to beginning loans for young families who pursue home ownership. Home ownership promotes stability, making for safer communities and better educational outcomes.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
Government can’t fix our economic woes, it can only guide. Federal mistakes are hard to correct at a state level. Promoting regional partnerships and linkages will reduce some of these issues. The Silicon Prairie region contains the core components for most of our needs already, including food, fiber, energy, refining, capital, medical and insurance, along with light and heavy industry.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
A combination of methods to reduce incarceration and recidivism must be utilized. This will reduce the number of potential inmates. Nebraska will need modernized and larger correctional facilities in the near future.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
Lincoln already has both investment and a young community in its high tech industry. The advantages of being in the Silicon Prairie corridor must be magnified. Access to sufficient capital, and retention of start-ups which grow, should receive more attention. Recruitment and retention of skilled trades needs more attention and investment. Structural changes in finance and insurance should be examined. Quality of life and low cost of living must be a selling points, especially in the post-Covid, remote-work world in which we now live.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Confidence in our elections is critical for reducing division and distrust in the electorate. Mandatory voter ID and paper ballots are a good start in building that confidence. Robust vetting of contractors, secure operation of the voting systems, and nonpartisan audits will also build confidence that our votes actually count.
Larry Weixelman
Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in Lincoln since 1963, the year my Father accepted a teaching position with LPS. A Lincoln High and UNL graduate, I’ve been instrumental in launching three small businesses in the community.
I worked for fifteen years as a member of the Academic Technologies Group for UNL. Previously, I served for twelve years as a flight medic and a 1st Lt in the Nebraska Army National Guard, as well as a partner and principal in three local business efforts. I was transplanted to Lincoln in 1963 when my Father accepted a position with Lincoln Public Schools and attended Lincoln High and graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Business in 2010.
I’ve been honored with a wide variety of awards and distinctions from military and civilian occupations and have been active in many community coalitions, serving on a number of boards including Flatwater Shakespeare Company, The Indian Center Trust, Meadowlane Area Residents Association, The Lancaster County Food Policy Council and the Indian Center Board of directors.
During my tenure with the University, I had been a strategic member of a diverse team charged with the delivery and use of educational technology. That process added tremendous value to the instructional platform for a Big 10 University, allowed rapid transition to remote delivery platforms during the pandemic, and transformed teaching methods and pedagogy for three campuses and over 50 thousand stakeholders.
Aside from my four adult daughters and six grandchildren, an accomplishment that added a deep sense of fullfilment was being part of the effort to eliminate the alcohol sales in White Clay, Nebraska with Frank LeMere and John Maisch. He and Frank inspired me to assist in rebuilding the community and culture that has been intrinsic to the Indian Center, and through some amazing efforts, that revitalization is now well under way.
I truly look forward to investing my talents and energy for the state of Nebraska as an elected representative.
Why are you running for this office?
I have spent most of my adult life in multiple aspects of public service, arriving at an age where I can devote significant time to the office and the constituents I would represent, as well the rest of the state, as we navigate difficult questions about tax policy, funding models for education, workforce development and affordable housing. Creating additional revenue channels that can reduce regressive tax levels would be a priority, assuring equitable rates across income, sales and property taxes.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
1. Continue Senator Lathrop’ work on criminal justice and sentencing reform to alleviate a stressed corrections system
2. Assure asset and earnings retention for Nebraska’s middle-income work force by creating protected savings plans and secure home ownership
3. Nurture rural growth by developing infrastructure that attracts development, entrepreneurial activity and educational opportunity. Food production and security are skilled jobs at every level
4. Supporting early childhood education and affordable higher education that creates actively engaged Nebraska communities.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
Former officer with the Nebraska Army National Guard
Partner or sole proprietor for three entrepreneurial efforts in Lincoln
2010 Graduate, University of Nebraska College of Business
Board member, Indian Center Inc.
Board member, Indian Center Trust
Former Board chair, Flatware Shakespeare Co.
Former Board President, Meadowlane Area Residents Association
Presenter, Rural Futures Initiative
Fifteen years of employment with higher education in multiple roles
Member, Lancaster County Food Policy Council
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
By addressing income and sales reform. Nebraska benefits most by finding ways to increase wages and sales. We have vast resources in our rural communities for entrepreneurs, untapped tourism potential and tremendous local food production capacity. Creating employment that pays higher than average wages attracts talent that contributes to greater productivity and a reduced tax burden for all of Nebraska.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
One of the current practices in urban areas is to create infill spaces that are modeled after European housing norms. By building dense housing in a smaller footprint, taxes associated with housing are held constant or drop because the payments required to provide services (roads, fire and safety, health and traffic controls) are minimized. Lower taxes leads to a small portion of affordability. The other is to create convenient mass transit (see below) that allows for rapid, safe and convenient commutes when needed. Shifting to rural locations supports both affordable housing and builds a broader tax base for school funding.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
I am prepared to propose a trans Nebraska Railroad that would expedite transpiration across the state, increase Nebraska tourism, generate hundreds of full time well paying jobs and increase mobility for the workforce of rural and urban communities.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I would prefer to work towards sentencing reform so that non-violent offenders aren’t incarcerated for long periods of time when they could be contributing to the community. To place these types of offenders in a prison environment may prove counter productive to rehabilitation, and adds to our current overcrowding. Combined with diversion programs, it would help reduce overall prison population.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
1. Attract companies and support small businesses which allow young professionals to express their skills and expertise in a challenging and fulfilling manner, establishing an incentive plan that offsets the first two years of employment cost for companies that hire Nebraska.
2. Create a student loan buy-back process that allows a scaled matching payment system for filling positions vital to the growth and sustainability of Nebraska’s economy by Nebraska graduates.
3. Provide training opportunities for skilled labor positions that are needed desperately to fill voids in all building and trades occupations.
4. Create new partnerships with all of the UNL and State College campuses to establish a 90 day “neutral zone” for graduates entering that work force that allows all graduates who have not accepted employment offers to collectively participate in a “Solve this for Nebraska” exercise.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Yes. I believe that they should be fair, uncomplicated and held on a day that all voters who wish to vote have easy access to the polling places. That includes assuring that local precinct stations remain open and staffed, that voter roles are not purged without a concerted effort to contact any registered voter that is in question, and that vote by mail continue to be allowed for any voter who finds it the most beneficial way to cast a ballot.
State Legislature District 28
Jane Raybould
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a 4th generation Nebraskan and a 2nd generation grocer. I’m a business leader, environmental advocate, and an avid cyclist. I help run our family-owned business, started in 1964 by my parents and now with my brother, headquartered in Lincoln. We are the largest independent grocery operator in the state. I have been honored to serve the constituents in this legislative district, LD 28, for almost 12 years as their Lancaster County Commissioner and currently as a City Councilmember as these districts overlap. I’m also a very proud grandmother of two wonderful granddaughters, Paloma and Valentina, “Leni.”
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for this office because I love public service, making a positive difference in my community, and keeping our state moving forward, not backward. I have the government expertise and business leadership to do so from Day 1. I am proud to be an independent business owner in a business with stores across our state and involved in those communities we serve. I am proud to be a job creator and one of the largest for-profits employers in our city. I am also truly honored to be an elected official and community leader championing positive progress with a track record of being pro-business and pro-community. I was truly honored to have traveled and listened to folks across our great state while campaigning for Lt. Governor and the U.S. Senate.
What would be your top three priorities?
I plan to take my government and leadership experiences to focus on the cost burden the state has shifted to our taxpayers by addressing the underfunding of public education, the overcrowding in our penitentiary, and the need for criminal justice reforms. We need to end this race to the bottom of states in the U.S that fail to fund public education adequately. As a business owner, funding public education and producing an educated workforce is absolutely essential to the economic well-being of our business and our state to not only grow and maintain our existing businesses but to attract more businesses. My priorities are further explained in tax relief for Nebraskans and overcrowding in our correction facilities.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
Besides my business work as a grocer, I have over 34 years of experience in the commercial real estate and construction industry. I understand the business of real estate and community development and the priority of creating affordable and workforce housing in our state and am actively engaged in doing so for our company. Serving as an elected official for almost 12 years is a valuable asset and advantage to transitioning to the legislature. I understand the process of making good government and sound policies. I know the importance of researching each issue and working across the aisle to find common ground. Most importantly, I am committed to working with anyone and everyone to better our state.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Yes. We cannot address property tax relief in a vacuum. We must consider all revenue sources. Roughly 62% of local property taxes go towards public education, an investment that all communities are proud of. However, the State of Nebraska ranks 49th in providing funds to those local communities. To reduce the burden of property taxes, we need to fully fund public education and rectify our communities’ financial imbalance in delivering top-quality education. If you want property taxes reduced, the state needs to step up. Using some of the surplus revenue for a one-time infusion and then creating a sustainable funding source such as a percentage of the sales tax in the future would provide actual relief to our taxpayers.
As a County Commissioner, I felt strongly (and still do today) that the state needs to restore state aid to cities and counties as they have in the past in exchange for a lower property tax rate. The state also needs to fund county jail facilities fairly. Due to the overcrowding in the state penitentiary, the county jails hold inmates that have been sentenced but do not receive compensation from the state for these holds.
Additional tax relief can be in looking at goods and services and reconsidering those that are sales tax exempt and making the necessary adjustments.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Affordable housing is essential to attracting and retaining our young professionals and creating a diverse workforce. We need to look at sustaining the existing rental housing, often located in the older areas of any city, and constructing new multi-family and single-family dwellings. A lot of the issues are controlled with current local policies and zoning. As a Lincoln city councilmember, we have done and are looking at the following:
1. Making changes to zoning to increase density on reduced and irregular lots,
2. Reducing the red tape for in-fill projects,
3. Increasing inspections when warranted on problem rental properties and increasing fines,
4. Offering incentives to landlords to rehab properties with low or no-interest loans,
5. Creating new funding through the Community Development Resources (CDR), public and private capital to address the funding gap in supporting more affordable housing projects; and
6. Using TIF (tax increment financing) and other financing tools.
The state should also explore increasing funding to the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust and rural workforce housing projects from the revenue surpluses. This is also essential in funding gaps for projects.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
As an owner, the supply chain issues make everyday operations incredibly challenging and beyond our control. As a company, we have been proactive in purchasing or building, allowing for the extra lead time substituting equipment and product as we try our hardest to make goods and services available that our customers want. In remodeling and building new grocery stores, I also know that the equipment and delivery challenges are real and require proactive ordering, planning, and greater flexibility with all projects. Compounding these challenges is the labor shortages that we have been experiencing since before COVID. Business owners and government have to be proactive in offering competitive salaries, benefits, flexible hours, and amenities to attract and retain our workforce and be proactive in welcoming and embracing diversity.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
We need to embrace alternatives to incarceration and sentencing reform that other states have successfully implemented to reduce overcrowding. Instead of funding a new jail, we should be building a new Regional Center to treat the backlog of inmates unable to get the mental health services they have been court-ordered to receive. Many of these inmates stay in our county facilities for 140 – 175 days without the necessary treatment until a bed opens up in the Regional Center. This is all paid by local property taxes with no state reimbursements. We should continue to support our drug courts, veterans’ courts, and DUI diversion programs that save taxpayers money as the cost of this programming is far less than housing them in jail or the penitentiary. The other added benefit is that these individuals who complete the treatment programs are less likely to recidivate.
We also need to fully fund probation and parole along with assisted housing so that they can ensure those recently released in their care continue to get the support services they need to succeed. The bottom line is that this type of re-integration costs far less than building a new jail and has better outcomes for the community.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professional to remain in the state?
I agree with Blueprint Nebraska that we need to be a more welcoming state, embracing our diversity and inclusivity by “delivering community exchange programs and diversity and inclusion leadership programs.” Nebraska is ranked #39 among all states in retaining and attracting young talent. We need to acknowledge that welcoming and retaining our young professionals, LGBTQ+, recent immigrants and refugees, and DACA (differed action childhood arrivals) makes good economic sense. I’m excited to see that cities across our state are doing initiatives to support businesses and amenities and community revitalization that retain our young professionals and families.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
I want to say emphatically that our local, state, and federal elections are safe, free, fair, accurate, and run very efficiently. Our communities are proud of providing early voting and more accessible options to increase voter participation. I am not aware of voter fraud concerns anywhere in Nebraska. I want to be clear that I do not support a voter identification bill because it ultimately becomes another cost burden to the counties and cities. Requiring voter identification would disenfranchise minorities, college students, the elderly, and those with disabilities because getting the required identification creates costs and is just another barrier to voter participation.
However, I would like to suggest the following changes to campaign finance rules for state legislative races that will increase transparencies with election funding and that would put us more in line with other states in our region:
· Establish donation limits for individuals.
· Establish donation limits from state-wide elected officials and federal representatives – this will reduce the amount of money that a governor or any state-wide elected official can give to influence the outcome of a race.
· Fully disclose all donations.
· Establish limits for corporate and PAC (political action committee) contributions or prohibit both.
Roy Christensen
Candidate did not respond to survey.
State Legislature District 30
Myron Dorn, Incumbent
Candidate did not respond to survey.
State Legislature District 32
Tom Brandt, Incumbent
Candidate did not respond to survey.
State Legislature District 46
James Michael Bowers
Tell us about yourself.
I am a school social worker, Chair of the Lincoln City Council, and a small business owner in Havelock. My long history of community service began when I started volunteering at the Northeast Family Center as a senior at Northeast High School. I first got involved in politics when the state attempted to privatize child welfare. Working on the frontlines I saw how this policy harmed our children, foster parents, and working people. I have drawn from my experience working with children and families directly to improve systems throughout our city and state. As a lifelong resident of the Havelock neighborhood it has been an honor to fight for North Lincoln on the City Council.
Why are you running for this office?
Serving on the Lincoln City Council during the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of strong leadership in elected office. We need people in the Legislature who have worked on the front lines and can bring that experience to policy making. As a school social worker I’ve seen firsthand how Nebraska needs to improve access to health care, defend our public schools, keep children safe and protect seniors.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
My priorities would be defending public schools, improving access to health care and fighting for working families, children and seniors.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
In my daily work as a school social worker I have seen how good policy can save lives and how bad policy can harm neighbors. I have a track record of translating that experience into results while serving on the Lincoln City Council. I have passed the greatest number of initiatives and ordinances with bipartisan support all while serving during the pandemic. I have been tested and proven to do what is right for our city and state.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Currently, the highest tax bracket is for individuals who make $65,000 or more, meaning a person who makes a million dollars pays the same tax rate as someone in the middle class. Taxation is a complicated subject, and some people need relief more than others. I want to make sure that working class people get the relief they need. That means balancing our income tax system so that those on fixed incomes and the middle class aren’t bearing the weight of our community’s needs.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Nebraska must continue to encourage the creation of affordable housing units from programs like the Low Income Housing Tax Credit through NIFA. In addition, the state should prioritize providing funding for municipalities for the creation of workforce housing. Thirdly, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been used to incentivize developments, the Nebraska Legislature should pursue programs like Micro-TIF for potential first time home buyers to help with down payment assistance.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
The labor shortage and supply chain issues can be addressed by working to attract and retain workers, prioritizing workforce development for residents, and making Nebraska a competitive place for businesses to grow and relocate to. I tackled the issue of workforce development while on the City Council by introducing and passing an ordinance to increase and incentivize apprenticeships in Lincoln.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
Nebraska’s prison remains one of the most overcrowded in the nation. As of September 2021, Nebraska prisons were at 150% of capacity, many for nonviolent or drug offenses. Our prisons should not be the main treatment facility for mental health and substance abuse. We must look at alternatives that provide better outcomes and keep Nebraska safer such as drug courts, probation and parole, and programs to reduce recidivism.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
Attracting and retaining young professionals is key to ensuring Nebraska has a strong workforce. Nebraska can attract and retain young professionals by providing good paying jobs, creating vibrant neighborhoods, increasing the amount of affordable housing, and supporting an inclusive Nebraska that the next generation will be proud of.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Nebraska has safe and secure elections. We must work to make voting more accessible. We can increase accessibility by expanding early voting, voting by mail, and same day voting registration. This plan can ensure that all Nebraskans have access to their constitutional right.
James Herrold
Tell us about yourself.
I am a life-long Nebraskan who grew up on a farm in Seward County and have lived and worked in Lincoln for almost 20 years. I am a real estate agent working primarily in residential sales. I have a wife and two children.
Why are you running for this office?
I believe that many of my neighbors in District 46 have not had a Senator in the Legislature that speaks to their values for many years as someone with high political efficacy, I feel a call to step up and champion important issues. The legislative branch of government suits my personality well because I am a person who sticks to his principles, but am also collegial so I can help get important pieces of legislation passed.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Tax relief, eliminating burdensome bureaucracy, and strengthening protections for personal liberty.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I believe my background would help bridge the rural/urban divide that we often see in the Legislature. I have worked in many industries for large corporations, small businesses, and am self-employed, so I’ve seen from many angles how policies affect different kinds of people. I have an MBA in finance so I am good at analyzing financials and budgets. I have a job where I must negotiate on behalf of my clients, and I believe that experience will translate well to negotiating on behalf of my constituents.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Yes. We are going to see a budget surplus of over $1.5 billion at the end of the next biennium. That money should be, by and large, returned to the taxpayer. With new industries coming to Nebraska (e.g. the gaming industry) we will also start to see new sources of tax revenue. Those new sources along with the surplus should be used to lower the tax burden on individuals and families. Specifically, I will fight to lower the personal income tax rates, increase the standard deduction, and expand property tax credits.
How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
When addressing the affordability of housing, it’s important to recognize where much of the housing expense comes from. Government creates a lot of the costs through its policies. The Federal government is responsible for much of it, and it’s tough to control that at the state level. But at the state level, the government imposes undue costs via property taxes, sales taxes on building materials, zoning restrictions, and a slew of other policies that make housing more expensive for homeowners AND renters alike. Until these are addressed, we won’t see real improvements in housing affordability.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
It was a travesty that we let entire industries be slowed down during the last two years. The increased burdens, restrictions, and costs the government imposes on farmers, truckers, manufacturers, and other industries disrupts supply chains. At the same time, the state has increased policies encouraging individuals not to work. To solve these issues, we must stop subsidizing non-work and free up markets. That will increase the availability of a lot of products and labor.
What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
In order to alleviate overcrowding in the prisons, it is imperative we look at reducing the sentencing of non-violent offenders. If we think the solution is to just build more prisons so we can continue to incarcerate more non-violent offenders for longer periods of time and not look at reforming criminal justice generally, we will see more problems with recidivism and higher incarceration expenses.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
Nebraska generally has a good economy and business climate. We can continue to improve, however, by reducing the overall tax burdens on businesses, families, and individuals. The more we do that, the more we’ll see Nebraskans will create opportunities. The more opportunities that are created, the more we will entice young professionals to not only stay, but also attract them from other parts of the country.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
I support voter ID to protect the integrity of our elections. I am concerned about private money interfering in elections and would like to examine its potential impact in Nebraska to see if it is right to restrict it further.
Danielle Conrad
Tell us about yourself.
My love for public service was sparked by Helen Boosalis and Kay Orr’s Governor’s race while in elementary school. It was the honor of a lifetime to follow these trailblazing women leaders’ footsteps to serve as a State Senator in the Nebraska Legislature for 8 years. In addition to serving as a State Senator, I have led campaigns to support working families, including the successful citizen initiative to raise the minimum wage, served as an attorney focused on economic justice, led a local nonprofit to help develop Lincoln’s beautiful public parks, trails, and human service programs, and led a statewide civil rights organization to new heights.
I am originally from rural Seward County and am the daughter of a public-school teacher and deputy sheriff. I am a lifelong Nebraskan and have made Lincoln my home for almost 30 years. I graduated from of the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law. I am married to one of my best friends from law school, Tom Conrad, who owns and operates Heartland Optical, a small business with locations in North Lincoln and Grand Island. We are the proud parents of two young children and reside in the beautiful East Campus neighborhood. We enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming, golf, and attending Husker sporting events.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for office because I have the experience, expertise, and energy to be a day one leader for working families and to be an effective advocate for Lincoln. With the advent of term limits, I have seen as an active leader in legislative policy for now almost 20 years how necessary legislative experience is to ensuring good policy that impacts the lives of all Nebraskans. I do not believe that government can or should be the answer to all our challenges, but I do think it can and should be a positive force to support families, businesses, and communities so we can keep our economy and quality of life strong now and for future generations.
I am fortunate to be the only candidate in our race who knows the people, process, and issues requisite to ensuring sound policy in the Nebraska Legislature. I will draw upon that deep well of experience and goodwill to maintain and continue to build relationships across the political spectrum and throughout the State to bring immediate leadership to issues impacting working families, small business, public education (preschool through college), seniors, and veterans. These key issues are critical to retaining and attracting young people and growing our economy.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
- Tools to help working families succeed
- Protecting our great public schools and making smart investments in education -preschool through college -so all children, students and families have an opportunity to succeed
- Tools to help small businesses succeed
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I was elected by the voters of North Lincoln to the Legislature in 2006 and re-elected in 2010 and bring a track record of delivering on issues important to working families and the ability to provide day one leadership as relevant experience. I served as a member of the powerful budget writing Appropriations Committee, Committee on Committees, Performance Audit Committee, Retirement Systems Committee, Redistricting Committee, and chaired the Legislature’s Innovation and Entrepreneurial Task Force. As a State Senator I gained a reputation for being a hard worker and someone who reaches across party lines to deliver on critical issues. As a testament to my commonsense leadership style and considerable policy making experience, I was selected by my peers to serve in leadership roles.
As a State Senator I was instrumental in support of efforts that benefit working families, public schools, the Lincoln community, and small businesses. Specific legislative accomplishments include raising the minimum wage; establishing for the first time in Nebraska law a scholarship for children of first responders killed in the line of duty; improving access to health care for women and children; and I passed the first increase in the childcare program in over a decade, which benefitted about 5,000 working families. I introduced legislation to support a mentor teacher program, enhance teacher compensation, and make college textbooks tax exempt. Every year in the Legislature I selected as my personal priority a measure to support working families. Specific legislative accomplishments include: establishing a loan forgiveness program to bring attorneys to underserved and rural communities; working as a champion for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; supporting the largest tax cut in Nebraska history and introducing targeted tax relief to benefit working families and seniors to make our tax system more equitable; spearheading efforts to modernize our state’s economic development strategies; leading the charge to ensure adequate funding to maintain Nebraska’s excellent educational system with a special emphasis in support of the University of Nebraska and higher education as a whole. I made historic progress on LGBTQ+ rights by prioritizing updates to our nondiscrimination laws because I believe no one should be fired or denied a job because of who they are or who they love.
In addition to these statewide efforts, I know how to take care of Lincoln. I introduced and helped to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional revenue for Lincoln by reforming the storm water formula; reforming the cigarette sales tax formula to help finance Antelope Valley; served as a committee leader to secure a $1 million appropriation for Lincoln to support the 2010 Special Olympics; increased transit aid; and collaborated with Governor Heineman to establish Innovation Campus. I won advocacy awards for increasing funding for citizens with developmental disabilities, improvements to public education from the Lincoln Education Association, for my commitment to higher education, and for my leadership on key civil rights issues.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
I have a clear track record for delivering property tax relief, ensuring equity and fairness in our tax system by expanding the earned income tax credit, helping farmers and business with tax exemptions for business materials, supporting the homestead exemption for seniors, working to reform taxes on Social Security, and fighting against sweetheart deals for millionaires, billionaires, and big corporations. I will use that passion and experience to seek consensus so we can alleviate tax burdens for those least able to afford it without cutting our ability to fund critical government services like aid to education which puts undue pressure on local property taxes and hurts our great public schools. How do you plan to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
I have a clear track record of delivering on and expanding affordable housing in Nebraska working collaboratively with business leaders, realtors, homebuilders and neighborhood advocates to increase funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, to expand funding options for the affordable Housing Trust fund including employment programs and programs to support Nebraskans experiencing homelessness including children and veterans, and to ensure our state share of housing settlement funds were targeted to benefit those most in need so they have access to direct support and technical expertise to buy a home or stay in their home which is critical to family wellbeing, our economy, and the ability of all Nebraskans to build wealth and pursue the American dream.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
As the wife of a small business owner, and as a state senator with a clear track record of working with the business community, I have witnessed how business leaders across the state are struggling with workforce and supply issues in the wake of the pandemic. I believe in targeted tax relief and incentives to help support and retain essential workers, stable funding for critical work support programs like childcare which I have led on and understand firsthand as a parent, increased workforce development collaborations, and investing public resources in local businesses whenever possible. What measures would you support to address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
Nebraska’s system of mass incarceration and racial injustice overburdens taxpayers and does not advance our shared public safety goals. Working together we can draw upon the experience of our sister states and chart a better path that has better outcomes, saves money, and advances our shared public safety goals. Criminal justice reform should focus on prevention including investments in educational and economic opportunity, increased access to mental health and behavioral health treatment services, expansion of problem solving courts, updating our sentencing structure as suggested by the Crime and Justice Institute that was invited to Nebraska by the Governor, Legislature, and Supreme Court; increased investments in programming and rehabilitation, investments to ensure those detained and working in our prisons have a safe working environment; and reforms to probation, parole and re-entry to ensure returning citizens have the opportunity to succeed and help decrease recidivism.
What steps should the legislature take to entice young professionals to remain in the state?
Nebraskans must continue working collaboratively across the state and the political spectrum to address brain drain, retain, and recruit young professionals. I have worked with the Chambers of Commerce and workforce development specialists to do just that. I believe in a Nebraska where everyone belongs, where neighbors help neighbors, and where we all have the opportunity to succeed. These values and beliefs include support for internship programs, loan forgiveness programs like the ones I have passed in the legislature targeted to retaining and recruiting young professionals in high demand careers and areas, fighting discrimination and ensuring a culture of belonging, updating our economic development strategies to support innovation and entrepreneurs, and keeping our great public schools strong and access to an affordable higher education in our community colleges, state colleges , and universities a reality.
Do you support any changes to the way elections are run in Nebraska?
Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and we should work together to protect the fundamental rights and freedom to vote. I support enhancements to modernize election security measures and I support increased access to early voting and vote by mail options. I have a clear track record of protecting voting rights and fighting voter suppression so all eligible Nebraska voters can exercise their right to vote and ensure their voice is heard in our democracy.
Copyright 2022 KOLN. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T16:42:19
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The 12-piece organic cotton collection for newborns (priced from $4.99 to $17.99) launches in May and includes tops, bottoms with adjustable waistbands and cuffs, jackets, hats and blankets.
Abigail Kammerzell, H&M's US head of sustainability, said all items are 100% biodegradable, including the pigments used to print designs on the clothing. She said the pieces are also deliberately absent of buttons or any metal trim.
This is to ensure that each piece can be composted when it's at its end of use, even by just putting them in an at-home compost pile.
Kammerzell said the collection is certified by the environmental group Cradle to Cradle for using materials free of chemicals that are harmful to humans and the environment and producing the items with 100% recycled water and renewable energy.
"This is the first of any of our clothing collections that is compostable," Kammerzell said.
Given H&M's global scale, with over 4,000 stores worldwide, she said the company is in a position to "enable big changes in the fashion industry and we hope to be a leader in sustainability and keep clothes out of landfills."
This latest effort from the Swedish fashion retailer comes amid rising volumes of global clothing waste and growing concern over fast fashion's contribution to it.
RELATED: Alaska Airlines launches gender-neutral uniform policy for flight attendants and other staff
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 17 million tons of textile waste - with discarded clothing being the main source - was generated in the United States in 2018, the latest data available. The recycling rate was just 14.7%, with 2.5 million tons recycled.
The EPA said landfills received 11.3 million tons of that 2018 textile waste, which represented 7.7% of all municipal waste that ended up in landfills.
H&M and other fast fashion sellers including Zara have recently taken steps to curtail clothing waste.
In 2013, H&M launched a global garment collecting program and has set a goal of having all clothing sold in its stores be made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030. That figure currently stands at 80%, according to the company.
The retailer collected more than 29,000 tons of garment for its recycling program in 2019 but said the pandemic slowed the effort in 2020 and 2021, with nearly 16,000 tons collected last year.
Similarly, customers can drop off used clothing, footwear and accessories at more than 1,300 Zara stores. In 2019, the Spanish fast fashion chain (which is owned by Inditex) announced that all of the cotton, linen and polyester used by the company will be organic, sustainably sourced or recycled by 2025.
Kammerzell said H&M has tripled the share of recycled materials used in its garments from 5.8% to 17.9%, with the goal of reaching 30% by 2025.
But she acknowledged that challenges remain for the industry to more fully embrace sustainability efforts. "We're not on board with new suppliers who have coal boilers on their premises," she said. "There are lots of factories in the industry that still use them."
