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Eugene’s newest SLUG Queen was crowned Friday night, at the event’s Ruby anniversary. Here's the slimy details.
Queen Sativa Slugworth, real name Alyssa Buttons-Garten, won at the 40th Annual SLUG Queen Competition and Coronation. Hundreds gathered to watch the event, which featured a live band and a performance from the Eugene Gay Men’s Chorus.
Judges included previous queens, non-profit leaders and House candidate Val Hoyle. They evaluated five contestants on their costumes, talents and quick wit.
Buttons-Garten performed stand-up comedy in bright green and pink. In a tearful acceptance speech, she promised to carry on the legacy of the competition. Previous Slug Queen Holly GoSlugly helped judge.
“Once you have your crown, you can choose your path. And some queens choose a very busy path where they're actively out there fundraising for a nonprofit.”
Moving forward, 2022 Slug Queen Buttons-Garten says she’ll work to support criminal justice reform. | https://www.klcc.org/arts-culture/2022-08-13/eugene-crowns-new-slug-queen | 2022-08-14T04:34:49Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/arts-culture/2022-08-13/eugene-crowns-new-slug-queen | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Clive McLean gives his insight on what it's like to work as an Aircrew Flight Equipment technician during RED FLAG Alaska 22-3, August 11, 2022, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. In the two week span of RF-A 22-3 SrA McLean supported multiple airframes from Cannon Air Force Base, Kadena Air Base, and the Royal Australian Air Force. (U.S. Air Force Video by Senior Airman Jack Layman)
This work, Aircrew Flight Equipment Interview From RF-A 22-3, by SrA Jack Layman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/video/854115/aircrew-flight-equipment-interview-rf-22-3 | 2022-08-14T04:41:56Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/video/854115/aircrew-flight-equipment-interview-rf-22-3 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Chase Daniel #4 completes the pass as he is pulled down by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Daniel Hardy #44 in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Lance McCutcheon #82 makes the catch in warmups before the preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Chris Rumph II #94 celebrates after stoping Los Angeles Rams running back Jake Funk #34 in the backfield in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, left and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talk before the first preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins #16 warms up before the preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joe Reed #12 celebrates his touchdown catch in front of Los Angeles Rams safety Terrell Burgess #26 in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Troy Reeder #42 stops Los Angeles Rams running back Jake Funk #34 in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joe Reed #12 makes the touchdown catch behind Los Angeles Rams safety Terrell Burgess #26 in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay watches the play in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joe Reed #12 celebrates his turndown catch with Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DeAndre Carter #82 against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Luis Perez #14 warms up before the first preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay before the first preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Lance McCutcheon #82 makes the catch over Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Deane Leonard #33 and breaks free for the touchdown in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Deane Leonard #33 hits Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Austin Trammell #4 before catching the punt in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Lance McCutcheon #82 makes the catch and breaks free for the touchdown from Los Angeles Chargers defenders in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Chris Rumph II #94 trips up Los Angeles Rams running back Jake Funk #34 on a short run in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Lance McCutcheon #82 celebrates his touchdown catch with teammates against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Chris Rumph II #94 celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins #16 in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Chris Rumph II #94 celebrates after sacking Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins #16 in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Joshua Kelley #25 is taken by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Daniel Hardy #44 and Los Angeles Rams safety Jake Gervase #39 on a run in the first half of a preseason game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Saturday, August 13, 2022. (Photo by Terry Pierson, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)
INGLEWOOD — When the 2021 season was done and the Chargers failed to advance to the playoffs with a pedestrian 9-8 record, their self-examination began, with coach Brandon Staley meeting with general manager Tom Telesco, president of football operations John Spanos and team owner Dean Spanos.
A consensus was reached. The Chargers’ defense simply wasn’t good enough.
It couldn’t match up to an offense that seemed capable of scoring at will at times and improved special teams, and it proved costly in the final analysis, ranking 29th in the NFL in points allowed and 23rd in yards given up. So, the rest of the offseason was devoted to bolstering the defense.
The results of all of their labor weren’t on display when the Chargers played host to the Super Bowl champion Rams in their exhibition opener Saturday night at SoFi Stadium, and they might not be until the regular-season opener Sept. 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders, and in the weeks to come.
The signs of a deeper and far more talented defense were evident — not necessarily by who was on the field Saturday, but by who wasn’t.
Khalil Mack, acquired from the Chicago Bears to form a pass-rushing tandem with fellow outside linebacker Joey Bosa, didn’t play Saturday and probably won’t if Staley sticks with his plan to keep the starters off the field until Sept. 11. Bosa also didn’t play against the Rams.
Defensive linemen Sebastian Joseph-Day, a free-agent signee who won a Super Bowl ring with the Rams last season, and Austin Johnson, a free agent from the New York Giants, didn’t play. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, a Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots in 2018, didn’t play.
Cornerback J.C. Jackson, a free agent from New England, didn’t play, either.
Expectations have been heightened.
“I expect us to play team defense,” Staley said when asked recently about his own expectations. “Last year, that was a weakness of our football team. I don’t expect that to be the case (this season). That’s why all of those guys are here.”
Of particular concern at season’s end back in January was the sorry state of the Chargers’ defensive line. The Chargers ranked a lowly 28th in yards-per-carry last season and gave up 100 yards or more in 12 of 17 games. Joseph-Day and Johnson were added to improve matters.
“They just have to be themselves,” Staley said of his initial expectations for a new and improved defensive line. “All of those guys that we acquired through trade or free agency, those guys are proven NFL players. It’s just being themselves.”
Asked specifically about Joseph-Day, Staley said: “Sebastian is one of the top interior defenders in the league. We brought him here because he’s made up of all the right stuff. He’s an intense competitor. He loves the work.”
By adding Jackson and Bryce Callahan, a free agent from the Denver Broncos, and drafting JT Woods in the third round, Ja’Sir Taylor in the sixth round and Deane Leonard in the seventh, the Chargers also beefed up their secondary beyond all-pro safety Derwin James Jr.
Not all the talent was on the sideline Saturday, though.
Defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, safety Nasir Adderley and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. were in the Chargers’ starting lineup. Chris Rumph II, expected to be a backup to either Bosa or Mack, sacked Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins for a nine-yard loss, halting a first-quarter drive.
Cornerback Michael Davis broke up a pass from Perkins to Brycen Hopkins along the sideline, on a third-and-12 play at the Rams’ 42 yard line in the first quarter. Troy Reeder, who might be a starting linebacker by Sept. 11, stopped running back Raymond Calais for no gain in the second quarter.
Elliott Teaford covers the Los Angeles Chargers for the Orange County Register and the Southern California News Group. He covered the Anaheim Ducks for 19 seasons, including eight of the past 10 for SCNG. He covered their Stanley Cup championship team in 2006-07. He also covered the Lakers for five seasons, including their back-to-back NBA championships in 2008-09 and 2009-10, and the Clippers for one. He is a Long Beach State graduate.
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ANAHEIM ― Since July 24, Angels starting pitchers have produced a 2.68 earned-run average, the lowest in the American League during that span. Considering all that’s gone wrong this season, there is a genuine reason for optimism that the rotation could be a strength rather than a weakness as the Angels’ front office looks to 2023. No healthy starters are eligible for free agency after this season.
The usual suspects (Shohei Ohtani and Patrick Sandoval) have done their part. Some unusual suspects (Reid Detmers and Jose Suarez) have righted their formerly unsteady ships. The last two spots in the Angels’ six-man rotation, however, are less certain.
Rookie Tucker Davidson, one of two pitchers acquired from the Atlanta Braves in the Raisel Iglesias trade, will make his second start since the trade Sunday against the Minnesota Twins. Davidson’s performance between now and the end of the season amount to an audition for the Angels’ 2023 rotation.
One change could be integral to his quest.
Davidson said he is working to reintegrate a changeup into his arsenal ― just not the one he threw exactly twice this season, in separate May games with the Braves.
“I changed back to the grip I used through the minor leagues,” Davidson said. “Now it’s, let’s throw it and see what happens.”
Davidson did not throw the changeup in his first start with the Angels, in which he allowed six runs over four innings in a loss to the Seattle Mariners. He’d spent the previous two months in the minor leagues; the Angels promoted Davidson and immediately inserted him into the rotation after the trade.
The Angels’ scouts had done their homework. They knew the changeup Davidson was throwing this season was not the pitch he’d thrown in the past. The subject of changing his grip was broached immediately by the team’s front office and pitching coaches. Davidson was an easy sell.
“I moved my finger off the seams to see if I could get some different gyro spin on it, but it didn’t have the same metrics as the old (changeup) I had,” he said. “I had more feel with this one, I believe.”
Davidson pitched so well coming up through the Braves’ system, he needed only four games at the Triple-A level before earning his first big league promotion in 2020 ― a year in which there were no affiliated minor league games due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
From there, Davidson’s trajectory stalled. He’s spent more time at Triple-A this season than the majors. In 19 1/3 innings for the Braves and Angels, he has a 1-3 record and a 7.91 ERA. Davidson’s ability to execute the changeup might have as much bearing on where he’s starting next week as next year.
The 26-year-old left-hander has room to improve the command of his fastball, slider and curveball too. He walked five batters last Sunday in Seattle.
On the day before his next start, Davidson was grinning ear to ear, still happy to merely be on a major league roster.
“You can’t be really mad up here,” he said. “Even when you’re playing bad, you’re still in the big leagues. In Triple-A it was kind of, you have to take every day what it is. End of the day, the goal is to be back in the big leagues. I just want to keep going and make a run with it.”
FLETCHSTRADAMUS
David Fletcher has a hit in all but one of the 12 games he’s started since returning from the injured list in July, including each of the last seven. He’s seen his batting average rise from .171 to .250.
Fletcher didn’t exactly predict his recent streak, but one conversation with Phil Nevin shortly after his return stuck with the Angels’ interim manager.
“There was one day I thought he wasn’t looking right, and he goes, ‘Nev I’ve got about three or four more days and I’ll be perfect.’ Alright. You’re playing all these days.
“Sure enough. Two, three, four more days. He really looks like a different guy since he first came back.”
ALSO
Mike Trout took batting practice on the field Saturday for the first time since he was diagnosed with a costovertebral dysfunction in July. Nevin said Trout will continue to take BP until he’s cleared to face live pitching.
UP NEXT
Minnesota (RHP Chris Archer, 2-5, 4.02 ERA) at Angels (LHP Tucker Davidson, 1-3, 7.91 ERA), Saturday, 1 p.m., Bally Sports West, 830 AM
Join the Conversation
We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. We reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions. | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/13/this-one-change-might-keep-tucker-davidson-in-the-angels-rotation/ | 2022-08-14T04:45:26Z | pasadenastarnews.com | control | https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2022/08/13/this-one-change-might-keep-tucker-davidson-in-the-angels-rotation/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
GRANDVILLE, Mich. — “There’s an expectation of they know what it takes to be a really good football team and compete for championships,” said Head Coach Eric Stiegel.
In the 9 years that Eric Stiegel has been leading the Bulldogs, they’ve won the OK Red a handful of times and have always been a serious contender for the conference title.
“Every week you’re going to go up against a team that has a lot of good players. That is well coached, that’s prepared. It’s a very physical conference. It’s what makes football fun that you’re going to have to coach well, the kids are going to have to perform and they know that and I think that’s what makes It fun to coach and play in the OK Red,” said Stiegel.
Last season, Grandville lost to Rockford not once, but twice. The team still thinks about it often, especially the overtime regular season loss to the Rams.
“That’s always one we want back. That one still stings. Just losing to them in overtime again for the second year. We obviously don’t like losing to them and we love playing each other. We like competing with them. They’ve always been at the top so we’re coming. We want to beat them,” said senior quarterback Carson Smith.
The starters that return have some big game experience. But one thing coach Stiegel says is that this is the fastest team he’s seen in a while. His players agree.
“Really I would say all around the ball, both offense and defense we’re really fast. We have a lot of athletes and we’re going to be very fast, very athletic and we’re going to be very go, go, go this year,” said senior running back Tyson Mann.
“This is one of the fastest, most athletic offenses we’ve ever had. There’s a lot of speed at tight end and running back at quarterback so they may be able to do some different things,” said Stiegel.
Grandville had a rich tradition of competitive football both in the OK Red and in the post season. The senior class hopes to keep that legacy alive.
“Our expectation always is to compete for the OK Red. We want to compete with every team. Obviously we want to win every game that’s always the goal,” said Smith. | https://www.fox17online.com/sports/grandville-football-looks-to-improve-on-3rd-place-finish-in-the-ok-red | 2022-08-14T04:53:34Z | fox17online.com | control | https://www.fox17online.com/sports/grandville-football-looks-to-improve-on-3rd-place-finish-in-the-ok-red | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
7-Day Weather Forecast for Clarion County
The 7-day weather forecast for the Clarion County area is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.
Today – Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind.
Tonight – Increasing clouds, with a low around 55. Calm wind.
Sunday – Isolated showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Sunday Night – Scattered showers, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Light southeast wind. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Monday – Scattered showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 73. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night – Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday – Scattered showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
Tuesday Night – Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday – Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday Night – Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday – Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday Night – Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday – Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.
7-Day Weather Forecast, brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/7-day-weather-forecast-for-clarion-county-3070/ | 2022-08-14T04:54:39Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/7-day-weather-forecast-for-clarion-county-3070/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
AAA: Annual Cost of New Car Ownership Crosses $10K Mark
For more than 70 years, AAA’s Your Driving Costs has provided members, consumers and the media with information on the average costs of owning and operating a new automobile.
According to the latest research from AAA, the average yearly cost to own and operate a new vehicle in 2022 is $10,728, or $894 per month. This is a considerable increase from 2021 when the average yearly cost was $9,666 or $805.50 per month. Fuel prices are the most significant factor pushing this year’s average annual price tag.
“Just about everything costs more now and consumers are paying attention to every dollar they spend, especially on major purchases like a new vehicle,” said Mike Hoshaw, vice president of automotive services, AAA East Central. “Our research shows higher gas prices are causing more people to investigate the true cost of owning a vehicle beyond just the monthly payment.”
This year, AAA launched an online Your Driving Costs calculator to provide a more interactive and personalized breakdown for car shoppers. This online tool employs the same methodology as AAA’s annual analysis of new car ownership. It allows users to view comprehensive cost analyses of a specific vehicle by category to determine ownership costs that best align with their budget. Data is available for vehicles that are five years old or newer, and consumers may customize the results based on location and other personal driving habits.
In the most recent Your Driving Costs analysis, AAA evaluated nine categories of vehicles – consisting of 45 models – to determine a new vehicle’s average annual operating and ownership costs. AAA selected top-selling, mid-priced models and compared them across six categories: fuel, maintenance/repair/tire costs, insurance, license/registration/taxes, depreciation, and finance charges. The study assumed a five-year ownership period, with the vehicle being driven 15,000 miles/annually (or a total of 75,000 miles).
For this year’s study, fuel costs were projected based on a weighted average of the first five months of 2022. During that time, fuel prices averaged 17.99 cents per mile or $3.999 per gallon. Gas prices have seen a dramatic climb since early March, and, as a result, the cost of vehicle ownership has increased accordingly since the Your Driving Costs evaluation was completed.
Because of the high variability of fuel costs, consumers are considering alternative ways to budget for the cost of vehicle ownership. In a recent AAA consumer survey, one-quarter of Americans said they were exploring electric vehicles as an option for their next car purchase. This year’s Your Driving Costs analysis reveals that electric vehicles have the second lowest annual ownership costs behind small sedans. An electric vehicle owner will spend about 4.0 cents per mile to charge their vehicle at home, while the owner of a gas-powered vehicle will spend an average of 18.4 cents per mile to gas up.
AAA urges car buyers to know all the expenses associated with ownership to negotiate the best deal for their budget and recommends consumers follow these steps before purchasing:
– Start early. Due to limited inventory, consumers may have fewer choices regarding a specific vehicle model. They may have to wait for delivery or even pre-order the vehicle of their choice.
– Obtain pre-approval from their financial institution (e.g., Bank, Credit Union, AAA, etc.) before discussing finance rates with the car dealer. By getting pre-approval, they will have a threshold of the best lending rate they’ll pay. Buyers can use their pre-approval to negotiate if the dealer offers a higher rate.
– Create a budget and factor in the different elements of ownership before purchase – not just monthly payments. Other factors to consider when making the budget include insurance, gas, routine maintenance, etc.
– Typically, three negotiations occur when purchasing a vehicle – the cost of the car, the finance rate and the trade-in value. Keep each transaction/negotiation separate from the other.
Calculate annual driving costs through the new AAA Your Driving Cost calculator. Consumers can use other resources while car shopping, including the AAA Car Guide and AAA’s car buying program.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/aaa-annual-cost-of-new-car-ownership-crosses-10k-mark/ | 2022-08-14T04:54:45Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/aaa-annual-cost-of-new-car-ownership-crosses-10k-mark/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Charles Burton Kaltenbaugh
Charles Burton Kaltenbaugh, 96, of Sandy Lake, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, August 12, 2022.
Charles was born in Millcreek Twp on November 25, 1925, to the late Albert J. and Lois G (Andrews) Kaltenbaugh.
He was a graduate of Sandy Lake High School and went on to earn his Bachelors of Science Degree from Houghton College.
Charles proudly served his Country in the United States Army Air Corps in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.
On June 29, 1950, he married the love of his life, Joan (Walker) Kaltenbaugh, she preceded him in death on August 21, 2021
Charles was the owner of Walker Sales and Services in Sandy Lake.
He worked alongside his brother for many years at the shop until his retirement.
He loved spending time outdoors and hunting any chance he could.
He enjoyed farming and gardening and feeding the birds.
He also was a talented woodworker making many unique pieces.
Most of all he enjoyed traveling with his late wife to many destinations.
He also attended Oak Grove Church.
Survivors left to cherish his memory are his children, Maxine Clendenning and husband John, Jay Kaltenbaugh and wife Beth, Kevin Kaltenbaugh and wife Robin; grandchildren, Jeremy (Dawn) Clendenning, and Brett Clendenning; and great-grandchildren Miriam, Josiah, and Rosemary.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Joan W. Kaltenbaugh; and his brothers, Robert, John, and C. Dale Kaltenbaugh.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., SANDY LAKE, 3236 S. Main Street, where family and friends are welcome from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.
Funeral services will be held at the Oak Grove Church, 10 Oak Grove Road, Mercer, on Thursday, August 17, 2022 at 11 AM with Rev. Randy Ritchey officiating, an hour of visitation will take place before the service.
Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery where full Military Honors will be rendered by the V.E.T.S Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made in Charles’ name to the Evangelical Faith Missions, 960 Wildes Road, Fallon, NV 89406
To send online condolences and tributes please go to wwww.roseandblackfh.com
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/charles-burton-kaltenbaugh/ | 2022-08-14T04:54:52Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/charles-burton-kaltenbaugh/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
FOOTBALL PREVIEW: With Wealth of Talent Returning, Brookville Is Poised to Take the Next Step & Compete for D9 Title
BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT/D9) — Charlie Krug is his own worst critic.
The junior quarterback on the Brookville football team was not satisfied with his performance last year for the Raiders, even though he helped his team to a 7-4 record and a playoff berth despite a slew of question marks coming into the campaign.
Most quarterbacks in their first year as the starter would be pretty happy about completing 54% of their passes for 2,009 yards and 23 touchdowns.
But not Krug. He expected more.
“I just want to have a way better season than last year,” Krug said. “I didn’t have a good sophomore season.”
The standard is high for quarterbacks at Brookville. It’s even higher if your last name is Krug.
Brookville Area High School sports coverage on Explore and D9Sports.com is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.
Jack Krug, Charlie’s older brother, put up staggering numbers as a four-year starter from 2017 to 2020. He missed all but three games as a sophomore due to injury, but still finished his career with 571 completions for 8,362 yards and 108 touchdowns to just 25 interceptions.
Charlie is a vastly different kind of quarterback than Jack. Charlie is a right-hander; Jack was a lefty. Charlie is more of a pocket passer; Jack was quicker to scramble and use his legs.
“I look up to my brother — he set the bar pretty high. I try not to compare myself to him,” Charlie said, pausing and grinning. “but it happens.”
While Charlie Krug was down on his sophomore season, Brookville coach Scott Park was not.
“Charlie sat here and said he didn’t have a good sophomore year — he had a good sophomore year,” Park said. “It may not have worked out the way we wanted it to at the end, but I thought last year was successful.
“We had a lot of unknowns last year,” Park added. “We lost a lot of seniors from the year before and I think the kids, like Charlie, and Noah (Peterson) coming out, really helped us pick up the slack from what we lost.”
There are very few unknowns this time around.
Brookville has an unheard-of 10 returning starters on offense and defense. All but two-way standout Hunter Smith is back on the offensive and defensive lines. The entire receiving corps returns, led by senior Brayden Kunselman. And senior running back Jackson Zimmerman figures to be a bigger factor in the running game.
The focus in camp has been on improving that part of the offense to take some of the pressure off Krug.
Last year, Brookville rushed for just 1,237 yards in 11 games and averaged a modest four yards per carry.
“We need to run the ball more consistently,” Park said. “If we can combine running the ball with our passing game, I think we will be very hard to stop. I think running the ball is going to be the key to our season.”
To that end, Zimmerman will be the main back, but others will contribute, as well.
“I think we’re in a situation this year where we have potential,” Park said. “We have a couple of decent guys who can run the ball.”
Zimmerman rushed for 386 yards and five touchdowns last season. His numbers figure to increase this year.
With a better running game, Krug and his trio of returning receivers could be even more effective.
No one was more dangerous last season than Kunselman, who hauled in 48 passes for 824 yards and nine touchdowns.
Peterson, in his first year as a receiver, added 534 yards and eight TDs on 33 receptions; Senior Truman Sharp caught another 25 passes for 261 yards and three scores.
Kunselman was also a force on defense with seven interceptions.
With a wealth of experience back and Krug ready to elevate his game, there are some high hopes in Brookville.
“Everything is going in the right direction,” Park said. “We just want to keep it going in the right direction.
“We’re optimistic — cautiously optimistic,” Park added. “If we can avoid injuries, I think we can put together a season that could be special.”
Brookville Area High School sports coverage on Explore and D9Sports.com is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/football-preview-with-wealth-of-talent-returning-brookville-is-poised-to-take-the-next-step-and-compete-for-d9-title/ | 2022-08-14T04:54:58Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/football-preview-with-wealth-of-talent-returning-brookville-is-poised-to-take-the-next-step-and-compete-for-d9-title/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Richard “Dick” Burk
Richard “Dick” Burk, 88, of Clintonville, was welcomed into heaven August 12, 2022, at Hamot Medical Center, after a short illness.
Dick was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Dick was born February 28, 1934, in President, Pennsylvania, he was son of the late Clarence and Leota Edinger Burk.
Dick graduated from Emlenton High School, 70 years ago.
Dick then married Gloria Hale on January 6, 1956, she survives. They couple celebrated 66 and a half years of marriage.
After graduation Dick was drafted into the United States Army on his wife Gloria’s 19th birthday.
He proudly served his country from 1956 to 1958.
Dick was the crew chief on the aircraft that preceded President Dwight Eisenhower’s brother’s plane during a good will tour to Central America.
Prior to leaving for the service and after returning, Dick was employed at Hickman Lumber in Emlenton.
He later worked for Johns Manville Plastics in Franklin before opening his furniture business, Burk’s Furniture in Clintonville in 1969.
Gloria and Dick owned and operated the Burk’s Furniture until 2019, after having 50 great years in business.
Dick’s love for the Lord was evident in his life.
At nine years old at Vacation Bible School, he accepted Christ into his life and has been a faithful servant since.
Dick was an original member of Chapel on the Hill in Emlenton.
His hands have been on every inch of that building; he always helped where ever he was needed.
Prior to attending Chapel on the Hill, Dick was a member of Rankin Chapel Methodist Church for 27 years.
Dick was a member of The Gideons International since 1980 and was a state officer at one time.
Dick was a member of the Men with Vision Group.
The group did service projects locally and often traveled to the Kentucky Mountain Bible College to build items that where needed.
Dick loved his wood shop at his home and made a variety of items that he sold at local craft and vendor shows.
He was always up for ride in the car to get some ice cream or coffee with his friends and looked forward to catching up with them.
Loved ones to cherish Dick’s memory are his wife, Gloria, of Clintonville; his daughter, Denise Sloan and her husband, Jim, of DuBois; and their children, Brooke (Dylan), Kriner, and Zach Sloan; his son, Col. Duane Burk and his wife, Heather of Houston, Texas; and their son, Hunter Burk. Also surviving are his two great grandchildren: Bailey Rose Kriner and Mac Gianni Kriner. Dick’s two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Snyder and Jean McBride, also survive along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Dick was welcomed into heaven by his parents, his brother, William Burk, and his two sisters, Mary Scott and Evelyn Stotler Rea.
Family will welcome friends at the Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home, 109 Emlenton Street, Clintonville PA on Monday, August 15, 2022 from 2:00 pm till 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will take place Tuesday August 16, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel on the Hill Assembly of God, 6202 Emlenton Clintonville Road, Emlenton PA 16373.
An hour of visitation prior to the funeral service (10:00 a.m. till 11:00 am) at the church will take place as well.
Pastor Chris Clark and Pastor Tim Farkus will be officiating.
Burial will take place at the Clintonville Methodist Cemetery.
Friends can email condolences by visiting www.mckinleyfuneralhome.net
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial donations be sent to Chapel on the Hill (PO Box 517 Emlenton, PA 16373) or to Gideons International Bible Fund (PO Box 981 Oil City, PA 16301).
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/richard-dick-burk/ | 2022-08-14T04:55:11Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/richard-dick-burk/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Skip into Franklin for the Annual Rock in River Fest
FRANKLIN, Pa. – Stones will be dancing across the water next weekend as the 22nd annual Rock in River Fest and the PA Stone Skipping Championship return to Riverfront Park to offer one of Franklin’s most unique event experiences.
There will be entertainment on both Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20!
“One of the great things about this festival is the family feeling of brotherhood amongst the professional skippers who come here,” said Ronnie Beith, Franklin Events and Marketing Coordinator. “It is like a family reunion every year.”