Jessica Schreiber is the founder and CEO of FABSCRAP, a nonprofit initiative that provides pickup and recycling services for fabric scraps from businesses in New York City and Philadelphia.
Schreiber said she's excited too see a big industry name like H&M continuing to push for innovation in sustainability. But she's cautious that these are incremental solutions to combat a much bigger problem.
"It's always a step forward for a company as big as H&M to show it is making an effort. But fast fashion retailers also put out so much clothing regularly," Schreiber said. "To really turn the tide and slow down the volume of garments that's ending up in the waste stream will consistently require much bigger moves."
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| 2022-04-07T16:44:16
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RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Raleigh Police Department homicide detectives are asking the for the public's help in solving a murder that happened on February 24.
Detectives said a passing driver found Nathaniel Price, 67, at a bus stop in the 3700 block of New Bern Avenue. He had very serious injuries and later died at the hospital.
Price's death is now being investigated as a homicide.
Detectives are asking for anyone who has any information to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP or visit www.raleighcrimestoppers.org for text and email reporting options.
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https://abc11.com/raleigh-police-department-homicide-investigation-nathaniel-price-murder/11721229/
| 2022-04-07T16:44:22
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WASHINGTON -- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for COVID-19, a spokesman for the California Democrat said Thursday.
"After testing negative this week, Speaker Pelosi received a positive test result for COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic," Pelosi's deputy chief of staff Drew Hammill tweeted. "The Speaker is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided."
Pelosi, the top House Democrat, is 82 years old. As speaker of the House, Pelosi is second in the line of presidential succession behind the vice president.
RELATED: Is a 4th COVID vaccine dose needed right now? Doctors weigh in
Hammill announced Pelosi's positive test result just before Pelosi was scheduled to have her weekly news conference with reporters. Hammill said Pelosi is currently asymptomatic. He added that Pelosi tested negative earlier this week.
This is not the first time it has been reported that someone in close proximity to Pelosi has tested positive for COVID.
Last month, Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, known as the Taoiseach, tested positive for COVID while attending a gala in Washington, DC. Pelosi was seen seated next to Martin at the gala in a photo from the event.
In July 2021, a senior aide in Pelosi's office tested positive for COVID.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tests positive for COVID, spokesman says
Nancy Pelosi Twitter: 'The Speaker is ... thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided,' her spokesman tweeted
NANCY PELOSI
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| 2022-04-07T16:44:28
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Brett Lindstrom
Political Party: Republican
Running Mate: Dave Rippe
Tell us about yourself.
I am a lifelong Nebraskan - graduating from Millard West High School and following in the footsteps of my father and two uncles to play football for the Huskers. I enjoy spending my free time in Omaha with my wife, Leigh, and our three young children, Colette, Barron, and Olivia.
Why are you running for this office?
It’s time for a New Generation of Leadership to lead Nebraska forward. I’m running for Governor to make our state competitive, and one where our children want to grow and stay. As Governor I will cut taxes and grow our economy. I am tired of Nebraska being 49th and 50th and want to make sure Nebraska not only competes but leads moving forward.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Slash the income tax for working Nebraskans. To grow Nebraska’s economy, I would eliminate the income tax for the majority of Nebraskans.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I believe the experiences I have gained and relationships I have developed during my 8 years in the Legislature not only set me apart from the other candidates – but prepare me to step right into the Governorship and get to work for Nebraska on day one. I’ve worked to cut taxes, spurring economic growth, and making Nebraska a great place to work and to save.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Tax cuts are my top priority, in particular the income tax. I would cut the rate to 0% on incomes under $50,000 for single filing individuals, and under $100,000 for married filing jointly. The tax rate would be slashed to 5.60% on all income above $50,000 for single filers, and above $100,000 for joint filers. Eventually, the plan would cut the second bracket to 4.99%.
Nebraska’s property taxes put our agricultural producers at a competitive disadvantage, and they stifle growth throughout our state. By reducing the Local Effort Rate and increasing the Allocated Income Tax, we can facilitate significant property tax relief rapidly. Nebraska currently ranks 49th in the United States for state aid to education, with 87 of 244 school districts receiving state aid. This results in drastically different funding amounts for rural and urban schools. My plan creates a fair funding model for education, while making Nebraska more competitive for growth.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
Low unemployment rates are a good headline but are not good for business - to compete, Nebraska must focus on developing its workforce. Workforce development is essential for Nebraska to reverse the brain drain of our best and brightest young people. Focusing on developing educational opportunities for critical industries, like healthcare and manufacturing, will ensure access to opportunities and services in all parts of Nebraska.
As Governor, I will work with leaders across our state to build and market a Nebraska that is able to grow. I will tackle rural economic development head-on, address workforce housing, better connect our schools and kids to employment and opportunity, and work to develop solutions that allow Nebraska to compete with any state in the country.
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
I support the Rural Workforce Housing Act, which will strengthen our communities and ensure that Nebraska’s main streets remain competitive places to live and to do business. Programs like the Rural Workforce Housing Act must maintain funding and allow for opportunities in our rural communities. These programs provide vital grant funding to nonprofit development organizations in eligible communities in Nebraska. My plan would allow for continued funding to address the demand for quality and affordable housing.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
There are currently more than 60,000 available jobs in Nebraska. Without a plan, without immediate action, Nebraska will face a critical shortage of medical personnel by 2025 and numerous other sectors of Nebraska are already facing shortages that are decreasing their competitiveness.
Nebraska is well suited to expand our manufacturing and other skilled sectors with high-paying, highly skilled jobs with the right advocate leading our state. We must encourage and invest in more partnerships between K-12 schools, community colleges, and our state’s colleges and universities to prepare our young people to enter the workforce, skilled and ready to earn a competitive wage. We will continue to develop world class programs to encourage internships and apprenticeships. When we invest in Nebraskans, we cannot lose.
In addition, infrastructure investment is long overdue throughout Nebraska, and the next Governor will have a unique opportunity to invest in our state. Every Nebraska business relies on safe roads, reliable utilities, and a comprehensive infrastructure backbone that connects Nebraska to the world. These resources need to be modernized and upgraded to be competitive in a global economy.
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I would like to see us funding and addressing the addiction, mental health, job training and workforce issues of the current inmate population before we build another prison. I think there is a distinction between violent criminals and for example those who were locked up for nonviolent offenses. Obviously violent offenders belong in prison, but I think there are people who we can do a better job rehabilitating. I’m not inclined to support building another prison until we do a better job with the current inmate population.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
I believe Nebraska has had free and fair elections. I have heard a lot of concerns from voters and believe that it’s important to be proactive instead of reactive to make sure we have transparency around our elections process. One way to do this is implementation of stricter voter identification laws to add a sense of trust in the way our elections are conducted. I was a cosponsor of Senator Slama’s bill (LR3CA) for stricter voter ID requirements.
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https://www.1011now.com/page/brett-lindstrom/
| 2022-04-07T16:45:49
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Donna Carpenter
Political Party: Republican
Tell us about yourself.
U.S. airforce, Rc -135, top 1/10 percent of all military. COMMUNICATIONS, WEAPON SYSTEMS, Nuclear, Biological,Chemicle.
QUADROUPLE DEGREE: Electricle, Mechanical Engineering. MINOR A AND P.
US. GOV. AGENT. (Camilion).
Alternative fuel systems.
One of only 1300 PASSED (UBE) without going to law school.
Wrote DOC. DEGREE on (CRISPR), 20 years before its time. Super Model Actress. (CAMILION).
Why are you running for this office?
I am the only qualified canidate. My only interest is being a full time Governor! My only interest is the people of this state. I have taken no money from any special interest groups and my decisions will be based on what is best for Nebraskans.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Expand Nebraska energy markets, water, business, cut waistfull spending. Develope ethanole and alternative fuel systems. Better supply chains.
Use additional revenues to cut property tax, death taxes, fuel taxes. Use additional revenues to give state employees raises to keep state employees, and to offset inflation. Veto unnecessary spending and bad spending bills.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
Only one to pass bar exam. (UBE). Only one qualified to understand new tech business. Only one with Law Enforcement background! Only one to understand enviremental issues, and only one with a current (CDL). Only one that wrote the book on vaccines, ( Covid 19 vaccines). (CRISPR), 20 YEARS BEFORE ITS TIME). ONLY ONE THAT SERVED AT OFFUTT AFB.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Three parts, fuel tax, property tax, and death taxes.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
First, create high tech jobs, second, push for new industries in space and alternative fuels and fuel cells. Work with new companies and small business to come to Nebraska.
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Push for lower property taxes, push for Veterans and more low income housing with revenues from cut spending and my energery programs.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
Candidate didn’t answer.
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
First is to address the issues with the Justice system. We put more people in jail than Communist Countries! This is not being a free nation. Second thing is to enforce peoples rights to defend them selves. Lastly i would increase house arrest for non violent crimes.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
State wise i have found to be pretty fair. Its places like PBS that wont let me debate the other canadates just because i refuse to take money from anyone. In other words the big dollar canidates and ones fluenced the most by special interest groups get the billing at the debates.
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https://www.1011now.com/page/donna-carpenter/
| 2022-04-07T16:45:57
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Jim Pillen
Political Party: Republican
Running Mate: Joe Kelly
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a Christian, conservative Republican, a livestock producer, a businessman, a farmer, and a veterinarian. I’ve spent my entire life in Nebraska agriculture, growing up farming with my dad and brothers. I played football for Coach Osborne at UNL, became a veterinarian, and then partnered with my dad, Dale, to raise 60 sows and 1,200 market hogs on a dirt lot on our home farm. Starting from that dirt lot, I founded Pillen Family Farms, a family-owned, family-run business that has created over 1,000 Nebraska jobs. At the center of my life are my faith and my family: my wife, Suzanne; our four children, Sarah, Brock, Polly, and Izic; and our seven grandchildren, Will, Halle, Eloise, Henry, Harrison, Ava, and Thomas
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for governor to keep Nebraska great for all our kids and grandkids. That means fixing our broken property tax system, keeping more of our kids here, strengthening our rural communities, defending agriculture, and preserving the Christian, conservative values that make Nebraska so special.
What would be your top priority if elected?
We need transformational change to solve our property tax problem. High property taxes hurt every Nebraskan and make our state less competitive. Governor Ricketts has made good on his promise to address property taxes every year he’s been in office, but still, property taxes remain too high. The problems have to be addressed, starting with local spending.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I’ve spent my entire life in Nebraska agriculture. I’ve built a successful agribusiness from the ground up, creating over 1,000 Nebraska jobs. I know how to grow our economy because I’ve built, invested, and hired here. I know how to support our farmers and ranchers because I’m one of them. My wife, Suzanne, and I have been raising kids here for over 40 years, so we know what it takes to ensure our young people can succeed. I’ll bring all of this experience to the table as Nebraska’s next governor.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Nebraska is a high-tax state across the board, but my first priority is addressing the property tax issue. We need tighter spending controls at all levels of government, because your property tax dollars are levied and spent locally, not by the state. Next, we need to provide additional property tax relief to saw the property tax “leg” of the “three-legged stool” of Nebraska’s tax code down to size. We need to adopt an income-based assessment system to more fairly value ag land. Finally, we need to reform how we distribute state aid to education. The current system is outdated and unfair.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
The best thing we can do is to keep more of our kids here and ensure that every one of them has an advanced skillset so that they can get a good job.
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
I believe in the free market, and I want to work with business leaders and community leaders alike to make sure we have housing where we need it, especially in rural Nebraska. Housing is critical for attracting new investments, opportunities, and people to our rural communities.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
As governor, I will use every tool in the toolbox to help job creators attract and retain world-class talent, starting right here at home. I will do everything in my power to cut red tape and regulations and make it easier to do business in Nebraska. Nebraska is the very best of America, and if we do a better job of telling people about it, improving education, and competing for talent, we’re going to see even greater results.
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
Public safety is a core function of government, and our prison system plays a big role. We need to make additional investments in our corrections system to expand capacity, enhance programming, and reduce recidivism. We cannot allow dangerous criminals back onto our streets before they’ve served their time.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
We need a voter ID requirement to ensure the security of our elections. That’s why I strongly support the Voter ID ballot initiative. Nebraskans deserve the confidence of knowing that this commonsense measure is in place to prevent fraudulent votes from being cast.
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https://www.1011now.com/page/jim-pillen/
| 2022-04-07T16:46:04
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Lela McNinch
Political Party: Republican
Tell us about yourself.
For all 56 years of my life, I have lived in Nebraska, growing up and spending most of my adult life in York. For a year and a half, I lived in Grand Island, and for the past 15 years have lived in Lincoln. The Presbyterian Church in York is where I received the foundation of my belief in Christianity, which amplified when I attended York College where I studied the gospels and minor prophets and attended daily chapel at the Church of Christ. Later I attended the University of Nebraska Kearney and graduated with a degree in Education.
Returning “home” to York, I began substitute teaching for York Public School District for three years before taking a full-time job at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women, where I worked in security for five years before transferring to the Lincoln Correctional Center, (LCC). For seven more years I worked in security, a trainer in emergency preparedness response and hostage negotiations at LCC, Airpark Treatment Center and Nebraska State Penitentiary.
The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency recruited and hired me as an Exercise Training Officer, where I served all counties, first responders and State agencies for the preparedness of threats, risks, and hazards to the State, focusing on mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery to all hazards. Additionally, I was the 9-1-1 Director and Emergency Manager for Grand Island and Hall County.
My next service to Nebraskans came as the Director of School Safety for the Nebraska Department of Education, (NDE). Providing guidance, training, and resources to all school districts throughout Nebraska in school safety and security. My priority was to ensure the safety of our children, educators, and facilities. After 10 years, budget cuts at NDE left me without a job, but I would not give up the cause and worked with Nesbitt and Associates to develop “School Security Services.” Together the team developed up-to-date school safety plans, protocol and advanced training for public and private schools, colleges, and universities across the State.
As founder, President/CEO of Global Strategic Security Solutions, GS₃, LLC, I teach safety planning, implementing a business model of planning, training, exercising, and sustainability.
Currently I am an Adjunct Professor in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology for the University of Nebraska-Omaha as a subject matter expert on school violence.
I was married and divorced which resulted in being a single mom of three young daughters for about 12 years. In that time, I survived an abusive relationship and faced the social and financial challenges associated with being a single parent working both full-time and part-time jobs, donating plasma and participating in medical studies to supplement my income. In 2008 I married my husband, Jerry McNinch. Together, Jerry and I have five daughters and seven grandchildren, creating a total of seven generations to make Nebraska their home.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for Governor because I see the need, based on the current conditions of our State and our Nation, to use my knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve, lead, protect, be the voice and role model for all Nebraskans. Our founding fathers meant for ordinary citizens to step out of our daily lives to serve others in the State when called to do so, and once the service is complete, to step back among those we have served. Because I am stepping out of the everyday life of Nebraskans, I am in touch with the true concerns, fears and hopes of the people. We need to think big, be persistent, and have an unobstructed vision for our future.
Now is the time to push Nebraska forward to a stronger, post-covid economy, demonstrating our faith, resilience, creativity, unity, and power as a State. People should use their circumstances for motivation to seek opportunity rather than allow their circumstances to define who they are. I can serve as a role model, example, and mentor to many who find themselves in less-than-ideal circumstances, but still able to have an unclouded vision for success. One of my goals is to help heal and united us as one Nebraska and to be a servant to the people, hearing their voice and being the second house to ensure the will of the people succeeds.
What would be your top priority if elected?
When elected, my top priority will be the safety and protection of all Nebraskans.
Know that safety encompasses allowing citizens to have more money in their pockets to help provide the basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter, which means lowering our taxes and bringing in well-paying jobs with benefits. To have safety through strong, consistent, fair, responsible law enforcement. Safety by ensuring our roads and infrastructure is sound so we can work, play and travel safely throughout the State. And to mitigate hazards, to keep all Nebraskans alive and safe. Food safety and availability though assisting our farmers and ranchers to be able to have the resources they need to grow, transport, and sell their products and make a fair profit.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
The most relevant experience I bring to the office of Governor is my selfless continued service to others. As a trained negotiator I truly listen to the wants, needs, hopes, and fears of others, which is paramount in the leadership of our State. There is a tremendous responsibility to all people in serving at this level. I can set aside my ideas and opinions to hear the ideas and concerns of others, to wisely and confidently make the decisions which will best serve most people.
I have a broad base of firsthand experience dealing with private and State agencies throughout Nebraska, and a proven record in collaborating and managing crisis and threats throughout the State. Every day in my service to Nebraska I have worked to protect all Nebraskans and visitors.
I have worked behind the walls in our prison system and understand the operational standards and administrative requirements to achieve accreditation while providing a safe environment for inmates to serve their sentences and for staff to work safely in volatile and potentially hostile environment. I understand the challenges associated with the job because I worked behind the walls for 12 years. The ability to address the issues of overcrowding and challenges within the prison system will come with firsthand knowledge of the issues.
I have worked behind the walls in our prison system and understand the operational standards and administrative requirements to achieve accreditation while providing a safe environment for inmates to serve their sentences and for staff to work safely in volatile and potentially hostile environment. I understand the challenges associated with the job because I worked behind the walls for 12 years. The ability to address the issues of overcrowding and challenges within the prison system will come with firsthand knowledge of the issues.
Serving at the State level in education, I helped the Educational Service Units, public and private schools as well as colleges and universities. I helped create protocol and exacting standards to ensure the safety of our children, educators, and facilities. Developing and enhancing safety plans and providing training to educators across the state. In such I have created a safer Nebraska and am aware of the growing needs for safety and change in education.
In my leadership positions I have managed multi-year, multi-department and multimillion dollar budgets for Nebraska and Homeland Security grants simultaneously.
I am already seen as a trusted agent to the State and was appointed to the US Attorney’s Antiterrorism Advisory Council, and the Nebraska Infrastructure Protection Committee. I have collaborated with the teams of unique specialists on the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals and the Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition. My commitment to all people in Nebraska has remained constant.
Overall, I bring to the office my knowledge of safety, preparedness, prevention, communication and coordination of people, ideas, finances, and results. In each role of my service to Nebraskans, I have been bound by the restrictions of money, required to do the best for the most people with limited funds. Even with those restrictions, I successfully completed our expected goals and objectives.
I hold a Certificate of advanced Homeland Security Studies from Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Emergency Preparedness Response Certificate, from Law Enforcement Training Research Associates (LETRA), Campbell, California; Certification in National Incident Management Systems (NIMS), Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Programs (HSEEP), and Professional Development Series of Emergency Management from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Emergency Management from the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA). I am certified in National Incident Management Systems, (NIMS), and Incident Command Systems (ICS) with the knowledge and ability to work with all agencies, local, State, Tribal, and National, in a seamless coordinated fashion to all-hazards or incidents. I am a trained certified Crisis Negotiator bringing in advanced active listening and communication skills to the table. As an instructor I guide, teach, mentor, and explain complex issues and ideas to individuals with clear expectations, desired outcomes, and required deadlines. I have coordinated teams of subject matter experts to develop guidance, protocol, and foundational standards in educational mandates. While serving in State agencies, I routinely reviewed proposed legislative bills to determine their validity to the needs of the agencies or populations to which they were directed.
I have worked with and trained first responders in all ninety-three counties as well as worked with and in Nebraska State Agencies, assisting with continuity of operations (COOP) and continuity of government (COG). I work with and train educators and students throughout Nebraska and am known to unite people of all cultures, colors, genders, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds to work towards the good and benefit of all people. I have worked with agriculture sectors specifically the livestock emergency disaster response systems (LEDRS) to train and coordinate the response to a contagious animal disease in Nebraska. I assisted with the activation, storage, and planned distribution of the Strategic National Stockpile to the State. I was appointed as liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services for the H1N1 Bird flu and assisted in the development of a response and recovery plan for the pandemic.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
I do support tax relief for Nebraskans. I am grateful that there is now tax relief for our veterans in their retirement system. I believe that the proposed 5-year program to eliminate social security tax should be acted upon immediately, rather than extending it to five years. I will encourage and support our legislature to move on this proposal to provide immediate relief. Our senior citizens have a fixed income and with the rising cost of our basic human needs it is becoming more difficult to be comfortable in the senior years. Our seniors need relief immediately.
My focus will be reducing spending as well as limiting spending growth. We must live within our means while taking care of our existing infrastructure and residents. Relief will also come by taking a hard looks at what we truly need in the State. There are wish lists and there are essentials for success and survival. Rather than building new, there are hundreds of empty buildings throughout Nebraska which can be used and remodeled at a fraction of the cost for many projects and State needs. Accessing unused facilities for inmate housing or youth facilities is inexpensive in comparison to the creation of new facilities. Reducing spending smartly will also reduce spending at a local level to keep taxes low. Together the legislature and I as Governor will discuss the best solution to provide care and services while reducing spending.
We need to promote Nebraska on a global level. This means we need to be bold, driven and have the confidence to move Nebraska forward to bring in people and jobs to secure economic development and “The Good Life” for generations to come. We will need to make changes while preserving our solidarity, integrity, and unity as a State.
We must be willing to take bold steps and take chances on new markets, products, ideas, and innovations. We took a chance with Ethanol in Nebraska; we need to be willing to take chances in exploring other products to boost our economy and international trade, to include dairy cattle, processing plants for milk and cheese products. Locally owned packing l
Raising the THC level of Cannabis sativa, hemp to 1% will allow farmers to grow a less restrictive product. For hemp to be productive for the State, we will need to bring in processing, manufacturing, and distribution for new products. Each of these actions will bring in well-paying jobs with benefits which will allow growth to the State, broadening our tax base to lift the burden of taxes from everyone. I also believe in and support the legalization of medical marijuana. Appropriately taxing THC products will provide an additional income to Nebraska. I will engage our legislature to win additional support of cannabis for textile and building products as well as encourage the introduction of processing and manufacturing to our State.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
I will continue the streak of low unemployment rates by encouraging and supporting companies who invest in employee education benefits. Likewise promote work-life balance for employees with families through flexible work hours or locations. I do support an increase in the minimum wage to allow individuals to earn more and have more discretionary money. It should be more rewarding and beneficial to work and earn a living rather than be given had outs
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Candidate did not answer.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
Regarding labor shortages and the supply chain we need to bring in companies who can build and develop our own supplies thereby eliminating the challenges associated with the supply chain. We have the capability to be self-sufficient in all areas if we allow the growth to come to our State. Part of labor shortages to the State is unaffordability due to high taxes. Once we correct the taxation issue, we will attract more people to Nebraska. We also could hire, legally, migrant workers to help throughout the state in agriculture, tourism, and services. We need to utilize our human resources responsibly to benefit the migrant workers and their families as well as our own businesses and people
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
Several ideas for addressing overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services include rather than imprisoning non-violent crimes, I suggest the discipline be changed to house arrest with ankle bracelet monitoring and restrictive movements to work and home. Authorized activity such as attending family sporting events would be allowed. Additionally, everyone as part of their restitution would have to participate in community service weekly until their sentencing is complete. Individuals would continue to contribute to society while caring for their families.
Secondly, use the unoccupied buildings throughout Nebraska, such as the Hastings Regional Center campus, to house specific groups of inmates or specific custody levels.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
I do believe Nebraska elections are free, with every Nebraskan having the ability to vote. We have in person voting, absentee voting and mail in ballots. Regarding fairness, as a first-time candidate running for office and being excluded from multiple forums even after a call or email, I question the fairness of elections. As a voter it is my right to see and hear all the candidates regardless of funding and their war chest of money. Candidates should earn a vote rather than buying a vote. I believe we can enhance the security of our voting by bringing polling booths into senior living homes, rather than having a second individual “drop off” their ballot in a vote box. Also, re-registering to vote each time we renew our ID or driver’s license would help to eliminate dead people voting. Additionally, I believe a “hand count” of votes by a human should take place first, followed by a machine count to verify the information. Any machine used should be subject to inspection at any time to ensure the security of the count and the machine.
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| 2022-04-07T16:46:14
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Michael Connely
Political Party: Republican
Tell us about yourself.
When I was a kid, I did stupid things just like everyone else.
My youthful choice of stupidity included, jumping off corn quonsets into hay stacks (painful), jumping over our house with a 125 Kawasaki motorcycle (successful), going water skiing when there was still ice on the water (bad idea), and ripping flesh from my shin bone trying to show off how high I could jump, and then sewing it back up. (that stings, and you need pliers as well as a needle and thread).
I have cleaned pigsties and toilets, loaded iron and stacked concrete, detasseled in the cornfields and stacked hay, been a driver, a store clerk, a waiter, a newspaper boy, and a worker on an assembly line. I have worn most hats.
In the military I have walked through machine gun nests (allies, nearly got tagged by friendly fire during joint military exercises), been blown down runways (some pilot thinking it was fun to fire up his engine at the wrong time), and have huddled half frozen on the Korean plains during operation Team Spirit.
I am just an average Nebraskan, originally from Broken Bow. My family has been in Nebraska for 7 generations. I know what Nebraska was, and what we have lost. I want it back.
Why are you running for this office?
I am not running for title or for money. I am running for survival. I have been monitoring the massive Military buildup in Communist China. They are planning for war and we in Nebraska are not prepared. My family has been in Nebraska for 7 generations. My family, friends, and neighbors are here. I am running for Governor to both stop the Socialist spread and to protect my home, and prepare us for what is coming.
What would be your top priority if elected?
If my initiatives make it on the November ballot, my first year agenda will be: Reducing the State Board of Education from over 500 to about a dozen, dropping property taxes, and returning education to the local level; Eliminating the inheritance tax; Eliminating ALL forced mask and vaccine mandates; Enforcing 1st Amendment Rights and stopping forced gender pronoun usage, Working with Rex Schroder to clean up election fraud potential, Banning transgenders from female sports. Read my book for the rest.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
An individual can be exceptionally bright, have influential contacts, and other positive qualities, but if that individual is unwilling to join in the battle for the soul of our state, then those qualities have no importance. My greatest quality is the one that I am bringing RIGHT NOW, before the election. I am a man of action. My initiatives, my unicameral testimonies, my recruitment and promotion of high quality state candidates that I am doing now, sets me apart.
My work in construction, manufacturing, transportation, education, sales, and agriculture allows me to understand the needs of most Nebraskans.
My law enforcement training and military police work qualifies me to interact smoothly with our vital law enforcement agencies. My military intelligence and overseas work gives me a view that extends beyond Nebraska for advanced planning. Highly successful Executive positions both in Nebraska and overseas show I have experience leading team leaders. Look at www.michaelconnely.org to see details of my experiences.
For those who prefer to look at a resume instead of character, I have over 300 semester credit hours of college with a 3.82 GPA . My majors include: Political Science, Sociology, Business, Education, Medical Lab, Aviation Electronics.
I am a Marine Corp Sgt vet with work on Helicopter Communications and Navigation, Military Intelligence, Military Police, Medical Lab and a few other minor areas.
Executive Experience includes State Quality Assurance Director for the US Census (promoted 5 times in 2 years) International Educational Advisor for the Japanese Ministry of Education, Educational Director, and Founder of multiple businesses.
I am a Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award winner, Top Economics student #1 of 17,000 in college, and I have receive multiple military letters of commendation.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
It amazes me that everyone talks about tax relief and avoids talking about the root of the problem. Our government spends too much money and that is why we have a tax problem. Yes there are elements of our taxes that need changed, but first I want to implement MY version of 30 x 30. I want to eliminate 30% of the Nebraska Government within 30 months. THAT would make tax reforms much more attractive.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
We have labor problems. It is not that our low unemployment is a bad thing, but we need more people to fill the vacant positions. I will push for lowered regulations making it easier for businesses to operate, and hire more workers. We also need apprentice programs in our schools which will provide workers in the industrial and other areas.
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Remember my comment about fixing government spending before fixing taxes. If expenses drop then housing will drop too. We also need to simplify regulations. More details will be on my book “Restore the Good Live” (a Patriot’s Guide to Retaking American One State at a Time.”
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
This is a Biden issue. I will need more research to decide the best course of action for Nebraska. If anyone has ideas to fix this short term DC caused situation, they can write to me at Connely2022@gmail. As for long term issues. We need apprenticeship programs beginning at the JR. High school level with a labor representative at schools so students do not have to wander around blind in the employment market. Additionally, alternative forms of post high school education are available. You can find a sampling of those on my site www.michaelconnely.org
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I have multiple relatives working for corrections in all areas. Because of this, I have inside view of the problems (but of course they maintain confidentiality). There are many individuals who should not be in prison in the first place, ones who simply strayed accidentally outside of administrative law. There are others in for victimless crimes who would be better off on state sponsored probation/work programs. One other point is that I want to contract to send all our illegal alien prisoners to a corrections facility in South America. It will be cheaper, and when they get out, it will be a heck of a long walk back to the USA.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
Absolutely not. I also want Nebraska citizens from every county to come to my website to see how they can assist me in cleaning up our corrupted voter rolls. That is merely one method that bad actors can use. I can not address the others unless I and the members of my team win in the May 10 primary. www.michaelconnely.org is where people need to go in order to help me clean up voter rolls before the primary.
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| 2022-04-07T16:46:21
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Theresa Thibodeau
Political Party: Republican
Running Mate: Trent Loos
Tell us about yourself.
I have an extensive background that has afforded me the opportunities to build relationships with everyday Nebraskans. I have worked in Human Resources and managed multi-million dollar accounts. I have stayed at home with my children, and have prepared thousands of children for school through my early learning academy, thus having first-hand experience of the concerns of moms and parents. In addition to my personal and business experience, I have served on government boards, served the Nebraska legislature, and have worked to support the community. I have had experience with the government as a lawmaker, business owner, and resident. I am the only candidate who has worked to improve all levels of government, from city planning to the state level.
Why are you running for this office?
I’ve been involved in local and state politics for over ten years and played an instrumental role in getting conservative candidates elected in Douglas County up and down the ballot. I’ve served in the legislature, chaired the Douglas County Republican Party, and served on the Omaha Personnel Board and a Judicial nominating committee. I reviewed the slate of candidates and felt that I had the public and private business experience to lead our great state. Having worked in Human Resources, served on multiple boards, and owned my own business, I have spoken and listened to Nebraska families and what is important to them. I have developed relationships and focused on open communication in my endeavors. I believe a personal connection builds trust in leadership and lets people know that you are listening, that you care, and that no matter your decision, they have been heard. I have the ideas and vision to lead this state and have Nebraska serve as an example for the rest of our nation.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Nebraska’s governor should concentrate on the issues that most affect our state.
My economic priorities would include:
- Aggressively scouring the state budget to find spending cuts.
- Digging into our tax policy to find taxes we can cut.
- Stopping the passage of any new taxes.
I would push to get parents more involved in their children’s school decisions in education, whether curriculum or social policies. I would also oppose any efforts to reduce voter oversight of education policy.
Public safety must also be a priority. That means supporting our law enforcement professionals as they do tough jobs.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
For over ten years, my involvement in local and state politics has played an instrumental role in getting conservative candidates elected in Douglas County up and down the ballot. I’ve served in the legislature, chaired the Douglas County Republican Party, and served on the Omaha Personnel Board and a Judicial nominating committee. I’m experienced in Human Resources, have served on multiple non-profit boards, and owned a successful small business that I built from the ground up. I have spoken and listened to Nebraska families and what is important to them. Through all of my experience, I have seen and witnessed first-hand what works and what doesn’t for Nebraskans.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Nebraskans are suffering from the burdens of property taxes, and property tax relief will be my first priority. Once we have provided true property tax relief, we can further reduce income tax, address the inheritance tax, and address the cost to license automobiles. However, property tax relief must come first. I propose that the State of Nebraska replace the current school funding formula and fund our education per student. Each school district will know its budget and plan accordingly on how it would like to spend it.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
Having a low unemployment rate does not always mean economic growth. While Nebraska kept a low unemployment rate, employers across the state have been struggling to fill open positions, even to the point where they have had to shut down due to not having enough employees to meet the needs of the business. The low unemployment rate does not consider the number of people who have left the workforce. The governor must work with private businesses, colleges, universities, and high schools to graduate young people ready to enter the workforce.
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
The State of Nebraska should work side by side with non-profits that support the development of first-time homes and apartments and organizations that train and mentor new builders. Promoting NIFA loans and cutting red tape for builders to cut costs and make it profitable for companies to build more affordable housing.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
The governor cannot directly affect the supply chain. Still, they can create a more inviting environment to increase the recruitment of manufacturing companies and promote entrepreneurship by reducing the burden of high taxes and red tape. Also, realizing that our state is not a one-size-fits-all, we need to work and promote the economic drivers specific to each community. Work with high schools and community colleges to promote expanded dual enrollment and various opportunities available after high school.
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
Nebraska needs a new prison. The new prison will help address the overcrowding issue and allow a safer work environment for corrections officers and others who enter the building to offer services.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
Moving forward, to ensure election integrity, I would like to put forward many initiatives. Voter ID is a must, creating more efficient ways to clean up the voter rolls and make sure deceased individuals are removed, tightening up ballot harvesting laws, and putting harsh penalties on anyone who breaks the law. Removing ballot boxes and reducing early voting to 10 days before any election. Requiring mail-in ballots to contain a copy of an individual’s ID and accepting mail-in ballots only from people who are away at school or serving in our military.
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| 2022-04-07T16:46:27
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Troy Wentz
Political Party: Republican
Tell us about yourself.
At my website TroyWe.xyz you can learn about my beliefs and ideas and if you pick About Me you’ll read: I am a spiritual person who enjoys creating & helping others. Grew up on a farm, became a programmer analyst and manufacturing engineering technician, then moved back to the country to help my parents farm. It gave me more time to create & become a Jack of many trades. Some of my interests are inventing, reiki, problem solving, dowsing, movies, welding, yoga & writing a screenplay: Thee Unknown God. I care about our Earth and take time to listen to our Nature’s God.
Why are you running for this office?
I don’t like the direction Biden is taking America. Nebraska’s government is taking to much money. I’d like to bring Republicans, Independents and Democrats together to: Rise up against the Demon crats. * Change our property taxes from a Market Value to Size system. * Cut our government by 40% to create a balanced, smaller & efficient one. * Create secure & transparent voting for our Republic & more.
What would be your top priority if elected?
So many, but one: Property Tax system Change from Market Value to Size. You have a $100,000 house. People around you are paying $150,000 or more for houses. Your property taxes go up. The Size system. People pay more around you, your property taxes Stay The Same unless you make your house larger. Yes, you will have to vote more, whether to give the government schools/agencies more money, but your property taxes will not increase automatically if market values go higher.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
Being a Jack of many, not all trades. Working in a wide range of jobs from farming to paid daily temporary jobs, computer programming, manufacturing engineering and more. Being a polymathic type of person with some knowledge in many areas. People who are masters in their field can do things quicker than I but I can see the many parts to find a solution to a problem. Not a radical Green New Deal person but connected to Nature’s God.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Yes, support. See Why are you running for this office? and What would be your top priority if elected? and multiple pages on my website TroyWe.xyz. I would eliminate many of the sales tax exemptions but I want to have sales taxes and a reformed property tax system be the only 2 taxes. Eliminating income and death taxes.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
We have low unemployment but employers can’t find workers because Nursing Home Joe Biden, the Obama people who control him and Pete Buttigieg are incompetent, stupid people. Stop paying people not to work. Stop firing people because they won’t get a covid shot?
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
This is something I will have to bring people together to find a solution, because I don’t have this problem. I converted a barn swallow, mouse occupied 1 level 12 x 26 junk shed into a 2 level Little House on the Prairie after salvaging a barn for a cost of less than $3,000.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
We have low unemployment but employers can’t find workers because Nursing Home Joe Biden, the Obama people who control him and Pete Buttigieg are incompetent, stupid people. Stop paying people not to work. Stop firing people because they won’t get a covid shot?
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
First find the reasons people are committing crimes? Are government programs such as the welfare system creating more crime? Are some public schools adding to crime when kids can’t read and write? And are there better solutions than prison, such as the Delancey Street Foundation programs? I have a link on my website and I was impressed when I visited their facility.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
I believe the elections are free but not fair and secure. When Lancaster election officials took money from Facebook, that was wrong and people should go to jail. I believe in having voter ID and have other thoughts in the section of my website //TroyWe.xyz/VoteUnicam.pdf
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| 2022-04-07T16:46:33
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Google rolls out feature that lets you search using images
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 10:51 AM CDT|Updated: 59 minutes ago
(CNN) - Google just rolled out a new feature to make it easier for users to search for things that are hard to describe.
On Thursday, the company unveiled a new search option that allows you to combine text and images in a single question.
For example, you can take a picture of a couch, upload it along with the word “chair,” and you’ll be able to find ones that are similar.
A Google executive says the multi-search feature is experimental for now.
It’s available for U.S. users with the lens feature on Google’s mobile app.
At the moment, it’s expected to be used for shopping-related searches.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T16:50:37
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GRAPHIC: Officers race to save 4-year-old who survived 6-story fall
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 10:19 AM CDT|Updated: 1 hours ago
NEW YORK (CNN) - A four-year-old New York boy who fell six stories from an apartment window Tuesday is listed in stable condition.
The New York Police Department released dramatic bodycam video of officers rushing to help the boy after the fall from a sixth-floor apartment window in the Bronx.
Police say he was alert and conscious after the fall.
Officers did not wait for an ambulance to arrive and rushed him to Lincoln Hospital in a squad car where he was immediately met by EMTs.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/07/graphic-officers-race-save-4-year-old-who-survived-6-story-fall/
| 2022-04-07T16:50:45
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H&M releasing line of biodegradable baby clothes
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 11:01 AM CDT|Updated: 49 minutes ago
(CNN) - As fast as babies grow, their clothes don’t stick around for long. But what if you could just toss that outgrown onesie in the compost?
With H&M’s new lines of baby clothes for newborns, you can.
The clothes are made from organic cotton and they’re 100% biodegradable, so there are no buttons or metal trim. Even the pigments used to print the designs are biodegradable.
There are 12 pieces to choose from, and they’ll be on sale in May.
The new line is just one of several ways H&M said it is working to make fashion more sustainable and keep clothes out of landfills.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T16:50:53
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Judge tosses Girl Scouts’ recruitment suit vs. Boy Scouts
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday rejected Girl Scouts’ claims that the Boy Scouts created marketplace confusion and damaged their recruitment efforts by using words like “scouts” and “scouting” in their recruitment drives.
Manhattan Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein ruled that the Boy Scouts of America can describe their activities as “scouting” without referring to gender and that the matter does not need to be put to a jury.
Hellerstein said his written decision caps a “serious, contentious and expensive” litigation and necessitates dismissal of the lawsuit brought by the Girls Scouts of the United States of America.
The lawsuit was filed in late 2018, a year after the Boy Scouts announced that boy scouting and cub scouting would be open to girls, leading the organizations to compete for members after social trends and a rise in sports league participation drove down membership for decades. The pattern worsened when the pandemic hit.
“The Boy Scouts adopted the Scout Terms to describe accurately the co-ed nature of programming, not to confuse or exploit Girl Scouts’ reputation,” Hellerstein wrote. “Such branding is consistent with the scout-formative branding Boy Scouts has used for a century, including in its co-ed programs that have existed since the 1970s.”
The term “scout” is descriptive of both the Boy Scouts’ and Girl Scouts’ programming, the judge wrote.
“The Boy Scouts’ decision to become co-ed, even if it affects Girl Scouts’ operations, does not demonstrate bad faith,” the judge added.
Hellerstein’s decision comes while the Boy Scouts are in bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware that began in February 2020. The Irving, Texas-based organization sought bankruptcy protection after it was named in hundreds of lawsuits brought by individuals claiming they were molested by scout leaders as minors.
Messages seeking comment left with lawyers in the case were not immediately returned.
In his decision, Hellerstein wrote that he was siding with the Boy Scouts in part because the Girls Scouts cannot prove that a likelihood of confusion was caused by the Boy Scouts’ use of the term “scout.”
He said the Girl Scouts had cited instances of parents confusing the two organizations. But he added that the choice to join one organization or the other is made after several interactions with the organization, by children’s desires to join a group siblings or friends have joined, or other factors unrelated to trademarks and branding.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T16:50:59
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Newborn safely surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box
CARMEL, Ind. (Gray News) – A baby was safely surrendered this week to a Safe Haven Baby Box in Indiana.
According to the Carmel Fire Department, the baby was taken to the hospital for evaluation and is healthy.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are used to prevent the illegal abandonment of a newborn and offer a safe place for a mother-in-crisis to leave her infant.
The Safe Haven Baby Box at the Carmel Fire Department is set up in a way that provides complete anonymity to the person who is leaving the baby.
The person opens a door on the side of the department’s building that holds a bassinet, which triggers a silent alarm to alert firefighters that a baby has been placed inside. The exterior door automatically locks to protect the baby.
Authorities said firefighters were able to get to the surrendered newborn in less than a minute and provide it the care it needs before taking it to the hospital by ambulance.
“Our hope is that this baby boy will find a forever loving home the same way and find their forever family as well,” said Fire Chief David Haboush in a Facebook post for Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
According to the organization, 16 babies have been surrendered inside Safe Haven Baby Boxes since the first one was installed in 2016.
If you need help finding a Safe Haven location or to speak to a licensed counselor, call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T16:51:06
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Pelosi positive for COVID-19, was at White House with Biden
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for COVID-19, a day after appearing unmasked at a White House event with President Joe Biden.
Pelosi received a positive test result for COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic, her spokesman Drew Hammill said Thursday in a tweet. He said she had tested negative earlier in the week.
“The Speaker is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided,” Hammill said. Pelosi, he said, will “quarantine consistent with CDC guidance, and encourages everyone to get vaccinated, boosted and test regularly.”
The White House said Biden and Pelosi had only “brief interactions over the course of the last two days” and that the president was not considered a close contact of the speaker by CDC guidance — sustained unmasked contact within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period.
“Last night as a part of his regular testing cadence, the President tested negative,” the White House said in a statement. “He will continue to be tested regularly. The President wishes Speaker Pelosi a speedy recovery.”
The 82-year-old Democratic leader’s announcement came ahead of her weekly press appearance on Capitol Hill, which was abruptly called off. The House is set to start a two week spring recess.
Pelosi also postponed a planned congressional delegation trip to Asia she was scheduled to lead.
Washington has experienced a rush of new COVID-19 cases as restrictions have lifted and more events and gatherings are happening across Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced positive tests. The officials were among more than a dozen attendees of the Saturday night Gridiron Club dinner to test positive for the virus. Pelosi did not attend the dinner, her spokesman said.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also announced Thursday that she tested positive for COVID-19 and would “work at home while following isolation protocols.”
Several lawmakers have announced positive test results and are isolating.
The Capitol reopened last week to some public tours for the first time since it was shuttered two years ago with the onset of the pandemic.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Rochester police searching for jewelry theft suspects
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Police are searching for suspects involved in a jewelry theft in Rochester.
On Saturday, April 2, around 3 p.m., officers said a 60-year-old man was approached by an Asian couple in a black van at the South Walmart.
According to the Rochester Police Department (RPD), the couple offered to give the man some jewelry, offering to help put a necklace on him.
The couple left and the man went into the Walmart wearing the new jewelry.
The victim later realized that the original gold necklace he was wearing before his encounter with the couple was gone. The man said that piece of jewelry was worth around $15,000.
If you know who may be involved in this incident, call RPD.
RELATED STORY: Suspect wanted in Stewartville surveying company equipment theft
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.
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Shots fired near Mason City apartment building
MASON CITY, Iowa (KTTC) – Police are investigating after shots were fired near an apartment complex in Mason City.
It happened around 2 a.m. Thursday at the West Side Manor Apartments, located at 2327 South Taft Avenue.
According to the Mason City Police Department (MCPD), residents said they heard multiple gunshots, followed by a car speeding out of the parking lot.
When officers arrived, they found evidence that several rounds were fired from the parking lot.
A few of the rounds hit the outside of the building, but never broke through to the interior.
No one was hurt.
It is unclear if this incident is related to the Wednesday morning shooting that happened in a different Mason City neighborhood.
If you know anything about what may have happened, you’re asked to call MCPD.
RELATED STORY: Mason City Police Department investigating overnight shooting
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.
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UN assembly suspends Russia from top human rights body
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from the world organization’s leading human rights body over allegations of horrific rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine, which the United States and Ukraine have called tantamount to war crimes.
The vote was 93-24 with 58 abstentions, significantly lower than the vote on two resolutions the assembly adopted last month demanding an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, withdrawal of all Russian troops and protection for civilians. Both of those resolutions were approved by at least 140 nations.
Russia is the second country to have its membership rights stripped at the Human Rights Council which was established in 2006. In 2011, the assembly suspended Libya when upheaval in the North African country brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield launched the campaign to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council in the wake of videos and photos of streets in the town of Bucha strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians after Russian soldiers retreated. The deaths have sparked global revulsion and calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, which has vehemently denied its troops were responsible.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
Ukraine’s U.N. ambassador urged members of the United Nations on Thursday to suspend Russia from the world organization’s leading human rights body, saying it has committed “horrific human rights violations and abuses that would be equated to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Sergiy Kyslytsya introduced the U.S.-initiated resolution before the 193 members of the General Assembly vote.
WARNING: Videos in this story may contain graphic content.
“Russia’s actions are beyond the pale,” he said. “Russia is not only committing human rights violations, it is shaking the underpinnings of international peace and security.”
Russia’s deputy ambassador Gennady Kuzmin urged members to vote “no.”
“What we’re seeing today is an attempt by the United States to maintain its dominant position and total control,” he said. “We reject the untruthful allegations against us, based on staged events and widely circulated fakes.”
Approval would require a two-thirds majority of the assembly members that vote “yes” or “no,” with abstentions not counting in the calculation.
Kyslytsya responded to Russia’s complaints about the proceeding saying: “We have heard, many times, the same perverted logic of the aggressor trying to present itself as the victim.”
And his message to those who would abstain: He quoted the late Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel: “Indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor -- never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten.”
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the call for Russia to be stripped of its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council in the wake of videos and photos of streets in the town of Bucha strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians. The deaths have sparked global revulsion and calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, which has vehemently denied its troops were responsible.
“We believe that the members of the Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine, and we believe that Russia needs to be held accountable,” Thomas-Greenfield said Monday. “Russia’s participation on the Human Rights Council is a farce.”
General Assembly spokeswoman Paulina Kubiak said the assembly’s emergency special session on Ukraine would resume Thursday morning, when the resolution “to suspend the rights of membership in the Human Rights Council of the Russian Federation” will be put to a vote.
While the Human Rights Council is based in Geneva, its members are elected by the 193-nation General Assembly for three-year terms. The March 2006 resolution that established the rights council says the assembly may suspend membership rights of a country “that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights.”
The brief resolution to be voted on expresses “grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, particularly at the reports of violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian Federation, including gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights.”
The General Assembly voted 140-5 with 38 abstentions on March 24 on a resolution blaming Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urging an immediate cease-fire and protection for millions of civilians and the homes, schools and hospitals critical to their survival.
The vote was almost exactly the same as for a March 2 resolution that the assembly adopted demanding an immediate Russian cease-fire, withdrawal of all its forces and protection for all civilians. That vote was 141-5 with 35 abstentions.
Thomas-Greenfield urged the 140 members who voted in favor of those two resolutions to support Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council.
Her issue is simple, she said: “The images out of Bucha and devastation across Ukraine require us now to match our words with action.”
“We cannot let a member state that is subverting every principle we hold dear to continue to sit on the U.N. Human Rights Council,” she said.
Supporters of the resolution were optimistic about its approval, though not necessarily with the support of 140 countries.
Russia called on an unspecified number of countries to vote “no,” saying an abstention or not voting would be considered an unfriendly act and would affect bilateral relations.
In its so-called “non-paper” obtained by The Associated Press, Russia said the attempt to expel it from the Human Rights Council is political and being supported by countries that want to preserve their dominant position and control over the world.
Those nations want to continue “the politics of neo-colonialism of human rights” in international relations, it said, saying that Russia’s priority is to promote and defend human rights, including multilaterally in the Human Rights Council.
Russia’s ambassador in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov, called the U.S. action “unfounded and purely emotional bravado that looks good on camera -- just how the U.S. likes it.”
“Washington exploits the Ukrainian crisis for its own benefit in an attempt either to exclude or suspend Russia from international organizations,” Gatilov said, in comments relayed by a Russian diplomatic mission spokesman.
Russia and the other four veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council — Britain, China, France, and the United States — all currently have seats on the Human Rights Council, which the U.S. rejoined this year.
The only country to have its membership rights stripped at the council was Libya in 2011, when upheaval in the North African country brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi, said council spokesman Rolando Gomez.
No permanent member of the Security Council has ever had its membership revoked from any U.N. body.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Boy, 12, killed when tractor-trailer struck bicycle on Mississippi highway, troopers say
MAGEE, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - Troopers in Mississippi said a sixth-grade boy died after a tractor-trailer collided with the bicycle he was riding.
WLBT reports the Mississippi Highway Patrol said Anthony Wilder III, 12, died as a result of the Tuesday night crash on US 49 in Simpson County.
Investigators determined a 1998 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling south on the highway when it collided with the bicycle in the right lane.
Wilder attended Magee Middle School, and the school posted a Facebook tribute to the child, saying he was known for his “energetic personality and upbeat attitude.”
The school said Wilder was a high achiever academically and was known to breakdance in the hallway.
“These memories will keep Anthony with us during the difficult times ahead,” the school said on Facebook. “We give our hopes and prayers to his family and friends. Anthony, we will miss you.”
Troopers are still investigating the crash.
Copyright 2022 WLBT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Google rolls out feature that lets you search using images
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 11:51 AM EDT|Updated: 1 hour ago
(CNN) - Google just rolled out a new feature to make it easier for users to search for things that are hard to describe.
On Thursday, the company unveiled a new search option that allows you to combine text and images in a single question.
For example, you can take a picture of a couch, upload it along with the word “chair,” and you’ll be able to find ones that are similar.
A Google executive says the multi-search feature is experimental for now.
It’s available for U.S. users with the lens feature on Google’s mobile app.
At the moment, it’s expected to be used for shopping-related searches.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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GRAPHIC: Officers race to save 4-year-old who survived 6-story fall
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 11:19 AM EDT|Updated: 1 hours ago
NEW YORK (CNN) - A four-year-old New York boy who fell six stories from an apartment window Tuesday is listed in stable condition.
The New York Police Department released dramatic bodycam video of officers rushing to help the boy after the fall from a sixth-floor apartment window in the Bronx.
Police say he was alert and conscious after the fall.
Officers did not wait for an ambulance to arrive and rushed him to Lincoln Hospital in a squad car where he was immediately met by EMTs.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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H&M releasing line of biodegradable baby clothes
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 12:01 PM EDT|Updated: 52 minutes ago
(CNN) - As fast as babies grow, their clothes don’t stick around for long. But what if you could just toss that outgrown onesie in the compost?
With H&M’s new lines of baby clothes for newborns, you can.
The clothes are made from organic cotton and they’re 100% biodegradable, so there are no buttons or metal trim. Even the pigments used to print the designs are biodegradable.
There are 12 pieces to choose from, and they’ll be on sale in May.
The new line is just one of several ways H&M said it is working to make fashion more sustainable and keep clothes out of landfills.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ore. — Five people inside a vehicle avoided serious injury after a suspect or suspects fired multiple shots into their vehicle while they were driving on Highway 26, about five miles northwest of Aloha, on Wednesday night, the Hillsboro Police Department (HPD) reported.
Officers responded to a call at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday that shots had been fired on Highway 26 near Cornelius Pass Road. The victims reported to police that a silver SUV drove up next to them and fired multiple shots into their vehicle. There were five people inside the victim vehicle, police said. None were shot and all five avoided serious injury, though some were hit by broken glass.
The vehicle had multiple bullet holes, HPD said. The suspect or suspects fled the scene after the shooting. "We do have strong leads on the suspect and vehicle, which we are actively working," HPD Sergeant Clint Chrz told KGW.
Police said they don't believe the public is at risk.
There were 90 homicides in Portland last year, coupled with a surge in gun violence with more than 1,200 shootings by the end of the year, compared with fewer than 400 shootings in 2019. Most of the homicide victims were killed by someone with a gun.
At this rate, 2022 is on track to be Portland's deadliest year on record. There have been more than 100 injury shootings and two-dozen homicides in the city so far this year. In many cases, there have been no arrests.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more details as they emerge.
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Judge tosses Girl Scouts’ recruitment suit vs. Boy Scouts
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday rejected Girl Scouts’ claims that the Boy Scouts created marketplace confusion and damaged their recruitment efforts by using words like “scouts” and “scouting” in their recruitment drives.
Manhattan Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein ruled that the Boy Scouts of America can describe their activities as “scouting” without referring to gender and that the matter does not need to be put to a jury.
Hellerstein said his written decision caps a “serious, contentious and expensive” litigation and necessitates dismissal of the lawsuit brought by the Girls Scouts of the United States of America.
The lawsuit was filed in late 2018, a year after the Boy Scouts announced that boy scouting and cub scouting would be open to girls, leading the organizations to compete for members after social trends and a rise in sports league participation drove down membership for decades. The pattern worsened when the pandemic hit.
“The Boy Scouts adopted the Scout Terms to describe accurately the co-ed nature of programming, not to confuse or exploit Girl Scouts’ reputation,” Hellerstein wrote. “Such branding is consistent with the scout-formative branding Boy Scouts has used for a century, including in its co-ed programs that have existed since the 1970s.”
The term “scout” is descriptive of both the Boy Scouts’ and Girl Scouts’ programming, the judge wrote.
“The Boy Scouts’ decision to become co-ed, even if it affects Girl Scouts’ operations, does not demonstrate bad faith,” the judge added.
Hellerstein’s decision comes while the Boy Scouts are in bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware that began in February 2020. The Irving, Texas-based organization sought bankruptcy protection after it was named in hundreds of lawsuits brought by individuals claiming they were molested by scout leaders as minors.
Messages seeking comment left with lawyers in the case were not immediately returned.
In his decision, Hellerstein wrote that he was siding with the Boy Scouts in part because the Girls Scouts cannot prove that a likelihood of confusion was caused by the Boy Scouts’ use of the term “scout.”
He said the Girl Scouts had cited instances of parents confusing the two organizations. But he added that the choice to join one organization or the other is made after several interactions with the organization, by children’s desires to join a group siblings or friends have joined, or other factors unrelated to trademarks and branding.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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Newborn safely surrendered in a Safe Haven Baby Box
CARMEL, Ind. (Gray News) – A baby was safely surrendered this week to a Safe Haven Baby Box in Indiana.
According to the Carmel Fire Department, the baby was taken to the hospital for evaluation and is healthy.
Safe Haven Baby Boxes are used to prevent the illegal abandonment of a newborn and offer a safe place for a mother-in-crisis to leave her infant.
The Safe Haven Baby Box at the Carmel Fire Department is set up in a way that provides complete anonymity to the person who is leaving the baby.
The person opens a door on the side of the department’s building that holds a bassinet, which triggers a silent alarm to alert firefighters that a baby has been placed inside. The exterior door automatically locks to protect the baby.
Authorities said firefighters were able to get to the surrendered newborn in less than a minute and provide it the care it needs before taking it to the hospital by ambulance.
“Our hope is that this baby boy will find a forever loving home the same way and find their forever family as well,” said Fire Chief David Haboush in a Facebook post for Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
According to the organization, 16 babies have been surrendered inside Safe Haven Baby Boxes since the first one was installed in 2016.
If you need help finding a Safe Haven location or to speak to a licensed counselor, call the National Safe Haven crisis hotline at 1-866-99BABY1.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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It has been nearly six weeks since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine. As of April 3, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has recorded 1,417 Ukrainians killed and 2,038 injured across the country. Gruesome images from Bucha and stories of deadly attacks in Mariupol have dominated news reports around the world.
On April 7, Ukraine appealed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for more weapons to help in its fight against Russia. NATO is an international organization of 30 member states.
Putin has historically been against NATO's involvement in Eastern Europe, specifically in former Soviet Union States. Ukraine became independent of the Soviet Union in 1991, and is not a member of NATO.
Since the invasion, NATO has said they will not send troops to Ukraine nor police any no-fly zone, because doing so could escalate that conflict with Russia. Individual member countries are supplying anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons, as well as equipment and medical supplies.
Despite the fact NATO has said they will not send troops, online users shared a rumor that NATO’s Allied Land Commander and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier Jr. was in Ukraine recently and was captured by Russian forces in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.
THE QUESTION
Was U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier Jr. captured in Ukraine by the Russian Army?
THE SOURCES
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- NATO Allied Land Command Facebook and Twitter accounts
- LinkedIn account profile for Lt. Gen. Roger Cloutier
- Google Maps
THE ANSWER
No, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Cloutier was not captured in Ukraine. A NATO spokesperson told VERIFY Cloutier has not been in Ukraine since July 2021.
WHAT WE FOUND
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier Jr., who also commands NATO's Allied Land Command, refuted claims he was captured in Ukraine in the comment section of a post on his LinkedIn page.
In response to one person asking if he could comment on reports that he and others were captured by the Russian military, Cloutier wrote: “These rumors are completely false.” VERIFY reached out to Cloutier on LinkedIn, but did not receive a response.