Enjoy downtown shopping, fine food, and a play at The Barrow Civic Theatre on Friday.
Then, the PA Stone Skipping Championship runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, in the park at the confluence of French Creek and the Allegheny River.
For those looking to compete, registration opens at 10:00 a.m.
The Youth division for ages 12 and younger will run from 11:00 a.m. to noon. The Amateur division for ages 13 and older will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m.
The Professional division, including those who qualified during the Amateur competition with 30 skips, will get underway at 2:30 p.m. Awards will be given out immediately following each division.
Among those expected to compete in the professional category are the Guinness World Record Holder Kurt “Mountain Man” Steiner and 2021 PA Champion Dave Ohmer. Competitors in all divisions must supply their own rocks and are recommended to bring at least six for the competition itself.
While the day is centered around kerplunking, the festival offers other activities for spectators and fans. The family-friendly variety show–Mr. Joe Show–will take place at 12:15 p.m. Also, there will be the annual rock decorating tent, kids’ crafts and games, food, and kayak demonstrations.
Parking along Ninth Street, where the park is located, is limited. Attendees are encouraged to use nearby lots on Elk and Buffalo Streets.
Along with the shops and restaurants in downtown Franklin, there will be a variety of activities throughout the weekend.
Friday’s schedule includes:
– Yak ‘n Java at 8:30 a.m.;
– Hunter Cook in concert at Benjamin’s Patio from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.;
– Ruby in concert at Bella’s patio from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.;
– and the play “Black Coffee” at the Barrow-Civic Little Theatre at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule includes:
– Farmer’s Market from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. around the 12th Street island;
– the play “Black Coffee” at the Barrow-Civic Little Theatre at 7:30 p.m.;
– and live music at FoxTales and Trails to Ales II in the evening.
Find out more about events in Franklin, Pennsylvania by going online to www.franklinpa.gov/events or on Facebook at FranklinPAEvents.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/skip-into-franklin-for-the-annual-rock-in-river-fest/ | 2022-08-14T04:55:17Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/skip-into-franklin-for-the-annual-rock-in-river-fest/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SPONSORED: Rain or Shine, Kalyumet Fore Fun Is the Entertainment Spot for the Entire Family!
LUCINDA, Pa. (EYT) – Rain or shine, Mark and Becky Wineman have the entertainment spot for the entire family: Kalyumet Fore Fun and Kalyumet Campground!
(Photos by Dave Cyphert/ProPoint Media Photography.)
“There is something for everyone here,” Becky Wineman told exploreClarion.com.
Owners Mark and Becky Wineman opened what they call the “Big Building” in 2008. It consists of a state-of-the-art kitchen and an arcade. This means you can order your favorite pizza or wings while playing your favorite arcade games.
Over 24 flavors of soft-serve ice cream are also served in the Big Building.
The Redemption Arcade Center is perfect for rainy days.
There is a wide array of classic favorites and newer redemption games. Since it is the largest arcade in the Cook Forest area, the entire family can spend the day competing with family and friends for the most tickets. After players have collected all of their tickets, they can redeem them, choosing from hundreds of prizes.
On sunny days, individuals have their choice of Outdoor Laser Tag or Miniature Golf at Kalyumet Fore Fun.
Outdoor Laser Tag is played on a three-acre wooded field. The game can be played by beginners with an open range or by more experienced gamers who prefer strategy, teamwork, and a variety of scenarios.
The 18-hole family-friendly course is complete with challenging greens, a fountain pond, and a waterfall. It is also wheelchair accessible.
Mini-golf and Outdoor Laser Tag packages for groups are available.
Kalyumet Fore Fun is located at 8630 Miola Road in Lucinda and can be reached at 814-744-8768.
For more information, visit their website here.
Families will have so much fun in the “Big Building” that they will want to stay the night at Kalyumet Campground which is located right down the road. It offers full utility hookups for RVs and tents.
Call 814-744-9622 to reserve a spot.
More information about the campground can be found on their website at www.kalyumet.com.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/sponsored-rain-or-shine-kalyumet-fore-fun-is-the-entertainment-spot-for-the-entire-family/ | 2022-08-14T04:55:30Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/sponsored-rain-or-shine-kalyumet-fore-fun-is-the-entertainment-spot-for-the-entire-family/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SPONSORED: Stop at Sweet Basil for Their Weekend Specials: Saturday Prime Rib, Burger Sunday!
SHIPPENVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Stop at Sweet Basil Italian Restaurant & Bar this weekend, meet their friendly staff, and try one of their daily specials!
(Photos by Dave Cyphert of ProPoint Media Photography)
Saturday Prime Rib
Sweet Basil’s special on Saturday is a 12 oz. Prime Rib cooked to your favorite temperature.
It is served with fresh bread, a salad, and the chef’s choice of potato.
Sunday Burger Special
Sunday is Sweet Basil’s Burger Special!
Click here for the different choices and toppings.
The burger is served with fries.
SAVE SOME ROOM FOR DESSERT!
Dining Room Hours:
Wednesday through Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The restaurant is not taking reservations at this time.
Carry-out and curbside services are also available. Call 814-226-7013 to place your take-out order.
Late-Night Food Available at Sweet Basil’s Bar!
Sweet Basil’s bar is open on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday.
Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.!
Late-night food is available at the bar until 10:00 p.m., Monday thru Saturday.
Sweet Basil Italian Restaurant & Bar is located at 21108 Paint Blvd., Shippenville, PA 16254.
Follow Sweet Basil’s Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbasilrestaurantandbar/.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/sponsored-stop-at-sweet-basil-for-their-weekend-specials-saturday-prime-rib-burger-sunday/ | 2022-08-14T04:55:36Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/sponsored-stop-at-sweet-basil-for-their-weekend-specials-saturday-prime-rib-burger-sunday/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
PSP Continue Search for Men Who Used Distraction Technique to Lure Victim Out of Vehicle, Steal $1,000
MONROE TWP., Pa. (EYT) – Clarion-based State Police are continuing their search for the men who used a distraction technique to lure a victim out of his vehicle and steal $1,000.00 in the Clarion Walmart parking lot in Monroe Township, Clarion County.
According to PA Crime Watch, the pictured male suspect approached the victim around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, and distracted him by claiming the victim had a tack in his tire and got him to leave his vehicle to look at the tire.
While the victim was distracted, the second male entered the victim’s vehicle and stole his wallet.
The suspects then went to an ATM and withdrew $1,000 from the victim’s account, according to the police.
Anyone with information is asked to please contact PSP Clarion at 814-226-1710 or anonymously contact the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers Toll Free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or online at https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=107.
Copyright © 2022 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited. | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/update-psp-continue-search-for-men-who-used-distraction-technique-to-lure-victim-out-of-vehicle-steal-1000/ | 2022-08-14T04:55:42Z | exploreclarion.com | control | https://www.exploreclarion.com/2022/08/13/update-psp-continue-search-for-men-who-used-distraction-technique-to-lure-victim-out-of-vehicle-steal-1000/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Our ‘Bloody Lies’ Series Documents the Myths People Hear About Menstruation
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In Bloody Lies, we document cultural myths around menstruation and the falsehoods people hear about their reproductive and sexual health. Their stories capture social bias, prejudice, and the absurd lies society perpetuates to keep menstruation a shameful and isolating experience.
“Only talk to female friends about your period; as soon as you talk about it to your male friends, they are going to rape you.”
– Zoha
“During periods, the person emanates so much heat that spices and food become inedible.”
– Vidhi
“If a man touches period-stained clothes (or any other items), his life span will be shortened.”
– Monica
“Always wash your pad a little with water before dumping it, otherwise your brother will be burdened with loans.”
– Shagun
“Period blood makes land infertile.”
– A.R.
“Period blood is a different kind of blood that is gross and nasty.”
– Divya
“The body emits dark energy when on periods.”
– Vidya
“Period blood has fecal matter in it.”
– Rucha
“Girls have an option whether they want to have their period or not. Most girls just do it for fun.”
– Manushi
“If you touch someone with periods, you will also get periods.”
– Hashi
“If you scratch your body when you’re on your period, you’ll get stretch marks.”
– Elina
“Taking pain medication during periods will affect your ability to have kids.”
– Megha
“If you touch a plant [while on your period], it will die the next day.”
– Pavithra
“Showering too much during periods causes early death.”
– Sana
“Your boobs will become saggy if you don’t wear bras during periods.”
– Esha
“Showering too much during periods causes early death.”
– Sana
“If you have sex with a girl on her period, you can die.”
– Dharveen
“A woman on periods might attract snakes.”
– Amala | https://theswaddle.com/our-bloody-lies-series-documents-the-myths-people-hear-about-menstruation/ | 2022-08-14T05:05:49Z | theswaddle.com | control | https://theswaddle.com/our-bloody-lies-series-documents-the-myths-people-hear-about-menstruation/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
PITTSVILLE, Md.- The town of Pittsville renamed Main Street to Corporal Glenn Hilliard Way Saturday morning. Corporal Glenn Hilliard's wife Tashica Hilliard says she is thankful for the town's tribute.
"It's an honor that the town of Pittsville, to do this for our family, it gives us comfort, and the fact that my husband made the ultimate sacrifice, by giving his life to this town I feel like it's awesome to honor him in such a way," said Hilliard. "It's funny because Glenn never wanted to be be put up on a pedestal but there he is on a pedestal! I love the sheriff badge there with it, it's more beautiful than I thought it would be."
Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis says the street naming is a fitting tribute to the hero.
"His family lost an incredibly good man. We lost an incredibly good deputy . And Wicomico County lost an incredibly good servant, the night he lost his life here in Pittsville," said Lewis. "This type of recognition on this Saturday on a gorgeous day like this, it's a fitting tribute to the life he lead. Glenn was an incredible father, husband, you can see his wife his children. It means to much to me to see all these people here today."
Hilliard says with this sign, his name will live on forever.
"It means everything to us that the town of Pittsville decided to take the time to honor our husband and father this way, it's awesome knowing his name will live on for generations to come," said Hilliard.
On Monday, 8 other Corporal Glenn Hilliard Way signs will be placed at the intersection. | https://www.wboc.com/news/pittsville-renames-main-street-to-corporal-glenn-hilliard-way/article_016842c4-1b76-11ed-a62a-13ae84ac7bce.html | 2022-08-14T05:08:51Z | wboc.com | control | https://www.wboc.com/news/pittsville-renames-main-street-to-corporal-glenn-hilliard-way/article_016842c4-1b76-11ed-a62a-13ae84ac7bce.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Renowned author Salman Rushdie remains hospitalized after being repeatedly stabbed during an on-stage attack in western New York that left him at risk of losing an eye, a prosecutor said during court proceedings Saturday.
The 75-year-old award-winning author -- whose writings have for decades brought him death threats -- was preparing to give a lecture at the Chautauqua Institution Friday when a man jumped on stage and stabbed Rushdie in several places, including the neck and stomach.
Staff members and guests then rushed on to the stage and held down the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Hadi Matar, of Fairview, New Jersey, before a state trooper assigned to the event took him into custody, according to New York State Police.
Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt provided the details of Rushdie's injuries in court during Matar's arraignment Saturday afternoon.
The author's injuries include three stab wounds to the right side of the front of his neck, four stab wounds to his stomach, puncture wound to his right eye and chest, and a laceration on his right thigh, according to the county prosecutor.
Rushdie was airlifted to a hospital following the attack and underwent surgery, police said. The author may end up losing his right eye, Schmidt said.
The author started to speak again Saturday after earlier being put on a ventilator, his agent Andrew Wylie told the New York Times, adding that the attack left Rushdie with liver and nerve damage.
Another speaker at the event, 73-year-old Ralph Henry Reese, suffered a minor head injury during the attack. He was taken to hospital in an ambulance and later released with a facial injury.
The suspect has pleaded not guilty
Matar pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault with intent to cause physical injury with a deadly weapon, his public defender, Nathaniel Barone, told CNN on Saturday.
The attorney said Matar has been "very cooperative" and communicating openly, but he did not discuss what was said during those conversations.
Matar was refused bail and remanded to the Chautauqua County Jail. His next court appearance is Friday.
He faces up to 32 years if convicted of both charges, Schmidt said.
The FBI is now working with local and international authorities to investigate the attack at the Chautauqua Institution, which happened in front of an audience as Rushdie was being introduced.
A witness, Joyce Lussier, was sitting in the second row when she saw a man leap across the stage and lunge at Rushdie. She heard people screaming and crying, she told CNN, and saw people from the audience rushing up to the stage.
Another witness, Stephen Davies, who captured video of the moments just after Rushdie was attacked, said he couldn't tell if the attacker had a knife in his hand.
"He lunged onto Mr. Rushdie and started pummeling him with his hand, very quickly," Davies said. "I was completely stunned and shocked."
Authorities have not disclosed the specific type of weapon that was used in the attack.
The suspect had a pass to the event that now faces questions over its security procedures
The suspect arrived in Chautauqua at least a day before the event and bought a pass to the event two days prior, Schmidt said during Matar's arraignment.
Matar traveled to Chautauqua by bus and had cash, pre-paid Visa cards and false identification with him, said Schmidt, who called the stabbing a "targeted, pre-planned, unprovoked attack on Mr. Rushdie."
There were no security searches or metal detectors at the event, a person who witnessed the attack told CNN. The witness is not being identified because they expressed concerns for their personal safety.
This has raised questions about the security precautions at the host institution.
The institution's leadership had rejected recommendations for basic security measures, including bag checks and metal detectors, fearing that would create a divide between speakers and the audience, according to two sources who spoke with CNN on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Institution president Michael Hill defended his organization's security plans when asked during a news conference Friday whether there would be more precautions at future events.
"We assess for every event what we think the appropriate security level is, and this one was certainly one that we thought was important which is why we had a State Trooper and Sheriff presence there," Hill said. "We will assess for each of the events at the Institution what we think the appropriate level of security is and that's an ongoing process that we work in concert with local law enforcement on."
Matar -- who authorities say has no documented criminal history -- was described as being a quiet person who mostly kept to himself. CNN exclusively spoke with State of Fitness Boxing Club owner Desmond Boyle, who said Matar enrolled at the gym in North Bergen, New Jersey in April.
"You know that look, that 'it's the worst day of your life' look? He came in every day like that," Boyle told CNN on Saturday.
As the investigation continued, police on Friday evening were seen at the New Jersey home believed to be connected to the suspect.
Rushdie had a bounty on his head
Rushdie's writings have won him several literary prizes, but it was his fourth novel, "The Satanic Verses," that drew the greatest scrutiny as some Muslims found the book to be sacrilegious. The book, which sparked demonstrations, was banned in multiple countries.
The late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who described the book as an insult to Islam and Prophet Mohammed, issued a religious decree, or fatwa, calling for Rushdie's death in 1989.
As a result, Rushdie began a decade under British protection.
The bounty against Rushdie has never been lifted, though in 1998 the Iranian government sought to distance itself from the fatwa by pledging not to seek to carry it out.
However, in 2017, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was asked if the "fatwa against Rushdie was still in effect," and he confirmed it was, saying, "The decree is as Imam Khomeini issued."
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/prosecutor-provides-more-details-in-court-of-salman-rushdies-wounds-as-stabbing-suspect-pleads-not/article_c2ed0d59-074d-594a-a57c-df4ef21c6b76.html | 2022-08-14T05:31:03Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/regional-national/prosecutor-provides-more-details-in-court-of-salman-rushdies-wounds-as-stabbing-suspect-pleads-not/article_c2ed0d59-074d-594a-a57c-df4ef21c6b76.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green, left, and his wife, Jamie, greet passing cars while campaigning in Honolulu on Aug. 2, 2022. The candidates running in Hawaii's primary election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige include a former first lady, a retired mixed martial arts champion and a congressman who moonlights as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)
Vicky Cayetano waves at passing cars while campaigning in Honolulu on Aug. 2, 2022. The candidates running in Hawaii's primary election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige include a former first lady, a retired mixed martial arts champion and a congressman who moonlights as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)
Former Hawaii Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona waves at passing cars while campaigning in Kailua, Hawaii on Aug. 9, 2022. The candidates running in Hawaii's primary election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige include a former first lady, a retired mixed martial arts champion and a congressman who moonlights as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)
FILE - U.S. Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele speaks at a rally at the Hawaii State Capitol on Feb. 11, 2022, in Honolulu. The candidates running in Hawaii's primary election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige include a former first lady, a retired mixed martial arts champion and a congressman who moonlights as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green, left, and his wife, Jamie, greet passing cars while campaigning in Honolulu on Aug. 2, 2022. The candidates running in Hawaii's primary election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige include a former first lady, a retired mixed martial arts champion and a congressman who moonlights as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)
Audrey McAvoy
Vicky Cayetano waves at passing cars while campaigning in Honolulu on Aug. 2, 2022. The candidates running in Hawaii's primary election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige include a former first lady, a retired mixed martial arts champion and a congressman who moonlights as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)
Audrey McAvoy
Former Hawaii Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona waves at passing cars while campaigning in Kailua, Hawaii on Aug. 9, 2022. The candidates running in Hawaii's primary election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige include a former first lady, a retired mixed martial arts champion and a congressman who moonlights as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)
Audrey McAvoy
FILE - U.S. Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele speaks at a rally at the Hawaii State Capitol on Feb. 11, 2022, in Honolulu. The candidates running in Hawaii's primary election to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige include a former first lady, a retired mixed martial arts champion and a congressman who moonlights as a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones)
As Hawaii voters finish casting their ballots Saturday, the marquee race is the state's Democratic primary for governor.
There's a crowded field of Democrats vying to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. David Ige including Democratic Rep. Kai Kahele, who joined the race after announcing earlier this year he would leave Congress at the end of the term, vacating one of the Aloha State's two congressional seats.
Hawaii Lt. Gov. Josh Green and former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano are also competing for the Democratic gubernatorial nod in a state that's been helmed by party leadership for over a decade.
In a debate held in July, Green, a former emergency room doctor who served in the Hawaii state House and Senate, called out Kahele for serving one term in Congress and then retiring to return to Hawaii and run for governor, Hawaii News Now reported at the time.
Kahele, who was elected in 2020 to replace Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, came under fire earlier this year for his part-time work as a commercial pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, which raised questions of whether he was breaking any ethics rules for continuing his work with the airline.
Questions about Kahele's work with Hawaiian Airlines arose after the Honolulu Civil Beat published an in-depth story looking into his attendance at the US Capitol this year and his personal income since he entered office. The report found that Kahele had voted by proxy at least 120 times from the start of the year through early April, meaning another lawmaker has cast his votes for him.
Kahele's office at the time defended his part-time work with Hawaiian Airlines and said his decision to vote by proxy was motivated by concerns over new coronavirus variants, given that the congressman lives in a multigenerational family home. His office said he remained committed to his work in Washington, DC.
Kahele's retirement from the House leaves the seat in the state's 2nd Congressional District open. The top-funded candidate is former Democratic state Sen. Jill Tokuda, who's been endorsed by the Progressive Caucus PAC and EMILY's List. State Rep. Patrick Branco, a former US diplomat, is also running for the Democratic nomination. Republican Joe Webster, who calls himself "a Republican like you've never met before" and are vying for the GOP nomination in the solid Democratic district.
Democratic Rep. Ed Case, who represents Hawaii's 1st Congressional District, and Sen. Brian Schatz, who has held his seat since 2012, are running for reelection.
Polls in Hawaii close at 7 p.m. local time (1 a.m. Eastern time). All registered Hawaii voters are sent a mail ballot. Mail ballots are due by the close of polls on August 13. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/its-election-day-in-hawaii-where-focus-is-on-the-democratic-gubernatorial-primary/article_4adef92f-ee5e-5978-a6d9-7f238dcef0ed.html | 2022-08-14T05:38:39Z | kitv.com | control | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/its-election-day-in-hawaii-where-focus-is-on-the-democratic-gubernatorial-primary/article_4adef92f-ee5e-5978-a6d9-7f238dcef0ed.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Thiruvananthapuram/Kannur: The higher education sector in Kerala has been in the news for wrong reasons of late. Academic excellence and seniority take a back seat as political influence and nepotism decide the fate of contenders for university employment. For instance the move to appoint Priya Varghese, the wife of K K Ragesh, private secretary to the Chief Minister, as Associate Professor at the Kannur University.
A document obtained through the Right to Information Act reveals she was the last of the six research scholars considered for appointment based on the research scores, but pipped the topper in the rank list after the interview!
Priya had aggregated a research score of only 156, while the topper in the list, Joseph Scaria had a score of 651. After the interview, Priya surpassed Joseph Scaria and topped the rank list. While Priya got 32 marks in the interview, Joseph had 30 marks. C Ganesh, who had a research score of 645 got 28 marks in the interview and the 3rd rank on the list.
The interview was conducted by the panel chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof Gopinath Ravindran.
The research score is allotted based on the candidate’s research papers. However, the performance during the interview decides the final rank for the appointment, the University explains.
Priya, who is a lecturer with Kerala Varma College, Thrissur, is currently the Assistant Director with the Language Institute on deputation.
The Governor had sought the University’s explanation on the appointment of Priya Varghese based on a complaint from the ‘Save the University Campaign’ committee. The RTI document surfaced thereafter.
The campaign committee had earlier alleged that Priya Varghese does not have the requisite eligibility to apply for the Associate Professor’s position.
Joseph Scaria with 15 years of teaching experience allotted 30 marks in the interview and C Ganesh allotted 28 marks, was clearly with an intention to ensure the first rank to Priya, the committee pointed out. The Committee also informed that the documents have been submitted to the Governor.
University delays appointment
Kannur: The appointment of Priya Varghese as the Associate Professor with the Malayalam Department at Kannur University is being delayed.
The Syndicate meeting convened on June 27 had decided to appoint Priya who secured the first rank in the interview to the post. However, the order has not been sent even after one-and-a-half months.
The rank list was prepared by the selection committee chaired by the VC after conducting an interview on November 18. Following the controversies, the University sought legal advice. Finally, after 8 months, the appointment was approved by the Syndicate.
It is being hinted that the University is waiting to see if anyone moves the Court against the appointment. There is no rule on the number of days within which the appointment order must be sent after the Syndicate nod. However, once the appointment order is received, the candidate must join work within 45 days. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/08/14/kannur-university-controversy-priya-varghese-professor.html | 2022-08-14T05:45:35Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/08/14/kannur-university-controversy-priya-varghese-professor.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is considering launching a money laundering probe after it unearthed evidence in this regard. Sources said the central agency seized documents following the recent raids at the residences of the accused in the multi-crore scam at the Karuvannur Cooperative Bank at Irinjalakuda in Trichur district.
ED has sufficient evidence to initiate a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), sources said.
ED seized the documents during the inspections conducted at the houses of former secretary of the bank P R Sunil Kumar, former head office manager Biju Karim, former accountant C KJils, Rubco-Bank commission agent A K Bijoy, former board president K K Divakaran, and the bank office.
Duped depositors flay belated raids
Meanwhile, the depositors who lost money in the scam criticised the ED's delayed inspection.