On April 5, Cloutier was hosting NATO’s Land Operations Working Group in Izmir, Turkey, NATO told VERIFY in an email. He was never captured and is “alive and well,” the email said. Cloutier assumed command of NATO’s Allied Land Command in August 2020. U.S. military officers can serve as NATO commanders.
Cloutier’s last visit to Ukraine was a visit to Kyiv in July 2021, NATO told VERIFY. That was prior to Russia’s invasion.
Photos of Cloutier speaking at the event in Izmir on April 5, 2022, can be seen on the official Facebook and Twitter accounts for NATO’s Allied Land Command.
VERIFY also confirmed the group photo posted to the Allied Land Command's social media account was taken from Comhuriyet Boulevard in Izmir by comparing the buildings in the background of the photo to images on Google Maps.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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NWS: Tornado with winds of 85 mph struck Palm Beach Gardens
The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-0 tornado hit Palm Beach Gardens on Wednesday afternoon, packing winds of 85 mph.
Crews were busy Thursday morning cleaning up debris left from the storm that blew through the area around 5:30 p.m.
City officials said the Burns Road Community Center sustained some damage including some fencing after the storm blew through the area Wednesday.
Larry Kelly, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami, said during an afternoon news conference that they found intensive damage at the community center and near Palm Beach Gardens Community High School and Holly Drive.
"We also did see some damage down at the church at the [Catholic] diocese south on Military Trail as well," Kelly said.
He said most of the damage was from downed trees, but there were some metal light posts that were blown down, including a newly installed awning that was lifted and tossed into the trees.
About 100 children and their families were evacuated from the pool area at the community center when the storm hit the area.
The pool at the recreation center will be closed indefinitely until the damage is assessed.
No injuries were reported.
Scripps Only Content 2022
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UN assembly suspends Russia from top human rights body
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from the world organization’s leading human rights body over allegations of horrific rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine, which the United States and Ukraine have called tantamount to war crimes.
The vote was 93-24 with 58 abstentions, significantly lower than the vote on two resolutions the assembly adopted last month demanding an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, withdrawal of all Russian troops and protection for civilians. Both of those resolutions were approved by at least 140 nations.
Russia is the second country to have its membership rights stripped at the Human Rights Council which was established in 2006. In 2011, the assembly suspended Libya when upheaval in the North African country brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield launched the campaign to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council in the wake of videos and photos of streets in the town of Bucha strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians after Russian soldiers retreated. The deaths have sparked global revulsion and calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, which has vehemently denied its troops were responsible.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
Ukraine’s U.N. ambassador urged members of the United Nations on Thursday to suspend Russia from the world organization’s leading human rights body, saying it has committed “horrific human rights violations and abuses that would be equated to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Sergiy Kyslytsya introduced the U.S.-initiated resolution before the 193 members of the General Assembly vote.
WARNING: Videos in this story may contain graphic content.
“Russia’s actions are beyond the pale,” he said. “Russia is not only committing human rights violations, it is shaking the underpinnings of international peace and security.”
Russia’s deputy ambassador Gennady Kuzmin urged members to vote “no.”
“What we’re seeing today is an attempt by the United States to maintain its dominant position and total control,” he said. “We reject the untruthful allegations against us, based on staged events and widely circulated fakes.”
Approval would require a two-thirds majority of the assembly members that vote “yes” or “no,” with abstentions not counting in the calculation.
Kyslytsya responded to Russia’s complaints about the proceeding saying: “We have heard, many times, the same perverted logic of the aggressor trying to present itself as the victim.”
And his message to those who would abstain: He quoted the late Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel: “Indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor -- never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten.”
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the call for Russia to be stripped of its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council in the wake of videos and photos of streets in the town of Bucha strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians. The deaths have sparked global revulsion and calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, which has vehemently denied its troops were responsible.
“We believe that the members of the Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine, and we believe that Russia needs to be held accountable,” Thomas-Greenfield said Monday. “Russia’s participation on the Human Rights Council is a farce.”
General Assembly spokeswoman Paulina Kubiak said the assembly’s emergency special session on Ukraine would resume Thursday morning, when the resolution “to suspend the rights of membership in the Human Rights Council of the Russian Federation” will be put to a vote.
While the Human Rights Council is based in Geneva, its members are elected by the 193-nation General Assembly for three-year terms. The March 2006 resolution that established the rights council says the assembly may suspend membership rights of a country “that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights.”
The brief resolution to be voted on expresses “grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, particularly at the reports of violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian Federation, including gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights.”
The General Assembly voted 140-5 with 38 abstentions on March 24 on a resolution blaming Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urging an immediate cease-fire and protection for millions of civilians and the homes, schools and hospitals critical to their survival.
The vote was almost exactly the same as for a March 2 resolution that the assembly adopted demanding an immediate Russian cease-fire, withdrawal of all its forces and protection for all civilians. That vote was 141-5 with 35 abstentions.
Thomas-Greenfield urged the 140 members who voted in favor of those two resolutions to support Russia’s suspension from the Human Rights Council.
Her issue is simple, she said: “The images out of Bucha and devastation across Ukraine require us now to match our words with action.”
“We cannot let a member state that is subverting every principle we hold dear to continue to sit on the U.N. Human Rights Council,” she said.
Supporters of the resolution were optimistic about its approval, though not necessarily with the support of 140 countries.
Russia called on an unspecified number of countries to vote “no,” saying an abstention or not voting would be considered an unfriendly act and would affect bilateral relations.
In its so-called “non-paper” obtained by The Associated Press, Russia said the attempt to expel it from the Human Rights Council is political and being supported by countries that want to preserve their dominant position and control over the world.
Those nations want to continue “the politics of neo-colonialism of human rights” in international relations, it said, saying that Russia’s priority is to promote and defend human rights, including multilaterally in the Human Rights Council.
Russia’s ambassador in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov, called the U.S. action “unfounded and purely emotional bravado that looks good on camera -- just how the U.S. likes it.”
“Washington exploits the Ukrainian crisis for its own benefit in an attempt either to exclude or suspend Russia from international organizations,” Gatilov said, in comments relayed by a Russian diplomatic mission spokesman.
Russia and the other four veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council — Britain, China, France, and the United States — all currently have seats on the Human Rights Council, which the U.S. rejoined this year.
The only country to have its membership rights stripped at the council was Libya in 2011, when upheaval in the North African country brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi, said council spokesman Rolando Gomez.
No permanent member of the Security Council has ever had its membership revoked from any U.N. body.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T16:55:12
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UNITED NATIONS -- The U.N. General Assembly voted Thursday to suspend Russia from the world organization's leading human rights body over allegations of horrific rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine, which the United States and Ukraine have called tantamount to war crimes.
The vote was 93-24 with 58 abstentions, significantly lower than the vote on two resolutions the assembly adopted last month demanding an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, withdrawal of all Russian troops and protection for civilians. Both of those resolutions were approved by at least 140 nations.
Russia is the second country to have its membership rights stripped at the Human Rights Council which was established in 2006. In 2011, the assembly suspended Libya when upheaval in the North African country brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield launched the campaign to suspend Russia from its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council in the wake of videos and photos of streets in the town of Bucha strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians after Russian soldiers retreated. The deaths have sparked global revulsion and calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, which has vehemently denied its troops were responsible.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP's earlier story follows below.
Ukraine's U.N. ambassador urged members of the United Nations on Thursday to suspend Russia from the world organization's leading human rights body, saying it has committed "horrific human rights violations and abuses that would be equated to war crimes and crimes against humanity."
Sergiy Kyslytsya introduced the U.S.-initiated resolution before the 193 members of the General Assembly vote.
"Russia's actions are beyond the pale," he said. "Russia is not only committing human rights violations, it is shaking the underpinnings of international peace and security."
Russia's deputy ambassador Gennady Kuzmin urged members to vote "no."
"What we're seeing today is an attempt by the United States to maintain its dominant position and total control," he said. "We reject the untruthful allegations against us, based on staged events and widely circulated fakes."
Approval would require a two-thirds majority of the assembly members that vote "yes" or "no," with abstentions not counting in the calculation.
Kyslytsya responsed to Russia's complaints about the proceeding saying: "We have heard, many times, the same perverted logic of the aggressor trying to present itself as the victim."
And his message to those who would abstain: He quoted the late Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel: "Indifference is always the friend of the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor -- never his victim, whose pain is magnified when he or she feels forgotten."
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the call for Russia to be stripped of its seat on the 47-member Human Rights Council in the wake of videos and photos of streets in the town of Bucha strewn with corpses of what appeared to be civilians. The deaths have sparked global revulsion and calls for tougher sanctions on Russia, which has vehemently denied its troops were responsible.
"We believe that the members of the Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine, and we believe that Russia needs to be held accountable," Thomas-Greenfield said Monday. "Russia's participation on the Human Rights Council is a farce."
General Assembly spokeswoman Paulina Kubiak said the assembly's emergency special session on Ukraine would resume Thursday morning, when the resolution "to suspend the rights of membership in the Human Rights Council of the Russian Federation" will be put to a vote.
While the Human Rights Council is based in Geneva, its members are elected by the 193-nation General Assembly for three-year terms. The March 2006 resolution that established the rights council says the assembly may suspend membership rights of a country "that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights."
The brief resolution to be voted on expresses "grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, particularly at the reports of violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law by the Russian Federation, including gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights."
The General Assembly voted 140-5 with 38 abstentions on March 24 on a resolution blaming Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urging an immediate cease-fire and protection for millions of civilians and the homes, schools and hospitals critical to their survival.
The vote was almost exactly the same as for a March 2 resolution that the assembly adopted demanding an immediate Russian cease-fire, withdrawal of all its forces and protection for all civilians. That vote was 141-5 with 35 abstentions.
Thomas-Greenfield urged the 140 members who voted in favor of those two resolutions to support Russia's suspension from the Human Rights Council.
She issue is simple, she said: "The images out of Bucha and devastation across Ukraine require us now to match our words with action."
"We cannot let a member state that is subverting every principle we hold dear to continue to sit on the U.N. Human Rights Council," she said.
Supporters of the resolution were optimistic about its approval, though not necessarily with the support of 140 countries.
Russia called on an unspecified number of countries to vote "no," saying an abstention or not voting would be considered an unfriendly act and would affect bilateral relations.
In its so-called "non-paper" obtained by The Associated Press, Russia said the attempt to expel it from the Human Rights Council is political and being supported by countries that want to preserve their dominant position and control over the world.
Those nations want to continue "the politics of neo-colonialism of human rights" in international relations, it said, saying that Russia's priority is to promote and defend human rights, including multilaterally in the Human Rights Council.
Russia's ambassador in Geneva, Gennady Gatilov, called the U.S. action "unfounded and purely emotional bravado that looks good on camera -- just how the U.S. likes it."
"Washington exploits the Ukrainian crisis for its own benefit in an attempt either to exclude or suspend Russia from international organizations," Gatilov said, in comments relayed by a Russian diplomatic mission spokesman.
Russia and the other four veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council - Britain, China, France, and the United States - all currently have seats on the Human Rights Council, which the U.S. rejoined this year.
The only country to have its membership rights stripped at the council was Libya in 2011, when upheaval in the North African country brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi, said council spokesman Rolando Gomez.
No permanent member of the Security Council has ever had its membership revoked from any U.N. body.
UN assembly suspends Russia from top human rights body
Russia is the second country to have its membership rights stripped at the Human Rights Council which was established in 2006.
UNITED NATIONS
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| 2022-04-07T17:03:19
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INDIANAPOLIS — Registered Dietician Annessa Chumbley recommends using monkfruit or stevia as a substitute in baked goods like her cinnamon swirl or lemon raspberry coffee cakes.
Both are natural, bake like sugar and taste like sugar without the calories.
Chumbley also introduces us to a brand of milk and cream products that are easier to digest and can eliminate some of the discomfort from dairy products.
Let’s get social: follow your friends at Indy Now
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for behind-the-scenes fun, the latest on what’s happening in central Indiana, information about the local businesses featured on the show, and much more.
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| 2022-04-07T17:10:35
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INDIANAPOLIS — Singer-songwriter Tommy Icarus joined Indy Now on Thursday to perform live and discuss his upcoming album!
Click here for more.
INDIANAPOLIS — Singer-songwriter Tommy Icarus joined Indy Now on Thursday to perform live and discuss his upcoming album!
Click here for more.
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| 2022-04-07T17:10:41
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CUMBERLAND, Ind. — Vandals smashed and burned a Cumberland park, doing an estimated $20,000 in damages. Now the teens believed to be involved are being questioned by police.
“We are hearing at least they are showing some remorse. It’s looking like they want to do something to remedy that,” said Sgt. Mark Waggoner, a detective with the Cumberland Police Department (CPD).
The damages happened last weekend at Lions Park. City officials said the destruction lasted several hours from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Police said at least one teen poured gasoline down a slide, and lit it on fire. The park’s tennis court and net were also burned. A $20,000 mural was spray painted with obscenities. A $4,500 drinking fountain was smashed down to its base.
“I have been here 15 years, and this is the single worst night of vandalism we have ever seen here in town,” said Cumberland Town Manager Benjamin Lipps.
“I hate that someone would decide to take advantage of this nice location,” said Darla Gibson who lives near the park. “I come out to walk here early in the morning. There are people out here as early as 7:30 a.m. taking walks. We have noticed that when there is more traffic going through, there is less riff raff that is going on.”
Thanks to tips and surveillance video from the public, police were able to identify all four teens involved. They have questioned three of the four teens. So far, police said the children are cooperating with investigators.
“Seems like they were regretful. I don’t think they really understood exactly what they were doing and thought it was going to be fun prank and got carried away,” continued Sgt. Waggoner. “I think it was just a poor immature decision by some young kids who haven’t had the full brain development.”
The city was in the process of beefing up security at the park. This includes improved lighting and cameras. Workers had just finished Phase One of the upgrades before the teens smashed an electrical panel. Now Phase Two will face setbacks.
Cumberland police are talking with the Hancock County prosecutors office regarding potential charges. CPD believes the teens could face charges of criminal mischief and possibly arson.
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| 2022-04-07T17:10:47
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) – The FBI Pittsburgh field office is warning parents and caregivers to be on their guard amid a rise in sextortion scheme incidents targeting teenage boys.
The FBI said they have received an increased number of reports claiming adults are posing as “age appropriate females” and coercing young boys through social media to share sexual images and videos and then extorting money from them.
According to the FBI, sextortion usually begins with an adult contacting a minor over “any online platform,” such as games, apps, or social media, to meet and chat.
In this particular wave of scams, federal investigators have found the predator poses as a young girl, deceives and manipulates the victim, usually a young male between the ages of 14 and 17 years old, to engage in “explicit activity” via video. The scammer then secretly records that video and threatens to post it online unless the victim pays them a certain amount.
The FBI said the crime of an adult coercing a child to produce child sexual abuse material also carries heavy penalties, which can include up to a life sentence for the offender.
“These are not the traditional child predators that are just looking for more explicit images. They’re looking for money,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall. “We want parents and caregivers to talk with their kids about schemes like this. Education is key to stopping these individuals and sparing our children the shame, fear and confusion they feel when they’re caught in this cycle. We want kids to know that if someone they’ve met on social media starts asking for videos and photos and eventually money, that person should be reported.”
Children who are victimized by predators often feel embarrassed, which prevents them from coming forward. However, agents said being willing to come forward and report the incident can help law enforcement identify predators and prevent the offender from committing more sexual exploitation crimes against the victim and others potential victims.
The FBI shared these tips that parents can use to help protect their children, as well as themselves, online:
- Be selective about what you share online, especially personal information and passwords. A predator could learn a lot of information about you or your children if your social media accounts are open to everyone.
- Be wary of anyone you encounter for the first time online. Block or ignore messages sent from strangers.
- Know that videos and photos are NOT proof that a person is who they claim to be. People can pretend to be anyone or anything online.
- If you meet someone on a game or app and they ask you to start talking to them on a different platform, be suspicious.
- Encourage your children to report any suspicious behavior to a trusted adult.
If you think you or someone you know is a victim of sextortion, the FBI recommends following these steps:
- Contact your local FBI field office, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at at www.ic3.gov. or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-the-lost or Cybertipline.org. To find the contact information for your local FBI Field office, visit www.fbi.gov.
- Do not delete anything before law enforcement is able to view it.
- Tell law enforcement everything about the encounters you had online; they say it may be embarrassing, but the information is necessary to find the offender.
The FBI said its Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 18,000 sextortion-related complaints in 2021, in which victims lost more than a combined $13.6 million.
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| 2022-04-07T17:10:53
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors on Wednesday charged two men they say were posing as federal agents, giving free apartments and other gifts to U.S. Secret Service agents, including one who worked on the first lady’s security detail.
The two men — Arian Taherzadeh, 40, and Haider Ali, 36 — were taken into custody as more than a dozen FBI agents charged into a luxury apartment building in Southeast Washington on Wednesday evening.
Prosecutors allege Taherzadeh and Ali had falsely claimed to work for the Department of Homeland Security and work on a special task force investigating gangs and violence connected to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. They allege the two posed as law enforcement officers to integrate with actual federal agents.
Taherzadeh is accused of providing Secret Service officers and agents with rent-free apartments — including a penthouse worth over $40,000 a year — along with iPhones, surveillance systems, a drone, flat screen television, a generator, gun case and other policing tools, according to court documents.
He also offered to let them use a black GMC SUV that he identified as an “official government vehicle,” prosecutors say. In one instance, Taherzadeh offered to purchase a $2,000 assault rifle for a Secret Service agent who is assigned to protect the first lady.
Prosecutors said four Secret Service employees were placed on leave earlier this week as part of the investigation.
The plot unraveled when the U.S. Postal Inspection Service began investigating an assault involving a mail carrier at the apartment building and the men identified themselves as being part of a phony Homeland Security unit they called the U.S. Special Police Investigation Unit.
Prosecutors say the men had also set up surveillance in the building and had been telling residents there that they could access any of their cellphones at any time. The residents also told investigators they believed the men had access to their personal information.
Taherzadeh and Ali are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. It was not immediately clear if they had lawyers who could comment on the allegations.
Authorities did not detail what, if anything, the men were aiming to accomplish by posing as law enforcement officers or by providing the gifts. Prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing.
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| 2022-04-07T17:11:00
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WASHINGTON (AP) — Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week as layoffs remain at historically low levels.
Jobless claims fell by 5,000 to 166,000 for the week ending April 2, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The previous week’s number was revised down a whopping 31,000 claims. In recent weeks, claims have hovered at more than 50-year lows. First-time applications for jobless aid generally represent the pace of layoffs.
The four-week average for claims, which compensates for weekly volatility, fell by 8,000 to 170,000 from the previous week’s 178,000, which was revised down by 30,500.
In total, 1,523,000 Americans were collecting jobless aid for the week ending March 26, an increase of 17,000 from the previous week, which was the lowest in more than 50 years.
Last week, the Labor Department reported that U.S. employers extended a streak of robust hiring, adding 431,000 jobs in March and pushing the unemployment rate down to 3.8%. Despite the inflation surge, persistent supply bottlenecks, damage from COVID-19 and now a war in Europe, employers have added at least 400,000 jobs for 11 straight months.
Job openings hovered at a near-record level in February, little changed from the previous month, continuing a trend that Federal Reserve officials see as a driver of inflation. There were 11.3 million available jobs last month, matching January’s figure and just below December’s record of 11.4 million, the Labor Department reported last week.
The number of Americans quitting their jobs was also historically high, at 4.4 million, up from 4.3 million in January. More than 4.5 million people quit in November, the most on records dating back two decades.
The Fed launched a high-risk effort last month to tame the worst inflation since the early 1980s, raising its benchmark short-term interest rate and signaling up to six additional rate hikes this year. The minutes from that mid-March meeting, released Wednesday, revealed aggressive Fed officials saying that half-point interest rate hikes, rather than traditional quarter-point increases, “could be appropriate” multiple times this year.
Last week, an inflation gauge closely monitored by the central bank jumped 6.4% in February compared with a year ago, with sharply higher prices for food, gasoline and other necessities squeezing Americans’ finances. Other measures have shown prices rising close to 8% in the past year.
Fed policymakers have projected that inflation will remain elevated at 4.3% through 2022.
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| 2022-04-07T17:11:06
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Walmart said truck drivers can make more than $100,000 in their first year in an effort to entice new employees and keep its supply chain running smoothly.
The company announced Thursday that drivers can make up to $110,000 in their first year. Drivers who’ve been with the company longer can earn even more based on tenure and location.
According to the Wall Street Journal, new Walmart drivers will make between $95,000 and $110,000 annually. That’s up from the company’s typical average starting salary of $87,000 for drivers.
Walmart also established a 12-week training program in which workers can earn a commercial driver’s license and join its fleet. The “Private Fleet Development Program” is initially open to supply chain associates in Sanger, Texas, and Dover, Delaware. There are plans to open the program to other employees in the future.
CNBC reported Walmart would cover the cost of earning a CDL, which typically runs between $4,000 and $5,000. Walmart hopes to train between 400 and 800 new drivers in 2022.
The demand for drivers has risen as more of the company’s sales have shifted online, straining the supply chain as services like home delivery and curbside pickup become more popular and convenient.
Truck drivers have also been in short supply. The American Trucking Association said the national truck driver shortage reached an all-time high of 80,000 in 2021. Pandemic challenges and early retirements were among the factors driving the shortage.
Drivers interested in applying can learn more information here.
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| 2022-04-07T17:11:12
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(The Hill) — Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine, her office announced Thursday morning.
Pelosi’s deputy chief of staff Drew Hammill announced Pelosi’s diagnosis in a statement, saying the Speaker is showing no symptoms associated with the virus.
“After testing negative this week, Speaker Pelosi received a positive test result for COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic. The Speaker is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided,” Hammill also wrote in a tweet.
“The Speaker will quarantine consistent with CDC guidance, and encourages everyone to get vaccinated, boosted and test regularly,” he said.
Pelosi was at the White House on Wednesday alongside President Joe Biden for the signing of a Postal Service reform bill, an event that also put her in close proximity to other party leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.).
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The announcement of her diagnosis came moments before she was scheduled to stage her weekly press conference in the Capitol, sending the gathered reporters scrambling to deliver the news. The press conference was quickly canceled.
The diagnosis also arrives as the House is preparing to leave Washington for a long 18-day recess around the Easter holiday. A number of lawmakers have scheduled overseas trips during the break, including Pelosi, who had reportedly planned to visit Taiwan on Sunday — a trip prompting threats of retaliation from Beijing.
Pelosi’s office has declined to confirm that trip, but Hammill on Thursday said a “planned Congressional delegation to Asia” has been postponed to an unspecified date.
Pelosi’s positive test comes as Democrats, after more than two years promoting strict COVID-19 public health precautions, are shifting away from those measures as the cases of the omicron variant recede around the country. From the White House, Biden is planning to remove controversial emergency restrictions on immigration, put in place by his predecessor, while Pelosi has recently relaxed mask mandates around the Capitol complex.
“We are moving past this pandemic,” Rep. Pete Aguilar (Calif.), vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, told reporters earlier this week.
Still, there are clear signs that the pandemic is far from over. A number of prominent policymakers, including several of Biden’s Cabinet secretaries, tested positive for COVID-19 following their attendance at Washington’s annual Gridiron Dinner over the weekend, which Pelosi did not attend.
And Democratic leaders are pressing hard for billions of dollars more in pandemic relief to boost testing, vaccinations and other precautionary measures — a bill that stalled in the Senate on Wednesday over Republican opposition to eliminating the migrant restrictions at the Southern border.
“This pandemic is not over,” Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters Tuesday. “We’re still having people die, we’re still having people get sick. … And we can’t take our eye off the ball in making sure that we continue to help.”
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| 2022-04-07T17:11:18
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WASHINGTON (AP) — More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. health officials are beginning to grapple with how to keep the vaccines updated to best protect Americans from the ever-changing coronavirus.
On Wednesday, a panel of vaccine advisers to the Food and Drug Administration spent hours debating key questions for revamping the shots and conducting future booster campaigns. They didn’t reach any firm conclusions.
The questions facing the experts included: How often to update the vaccines against new strains, how effective they should be to warrant approval and whether updates should be coordinated with global health authorities.
Last week, the FDA authorized a fourth dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines for anyone 50 or older and for some younger people with severely weakened immune systems. It’s an effort to get ahead of another possible surge.
But the FDA’s vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks acknowledged at the meeting “we simply can’t be boosting people as frequently as we are.” He called the latest booster update a “stopgap” measure to protect vulnerable Americans while regulators decide whether and how to tweak the current vaccines.
Marks cautioned that waning vaccine protection, new variants and colder weather in the fall could raise the risk of more surges.
“Our goal here is to stay ahead of future variants and outbreaks and ensure we do our best to reduce the toll of disease and death due to COVID-19,” said Marks, adding that he expects more meetings of the vaccine panel in coming months.
Some of the key questions the panel discussed:
HOW SHOULD THE U.S. DECIDE WHEN TO LAUNCH FUTURE ROUNDS OF BOOSTER SHOTS?
One area where experts appeared to agree is that vaccines should be judged on their ability to prevent severe disease that leads to hospitalization and death.
“We need to focus on the worst case, which is severe disease, and we need to change strains when we’re losing that battle,” said Dr. Mark Sawyer of the University of California, San Diego.
By that measure, the current vaccines have held up remarkably well.
During the last omicron-driven surge, two vaccine doses were nearly 80% effective against needing a breathing machine or death — and a booster pushed that protection to 94%, federal scientists recently reported.
But only about half of Americans eligible for a third shot have gotten one. And many experts said it was unsustainable to continue asking Americans to get boosted every few months.
A panelist from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that the 80% protection from severe disease could become the standard for evaluating the vaccines.
“I think we may have to accept that level of protection and then use other alternative ways to protect individuals with therapeutics and other measures,” said Dr. Amanda Cohn, CDC’s chief medical officer.
Presentations at the meeting by government health officials and independent researchers underscored the challenges of predicting when the next major COVID-19 variant might appear.
Trevor Bedford, a disease modeler with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, said a major new strain like omicron could emerge anywhere from every 1.5 years to once a decade, based on currently available data. Given that unpredictability, researchers will need methods to quickly determine whether current vaccines work against emerging variants.
WHAT’S THE PROCESS FOR UPDATING VACCINES TO ADDRESS NEW VARIANTS?
All three COVID-19 vaccines now used in the U.S. are based on the original coronavirus version that emerged in late 2019. Updating the vaccines will be a complex task, likely requiring coordination between the FDA, manufacturers and global health authorities.
To speed the vaccines to market, the FDA relied on research shortcuts to judge effectiveness, mainly looking at their early impact on the immune system’s antibody levels. A number of panelists said Wednesday they wanted more rigorous data from studies that track patients over time to see who gets sick or dies.
But that approach would likely be too time-consuming.
“We’re looking at a conundrum here in that it’s going to be hard to generate all the data we want in short order when a new variant emerges,” said Dr. Ofer Levy of Harvard Medical School.
A representative for the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority laid out the narrow window that manufacturers could face to reformulate, study and mass produce an updated vaccine by September.
“If you’re not on your way to a clinical trial by the beginning of May, I think it’s going to be very difficult to have enough product across manufacturers to meet demand,” said Robert Johnson, deputy assistant secretary of BARDA.
The process for updating annual flu vaccines offers one possible model, as laid out by a representative from the World Health Organization.
Twice a year, WHO experts recommend updates to flu vaccines to target emerging strains. The FDA then brings those recommendations to its own vaccine panel, which votes on whether they make sense for the U.S., setting the stage for manufacturers to tweak their shots and begin mass production.
But COVID-19 hasn’t yet fallen into a predictable pattern like the flu. And as the coronavirus evolves, different strains may become dominant in different regions of the world.
Several experts said they would need more meetings with more data and proposals from the FDA to decide on a strategy.
“We’ve never been here before. We’re all working together to do the best we can and it’s very complex,” said Oveta Fuller of the University of Michigan’s Medical School.
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| 2022-04-07T17:21:00
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(The Hill) — Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has tested positive for COVID-19 and is in quarantine, her office announced Thursday morning.
Pelosi’s deputy chief of staff Drew Hammill announced Pelosi’s diagnosis in a statement, saying the Speaker is showing no symptoms associated with the virus.
“After testing negative this week, Speaker Pelosi received a positive test result for COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic. The Speaker is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided,” Hammill also wrote in a tweet.
“The Speaker will quarantine consistent with CDC guidance, and encourages everyone to get vaccinated, boosted and test regularly,” he said.
Pelosi was at the White House on Wednesday alongside President Joe Biden for the signing of a Postal Service reform bill, an event that also put her in close proximity to other party leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.).
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The announcement of her diagnosis came moments before she was scheduled to stage her weekly press conference in the Capitol, sending the gathered reporters scrambling to deliver the news. The press conference was quickly canceled.
The diagnosis also arrives as the House is preparing to leave Washington for a long 18-day recess around the Easter holiday. A number of lawmakers have scheduled overseas trips during the break, including Pelosi, who had reportedly planned to visit Taiwan on Sunday — a trip prompting threats of retaliation from Beijing.
Pelosi’s office has declined to confirm that trip, but Hammill on Thursday said a “planned Congressional delegation to Asia” has been postponed to an unspecified date.
Pelosi’s positive test comes as Democrats, after more than two years promoting strict COVID-19 public health precautions, are shifting away from those measures as the cases of the omicron variant recede around the country. From the White House, Biden is planning to remove controversial emergency restrictions on immigration, put in place by his predecessor, while Pelosi has recently relaxed mask mandates around the Capitol complex.
“We are moving past this pandemic,” Rep. Pete Aguilar (Calif.), vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, told reporters earlier this week.
Still, there are clear signs that the pandemic is far from over. A number of prominent policymakers, including several of Biden’s Cabinet secretaries, tested positive for COVID-19 following their attendance at Washington’s annual Gridiron Dinner over the weekend, which Pelosi did not attend.
And Democratic leaders are pressing hard for billions of dollars more in pandemic relief to boost testing, vaccinations and other precautionary measures — a bill that stalled in the Senate on Wednesday over Republican opposition to eliminating the migrant restrictions at the Southern border.
“This pandemic is not over,” Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters Tuesday. “We’re still having people die, we’re still having people get sick. … And we can’t take our eye off the ball in making sure that we continue to help.”
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https://www.wane.com/community/health/coronavirus/pelosi-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
| 2022-04-07T17:21:02
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BUSHWICK, Brooklyn (WPIX) — A hooded arsonist poured gasoline on the floor of a New York City bar on Sunday and set it ablaze.
The owner of Rash Bar, an LGBTQ bar in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, said the suspect started the fire shortly before 9:30 p.m., sending patrons fleeing the establishment.
“All the people in the bar suddenly rushed out screaming. I looked behind me … and there were enormous flames up to the ceiling,” owner Claire Bendiner told Nexstar’s WPIX. “I was in disbelief.”
Footage released Wednesday by the New York City Police Department shows the suspect dumping fuel inside the bar while another person stands in the background, seemingly unaware. The suspect ignites the fuel with a lighter, sparking a violent blaze.
Police said two patrons, a 23-year-old woman and a 25-year-old woman, were injured in the fire. They sustained minor burns and were taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition.
The suspect is described as a man between the ages of 20 and 30. Police say he stands about 5-foot-9 inches, and weighs about 180 pounds. It is unclear if police are investigating the attack as a hate crime.
“We’re not really sure what the motive was,” Bendiner said. “It is a queer bar, so maybe that had something to do with it or maybe it was a disgruntled customer. I’m not really sure.”
The fire caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, but the owners vowed to rebuild and reopen the bar.
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https://www.wane.com/dont-miss/flames-up-to-the-ceiling-arsonist-sets-fire-to-lgbtq-bar-in-nyc-after-dumping-gas-on-floor-video-shows/
| 2022-04-07T17:21:04
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https://www.wane.com/dont-miss/flames-up-to-the-ceiling-arsonist-sets-fire-to-lgbtq-bar-in-nyc-after-dumping-gas-on-floor-video-shows/
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(The Hill) – Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on Wednesday tweeted that she had reported late-night television host Jimmy Kimmel to Capitol Police after a joke he made about her in a monologue.
Greene tweeted a clip of Kimmel making the joke, which ended with the comedian asking “Wow, where is Will Smith when you really need him?,” stating, “This threat of violence against me by @jimmykimmel has been filed with the @CapitolPolice.”
Kimmel made the joke during a monologue this week on his ABC show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” criticizing Greene for a tweet in which she called three GOP senators “pro-pedophile.”
“Marjorie Taylor Greene, this Klan mom, is especially upset with the three Republican senators who said they’ll vote ‘yes’ on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who’s nominated for the Supreme Court. She tweeted, ‘Murkowski, Collins, and Romney are pro-pedophile. They just voted for KBJ,” Kimmel said on his program, quoting Greene’s Monday tweet.
“Wow, where is Will Smith when you really need him?” Kimmel added, in reference to the incident at the Oscars where actor Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock after a joke made about Smith’s wife.
Kimmel fired back at Greene after her tweet saying she reported him to Capitol Police.
“Officer? I would like to report a joke,” Kimmel tweeted.
Jackson faced intense questioning from Republican senators over her record on sentencing child pornography offenders during her Senate confirmation hearings in late March.
During the confirmation hearing, Sen. John Hawley (R-Mo.) focused on the case United States v. Hawkins, where Jackson gave the defendant a three-month prison sentence, below the government’s recommendation of two years in prison and far below the federal advisory guideline of a minimum of eight years of incarceration.
Capitol Police told The Hill that they cannot comment on any potential investigations.
The Hill has reached out to Kimmel and Greene for comment.
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https://www.wane.com/entertainment-news/marjorie-taylor-greene-says-she-reported-jimmy-kimmel-to-capitol-police-after-will-smith-joke/
| 2022-04-07T17:21:05
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https://www.wane.com/entertainment-news/marjorie-taylor-greene-says-she-reported-jimmy-kimmel-to-capitol-police-after-will-smith-joke/
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(NEXSTAR) – The United States Postal Service announced its intention to raise the price of postage this summer.
In a bulletin published Wednesday, the USPS said it filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission, seeking approval to raise the price of stamps starting July 10.
The price of a Forever stamp would rise to 60 cents.
If approved by the regulatory commission, the following increases would kick in:
The USPS recently raised prices in August, according to CBS News, when the cost of a Forever stamp went from 55 cents to 58 cents.
A Forever stamp, like its name suggests, can be used to mail a letter regardless of when it was purchased. That means if you bought a book of Forever stamps 10 years ago, when the price was 45 cents each, you can still use them to mail letters now, even though prices have climbed.
Even though they come soon after a recent price hike, the Postal Service said the latest proposal doesn’t even keep up with rising inflation. The proposed price hikes represent a 6.5% jump, but the annual inflation rate was 7.9% at the end of February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“With the new prices, the Postal Service will continue to provide the lowest letter-mail postage rates in the industrialized world and offer a great value in shipping,” the USPS statement reads.
President Joe Biden signed legislation Wednesday to save the post office’s six-days-a-week delivery service. The legislation cleared Congress last month after years of discussion and comes amid widespread complaints about mail service slowdowns.
Officials had repeatedly warned that without congressional action, the Postal Service would run out of cash by 2024. The final bill achieved rare, bipartisan support by scrapping some of the more controversial proposals to settle on core ways to save the service.
Delivering the mail is among the most popular things the government does, with 91% of Americans having a favorable opinion of the Postal Service, according to a Pew Research Center poll released in 2020.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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https://www.wane.com/news/usps-plans-to-raise-the-price-of-stamps-again/
| 2022-04-07T17:21:11
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A STYLISH variation on the police beat as travelogue and expose, the 10-part series “Tokyo Vice” debuts on HBO Max. An adaptation of a 2009 memoir by journalist Jake Adelstein (Ansel Elgort), “Vice” recalls his life as an expat and teacher living in Japan who becomes the first non-Japanese reporter for one of the nation’s biggest newspapers.
This job allows viewers to explore the peculiarities of Japanese society through an outsider’s eyes. Adelstein’s status as a freshman correspondent sees him assigned to the most pedestrian crime-beat stories, but even these prove illuminating.
There’s an old Japanese expression, “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” There’s a lot of hammering in the early going, as Adelstein runs up against the extraordinarily conservative and patriarchal attitudes of his superiors and colleagues. An early assignment takes him to a dead body that suffered multiple stab wounds. When his account describes the man as “murdered,” he’s called on the carpet by an enraged editor who tells him that without a witness, there can be no “proof” that the man was murdered. Adelstein’s snide suggestion that the man did not run into a knife multiple times is met with another volcanic explosion.
Adelstein soon learns that such traditions are intended to maintain the fiction that there are no murders in Japan. This in turn leads him to explore the shadowy world of Japan’s criminal underworld, a realm of highly ritualized groups of tattooed killers who thrive amid corruption, collaboration and indifference.
Adelstein quickly runs into Japan’s intense insularity, xenophobia and socially accepted racism. His Jewish heritage puts him under particular suspicion and fear that he is a spy for Israel or other interests. He’s quickly nicknamed “Mossad.”
Michael Mann (“Miami Vice,” “Manhunter,” “The Insider”) directs the pilot episode, which is long on fly-on-the-wall atmospherics but short on character development. It offers a fascinating view of Tokyo’s vice district — a place where strippers perform in front of wildly animated screens. But we have no idea of what makes Adelstein tick, why he immersed himself in Japanese language and culture and who or what he may be trying to escape.
But over the course of 10 hour-long episodes, Adelstein and his fresh set of gaijin (foreign) eyes expose a number of crimes that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.
If Elgort looks familiar, it’s because he played Tony in the 2021 adaption of “West Side Story.” He was also the dying teen in the 2014 melodrama “The Fault in Our Stars.” Look for Ken Watanabe (“Letters from Iwo Jima”) as Adelstein’s guide and sidekick.
Other highlights
• Time to make the doughnuts on “MasterChef: Junior Edition” (8 p.m., Fox, TV-PG).
• Coping with trauma on “Station 19” (8 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
• The residency program comes under scrutiny on “Grey’s Anatomy” (9 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
• “How We Roll” (9:30 p.m., CBS, TV-PG) is the kind of sitcom that made people stop watching sitcoms.
• Jenny’s violent impulse on “Big Sky” (10 p.m., ABC, TV-14).
Cult choice
Peter Cushing stars in the 1965 widescreen Technicolor adaptation of a black-and-white cult TV series, “Dr. Who and the Daleks” (10:15 p.m., TCM, TV-G).
Series notes
On two episodes of “Young Sheldon” (CBS, r, TV-PG): Meemaw rolls the dice (8 p.m.); a problem defies solution (9 p.m.) ... Murder on the campaign trail on “Law & Order” (8 p.m., NBC, TV-14) ... A very bad day on “Walker” (8 p.m., CW, TV-PG) ... An uninvited wedding guest on “Ghosts” (8:30 p.m., CBS, r, TV-14).
A trafficker targets girls from Velasco’s hometown on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9 p.m., NBC, TV-14) ... Green-eyed monsters on “Call Me Kat” (9 p.m., Fox, TV-14) ... A crucial test on “Legacies” (9 p.m., CW, TV-PG) ... Shrub explores his artistic side on “Welcome to Flatch” (9:30 p.m., Fox, TV-14).
A case brings things to a boil with Izzy on “Bull” (10 p.m., CBS, TV-14) ... Tightening the screws on “Law & Order: Organized Crime” (10 p.m., NBC, TV-14).
Late night
Clarissa Ward, Pete Holmes and Anitta are booked on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” (11:35 p.m., CBS) ... Jimmy Fallon welcomes Michelle Pfeiffer, Camila Cabello and Latto on “The Tonight Show” (11:35 p.m., NBC) ... Jason Segel, Diane Kruger and Bonnie Raitt appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (11:35 p.m., ABC).
Joe Manganiello, Corey Stoll and Johnny Rabb visit “Late Night With Seth Meyers” (12:35 a.m., NBC) ... Jared Leto and David Cross are scheduled to appear on “The Late Late Show With James Corden” (12:35 a.m., CBS, r).
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https://www.unionleader.com/hbo-max-streams-tokyo-vice/article_9f29855d-108b-5e51-8456-17c9908fa702.html
| 2022-04-07T17:25:36
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https://www.unionleader.com/hbo-max-streams-tokyo-vice/article_9f29855d-108b-5e51-8456-17c9908fa702.html
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Ishtiaq Ali Saaem broke bad - or at least cracked a bit.
In 2015, Saaem became curious about ricin, inspired by the TV show "Breaking Bad," in which main character Walter White concocts the poison to kill a drug dealer. But when FBI agents asked Saaem why he purchased castor beans, from which ricin is made, the biomedical engineer told them he planned on growing castor plants to decorate his apartment.
On Thursday, Saaem was sentenced to three years' probation - with six months under house arrest - after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice by lying to the FBI. Prosecutors had asked U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns to send him to prison for a year.
"Ricin has only one purpose," federal prosecutor Kriss Basil told the judge, and that's "to kill people."
Saaem's attorney, Derege Demissie, didn't respond to a request for comment from The Washington Post sent Monday morning, but at Thursday's sentencing, Saaem told the judge he was "guided by innocent curiosity," the Boston Globe reported.
"I never made the poison nor intended to harm anyone," Saaem said, according to the paper, adding that he was "scared and overwhelmed" when FBI agents confronted him, "which led to my poor choice of not telling the truth."
At the hearing, Demissie said his client never made ricin, the Globe reported. He only ordered the beans after watching "Breaking Bad," thinking they'd be a "good conversation piece" and something he could experiment with. "There's no evidence whatsoever that Mr. Saaem intended to use ricin to harm people."
The seed for Saaem's ricin idea didn't involve him at all. On March 8, 2009, AMC released the premiere of the second season of "Breaking Bad." In the episode, although White makes ricin to covertly murder a volatile drug dealer who could kill him at any moment, he fails to successfully administer the poison. But the highly toxic substance reemerged in the show repeatedly over the years - in 13 episodes total, according to federal prosecutors - until, in the 2013 series finale, White uses it to kill off one of his final adversaries.
All of that inspired Saaem, prosecutors alleged. Two years after the show ended, Saaem - who graduated from Duke University with a doctorate in biomedical engineering - was working as the director of research at a biotechnology company in Massachusetts. In June 2015, he purchased castor beans, which are actually seeds. He also bought six lily of the valley plants, known for berries that produce the poison convallatoxin. Again, Saaem's muse was the fictional White, who uses the berries in "Breaking Bad" to poison and nearly kill a young boy in an effort to frame an enemy.
A month later, FBI agents interviewed Saaem about his self-admission that he'd purchased 800 castor beans - far more than the two needed to deliver a potentially fatal dose of ricin. Saaem told them he bought them to grow plants "for ornamental purposes" and had accidentally purchased 100 packets instead of one. The same day the FBI agents talked to him, however, Saaem went online to websites entitled "What is the most lethal poison?" and "The five deadly poisons that can be cooked up in a kitchen," prosecutors said in court documents, while also searching for "tasteless poison household item" and information about poisons derived from tomatoes.
Later, he would tell authorities he wanted to plant the seeds in his front yard because he liked the castor plant's orange and green color, leaf shape and their hardiness in withstanding New England winters.
None of that was true, according to authorities.
"Saaem lied to the government brazenly," Basil, the prosecutor, wrote in court documents.
Basil said prosecutors have no evidence Saaem actually made ricin, and investigators never identified a victim Saaem meant to poison. It's unclear if he planted the castor beans, she added. In July 2019, he told authorities that he had but that the plant died. Six months later, he claimed he threw out the seeds as soon as they arrived in the mail.
"Saaem's true purposes in 2015 and 2016 may never be known," Basil wrote in court documents, "yet it is clear that he had something to hide."
"Breaking Bad" has inspired others to make or obtain ricin. In 2014, a 20-year-old Georgetown University student was sentenced to a year in prison for having an unregistered biological agent or toxin after making ricin during a school break. Law enforcement discovered undergraduate Daniel Milzman had watched the TV show in the months leading up to his arrest and believe that's where he developed the idea to make ricin.
In 2016, a 22-year-old New York man was sentenced to 16 years in prison for trying to buy ricin on the "Dark Web" from a seller secretly working for the FBI. Prosecutors said that, although Cheng Le's ricin plans weren't "totally clear," he knew it would be used to hurt people, once telling an FBI informant, "It is death itself we're selling here, and the more risk-free, the more efficient we can make it, the better."
Le told authorities that "Breaking Bad" inspired him to make or obtain ricin.
Despite prosecutors pushing the judge to send Saaem to prison, he declined. The judge noted that Saaem, a stay-at-home father, is the primary caretaker for his 3-year-old son, who was born three months premature and suffers from chronic medical conditions, the Globe reported. Locking him up would "pose an undue and extreme hardship on his family."
After the hearing, Saaem said he was grateful to have avoided prison, according to the newspaper.
"I never had any intent to harm anyone," he said. "I'm moving on with my life."
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/back_page/a-breaking-bad-character-made-poison-a-biomed-engineer-was-inspired/article_dd659b07-029f-577b-a029-724d0e10a45b.html
| 2022-04-07T17:25:42
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Prosecutors have offered a plea deal to the New Hampshire woman accused of claiming her missing step-daughter Harmony Montgomery as a dependent to fraudulently receive extra welfare benefits from the state.
The details of the plea agreement made recently by prosecutors to Kayla Montgomery, 31, were not disclosed at the short dispositional conference held Thursday morning in the Northern District courthouse of Hillsborough County Superior Court, nor when the deal was offered.
A status hearing has been set for June 9 to see if the deal will be accepted. The date is tentative as both the defense attorney and prosecutor have trial dates around that time and may have to reschedule.
Montgomery was indicted on a felony charge of theft by deception on March 22. She is accused of receiving more than $1,500 in New Hampshire state aid for Harmony’s benefit over the course of November 30, 2019, to June 2, 2021, a time period in which Harmony was already missing.
The discovery process for evidence in the case is “for the most part complete” and has already grown to nearly 3,500 pages of material and 70 to 80 “media discs,” prosecutor Jesse O’Neill said at the hearing.
Since the case against Montgomery hinges on the whereabouts of Harmony, who went missing in late November or early December 2019 at the age of 5, discovery will continue to mount as the parallel missing person investigation continues.
Due to the sheer size of the discovery, defense attorney Paul Garrity asked for 60 days to review the evidence and consider the plea offer, which he said has already been countered. O’Neill said he had no problem with that timeline because “that’s a lot of discovery” to analyze.
Adam Montgomery, 32, father to Harmony and estranged husband to Kayla, waived an arraignment in a case unrelated to Harmony’s disappearance on Wednesday and is being held in jail. A reward fund to find Harmony is up to at least $150,000.
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/crime/kayla-montgomery-step-mom-to-missing-harmony-offered-a-plea-deal-in-benefits-deception-case/article_af2b3676-3015-5768-bb4d-45b64bdf9e2a.html
| 2022-04-07T17:25:48
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/crime/kayla-montgomery-step-mom-to-missing-harmony-offered-a-plea-deal-in-benefits-deception-case/article_af2b3676-3015-5768-bb4d-45b64bdf9e2a.html
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The Justice Department has begun taking steps to launch an investigation into former president Donald Trump's improper removal of presidential records to Mar-a-Lago - some of which were labeled "top secret," people familiar with the matter said.
The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation, said the probe remained in the very early stages. It's not yet clear if Justice Department officials have begun reviewing the materials in the boxes or seeking to interview those who might have seen them or been involved in assembling and moving them.
The news comes as the department faces increasing political pressure to disclose its plans in the case. On Thursday, House Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., accused the Justice Department of obstructing her committee's investigation into the 15 boxes of records Trump took to his estate in Palm Beach, Fla.
In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Maloney alleges that the Justice Department is "interfering" with the investigation by preventing the National Archives and Records Administration from handing over a detailed inventory of the contents of the recovered boxes.
If the department is planning an investigation, it might explain why it would not want lawmakers getting an inventory of the materials.
It's unclear to what extent the Justice Department already has assessed the inventory of the boxes, which the National Archives arranged to retrieve from Mar-a-Lago in January - including documents clearly marked as classified, The Washington Post previously reported. The Justice Department, though, has been in touch with the Archives about moving its own inquiry forward, people familiar with the matter said.
Addressing the matter previously, Garland said the department would "do what we always do under these circumstances - look at the facts and the law and take it from there."
Trump's spokesman in the past has defended his handling of the records. "It is clear that a normal and routine process is being weaponized by anonymous, politically motivated government sources to peddle Fake News," Taylor Budowich said in February.
In her letter on Thursday, Maloney said her committee needed further explanation as to why the Justice Department was blocking its request for an inventory of the records.
"The Committee does not wish to interfere in any manner with any potential or ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice," Maloney wrote. "However, the Committee has not received any explanation as to why the Department is preventing NARA from providing information to the Committee that relates to compliance with the [Presidential Records Act], including unclassified information describing the contents of the 15 boxes from Mar-a-Lago."
An FBI spokeswoman told The Post, "We can neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation."
The National Archives sent a letter to the committee at the end of last month, informing it that based on its "consultation" with the Justice Department, it was unable to "provide any comment" and fulfill the committee's request. It instead referred the committee to the DOJ's Office of Legislative Affairs for any further questions.
Maloney asked the Justice Department to confirm to the committee by April 14 whether it "will inform NARA that it may fully cooperate with the Committee's inquiry, including by providing the requested inventory of documents recovered from Mar-a-Lago."
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/national/doj-plans-to-investigate-trumps-15-boxes-of-records-from-mar-a-lago/article_825d20de-554e-5a0f-853b-1b0bd4235a91.html
| 2022-04-07T17:25:55
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/national/doj-plans-to-investigate-trumps-15-boxes-of-records-from-mar-a-lago/article_825d20de-554e-5a0f-853b-1b0bd4235a91.html
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TSA officers at Boston’s Logan International Airport discovered a roughly foot-long blade concealed within a man’s cane as he tried to pass through a security checkpoint Wednesday.
The pointed metal blade, attached to a wooden handle, had been contained inside an otherwise standard-looking walking cane.
When questioned by Massachusetts State Police troopers, the man said he was unaware his cane held a concealed weapon, TSA spokesperson Dan Velez said.
The man agreed to surrender his cane and was allowed to pass through security to his flight.
The TSA has also in recent weeks found travelers passing through Logan Airport security with a slow cooker filled with $10,000 in cash, a 10-inch butcher’s knife hidden in a baby car seat, and several firearms.
On Tuesday, TSA officers at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire stopped a man attempting to carry a handgun onto a plane.
In a hard-side carrying case, the officers found the unloaded gun and two magazines containing 23 bullets, the TSA said.
It was the first time this year that federal security officers had found a gun at the Manchester airport.
“Our TSA officers continue to do a fantastic job preventing firearms from entering the secure area of the airport,” Matthew Hanson, the TSA’s assistant federal security director for New Hampshire, said in a statement. “Passengers who are traveling with firearms must ensure they are properly packed in their checked baggage. When an individual shows up at a checkpoint with a firearm it can slow or shut down security screening until the police resolve the incident.”
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/safety/tsa-discovers-blade-hidden-inside-cane-at-logan-handgun-found-on-mht-passenger/article_9314f4c3-7fb4-5ede-881c-71b9de4ee23d.html
| 2022-04-07T17:26:01
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https://www.unionleader.com/news/safety/tsa-discovers-blade-hidden-inside-cane-at-logan-handgun-found-on-mht-passenger/article_9314f4c3-7fb4-5ede-881c-71b9de4ee23d.html
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Mississippi will have a seventh high school classification starting with the 2023-24 school year.
The Mississippi High School Activities Association’s executive committee met Thursday morning and passed a proposal to add a Class 7A. The vote was 12-1.
Under the new alignment, the state’s 24 largest schools will be 7A, with the next 24 falling into 6A and the next 24 into 5A. Classes 4A down to 1A will have approximately 40 schools each.
“Everybody thinks it will be good for the state as a whole, and it will give the opportunity for more kids to experience the playoff atmosphere while making all of our regions more competitive as far as the number of students and the differential between the top school and the bottom school in the class,” MHSAA executive director Rickey Neaves said.
One of the big challenges with seven classes is planning for the extra championships. Neaves already has thoughts on how the football championship weekend will look: two games on Thursday, two on Friday, and three on Saturday.
“That’s another good thing, to me, that adds another 7 o’clock game and takes away an 11 a.m. game,” Neaves said.
The MHSAA does reclassification every two years, and it will determine the alignment for 2023-24 this fall when enrollment numbers come in. Local 6A schools Tupelo and Starkville will be in 7A, and Oxford likely will be as well.
“We’ll start ironing out the details, and the biggest details will come next September and October when we reclassify and see where everybody falls,” Neaves said.
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https://www.djournal.com/sports/high-school/mhsaa-votes-to-add-class-7a/article_134586a2-c231-5a0d-a1eb-b826004b3ca6.html
| 2022-04-07T17:41:06
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1 killed, several injured after storm passes through north Bryan County
BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - One person was killed and several more were injured when severe storms passed through north Bryan County on Tuesday evening.
The Bryan County communications manager confirmed that a woman was killed in the Homestead neighborhood. Multiple injuries were confirmed in the Park Place neighborhood and near Hendrix Park.
According to the CEO of Evans Memorial Hospital, 12 people injured from the storm were sent to East Georgia Regional Hospital.
A state of emergency has been declared in the county in response to the storm. A curfew was put into effect in the overnight hours Tuesday into Wednesday to help prevent trespassing into the impacted areas of North Bryan County including Homestead, Park Place, the Black Creek Golf Course, and the County Buildings in Pembroke to protect properties.
A staging area was setup at Lanier Primary for those impacted by the storm, according to Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services.
Transportation by bus to the shelter is available from Pembroke City Hall at 353 N Main St, Pembroke, the Wilma Edwards entrance to Park Place and the Ellabell Post Office at 8745 US-280 E, Ellabell.
Donations should be directed to Ellabell United Methodist Church at 3279 GA-204, Ellabell.
You can upload weather pictures and video to WTOC below:
Copyright 2022 WTOC. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wistv.com/2022/04/06/1-killed-several-injured-after-storm-passes-through-north-bryan-county/
| 2022-04-07T17:41:14
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https://www.wistv.com/2022/04/06/1-killed-several-injured-after-storm-passes-through-north-bryan-county/
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Biden nominates first woman to lead Coast Guard
Published: Apr. 6, 2022 at 10:58 AM EDT|Updated: Apr. 6, 2022 at 11:39 AM EDT
(CNN) - President Joe Biden has picked a woman to be the next leader of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Adm. Linda Fagan was nominated to serve as the next commandant.
If she is confirmed, she would be the first woman to lead the branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Fagan has served on all seven continents and spent 36 years in the Coast Guard service. She is the No. 2 in charge right now.
Her nomination will be under consideration by the Senate committee on commerce, science and transportation, but she’s getting support from both sides of the aisle.
The current commandant is required to retire May 31.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:41:25
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Biden speaks to trade union national conference
Published: Apr. 6, 2022 at 12:07 PM EDT|Updated: Apr. 6, 2022 at 12:55 PM EDT
WASHINGTON (Gray News) - President Joe Biden made remarks Wednesday to the North America’s Building Trades Unions Legislative Conference.
Biden spoke to “thousands of national, state and local building trades leaders from across the country,” according to a statement.
The NABTU works to create economic security and job opportunities for its construction workers, according to the organization’s website. It represents more than 3 million professionals in the U.S. and Canada.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wistv.com/2022/04/06/biden-speak-trade-union-national-conference/
| 2022-04-07T17:41:33
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Disney+ subscribers can save this summer at some resort hotels
(Gray News) – Disney+ subscribers can save at select Disney Resort hotels this summer.
People with the streaming service can save up to 25% on rooms for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts for stays most nights, July 8 – Sept. 30, 2022.
Just log in using the email associated with your Disney+ subscription to book online.
According to Disney, the hotels feature the same storytelling, detail and guest service found in the theme parks – including some familiar Disney friends hanging around.
Resort guests are also able to get into the four main parks 30 minutes early.
Valid admission and park reservation are required to enjoy the theme parks and special events and are not included in this offer.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:41:41
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Gamecocks receive presidential congratulations
Published: Apr. 6, 2022 at 11:36 AM EDT
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - After winning the NCAA National Championship the Gamecocks received a presidential congratulations.
President Joe Biden tweeted about the team’s victory.
My brackets may have been wrong, but I could not be more proud of the @GamecockWBB and @KUHoops for their NCAA championship wins. Your schools, your nation, and your president are proud of you. I’m looking forward to your visit to the White House.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 5, 2022
Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:41:50
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Gerber is looking for its next ‘spokesbaby’
Published: Apr. 6, 2022 at 10:46 AM EDT
(Gray News) - Gerber is looking for a baby to be the next face of the company.
The company said it is searching for its next “Chief Growing Officer and Spokesbaby.”
The job requirements are simple. Applicants must be between 0-4 years old, have a “playful smile that can light up the room,” and an “irresistible giggle and undeniably loveable personality.”
The winner will also receive $25,000.
To apply, visit Gerber’s website here.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:41:56
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Kansas comes back, wins NCAA title 3 years in the making
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Great Kansas Comeback, as it will forever be known in the history books, is about more than just one stifling, scintillating 20-minute stretch of Jayhawks basketball.