They said the delayed probe would not be successful as it has given sufficient time to the accused to destroy incriminating documents. However, sources close to ED said the delay would not hinder the probe into economic offences. | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/08/14/karavannur-pmla-enforcement-directorate.amp.html | 2022-08-14T05:45:41Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2022/08/14/karavannur-pmla-enforcement-directorate.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Darrell R. King, 72 Aug 13, 2022 47 min ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Darrell Ross King, 72, of Zillah died Thursday, Aug. 11.Arrangements are by Valley Hills Funeral Home, Zillah, valleyhillsfh.com. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save × Add your entry Posting As Emoticons [smile] [beam] [wink] [sad] [cool] [innocent] [rolleyes] [whistling] [lol] [huh] [tongue] [love] [sleeping] [yawn] [unsure] [angry] [blink] [crying] [ohmy] [scared] [sleep] [sneaky] [tongue_smile] [thumbdown] [thumbup] [censored] [happybirthday] [ban] [spam] [offtopic] [batman] [ninja] [pirate] [alien] Comment Text CAPTCHA × Your entry has been submitted. Guest × Report ×Reported ×There was a problem reporting this. × Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook. Watch this discussion Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Notifications from this guestbook will end. (0) entries Sign the guestbook Log in Add your entry Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form LOCAL FLORISTS John Gasperetti's Floral Design Findery Floral Jenny's Floral & Gifts Blossom Shop Flrsts Amy's Wapato Florist FUNERAL HOMES AND SERVICES Brookside Funeral Home Colonial Funeral Home Keith & Keith Funeral Home Langevin - El Paraíso Funeral Home Merritt Funeral Home Midstate Monuments Prosser Funeral Home Rainier Memorial Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Smith Funeral Homes & Crematory Steward & Williams Tribute & Cremation Center Terrace Heights Memorial Park Valley Hills Funeral Home West Hills Memorial Park
Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/darrell-r-king-72/article_63b1c7be-1aba-11ed-8a9b-f77ecebf1c79.html | 2022-08-14T06:00:27Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/darrell-r-king-72/article_63b1c7be-1aba-11ed-8a9b-f77ecebf1c79.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Dawn D. Lovitt, 51 Aug 13, 2022 43 min ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Dawn Dee Lovitt, 51, of Yakima died Saturday, Aug. 6, at Cottage In The Meadow, Yakima.Arrangements are by Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory, Moxee, 509-457-1232. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save × Add your entry Posting As Emoticons [smile] [beam] [wink] [sad] [cool] [innocent] [rolleyes] [whistling] [lol] [huh] [tongue] [love] [sleeping] [yawn] [unsure] [angry] [blink] [crying] [ohmy] [scared] [sleep] [sneaky] [tongue_smile] [thumbdown] [thumbup] [censored] [happybirthday] [ban] [spam] [offtopic] [batman] [ninja] [pirate] [alien] Comment Text CAPTCHA × Your entry has been submitted. Guest × Report ×Reported ×There was a problem reporting this. × Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook. Watch this discussion Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Notifications from this guestbook will end. (0) entries Sign the guestbook Log in Add your entry Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form LOCAL FLORISTS John Gasperetti's Floral Design Findery Floral Jenny's Floral & Gifts Blossom Shop Flrsts Amy's Wapato Florist FUNERAL HOMES AND SERVICES Brookside Funeral Home Colonial Funeral Home Keith & Keith Funeral Home Langevin - El Paraíso Funeral Home Merritt Funeral Home Midstate Monuments Prosser Funeral Home Rainier Memorial Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Smith Funeral Homes & Crematory Steward & Williams Tribute & Cremation Center Terrace Heights Memorial Park Valley Hills Funeral Home West Hills Memorial Park
Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/dawn-d-lovitt-51/article_ee9abdec-1ab8-11ed-9c8f-53b02bf6d35d.html | 2022-08-14T06:00:33Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/dawn-d-lovitt-51/article_ee9abdec-1ab8-11ed-9c8f-53b02bf6d35d.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Don L. Werger, 51 Aug 13, 2022 43 min ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Don L. Werger, 51, of Tieton died Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Cottage in the Meadow, Yakima.Arrangements are by Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory, Moxee, 509-457-1232. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save × Add your entry Posting As Emoticons [smile] [beam] [wink] [sad] [cool] [innocent] [rolleyes] [whistling] [lol] [huh] [tongue] [love] [sleeping] [yawn] [unsure] [angry] [blink] [crying] [ohmy] [scared] [sleep] [sneaky] [tongue_smile] [thumbdown] [thumbup] [censored] [happybirthday] [ban] [spam] [offtopic] [batman] [ninja] [pirate] [alien] Comment Text CAPTCHA × Your entry has been submitted. Guest × Report ×Reported ×There was a problem reporting this. × Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook. Watch this discussion Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Notifications from this guestbook will end. (0) entries Sign the guestbook Log in Add your entry Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form LOCAL FLORISTS John Gasperetti's Floral Design Findery Floral Jenny's Floral & Gifts Blossom Shop Flrsts Amy's Wapato Florist FUNERAL HOMES AND SERVICES Brookside Funeral Home Colonial Funeral Home Keith & Keith Funeral Home Langevin - El Paraíso Funeral Home Merritt Funeral Home Midstate Monuments Prosser Funeral Home Rainier Memorial Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Smith Funeral Homes & Crematory Steward & Williams Tribute & Cremation Center Terrace Heights Memorial Park Valley Hills Funeral Home West Hills Memorial Park
Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/don-l-werger-51/article_69f1e16e-1ab9-11ed-8066-43447a0fd2fe.html | 2022-08-14T06:00:39Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/don-l-werger-51/article_69f1e16e-1ab9-11ed-8066-43447a0fd2fe.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Duane Larson, 87 Aug 13, 2022 17 min ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Duane "Swede" Larson, 87, of Moxee died Sunday, Aug. 7, at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, Yakima.Arrangements are by Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory, Moxee, 509-457-1232. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save × Add your entry Posting As Emoticons [smile] [beam] [wink] [sad] [cool] [innocent] [rolleyes] [whistling] [lol] [huh] [tongue] [love] [sleeping] [yawn] [unsure] [angry] [blink] [crying] [ohmy] [scared] [sleep] [sneaky] [tongue_smile] [thumbdown] [thumbup] [censored] [happybirthday] [ban] [spam] [offtopic] [batman] [ninja] [pirate] [alien] Comment Text CAPTCHA × Your entry has been submitted. Guest × Report ×Reported ×There was a problem reporting this. × Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook. Watch this discussion Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Notifications from this guestbook will end. (0) entries Sign the guestbook Log in Add your entry Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form LOCAL FLORISTS John Gasperetti's Floral Design Findery Floral Jenny's Floral & Gifts Blossom Shop Flrsts Amy's Wapato Florist FUNERAL HOMES AND SERVICES Brookside Funeral Home Colonial Funeral Home Keith & Keith Funeral Home Langevin - El Paraíso Funeral Home Merritt Funeral Home Midstate Monuments Prosser Funeral Home Rainier Memorial Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Smith Funeral Homes & Crematory Steward & Williams Tribute & Cremation Center Terrace Heights Memorial Park Valley Hills Funeral Home West Hills Memorial Park
Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/duane-larson-87/article_ac555122-1ab8-11ed-ab81-bf1e0db3d415.html | 2022-08-14T06:00:51Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/duane-larson-87/article_ac555122-1ab8-11ed-ab81-bf1e0db3d415.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Ghaane Hadee, 69 Aug 13, 2022 7 min ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Ghaane Hadee, 69, of Yakima died Monday, Aug. 8.Arrangements are by Shaw & Sons Funeral Home, Yakima, 509-453-0331. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save × Add your entry Posting As Emoticons [smile] [beam] [wink] [sad] [cool] [innocent] [rolleyes] [whistling] [lol] [huh] [tongue] [love] [sleeping] [yawn] [unsure] [angry] [blink] [crying] [ohmy] [scared] [sleep] [sneaky] [tongue_smile] [thumbdown] [thumbup] [censored] [happybirthday] [ban] [spam] [offtopic] [batman] [ninja] [pirate] [alien] Comment Text CAPTCHA × Your entry has been submitted. Guest × Report ×Reported ×There was a problem reporting this. × Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook. Watch this discussion Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Notifications from this guestbook will end. (0) entries Sign the guestbook Log in Add your entry Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form LOCAL FLORISTS John Gasperetti's Floral Design Findery Floral Jenny's Floral & Gifts Blossom Shop Flrsts Amy's Wapato Florist FUNERAL HOMES AND SERVICES Brookside Funeral Home Colonial Funeral Home Keith & Keith Funeral Home Langevin - El Paraíso Funeral Home Merritt Funeral Home Midstate Monuments Prosser Funeral Home Rainier Memorial Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Smith Funeral Homes & Crematory Steward & Williams Tribute & Cremation Center Terrace Heights Memorial Park Valley Hills Funeral Home West Hills Memorial Park
Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/ghaane-hadee-69/article_c1f5a34a-1aba-11ed-a212-1b5219277fd5.html | 2022-08-14T06:01:04Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/ghaane-hadee-69/article_c1f5a34a-1aba-11ed-a212-1b5219277fd5.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
James A. Keck, 69 Aug 13, 2022 7 min ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save James Andrew Keck, 69, of Yakima died Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle.Arrangements are by Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory, Moxee, 509-457-1232. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save × Add your entry Posting As Emoticons [smile] [beam] [wink] [sad] [cool] [innocent] [rolleyes] [whistling] [lol] [huh] [tongue] [love] [sleeping] [yawn] [unsure] [angry] [blink] [crying] [ohmy] [scared] [sleep] [sneaky] [tongue_smile] [thumbdown] [thumbup] [censored] [happybirthday] [ban] [spam] [offtopic] [batman] [ninja] [pirate] [alien] Comment Text CAPTCHA × Your entry has been submitted. Guest × Report ×Reported ×There was a problem reporting this. × Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook. Watch this discussion Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Notifications from this guestbook will end. (0) entries Sign the guestbook Log in Add your entry Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form LOCAL FLORISTS John Gasperetti's Floral Design Findery Floral Jenny's Floral & Gifts Blossom Shop Flrsts Amy's Wapato Florist FUNERAL HOMES AND SERVICES Brookside Funeral Home Colonial Funeral Home Keith & Keith Funeral Home Langevin - El Paraíso Funeral Home Merritt Funeral Home Midstate Monuments Prosser Funeral Home Rainier Memorial Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Smith Funeral Homes & Crematory Steward & Williams Tribute & Cremation Center Terrace Heights Memorial Park Valley Hills Funeral Home West Hills Memorial Park
Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/james-a-keck-69/article_220c4b9a-1aba-11ed-94c5-ef1a359bb495.html | 2022-08-14T06:01:10Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/james-a-keck-69/article_220c4b9a-1aba-11ed-94c5-ef1a359bb495.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Jill Sandall, 64 Aug 13, 2022 24 min ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Jill Sandall, 64, of Yakima died Thursday, Aug. 11, at Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle.Arrangements are by Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory, Moxee, 509-457-1232. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save × Add your entry Posting As Emoticons [smile] [beam] [wink] [sad] [cool] [innocent] [rolleyes] [whistling] [lol] [huh] [tongue] [love] [sleeping] [yawn] [unsure] [angry] [blink] [crying] [ohmy] [scared] [sleep] [sneaky] [tongue_smile] [thumbdown] [thumbup] [censored] [happybirthday] [ban] [spam] [offtopic] [batman] [ninja] [pirate] [alien] Comment Text CAPTCHA × Your entry has been submitted. Guest × Report ×Reported ×There was a problem reporting this. × Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook. Watch this discussion Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Notifications from this guestbook will end. (0) entries Sign the guestbook Log in Add your entry Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form LOCAL FLORISTS John Gasperetti's Floral Design Findery Floral Jenny's Floral & Gifts Blossom Shop Flrsts Amy's Wapato Florist FUNERAL HOMES AND SERVICES Brookside Funeral Home Colonial Funeral Home Keith & Keith Funeral Home Langevin - El Paraíso Funeral Home Merritt Funeral Home Midstate Monuments Prosser Funeral Home Rainier Memorial Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Smith Funeral Homes & Crematory Steward & Williams Tribute & Cremation Center Terrace Heights Memorial Park Valley Hills Funeral Home West Hills Memorial Park
Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/jill-sandall-64/article_5f14f8cc-1ab8-11ed-be6a-47d569838816.html | 2022-08-14T06:01:16Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/jill-sandall-64/article_5f14f8cc-1ab8-11ed-be6a-47d569838816.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Kelly W. Smith, 58 Aug 13, 2022 40 min ago 0 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Kelly William Smith, 58, of Moxee died Monday, Aug. 8.Arrangements are by Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory, Moxee, 509-457-1232. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save × Add your entry Posting As Emoticons [smile] [beam] [wink] [sad] [cool] [innocent] [rolleyes] [whistling] [lol] [huh] [tongue] [love] [sleeping] [yawn] [unsure] [angry] [blink] [crying] [ohmy] [scared] [sleep] [sneaky] [tongue_smile] [thumbdown] [thumbup] [censored] [happybirthday] [ban] [spam] [offtopic] [batman] [ninja] [pirate] [alien] Comment Text CAPTCHA × Your entry has been submitted. Guest × Report ×Reported ×There was a problem reporting this. × Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook. Watch this discussion Get an email notification whenever someone signs the guestbook. Notifications from this guestbook will end. (0) entries Sign the guestbook Log in Add your entry Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form LOCAL FLORISTS John Gasperetti's Floral Design Findery Floral Jenny's Floral & Gifts Blossom Shop Flrsts Amy's Wapato Florist FUNERAL HOMES AND SERVICES Brookside Funeral Home Colonial Funeral Home Keith & Keith Funeral Home Langevin - El Paraíso Funeral Home Merritt Funeral Home Midstate Monuments Prosser Funeral Home Rainier Memorial Shaw & Sons Funeral Home Smith Funeral Homes & Crematory Steward & Williams Tribute & Cremation Center Terrace Heights Memorial Park Valley Hills Funeral Home West Hills Memorial Park
Submit An ObituaryFuneral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/kelly-w-smith-58/article_ad2557ea-1ab9-11ed-ac9e-ab101ad496d0.html | 2022-08-14T06:01:22Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/obituaries/death_notices/kelly-w-smith-58/article_ad2557ea-1ab9-11ed-ac9e-ab101ad496d0.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Yoruba have a way of provoking extreme reactions. It is a simple expression of “o to be” (I dare you). If they want the situation to be one of “yam pepper scatter, scatter (total chaos), the aggravated version; “won o bi e da” (you are a bastard), would be employed. In street parlance, it is “you no fit” or, “your papa no born you well”. All versions are lethal form of today’s Truth or Dare, a disturbing pastime that strangely began as a Christmas game in 1712.
I personally don’t like daring angry people, even when they appear bluffing. A scar on my right foot is a mnemonic of sort. It was the first day of a new term in secondary school and students were asked to cut the overgrown grass around the premises. Portions were apportioned. We were rounding off, deep noon, when ekwensu, the spirit of confusion, struck. Two classmates got into a silly argument, then the one closer to me dared his opponent in Ijesa dialect, “e se baba re lo bi o, ki o ba be mi lese” (you aren’t the son of your father if you don’t carry out your threat to slash my leg). Without delay, his battler proved he was omo oko (a true-born) and aimed for his foot. The intended slash missed the target and the flung machete landed on my bare right foot since we had yanked sandals. Blood spurted. The two battlers yelled in terror. I yelled in pain.
Teachers were called and I had to be moved somewhere for treatment. Luckily, it wasn’t a deep cut, but I nursed it for a while, though it also got me enough attention at home and school for the usual special treat for the sick. There were numerous “pele” (it’s well), wherever I turned. Somehow, a bad situation can deliver benefits, but I learnt the hard way, even when not directly involved, that telling people to do their worse could get you the worst of pains.
Since the “victories” of endSars, Nigerian youth have been energised in their avowed commitment to bring about change in the dynamics that govern leadership in the country. That October, two years ago, they came into their truth and spoke it into a din. The rest of the world heard them, loud and clear. Records showed that the hashtag generated about 28 million tweets on Twitter alone. That assemblage of youth across Nigeria is now recorded as one of the most effective civil right movements in modern history. Definitely, it would be silly not to build on such an “accomplishment” and with the 2023 election approaching, youth, turning to the social media again, have been threatening hitherto solid political establishments, dynasties and cleavages, that a tsunami is in view.
Like the #EndSARS too, their energy seems directed at repeating the impossible. The social media is agog for Labour party’s Peter Obi, arising from hundreds of endorsements from young people and he seems like a prince, awaiting coronation.
Of course, the two dominant parties, APC and PDP, would have none of anything that suggests an imminent 8th wonder of the world, which Obi’s presidential run’s success would amount to. But instead of making their own candidates eye-catching, spokespersons of the two parties have simply resorted to “dey no born una well”, messages to the Nigerian youth, singing the Peter Obi anthem.
In engaging with the Peter Obi crowd, campaign spokespersons of APC and PDP have practically called them foolish, lacking in election’s correct sense and political judgment. Daniel Melaye, the gabby Kogi politician, speaking for the Atiku campaign, directly dared the youth running after Obi, to deliver him, if they can. The gadfly called them keyboard warriors without electoral values. A couple of others have echoed him. I love confident characters. It is for the youth to disprove.
You ask where is the fear-factor of the accomplishment of October 2020? Maybe the youths are truly foolish in election matters. Even APC that should be wooing, after PDP’s thrashing, didn’t see them as consequential enough. The two faces of Bola Tinubu’s campaign, exuberant minister and SAN, Festus Keyamo and eloquent Adams Oshiomhole, have repeatedly targeted the Obi backers, with “you are bastards if you don’t deliver him” salvo.
Well, the two entrenched campaigns are to the hilt with veterans of electoral battles and they must have seen enough to know when what appears a deep water, can still accommodate a pleasure swim. But the margin of error should not be discounted in drawing the conclusion that youth don’t usually vote on election day, and will only be busy with their computer keypads and games. Situations change. Even in weather forecast.
Yes, definitely all youths aren’t for a particular candidate but it is obvious that the majority support is for a particular candidate and it’s beginning to transcend region. Should any sensible strategist also overlook the “noise-making” generation’s decision, to dominate the final days of voters’ registration?
According to INEC’s fact-sheet,4.5 million Nigerian youths completed the online registration for fresh voters’ cards as of May 30, 2022, not forgetting that they already dominated the demographic shares of the entire 96.2 million registrants, eventually locked in INEC’s portal.
Then, this. The electoral body said the increase brought about by the last-minute rush by the youth, to register, especially in Southern Nigeria, constitutes 73.3% of the total increase in completed registration from May 30 to June 27.
Official records also showed that before the just-concluded registration exercise which pushed the total registrants to over 96 million from 84 million of 2021, Nigerian youth, aged between 18 and 40, constitute more than 60% of the registered voters, amounting to 50.4 million probable votes.
When INEC called time on the exercise on July 31, it was this tribe, dubbed foolish, that cried disenfranchisement because thousands of them, still wanted to be part of the deciding factor in 2023. Is it not likely they are up to something this time?
It is instructive that 40 years, is human benchmark for youthful exuberance, meaning the society expects below-40s to be “foolish” in choices, make errors, correct them and move into “sensible” mode, from 40. Though God’s definitions of foolishness and wisdom, are different from human concepts, there are still meeting and melting points. In Corinthians 1:27, God says when He wants to humble the wise and the proud, He would reach for foolish things of the world. The concluding part reads, “God chose the weak things of the world, to shame the strong.”
Well, with politicians, this kind of admonition, doesn’t count. They love running on their supposed track records of securing victory before elections (bo ti e dibo o ti wole), and winning everywhere including at tribunals, even when their so-called mandates bear soiled fingers all over. But you can’t deny them the credit of knowing their game, only that they don’t usually know when the game is up. They have thrown the challenge. Yoruba will say, bi ikun lo ni oko, bi pakute ni, ipade doju ona (let’s see who laughs last).
End.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/apc-pdp-taunt-nigerian-youth/ | 2022-08-14T06:15:28Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/apc-pdp-taunt-nigerian-youth/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Christ’s revelation of the Father (II)
JESUS revealed about our participation in heaven, helping his disciples to understand that if there is anything they should think about or desire, it is heaven. He told his disciples that he is on his way back to the father in heaven. He desired that those who believe in him should also be in heaven to behold his glory.
We will consider this topic under 3 sub headings:
The departure of the only begotten son to heaven;
The destiny of believers and
The dedication of overcoming saints for heaven
In John 1:18, only the only begotten son has declared God who no one has seen. I pray you believe so you don’t perish and have everlasting life in Jesus name. In John 17:1 Jesus prayed that he be glorified. Christ is eternal, he had been there before the world was formed. He knew his time of departure had come and so he prayed for the believers as he departs for heaven.
Jesus is gone back to heaven and he has gone to prepare a place for you. Jesus came to seek and save those that are lost ; to sacrifice himself, to convey the love of God to sinful humanity and also to raise sons for God and ambassadors who will continue the work he had begun.
John 4:17, Jesus gave a summary of the conclusion of his mission. Having concluded the assignment, he was ready to be received up into heaven.
We come to Point 2. The destiny of obedient sons in heaven. Your destiny is in heaven because you are saved and sanctified. I pray we all make heaven in Jesus name. John 17:24. Jesus is in heaven and here he prays that those who believe in him will also be where he is. Read also John 12:24. He says those who over protect their lives, he will lose it but those who serve and follow him, they will be with him in heaven. There are enough mansions to go round all who believe in and serve him in heaven.
Anytime things are hard, you have a challenge, tell the devil, things are going to change because when he shall appear, I will be like him. You don’t excuse sin and this is because only those who keep themselves pure will be like him.
1 Peter 1:2 tells us what we need to be like him. These are those who obey the truth, rejoice in the truth and delight in the truth. They spread and defend the truth. We must always obey and live a life that glorifies God in all things. Not being unequally yoked together in marriage with an unbeliever is one of them and other such sins.
The dedication of overcoming saints to the Lord is the 3rd and final point here.
In John 17:11 Jesus prayed for the saints who will overcome. I pray for you today, you will not be lost in Jesus name. Wherever you are reading this, I pray you will not belong to perdition in Jesus name. He will keep you.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/christs-revelation-of-the-father-ii-3/ | 2022-08-14T06:15:35Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/christs-revelation-of-the-father-ii-3/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
His Eminence, Reverend (Dr) James Akinadewo, is church leader of the Lagos District Headquarters of Motailatu Church of God, Oke-Ira, Ogba, Lagos and the secretary of the church worldwide. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on what has become of the church as a result of bad leadership in Nigeria, among other issues.
The church for some time has been facing series of attacks, killing and kidnapping. Do you think the church deserves to be so affected by the security challenges in the country with all the prayers and crusades being organised by various denominations across the country?
Anything affecting the society affects the church because members of the church came from the larger society. It is God’s grace that has been saving us in Nigeria. Nations with less challenges are at war now, but the prayers of the saints always come handy. I think our main problem is bad leadership and it is essential we get it right, especially with the fact that we are currently preparing for another election.
Despite the role of Christians towards the development of the nation, it seems their efforts are not being appreciated. What do you think is responsible for this?
Churches are now refugee camps because government has failed in its responsibilities. People see the church as the last resort and succour, and government is doing nothing for the citizens. Cost of living is becoming unbearable. Frustration has peaked in the land such that youths now migrate to less-endowed countries. Thousands now come to church for help; no enabling environment for businesses to thrive; wrong policies stifling the people; our companies are now relocating to other countries. Our leaders have disappointed God Almighty and have become a big letdown to the citizenry.
What is the fate of the Church in the forthcoming set of leaders about to take over after the next election in 2023?
Parties in Nigeria made billions of naira through nomination forms for the post of president, senate and other elective posts recently but left our youths’ future hanging with ongoing ASUU strike which has led to the closure of tertiary institutions. This is pure time-bomb. How much will solve the ASUU problem? No progressive country handles youths like this. Some university lecturers have now become Uber drivers. I learnt that one LAUTECH student working in a hotel in Ogbomoso as a result of the ASUU strike was killed recently by kidnappers. Millions of unemployed but employable youths roam the streets. This is indeed a tragedy of leadership.
Is it true that Christians in Nigeria are maginalised?
Christians are playing their roles in Nigeria as enshrined in the Bible and our constitution, but some Pharisees and Saducees have sold out and God will expose them. Evil plans on Nigeria will not work. Christians should not marginalise themselves; they must speak out and demand for their rights.
Do you think Christians are determinants to the outcome of the 2023 general election?
As the Lord liveth, anyone contesting for any political position that will make Nigerians suffer more than this unbearable level will not get there. Christians must vote for rightful leaders.
What should the Church do to save itself from insurgency?
We need to do the right thing; stand for the truth and insurgency will end.
Are you satisfied with the state of the current Church?
We are playing our God-given roles as church and we must not relent. Christians as individuals must represent Jesus Christ as image of the church and light of the world.
Social media platforms seems to have taken over evangelism from the typical street evangelism. How will you react to this?
Jesus Christ said go ye and preach the gospel to the whole world. Social media is good, but street evangelism and one-on-one soul-winning is the bedrock, for those in the hinterlands must be saved.
Your denomination is well-rooted in the propagation of the gospel, but it is not linked either with the major white garment churches. Could you tell us the source of Mutailatu Church of God?
Motailatu Church of God is an independent church sent by God Almighty through my father of blessed memory, Saint Isaiah MoyinlorunAkinadewo, a church founded for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, spiritual fireworks and revelation, humanity charging and purpose discovery. Our international headquarters is Saint Adekahunsi Cathedral, OkeIwosan, Ondo city, Ondo State.
A list of suspected killers of the Owo massacre was released days ago by the police. What do you think should be their punishment?
Owo killers must be paraded and our law says those who kill by the sword must also die by sword.
How has the experience been as a church leader?
Experience as church leader is quite eventful. You learn daily with the help of the Holy Spirit because human beings are the most difficult to lead.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/our-leaders-have-disappointed-god-akinadewo/ | 2022-08-14T06:15:55Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/our-leaders-have-disappointed-god-akinadewo/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Ozekhome, Sani sue INEC, seek extension of voter registration to November
CONSTITUTIONAL lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and his legal counterpart, Abubakar Sani, have dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before a Federal High Court in Abuja, demanding an extension of the continuous voter’s registration till November 27, which they argue, is 90 days before the 2023 general election.
In the suit marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/1335/2022, Ozekhome and Sani prayed the court to compel INEC to extend the registration exercise beyond July 31, 2022, which they said, is more than six months to the general election.
They said millions of eligible Nigerians and would be disenfranchised if there was no extension of the registration window.
The plaintiffs said by ending the voters’ registration on July 31, the electoral body contravened clear provisions of Sections 9(6); 10(1) and 12(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates a period of 90 days to the next election before the stoppage of the exercise.
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According to them, many Nigerians will still attain the voting age of 18 years between July 31, 2022 and November 27, which will be exactly 90 days to the election and that they stand disenfranchised if INEC’s termination of the registration stands.
Among other posers, the plaintiffs are asking the court to determine “Whether having regard to the combined provisions of sections 9(6) and 10(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which mandate the defendant (INEC), to continue registration of voters up to 90 days to the date of election, the defendant can stop or terminate registration of eligible voters on July 31, 2022, which is more than six months to the next generation election scheduled to commence of February 25, 2023.
“Whether having regard to the combined provisions of sections 77(2) and 78 of the 1999 Constitution, section 12(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022, and Article 13(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right, the defendant can refuse or decline to register a citizen of Nigeria who has attained the age of 18 years and present himself to the defendant for registration before 90 days to the scheduled 2023 general elections?
Sani, the second plaintiff, in an affidavit deposed to on behalf of himself and Ozekhome, claimed that he had made several attempts to register for the forthcoming election, but didn’t make any success due to INEC’s decision to discontinue the exercise.
In the affidavit, Sani claimed that: “I know, as a fact, that the cessation of the continuous voters’ registration has disenfranchised me and other eligible citizens and several other citizens who shall attain 18 years before the 27th day of November, 2022, which is exactly 90 days to the next general election scheduled to hold on 25th February, 2023.” | https://tribuneonlineng.com/ozekhome-sani-sue-inec-seek-extension-of-voter-registration-to-november/ | 2022-08-14T06:16:01Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/ozekhome-sani-sue-inec-seek-extension-of-voter-registration-to-november/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Your advice irresponsible, NLC blasts governors in letter to president
THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described the state governors’ advice to President Muhammad Buhari to, among other things, retrench workers within the age bracket of 50 years and above, as “repugnant, shameful, utterly irresponsible and a show of extreme selfishness and in- sensate cruelty.”
The NLC stated this in a letter dated August 8 and entitled Reviving the Economy: Our Response to Governors Prescriptions, and dispatched to Buhari through the office of his Chief of Staff.
The letter, a copy of which was obtained by Sunday Tribune, strongly kicked against the removal of elimination of subsidy from petroleum products and early retirement of civil servants from age 50 and above.
“Your Excellency, while we do agree that the economy is in need of revitalisation, we are dismayed by some of the prescriptions of the governors as they smack of extreme selfishness and insensate cruelty.