The championship KU captured Monday night traced its roots back to 2020, when the Jayhawks were a team that looked very much on track for the program’s fourth national title.
Instead, it was KU’s come-from-behind 72-69 victory over North Carolina on Monday that brought that fourth championship banner back to Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks insisted they’d share it with the 2020 team, too.
“It’s partially won for them,” said coach Bill Self, who has led Kansas to two of its four titles. “Because I always thought the 2020 team was better, more equipped to do well in the NCAA Tournament.”
Led by Devon Dotson and first-round NBA pick Udoka Azubuike, that 2020 team was, in fact, a team built for a championship. It was headed for a top seeding and the odds-on favorite to win it all.
It was a team that never got its chance after the COVID-19 pandemic hit and wiped away the season.
Most of the key players in Monday’s title game — David McCormack (15 points), Ochai Agbaji (12), Christian Braun (12) and Jalen Wilson (15) — were on that team, too. The players who remained formed a poised, veteran group that came into the game with a mind-boggling 973 games of college experience.
If any group was built to not lose its composure when things turned bad, this group might have been it. But, boy, things sure looked bleak for the Jayhawks as the first half wound down.
Led by a dominating inside game by Armando Bacot and an 18-2 advantage in second-chance points, the Tar Heels ran off 16 straight points to take a 16-point lead. Kansas looked stuck in cement.
Self used the long halftime break to calm things down and breathe some fire into his players. He tweaked the defense, getting DaJuan Harris Jr. to apply more pressure early to UNC ballhandler R.J. Davis. Kansas clogged up passing lanes, forced the Tar Heels into rushed shots and boxed out.
That led to more running and more fast-break points (8) and turned a 16-point deficit into a six-point lead with 10 minutes left. When it was over, Kansas held on and completed the biggest comeback in title game history, surpassing Loyola Chicago’s 15-point rally against Cincinnati in 1963.
“With the group of guys as experienced as this and been around and know each other so well, it’s kind of hard to see us get rattled,” said Kansas forward Mitch Lightfoot, who is in his sixth year of college. “Coach had a great message for us, and he challenged us to be better and to have more pride.”
COVID-19 hurt Kansas last season, too. Some players fell ill right as tournament time approached. The Jayhawks went into Indianapolis as a No. 3 seed but left after only two games — the second of those a humbling 34-point blowout loss to USC.
They added Remy Martin, a transfer from Arizona State, but the rest of the group stayed the same. Martin turned into a key sixth man for the Jayhawks. On Monday, he found his shooting touch and scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half.
“They’ve always kept me going, and they always gave me confidence,” said Martin, who struggled with injuries early in the year. “And I couldn’t ask for a better group.”
The other guys, Self said, simply improved as the season went on.
Agbaji adds Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four to his All-America title. McCormack played toe to toe with North Carolina’s double-double machine, Bacot. The Kansas big man backed in to make a bucket for a 70-69 lead with 1:22 left. On the ensuing possession, Bacot hurt his ankle. That opened it up for McCormack to seal the game with another close-range shot, this one over the less-sturdy Carolina defender, Brady Manek.
“Coach called the play and said we’re going to throw it inside and we have trust in you and faith in you to deliver and get us a basket,” McCormack said. “I just prevailed, I made the basket happen. I appreciate them for allowing me to have that opportunity.”
And Kansas appreciates him.
The victory won’t completely erase trouble that could be brewing back in Lawrence. There’s an NCAA investigation hovering over this program, and the potential for serious penalties did not make this Kansas run any easier.
But for now, time to celebrate.
This fourth national title will not have any single player’s name stamped on it, the way the ‘88 championship belongs to Danny Manning and the Miracles or the way ‘08 was a product of Mario Chalmers’ late, game-tying 3.
This one, Self insisted, was more of a group effort.
Pretty big group, at that.
This group of Jayhawks wants to share it with Azubuike, who is in the NBA, and Dotson, who was on hand at the Superdome to watch Kansas pull out the win.
“To win when your team had to fight and come back the way they did and show that much grit makes this one off the charts,” Self said.
He was talking about Monday.
He could’ve been talking about the last three seasons as well.
Copyright 2022 AP. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:42:03
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Man facing charges after neighbor catches him peeping on little girls through window, police say
DRACUT, Mass. (WCVB) – Police in Massachusetts are seeking charges against a man accused of looking into the window of a little girl.
The girl, 5-year-old Aliza, and her 2-year-old sister are fortunately OK, but their mother, Emmarie Albert, said the two of them got quite the scare early Monday morning.
“The dog starts barking at the window, so he’s barking out the window and then she starts screaming that there’s somebody in her window,” Albert said.
As the sisters were in their bedroom, a neighbor letting her dog out around 2:15 a.m. saw the suspect right outside their window.
The neighbor, who wanted to remain anonymous, said the man took off, but his truck was still in the lot until around 4 a.m. when neighbors say they saw him drive off.
“I followed him and called the police and stayed on the phone with them and led them ... to where he was,” the neighbor said.
Police stopped the driver and plan to file charges as the family wonders why he came to their apartment.
“I don’t know why or what he wanted or what his deal was or if he has been watching us or I don’t know,” Albert said. “I think he’s a pervert. I mean, I don’t … there’s no other reason.”
The owner of the complex has a no trespassing order for the suspect.
Copyright 2022 WCVB via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:42:11
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McMaster weighs in on ‘war crimes’ in Ukraine invasion
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster shared his support for the Ukrainian people abroad while criticizing the Biden Administration.
McMaster visited Mount Pleasant Tuesday for the ribbon cutting for the newly-restored Crab Bank Seabird Sanctuary.
Speaking to reporters, he called out Russia for committing “war crimes” and said their invasion of Ukraine was “a very unfortunate situation.” He also slammed the White House for its “weakness.”
“I think everyone agrees that these are war crimes being committed,” the governor said. “It’s atrocious to watch. Unfortunately, I think the weakness of the current administration is what encouraged this to happen. They didn’t want it to happen, but it’s happening. It’s a horrible situation.”
McMaster said South Carolina will “of course” do anything it can to help the situation in Ukraine.
Copyright 2022 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wistv.com/2022/04/06/mcmaster-weighs-war-crimes-ukraine-invasion/
| 2022-04-07T17:42:18
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Midlands teacher honored with $25,000 Milken Educator Award
IRMO, S.C. (WIS) - An Irmo teacher received a big surprise Wednesday morning when she was rewarded with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award.
Lesley Snyder, an eighth-grade English teacher at Dutch Fork Middle School, was surprised with a $25,000 Milken Educator Award for her work with student-led learning through “passion projects”, according to officials.
Milken Educator Award officials described the honor:
Hailed as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards celebrate, elevate and activate the American teaching profession and inspire young, capable people to join it.
Milken Educator Awards Vice President Stephanie Bishop and State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearmen honored Snyder in front of her cheering students and colleagues.
She is among more than 60 educators nationwide to receive the award and the only SC recipient.
“Lesley Snyder is a fabulous educator who pours her heart into her students each day at Dutch Fork Middle School,” said Superintendent Spearman. “She is truly deserving of this honor and will stand as a shining example for educators across South Carolina. Thank you to the Milken Family Foundation for recognizing Lesley with this prestigious award.”
You can read more about what Snyder does by clicking here.
Copyright 2022 WIS. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:42:25
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SC Comic-Con returns to the Upstate this weekend
Published: Apr. 6, 2022 at 2:07 AM EDT
GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - SC Comic-Con is returning to the Upstate this weekend
The event is happening on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Greenville Convention Center.
Misty Yates, who plans to attend the convention, told us she loves to dress up as out-of-this-world characters. “I’m an accountant by day, but this is how I get my creativity out,” Yates said. The convention is set to be filled with people dressed up as their favorite characters and heroes. Yates told us “just cosplaying, in general, it’s just a fun outlet.”
Tickets are 25$ for Saturday and 20$ for Sunday. Kids under 12 get in free.
Copyright 2022 WHNS. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:42:31
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SolarGen investing $150 million into Clarendon County
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced Wednesday a $150 million investment into Clarendon County by SolarGen of South Carolina.
McMaster said, “When a new solar project is launched in South Carolina, it’s a sign that our renewable energy sector continues to thrive. This new $150 million investment will make a big difference in Clarendon County, and we’re excited to welcome SolarGen of South Carolina to one of our rural communities.”
The company is using the investment to create a clean energy 125-megawatt solar farm. The construction will sprawl over 500 acres. The company estimates the project will be online by 2024.
“We are pleased to welcome SolarGen of South Carolina to our growing list of companies in Clarendon County. We support this investment in green energy, as it adds to our growing renewable energy cluster,” shared Clarendon County Council Chair Dwight Stewart.
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| 2022-04-07T17:42:37
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WATCH: People jump from boat being crushed under drawbridge
JUPITER, Fla. (WPEC) - It was a close call for this group of boaters last week when a drawbridge in Florida began to move, partially crushing their pontoon and sending some jumping over the edge in fear.
Thankfully, no one was hurt.
“I think they were trying to move the boat, but the bridge ended up folding on them so they couldn’t move,” said Gillian Pisciotto, who witnessed the incident.
Pisciotto captured now-viral footage of the terrifying moment.
She said she is relieved that the group all walked away unharmed.
“Well, I started screaming at them to move,” she said. “I thought everyone was not going to make it.”
It’s still not clear what the boaters were doing under the bridge. Instead of passing under the main channel, it appears as if the group stopped under a portion of the bridge close to the intercoastal waterway.
There are signs there clearly marked “unauthorized personnel prohibited” and “danger moving machinery.”
The bridge is operated by Palm Beach County.
The county’s public works department was asked if there are cameras under the bridge that the tender on duty could have checked before raising the bridge.
A spokesperson said there are some cameras in the vicinity but couldn’t say where they’re positioned.
Pisciotto said she believes there should be more surveillance under those bridges.
“Yeah, I think would be best just to make sure that like cops could come and make sure they know what happened, instead of having like people just guess what happened,” she said.
According to a manual for bridgetenders in the county, operators are supposed to check for boats, but it’s not clear if every bridge has the equipment to do so.
Copyright 2022 WPEC via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T17:42:43
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Salina's Love, Chloe Foundation seeing growth as it prepares for 2022 fundraising event
It's going to be a beach party, and a packed house, at this year's Crop, Craft and Quilt, an annual fundraising event for the Love, Chloe Foundation, later this month.
The April 22 and 23 event, which is in its 14th year, is the longest-running, continuous fundraising event for the foundation, which is based in Salina and works to provide care, research and bring awareness for childhood cancer by raising support and finances in the community.
The foundation is named after Chloe Feyerherm, a Salina girl who was diagnosed with a tumor in her brainstem in November 2006 and died October 2007.
Chloe's mother, Heidi Feyerherm-Smith, the president and founder of the foundation, said this year's event is expected to be the largest it has ever seen, with more than 50 crafters signing up.
"The ladies pay a registration fee to come and be there for Friday and Saturday," Feyerherm-Smith said. "They each get their own table, so we have some limitations on the number of people."
The event is taking place once again at Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 Neal Ave. Feyerherm-Smith said the church only has so many tables available, so the foundation was planning on limiting it to 50 crafters this year, but the response was even greater.
"We had about six people that ended up on our waiting list, so we decided to go ahead and rent some additional tables and bring them in," Feyerherm-Smith said. "We're hoping we're not too squished in there."
In addition to the 56 crafters that will spend the two days working at their tables on Saturday.
"They'll be kind of around the room and be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.," Feyerherm-Smith said. "All our participants can shop at the vendors."
More:Salina teen may not make it to graduation. Her community is invited to celebrate with her early
An event for anyone to come and support
The event is not just open to those 56 crafters. Feyerherm-Smith said the public is more than welcome to stop in during the two days and take part in some of the festivities such as food, games and raffles.
With vendors such as Thirty-One Gifts and other popular brands, there is an opportunity for the public to find something they may be interested in buying and find a way to support the foundation as well.
"The public can come and shop at those vendors too," Feyerherm-Smith said. "Sometimes people like to go to an event to shop those things, because they're home-based businesses that aren't always accessible."
Raffle prizes will be given throughout the event, with tickets available for purchase in ranges of $1 for one ticket up to $20 for 40 tickets.
There will also be opportunities for people to get an extra ticket if they dress up for the beach party theme.
"Anyone is welcome to come by and buy raffle tickets as well," Feyerherm-Smith said.
There are a variety of items that can be won, with themed baskets, mostly consisting of crafting, scrapbooking and quilting items, but there are also a couple of larger items that will be given away as well.
"We have (a) couple (of) quilts that have been donated," Feyerherm-Smith said. "Those are always the more sought-after, handmade items (that people want)."
More:Saline County approves ARPA funding for mental health responders
Growth at the foundation a good problem to have
With the amount of crafters that signed up this year, Feyerherm-Smith said the foundation may need to look for a larger space in the future.
"(Trinity) has a great facility, with a big kitchen and everything," Feyerherm-Smith said. "We've done it there for probably the last five or six years."
The church has been the perfect location for the event, but as more people sign up each year, the space can get a little cramped.
The foundation has been growing in many aspects over the past few years, with its offices moving to a new downtown location at 111 S. Fifth St.
Feyerherm-Smith said the foundation's annual fun run later this year, hosted at the soccer fields at 2100 E. Magnolia Road, is also growing bigger than expected with more participants signing up as it gets closer to the July 16 date.
"Last year, we had over 500 (runners)," Feyer-Smith said. "Our mailing list keeps growing as well, so our postcards (for the fun run) are going out to over 800 (people)."
With the fun run's growth, Feyerherm-Smith said the foundation is thinking it may have to move it to a larger location in the future as well.
"These are good problems to have," Feyerherm-Smith said. "It means we're getting big responses to (what we do)."
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What some might call daunting, the challenge of reshaping a roster in just a matter of weeks, and others might call stressful, the late nights and early mornings and the few hours of sleep found in between, Twins general manager Thad Levine instead calls 10 of the most frenetic — and exhilarating — days of his career.
In that 10-day span, the one immediately following the end of major league baseball’s lockout, the Twins swung three trades, including one for Sonny Gray, one of the top pitchers who wound up being dealt, and brought in a pair of free agents, including superstar shortstop Carlos Correa, the best player on the market.
Around the same time Correa signed, so, too, did his former Houston teammate, relief pitcher Joe Smith. A little more than a week later, they added another free-agent starting pitcher Chris Archer.
And on Thursday, the day before Opening Day, the Twins traded reliever Taylor Rogers and outfielder Brent Rooker, plusd cash considerations, to the Padres for pitchers Chris Paddack and Emilio Pagán and a player to be named later, capping off a hectic period in which the Twins’ front office — president of baseball operations Derek Falvey, Levine, assistant general managers Daniel Adler and Jeremy Zoll and co. — worked tirelessly to craft a team they believe will be much improved following a disappointing 2021 season.
And the work they put in to accomplish everything they did over the past few weeks started well before the lockout lifted.
“You could see it in their faces. They had a lot to do on their end,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “… It didn’t come with the snap of the fingers. There was a lot that went into it, but it was, I mean, in my opinion, really nicely done, and I think our players and staff would agree.”
BUXTON FIRST
The first big move of the offseason came before the lockout began, and in the end, there’s a very good chance it’s the most important thing the Twins accomplished this offseason.
Owner Jim Pohlad wanted Byron Buxton to be a long-term Twin. So did Falvey and Levine and everyone on down the line right down to the most important person of all: Buxton himself.
Talks of an extension had broken down last July before the trade deadline, but with the lockout looming, the Twins moved toward an agreement with their homegrown star center fielder. The day the lockout began, Dec. 1, the deal was made official.
“If we had had some different conversations or didn’t think it was going to line up, we would have to at least stay open minded to other factors going forward,” Falvey said. “Looking back on it now — and at the time it felt like it was an important conversation to have, no doubt — but I think it certainly was a key factor, I think, in what transpired thereafter.”
Without the seven-year, $100 million extension, if things had gone south in 2021, the Twins likely would have had to entertain the idea of dealing Buxton at some point before he hit free agency.
Now, the task was building a team, with Buxton right in the middle of things, that would be competitive once again after slipping from first to worst.
“Once I signed, they said they were going to do what they could to bring a winning team here, and that’s what they’re doing,” Buxton said shortly after Correa agreed to his deal. “It’s very exciting.”
But hours after officially signing his deal and having a celebratory press conference at Target Field, the lockout began. Buxton could no longer speak with Twins officials, and he returned home to Baxley, Ga., where it crossed his mind over the next few months that he didn’t actually have a clue who his teammates might be.
“Obviously you saw how many free agents were still on the market, so you kind of browsed it a bit and was like, ‘Ooo, I hope we get this guy. I hope we get this guy,’ ” Buxton said.
Correa, of course, was on his list.
LOCKOUT STARTS
At 11:01 p.m. on Dec. 1 — just after midnight on the East Coast — Major League Baseball’s owners instituted a lockout. Falvey described the 24 hours preceding that as a “mad rush” to have as many conversations with teams and agents in a short period of time. Once the lockout began, all that ceased.
The front office, Levine said, had alerted ownership that they were “not necessarily aspirational of getting all of our business done” by the time the lockout began. Rather, they were trying to collect as much information as possible so they could refine the decision-making process. Conversations, Levine said, were much more accelerated on the trade front than free-agent talks.
When the lockout began, the front office took a little breather to reset on what had transpired. Who went where? What free agents remained? How has the landscape changed?
“It gave us a lot of time to be creative and think about what are those creative opportunities,” Falvey said. “We just didn’t know if any of those were actually real until we got to talking to clubs again and free agents.”
Turns out, some of them were.
Among the talks they had before the lockout ended, Falvey said they had already spoken with the Rangers about shortstop Isiah-Kiner Falefa and knew the Rangers had interest in catcher Mitch Garver. The Twins had also indicated to Cincinnati that they had interest in pitching, and it looked at that time as if the Reds might have three starters available on the market. They were also aware that the Yankees had interest in bats.
The night the lockout lifted — March 10 — members of the Twins front office brought in pizza to their offices in Fort Myers, Fla. They expected there to be lots of action. Instead, Falvey described it as “oddly slow” as teams checked in with others teams to see if anything had changed on their end.
The dry-erase board in Falvey’s Hammond Stadium office was completely covered with names. Nearly every free agent and team got put on the board. When someone in the group had a conversation, it would get marked on the board, alongside the date, so they could keep track of whom they had spoken with in an easily digestible manner.
“It felt like everybody was knocking the cobwebs off a little bit and like, “OK, let’s get reset,’ and then next day, it picked up,’” Falvey said. “Then it got really busy from that point forward.”
Using their pre-existing relationships, Falvey estimated he checked in with 10 to 12 teams. Levine handled around 10 and Zoll and Adler split the rest.
“We started canvassing agents and teams with calls so that we kind of had this first wave of ‘Here are people we need to call within the first hour, here’s people we need to call in the first day and then here are calls that we can make over the next coming days and then here are calls that we expect to have incoming but maybe aren’t quite as high on the priority list,’” Levine said.
On March 12, the Twins swapped Garver for Kiner-Falefa and prospect Ronny Henriquez. It wound up being the first trade executed by any two teams post-lockout. A day after the Garver/Kiner-Falefa trade, the Twins were at it again, bringing in Gray and a minor-league pitcher from Cincinnati for 2021 first-round draft pick Chase Petty and dealing Josh Donaldson, whose contract the Yankees took on fully, Kiner-Falefa and catcher Ben Rortvedt to New York for catcher Gary Sánchez and infielder Gio Urshela.
With newfound payroll flexibility with Donaldson’s deal now off the books— around $50 million over the next two years — it was clear there were more moves coming.
“We understand, I’ll say it kindly, that those (deals) didn’t all look to make sense together,” Levine said. “… I think we knew we had some flexibility to pursue players before that we weren’t able to pursue, and ultimately it worked out about as well as it could have.”
‘PLAN A+’
Carlos Correa was not the Twins’ first plan at shortstop. Not because they didn’t want him, of course, but because it was not realistic.
This is not a surprise, nor a secret. Correa was said to be seeking a long-term deal, one that likely would have looked similar to the $10-year, $325 million deal Corey Seager got from the Rangers before the lockout.
The idea that the Twins would sign him heading into the offseason, was, frankly, preposterous.
“As we kind of assess in retrospect what plan did we actually follow here, I don’t know that we even had Carlos Correa on our Plan A, so I think that means he’s somewhere above Plan A, so at least Plan A+ was Carlos Correa playing shortstop for us,” Levine said.
After clearing Donaldson’s contract, the Twins turned their attention to shortstop Trevor Story, who wound up eventually signing with the Boston Red Sox shortly after Correa and the Twins reached a deal.
Their attention shifted on March 18, when Correa’s agent Scott Boras reached out. He had a client who fit what the Twins were looking for, was willing to take a shorter deal and had a history of hitting well at Target Field.
A deal came together quickly after that, culminating in the early hours of Saturday morning after Correa, Boras, Falvey, Levine and Baldelli had completed a Zoom call that Correa has said centered mainly around winning. News broke overnight and as late as 2:30 a.m. ET, Levine said he and Boras were still texting, ironing out some of the “ancillary elements of the deal.” Correa agreed to a three-year, $105.3 million deal with opt outs after each of the first two seasons, making him the highest paid infielder by average annual value in MLB history.
“I think we’ve made some decisions along the way to invest where we think the highest impact comes and I don’t think there would have been a player this whole offseason we could have acquired that would have been more impactful than Carlos Correa,” Falvey said.
‘COULDN’T BE HAPPIER’
Inside the Twins’ clubhouse, players were well aware that moves were coming after finishing 73-89 last season, a sharp drop off after winning the American League Central in the two seasons prior.
There had to be, given that the team had given no indication at all that it was planning on tearing it all down and rebuilding. Falvey’s words at the trade deadline last July were “refresh,” and “retool,” and to do that, the Twins needed rotation help and a shortstop, among other things.
“I knew that obviously the roster didn’t quite work last year how it was constructed so I knew there was something that was going to happen,” catcher Ryan Jeffers said. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to. It happened pretty fast after that lockout ended.”
The Twins’ only pre-lockout addition was adding veteran starting Dylan Bundy on a one-year deal. After the lockout, they executed four trades and brought in three more free agents.
All the moves have added an extra buzz in the clubhouse, a palpable excitement heading into a season with heightened expectations.
“I think anybody that was already in here just hoped that we would get better and I think we made a lot of moves that made us a lot better and that’s all anybody can ask for,” reliever Tyler Duffey said. “… It’s on paper and it looks great but now it’s doing it on the field. … Hopefully we hit the ground running and come up in September and see where we’re at.”
The rosters locked — for Opening Day at least — at noon on Thursday.
The 14 to 16 hour days of roster building, for the time being, have ceased, and the Twins are happy with where they came out of it, a refreshed ballclub looking forward to starting over anew on Friday at 3:10 p.m.
“It’s not easy to reshape a ballclub in any amount of time but especially in a short period of time, bringing in not just the players but the kind of players that you’re looking for, the kind of players that we thought we needed here,” Baldelli said. “We were able to accomplish so much in so little time because of the preparation that I think they went into this spring training having already done and then a lot of work once that lockout ended. I couldn’t be happier with the way it played out.”
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The Miami Heat will be without veteran power forward P.J. Tucker for the final two games of the regular season, and potentially longer.
An MRI revealed a calf strain that the team said will have Tucker sidelined for at least a week. The Heat close out the regular season with games Friday night against the Atlanta Hawks at FTX Arena and Sunday on the road against the Orlando Magic. The playoffs then begin the weekend of April 16-17.
Tucker, 36, has been a staple of the Heat starting lineup, starting in 70 of his 71 appearances. Signed in the offseason to a two-year contract that includes a player option for next season, the 6-foot-5 veteran has helped space the floor with his corner 3-pointers and anchor the defense with his ability to defend opposing power forwards, as well as perimeter scorers.
In the absence of Tucker, the Heat options at the position include Caleb Martin and Markieff Morris, who had fallen out of the rotation after returning from a 58-game absence due to whiplash. Morris started in place of Tucker in Sunday night’s road victory over the Toronto Raptors, when Tucker was given the night off. Martin started that game in place of Jimmy Butler, who also was given that night off.
Tucker was injured during the third-quarter of Tuesday night’s victory over the visiting Charlotte Hornets, limping to the locker room.
Assistant Chris Quinn, who has been filling in while coach Erik Spoelstra has been sidelined due to NBA health-and-safety protocols, said getting Tucker healthy is the priority.
“Obviously the big picture with Tuck and his health, him a big part of what we do defensively, especially,” Quinn said, “but also offensively him being so selfless, he’s always playing for the team. He doesn’t always care about how many shots he’s getting, which is a big factor on our team.
“So obviously we’ll miss him these last couple of games, but going forward it’s more important that he get healthy.”
The decision on a replacement could come down to whether the Heat seek the speed that Martin can offer or the physicality and toughness of Morris.
“It’s what we’ve dealt with a lot of the season, guys in and out,” Quinn said, “and people asked to play different roles, depending on the game and the week. Caleb obviously brings more speed. He’s had a great year, really proved himself. And then ‘Keif brings another veteran presence, physicality, size.
“So both of those guys have done well when they’ve gotten opportunities to play. And we’ll continue to rely on them without Tuck.”
Also missing from Thursday’s practice was rookie center Omer Yurtseven, due to illness. The team said Yurtseven was tested for COVID, with those results coming back negative.
Of filling in for Spoelstra for a fifth consecutive day, including coaching the team to victories over the Raptors and Hornets, Quinn said Thursday, “Like anything else, the more you do something, the more comfortable you get.”
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By LARRY NEUMEISTER
NEW YORK (AP) — A federal judge on Thursday rejected Girl Scouts’ claims that the Boy Scouts created marketplace confusion and damaged their recruitment efforts by using words like “scouts” and “scouting” in recruitment drives.
Manhattan Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein ruled that the Boy Scouts of America can describe their activities as “scouting” without referring to gender and that the matter does not need to be put to a jury.
Hellerstein said his written decision caps a “serious, contentious and expensive” litigation and necessitates dismissal of the lawsuit brought by the Girls Scouts of the United States of America.
The lawsuit was filed in late 2018, a year after the Boy Scouts announced that boy scouting and cub scouting would be open to girls, leading the organizations to compete for members after social trends and a rise in sports league participation drove down membership for decades. The pattern worsened when the pandemic hit.
“The Boy Scouts adopted the Scout Terms to describe accurately the co-ed nature of programming, not to confuse or exploit Girl Scouts’ reputation,” Hellerstein wrote. “Such branding is consistent with the scout-formative branding Boy Scouts has used for a century, including in its co-ed programs that have existed since the 1970s.”
The term “scout” is descriptive of both the Boy Scouts’ and Girl Scouts’ programming, the judge wrote.
“The Boy Scouts’ decision to become co-ed, even if it affects Girl Scouts’ operations, does not demonstrate bad faith,” the judge added.
Hellerstein’s decision comes while the Boy Scouts are in bankruptcy proceedings in Delaware that began in February 2020. The Irving, Texas-based organization sought bankruptcy protection after it was named in hundreds of lawsuits brought by individuals claiming they were molested by scout leaders as minors.
Messages seeking comment left with lawyers in the case were not immediately returned.
In his decision, Hellerstein wrote that he was siding with the Boy Scouts in part because the Girls Scouts cannot prove that a likelihood of confusion was caused by the Boy Scouts’ use of the term “scout.”
He said the Girl Scouts had cited instances of parents confusing the two organizations. But he added that the choice to join one organization or the other is made after several interactions with the organization, by children’s desires to join a group siblings or friends have joined, or other factors unrelated to trademarks and branding.
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When the Ravens first moved to Baltimore in 1996, the lifeline of the organization was the annual NFL draft because the team didn’t have enough cash to land the best players in free agency.
Sixteen years later, that philosophy hasn’t changed.
With the draft three weeks away, the Ravens held their annual predraft luncheon at The Castle on Tuesday, and it is safe to say there won’t be any big splashes when the first round begins April 28 in Las Vegas.
The Ravens have 10 total picks, including nine in the first four rounds and four in the top 100. After making a few big signings in free agency, they still have glaring holes at pass rusher, interior defensive line, middle linebacker and offensive line. They’d also like to acquire more depth at outside linebacker and cornerback.
The Ravens might move up or down a few slots to draft a particular player, but they’d prefer to remain status quo.
“I think we do have a lot of flexibility, which is something that we covet — having the chance to move up and down,” general manager Eric DeCosta said Tuesday. “Sometimes, you get into a situation, we see it with other teams, where they want to do a trade with us and they want to maneuver, but they don’t have the picks to do it. Sometimes, you can’t find the combinations to do that. So, having picks in the first, second, third and fourth round, and then also a sixth-round pick, I think, gives us the flexibility to do whatever we want to do.”