“The governors have canvassed for the premature termination of the appointments of public servants from age 50 and above in clear violation of their contracts of employment which is a subsisting law.
“We find this repugnant, shameful and utterly irresponsible. Aside from running contrary to your mission and principle of creating 100 million jobs (aside from poverty intervention schemes), this policy is clear invitation to anarchy and damnation. “Those promoting this idea should be treated as enemies of your government.
“The implementation of this proposal will lead to the sacking of almost a quarter of the public sector workforce, the decapitation of that workforce through the retrenchment of its most experienced layer and the intensification of poverty and misery among citizens.
“Your Excellency, when one of the states (contiguous to FCT) against wise counsel sowed this policy (though it keeps denying it), it reaped whirlwind. Today, the state is in the hands of bandits. Truth is that mindless policies generate gigawatts of their own violence.
“One of the hallmarks of popular democracy like ours is justice to all in equal measure regardless of ethnicity, religion, sex or class.
“Pursuant to this, if state governors strongly believe that age 50 is the problem, we demand that all governors, public office holders and politicians above 50, as a mark of good faith, should immediately step aside. Leading by example would spur public servants to take a cue.
“Beyond this, however, implementation of this policy in the public sector will give a cue to the private sector to follow suit, with all its attendant devastating consequences,” the labour union said. The letter also said; “We consider heartless, the recommendation that the planned 22 per cent salary increase for workers is put on hold given the massive devaluation of the Naira leading to the pegging of the Naira at 675 to the dollar at the parallel market, inflation rate at 18 per cent, increased energy and sundry tariffs, combustive commodity prices and prohibitive cost of living which have wiped out every vestige of the value of their salaries.
“At over N600 to a dollar, the minimum of N30,000 amounts to no more than $42.8 for a family of four for 30 days. “The implication of this is all too clear to see already, with the rapidly rising crime wave, and the intensifying epidemic of insecurity.
“While we commend you for your thoughtfulness for a wage increase, truth of the matter is that given the misfortune that has befallen the Nigerian populace, especially workers with fixed incomes, there is an urgent need for a massive intervention much deeper than the 22 per cent.
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“We would recommend a 50 per cent salary review across the board given the realities on ground,” NLC said.
On the issue of subsidy removal, the letter said; “Speaking directly to the issue of removal of fuel subsidy, we find it unrealistic, insensitive and hypocritical. “It is on record that governors have always been against the culture of saving for the rainy day. In spite of this culture of recklessness predating your administration, few of them have anything to show for all the moneys they have collected.
“If there is little or nothing to show for the principal sums or revenues collected over the years, what assurance do we have that the additional sum on top of the principal popularly called subsidy (most of which is shrouded in mystery and crime anyway) can be put to effective use. “Coupled with this, we find it distasteful that petrol subsidies in Nigeria create distortions in the economy, but they do the opposite in the US or Western Europe!
“Truth is that removal of the little benefit the average person in Nigeria enjoys could lead to unintended consequences which we would be better off without. “The solution to subsidy and the ballooning deficits lies in domestic refining, effective management of our refineries, and creating an enabling environment for effective and efficient public sector leadership in the building and management of local refineries.
“The 1999 Constitution, as amended, is very clear in the provisions of Chapter Two that the commanding heights of the economy should be in public hands, and also that the resources of the economy should be held in public hands and also that the resources of the country should be managed in such a way as to as- sure maximum benefits to the people of Nigeria.
“We aver that the only way these provisions can be effectively implemented is by ensuring that public sector leadership in the oil and gas sector, in the refining of petroleum products, and in the management of the benefits accruing therefrom.
“Currently, our country loses $1.9 billion to oil thieves every month. Consequently, Nigeria is un- able to meet its production quota to OPEC in addition to the colossal damage to the environment. Yet, the greatest damage is to Nige- ria’s economy.
“One does not need a degree in Economics to under- stand the full extent of the tragedy unfolding before us. A half of $1.9 billion is more than enough to solve the problems in the education sector that have kept our children at home for six months and counting.
“The best way to ensure this is for government to be decisive in curbing and punishing corruption, wastage, mismanagement, and maladministration in the petroleum sector.
“Beyond this, however, implementation of this policy in the public sector will give a cue to the private sector to follow suit, with all its attendant devastating consequences.” | https://tribuneonlineng.com/your-advice-irresponsible-nlc-blasts-governors-in-letter-to-president/ | 2022-08-14T06:16:21Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/your-advice-irresponsible-nlc-blasts-governors-in-letter-to-president/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
LA Galaxy midfielder Samuel Grandsir, center, celebrates with forward Javier Hernández, left, during the first half of the team’s MLS soccer match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Javier Hernández runs down the sideline after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Samuel Grandsir (11), center, celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond kicks the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Séga Coulibaly (4) heads the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Easton Ongaro (43) during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy forward Javier Hernández, back left, makes a penalty kick for a goal past Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Cody Cropper during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Raposo, right, fights off Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Marco Delgado, left, during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Víctor Vázquez, center top, jumps after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy midfielder Samuel Grandsir, second from left in back, celebrates with midfielder Gastón Brugman, left, after Grandsir scored a goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld, right, kicks the ball past Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo, center, and goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, left, for a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez, left, looks to pass the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez, center, vies for the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Russell Teibert, left, and midfielder Andrés Cubas, right, during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Vancouver Whitecaps defender Tristan Blackmon, left, moves the ball past LA Galaxy forward Douglas Costa during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy forward Kévin Cabral kicks the ball during the second half of the team’s MLS soccer match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez, left, raises his hands after scoring a goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
Vancouver Whitecaps defender Javain Brown, right, heads the ball against LA Galaxy midfielder Efrain Alvarez, left, during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy forward Raheem Edwards, right, kicks the ball past Vancouver Whitecaps forward David Egbo during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic, right, hops over Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, back, blocks a shot by the Vancouver Whitecaps during the second half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 5-2. (AP Photo/Raul Romero Jr.)
CARSON — Riqui Puig made his debut inside of Dignity Health Sports Park, but as a spectator and in a suit as he was introduced to the crowd.
His teammates put on impressive first-half performance en route to a comfortable 5-2 win Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday in front of 21,465.
“The group is very confident in what they’re doing and what they have to do,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said.
Samuel Grandsir scored a pair of goals, Victor Vazquez chimed in a 20-yard blast and Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez converted a penalty kick all inside of the first 40 minutes of the half for a dominating 4-0 lead.
Julian Araujo added two assists. For Vazquez, it was his first goal with his son Leo in town from Barcelona.
Vanney called Grandsir’s performance “efficient.”
“Solid, mature, controlled,” Vanney said of the first half. “We’ve been through a tough stretch, now we’re getting guys healthy, we get Riqui in, now we have to get back to preparation. We have to do it one at a time for 10 more games.
“We did a lot of things that we’ve done well in spurts during the season, but we did them well over a longer stretch, which is the key.”
Vancouver cut the lead in half in the second half, but Efrain Alvarez put the finishing touches on the game and win with a tap in on a pass from Dejan Joveljic in the 89th minute.
That was the first time since 2016 that the Galaxy (10-11-3, 33 points) scored four goals in the first half. The last time it was accomplished was April 23 in a 5-2 win over Real Salt Lake.
The win is as important as any for the Galaxy, especially at this moment of the season. Entering the game, the Galaxy had slipped to 10th in a jam-packed playoff chase in the Western Conference.
With the win, they’ve moved up to sixth. At the start of the weekend, just six points separated third place from 11th place. The top seven teams in each conference will qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Four goals is the Galaxy’s season-high, having hit that mark against Austin FC May 29 in a 4-1 win.
The Galaxy played the final 10 minutes of regulation with a man advantage after Cristian Dajome was sent off with his second yellow card following a reckless challenge against Araujo.
As for Puig, he’s scheduled to have his Visa appointment Monday, which would then pave his way to make his on-field debut Friday against the Seattle Sounders.
Damian Calhoun is the Prep Sports Coordinator and writer for the Daily Breeze. He's also the soccer writer for the Southern California News Group, covering Major League Soccer and occasionally the U.S. national teams.
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ANAHEIM ― For the second consecutive night, the Angels did not put enough runners on base to have a chance to beat the Minnesota Twins.
Until the ninth inning.
Down to their final strike, the Angels tied the game on a two-run triple by Magneuris Sierra to send the game into extra innings.
Then in the 11th inning, a two-run home run by Taylor Ward against Emilio Pagan lifted the Angels to a stunning 5-3 win before an announced crowd of 43,027. It was the third time the Angels have won a game this season in their final plate appearance.
“Unbelievable,” Ward said, breaking into a rare smile. “It feels really good. Super happy.”
The Angels were trailing 3-0 in the eighth inning when Shohei Ohtani blasted a home run to center field against flamethrowing reliever Jhoan Duran. That represented the Angels’ first run in the series.
The Angels’ six-through-nine hitters were a combined 1 for 12 with no walks going into the ninth inning when number-6 hitter Jo Adell singled against the Twins’ recently-acquired closer, Jorge Lopez. With two outs, Lopez walked Max Stassi. That brought up Sierra, the Angels’ number-9 hitter.
Sierra stroked Lopez’s 1-and-2 pitch to left field, slicing toward the line and away from Nick Gordon. Gordon dove, but the ball snuck under his glove and trickled all the way to the wall. Adell and Stassi scored, tying the game 3-3.
Sierra could’ve cruised comfortably into third base, but coach Mike Gallego windmilled him home. Twins shortstop Carlos Correa, the relay man on the play, made a near-perfect throw from shallow left field to catcher Gary Sanchez. Sierra couldn’t get his left hand under Sanchez’s tag. Home plate umpire Dan Bellino called Sierra out, a call that was upheld after a brief review.
“I always dreamed about having a walk-off homer,” Sierra said in Spanish. “When I rounded second it was on my mind ― ‘I’m going to make it, I’m going to make it, I’m going to make my dream come true.’ But it couldn’t (happen).”
The Angels had an even better chance to end the game in the bottom of the 10th inning.
Sierra was placed on second base in accordance with the extra-inning tiebreaker rule. David Fletcher bunted Sierra to third base, and Pagan intentionally walked Ohtani.
The next batter, Luis Rengifo, hit a scorching line drive to shallow center field, where only a lightning sprint and last-second dive by Byron Buxton kept the ball from falling for a hit. Interim manager Phil Nevin had called for Ohtani to steal second base.
Ohtani ran all the way to second base and was doubled off first base to end the inning. Nevin took the blame for how the inning ended.
“I’m glad they picked me up,” Nevin said.
The Angels (50-64) are 5-5 in extra innings this season. Ryan Tepera (2-2) pitched a scoreless 11th inning and was credited with the win.
For five innings, Angels starter Reid Detmers essentially limited the Twins’ damage to one batter.
Correa hit a solo home run in the first inning and hit a fly ball to right field a few feet shy of a grand slam in the fifth inning, settling for a sacrifice fly. Booed before every plate appearance ― a remnant of his role in the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal ― Correa reached base five times in addition to his sac fly.
Detmers allowed two runs in five innings, walking three batters and striking out nine. Other than Correa’s home run, he did not allow an extra-base hit. He threw 29 of his 96 pitches in the fifth inning, but allowed only one run to score after Minnesota loaded the bases with nobody out.
The Twins collected an insurance run in the eighth inning against Aaron Loup, using two singles and a swinging safety squeeze to take a 3-0 lead.
Pitching out of trouble was the Angels’ saving grace. The Twins went 0 for 14 with runners in scoring position and left 14 men on base.
“We struck out (15) tonight, and a lot of them were big moments,” Nevin said. “There were guys on base. We pitched in and out of traffic, like we did (Saturday) night. The sign of a good pitcher, when he doesn’t have his best stuff, he finds a pitch that’s going to get him out of that inning. (Detmers) did that. Loupy did that even though he gave up a run. Jesse (Sanchez) did when they had first and second (in the ninth inning).”
Dylan Bundy entered Saturday’s start for the Minnesota Twins with a 6.01 earned-run average in 22 games in Anaheim. Two years ago, when he picked up Cy Young votes as the ace of the Angels’ starting rotation, he had a 4.38 ERA at home and 1.88 on the road.
In his first start since leaving the Angels after the 2021 season, Bundy tossed five shutout innings.
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Kochi: Unlike previous seasons, Kerala Blasters have options aplenty this year when it comes to selecting the playing XI or tweaking the line-up, according to head coach Ivan Vukomanovic.
"Most of the players, including foreign recruits, are under the age of 30 years, and this is a big advantage for the team. The 24-year-old Ivan Kaliuzhnyi is a dangerous player. Though he plays as a defensive midfielder, the Ukrainian is adept at moving the ball from deeper positions into attacking areas and even scoring goals," Vukomanovic, who guided Blasters to the final in the eighth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) said. The 45-year-old Serb opens up about the new signings, expectations from his players and strategies for the upcoming ISL in a chat with Malayala Manorama.
The fans are understandably disappointed to see players like Alvaro Vazquez and Jorge Pereyra Díaz leaving the club. How do you react?
Obviously, they may feel dejected. Both these players did amazingly well for the team. Let me tell you something. Diaz was supposed to sign a contract with Blasters ahead of Season 8, but he chose to move to Club Atletico Platense. Later, he joined Blasters on loan. Moreover, while recruiting players, we have to be mindful of our budget. When they cross the 30-year mark, players would be very careful while making a decision for the future. When they receive multiple offers, they will grab the best one. When I meet Vazquez and Diaz, I will hug them and exchange pleasantries. Let us cheer for them when they come to play in Kochi.
What do you expect from the new recruits?
All the foreign recruits for the new season are proven players. We don't want big names in our team. We want players who have an insatiable hunger for success and those who feel proud to wear the yellow shirt. It is equally important to have quality home-grown players in the side. Overall, we have managed to bring together a compact team with balance in all the departments. Last year, we did not have enough bench strength to deal with the absence of key players in crucial matches. This team has some unpredictable and dangerous players. Kaliuzhnyi is one of them. Remember, when we went for a thorough overhaul ahead of last season, fans were doubtful of the quality of the overseas signings.
Going into the new season, Blasters will have a different squad. Will the team's philosophy and playing style change?
The playing style depends on the individual potential of each player. Last season, we began most of the matches in the 4-4-2 formation. However, we tried out various other formations depending upon the situation created by the opponents. You might have noticed full-backs attacking vigorously while fulfilling the defensive duties and midfielder Sahal (Abdul Samad) playing as a pure striker. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/14/isl-kerala-blasters-head-coach-ivan-vukomanovic-interview.amp.html | 2022-08-14T06:54:32Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/14/isl-kerala-blasters-head-coach-ivan-vukomanovic-interview.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski's Barcelona debut ended in a disappointing 0-0 home draw with Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou in their first LaLiga game of the season on Saturday.
It was a frustrating night for Barca whose fans showed up at an almost sold-out stadium to see their new team headlined by Poland striker Lewandowski, the twice FIFA Best Player of the Year winner, and Brazil winger Raphinha.
Barcelona dominated the match with almost 70 per cent of possession and 18 goal attempts to two for Rayo.
But the two best chances fell to the visitors, Alvaro Garcia thwarted by a brilliant save by Marc Andre ter Stegen and Sergio Camello shooting wide.
Rayo's five-man defence did a superb job in shackling Lewandowski, who barely touched the ball the entire game.
Most of Barca's chances in the first half came from wingers Raphinha and Dembele, who linked up well and gave the team an attacking threat.
Barca coach Xavi Hernandez tried to break the deadlock by sending on forwards Ansu Fati and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the bench, but Rayo showed real grit to hold out for the draw.
As the frustration mounted for Barca, their captain Sergio Busquets lost his cool and was sent off for an elbow to the face of Falcao Garcia in stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski kept a clean sheet for the third consecutive time against Barcelona after Rayo won both games against the Spanish giants last season.
He made a couple of crucial stops in the second half, one from a Busquets long-range shot and another from a strike by Raphinha.
"We tried as much as we could but we lacked aim and effectiveness. Maybe the pressure and expectation got a little under our skin," Xavi told DAZN.
"It will be a process, Rayo knew how to defend deep and hold on to their strategy with an outstanding discipline.
"We have to be patient and keep working. Better days will come." | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/14/lewandowskis-barcelona-debut-ends-in-frustrating-draw-with-rayo-vallecano.amp.html | 2022-08-14T06:54:45Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/14/lewandowskis-barcelona-debut-ends-in-frustrating-draw-with-rayo-vallecano.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski's Barcelona debut ended in a disappointing 0-0 home draw with Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou in their first LaLiga game of the season on Saturday.
It was a frustrating night for Barca whose fans showed up at an almost sold-out stadium to see their new team headlined by Poland striker Lewandowski, the twice FIFA Best Player of the Year winner, and Brazil winger Raphinha.
Barcelona dominated the match with almost 70 per cent of possession and 18 goal attempts to two for Rayo.
But the two best chances fell to the visitors, Alvaro Garcia thwarted by a brilliant save by Marc Andre ter Stegen and Sergio Camello shooting wide.
Rayo's five-man defence did a superb job in shackling Lewandowski, who barely touched the ball the entire game.
Most of Barca's chances in the first half came from wingers Raphinha and Dembele, who linked up well and gave the team an attacking threat.
Barca coach Xavi Hernandez tried to break the deadlock by sending on forwards Ansu Fati and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the bench, but Rayo showed real grit to hold out for the draw.
As the frustration mounted for Barca, their captain Sergio Busquets lost his cool and was sent off for an elbow to the face of Falcao Garcia in stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski kept a clean sheet for the third consecutive time against Barcelona after Rayo won both games against the Spanish giants last season.
He made a couple of crucial stops in the second half, one from a Busquets long-range shot and another from a strike by Raphinha.
"We tried as much as we could but we lacked aim and effectiveness. Maybe the pressure and expectation got a little under our skin," Xavi told DAZN.
"It will be a process, Rayo knew how to defend deep and hold on to their strategy with an outstanding discipline.
"We have to be patient and keep working. Better days will come." | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/14/lewandowskis-barcelona-debut-ends-in-frustrating-draw-with-rayo-vallecano.html | 2022-08-14T06:54:51Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/football/2022/08/14/lewandowskis-barcelona-debut-ends-in-frustrating-draw-with-rayo-vallecano.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Television actress Denise Dowse died at age 64 following a battle with viral meningitis, family said Saturday.
Tributes poured in for the “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Insecure” actor after her death was announced by her sister Tracey on Instagram.
“I want to take this moment to thank our friends and family for all of the love and prayers,” she wrote. “It is with a very heavy heart that I inform everyone that my sister, Denise Dowse, has gone forward to meet our family in eternal life,” Tracey wrote.
“Denise Yvonne Dowse was the most amazing sister, a consummate, illustrious actress, mentor and director. She was my very best friend and final family member. Denise loved all of you. I know that she is watching over us with all the love she has.”
Her passing was initially reported by TV Line.
Dowse had been in a coma for at least a week after suffering inflammation in the protective membranes that surrounded her brain and spinal cord.
Ian Ziering, who played student to Dowse’s West Beverly Hills High vice principal Yvonne Teasley on “90210,” remembered her as a great actor and “loving soul.”
“So heartbreaking to say Denise Dowse has passed away. Throughout all
my years working on Beverly Hills 90210, my scenes with Denise will alwars [sic] be
remembered with the utmost in respect for her talent, and fondness for the loving soul
she was.
“Some of my heartiest off camera laughs were between she and I hammering out the the [sic] discipline her Mrs. Teasley would dish out to my Steve Sanders. My sincere condolences to her family, and all others who she was dear to. God bless you Denise, pay forward that Legacy Key A,” he wrote on Instagram.
Dowse was frequently seen on network TV in the 90s, with credits on shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The X-Files,” “Criminal Minds,” “Bones,” “House,” “Monk,” “Law & Order,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Charmed,” “The Bernie Mac Show,” “Nip/Tuck,” “Moesha,” “Sister, Sister,” “ER,” “Step by Step,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Seinfeld” and “Full House” — among others.
Tracey told Page Six her sister was most proud of “Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story,” a picture she recently directed that premiered at the 2022 Pan African Film Festival in April.
“She has won several best director awards at this year’s film festivals,” Tracey gushed. | https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/actress-denise-dowse-dead-at-64/ | 2022-08-14T07:09:00Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/actress-denise-dowse-dead-at-64/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The Mets did not add a southpaw reliever at the trade deadline, a fact that will loom large with every late-inning at-bat involving strong lefty hitters on opposing teams.
Trevor May, who was added not through a trade, but through an activation from the injured list around the deadline, took down three of those lefty hitters Saturday night.
In his fourth outing since returning from right triceps inflammation, May came through in his most important spot of the season, shutting down the Phillies in the eighth inning of a 1-0 win at Citi Field.
Manager Buck Showalter wanted to stay away from Adam Ottavino, who had pitched Friday and four times in the past nine days, and Mychal Givens, who also pitched Friday. After Seth Lugo pitched a scoreless seventh inning in relief of a still-building-up Jacob deGrom, Showalter turned to May.
The righty reliever had his best stuff of the season, with a fastball that topped out at 97.5 mph.
He won a six-pitch battle with lefty Brandon Marsh, who struck out on a fastball, and punched out lefty Nick Maton on five pitches before his biggest test: pinch-hitter Kyle Schwarber.
The notorious Mets-killer feasts on righty pitchers, but May induced a fly out to center to escape with the one-run lead intact.
“I thought that was one of our bigger outings,” said Showalter, who did not call on lefty Joely Rodriguez because he was wary of righties Jean Segura and Edmundo Sosa on Philadelphia’s bench. “To have that progression of a piece that can pitch those innings — we all know he’s capable of it now that he’s physically sound.”
May is still not being used on back-to-back nights as he builds his arm back up. But any sign of an emergence from a thin bullpen would be welcomed by the Mets.
“That was a big thing for us to accomplish tonight, getting Trevor in there,” Showalter said.
Showalter said one of Francisco Lindor’s contact lenses fell out in the ninth inning, but during an electric Edwin Diaz appearance, he did not want to call timeout and halt any momentum.
Showalter said Lindor told him, “I was hoping the ball wouldn’t be hit to me.”
It wasn’t, as the outs came through a ground out to third base, a fly out to right field and a strikeout.
Tommy Hunter began a rehab assignment at Double-A Binghamton. The righty reliever allowed one hit and struck out two during a scoreless inning.
Daniel Vogelbach (0-for-3) failed to reach base for the first time in his 14 starts as a member of the Mets. He had been the first Met to reach base in 13 straight starts to begin his tenure in Queens since Nori Aoki, who reached in 15 straight in 2017.
Tomas Nido went 0-for-3 and snapped his six-game hitting streak. | https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/mets-trevor-may-gets-it-done-in-biggest-spot-since-return/ | 2022-08-14T07:09:12Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/mets-trevor-may-gets-it-done-in-biggest-spot-since-return/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
LAS VEGAS — Teofimo Lopez made a triumphant return to the ring, stopping Pedro Campa in the seventh round Saturday night at Resorts World Events Center.
Lopez made his debut as a 140-pound junior welterweight in his first fight since suffering the only loss of his career.
Moments after putting Campa on the canvas at the start of the seventh, Lopez (17-1, 13 KOs) obliterated his outmatched opponent with a flurry of punches, prompting referee Tony Weeks to stop the fight at the 2:14 mark.
“I am grateful for this, I have returned,” Lopez said.
Campa dropped to 34-2-1.
The 25-year-old Lopez looked much more like the promising young fighter who captivated the world when he beat Vasily Lomachenko to claim the unified lightweight championship in 2020.
Campa, who relies on a straight-forward approach and hard-firing punches, struggled to land much, as Lopez stayed active throughout the fight and displayed impeccable defense.
On the attack, Lopez was much faster and crisper with his punches, landing 52% of his power punches, per CompuBox.
“I got to work a little bit more on some things, but overall it was good,” Lopez said of his performance. “It’s been a while. There was a lot on my mind. I nearly almost died (in) the last fight, so that was weighing on my mind, I had to clear it out.
“Going in there, I’m not afraid to die, but the last thing I want to do is not have my son have a father.”
It was only nine months ago Lopez hit a career low when he lost as a huge favorite to George Kambosos Jr. by split decision.
But the loss to Kambosos in New York City on Nov. 27 was later overshadowed by the news he fought with a condition called pneumomediastinum and had extensive air in the retropharyngeal space, per a report by ESPN, something he didn’t learn about until after suffering his first-ever loss.
“That was weighing on my mind, but I had to get that guy out, somehow, someway,” the Brooklyn fighter said.
Leading up to the seventh, Lopez was the aggressor, staying in pursuit and consistently peppering Campa’s face while absorbing shots and shaking off apparent ring rust.
Lopez appeared to back off in the fourth and fifth a bit, perhaps logging rounds while preserving energy, but returned to an active role and landed several combinations in the sixth.
“Little by little those punches are gonna add up and eventually it’s gonna hurt them,” Lopez said. “It may not do it right away, but in due time it’ll get them out.
“This is a blessing, man. Time is something we don’t get back.”
Earlier, Xander Zayas (14-0, 10 KOs) stopped Elias Espadas (22-5) in the fifth round, delivering a devastating right hook to the jaw to claim the vacant WBO NABO junior middleweight title.
The 19-year-old from Puerto Rico was dominant from the start, scoring a knockdown in the first round, then using sharp combinations to wear down Espadas over the next three rounds before ending the fight with 2:36 left in the fifth round.
Per CompuBox, Zayas, who threw 60 punches per pound, landed 42% of his power punches while 27 of the 86 punches he landed were to the body. | https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/teofimo-lopez-stops-pedro-campa-in-seventh-round-in-return-to-ring/ | 2022-08-14T07:09:24Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/teofimo-lopez-stops-pedro-campa-in-seventh-round-in-return-to-ring/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
“Why don’t you keep bees?” Ali Alzein’s grandfather once told him. Eager for a fresh start, Ali started learning all the basics of beekeeping before ordering his first beehive in his own garden.
Originally from Syria, and now based near Sevenoaks, the 36-year-old began keeping bees in London to help with his own mental health as he suffers from PTSD after witnessing first-hand the horrors of war and refugee camps. “It was so therapeutic,” Ali said as he remembered the very first day he received the bees. For more stories about and for our minority communities, subscribe to Untold Stories here.
He left his job in the fashion industry and founded Bees & Refugees in February 2020 as the country started to record an increasing number of coronavirus cases. This new-founded charity aimed to provide therapeutic relief for fellow refugees who went through a similar journey after suffering from the trauma of witnessing the destruction of their homeland.
READ MORE: People Dem Collective: The people breaking down cultural barriers in Margate
“It was healing,” he said. “I got into the habit of having my breakfast every morning right next to my beehive. I think the realisation of how therapeutic that was, was the reason why I actually decided to quit my job.
“Personally, I have PTSD. The only time of the day where I feel completely in a very good place is when I’m around bees. It’s the most therapeutic place to be.”
Health care providers such as the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, Ireland have found that beekeeping has improved the quality of life of people with severe disabling mental illness. Dr Karin Alton from the University of Sussex, said: “Being quiet and contemplative features in many aspects of mindfulness; a valuable tool in alleviating mental health problems such
Ali lived in Damascus until the age of 18 before he went to study fashion design in Spain. In 2010, he moved to the UK where he set up a business with his father and when the revolution started in Syria a year later, he made the decision to shut down his business and return to his home country until 2013.
He said: “I spent a year as an activist, but things got really bad. I left Syria in 2013. I had a job offer for a big fashion brand in Egypt for like a year. I witnessed the military coup taking over the government.
“And when that happened they stopped allowing Syrian people to basically stay in Egypt. I was going to get deported to Syria but luckily I think the owner of the factory had very good connections with the Ministry of Defence, and they just asked me to leave the country.”
Before the war started, Ali had a five-year business visa for the UK on his passport. He said he had the “privilege of just booking a flight and applying for asylum right away” after arriving in Heathrow.
“It was easy because I came prepared with a big folder with so many documents like newspaper articles with my name on it. I was arrested and I was tortured, so I could easily prove to them that if I go back there, I’m not going to get out.,” he said.
From the fashion industry to beekeeping
Ali started working for big brands in the fashion industry in London including Dolce and Gabbana and Burberry while volunteering at a refugee camp in Greece in his spare time. “I was way overqualified when they hired me as a Christmas temp. So every year I was headhunted by a different company. For four years I worked hard for different brands.
“I think eventually I just wanted to find a way out of that whole fashion industry. I always liked the artistic side but I hated the corporate side of it.”
Welcoming KentLive with a radiant smile at his new farm in Otford with his golden retriever, miles away from the ongoing conflicts in his home country and the fashion industry, Ali said his organisation Bees & Refugees has been growing ever since he launched the project as he now works with local schools, vulnerable children and communities in Hammersmith, Waterloo and hopes to expand it to Kent soon. He recently signed a lease on the farm in Kent.
But one of the challenges he faced was securing the funding. “At the beginning it was difficult to get the funding but also when we started it was at the beginning of COVID and COVID slowed down everything,” Ali said. “We’ve been working on this project for two years, our goal was to become fully sustainable but we’re still depending on grants and donations which is not ideal.
“We would like to become sustainable as soon as possible, and pay for our salaries without the need of asking anyone. Once we have this farm established, we can definitely generate enough income to support my salary and her salary (his co-worker Heidi Sara Affi).”
The charity worked closely with the refugee resettlement programmes in different boroughs including Hammersmith. “This was our main partnership,” Ali said. “Then we started having many more good relations with different groups in Waterloo, in Hammersmith and Shepherds Bush. We met all these really amazing organisations that share with us very similar ethics values.”
Heidi, who is the first hired employee, has been working for Bees & Refugees since April. With the opening of this new farm in Kent she said: “The communities, and refugee communities settling in more rural locations or places that are not directly in the metropolitan of London or other massive cities in the UK will also benefit from this kind of programme because it is so therapeutic.
“Community building is so positive for the environment. It’s just good for people regardless of the traumas. So we want to make it more accessible for people who are being settled in less populous or less dense areas with less access to all the charities, organisations or projects like this one.”
Read next on KentLive
- ‘I moved from Hythe to the deadliest place in South Sudan and hear horrific stories every day’
- Napier Barracks: The 'deeply unsuitable' Folkestone asylum seeker holding centre still open two years on
- The Thanet-based organisation and volunteers who have raised over £2 million in aid for Ukraine
- Suspected monkeypox cases detected in two Kent areas with warning figures could continue to rise
- Syrian refugee family wanted to leave Kent but reveal why they are starting to settle | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/sevenoaks-beekeeper-mission-help-refugees-7437826 | 2022-08-14T07:18:47Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/sevenoaks-beekeeper-mission-help-refugees-7437826 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Translation errors in police interviews could send innocent people to jail
Using interpreters can distort how police evaluate suspects and witnesses.
Picture this. You are in a foreign country. The police arrest you and realise that you don’t speak the language. So, they organise someone to translate. If you’re lucky, the person they contact is a professional interpreter. If you’re unlucky, the person is a multilingual police officer who happens to speak your language just well enough to scrape through an interview. Either way, you are now having to talk through someone else.
Does this interpreter-mediated interviewing put you at a disadvantage? If so, how much? The answer to this lies at the intersection of criminal psychology and cognitive linguistics, where researchers have realised that interpreters are an overlooked barrier between suspects and their freedom.
One of the most active researchers looking at these issues is Luna Filipović, a professor of language and cognition based at the University of East Anglia. She has been studying the effects of multilingual police interviews for more than a decade.
She writes that having someone to translate can be taken for granted, and that it’s enough to make a police interview fair, but this is incorrect. It ignores how difficult translation is, and the problems that come from the logistics of translating in typically high-pressure, highly emotional legal settings.
An interpreter might not speak both languages equally well, so important words or descriptions can get mistranslated. Some words don’t have equivalents, and turns of phrase translated literally can become nonsensical or misleading. Then there’s the issue that if everything is translated without emotion, words lose context… but acting things out theatrically can equally distort how statements are perceived.
Filipović has found various kinds of errors which can creep in and influence trustworthiness. In an example Filipović lists in her 2007 research, the Spanish word amigo is translated by an interpreter into the familiar friend instead of the unfamiliar guy. When the police officer then asks what the name of this friend was, the suspect says he doesn’t know, to which the officer reacts with suspicion.
This kind of error can lead to a general feeling that a suspect has something to hide, when really all that’s happening is a language barrier that neither side realises is there.
Then there’s the problem of “inadvertent confessions”. An inadvertent confession happens when someone seems to be giving a confession to police, without realising that’s what they are doing. It can also happen when police think they have a confession, or an admission of guilt for part of a crime, when that’s not actually the case. In other words, it’s a statement that incorrectly gets translated into, or understood as, a confession.
In 2021 Filipović published research on UK and US police interviews. She provides an example of a real US case, in which a suspect is accused of murder who only speaks Spanish. The following is a transcription of the interaction, with the translation in brackets added afterwards by another person who speaks Spanish and English.
Police Officer: Okay, and then what did you do with her?
Interpreter: Y que pasó? [And what happened?]
Suspect: . . . se me cayó en las gradas.
Interpreter: . . . I dropped her on the steps.
Police Officer: Where did you drop her?
Interpreter: Donde la botaste? [Where did you throw her?]
Suspect: Aqui. . . [Here. . .]
This doesn’t seem like much, but as Filipović explains, the suspect was using a Spanish sentence that makes it clear that he let the woman fall by accident. Because there isn’t a single word for this in English, the interpreter went for the closest alternative, dropped.
However, in this context it makes it sound like he did it on purpose. Presumably not noticing the swap, the suspect then inadvertently confesses to the much more serious crime of murdering a woman by throwing her down the stairs rather than dropping her by accident. This nuance that was lost in translation could potentially cost him life in prison.
Because of such problems, Filipović has found that those who speak no or little English are more likely to incriminate themselves inadvertently in the US or UK than people whose first language is English.
If you do ever find yourself accused of a crime in a foreign country, try to get a professional interpreter as opposed to multilingual relatives, friends, or police. Regularly double-check that you really understand what the police officer is asking.
And, you could ask for a transcript of the interview to be made available afterwards, which can also help police, lawyers, and judges, see any mistranslations that may have crept in.
Be that slightly annoying person who asks too many questions because the alternative is likely much, much, worse.
Read more about crime:
Authors
Dr Julia Shaw is a research associate at University College London and the co-host of the Bad People podcast on BBC Sounds. She is an expert on criminal psychology, and the author of two international bestsellers, Making Evil: The Science Behind Humanity’s Dark Side and The Memory Illusion: Remembering, Forgetting, and the Science of False Memory.
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OLYMPIA, Wash. — Democrats in Congress beamed over the passage of a multi-pronged, mega spending bill that will lower health care and prescription drug costs. But it's the portion of the bill that tackles climate change that has a local environmental advocacy group excited.
"Our reaction was one of real joy," said Mike Stevens, director of the Washington state chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Stevens said the climate change reduction provisions in the bill are groundbreaking.
"Climate change is impacting us every single day here in Washington, around the country, and around the world. We now have a mechanism, a path to follow, to make real progress," Stevens said.
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) also touted the landmark bill on Capitol Hill Friday, noting its promise to address climate change.
"This is the kind of moment you live for in Congress, frankly - to deliver real change, where we can say to young people you're going to have a planet because we are going to cut carbon emissions 40% by 2030," Jayapal told CNN.
Cutting back on fossil fuels is the heart of the climate portion of the bill, by incentivizing clean energy technology.
"When fully implemented, this bill will generate on the order of $9 billion of investment in Washington," Stevens said.
The Nature Conservancy identified the economic impact on Washington and estimates 10,600 jobs will be created every year for the next decade in Washington, thanks to the bill. This includes jobs in renewable energy like wind and solar.
Stevens said it also directs billions in funding toward rural, urban, and Tribal communities that have already experienced the effects of climate change, such as wildfires and flooding.
"This is a huge investment in protecting and stewarding the lands and waters that we all care about and that we all benefit from," Stevens said.
Washington state is already leading in combating the effects of climate change. Last year, Gov. Jay Inslee signed the Climate Commitment Act, which aims to reduce carbon emissions in the state by 95% by 2050. | https://www.krem.com/article/news/politics/inflation-reduction-acts-impact-washington-state-jobs/281-e6bbecdd-fb52-4742-9c19-ac5b520e0a8f | 2022-08-14T07:32:29Z | krem.com | control | https://www.krem.com/article/news/politics/inflation-reduction-acts-impact-washington-state-jobs/281-e6bbecdd-fb52-4742-9c19-ac5b520e0a8f | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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RICHLAND, Wash. - A car rollover caused a large fire near I-182 headed east, according to the Richland Police Department. The fire is spreading over the Queensgate overpass.
According to one officer, a car rolled on the side of the freeway, starting the fire. It spread dangerously close to a the Richland Church of Nazarene. Evacuations are in place for all of Jason Loop and several roads are closed as crews work to contain it.
Avoid the area if you can.
This is a developing story, which means information could change. We are working to report timely and accurate information as we get it. | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/car-rollover-causes-large-fire-off-i-182/article_3e1f9c74-1b8c-11ed-aa78-df8f01d73ba7.html | 2022-08-14T07:45:49Z | nbcrightnow.com | control | https://www.nbcrightnow.com/news/car-rollover-causes-large-fire-off-i-182/article_3e1f9c74-1b8c-11ed-aa78-df8f01d73ba7.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
THE higher truth, which is that however bad things may appear or become, God’s good plans for His people remain sacrosanct, must guide our thoughts and our actions if we are true believers in God.
We start with this point because it has become important to remind ourselves that God can deliver us (or He can exclude us) from the affliction that is ravaging nation. It is often said that when the wicked are getting their due recompense, the innocent also does partake. Yes, that may be true; but we also know that while God was punishing Pharaoh and the whole of Egypt, Goshen the habitation of the Israelites was excluded from the punishment. Furthermore, when the angel of death was to pass through the land, God gave Moses instructions on what to do so that his people could be spared.
We can be spared. We should be spared. And we must seek to be spared from the punishment of the wicked. The Psalmist prophesied:
Psalm 91: 7 – 10 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling
To give effect to the promise above, God has the power to overrule nature or logic for the sake of His elect. Yes, laws of nature or principles of economics are universal; but God is the creator of the universe! He is the creator of both nature and logic. The creator and owner of a thing can bend his creation at will. And that is what we see in the story in Ezekiel 37.
Ezekiel was shown the vision of a valley full of dry bones. Perhaps they were dead soldiers who were killed in a battle. Maybe they were members of a community who were killed in an epidemic, or a natural disaster. Whatever it was, one thing was sure – they were dead; totally and completely dead. Their bodies had decayed long ago, and only scattered bones left evidence that life once existed in that valley. Naturally or logically, it was an irreversible situation. Yet, the Lord spoke to Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 37:3-5 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:
How could dry bones that were already scattered realign themselves, and become covered with flesh, and then come alive?! Naturally, it was an impossibility; but with God, all things are possible (Mark 10: 27).
TO BE CONTINUED
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/dry-bones-shall-live-ii/ | 2022-08-14T08:30:13Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/dry-bones-shall-live-ii/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
READING: IPETER 2:18-25
We come to the world as individuals. We come also to the ministry one by one and our call is individualistic. Each person is a unique individual. Some people have lived this world before us and we hear, read, and know of the pattern or kind of life they lived and what they left behind. Our lives are influenced by the lives of others and our lives are reflected through the life of whom we read, lived with, associated with and follow. The only life worthy of model to follow as a perfect example is Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. To be a Christian is to follow Him in all things as the perfect man.
- WHAT IS FOLLOWING HIS STEPS?
(a) It is the act of being imitators of Jesus Christ – Eph. 5:1.
(b) It is looking unto Him the author and finisher of faith – Heb. 12:2.
(c) It is the act of placing our footsteps where He once trod and made footprints – Acts 11:26.
(d) It is focusing on Him as the perfect man to follow – Ps. 37:37; John 19:4.
(e) It is a reorientation of our life to His own pattern in all situations and circumstances of life – John 14-6.
- WHY FOLLOWING HIS STEPS?
(a) It is a command to be followed – Eph. 5:1. Children take after their parents naturally and spiritually – ICor. 4:16; 11:1.
(b) Christ Himself bore the image of God in perfection. We are created in the image of God and should bear His image – Col. 1:15; Gen. 1:27.
(c) Christ is a perfect man and our model to follow in order to claim that we are His disciples – IJohn 2:6 cf; John 8:42, 44.
(d) Not following His steps indicates we are following his enemy, satan and may lead to disclaimer at last – John 10:4, 5.
(e) He is the Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:6.
(f) The reason for the purpose of life he lived, to follow His steps – I Peter 2:21.
III. AREAS TO FOLLOW HIS STEPS
(a) Total submission to God: Though fully God, He became a man, a servant, Lamb of God – Phil. 2:9. Submission to Divine will, discipline and counsel.
(b) Good works: These include works of mercy, provision, healing, deliverance, helps etc. A great benefactor He is. It is His meat to do the work of Him who has sent Him and finish the work – John 4:34; Acts 10:38.
(c) Love of the unloving, unlovable and even the enemies: Jesus’ kind of love is agape love – love without self-interest. That He loved God was the foundation of His love. Though nothing is to be loved in man, yet He loved us to save us.
TO BE CONTINUED
(d) Because of love, suffered for sin and died for sin that He hates. Man would not always want to die for what he loves. Jesus died for other people’s sin though perfectly holy – IPeter 3:18.
(e) His Holiness: No sin in Him, no thought of evil, no act of evil, no deceit or hypocrisy, no guile. He is altogether pure, holy, undefiled – IPeter 2:22-23; Heb. 4:15; 7:25.
(f) Humility: Though God to be highly exalted, He humbled himself. He practiced, lived and taught humility. Born king, yet born in the manger, rode on an ass, preached in a boat borrowed, buried in a tomb freely given – Phil. 2:7, 8; John 13.
(g) He is the Way, the Truth and the Life – John 14:6. He is the only right Way, the absolute Truth leading to God and heaven, the Life of God and the Life to God.
(h) His Meekness and Gentleness: Both are alike and similar and go together. Jesus is harmless, refined, soft, peaceful, accommodating, kind and compassionate. He is not easily offended. By His gentleness he is tender, loving and caring and he is able to endure the rudeness and harshness of others. He is humble, patient and lowly – Matt. 11:29. He is a gentle shepherd, guiding, leading, caring, embracing and comforting.
(i) Boldness and courage for the truth: His teachings were declared with power and authority. His claims are clear and unambiguous. He denounced the false teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He preached the truth, lived out the truth, defended the truth and died for the truth – Matt. 7:29; 23:13-16, 23, 25, 27, 29. The enemies observed “Never any man spoke like him.” He is our outstanding model worthy to be followed.
- AGENTS TO FOLLOW HIS STEPS
(a) His life, His words, deeds as read in the scriptures – John 5:39.
(b) Prayer – Prayer draws us closer to God, reveals, inspires and empowers – Lk. 22:44.
(c) The Holy Spirit: the Holy Spirit teaches, reveals, leads, empowers and emboldens us to follow – Jhn. 14:26; 15:26; 16:13.
(d) The life of the faithful patriarchs who followed to the end – Heb. 11.
CONCLUSION/APPLICATION
There is one to follow as Leaders. To follow Him is to be like Him. It is important and the essence of being a Church Leader is to follow Him who died and rose for us. If we are not following His exemplary life, we are not His own and He may deny us. We need to reorientate our life after His and follow Him to the end. Grace to follow Him to the end be poured upon us (Amen).
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/following-the-steps-of-christ-i/ | 2022-08-14T08:30:20Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/following-the-steps-of-christ-i/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
In my primary and secondary school days, it was common to see someone run to the staff room to gleefully announce to the hearing of teachers: “Two fighting, Sir/Ma!” And a teacher would rise up promptly, cane in hand, and follow the “reporter” to the classroom where “two (are) fighting” There had been occasions when one or both offenders would refuse to heed the summon and one or more teachers, in annoyance, would storm the classroom concerned and flog the offenders all the way to the staff room. “Two fighting” was a serious offence in my own school days and could earn the offenders severe corporal punishment or even suspension from school. Whenever any errant student was dragged before my secondary school principal, the late ex-governor of old Ondo State and fire-eating, even-in-his-old-age, NADECO leader, Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin, and he orders you: “Go and call your father”; you knew straight away that suspension was knocking on your door! I understand that corporal punishment has now been banned in our schools; in this “modern” age, it is called child abuse and violation of fundamental human rights! Yet, we turn round to complain that standards are falling and also that discipline has dipped!
While it might be easy to handle “two fighting” among minors and youths in our schools, how do we handle a situation when the “two fighting” involves two leaders, especially when one of the two appears unwilling to let sleeping dogs lie? In Ogun state, the immediate past governor and now senator of the Federal Republic, Ibikunle Amosun, appears unwilling to allow his successor, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, a breathing space. Readers of this column will remember that I once told the story of how Amosun reportedly keyed into his relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari, said to be cosy, to strewn the seat of power in Abuja, the Presidential Villa, with land mines for Gov. Abiodun.
Not that there’s anything wrong in Amosun being close to – or cosy with – Buhari; in fact, it could be an advantage that one expects Amosun to use to the benefit of Ogun state and its people, who have graciously gifted him eight unbroken years of enjoyment as their Number One Citizen. I was, however, miffed that rather than use his advertised “long legs” in Aso Villa to draw the dividends of democracy to Ogun state and its people, Amosun’s focus was waging a war of attrition against Gov. Abiodun. And as it is said, when two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. The two elephants in this case are ex-Gov. Amosun and incumbent Gov. Abiodun. The grass, unfortunately, are the good but long-suffering people of Ogun state.
The cause of this “war” seemeth to me as the politics of “bad belle” that Amosun seems determined to play to the bitter end in his opposition to Abiodun. In the run-down to the party nominations for the 2018 governorship election in Ogun state, Amosun, the then sitting governor, favoured another aspirant to succeed him but Abiodun outwitted Amosun’s candidate to fly the APC flag. Amosun and his supporters moved to another party to contest the election but Abiodun still beat them as he was declared the winner of the Ogun State governorship election in 2018. Amosun’s strident opposition to Abiodun did not cease after the 2018 election; the erstwhile governor never allowed his successor a breathing space but erected hurdles on his way all the way.
Those who claimed to know said Abiodun had to stoop to conquer; silently, patiently and painstakingly working to worm his way to the heart of the Presidency to dispel the negative narratives that had travelled ahead of him to the seat of power. And he appears to have succeeded. Whereas Amosun rose again to oppose Abiodun’s second term ambition, the governor again floored the senator and got the nod of his party, APC, to be its candidate in next year’s governorship election. That was why I was surprised when, last week, Amosun was reported again as saying he was not yet done with Abiodun, vowing that the governor would fail in his second term bid!
Haba! As the Yoruba would say: “Ti a ba le’ni ta o ba’ni; iwon la n ba’ni s’ota mo” Listen to the Juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade’s talking drummer in the evergreen song “Ki le ni a se o ti e fi n binu?” We should ask Amosun what it is that Abiodun has done to offend him. Is it more than the normal tussle for position by politicians? Henceforth, let Amosun devote his energies, contacts, connections, and influence into attracting the dividends of democracy to Ogun state. As a politician, and a professed progressive politician at that, that is what is expected of him. Harold Lasswell has aptly defined politics as the art (or science) of “who gets what, when (and) how”; it is not any senseless power tussle or endless personality clashes between political leaders to the chagrin of the constituents they claim to represent.
Another angle to the Abiodun/Amosun tango is also the conspiracy theory of those who see it as a proxy war. In the run down to the APC presidential primary, Gov. Abiodun reportedly sided with the vice-president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who seemingly “defected” from Lagos as his state of origin to Ogun state. Many felt this left Abiodun as the First Citizen of Ogun State with no choice than to support a son of the soil despite that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu had reportedly been instrumental in his emergence as the APC flag bearer in 2018. Another school of thought, however, countered that Tinubu could not single-handedly claim the credit for Abiodun’s emergence but that it was the combination of Tinubu and Osinbajo that worked the magic that left Amosun and his candidate flustered, despite Amosun’s touted closeness to Buhari and the Presidential Villa.
So, many had expected Abiodun to gingerly walk a tightrope when both Tinubu and Osinbajo went for broke in the race for the APC presidential flag. As it turned out, it would appear to some that Abiodun tilted more to the side of Osinbajo, prompting an enraged Tinubu to make his now famous Abeokuta declarations, which Nigerian will not forget in a hurry. It was a three-pronged inter-continental ballistic missile: The first was directed at Gov. Abiodun whom Tinubu referred to condescendingly in Yoruba as “eleyi”, meaning, “This one”. A bemused Abiodun took it in his stride! He must have correctly read the situation as a combination of frustration and desperation and not a deliberate attempt to insult or deride him.
The second head of the missile was targeted at Buhari himself, with Tinubu describing how the erstwhile Daura-born military dictator vied for the country’s presidency thrice but failed on each occasion. Tinubu said with all hopes seemingly lost, Buhari went back home crying like a baby but he, Tinubu, went to encourage him to try one more time, pledging to lend him the “magic wand” that would make his dream come true. And, indeed, Tinubu did! The magic wand was the cobbling together of the APC alliance and the demonization of the sitting President Goodluck Jonathan and his party, the PDP, which eventually landed Buhari in the Presidency. The rest, as they say, is history!
Those who claim to know say Tinubu did not offer his back to Buhari for free or for nothing: There was an understanding or a gentleman’s agreement that after Buhari, it would be Tinubu – and not the pastor who keeps saying he is Number 16! That was what gave birth to Tinubu’s “Emi l’okan” (“It is my turn!”) statement that has assumed a life of its own in Nigeria’s political lexicon. Many had thought – and, indeed, vowed – that Tinubu’s Abeokuta outbursts would backfire and signify his death warrant; that Buhari, feeling insulted, would unleash his Alsatian dogs on Tinubu; that the Presidency cabals and Buhari die-hard supporters would stand against Tinubu’s presidential ambition; and that Gov. Abiodun himself would go for broke against Tinubu.
Surprisingly but interestingly, none of that happened. Tinubu went ahead to clinch the APC presidential primary handsomely; the only surprise being in Gov. John Kayode Fayemi’s Ekiti state (which was won by Osinbajo), calling to question Fayemi’s last-minute stepping down for Tinubu at the Eagle Square venue of the APC presidential primary. In Abiodun’s Ogun state, the delegates were almost evenly distributed between Tinubu and Osinbajo. Amosun also waited until the dying minutes before announcing his stepping down for Tinubu at Eagle Square. As events are turning out, tongues are wagging concerning how genuine some stepping downs were!
The primaries over, the well-wishers of Tinubu say this is the time for all hands to be on the deck to promote the Asiwaju’s candidature, just like the supporters of his other opponents are doing; rather than internally stoking the embers of disunity and disharmony in what is supposed to be his strongest stronghold. It is in this light that the APC’s loss of the governorship election in Osun state is viewed by many. Apart from the fact that the APC governor who lost the Osun election is touted as Tinubu’s nephew or whatever, the APC losing a state n the South-west immediately after Tinubu’s victory in Abuja is seen not just as an embarrassment but also a warning signal to the APC presidential candidate to quickly return to the drawing board.
With Amosun’s threat to make Abiodun lose the 2023 governorship election in Ogun, tongues cannot but wag. The APC losing another state in the South-west will be a very serious matter indeed. In this instance, whose interest Amosun is serving cannot but become the subject of conjectures! Is he working for or against Tinubu’s presidential ambition? It will be a surprise if, as an accomplished politician, he is unmindful of the implications or his statements and actions or is he taking everyone for a fool?
In his tango with Gov. Abiodun, Amosun should consult Adams Oshiomhole, erstwhile Labour leader and erstwhile governor of Edo state, to share his bitter experience with Gov. Godwin Obaseki. That was the beginning of the fall of Oshiomhole from grace to grass. But can the APC or Tinubu afford that kind of “rofo-rofo” at this critical juncture? For, as they say, a house divided against itself… Is that, then, the trick that is playing out? First it was Osun; is Ogun next?