The Ravens are bucking a recent trend by the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the last two Super Bowl champions. Before winning the title in 2020, Tampa Bay signed quarterback Tom Brady, running back Leonard Fournette and receiver Antonio Brown in free agency and traded for tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Before the start of last season, the Rams traded for quarterback Matthew Stafford, then acquired outside linebacker Von Miller and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. later in the year.
The Ravens are in a different situation. Brady was calling the shots for the Bucs and the Rams were willing to toss away draft picks in their “win now” campaign.
The Ravens are more than a player or two away from winning the Super Bowl, and DeCosta won’t abandon the approach used by his predecessor, former general manager Ozzie Newsome.
In 1996, DeCosta was hired as a personnel intern and later became a Midwest scout before eventually taking over as GM in 2019.
“I really think it speaks to the culture that we’ve established over the years,” DeCosta said. “We weren’t a big team. I was here, we weren’t a big spender in free agency back in 1996 and back in 1997. We didn’t have the funds to do that, so the draft really became our lifeblood. I had a chance to watch Ozzie and [former director of player personnel] Phil Savage before me and see how those guys operated and see the value of the draft and what that does for a franchise, what that does for a community and how that also allows you to be competitive every single year, regardless of the salary cap. So, for us, it works.
“There are a lot of different ways to do it, certainly. I have tremendous respect for teams that have a way of doing it differently and can succeed, but for us, the draft will always be … as long as I’m here, will always be the foundation of what we do and what we believe in, and we think it works for us.”
It is hard to argue against the Ravens’ philosophy. They’ve been one of the NFL’s most consistent and top franchises since winning the Super Bowl in 2000.
But since the DeCosta era began three years ago, they haven’t been able to draft a rookie who has made a significant impact. They’ve had some success, but there hasn’t been a major difference-maker on the field and in the community except for perhaps running back J.K. Dobbins, who was taken in the second round in 2020 but missed all of last season with a knee injury.
DeCosta knows the difference a player like Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed or Terrell Suggs can make on a franchise. The Ravens are overdue.
They have quarterback Lamar Jackson, about to enter his fifth year, but few know about his definitive long-term plans these days.
It’s a guessing game with the draft as well. The predraft luncheon is always interesting because it is filled with deception. Members of the front office staff will say some things to persuade other teams about possible picks, and it’s hard to determine the truth.
But the consensus from most of the draft experts is that this class has a surplus of pass rushers and cornerbacks and a good crop of offensive linemen and interior defenders.
The Ravens agree and didn’t rule out selecting a cornerback despite the expected returns of starters Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters, both of whom suffered major injuries last season.
“I think we’re definitely concerned,” DeCosta said about the cornerback depth. “We feel like Marlon is going to come back with a vengeance. We feel like Marcus is going to come back with a vengeance. But we feel like behind those two guys, the depth is thin. There are opportunities for us in the first round, second round, third round.
“Coach [John Harbaugh] has been watching the corners. We feel like we have the opportunity to take one or two corners in the draft that can come in and contribute right away, we’re excited about that.”
The same can be said about the Ravens’ lack of depth on the offensive line and the possible return of Pro Bowl left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), but at least they have possible starters in Ja’Wuan James and Morgan Moses. The Ravens are desperate for pass rushers, and Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson II would form quite a pair with second-year outside linebacker Odafe Oweh.
Any one of those Georgia defensive linemen, Travon Walker or Jordan Davis, would fit nicely into the Ravens’ front line, too.
Regardless, the Ravens should be able to fare well with so many picks. The last time they made 10 selections was in 2020, and there are still a number of those picks in position to start.
But again, there were no game-changers. DeCosta hasn’t produced any with his first-round selections, including receiver Marquise Brown in 2019 and linebacker Patrick Queen in 2020.
The verdict is still out on Oweh, the No. 31 overall pick in last year’s draft, and receiver Rashod Bateman, the No. 27 overall selection. This year brings a new opportunity to find a star.
“I think the last couple years we’ve had more guys,” DeCosta said of the team’s evaluation of draft-worthy players. “I don’t know if our scouts were more optimistic or if it was just more players. But we have approximately … and it’ll change, because we have another set of meetings coming up next week, but we have about 180 players, I think, give or take, on the front board that we think are draftable players for the Ravens. That number will probably be somewhere between 170 to 195 players when it’s all said and done.”
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WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for COVID-19, a day after appearing unmasked at a White House event with President Joe Biden.
Pelosi received a positive test result for COVID-19 and is currently asymptomatic, her spokesman Drew Hammill said Thursday in a tweet. He said she had tested negative earlier in the week.
“The Speaker is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is thankful for the robust protection the vaccine has provided,” Hammill said. Pelosi, he said, will “quarantine consistent with CDC guidance, and encourages everyone to get vaccinated, boosted and test regularly.”
The White House said Biden and Pelosi had only “brief interactions over the course of the last two days” and that the president was not considered a close contact of the speaker by CDC guidance — sustained unmasked contact within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes over a 24-hour period.
“Last night as a part of his regular testing cadence, the President tested negative,” the White House said in a statement. “He will continue to be tested regularly. The President wishes Speaker Pelosi a speedy recovery.”
The 82-year-old Democratic leader’s announcement came ahead of her weekly press appearance on Capitol Hill, which was abruptly called off. The House is set to start a two week spring recess.
Pelosi also postponed a planned congressional delegation trip to Asia she was scheduled to lead.
Washington has experienced a rush of new COVID-19 cases as restrictions have lifted and more events and gatherings are happening across Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Merrick Garland and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced positive tests. The officials were among more than a dozen attendees of the Saturday night Gridiron Club dinner to test positive for the virus. Pelosi did not attend the dinner, her spokesman said.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also announced Thursday that she tested positive for COVID-19 and would “work at home while following isolation protocols.”
Several lawmakers have announced positive test results and are isolating.
The CDC says people vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 are much less likely to suffer adverse outcomes, including serious illness and death, from the virus compared to those who are unvaccinated.
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By MARY CLARE JALONICK and MARK SHERMAN
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate cleared the way Thursday for a final vote to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, preparing to endorse the first Black woman on the high court and giving President Joe Biden a bipartisan endorsement for his historic pick.
A 53-47 vote to cut off debate Thursday morning came hours before Jackson’s expected confirmation.
The White House said Vice President Kamala Harris would be present to preside, though her tie-breaking vote won’t be necessary. Three Republican senators have said they will support Jackson, who would replace Justice Stephen Breyer when he retires this summer.
While the vote will be far from the overwhelming bipartisan confirmations for Breyer and other justices in decades past, it will still be a significant bipartisan accomplishment for Biden in the narrow 50-50 Senate after GOP senators aggressively worked to paint Jackson as too liberal and soft on crime.
“It will be a joyous day,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as he announced Thursday’s vote late Wednesday evening. “Joyous for the Senate, joyous for the Supreme Court, joyous for America.”
Jackson, a 51 year-old federal appeals court judge, would be just the third Black justice, after Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas, and the sixth woman. She would join two other women, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, on the liberal side of a 6-3 conservative court. With Justice Amy Coney Barrett sitting at the other end of the bench, four of the nine justices would be women for the first time in history.
After a bruising hearing in which Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee aggressively interrogated Jackson on her sentencing record, three GOP senators came out and said they would support her. The statements from Maine Sen. Susan Collins, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney all said the same thing — they might not always agree with Jackson, but they found her to be enormously well qualified for the job.
Collins and Murkowski both decried the increasingly partisan confirmation process, which Collins called “broken” and Murkowski called “corrosive” and “more detached from reality by the year.”
Biden, a veteran of a more bipartisan Senate, said from the beginning that he wanted support from both parties for his history-making nominee, and he invited Republicans to the White House as he made his decision. It was an attempted reset from three brutal Supreme Court battles during President Donald Trump’s presidency, when Democrats vociferously opposed the nominees, and from the end of President Barack Obama’s, when Republicans blocked Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland from getting a vote.
Before the Senate Judiciary Committee last month, Jackson said her life was shaped by her parents’ experiences with racial segregation and civil rights laws that were enacted a decade before she was born.
With her parents and family sitting behind her, she told the panel that her “path was clearer” than theirs as a Black American. Jackson attended Harvard University, served as a public defender, worked at a private law firm and was appointed as a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission in addition to her nine years on the federal bench.
“I have been a judge for nearly a decade now, and I take that responsibility and my duty to be independent very seriously,” Jackson said. “I decide cases from a neutral posture. I evaluate the facts, and I interpret and apply the law to the facts of the case before me, without fear or favor, consistent with my judicial oath.”
Once sworn in, Jackson would be the second youngest member of the court after Barrett, 50. She would join a court on which no one is yet 75, the first time that has happened in nearly 30 years.
Jackson’s first term will be marked by cases involving race, both in college admissions and voting rights. She has pledged to sit out the court’s consideration of Harvard’s admissions program since she is a member of its board of overseers. But the court could split off a second case involving a challenge to the University of North Carolina’s admissions process, which might allow her to weigh in on the issue.
Republicans spent the hearings interrogating her sentencing record on the federal bench, including the sentences she handed down in child pornography cases, which they argued were too light. Jackson pushed back on the GOP narrative, declaring that “nothing could be further from the truth” and explaining her reasoning in detail. Democrats said she was in line with other judges in her decisions.
The GOP questioning in the Judiciary committee stuck for many Republicans, though, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said in a floor speech Wednesday that Jackson “never got tough once in this area.”
Democrats criticized the Republicans’ questioning.
“You could try and create a straw man here, but it does not hold,” said New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker at the committee’s vote earlier this week. The panel deadlocked on the nomination 11-11, but the Senate voted to discharge it from committee and moved ahead with her confirmation.
In an impassioned moment during the hearings last month, Booker, who is also Black, told Jackson that he felt emotional watching her testify. He said he saw “my ancestors and yours” in her image.
“But don’t worry, my sister,” Booker said. “Don’t worry. God has got you. And how do I know that? Because you’re here, and I know what it’s taken for you to sit in that seat.”
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Follow the AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/ketanji-brown-jackson
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Call it the Aaron Judge Rule, or the Mike Lupica Rule:
“When an athlete gets asked if he’s gotten the shot then declines to answer, that means he hasn’t gotten the shot.”*
That was the position the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics found themselves in last week. There are four teams that could be headed to Canada, where unvaccinated players are barred from entering, in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Two of them, the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks, told ESPN that all of their players were vaccinated. The Sixers and Celtics wouldn’t say, and you know what that means:
They have unvaccinated players. A corollary to the MLR is that it’s usually important ones, too: marginal players can’t risk throwing away games. In Boston, the Globe reported that “two frontline players” weren’t vaccinated, and rumor and inference quickly homed in on Jaylen Brown and Al Horford, who missed a game in Toronto along with two vaccinated players. Brown and Horford are declining to say if they’re vaccinated yet — you know what that means — but both say they would be ready for any hypothetical playoff matchup.
In Philly, there was some confusion. Every remotely important player on the team had either said they were vaccinated or was reported to be vaccinated. When the first injury report for Thursday’s matchup against the Raptors was released, all that confusion went away; the reporting was simply wrong. Bulldog defender Matisse Thybulle is unvaccinated and was therefore listed as “ineligible to play.” The Philadelphia Inquirer quickly changed language in an old story about Thybulle and others getting COVID from “those players were all vaccinated” to “the belief was all of those players were vaccinated.” The Sixers have been aware of the issue with Thybulle’s vaccination status for at least a month, according to PhillyVoice.
Thybulle’s offensive stats are paltry at five points and two boards per game, but he is absolutely vital to what the Sixers do. He’s among the NBA leaders in both steals and blocks, and is easily Philly’s best perimeter defender. He provides defense and depth to a team woefully lacking in both.
Canada defines “fully vaccinated” as two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, meaning if he got vaccinated on Thursday, the absolute soonest he could play in a Sixers-Raptors series is two weeks from Thursday, April 21. With the playoffs starting on April 16, it is likely then that Thybulle would miss at least one potential game in Toronto.
Ironically, Kyrie Irving tanked Brooklyn’s regular season so badly with his decision to not get vaccinated that this probably won’t be a problem for the Nets. The Raptors are nearly locked into the fifth seed, while all the Nets have to do to clinch the seventh seed is win out and win a single home play-in game. As the No. 7 seed, the Nets would only face the Raptors in a highly improbable conference finals. And speaking of Irving, even if the circus that played out at Barclays was largely his fault, you could at least point to the fact that New York City is an extreme outlier with a private sector vaccine mandate.
Despite the grumblings of Adam Silver or Ime Udoka or basketball and baseball writers, that’s not really the situation here. The United States also requires non-citizens to be vaccinated to enter the country; Novak Djokovic currently can’t play any American tennis tournaments, and has already missed one because he’s unvaccinated.
Separately, James Harden, Doc Rivers and the Sixers have all authored their own spectacular series of playoff collapses over the last decade. You can only laugh if what fells them this time is what Harden was rightfully so desperate to escape in Brooklyn.
*The only known exception to the MLR is Pete Alonso, who last year participated in a series of “get the shot” PSAs and then, scrambling to cover for his many unvaccinated teammates, called the vaccine a personal choice. Alonso dropped the farce this spring and admitted he had been vaccinated all along.
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Caretakers at a zoo in one of Ukraine’s largest cities may be forced to euthanize its big cats, bears, and other animals after a Russian attack left their habitats almost mostly destroyed.
Zookeepers at Ecopark in Kharviv were racing to relocate all of its animals on Thursday, after the zoo was “subjected to massive shelling and bombardment,” according to a statement from its founder, Alexander Feldman.
“Ecopark is no more,” he said,
“The biggest problem is large predators. Their enclosures miraculously still retain their integrity, but one more shelling — and the lions, tigers, bears, distraught with fear, may be free and go towards Kharkov or to nearby villages.”
“We cannot allow this,” Feldman added.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Ecopark said staff was able to successfully transport five lions and some other animals from the zoo — despite another round of shelling. The day prior, another two young lions were evacuated alongside some jaguars and panthers.
“Transporting lions is not an easy task,” one social media post reads.
“Especially when animals have been stressed from shelling for over a month and in general because their calm and measured life has changed dramatically. But we managed it, the main thing is that we safely left the fire zone and no people or animals were hurt.”
Zookeepers noted there are still “plenty of animals left in the Ecopark area.”
If new homes are not found for the rest of the creatures, they will have to be put down.
“It is unimaginably painful to talk about this,” Feldman said, “but the main priority now is the lives of people.”
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DEPTFORD TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- For the first time ever, a South Jersey firehouse had an all-female crew on call, and just in time for Women's History Month.
Union Fire Company, which is part of Deptford Fire Department in Deptford Township, New Jersey, has always made an effort to recruit female members.
Currently about 25% of its total crew are women.
When station leadership realized it had the staffing to put an all-female crew on call, it decided to do just that.
The women say they hope to inspire more girls to become firefighters. That's the case for one of the volunteer firefighters, Megan Thelen.
Everyone in her family is a firefighter, including her mom!
This South Jersey firehouse has an all-women crew!
By Beccah Hendrickson
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https://abc11.com/firefigher-union-fire-company-deptford-department-township/11700727/
| 2022-04-07T18:18:32
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Frank Dumas is that student, and Thursday afternoon he stood in front of television cameras and his classmates to talk about his preparations for the upcoming spelling bee.
"I'm going to be nervous, but I'm also going to be pretty excited," Dumas said.
He won a trip to Washington D.C. to compete in the spelling bee after winning the Duke Regional Spelling Bee.
Bethesda Principal Dr. Shaneeka Moore-Lawrence had the honor of notifying fourth-grader Frank Dumas that he has advanced to the national Scripps Spelling Bee on June 2 in Washington, D.C. Frank will join 200 other regional winners in the competition. Congratulations! #DPSProud pic.twitter.com/RJjcmu3Xa2
— Durham Public Schools (@DurhamPublicSch) March 30, 2022
Frank's mother challenged him and his twin sister to take their education a step further after she saw them studying Spanish and French words in Duolingo. The siblings were using the language app to uncover new words and learn about their spellings and etymology.
Mom said she was a good speller in school and that's why she pushed her children to commit themselves to the spelling bee. She also credited Frank's teachers for their support.
"Community and parental involvement is crucial to the education process," she said during Thursday's press conference.
The success is no surprised to Frank's fourth grade teacher Nicole Thompson.
"Frank is extremely hard-working, always putting 100 percent into his work. He really is a team player. He wants everyone to do well together," she said.
"He doesn't like to mess up so he will put in a lot of effort to study and come up with strategies that help him reach his goals. He's always seeking to find out how he can overcome any challenges that he faces so he can be successful," Frank's mother said.
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https://abc11.com/frank-dumas-spelling-bee-scripps-durham-student/11721640/
| 2022-04-07T18:18:38
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18-year-old driver accused of killing 6 people must remain in secure detention
An 18-year-old Palm Beach County man will remain in secure detention for at least three weeks after authorities said he was speeding 151 miles per hour and rear-ended a vehicle in January, killing all six people inside.
Noah Galle appeared via Zoom from the Palm Beach County Juvenile Detention Center on Thursday for a hearing in the case.
Galle was arrested Wednesday on six counts of vehicular homicide for the deadly and tragic Jan. 27 wreck.
A judge on Thursday ordered Galle to remain in secure detention until at least April 27, not have any contact with the families of the victims, and not operate any motor vehicles.
Even though Galle recently turned 18 — classifying him as an adult — the fatal wreck happened when he was still 17. As a result, he's currently being held in the Juvenile Detention Center.
However, Galle's defense attorney, Elizabeth Parker, said the case will eventually be transferred to adult court.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Galle was driving a 2019 BMW M5 "at a high rate of speed" around 11 p.m. in the 14000 block of U.S. Highway 441. He rear-ended a 2018 Nissan Rogue that had six people inside.
The impact caused the Rogue to head into a grass and dirt median where it flipped and rolled over before landing upside-down in the median.
PBSO said five people inside the Nissan Rogue were pronounced dead at the scene, while a sixth was taken to Delray Medical Center and passed away.
Parker on Thursday said Galle has had a "very difficult time" dealing with the tragedy and has had suicidal thoughts.
"We received a call today — or Noah's mom did — from the [Juvenile Detention Center], and they expressed concerns that Noah is suicidal," Parker said.
Parker added that Galle has been on psychiatric medication since he was 12.
"Beginning the night of the accident at the hospital, the doctors at the hospital made some significant findings that he had some unusual medical conditions that we believe contributed to this accident," Parker said.
The defense attorney didn't mention what those medical conditions are, but said Galle has upcoming appointments with cardiology and neurology doctors.
Assistant State Attorney Jean Francis said Thursday that Galle has had a history of speeding.
"The probable cause affidavit indicates that this is not the only time that this has happened," Francis said. "This youth was previously driving approximately 180 miles an hour on a roadway in Palm Beach County."
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office said the six victims were all local farmworkers who had just left work before they were hit on the night of Jan. 27. There were "no marks of any braking" on Galle's part, the sheriff's office said.
Galle suffered minor injuries in the crash.
The sheriff's office said toxicology tests did not show any drugs or alcohol in Galle's system at the time of the wreck.
Scripps Only Content 2022
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| 2022-04-07T18:24:55
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2 more Black coaches sue NFL alleging racial discrimination
NEW YORK (AP) — Two Black coaches joined Brian Flores on Thursday in his lawsuit alleging racist hiring practices by the NFL toward coaches and general managers.
The updated lawsuit in Manhattan federal court added coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton.
Wilks alleges he was discriminated against by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and Horton claims he was subjected to discriminatory treatment when he interviewed for the Tennessee Titans head coach position in January 2016.
The rewritten lawsuit from Flores also criticized the NFL for its response to the lawsuit he brought against it and its teams several weeks ago.
In a release from the lawsuit’s attorneys, Wilks said he hoped the lawsuit would help bring racial equality to the league.
“When Coach Flores filed this action, I knew I owed it to myself, and to all Black NFL coaches and aspiring coaches, to stand with him,” he said. “This lawsuit has shed further important light on a problem that we all know exists, but that too few are willing to confront. Black coaches and candidates should have exactly the same ability to become employed, and remain employed, as white coaches and candidates.”
Horton said he was “devastated and humiliated” when he learned that his interview with the Titans was a sham.
“By joining this case, I am hoping to turn that experience into a positive and make lasting change and create true equal opportunity in the future,” he said.
Messages sent to the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans for comment were not immediately returned.
Flores sued the NFL and three teams on Feb. 1 after he was fired as the Miami Dolphins coach in January after leading the Dolphins to a 24-25 record over three years. They went 9-8 in their second straight winning season, but failed to make the playoffs during his tenure.
He has since been hired as an assistant coach by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
___
AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this story.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T18:25:01
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Barrett-Jackson's car auction fuels up at the South Florida Fairgrounds
Barrett-Jackson's auto auction is back at the South Florida Fairgrounds Thursday through Saturday. This is the first car show since the coronavirus pandemic.
"We're thrilled to be back here. It's been three years since Barrett-Jackson's been back here in 2019. Palm Beach is our second-longest-running auction," said Rodney Scearce, director of public relations for Barrett-Jackson. "We've been here for 17 consecutive years. So, [it's] fantastic that we can finally once again be back here and reengage with the collector car community here in Southern Florida."
Hundreds of cars up for auction are 35 vehicles from the Cars of Dreams Museum located in North Palm Beach.
"We've got over 650 cars that we'll be selling here this weekend all at no reserve, but we're not just a collector car auction. We're an automotive lifestyle event," said said Scearce. "We've got sponsors and exhibitors with interactive displays. We got live music, and [we've] got the right laps and thrill rides."
Tickets start at $75 for adults and $20 for kids (prices go up at the gate).
Included with admission is the laps/thrill rides. Stunt drivers from Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, and Toyota will take you on a high-speed adventure.
"[It's] an adrenaline-pumping experience," Scearce said. "It's something that we're really proud that we get to offer to our fans."
Scripps Only Content 2022
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| 2022-04-07T18:25:13
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DeSantis to hold news conference at FAU in Boca Raton
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 1:36 PM EDT|Updated: 47 minutes ago
WATCH LIVE COVERAGE BELOW AT 3 P.M.
Gov. Ron DeSantis will be in Boca Raton on Thursday afternoon where he will hold a news conference at Florida Atlantic University.
The governor is scheduled to speak at 3 p.m.
It's unclear what the governor will speak about during the afternoon briefing.
DeSantis was in Palm Beach County last week where he announced for the second-straight year that first responders throughout the state of Florida will receive a $1,000 bonus.
Stay with WPTV.com and NewsChannel 5 for updates.
Scripps Only Content 2022
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https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/07/desantis-hold-news-conference-fau-boca-raton/
| 2022-04-07T18:25:19
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Ex-officer testifies against mentor at Capitol riot trial
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Virginia police officer who pleaded guilty to storming the U.S. Capitol with another off-duty officer testified on Thursday that he had hoped the mob could overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election that day.
Former Rocky Mount police officer Jacob Fracker, a key witness for federal prosecutors at the trial of former colleague Thomas Robertson, said he initially believed that he was merely trespassing when he entered the Capitol building.
However, Fracker ultimately pleaded guilty to a felony charge that he conspired with Robertson to obstruct Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory on Jan. 6, 2021. Fracker agreed to cooperate with federal authorities in their case against Robertson, whose jury trial started Tuesday.
Under cross-examination by one of Robertson’s lawyers, Fracker said he didn’t have a “verbal agreement” with anybody to obstruct the joint session of Congress. Fracker said he believed everybody in the mob “pretty much had the same goal” and didn’t need for it to be “said out loud.”
Fracker said he and Robertson both believed the 2020 presidential election had been stolen from former President Donald Trump. One of Robertson’s attorneys, Mark Rollins, asked Fracker if he believes he did anything worse than trespassing on Jan. 6.
“Sitting here today, yes. At the time, no,” Fracker replied.
Prosecutors plan to rest their case on Thursday afternoon. Jurors are expected to hear attorneys’ closing arguments on Friday before they begin deliberating.
During the trial’s opening statements, defense attorney Camille Wagner told jurors that Robertson only went into the Capitol because he wanted to retrieve Fracker, who entered the Capitol a few minutes before Robertson.
Wagner said Robertson, whom she called “T.J.,” knew that he had entered restricted areas of the Capitol where he wasn’t supposed to be on Jan. 6. But he isn’t accused of engaging in any violence or property destruction, she noted.
Fracker was scheduled to be tried alongside Robertson before he pleaded guilty last month. He described Robertson as his mentor and a father figure.
“I absolutely hate this,” Fracker testified on Wednesday. “I’ve always been on the other side of things, the good guys’ side so to speak.”
The town fired Robertson and Fracker after the riot. Prosecutors say Robertson paid Fracker more than $30,000 after they were arrested. Robertson first offered to give Fracker money on the day that they surrendered to authorities, according to a court filing accompanying Fracker’s guilty plea.
Fracker said Robertson also agreed to cover his legal fees, but he doesn’t believe Robertson was trying to “buy” his testimony with the $30,000 payment.
“He said it would cover a year’s salary for me,” Fracker said.
After the riot, Fracker bragged to friends on social media that he had urinated in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s bathroom. That was a lie that he made “for cool points,” Fracker said.
Robertson used a large wooden stick to impede police officers who were trying to hold off the mob, according to prosecutors. Police body camera video captured his interaction with police.
When a prosecutor asked Fracker why he didn’t do more to help police officers who were trying to hold back the mob, he said he thought they should have been “on our side” and marching with the rioters.
“And you didn’t see T.J. help them, either?” Assistant U.S. Attorney Risa Berkower asked.
“Correct,” Fracker said.
Robertson is charged with six counts, including obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building while using a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. Five of the counts relate to his actions on Jan. 6. The sixth stems from his alleged post-riot destruction of cellphones belonging to him and Fracker.
Robertson has been jailed since U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in July that he violated the terms of his pretrial release by possessing firearms.
More than 770 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. Over 240 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors.
Robertson is the second Capitol riot defendant to have a jury trial. The first ended last month with a jury convicting a Texas man, Guy Reffitt, of all charges.
Two other Capitol riot defendants elected to have their cases tried without a jury and decided by the same federal judge. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden acquitted a New Mexico man, Matthew Martin, of all four misdemeanor counts with which he was charged. Last month, McFadden convicted New Mexico elected official Couy Griffin of illegally entering restricted Capitol grounds but acquitted him of engaging in disorderly conduct.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T18:25:25
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This company wants to pay you to watch 24 hours of true crime shows
(Gray News) – MagellanTV is looking for a true crime fanatic to take on a 24-hour True Crime marathon.
The streaming service company is willing to pay $100 an hour.
MagellanTV’s ideal candidate is someone who “can handle the most menacing serial killer, the goriest details, and (doesn’t) flinch at the chilling paranormal.”
They would also have to be willing to stream true crime shows nonstop for 24 hours while documenting their experience on social media.
The candidate will have to watch 32 True Crime shows, with 48 hours given to complete the job tasks.
The chosen winner will receive $2,400 if the job requirements are completed and a 1-year free membership to MagellanTV.
Runner-ups will also get a 1-year free membership to MagellanTV, a $60 value.
If this sounds like the perfect job for you, visit MagellanTV’s website to apply.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T18:25:32
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For Tiger Woods, a Masters walk unlike any other awaits
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 1:42 PM EDT|Updated: 42 minutes ago
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods will put his surgically repaired right leg to the test as he begins his pursuit of a sixth green jacket.
The 46-year-old Woods is competing for the first time since severely injuring his leg in a car accident in February 2021.
The rolling hills at Augusta National provide a challenge.
The elevation changes are unlike any golfers see regularly on the PGA Tour.
Woods says he feels he can be competitive despite not playing competitively for 18 months and that a lot of it will depend on how his leg holds up.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.wflx.com/2022/04/07/tiger-woods-masters-walk-unlike-any-other-awaits/
| 2022-04-07T18:25:38
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2 more Black coaches sue NFL alleging racial discrimination
NEW YORK (AP) — Two Black coaches joined Brian Flores on Thursday in his lawsuit alleging racist hiring practices by the NFL toward coaches and general managers.
The updated lawsuit in Manhattan federal court added coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton.
Wilks alleges he was discriminated against by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and Horton claims he was subjected to discriminatory treatment when he interviewed for the Tennessee Titans head coach position in January 2016.
The rewritten lawsuit from Flores also criticized the NFL for its response to the lawsuit he brought against it and its teams several weeks ago.
In a release from the lawsuit’s attorneys, Wilks said he hoped the lawsuit would help bring racial equality to the league.