To conclude the way we started: “Two fighting” in the same party and which can derail the ambition and goal of the party is a serious offence that should not be taken lightly. Anti-party activities not quickly and firmly nipped in the bud weakens a party in that it sends a signal to others that rascality pays.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/ogun-state-when-two-elephants-fight/ | 2022-08-14T08:30:33Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/ogun-state-when-two-elephants-fight/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
He is one of the finest gentlemen of the press that I have ever encountered. A courageous, fearless, humane and humble editor, Mallam Yusuf Alli, has come a long way in redefining investigative journalism from his decades of experience in the coverage of various beats in the Nigerian media.
Born on August 8, 1962, Yusuf Alli attended the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, under the auspices of the Institute of Education of the University of Ilorin. He later studied Language Arts at the University of Jos
Mallam Yusuf Alli is a veteran investigative reporter, humanitarian journalist and seasoned editor.
For his career in journalism, he honed his skills at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos; the Centre for Foreign Journalists, Reston, Virginia in the United States; Lagos Business School; and Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea. He is also a product of journalism training in China, and he earned a BBC Certificate on Election Reporting.
Yusuf Alli has worked with several newspapers, including being a reporter with the Herald and standing out to be counted in the heady days of struggle against military dictatorship, as a guerilla journalist with the AM News/The News titles.
He rose through the ranks as a reporter, senior reporter, Chief Correspondent, Assistant Editor, before becoming a Deputy Editor and then getting elevated as the Editor, SUNDAY PUNCH, SATURDAY PUNCH and ultimately THE PUNCH daily newspaper in 2006. He is currently the Managing Editor, Northern Operations of The Nation newspapers.
When it comes to investigative reporting, Mallam Yusuf Alli is fundamentally guided by some of the central tenets and core principles of the practice, which is the necessities of objectivity, fairness and balance, and to report on people and issues without fear or favour. Naturally, such essentially professional conduct could be to the discomfort of friends and even family members, at times. In fact, as a journalist who covers anti-corruption agencies for more than two decades, Alli is reputed to have dossiers of lesser and most corrupt public officials at all levels.
On a few occasions, I had expressed my disenchantment with some of his investigative stories that were not favourable to common associates. He merely responded that “once you are an investigative reporter, you should demonstrate integrity above board.”
As an impartial lawyer in the finest legal tradition would, Yusuf always insists on the sanctity of truth-telling, and nothing other than that. And, rather than anyone trying to plead with him to kill an unfavourable story that could be harmful to certain interests, it is usually better for such a person to expend his or her energies on making a clearer presentation of the other side of the story involved to Yusuf Alli to enhance its balancing, than seeking to persuade him to renounce a story or distort the truth.
Beyond the often cat-and-mouse game between a PR professional and a journalist, our relationship is mutually built on trust, sincerity and openness. Mallam Yusuf can be very considerate in his reporting, to save a bad situation. In fact, he has saved many lives from ridicule, embarrassment, distress and even poverty, through philanthropic endeavours.
When I was forcefully retired from the public service in 2013, Yusuf Alli as an influential media personality, introduced me to highly placed individuals, including the current presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is now a former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, among numerous others.
Knowing that Mallam Yusuf Alli is one who could take risks including riding Okada motorcycles during heavy traffic, undertaking inspections at odd hours and even spending his last kobo on investigative and exclusive reports, I have taken advantage of this awareness to the fullest on a number of occasions. An instance of this occurred when I was in Las Vegas, USA in 2015, and became informed that back home security personnel had surrounded Sambo Dasuki’s Abuja residence in an attempt to re-arrest him, as against court orders. This was at a time when fake news and hate speeches were deliberately being sponsored and churned out to incite citizens against top officials of the previous administration, in some of the darkest days of media trials in Nigeria.
I quickly called Mallam Yusuf on phone and urged him to reach Dasuki, as he could get some immediate exclusives (stories) if he did.
“Are you sure?”, he asked. To which I quickly replied: “Yes… But you have to meet with him as soon as possible at home not on phone, please!.”
Not surprisingly, Mallam Yusuf Alli managed to penetrate security corridors through the strategic disguise of a tested news spymaster. In the process, he ferreted out details of military procurements, dates of deliveries, and the acknowledgements by the end users. His subsequent reports blew open many of the toxic allegations that had been made against the previous administration – of which Dasuki was a prominent figure as the national security adviser (NSA).
Rather than me thanking him for the unbiased reports he did that yanked the veil off the unfortunate media accusations, Alli was the one thanking me for providing him with the opportunity for practicing his craft and delivering on such critical exclusive reports with fresh facts on security expenditures.
Despite being an Editor, the quintessential Yusuf Alli is still at the frontiers of breaking and reporting news, competing with reporters for the bylines. He would rather be on the field sweating out the daily grind of journalism than serving as a desk officer with a big title and in a comfortable office.
As a board member/director of Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential, Yusuf Alli is one of the brains behind the mentorship programme of the organisation for Mass Communication students, budding writers and young journalists. He regularly participates as a resource person and provides logistics for the success of capacity-building programmes.
He is also actively involved in charity activities as he belongs to many organisations including Ansarudeen (the Helper) Society of Nigeria and is a board member of NASFAT Zakat/Sadaqat Foundation in the Federal Capital Territory. Just recently, he emerged the 11th President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama District.
During his investiture as the Rotary Club President, many dignitaries commended Yusuf Alli for his various efforts and endeavours. In extolling his numerous qualities, the former governor of Borno State, Senator Kashim Shettima said the quintessential journalist’s life is a study in dedicated professionalism, service, and a deep sense of duty.
Shettima said: “Today, Yusuf Alli has been recognised as a leading authority in investigative journalism in our country. His colleagues, from far and near, recognise the incredible hard work he puts into every story he pursues and the excellent quality of his outputs in the professional field. If all that Rotarian Yusuf Alli has done in life is the exemplary service that he has given to journalism in our country, we would be forgiven to conclude that he has done enough for a lifetime.”
I am aware that he has politely rejected many offers of juicy public affairs roles in a number of establishments. Instead of being on the driver’s seat, Alli usually says: “I have never aspired to lead. All I wanted was to serve in my little way. I come from a family with a deep passion for service and giving. I also married from a family which loves to share and give.”
Mallam Yusuf Alli gives without expecting anything in return and lends his professional practice to the promotion of truth, pursuit of fairness, building of goodwill, enhancement of better friendships and enabling acts that are beneficial to humanity. His brand of journalism, over the years, respects our diversity, protects the national interest and upholds equity and justice.
Married to Hajiya Muinat Abiola Yusuf on November 27, 1997, their marriage is blessed with four children, including a set of twins.
To an epitome of humility and simplicity, this is to wish Mallam Yusuf Alli Happy 60th Birthday and 25th Wedding Anniversary
- Shuaib, author of An Encounter with the Spymaster and CEO of PR Nigeria, lives in Abuja
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/yusuf-alli-celebrating-an-investigative-journalist-at-60/ | 2022-08-14T08:30:52Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/yusuf-alli-celebrating-an-investigative-journalist-at-60/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SINCE the emergence of homosapiens on this planet, he has never been at peace with himself or his neighbours. In the beginning, he waged his war with flint; then with bow and arrow; and recently with the atom bomb. He now threatens to employ weapons of indescribable destructive power such as the hydrogen bomb.
All the ingredients of, and motivations for, man’s incessant and internecine rivalries – greed, self-interest, abuse and misuse of power, enthroning of might over right – are as present today as ever before.
There are two Chinas and two Koreas; and Vietnam is in the violent process of being permanently split into two. At the base of these unjustifiable divisions lie the naked self-interest, greed, and national aggrandisement of the U.S.A.. In the Middle East, 60 million Arabs have vowed to destroy the State of Israel, and drive away or wipe out the 2 million-odd Jews who constitute that State. Understandably, Britain, the U.S.A., and France uphold the cause of Israel. Also understandably, the U.S.S.R. and East European countries give full support to the Arab countries. We say understandably, because it is the undisguised policies of Britain, U.S.A., U.S.S.R. and other big powers to divide the world into economic and ideological spheres of influence, in pursuance of their national self-interests and aggrandisement, and of the mutual hatred and hostility which exist between the so-called Western and Eastern blocs. There is, otherwise, no rational basis for the capitalist Western bloc to give succour to socialist Israel, or for the socialist Eastern bloc to come to the aid of the Arabs who have always either killed, or kept firmly in detention, every known communist in their midst.
Africa continues, as hitherto, to be the butt of all manner of inhuman treatment and degradation. To the Whites in South Africa and Rhodesia, Africans are nothing but anthropoid apes, as Hitler contemptuously termed them. The White settlers in South Africa and Rhodesia have forcibly expropriated the aboriginal Africans of all the larger and richer portions of their lands, and relegated them to the position of hewers of wood and drawers of water.
In the U.S.A., the Negro Americans suffer grave social disabilities, so much so that there are now clear signs that the recent violent riotings by the Negroes may degenerate into civil war between White and Black Americans. The latent colour prejudice which has always existed in Britain, but which has hitherto been cleverly suppressed, is now bubbling to the surface; and there is a real danger of racial violence rearing its head soon in Britain.
In the pursuit of their naked self-interests, the developed countries of the world continue to exploit and cheat the underdeveloped countries by means of every contrivance and artifice which man’s ingenuity can invent with the result that the gap between the one and the other widens with the years: the rich getting richer, and the poor getting relatively poorer.
To cap it all, the great powers of the world have grouped themselves into two mutually antagonistic ideological camps, and seek feverishly and frantically to entice the weaker and underdeveloped countries into their respective spheres of influence. To this end, aids are proffered in kind and cash to the poorer countries. But the prospective donors always make sure that each aid or loan carries with it a host of humiliating strings and conditions which tend materially to help the donor countries more than the poorer countries, undermine the strength and vitality of the recipient countries, and ensure their permanent dependence on the donor countries.
In spite of this, it is incumbent on Nigeria, like all other countries, to discharge a three-fold obligation. Firstly, it has the primary obligation of catering to and promoting the welfare of its peoples to the end that they may live a full and happy life. As we have repeatedly noted, one of the purposes for which a State is ordained is the protection of its citizens against external aggression. In order to achieve this purpose, Nigeria must, by skilful and clean diplomacy and constructive propaganda, bring about a state of peaceful co- existence between it and its neighbours; it must foster mutually beneficial commerce with its neighbours so that it and they may derive obvious advantages from inter-territorial division of labour; it must put itself, to the knowledge of its neighbours, in such a state of military strength and preparedness as to discourage external aggression, or successfully resist such aggression if it comes.
It is an accepted diplomatic practice, of the Machiavellian type, for one country to foment troubles in another country with a view to thwarting the evil intentions and designs of the latter country against the former. It is also an accepted practice for one country to try to subjugate another by subversion. These are practices which are indulged in by all the big powers through various secret, powerful, and thoroughly ruthless and satanic organisations. It is our candid view that no obligation is placed on any country to do evil against another country, or to subvert its neighbours under any pretext whatsoever. A cardinal principle of world order must be that the sovereignty and integrity of every State are sacrosanct.
Accordingly, Nigeria should eschew these diabolical methods, and confine itself to the constructive and practical means of achieving peaceful co-existence with its neighbours, including a defensive military build-up which is capable of deterring any aggressor, at its own level. We have used the phrase at its own level’, advisedly.
In our view, Nigeria can only place itself in such a position of military strength as would deter any of its underdeveloped neighbours from contemplating, much less committing, aggression against it. It certainly cannot and should not aspire to acquire military resources large and potentially effective enough to deter any of the big powers from committing aggression against it. It is our firm belief, based on the sound principles of dialectic, that if Nigeria is economically free and strong and socially stable, and plays a constructive, consistent, and peace-promoting role in world affairs, the big powers as well as Nigeria’s immediate neighbours will refrain from entertaining aggressive intentions towards it, and will positively seek to live in peace with it. But if. in spite C!(such a role, any of the so-called big powers chose, for any reason, to commit aggression against it, the only course of action open to it would be to give a good account of itself in the battlefield.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/external-relations/ | 2022-08-14T08:30:59Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/external-relations/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Sample 1: “Witness alleged that the soldiers attempted to dump the dead body of the deceased in a nearby drainage…” (The soldiers wanted to dump the dead body of the police officer in a drainage—eyewitness alleges, Opera News, 6 August, 2022)
I draw readers’ attention to a feature of the excerpt that occurs twice: “a nearby drainage” and “a drainage” (see the headline for the second appearance).The word drainage has obviously been used in the singular—what with the singular modifier a. Relying on the grammar of this aspect of the text, it would be correct to say that the plural form of drainage is drainages. In the sense in which the word is used in this context, however, the plural form does not exist.
The grammatical error here (of pre-modifying drainage with a, and of course logically presenting its plural form as drainages) arises, I guess, because the reporter mistakes the drainage facilities for the system or process which the word drainage properly denotes. Yes, drainage is about the system or process of making water or any other liquid flow through an appropriate channel or facility. Drainage does not refer to a structure or facility; it is an uncountable noun denoting the process or system of movement of liquid.
It should be obvious that what the reporter has in mind when he uses the word drainage is the concrete structure, the facility, the water pathway being constructed for the drainage system. Many Nigerians frequently pluralize the word drainage. But it is an uncountable noun which, typically, should not be pluralized.
Please read the following sentences:
1) Given the poor drainage, erosion will damage this road within a short time.
2) Engineers are already thinking about ways of improving the efficiency of the drainagesystem.
3) I am not an engineer, but it should be obvious to any observer that the drainage facility is faulty.
4) I think it will be useful to construct the drainagefacility before the major construction begins.
5) Water gathers on this portion of the road because of inadequate drainage.
6) The drains seem to be blocked somewhere along the line.
7) The problem is that the drains are not big enough. 8) The drains connected to the central drainage system are either broken or blocked.
The important issue here is that the noun drainage should never be used in its plural form because it is an uncountable noun. In addition, it should not be modified by the indefinite article, a or its synonym. However, the word drain, referring to the pipe connected to the drainage system, is a countable noun and can be pluralised. For this reason, the following sentences are faulty:
1)The governor has given approval for the construction of more effective *drainages.
2) The problem of erosion is so severe in this neighbourhood because there are insufficient *drainages.
3) To avoid the havoc that uncontrolled water movement can cause, you should consider constructing *a drainage urgently.
4) *One drainage, however effective it may be, will not be enough for the entire community.
5) The *drainages of the two communities should be effectively linked.
6) Every landlord should be compelled to have *a drainage.
7) This is *a poor drainage.
8) We are planning to have adrainage behind the house.9) The *drainages have been damaged.
The following sentences are the better versions of those faulty sentences:
1)The governor has given approval for the construction of a more effective drainage structure/facility/system/channel.
2) The problem of erosion is so severe in this neighbourhood because there are insufficient drainage facilities.
3) To avoid the havoc that uncontrolled water movement can cause, you should consider constructing a drainage structure urgently.
4) One drainage facility, however effective it may be, will not be enough for the entire community.
5) The drainage systems of the two communities should be effectively linked.
6) Every landlord should be compelled to have a drainage facility.
7) This is a poor drainage system.
8) We are planning to have a drainage facility behind the house.
9) The drainage facilities have been damaged.
Instead of “a nearby drainage” and “a drainage”, we should have: “a nearby drainage hole/opening/structure…” and “a drainage hole/opening/structure…”
Sample 2: “Oye Kyme further stated that she can no longer give account of her life again (sic), adding that sometimes she seats down and sees how she ended up destroying her life because of money.” (Sometimes I seat down and see how I destroyed my life…Opera News, 29 June, 2022)
Let’s focus attention on the form seat which occurs twice as follows: “sometimes she seats down” and “sometimes I seat down.” Elementary grammar: You do not seat down; you sit down; you may be seated or you may take a seat, etc. It is amazing how confused some Nigerians are regarding aspects of the English grammar.various forms that should interest us are: sit, sitting, sat, seat, seated, and seating.
Let’s illustrate their usage in turn:
(1) He has been sitting there all day, expecting the news of his parents’ arrival.
(2) If he wasn’t sitting down, he was pacing the room anxiously.
(3) He was sitting in his usual chair, watching the television.
(4) Nobody can sit down until the president has done so.
(5) After pacing for a few minutes, he sat down holding his chin ruefully.
(6) I have not sat down because you have not asked me to sit down.
(7) Janet sat beside her husband. (8) We all sat down as soon as the Chairman left the hall.
In those eight sentences, please note the forms sit (the basic form); sat (the past simple form); has/have sat (the past participle); and sitting (the continuous form). It is especially important to note that the form seating does not feature at all. Why? Because it cannot be used in its continuous form. There is the form seating, yes; but it does not belong to the context of the eight sentences constructed above.
Now read the following sentences:
(1) You can now be seated.
(2) Seated in one corner of the room was one gentleman who seemed not to be a part of what was going on.
(3) In this congregation, women are seated separately from the men.
(4) Before seating yourself at the desk, you have to tidy up the room.
(5) Husbands and wives are seated close to each other.
(6) All guests should be seated before the governor arrives.
(7) Guests were seated in groups of four.
(8) I don’t like to be seated close to the window.
Next, read the following sentences:
(1) All the seats have been occupied by our visitors.
(2) It is only the person driving that can sit in the driver’s seat.
(3) I usually prefer to sit in the passenger’s seat.
(4) Please take a seat.
(5) What used to be comfortable seats are now in bad shape.
(6) Abuja is the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
(7) Only five seats remain unoccupied in the plane.
(8) You have up till tomorrow to book your seat.
(9) Are universities still regarded as seats of learning?
(10) Two people can join me in the back seat.
(11) The front seats are reserved for the VIPs.
(12) The brain is the seat of human reasoning just as the heart is the seat of emotion.
(13) The Senator’s seat has been declared vacant by the leadership of the Senate.
(14) The court has instructed the chairman to vacate his seat immediately.
15) He is perhaps the most controversial person to have occupied this sensitive seat.
16) The presidential seat is the most exalted in the land.
Finally, read the following sentences:
(1) The hall can seat one hundred people.
(2) The theatre has a seating capacity of 500.
(3) The protocol officer will take care of the seating arrangement.
(4) The expansion will increase the seating capacity of the building.
(5) Seating plans can be very challenging in situations like this.
(6) The seating plan may change if some other big men decide to come.
Now note the following: You do not say: *”My father was *seating close to my mom”. You should say: “My father was sitting close to my mom. Do not say: *”I was *seating in the driver’s seat”. You should say: “I was sitting in the driver’s seat”. Do not say: *”Be *sitted”. You should say: “Be seated”. Do not say: *”I was *sitted close to my uncle”. You should say: “I was seated close to my uncle”.
Do not say: *”What is the sitting capacity of the hall?” You should say: “What is the seating capacity of the hall?” Do not say: *”The protocol officer is in charge of the *sitting arrangement”. You should say: “The protocol officer is in charge of the seating arrangement”.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/of-drainage-and-seating/ | 2022-08-14T08:31:05Z | tribuneonlineng.com | control | https://tribuneonlineng.com/of-drainage-and-seating/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, interact with crowd members after a Joint Air-Ground Task Force Demonstration as part of the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The air show provided an opportunity for MCBH to foster positive relationships with the local community, while providing a unique experience to the public. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to celebrate MCBH’s longstanding relationship with the local community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Aultman)
This work, 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show: JTAF Wall of Fire [Image 32 of 32], by Cpl Brandon Aultman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7368652/2022-kaneohe-bay-air-show-jtaf-wall-fire | 2022-08-14T08:32:46Z | dvidshub.net | control | https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7368652/2022-kaneohe-bay-air-show-jtaf-wall-fire | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
New Delhi: In a stunning revelation, former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor has claimed that he was "slapped" by one of the owners of Rajasthan Royals franchise during the 2011 season of the IPL.
The Kiwi said that he was slapped by the franchise's owner after he was dismissed for a duck during a game against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Mohali.
Taylor made the revelation in his new autobiography, Ross Taylor: Black & White.
"The chase was 195, I was lbw for a duck and we didn't get close," Taylor wrote in his book, an excerpt of which was published on Stuff.co.nz.
"Afterwards, the team, support staff and management were in the bar on the top floor of the hotel. Liz Hurley was there with Warnie (Shane Warne).
"One of the Royals owners said to me, 'Ross, we didn't pay you a million dollars to get a duck,' and slapped me across the face three or four times. He was laughing and they weren't hard slaps but I'm not sure that it was entirely play-acting.
"Under the circumstances I wasn't going to make an issue of it, but I couldn't imagine it happening in many professional sporting environments."
The 38-year-old Taylor played for Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2008 to 2010 and was with RR in 2011. He also represented Delhi Capitals, then called Delhi Daredevils, as well as the now-defunct Pune Warriors India.
"When you fetch that sort of money, you're desperately keen to prove that you're worth it. And those who are paying you that sort of money have high expectations that's professional sport and human nature.
"I'd paid my dues at RCB: if I'd had a lean trot, the management would have had faith in me because of what I'd done in the past. When you go to a new team, you don't get that backing.
"You never feel comfortable because you know that if you go two or three games without a score, you come under cold-eyed scrutiny."
The autobiography made headlines after Taylor claimed he experienced racism during his 16-year career with the New Zealand team.
Taylor, who is of Samoan heritage, had described racist locker room "banter" and casually racist comments from some New Zealand team officials. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2022/08/14/ipl-cricket-rajasthan-royals-ross-taylor-nz.amp.html | 2022-08-14T08:34:30Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2022/08/14/ipl-cricket-rajasthan-royals-ross-taylor-nz.amp.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
New Delhi: In a stunning revelation, former New Zealand batter Ross Taylor has claimed that he was "slapped" by one of the owners of Rajasthan Royals franchise during the 2011 season of the IPL.
The Kiwi said that he was slapped by the franchise's owner after he was dismissed for a duck during a game against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in Mohali.
Taylor made the revelation in his new autobiography, Ross Taylor: Black & White.
"The chase was 195, I was lbw for a duck and we didn't get close," Taylor wrote in his book, an excerpt of which was published on Stuff.co.nz.
"Afterwards, the team, support staff and management were in the bar on the top floor of the hotel. Liz Hurley was there with Warnie (Shane Warne).
"One of the Royals owners said to me, 'Ross, we didn't pay you a million dollars to get a duck,' and slapped me across the face three or four times. He was laughing and they weren't hard slaps but I'm not sure that it was entirely play-acting.
"Under the circumstances I wasn't going to make an issue of it, but I couldn't imagine it happening in many professional sporting environments."
The 38-year-old Taylor played for Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2008 to 2010 and was with RR in 2011. He also represented Delhi Capitals, then called Delhi Daredevils, as well as the now-defunct Pune Warriors India.
"When you fetch that sort of money, you're desperately keen to prove that you're worth it. And those who are paying you that sort of money have high expectations that's professional sport and human nature.
"I'd paid my dues at RCB: if I'd had a lean trot, the management would have had faith in me because of what I'd done in the past. When you go to a new team, you don't get that backing.
"You never feel comfortable because you know that if you go two or three games without a score, you come under cold-eyed scrutiny."
The autobiography made headlines after Taylor claimed he experienced racism during his 16-year career with the New Zealand team.
Taylor, who is of Samoan heritage, had described racist locker room "banter" and casually racist comments from some New Zealand team officials. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2022/08/14/ipl-cricket-rajasthan-royals-ross-taylor-nz.html | 2022-08-14T08:34:36Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2022/08/14/ipl-cricket-rajasthan-royals-ross-taylor-nz.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Shakib Al Hasan has returned as captain of Bangladesh's Twenty20 team for the Asia Cup and World Cup, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said on Saturday, putting to rest speculation over the all-rounder's future due to his ties with a betting company.
Shakib, 35, was reportedly told by the BCB this week to choose between playing for the national team or keeping his endorsement deal with a betting site. He terminated his contract with the company on Thursday.
The BCB also named a 17-man squad for the Asia Cup that gets underway in the United Arab Emirates on August 27, with batsman Sabbir Rahman and veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim both returning to the fold.
The selectors also included Nurul Hasan despite a fractured finger. The wicketkeeper led the T20 side in Zimbabwe last month before being ruled out of the series, which Bangladesh lost 2-1, due to the injury.
Bangladesh play a T20 tri-series against New Zealand and Pakistan leading up to the World Cup in Australia, which starts on October 16.
Asia Cup squad: Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Anamul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Afif Hossain, Mosaddek Hossain, Mahmudullah, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Hasan Mahmud, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ebadot Hossain, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nurul Hasan, Taskin Ahmed. | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2022/08/14/shakib-to-lead-bangladesh-in-asia-cup-t20-world-cup.html | 2022-08-14T08:34:49Z | onmanorama.com | control | https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/cricket/2022/08/14/shakib-to-lead-bangladesh-in-asia-cup-t20-world-cup.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
A loud “boom” heard across areas of northern Utah was likely a meteor, officials said Saturday.
Reports of the loud noise circulated at about 8:30 a.m., with people from Orem to southern Idaho posting that they heard the “boom,” The Salt Lake Tribune reported.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox tweeted that his office confirmed it was not related to any seismic activity or military installations.
The National Weather Service’s Salt Lake City office wrote in a tweet that its lightning detection mapper likely picked up the meteor’s trail flash, which officials said seemed to be confirmed by witness video in Roy.
South Salt Lake resident Wendi Melling was just heading out the door Saturday morning when she heard the noise, which she described as a “loud deep booming sound” followed by a few seconds of rumbling.
“I thought I heard something fall in the house. I have since searched the house top to bottom and the only thing I’ve found was one slat from our wooden fence that had fallen, so that’s a relief,” Melling wrote in a Facebook message.
“It did sound similar to sonic booms I’ve heard before, followed by a short incident of a sound similar to low rolling thunder,” Melling continued. “This rumbling noise that followed the boom was maybe on 3-4 seconds.” | https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/meteor-likely-caused-loud-boom-heard-across-utah-officials-say/ | 2022-08-14T08:42:17Z | nypost.com | control | https://nypost.com/2022/08/14/meteor-likely-caused-loud-boom-heard-across-utah-officials-say/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BERLIN (AP) — German businesses and public institutions should heat their offices no higher than 19 degrees Celsius (66.2 degrees Fahrenheit) this winter to help reduce the country’s consumption of natural gas, Germany’s economy minister said Saturday.
Germany, the European Union’s biggest economy, is quickly trying to wean itself off using natural gas from Russia in response to Moscow’s attack on Ukraine. However Germany uses more Russian gas imports than many other EU nations. Russia has already cut off gas exports to several EU nations, and officials fear Moscow will use the gas exports as a political weapon to get sanctions against Russia reduced — or even cut the exports to Europe off altogether in the winter, when demand is the highest.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck said while the EU’s 27 countries have pledged to cut their gas use by 15% from August compared to the previous five-year average, Germany needs to reduce its consumption by 20%.
Habeck is also proposing banning the heating of non-commercial private pools; switching off heating in common areas of public buildings, such as foyers; and switching off the lights on public billboards between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
___
Follow all AP stories on developments related to the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/germany-urged-to-cap-heat-in-offices-this-winter-to-save-gas/ | 2022-08-14T08:42:17Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/germany-urged-to-cap-heat-in-offices-this-winter-to-save-gas/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 21 |
BERLIN (AP) — German businesses and public institutions should heat their offices no higher than 19 degrees Celsius (66.2 degrees Fahrenheit) this winter to help reduce the country’s consumption of natural gas, Germany’s economy minister said Saturday.
Germany, the European Union’s biggest economy, is quickly trying to wean itself off using natural gas from Russia in response to Moscow’s attack on Ukraine. However Germany uses more Russian gas imports than many other EU nations. Russia has already cut off gas exports to several EU nations, and officials fear Moscow will use the gas exports as a political weapon to get sanctions against Russia reduced — or even cut the exports to Europe off altogether in the winter, when demand is the highest.
Economy Minister Robert Habeck said while the EU’s 27 countries have pledged to cut their gas use by 15% from August compared to the previous five-year average, Germany needs to reduce its consumption by 20%.
Habeck is also proposing banning the heating of non-commercial private pools; switching off heating in common areas of public buildings, such as foyers; and switching off the lights on public billboards between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
___
Follow all AP stories on developments related to the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine. | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/germany-urged-to-cap-heat-in-offices-this-winter-to-save-gas/ | 2022-08-14T08:42:17Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/germany-urged-to-cap-heat-in-offices-this-winter-to-save-gas/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 21 |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the Arizona Democrat who single-handedly thwarted her party’s longtime goal of raising taxes on wealthy investors, received nearly $1 million over the past year from private equity professionals, hedge fund managers and venture capitalists whose taxes would have increased under the plan.
For years, Democrats have promised to raise taxes on such investors, who pay a significantly lower rate on their earnings than ordinary workers. But just as they closed in on that goal last week, Sinema forced a series of changes to her party’s $740 billion election-year spending package, eliminating a proposed “carried interest” tax increase on private equity earnings while securing a $35 billion exemption that will spare much of the industry from a separate tax increase other huge corporations now have to pay.
The bill, with Sinema’s alterations intact, was given final approval by Congress on Friday and is expected to be signed by President Joe Biden next week.
Sinema has long aligned herself with the interests of private equity, hedge funds and venture capital, helping her net at least $1.5 million in campaign contributions since she was elected to the House a decade ago. But the $983,000 she has collected since last summer more than doubled what the industry donated to her during all of her preceding years in Congress combined, according to an Associated Press review of campaign finance disclosures.
The donations, which make Sinema one of the industry’s top beneficiaries in Congress, serve a reminder of the way that high-power lobbying campaigns can have dramatic implications for the way legislation is crafted, particularly in the evenly divided Senate where there are no Democratic votes to spare. They also highlight a degree of political risk for Sinema, whose unapologetic defense of the industry’s favorable tax treatment is viewed by many in her party as indefensible.
“From their vantage point, it’s a million dollars very well spent,” said Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a liberal-leaning think tank. “It’s pretty rare you see this direct of a return on your investment. So, I guess I would congratulate them.”
Sinema’s office declined to make her available for an interview. Hannah Hurley, a Sinema spokesperson, acknowledged the senator shares some of the industry’s views on taxation, but rebuffed any suggestion that the donations influenced her thinking.
“Senator Sinema makes every decision based on one criteria: what’s best for Arizona,” Hurley said in a statement. “She has been clear and consistent for over a year that she will only support tax reforms and revenue options that support Arizona’s economic growth and competitiveness.”
The American Investment Council, a trade group that lobbies on behalf of private equity, also defended their push to defeat the tax provisions.
“Our team worked to ensure that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle understand how private equity directly employs workers and supports small businesses throughout their communities,” Drew Maloney, the organization’s CEO and president, said in a statement.
Sinema’s defense of wealthy investors’ tax treatment offers a jarring contrast to her background as a Green Party activist and self-styled “Prada socialist” who once likened accepting campaign cash to “bribery” and later called for “big corporations & the rich to pay their fair share” before launching her first campaign for Congress in 2012.
She’s been far more magnanimous since, praising private equity in 2016 from the House floor for providing “billions of dollars each year to Main Street businesses.” After her election to the Senate, Sinema interned during the 2020 congressional recess at a private equity mogul’s boutique winery in northern California.
The soaring contributions from the industry to Sinema trace back to last summer. That’s when she first made clear that she wouldn’t support a carried interest tax increase, as well as other corporate and business tax hikes included in an earlier iteration of Biden’s agenda.
During a two-week period in September alone, Sinema collected $47,100 in contributions from 16 high-ranking officials from the private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, records show. Employees and executives of KKR, another private equity behemoth, contributed $44,100 to Sinema during a two-month span in late 2021.
In some cases, the families of private equity managers joined in. David Belluck, a partner at the firm Riverside Partners, gave a $5,800 max-out contribution to Sinema one day in late June. So did three of his college-age kids, with the family collectively donating $23,200, records show.
“I generally support centrist Democrats and her seat is important to keep a Democratic Senate majority,” Belluck said, adding that his family has known Sinema since her election to Congress. “She and I have never discussed private equity taxation.”
The donations from the industry coincide with a $26 million lobbying effort spearheaded by the investment firm Blackstone that culminated on the Senate floor last weekend.
By the time the bill was up for debate during a marathon series of votes, Sinema had already forced Democrats to abandon their carried interest tax increase.
“Senator Sinema said she would not vote for the bill .. unless we took it out,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters last week. “We had no choice.”
But after private equity lobbyists discovered a provision in the bill that would have subjected many of them to a separate 15% corporate minimum tax, they urgently pressed Sinema and other centrist Democrats for changes, according to emails as well as four people with direct knowledge of the matter who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
“Given the breaking nature of this development we need as many offices as possible weighing in with concerns to Leader Schumer’s office,” Blackstone lobbyist Ryan McConaghy wrote in a Saturday afternoon email obtained by the AP, which included proposed language for modifying the bill. “Would you and your boss be willing to raise the alarm on this and express concerns with Schumer and team?”
McConaghy did not respond to a request for comment.
Sinema worked with Republicans on an amendment that stripped the corporate minimum tax on private equity from the bill, which a handful of vulnerable Democrats also voted for.
“Since she has been in Congress, Kyrsten has consistently supported pro-growth policies that encourage job creation across Arizona. Her tax policy positions and focus on growing Arizona’s economy and competitiveness are longstanding and well known,” Hurley, the Sinema spokesperson, said.
But many in her party disagree. They say the favorable tax treatment does little to boost the overall economy and argue there’s little compelling evidence to suggest its benefits are enjoyed beyond some of the wealthiest investors.
Some of Sinema’s donors make their case.
Blackstone, a significant source of campaign contributions, owns large tracts of real estate in Sinema’s home state, Arizona. The firm was condemned by United Nations experts in 2019 who said Blackstone’s financial model was responsible for a “financialization of housing” that has driven up rents and home costs, “pushing low-income, and increasingly middle-income people from their homes.”
Blackstone employees, executives and their family members have given Sinema $44,000 since 2018, records show.
In a statement, Blackstone called the allegations by the U.N. experts “false and misleading” and said all employee contributions are “strictly personal.” The firm added that it was “incredibly proud of its investments in housing.”
Another significant financial services donor is Centerbridge Partners, a New York-based firm that buys up the debt of distressed governments and companies and often uses hardball tactics to extract value. Since 2017, Sinema has collected at least $29,000 from donors associated with the firm, including co-founder Mark Gallogly and his wife, Elizabeth Strickler, records show.
In 2012, Centerbridge Partners purchased Arizona-based restaurant chain P.F. Chang’s for roughly $1 billion. After loading the struggling company up with $675 million of debt, they sold it to another private equity group in 2019, according to Bloomberg News. The company received a $10 million coronavirus aid loan to cover payroll, which the federal government later forgave, but shed jobs and closed locations as it struggled with the pandemic.
Centerbridge Partners was also part of a consortium of hedge funds that helped usher in an era of austerity in Puerto Rico after buying up billions of dollars of the island government’s $72 billion debt — and filing legal proceedings to collect. A subsidiary of Centerbridge Partners was among a group of creditors who repeatedly sued one of the U.S. territory’s pension funds. In one 2016 lawsuit, the group of creditors asked a judge to divert money from a Puerto Rican pension fund in order to collect.
A Centerbridge representative could not provide comment.
Liberal activists in Arizona say they plan to make Sinema’s reliance on donations from wealthy investors a campaign issue when she is up for reelection in 2024.
“There are many takes on how to win, but there is no universe in which it is politically smart to fight for favorable tax treatment of the wealthiest people in the country,” said Emily Kirkland, a political consultant who works for progressive candidates. “It’s absolutely going to be a potent issue.”
___
Associated Press writer Josh Boak contributed to this report. | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/sinema-took-wall-street-money-while-killing-tax-on-investors/ | 2022-08-14T08:42:31Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/sinema-took-wall-street-money-while-killing-tax-on-investors/ | 0 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | 39 |
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the Arizona Democrat who single-handedly thwarted her party’s longtime goal of raising taxes on wealthy investors, received nearly $1 million over the past year from private equity professionals, hedge fund managers and venture capitalists whose taxes would have increased under the plan.
For years, Democrats have promised to raise taxes on such investors, who pay a significantly lower rate on their earnings than ordinary workers. But just as they closed in on that goal last week, Sinema forced a series of changes to her party’s $740 billion election-year spending package, eliminating a proposed “carried interest” tax increase on private equity earnings while securing a $35 billion exemption that will spare much of the industry from a separate tax increase other huge corporations now have to pay.
The bill, with Sinema’s alterations intact, was given final approval by Congress on Friday and is expected to be signed by President Joe Biden next week.
Sinema has long aligned herself with the interests of private equity, hedge funds and venture capital, helping her net at least $1.5 million in campaign contributions since she was elected to the House a decade ago. But the $983,000 she has collected since last summer more than doubled what the industry donated to her during all of her preceding years in Congress combined, according to an Associated Press review of campaign finance disclosures.
The donations, which make Sinema one of the industry’s top beneficiaries in Congress, serve a reminder of the way that high-power lobbying campaigns can have dramatic implications for the way legislation is crafted, particularly in the evenly divided Senate where there are no Democratic votes to spare. They also highlight a degree of political risk for Sinema, whose unapologetic defense of the industry’s favorable tax treatment is viewed by many in her party as indefensible.
“From their vantage point, it’s a million dollars very well spent,” said Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, a liberal-leaning think tank. “It’s pretty rare you see this direct of a return on your investment. So, I guess I would congratulate them.”
Sinema’s office declined to make her available for an interview. Hannah Hurley, a Sinema spokesperson, acknowledged the senator shares some of the industry’s views on taxation, but rebuffed any suggestion that the donations influenced her thinking.
“Senator Sinema makes every decision based on one criteria: what’s best for Arizona,” Hurley said in a statement. “She has been clear and consistent for over a year that she will only support tax reforms and revenue options that support Arizona’s economic growth and competitiveness.”
The American Investment Council, a trade group that lobbies on behalf of private equity, also defended their push to defeat the tax provisions.
“Our team worked to ensure that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle understand how private equity directly employs workers and supports small businesses throughout their communities,” Drew Maloney, the organization’s CEO and president, said in a statement.
Sinema’s defense of wealthy investors’ tax treatment offers a jarring contrast to her background as a Green Party activist and self-styled “Prada socialist” who once likened accepting campaign cash to “bribery” and later called for “big corporations & the rich to pay their fair share” before launching her first campaign for Congress in 2012.
She’s been far more magnanimous since, praising private equity in 2016 from the House floor for providing “billions of dollars each year to Main Street businesses.” After her election to the Senate, Sinema interned during the 2020 congressional recess at a private equity mogul’s boutique winery in northern California.
The soaring contributions from the industry to Sinema trace back to last summer. That’s when she first made clear that she wouldn’t support a carried interest tax increase, as well as other corporate and business tax hikes included in an earlier iteration of Biden’s agenda.
During a two-week period in September alone, Sinema collected $47,100 in contributions from 16 high-ranking officials from the private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe, records show. Employees and executives of KKR, another private equity behemoth, contributed $44,100 to Sinema during a two-month span in late 2021.
In some cases, the families of private equity managers joined in. David Belluck, a partner at the firm Riverside Partners, gave a $5,800 max-out contribution to Sinema one day in late June. So did three of his college-age kids, with the family collectively donating $23,200, records show.
“I generally support centrist Democrats and her seat is important to keep a Democratic Senate majority,” Belluck said, adding that his family has known Sinema since her election to Congress. “She and I have never discussed private equity taxation.”
The donations from the industry coincide with a $26 million lobbying effort spearheaded by the investment firm Blackstone that culminated on the Senate floor last weekend.
By the time the bill was up for debate during a marathon series of votes, Sinema had already forced Democrats to abandon their carried interest tax increase.
“Senator Sinema said she would not vote for the bill .. unless we took it out,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters last week. “We had no choice.”
But after private equity lobbyists discovered a provision in the bill that would have subjected many of them to a separate 15% corporate minimum tax, they urgently pressed Sinema and other centrist Democrats for changes, according to emails as well as four people with direct knowledge of the matter who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
“Given the breaking nature of this development we need as many offices as possible weighing in with concerns to Leader Schumer’s office,” Blackstone lobbyist Ryan McConaghy wrote in a Saturday afternoon email obtained by the AP, which included proposed language for modifying the bill. “Would you and your boss be willing to raise the alarm on this and express concerns with Schumer and team?”
McConaghy did not respond to a request for comment.
Sinema worked with Republicans on an amendment that stripped the corporate minimum tax on private equity from the bill, which a handful of vulnerable Democrats also voted for.
“Since she has been in Congress, Kyrsten has consistently supported pro-growth policies that encourage job creation across Arizona. Her tax policy positions and focus on growing Arizona’s economy and competitiveness are longstanding and well known,” Hurley, the Sinema spokesperson, said.
But many in her party disagree. They say the favorable tax treatment does little to boost the overall economy and argue there’s little compelling evidence to suggest its benefits are enjoyed beyond some of the wealthiest investors.
Some of Sinema’s donors make their case.
Blackstone, a significant source of campaign contributions, owns large tracts of real estate in Sinema’s home state, Arizona. The firm was condemned by United Nations experts in 2019 who said Blackstone’s financial model was responsible for a “financialization of housing” that has driven up rents and home costs, “pushing low-income, and increasingly middle-income people from their homes.”
Blackstone employees, executives and their family members have given Sinema $44,000 since 2018, records show.
In a statement, Blackstone called the allegations by the U.N. experts “false and misleading” and said all employee contributions are “strictly personal.” The firm added that it was “incredibly proud of its investments in housing.”
Another significant financial services donor is Centerbridge Partners, a New York-based firm that buys up the debt of distressed governments and companies and often uses hardball tactics to extract value. Since 2017, Sinema has collected at least $29,000 from donors associated with the firm, including co-founder Mark Gallogly and his wife, Elizabeth Strickler, records show.
In 2012, Centerbridge Partners purchased Arizona-based restaurant chain P.F. Chang’s for roughly $1 billion. After loading the struggling company up with $675 million of debt, they sold it to another private equity group in 2019, according to Bloomberg News. The company received a $10 million coronavirus aid loan to cover payroll, which the federal government later forgave, but shed jobs and closed locations as it struggled with the pandemic.
Centerbridge Partners was also part of a consortium of hedge funds that helped usher in an era of austerity in Puerto Rico after buying up billions of dollars of the island government’s $72 billion debt — and filing legal proceedings to collect. A subsidiary of Centerbridge Partners was among a group of creditors who repeatedly sued one of the U.S. territory’s pension funds. In one 2016 lawsuit, the group of creditors asked a judge to divert money from a Puerto Rican pension fund in order to collect.
A Centerbridge representative could not provide comment.
Liberal activists in Arizona say they plan to make Sinema’s reliance on donations from wealthy investors a campaign issue when she is up for reelection in 2024.
“There are many takes on how to win, but there is no universe in which it is politically smart to fight for favorable tax treatment of the wealthiest people in the country,” said Emily Kirkland, a political consultant who works for progressive candidates. “It’s absolutely going to be a potent issue.”
___
Associated Press writer Josh Boak contributed to this report. | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/sinema-took-wall-street-money-while-killing-tax-on-investors/ | 2022-08-14T08:42:31Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/business-news/ap-business/sinema-took-wall-street-money-while-killing-tax-on-investors/ | 1 | 0 | green-iguana-35 | 39 |
JERUSALEM (AP) — A gunman opened fire at a bus near Jerusalem’s Old City early Sunday, wounding eight Israelis in a suspected Palestinian attack that came a week after violence flared up between Israel and militants in Gaza, police and medics said.
Two of the victims were in serious condition, including a pregnant woman with abdominal injuries and a man with gunshot wounds to the head and neck, according to Israeli hospitals treating them.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said there were American citizens among the wounded, but disclosed no other information or details.
The shooting happened as the bus waited in a parking lot near the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray.
Israeli police said forces were dispatched to the scene to investigate. Israeli security forces also pushed into the nearby Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan pursuing the suspected attacker.
Later on Sunday, police said the suspected attacker turned himself in. Police did not immediately disclose details about the suspected attacker’s identity.
The attack in Jerusalem followed a tense week between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Last weekend, Israeli aircraft unleashed an offensive in the Gaza Strip targeting the militant group Islamic Jihad and setting off three days of fierce cross-border fighting. Islamic Jihad fired hundreds of rockets during the flare-up to avenge the airstrikes, which killed two of its commanders and other militants. Israel said the attack was meant to thwart threats from the group to respond to the arrest of one of its officials in the occupied West Bank.
Forty-nine Palestinians, including 17 children and 14 militants, were killed, and several hundred were injured in the fighting, which ended with an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire. No Israeli was killed or seriously injured.
The Islamic militant group Hamas, which controls Gaza, stayed on the sidelines.
A day after the cease-fire halted the worst round of Gaza fighting in more than a year, Israeli troops killed three Palestinian militants and wounded dozens in a shootout that erupted during an arrest raid in the West Bank city of Nablus. | https://www.wpri.com/news/8-israelis-wounded-in-jerusalem-shooting/ | 2022-08-14T08:43:19Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/8-israelis-wounded-in-jerusalem-shooting/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia’s military pounded residential areas across Ukraine overnight, claiming gains, as Ukrainian forces pressed a counteroffensive to try to take back an occupied southern region, striking the last working bridge over a river in the Russian-occupied Kherson region, Ukrainian authorities said Saturday.
A Russian rocket attack on the city of Kramatorsk killed three people and wounded 13 others Friday night, according to the mayor. Kramatorsk is the headquarters for Ukrainian forces in the country’s war-torn east.
The attack came less than a day after 11 other rockets were fired at the city, one of the two main Ukrainian-held ones in Donetsk province, the focus of an ongoing Russian offensive to capture eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Saturday its forces had taken control of Pisky, a village on the outskirts of the city of Donetsk, the provincial capital that pro-Moscow separatists have controlled since 2014.
Russian troops and the Kremlin-backed rebels are trying to seize Ukrainian-held areas north and west of the city of Donetsk to expand the separatists’ self-proclaimed republic. But the Ukrainian military said Saturday that its forces had prevented an overnight advance toward the smaller cities of Avdiivka and Bakhmut.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov also claimed that Russian strikes near Kramatorsk, 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of Donetsk city, destroyed a U.S.-supplied multiple rocket launcher and ammunition. Ukrainian authorities did not acknowledge any military losses but said Russian missile strikes Friday on Kramatorsk had destroyed 20 residential buildings.
Neither claim could be independently verified.
The Ukrainian governor of neighboring Luhansk province, part of the Donbas region that was overrun by Russian forces last month, claimed that Ukrainian troops still held a small area in the province. Writing on Telegram, Luhansk Gov. Serhii Haidai said the defending troops were holed up inside an oil refinery on the edge of Lysychansk, a city that Moscow claimed to have captured, and also control areas near a village.
“The enemy is burning the ground at the entrances to the Luhansk region because it cannot overcome (Ukrainian resistance along) these few kilometers,” Haidai said. “It is difficult to count how many thousands of shells this territory of the free Luhansk region has withstood over the past month and a half.”
Further west, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region reported more Russian shelling of the city of Nikopol, which lies across the Dnieper River from Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.
Gov. Yevhen Yevtushenko did not specify whether Russian troops had fired at Nikopol from the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Writing on Telegram, he said Saturday that there were no casualties but residential buildings, a power line and a gas pipeline were damaged.
Nikopol has undergone daily bombardment for most of the past week, and a volley of shells killed three people and damaged 40 apartment buildings on Thursday, he said.
Russia and Ukrainian officials have accused each other of shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant in contravention of nuclear safety rules. Russian troops have occupied the plant since the early days of Moscow’s invasion, although the facility’s Ukrainian nuclear workers continue to run it.
Ukrainian military intelligence alleged Saturday that Russian troops were shelling the plant from a village just kilometers away, damaging a plant pumping station and a fire station. The intelligence directorate said the Russians had bused people into the power plant and mounted a Ukrainian flag on a gun on the outskirts of Enerhodar, the city where the plant is located.
“Obviously, it will be used for yet another provocation to accuse the armed forces of Ukraine,” the directorate said, without elaborating.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly alleged that Russian forces were using the plant as a shield while firing at Ukrainian communities across the river, knowing that Ukrainian forces were unlikely to fire back for fear of triggering a nuclear accident.
They said Russian shelling on Friday night killed one woman and injured two other civilians in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine’s southern Mykolayiv region also said a woman died there in shelling.
For several weeks, Ukraine’s military has tried to lay the groundwork for a counteroffensive to reclaim southern Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Kherson region. A local Ukrainian official reported Saturday that a Ukrainian strike had damaged the last working bridge over the Dnieper River in the region, further crippling Russian supply lines.
“The Russians no longer have any capability to fully turn over their equipment,” Serhii Khlan, a deputy to the Kherson Regional Council, wrote on Facebook.
The British Defense Ministry said Saturday that damage to bridges across the Dnieper means that “ground resupply for the several thousand Russian troops on the west bank is almost certainly reliant on just two pontoon ferry crossing points.”
“Even if Russia manages to make significant repairs to the (damaged) bridges, they will remain a key vulnerability,” the British said.
On Saturday, the deputy director of the Russian-controlled Kakhovka hydropower plant 60 kilometers (37 miles) upriver from the city of Kherson said one of its generating units was out of service after a Ukrainian missile strike. Arseniy Zelenskyy said further strikes could endanger the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant because its water intakes use the reservoir formed by the Kakhovka plant’s dam.
Days after explosions at a Russian air base in Crimea destroyed up to a dozen aircraft, a Ukrainian presidential adviser said Kyiv should make retaking the Black Sea peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014 one of its goals of the war.
“Russia started a war against Ukraine and the world in 2014, with its brazen seizure of Crimea. It is obvious that this war should end with the liberation of Crimea,” Mykhailo Podoylak, the head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, wrote Saturday on Twitter. “And also with the legal punishment of the initiators of the ‘special military operation’” – the Kremlin’s term for its war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian officials have not claimed responsibility for the explosions Tuesday at the Saki air base in Crimea. Russian defense officials have denied any aircraft were damaged — or that any attack even took place — attributing the blasts to on-site munitions that exploded.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine | https://www.wpri.com/news/breaking-news/ap-top-news/russian-shelling-heavy-in-east-ukraine-strikes-key-bridge/ | 2022-08-14T08:43:54Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/breaking-news/ap-top-news/russian-shelling-heavy-in-east-ukraine-strikes-key-bridge/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
BERLIN (AP) — Authorities in Austria say three people died Saturday when a van carrying 20 people believed to be migrants overturned after evading a police check.
Police in the eastern district of Burgenland, near Vienna, said officers tried to stop the white van at the border with Slovakia early Saturday, but the driver drove off at high speed. Shortly afterward he lost control of the vehicle and it toppled into a ditch.
Two men and a woman were killed in the crash, and at least seven others were seriously injured. Police said four children were among the 20 migrants found inside the van’s cargo section.
The identities and countries of origin for the migrants were not yet known, police said. The driver, believed to be of Russian origin, was arrested, they said.
__
Follow all AP stories on global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration. | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/3-migrants-die-after-smugglers-van-crashes-in-austria/ | 2022-08-14T08:44:01Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/3-migrants-die-after-smugglers-van-crashes-in-austria/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Three day-old lion cubs were on display Saturday in a cardboard box at a Gaza City zoo, a rare joyous sight for children and adults alike, just days after Israeli aircraft pounded the territory and Gaza militants fired hundreds of rockets at Israel.
Veterinarian Mahmoud al-Sultan said each cub weighed about 700 grams. He said he felt lucky the birth was successful despite the deafening sound of constant explosions during three days of fighting. The cubs’ mother had suffered miscarriages in the past, said al-Sultan.
Loud noise “causes stress to the wild animals, especially the lions, whose roars get higher, and they keep moving in a circular way inside the cage,” he said.
The cubs were born on Friday, several hours apart, and five days after an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire halted the fighting between Israel and Islamic Jihad militants. Forty-nine Palestinians, including 17 children, were killed and several hundred were injured in the fighting.