“When Coach Flores filed this action, I knew I owed it to myself, and to all Black NFL coaches and aspiring coaches, to stand with him,” he said. “This lawsuit has shed further important light on a problem that we all know exists, but that too few are willing to confront. Black coaches and candidates should have exactly the same ability to become employed, and remain employed, as white coaches and candidates.”
Horton said he was “devastated and humiliated” when he learned that his interview with the Titans was a sham.
“By joining this case, I am hoping to turn that experience into a positive and make lasting change and create true equal opportunity in the future,” he said.
Messages sent to the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans for comment were not immediately returned.
Flores sued the NFL and three teams on Feb. 1 after he was fired as the Miami Dolphins coach in January after leading the Dolphins to a 24-25 record over three years. They went 9-8 in their second straight winning season, but failed to make the playoffs during his tenure.
He has since been hired as an assistant coach by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
___
AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this story.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/07/2-more-black-coaches-sue-nfl-alleging-racial-discrimination/
| 2022-04-07T18:25:53
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Black Hills Energy stresses importance of safe digging
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 1:20 PM CDT|Updated: moments ago
LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - April is National Safe Digging Month and Black Hills Energy is giving tips on how to stay safe before you dig. As weather gets nicer, Black Hills Energy encourages homeowners and construction crews to be aware of the dangers when digging.
- Call or click before you dig. The number one rule is making sure you call the number “811″ before you dig. A team will set up utility lines and make sure you are digging in a potentially dangerous area.
- Mark your planned excavation site. You can either spray white paint or use white flags in the area you want to dig. This will help the locator search the area and know what your plans are.
- Respect the marks. The lines are there for a reason. Always dig carefully and be on the lookout for weak spots.
- Don’t rely on old line locate marks. If you don’t dig within 14 days of having lines marked, call 811 again. Underground conditions, especially on project sites can change.
“Every six minutes nationally an underground utility line is damaged,” Brandy Johnson with Black Hills Energy said, “It could be a natural gas line, it could be a FO line or it could be your neighbors internet. You don’t know what’s below which is why you want to call 811.”
Copyright 2022 KOLN. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T18:25:59
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Boy, 12, killed when tractor-trailer struck bicycle on Mississippi highway, troopers say
MAGEE, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - Troopers in Mississippi said a sixth-grade boy died after a tractor-trailer collided with the bicycle he was riding.
WLBT reports the Mississippi Highway Patrol said Anthony Wilder III, 12, died as a result of the Tuesday night crash on US 49 in Simpson County.
Investigators determined a 1998 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling south on the highway when it collided with the bicycle in the right lane.
Wilder attended Magee Middle School, and the school posted a Facebook tribute to the child, saying he was known for his “energetic personality and upbeat attitude.”
The school said Wilder was a high achiever academically and was known to breakdance in the hallway.
“These memories will keep Anthony with us during the difficult times ahead,” the school said on Facebook. “We give our hopes and prayers to his family and friends. Anthony, we will miss you.”
Troopers are still investigating the crash.
Copyright 2022 WLBT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.1011now.com/2022/04/07/boy-12-killed-when-tractor-trailer-struck-bicycle-mississippi-highway-troopers-say/
| 2022-04-07T18:26:05
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Ex-officer testifies against mentor at Capitol riot trial
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Virginia police officer who pleaded guilty to storming the U.S. Capitol with another off-duty officer testified on Thursday that he had hoped the mob could overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election that day.
Former Rocky Mount police officer Jacob Fracker, a key witness for federal prosecutors at the trial of former colleague Thomas Robertson, said he initially believed that he was merely trespassing when he entered the Capitol building.
However, Fracker ultimately pleaded guilty to a felony charge that he conspired with Robertson to obstruct Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory on Jan. 6, 2021. Fracker agreed to cooperate with federal authorities in their case against Robertson, whose jury trial started Tuesday.
Under cross-examination by one of Robertson’s lawyers, Fracker said he didn’t have a “verbal agreement” with anybody to obstruct the joint session of Congress. Fracker said he believed everybody in the mob “pretty much had the same goal” and didn’t need for it to be “said out loud.”
Fracker said he and Robertson both believed the 2020 presidential election had been stolen from former President Donald Trump. One of Robertson’s attorneys, Mark Rollins, asked Fracker if he believes he did anything worse than trespassing on Jan. 6.
“Sitting here today, yes. At the time, no,” Fracker replied.
Prosecutors plan to rest their case on Thursday afternoon. Jurors are expected to hear attorneys’ closing arguments on Friday before they begin deliberating.
During the trial’s opening statements, defense attorney Camille Wagner told jurors that Robertson only went into the Capitol because he wanted to retrieve Fracker, who entered the Capitol a few minutes before Robertson.
Wagner said Robertson, whom she called “T.J.,” knew that he had entered restricted areas of the Capitol where he wasn’t supposed to be on Jan. 6. But he isn’t accused of engaging in any violence or property destruction, she noted.
Fracker was scheduled to be tried alongside Robertson before he pleaded guilty last month. He described Robertson as his mentor and a father figure.
“I absolutely hate this,” Fracker testified on Wednesday. “I’ve always been on the other side of things, the good guys’ side so to speak.”
The town fired Robertson and Fracker after the riot. Prosecutors say Robertson paid Fracker more than $30,000 after they were arrested. Robertson first offered to give Fracker money on the day that they surrendered to authorities, according to a court filing accompanying Fracker’s guilty plea.
Fracker said Robertson also agreed to cover his legal fees, but he doesn’t believe Robertson was trying to “buy” his testimony with the $30,000 payment.
“He said it would cover a year’s salary for me,” Fracker said.
After the riot, Fracker bragged to friends on social media that he had urinated in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s bathroom. That was a lie that he made “for cool points,” Fracker said.
Robertson used a large wooden stick to impede police officers who were trying to hold off the mob, according to prosecutors. Police body camera video captured his interaction with police.
When a prosecutor asked Fracker why he didn’t do more to help police officers who were trying to hold back the mob, he said he thought they should have been “on our side” and marching with the rioters.
“And you didn’t see T.J. help them, either?” Assistant U.S. Attorney Risa Berkower asked.
“Correct,” Fracker said.
Robertson is charged with six counts, including obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, entering and remaining in a restricted building while using a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building. Five of the counts relate to his actions on Jan. 6. The sixth stems from his alleged post-riot destruction of cellphones belonging to him and Fracker.
Robertson has been jailed since U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled in July that he violated the terms of his pretrial release by possessing firearms.
More than 770 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the riot. Over 240 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors.
Robertson is the second Capitol riot defendant to have a jury trial. The first ended last month with a jury convicting a Texas man, Guy Reffitt, of all charges.
Two other Capitol riot defendants elected to have their cases tried without a jury and decided by the same federal judge. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden acquitted a New Mexico man, Matthew Martin, of all four misdemeanor counts with which he was charged. Last month, McFadden convicted New Mexico elected official Couy Griffin of illegally entering restricted Capitol grounds but acquitted him of engaging in disorderly conduct.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T18:26:16
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Semi trucks overturn on I-80 due to high winds
Published: Apr. 7, 2022 at 12:01 PM CDT|Updated: 10 minutes ago
HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Semi trucks are no match for the strong winds in Nebraska on Thursday.
The Nebraska State Patrol reports multiple semi trucks have overturned on I-80 in central Nebraska due to the wind. Blowing dust is causing visibility issues for drivers too.
NSP suggests people with high profile vehicles find a safe place to park during these conditions.
Wind are whipping out of the north/northwest around 35-40 mph. Wind gusts in Hastings reached 62 mph around the noon hour on Thursday.
Copyright 2022 KSNB. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T18:26:22
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This company wants to pay you to watch 24 hours of true crime shows
(Gray News) – MagellanTV is looking for a true crime fanatic to take on a 24-hour True Crime marathon.
The streaming service company is willing to pay $100 an hour.
MagellanTV’s ideal candidate is someone who “can handle the most menacing serial killer, the goriest details, and (doesn’t) flinch at the chilling paranormal.”
They would also have to be willing to stream true crime shows nonstop for 24 hours while documenting their experience on social media.
The candidate will have to watch 32 True Crime shows, with 48 hours given to complete the job tasks.
The chosen winner will receive $2,400 if the job requirements are completed and a 1-year free membership to MagellanTV.
Runner-ups will also get a 1-year free membership to MagellanTV, a $60 value.
If this sounds like the perfect job for you, visit MagellanTV’s website to apply.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T18:26:28
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Breland Ridenour
Political Party: Republican
Tell us about yourself.
I was raised and homeschooled in rural Nebraska. Currently, I am an IT Manager for an Omaha-based company. My background is in technology within the military, healthcare, and private sectors. I am married with two children.
Why are you running for this office?
Our state needs a leader that relates to the needs of ALL Nebraskans and will prioritize those needs, and who will fight for the liberties of all Nebraskans. We need a leader who will lead our state to greater success by implementing sustainable solutions with an objective perspective that is not influenced by an outside agenda. I am running because I am that leader. I want Nebraska known for leading by example in all areas, to include education, economy, and liberty. I want to bring honesty, integrity, and transparency into our highest elected office. We need a leader that Nebraskans can trust. I have been proving my trustworthiness by my actions and consistency of my principles.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Protecting the life and liberties of Nebraskans.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I am a seasoned manager and leader due to my personal training endeavors and professional experiences. I pride myself on my ability to communicate, especially with parties of different opinions. I am experienced in making the tough call, finding the middle ground, and taking the initiative to lead by example. I have personally thrown myself into challenging scenarios and have learned to adapt and overcome grueling obstacles. Furthermore, my extensive experience in technology will allow me to ensure Nebraska stays relevant in this technological age. Technology can be leveraged to better our local industries, save tax money, and grow our state.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Our current tax system is a ticking time-bomb. Tax relief is a top priority for me. As a middle-class citizen, I feel the sting of exorbitant property taxes.I propose eliminating property, income, corporate, and inheritance taxes. This can be done by working with our legislature to implement the EPIC tax plan.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
I aim to support our local businesses and invest in our infrastructure so local businesses can continue to grow and provide employment opportunities. Simultaneously, I will continue to expand the population in our state by addressing and fixing the issues which have crippled population increase and retention.
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
I will leverage the free market and work with our local builders and municipalities to develop “right-sized” housing. I will address the core causes to the rising cost of housing, i.e., property taxes, supply limitations, unnecessary regulations, local zoning requirements, etc
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
As governor, I will constantly be interfacing with our fellow states to expedite and ensure Nebraska businesses are receiving the supplies they need. We must address the core issues of supply chain interruptions. One of the issues is a loss of personal liberties enforced by other states and businesses. Personal liberties must be protected, or we will continue to see disruption in our supply chain. I will also work with our federal government to keep the ports and shipping hubs open, even during a pandemic or crisis. Shutting down the economy should not be an option.
Labor shortages are being caused by a multitude of issues including: a lack of population growth in Nebraska, bad social service policies, failure to retain our population, infringement on the medical rights of employees, and parents staying home with their kids due to local schools making policies that are harmful to their children.
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
I would work to reform our corrections system. We need to establish training and rehabilitation to get non-violent, non-reoffending criminals integrated back into society as productive citizens while keeping the dangerous criminals locked away. I also support the death penalty.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
It has been proven that there are multiple vulnerabilities in our local election system. Identifying and fixing all these vulnerabilities is a critical priority for me. Nebraskans are losing faith in our election system, for good reason, and we need to ensure that integrity is maintained for all political parties.
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| 2022-04-07T18:30:14
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Carol Blood
Political Party: Democrat
Running Mate: Al Davis
Tell us about yourself.
I am a Nebraska Native, Born in McCook, raised in rural Adams County and I raised my own family in Sarpy County. We also have a family farm in Clay County, Nebraska. My husband Joe and I have been married for 35 years and we have three adult children and ten grandchildren. We have lived in Bellevue for 30 years. By trade I write business plans and feasibility assessments and help with corporate training. Prior to that I was a director of a Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce.
Why are you running for this office?
It is clear Nebraskans want a governor who will work hard to bring our residents back together by inspiring hope and working to transform our divisions. We can once, again, normalize listening to understand each other when we talk about the issues that divide us. We can extend grace and seek out common interests to build a better Nebraska because when we find our common ground, we are strong. We can start to tear away labels that keep us apart and find ways to generate productive civic action and policies that benefit most Nebraskans, not just a small privileged few. This US vs THEM narrative is killing this country and running good government.
Together our voices are strong. We can work together to make a better Nebraska. Our shared future depends on us. We can work together to heal Nebraska from toxic polarization, one Nebraskan at a time. I know we can make this a reality because I refuse to participate in the rhetoric and was the only candidate who came out immediately with solutions and a platform for all instead to trying to anger the masses or create fear in voters. I believe when candidates do these things, they don’t really have to address the true issues that touch Nebraskans on a daily basis. This negative narrative is meant to distract voters. I bring a more effective type of leadership where we can bring all voices to the table, even when we don’t agree. My track record shows a long history of me doing this very thing.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Protecting Nebraska Ag after experiencing supply chain issues, drought, property rights issues and the recent threats of eminent domain. Provide sustainable tax relief. Implement long-term solutions to the overcrowding in Nebraska prisons. Push forward technology to protect the state from cybersecurity threats and streamline services to the public. Create a K-14 education that allows Nebraskans the ability to receive two years of community college to address workforce shortages. Tackle workforce holistically including childcare, housing, training and recruitment. Make Nebraska better for all.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
I served for eight years on the Bellevue City Council as the At-Large (city-wide) representative from 2008 to 2016. I was then elected to serve four years in the Nebraska Legislature in District 3 (Western Bellevue/Eastern Papillion), and re-elected to serve a second term. As a State Senator I have successfully brought forward over 30 items of legislation that has been successfully passed with strong bi-partisan support. While on the Bellevue City Council, I championed efforts that saved our local taxpayers over twenty million dollars. Prior to serving as an elected official, I served for decades as a community volunteer and advocate for a variety of area causes. There are too many to list, but include serving on the Bellevue Public Safety Foundation in support of our first responders for ten years (8 years as chair), serving on the Sarpy County Museum Board, serving as the volunteer manager of the Bellevue Farmers’ Market, facilitating food drives for area pantries and homeless shelters, facilitating events for area Veterans and Military Families, facilitating Period Poverty Drives for area schools and shelters, facilitating events at area assisted living facilities and much more. I believe it is important to serve as a steward in as many capacities as is possible.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
I do support tax relief for Nebraskans but feel it is necessary to select methods that are sustainable and will create true relief, and not kick the can down the road as what has happened for several decades in Nebraska. It needs to be tackled in several ways. First of all, Nebraska has passed down unfunded and underfunded mandates to Nebraska subdivisions for decades. Counties are creatures of the state and when we hand down millions of extra costs, they have few choices to balance their budget and unfortunately the choice is to raise property taxes. Yet the state tends to create the illusion that they play no role in raising your property taxes. I encourage you to read my blog on my campaign website, for a comprehensive explanation on this issue. Secondly, we must fully fund our schools as the current TEEOSA formula is ineffective. Lastly, I would insist that Nebraska start implementing what are known as circuit-breaker threshold bills to reduce property taxes for Nebraskans including Nebraska Farms. Targeted tax breaks provide property tax relief when a taxpayer needs it the most and when a property tax bill exceeds a certain percentage of a taxpayer’s income, this is especially effective when Nebraska Agriculture experiences a crisis such as drought or when a family experiences a loss of income. This will set a strong foundation to allow us to address the bigger issue of how we change our overall tax structure.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
I think it is very important that we point out that our unemployment rate is actually only those who are looking for a job. We can continue to keep Nebraskans employed and recruit new workers by restructuring our development strategies such as tapping into the talent pool of retired Nebraskans, continue to remove licensure hurdles to employment, support K-14 education that allows all Nebraskans the ability to receive two years of free community college or certification classes, encourage “grow where you are” programming in areas such as healthcare helping those already in the system such as housekeeping, intake, etc. go up the ladder to become nurses/techs/nursing assistants and more, grow programming that allows high school students to earn certifications and college credits while still in the K-12 system. Nebraska needs an inclusive economic development plant to move forward in dynamic industries to recruit from historically overlooked communities and provide good paying jobs. Nebraska must work on affordable housing options, invest in broader childcare options and create a welcoming environment for all.
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Nebraska continues to invest millions of dollars into workforce and affordable housing in both rural and urban Nebraska. In order to move this forward in a timelier manner, it is necessary to find creative ways to make this happen. Working together with local government tools such as inclusionary zoning and changing building codes to make it easier for stakeholders to rehabilitate older buildings, and create additional funding models. Nebraska can continue to embrace programming such as revolving affordable housing loan funds for affordable housing projects with a focus on transportation allowing those who live in this housing to have easy access to things like bus service, bike paths and walking paths when available. Nebraska needs to help local communities access tools such as buy-down programs that allows the fund to cover the difference between market rate and affordable rent and allows for more attainable housing units for the public. Nebraska is missing out on building artist communities, much as they have in Iowa. These development often work on a bonus equity basis where its residents build equity of up to $10,000 over a period of ten years and can then use those funds for a down payment on a future home. Lease to purchase programs also provide options for families to go from renter to home owner after 10-15 years. There are many creative options that do not involve taxpayer dollars, but do involve good legislation at the state level.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
I feel I did address the labor shortage issue when speaking about the unemployment rate on an earlier question. With that said, one of the more simple ways to address our supply chain issues is to buy local. When you make your supply chain local and reshore, you bring your supply chain closer such as using local supply centers. In a global economy, many have sought their products using cheaper labor overseas. If we tap into our local power, we can be more resilient and source from multiple locations instead of one, encourage our businesses to hold inventory as safety stock, build back up capacity, clearly map out your supply networks utilize AI, when possible, to save money and time and make sure our infrastructure has continued investment because in a global society it is paramount that we have the ability to get from Point A to Point B, have easily accessed transportation systems such as rail or air and have appropriate access to broadband for all.
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
Nebraska can’t build its way out of this crisis. It needs to be a multi-faceted approach. Although it is clear that new facilities are needed, we must work on decarceration strategies because the vast majority of those who are incarcerated will one day be our neighbors and rehabilitation is key to helping them integrate into our communities and become good citizens. Nebraska needs to work on Justice Reform that uses evidence-based practices and works toward successful reentry and integration into their communities. Continue to support pre-trial or deferred prosecution programming using problem-solving courts such as drug courts, veteran’s courts, and other focused courts that are combined with treatment options, incentives, drug testing and aftercare. Grow our centralized reentry planning using trained specialists with of being released instead of jamming out with now programming. Project our cost savings to our taxpayers using effective programming instead of only incarcerations to educate the public on the importance of protecting the public through rehabilitation.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
Based on the data and science provided by our Secretary of State’s office and our local election commissioners, I do believe our elections are free, fair and secure.
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https://www.1011now.com/page/carol-blood/
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Charles Herbster
(Charles Herbster)
Return to Voter's Guide
Charles Herbster
Political Party: Republican
Candidate did not respond to survey.
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https://www.1011now.com/page/charles-herbster/
| 2022-04-07T18:30:27
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https://www.1011now.com/page/charles-herbster/
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Scott Zimmerman
Political Party: Libertarian
Tell us about yourself.
I am a Master Certified Educator, husband, father and grandfather. I am a 6th Generation Nebraskan who will be laid to rest in the same cemetery as my Nebraska ancestors. I have a vested interest in Nebraska and a strong desire to see Nebraska emerge as a leader in our Nation. I am a true servant leader. I build coalitions to accomplish tasks and believe that state leadership must make serving the people their only priority.
Why are you running for this office?
I believe that Nebraska deserves better! I became frustrated by the political climate and politics as usual to the point that I had to do something. I want Nebraska to be a place my children never feel as if they need to leave in order to live their lives.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority would be to revitalize education in the state of Nebraska. We need to focus on allowing teachers to teach and making it easier to grow in that responsibility. The Public education sector is doing the absolute best it can, with the resources and constraints they are provided. The way our children learn and develop has changed dynamically in the last ten years and it is time for us to change the way we expect them to learn. I will work to bring Nebraska to the forefront of education in our Nation.
What relevant experience would you bring to the office?
With over 2 decades of Leadership experience, I excel at building highly effective teams and at retaining talented individuals. I put the right people in the right places at the right time to do the best job that can be done. As a Libertarian candidate, I am able to serve the people of our state, in all decisions, and will always hold the needs of Nebraskans first.
Do you support tax relief for Nebraskans? If so, what type and how would you make it happen?
Tax relief is on top of my list of priorities in Nebraska. We really have an over dependence on Government funded resources. There are many opportunities for us to utilize funds to re-invest in our economy and build our communities out of this dependency. By reducing the size and scope of these Government funded resources, I will be able to begin with ending property tax burdens to those Nebrakans which own their property, free and clear, without liens or subsidies, and are of retirement age. I will then eliminate income tax withholding from those workers who are under 18 years of age.
Nebraska has consistently recorded one of the lowest unemployment rates during the pandemic. How would you continue the streak as governor?
Nebraskans need to work. As governor of Nebraska, I will advocate diligently, to expand private post-secondary opportunities in Nebraska. I will focus on bringing Trade schools, focused on high demand fields, to help retain and attract future residents in Nebraska. With our Nebraska reputation of a strong work ethic and access to highly qualified professionals, I will focus on getting small businesses up and operational and I will work to eliminate any government regulations which might interfere with the expansion within our communities!
What plan do you have to make housing more affordable for Nebraskans?
Ultimately, we need to reduce the property tax burden on our land and property owners. I would propose eliminating the market value tax evaluations and replacing them with an incremental increase, dependent on your Deed or lien holders interest in the property. Properties for profit, would also be subjected to the same incremental increase, dependent on revenue generated.
How would you address concerns from business owners across the state dealing with supply chain issues and labor shortages?
I would focus on deregulating and getting government involvement out of the way of progress. With a focus on educating and retaining talent in Nebraska, we can get Nebraska working again!
As governor, how would you address overcrowding within the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services?
Incarceration in our state prisons should be a last resort and reserved for violent offenders and individuals who are a true threat to our safety and security. I will work to reduce the burden on this system by revising or eliminating prison terms for offenders of victimless crimes, which are the majority in the system today. I will divert resources into rehabilitation and mental health programs in order to support these individuals’ transition to becoming better citizens of Nebraska. The Judicial system must be non-political and I will work to ensure equality before the law is the top priority in our Judicial system.
Do you believe Nebraska’s elections are free, fair and secure?
Personally, I have never had a concern about voting in Nebraska. Recently, this has become a main topic. I have listened to individuals on both sides and there are very valid points from each. When election integrity is of concern, the Election commissioners in each county should be held to the highest standards and be subjected to audits and validations. These individuals have a responsibility to serve their communities and take an oath to protect our constitutional rights. Voting is an essential component of that protection.
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| 2022-04-07T18:30:33
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2 more Black coaches sue NFL alleging racial discrimination
NEW YORK (AP) — Two Black coaches joined Brian Flores on Thursday in his lawsuit alleging racist hiring practices by the NFL toward coaches and general managers.
The updated lawsuit in Manhattan federal court added coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton.
Wilks alleges he was discriminated against by the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and Horton claims he was subjected to discriminatory treatment when he interviewed for the Tennessee Titans head coach position in January 2016.
The rewritten lawsuit from Flores also criticized the NFL for its response to the lawsuit he brought against it and its teams several weeks ago.
In a release from the lawsuit’s attorneys, Wilks said he hoped the lawsuit would help bring racial equality to the league.
“When Coach Flores filed this action, I knew I owed it to myself, and to all Black NFL coaches and aspiring coaches, to stand with him,” he said. “This lawsuit has shed further important light on a problem that we all know exists, but that too few are willing to confront. Black coaches and candidates should have exactly the same ability to become employed, and remain employed, as white coaches and candidates.”
Horton said he was “devastated and humiliated” when he learned that his interview with the Titans was a sham.
“By joining this case, I am hoping to turn that experience into a positive and make lasting change and create true equal opportunity in the future,” he said.
Messages sent to the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans for comment were not immediately returned.
Flores sued the NFL and three teams on Feb. 1 after he was fired as the Miami Dolphins coach in January after leading the Dolphins to a 24-25 record over three years. They went 9-8 in their second straight winning season, but failed to make the playoffs during his tenure.
He has since been hired as an assistant coach by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
___
AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner contributed to this story.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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| 2022-04-07T18:35:03
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Albert Lea Mayo Clinic Health System getting $15 million makeover
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea is investing about $15 million to enhance its hospital services. Hospital Leaders made the announcement Thursday.
The money will help modernize several departments within the clinic. The project will update the Outpatient Fountain Centers and Behavioral Health, Ambulatory Surgery and Infusion Therapy and the Emergency Department.
Project details include the following:
Outpatient Fountain Centers and Behavioral Health
- Relocate outpatient services to vacated space on the second floor of the hospital building.
- Provide opportunities for further expansion.
Ambulatory Surgery and Infusion Therapy
- Relocate these areas to former outpatient Fountain Centers and Behavioral Health space.
- Include 16 large presurgical and postsurgical rooms, as well as a procedure room.
- Co-locate these areas with operating room suites toward the front of the building.
Emergency Department
- Expand space to 16 beds, with 10 general care rooms, three safe rooms with views of the lake, and three observation rooms.
- Add patient and visitor waiting areas, including a reflection space.
- Create staff workstations with an improved line of sight to patient rooms.
- Increase overall security for staff and patients.
- Equip each room with telemedicine capability that also will be available on mobile workstations.
“The relocation and redesign of these patient care areas will allow us to support the transformation and growth of the practice by leveraging the latest technology to treat patients locally; retain and recruit the best talent; and enhance patient, family and staff experiences to remain in alignment with our community needs assessment,” regional vice president of Mayo Clinic Health System in Southeast Minn. Robert Albright Jr., D.O. said in a statement to KTTC.
“This is an incredibly important project for our patients, our staff, Albert Lea, Austin and surrounding communities,” lead physician for Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin Sumit Bhagra, M.D. said. “Our staff’s commitment to providing Mayo Clinic care close to home and supporting practice growth over the past several years has been an essential component of making this investment become a reality.”
Bhagra said it was welcome news to the community - and Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea staff.
“We are super excited and I’ve received many notes of thanks of gratitude that we are continuing to invest. In the community practice, it feels to staff today, with this announcement, that this is non COVID news that is hitting their inboxes. The world is changing a bit. For the past 18 months we’ve been talking about COVID changes, monoclonal antibodies, vaccination. So, this was really a breath of fresh air.”
During the two year project, all departments will remain open and fully operational. Construction is set to begin in Sept.
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/07/albert-lea-mayo-clinic-health-system-getting-15-million-makeover/
| 2022-04-07T18:35:10
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/07/albert-lea-mayo-clinic-health-system-getting-15-million-makeover/
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Boy, 12, killed when tractor-trailer struck bicycle on Mississippi highway, troopers say
MAGEE, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - Troopers in Mississippi said a sixth-grade boy died after a tractor-trailer collided with the bicycle he was riding.
WLBT reports the Mississippi Highway Patrol said Anthony Wilder III, 12, died as a result of the Tuesday night crash on US 49 in Simpson County.
Investigators determined a 1998 Freightliner tractor-trailer was traveling south on the highway when it collided with the bicycle in the right lane.
Wilder attended Magee Middle School, and the school posted a Facebook tribute to the child, saying he was known for his “energetic personality and upbeat attitude.”
The school said Wilder was a high achiever academically and was known to breakdance in the hallway.
“These memories will keep Anthony with us during the difficult times ahead,” the school said on Facebook. “We give our hopes and prayers to his family and friends. Anthony, we will miss you.”
Troopers are still investigating the crash.
Copyright 2022 WLBT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/07/boy-12-killed-when-tractor-trailer-struck-bicycle-mississippi-highway-troopers-say/
| 2022-04-07T18:35:16
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City of Rochester pools to return to pre-pandemic operations
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Both city of Rochester pools will be open this season and operations will return to pre-pandemic protocols.
The Silver Lake pool and Soldiers Field pool were both open last year with free admission, made possible through COVID-19 relief federal funding.
The free admission created near record-level attendance numbers, which resulted in overcrowding, safety concerns and temporary pool closures. To avoid more safety issues, the pools remained free but with a reservation system to stagger the crowds.
City of Rochester Parks and Recreation Supervisor Ben Boldt said this year, admission to get into the pools will be charged once again. Admission will be $5 for people under the age of 18 and $6 for adults.
“We always knew the funding was a one time, kind of special circumstance,” Boldt said. “We knew we would go back to the traditional model now. It really came down to budgetary things that we needed to do that.”
Both pools will open in June. Boldt also said a splash pad at Lincolnshire Park is expected to be completed this summer.
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/04/07/city-rochester-pools-return-pre-pandemic-operations/
| 2022-04-07T18:35:28
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