Shocks from war aren’t the only threat to animals. Gaza is impoverished, with double-digit unemployment, largely as a result of a border blockade Egypt and Israel imposed after Hamas militants took control of the territory 15 years ago.
In the past, a number of animals in small private Gaza zoos starved to death or were killed in the long-running conflict, which included four Israel-Hamas wars and countless smaller skirmishes.
International animal welfare groups carried out several evacuations to move frail lions and tigers to sanctuaries in Jordan and Africa. The costly effort to rescue animals, while some 2.3 million Gazans remain largely trapped in a small territory, has also drawn criticism.
On Saturday, visitors flocked to the small Nama zoo on the outskirts of Gaza City, with children allowed to pet the newborns. Nama is operated by a private charity, putting it in a slightly better position than the small number of private zoos that often struggle to provide for the animals.
Schools organize daily trips to the zoo and the entry fee is less than $1, helping to cover costs.
The zoo also houses a variety of birds, along with monkeys, deer, foxes, wolves and hyenas. | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/3-newborn-lion-cubs-a-rare-joyous-sight-in-war-scarred-gaza/ | 2022-08-14T08:44:08Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/3-newborn-lion-cubs-a-rare-joyous-sight-in-war-scarred-gaza/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — A year after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, prominent Afghan rights activist Sima Samar is still heartbroken over what happened to her country.
Samar, a former minister of women’s affairs and the first chair of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, left Kabul in July 2021 for the United States on her first trip after the COVID-19 pandemic, never expecting Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to flee the country and the Taliban to take power for the second time soon after on Aug. 15.
“I think it’s a sad anniversary for the majority of people of my country,” Samar said, particularly for the women “who don’t have enough food, who do not know what is the tomorrow for them.”
A visiting scholar at the Carr Center for Human Rights at the Kennedy School at Harvard, she has written the first draft of an autobiography and is working on a policy paper on customary law relating to Afghan women. She is also trying to get a Green Card, but she said, “I honestly cannot orient myself, where I am, and what I’m doing.”
She wishes she could go home — but she can’t.
In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, she recalled a Taliban news conference a few days after they took power when they said if people apologized for past actions they would be forgiven.
“And I said, I should be apologizing because I started schools for the people?” said Samar, a member of Afghanistan’s long persecuted Hazara minority. “I should apologize because I started hospitals and clinics in Afghanistan? I should apologize because I tried to stop torture of the Taliban? I should apologize to advocate against the death penalty, including (for) the Taliban leadership?”
“All my life I fought for life as a doctor,” she said. “So I cannot change and support the death penalty. I shouldn’t apologize for those principles of human rights and be punished.”
Samar became an activist as a 23-year-old medical student with an infant son. In 1984, the then-communist government arrested her activist husband, and she never saw him again. She fled to Pakistan with her young son and worked as a doctor for Afghan refugees and started several clinics to care for Afghan women and girls.
Samar remembered the Taliban’s previous rule in the late 1990s, when they largely confined women to their homes, banned television and music, and held public executions. A U.S.-led invasion drove the Taliban from power months after the 9/11 attacks in 2001, which al-Qaida orchestrated from Afghanistan while being sheltered by the Taliban.
After the Taliban’s ouster, Samar returned to Afghanistan, moving into the top women’s rights and human rights positions, and over the next 20 years schools and universities were opened for girls, women entered the workforce and politics and became judges.
But Samar said in an AP interview in April 2021 — four months before the Taliban’s second takeover of the country — that the gains were fragile and human rights activists had many enemies in Afghanistan, from militants and warlords to those who wanted to stifle criticism or challenge their power.
Samar said the Afghan government and leadership, especially Ghani, were mainly responsible for the Taliban sweeping into Kabul and taking power. But she also put blame on Afghans “because we were very divided.”
In every speech and interview she gave nationally and internationally over the years, she said Afghans had to be united and inclusive, and “we have to have the people’s support. Otherwise, we will lose.”
As chair of the Human Rights Commission, she said she repeatedly faced criticism that she was trying to impose Western values on Afghanistan.
“And I kept saying, human rights is not Western values. As a human being, everyone needs to have a shelter … access to education and health services, to security,” she said.
Since their takeover, the Taliban have limited girls’ public education to just six years, restricted women’s work, encouraged them to stay at home, and issued dress codes requiring them to cover their faces.
Samar urged international pressure not only to allow all girls to attend secondary school and university, but to ensure all human rights which are interlinked. And she stressed the importance of education for young boys, who without any schooling, job or skill could be at risk to get involved in opium production, weapons smuggling or in violence.
She also urged the international community to continue humanitarian programs which are critical to save lives, but said they should focus on food-for-work or cash-for-work to end peoples’ total dependency and give them “self-confidence and dignity.”
Samar said Afghan society has changed over the past two decades, with more access to technology, rising education levels among the young and some experience with elections, t even if they weren’t free and fair.
She said such achievements leave the possibility of positive change in the future. “Those are the issues that they (the Taliban) cannot control,” she said. “They would like to, but they cannot do it.”
Samar said she hoped for eventual accountability and justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity. “Otherwise, we feel the culture of impunity everywhere, everywhere — and the invasion of Russia to Ukraine is a repetition of Afghanistan’s case,” she said.
Her hope for Afghan women is that they can “live with dignity rather than being a slave of people.” | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/afghan-rights-leader-heartbroken-after-year-of-taliban-rule/ | 2022-08-14T08:44:15Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/afghan-rights-leader-heartbroken-after-year-of-taliban-rule/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
PHOENIX (AP) — Police arrested three Arizona parents, shocking two of them with stun guns, as they tried to force their way into a school that police locked down Friday after an armed man was seen trying to get on campus, authorities said.
The parents were arrested as they tried to get to their children to protect them, authorities said. Officers in the Phoenix suburb of El Mirage used a Taser to stop two of them as they tried to help a man whose own handgun fell to the ground while he was being taken into custody, authorities said.
The scene at Thompson Ranch Elementary School developed nearly three months after hundreds of law enforcement officers in the small Texas city of Uvalde failed to act for more than an hour as a gunman killed two teachers and 19 students.
No shots were fired at Thompson Ranch, the school wasn’t breached and no one was hurt, other than a woman taken to a hospital with Taser injuries from officers who say they were trying to stop her from attacking them.
By the time the confrontations with the upset parents began, police had already confirmed that there was no longer a threat, removed a suspicious package and were planning to begin reuniting parents with the children, El Mirage police Lt. Jimmy Chavez said.
But the school was still on lockdown, meaning no one would be allowed on campus, according to the protocols police and the school district have set up. That’s when upset parents demanded to be allowed into the school so they could find their children and began confronting police, authorities said.
“Several parents continued with their agitation, made several statements that they were going to come on campus to help protect their kids,” Chavez said. “As a parent I understand that philosophy. However, there are procedures that law enforcement and the school were following.”
Chavez said a man began pushing to get past officers and as police were arresting him, a man and a woman who had also been confronting officers came to his aid. Officers used a Taser to subdue them and they too were arrested. As the first man was being taken into custody, a gun fell to the ground.
The armed parent will face a weapons charge — guns are not allowed on school grounds — and a disorderly conduct charge. The two parents who were stunned with the Taser will face unspecified charges. The woman was taken by ambulance to a hospital, Chavez said. None were immediately identified.
The incident began at about 10:30 a.m. Friday when school officials called police to report that a man, possibly armed with a gun, was trying to get into a locked school building. He could not get in and was chased off by staff before police from El Mirage and two other agencies arrived at the school, Chavez said.
Officers searching the school to ensure it was safe found a suspicious package and called a bomb squad, Chavez said, and moved some children to another part of the campus.
That’s when parents began arriving and the confrontations with officers began, with parents “forcefully pushing on the officers trying to get on to campus.”
“The parents need to understand that when the school is on lockdown and law enforcement is on scene, nobody is going to be allowed on campus,” Chavez said.
Chavez said the school lockdown procedures between the school district and law enforced “worked to a T.”
Police later located the man who had triggered the lockdown. He was being evaluated late Friday by mental health professionals and a police statement said charges were pending.,
Efforts to reach El Mirage Police Saturday to get additional information were not immediately successful. | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/arizona-parents-arrested-trying-to-get-to-locked-down-school/ | 2022-08-14T08:44:23Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/arizona-parents-arrested-trying-to-get-to-locked-down-school/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Laboratory tests following a mass die-off of fish in the Oder River detected high levels of salinity but no mercury poisoning its waters, Poland’s environment minister said Saturday as the mystery continued as to what killed tons of fish in Central Europe.
Anna Moskwa, the minister of climate and environment, said analyses of river samples taken in both Poland and Germany revealed elevated salt levels. Comprehensive toxicology studies are still underway in Poland, she said.
She said Poland’s state veterinary authority tested seven species of the dead fish and ruled out mercury as the cause of the die-off but was still waiting for results of other substances. She said test results from Germany had also not shown a high presence of mercury.
The Oder River runs from Czechia to the border between Poland and Germany before flowing into the Baltic Sea. Some German media had suggested that the river have been be poisoned with mercury.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said Friday that “huge amounts of chemical waste” were probably dumped intentionally into his country’s second-longest river, causing environmental damage so severe it would take years for the waterway to recover.
On Saturday, Morawiecki vowed to do everything possible to limit the environmental devastation. Poland’s interior minister said a reward of 1 million zlotys ($220,000) would be paid to anyone who helps track down those responsible for polluting the river.
Authorities in the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania warned people not to fish or use water from the Szczecin lagoon, as the river’s contaminated water was expected to reach the estuary area on Saturday evening.
“The extent of the fish die-off is shocking. This is a blow to the Oder as a waterway of great ecological value, from which it will presumably not recover for a long time,” said Alex Vogel, the environment minister for Germany’s Brandenburg state, along which the river runs.
The head of Polish waters, Poland’s national water management authority, said Thursday that 10 tons of dead fish had been removed from the river. Hundreds of volunteers were working to help collect dead fish along the German side.
German laboratories said they detected “atypical” levels of “salts” that could be linked to the die-off but wouldn’t fully explain them on their own.
Morawiecki acknowledged that some Polish officials were “sluggish” in reacting after huge numbers of dead fish were seen floating and washing ashore, and said two of them were dismissed.
“For me, however, the most important thing is to deal with this ecological disaster as soon as possible, because nature is our common heritage,” Morawiecki said.
His comments were echoed by Schwedt Mayor Annekathrin Hoppe, whose German town is located next to the Lower Oder Valley National Park. She called the contamination of the river “an environmental catastrophe of unprecedented scale” for the region.
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Follow all AP stories related to the environment at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment. | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/high-salinity-found-in-european-river-after-fish-die-off/ | 2022-08-14T08:44:58Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/high-salinity-found-in-european-river-after-fish-die-off/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SIRMIONE Italy (AP) — Italy’s worst drought in decades has reduced Lake Garda, the country’s largest lake, to near its lowest level ever recorded, exposing swaths of previously underwater rocks and warming the water to temperatures that approach the average in the Caribbean Sea.
Tourists flocking to the popular northern lake Friday for the start of Italy’s key summer long weekend found a vastly different landscape than in past years. An expansive stretch of bleached rock extended far from the normal shoreline, ringing the southern Sirmione Peninsula with a yellow halo between the green hues of the water and the trees on the shore.
“We came last year, we liked it, and we came back this year,” tourist Beatrice Masi said as she sat on the rocks. “We found the landscape had changed a lot. We were a bit shocked when we arrived because we had our usual walk around, and the water wasn’t there.”
Northern Italy hasn’t seen significant rainfall for months, and snowfall this year was down 70%, drying up important rivers like the Po, which flows across Italy’s agricultural and industrial heartland. Many European countries, including Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, the Netherlands and Britain, are enduring droughts this summer that have hurt farmers and shippers and promoted authorities to restrict water use.
The parched condition of the Po, Italy’s longest river, has already caused billions of euros in losses to farmers who normally rely on it to irrigate fields and rice paddies.
To compensate, authorities allowed more water from Lake Garda to flow out to local rivers — 70 cubic meters (2,472 cubic feet) of water per second. But in late July, they reduced the amount to protect the lake and the financially important tourism tied to it.
With 45 cubic meters (1,589 cubic feet) of water per second being diverted to rivers, the lake on Friday was 32 centimeters (12.6 inches) above the water table, near the record lows in 2003 and 2007.
Garda Mayor Davide Bedinelli said he had to protect both farmers and the tourist industry. He insisted that the summer tourist season was going better than expected, despite cancellations, mostly from German tourists, during Italy’s latest heat wave in late July.
“Drought is a fact that we have to deal with this year, but the tourist season is in no danger,” Bendinelli wrote in a July 20 Facebook post.
He confirmed the lake was losing two centimeters (.78 inches) of water a day.
The lake’s temperature, meanwhile, has been above average for August, according to seatemperature.org. On Friday, the Garda’s water was nearly 26 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit), several degrees warmer than the average August temperature of 22 C (71.6 F) and nearing the Caribbean Sea’s average of around 27 C (80 F).
For Mario Treccani, who owns a lakefront concession of beach chairs and umbrellas, the lake’s expanded shoreline means fewer people are renting his chairs since there are now plenty of rocks on which to sunbathe.
“The lake is usually a meter or more than a meter higher,” he said from the rocks.
Pointing to a small wall that usually blocks the water from the beach chairs, he recalled that on windy days, sometimes waves from the lake would splash up onto the tourists.
Not anymore.
“It is a bit sad. Before, you could hear the noise of the waves breaking up here. Now, you don’t hear anything,” he said.
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Nicole Winfield contributed from Rome.
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Follow all AP stories on climate change and drought at https://apnews.com/climate-and-environment. | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/italys-lake-garda-shrinks-to-near-historic-low-amid-drought/ | 2022-08-14T08:45:06Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/italys-lake-garda-shrinks-to-near-historic-low-amid-drought/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
MILAN (AP) — The leader of Italy’s Democratic Party warned Saturday of the threats that Italy’s right-wing nationalistic parties pose to European democracy in a video released in multiple languages, and promised that his party would keep Italy at the center of the European Union if it wins the country’s early parliamentary election next month.
The video by Democratic Party leader Enrico Letta comes days after the leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, did a multilingual video of her own to dispute suggestions that her election as premier would endanger democracy in Italy and threaten the management of EU pandemic funds. Meloni, whose party controversially uses the symbol of a flame borrowed from a neo-fascist party, said in an Aug. 10 video that the Italian political right has “unambiguously” condemned the legacy of fascism.
At the moment, the center-left Democratic Party and the Brothers of Italy are the leading parties in opinion polls going into Italy’s Sept. 25 parliamentary election. Neither looks assured of having enough votes to govern alone.
While the right-wing has created a solid coalition, bringing together Brothers of Italy, Matteo Salvini’s right-wing League party and Silvio Berlusoni’s center-right Forza Italia party, the left has been foundering in this election campaign.
Letta’s deal with a would-be kingmaker fell apart within a day and his relationship with former Premier Matteo Renzi, who heads a tiny but potentially influential party, soured when Renzi maneuvered him out of the job of premier in 2014.
Letta underlined the danger to European solidity posed by vetoes and demands of unanimity posed by right-wing leaders like Hungary’s Viktor Orban, who he noted is “a friend and ally of the Italian right.” Orban has used these tools to “defeat sanctions against Russia and on migration issues,” Letta said.
Letta also said the right-wing had not supported the EU pandemic funds in the European Parliament, and that Italy’s right-wing had voted against a new treaty between France and Italy aimed to put the ties at the same level as the historic Franco-German relationship that has been the engine of post-war European peace and prosperity.
“Europe has always been part of our DNA, because we believe that cooperation between countries and finding common solutions is better than finding solutions that are only national or nationalistic,’’ Letta said.
Letta launched the video in French, Spanish and English on Italy’s Ferragosto weekend holiday, when most Italians are enjoying beach or mountain vacations to mark the Aug. 15 Feast of the Assumption. | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/italys-letta-italian-right-wing-threatens-europe-democracy/ | 2022-08-14T08:45:13Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/italys-letta-italian-right-wing-threatens-europe-democracy/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
CETINJE, Montenegro (AP) — Montenegro declared three days of national mourning Saturday, a day after 10 people, including two children, were killed in a daylight attack by a 34-year-old gunman who police said had recently exhibited a “change in behavior.”
The attacker used a hunting rifle to first shoot to death two children, 8 and 11, and their mother, who lived as tenants in his house in the western city of Cetinje’s Medovina neighborhood. He then walked to the street and randomly shot 13 more people, seven of them fatally. The gunman was shot dead later after a gunbattle with police.
Police investigating the rampage issued a statement Saturday saying it was still unclear what motivated the gunman — identified only by his initials, V.B. But they said people close to the attacker said he had recently started exhibiting a “change in behavior but nothing that indicated he could commit such a crime.” The attacker had an appointment to see a mental health care specialist but went on the rampage prior to it.
The police statement also said the law enforcement officers sent to the scene came under fire from the attacker and responded by firing at him at least 20 times and seriously injuring him.
“It is still being investigated if he died as the result of the serious injury (by police) or as the result of being shot at by a local citizen,” the statement said.
The prosecutor coordinating the investigation, Andrijana Nastic, told journalists Friday that the gunman was killed by a passerby and that a police officer was among the wounded. She said nine of those killed died at the scene and two died at a hospital.
Witnesses of the attack were struggling Saturday to come to terms with the carnage. They described scenes of chaos and horror as the gunman unleashed his fury on innocent people just going about their daily business on a warm summer afternoon.
“You could hear women crying, people shouting in panic that a man has a weapon and is indiscriminately shooting around. I heard gunshots,” said witness Milena Stanojevic. “I’ve seen a lot of crying, tears and sadness and today, silence and disbelief.”
Cetinje, a city of 17,000 people and the seat of Montenegro’s former royal government, is 36 kilometers (22 miles) west of Podogrica, the current capital of the small Balkan nation.
Four of the wounded were transferred to the Clinical Center in Podgorica for surgery and were still in intensive care Saturday, according to its chief neurosurgeon, Dr. Ivan Terzic. Two others suffered less severe injuries and were recovering at a hospital in Cetinje. | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/montenegro-mourns-after-10-are-killed-in-shooting-spree/ | 2022-08-14T08:45:27Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/news/us-and-world/montenegro-mourns-after-10-are-killed-in-shooting-spree/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. are the favorites as they battle for position to make NASCAR’s playoffs, but in a season when there have already been 15 race winners, they are far from the lone contenders.
Blaney is second in points, just 19 points ahead of fourth-place Truex, but neither has won a race — the virtual automatic ticket to a spot in the postseason. Three races remain before the 16-driver field is set, starting with Sunday afternoon at Richmond Raceway. Two more unique winners could leave a race winner out of the field for the first time under the playoff format.
Other non-winners include 2012 series champion Brad Keselowski, Bubba Wallace, last weekend’s runner-up at Michigan, and 14th-place Erik Jones. After Richmond, the series moves to the road course at Watkins Glen and finishes the regular season at the superspeedway that is Daytona.
Truex appears to have an edge on Richmond’s 0.75-mile oval, having won three of the last six races here, but Blaney led 128 laps in the spring and has two consecutive top-10 finishes on the D-shaped layout.
Truex doesn’t plan to change anything in his approach.
“We go race the best we know how. And, you know, hopefully you put ourselves in a position to win and do all the right things,” he said. “It’d be disappointing with the season we’ve had to not make it.”
Blaney also declined to lament the fairness of the playoff format and said he hopes to continue the improvements he’s made in his last two races here.
“I was proud of the progress we made here in the spring, the progress we continue to make at this racetrack, and I think we’ve built on it even more. Hopefully it shows, you know, in the race.”
Truex and Blaney both reached the second round of qualifying Saturday, but Kyle Larson won the pole with a lap at 117.177 mph. Truex will start sixth, Blaney 10th.
The race winner most in danger of being bumped is Kurt Busch, who will miss his fourth consecutive race because of a concussion sustained in qualifying at Pocono on July 23. Busch has dropped from 14th to 20th while sidelined.
The 15 winners include five first-timers, and Kevin Harvick said the win-and-you’re-in idea makes it exciting for race winners, but the notion that Blaney or Truex could be knocked out of the playoffs while near the top of the point standings is problematic.
“I think there has to be more weight put on all 26 weeks and the things that you do from a fairness to a team standpoint,” he said,
Harvick ended a 65-race winless drought last week at Michigan.
KBM FUTURE
Kyle Busch still doesn’t have a contract with Joe Gibbs Racing for next season, but the two-time series champion says while his immediate future is up in the air, he’s got a much better handle on his long-term plans.
“I would like it to not have to go through this again,” Busch said of contract negotiations. “I’ve got six, seven, maybe eight more years. If I play all this out perfectly, (son) Brexton and I will share a truck when he turns 16 years old, when he’s 16 and 17. And then it’s his when he’s 18 and I’m done, I’m out.”
STRUGGLING CHAMP
Truex (2017) and possibly Kurt Busch (2004) aren’t the only former champions who could miss the playoffs.
Keselowski has struggled since leaving Team Penske after last season to take an ownership role with Jack Roush and RFK Racing. He’s 28th in points with just three top-10 finishes. His standing includes a 100-point penalty he incurred in March for modifying a single-source part on the Next Gen car.
ODDS AND ENDS
There were 16 different winners last season, but only 14 before the playoffs began. Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace both notched victories during the postseason. … Larson won 10 times, and the championship, last season. He’s won just once this year. … Kyle Busch leads active drivers with six Richmond victories. Denny Hamlin has four, Harvick and Truex three each and Keselowski, Joey Logano and Kurt Busch each have two.
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More AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/blaney-truex-eyeing-playoff-spot-on-sunday-at-richmond/ | 2022-08-14T08:46:38Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/blaney-truex-eyeing-playoff-spot-on-sunday-at-richmond/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
CHICAGO (AP) — Patrick Mahomes sure looked like he was ready to go. The one-time MVP, Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler made it look easy in his short time on the field.
Mahomes threw for 60 yards and a touchdown on Kansas City’s first possession, then watched as the Chiefs lost to the Chicago Bears 19-14 in the preseason opener Saturday.
“We did what we were supposed to do,” Mahomes said. “We went out there, we were able to spread the football around, get a lot of different guys involved and found a way to get in the end zone.”
The game was the first for Chicago’s Matt Eberflus as a head coach. It also marked the return to Soldier Field for predecessor Matt Nagy, now the Chiefs’ quarterbacks coach. He was fired in January after leading the Bears to a 34-31 record in four seasons, then reunited with Andy Reid after previously working for him in Philadelphia and Kansas City.
Chiefs safety Justin Reid showed he could be an emergency kicker, nailing an extra point after Justin Watson caught a 22-yard touchdown from Shane Buechele in the closing seconds of the first half. Reid, who made a 65-yard field goal in a training camp practice, sent the kick right through the middle of the uprights to make it 14-0.
Reid said the coaches told him he might get an opportunity if he looked good practicing kicks during warmups.
“Pregame went pretty well, and I got the opportunity and it went down the middle,” he said. “That was awesome.”
Mahomes had no trouble playing on a chopped-up field that drew heavy criticism from the president of the NFL Players Association. He also picked apart a defense missing its two best players, with linebacker Roquan Smith in a contract standoff and the Bears holding out star pass rusher Robert Quinn.
Mahomes was 6 of 7 passing on a 72-yard drive after Chicago went three-and-out on the game’s first possession. The completions were to six different receivers, which could be more of the norm after the Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to Miami. Mahomes dumped the ball off to Blake Bell for a 5-yard TD, capping an 11-play possession — then called it a day.
“I think it’s gonna come from everywhere this year,” he said. “It’s gonna be hard for teams to game-plan against. … I think the guys have kind of embraced that.”
Chicago’s Justin Fields, trying to build on a shaky rookie season, was 4 of 7 for 48 yards. He played three possessions before veteran Trevor Siemian replaced him.
“I think we can improve at everything,” Fields said. “Coming up on the ball, executing better. Of course there were plays where we didn’t execute as well as we wanted to, so just continually getting better each and every day and keep stacking these days.”
SMITH WATCHES
Smith ran and stretched during warmups and watched the game from the sideline. He threw down the gauntlet this week by going public with a trade request while insisting the Bears were not negotiating in good faith on an extension with his rookie contract expiring after this season. Management clapped back by removing him from the physically unable to perform list, opening up the possibility of fines for missing practices.
BEARS RALLY
Jack Sanborn had an interception and fumble recovery in the third quarter, leading to a touchdown and field goal.
Siemian was 7 of 13 for 89 yards and two touchdowns. He threw a 12-yard TD to Trestan Ebner early in the third quarter after Sanborn picked off Buechele and a 13-yarder to Dazz Newsome that cut it to 14-13.
Cairo Santos put Chicago on top 16-14 after Sanborn recovered a fumble by running back Derrick Gore and added a 47-yarder to bump the lead to five with about six minutes left in the game.
“I think the guys did well,” Eberflus said. “Just an overarching view of it, the guys operated well, there were no pre-snap penalties, very few penalties at all. I thought the kicking game operated really nice. And really, the defense played well, you know, in the second half.”
INJURIES
Chiefs: Bell hobbled off the field with a hip injury after the Chiefs ran the ball on the first play of their second possession. … RB Derrick Gore (neck) exited in the third.
Bears: CB Jayson Stanley (knee) left after he was injured covering a punt in the second quarter. … DB Michael Joseph (hamstring) limped off the field in the second after he landed awkwardly defending a pass. … LB Javin White (knee) left in the third.
UP NEXT
Chiefs: Host Washington on next Saturday.
Bears: Visit Seattle on Thursday.
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More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/mahomes-has-td-safety-reid-kicks-pat-chiefs-lose-to-bears/ | 2022-08-14T08:47:20Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/mahomes-has-td-safety-reid-kicks-pat-chiefs-lose-to-bears/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame receiver Avery Davis will miss the season after tearing a ligament in his right knee.
Notre Dame also announced Saturday sophomore quarterback Tyler Buchner will start the opener against Ohio State on Sept. 3.
The school said Davis, a senior and team captain who was penciled in to start at slot receiver for the Fighting Irish, was injured during Friday’s practice. Davis missed the final month of last season after tearing the ACL in his left knee, but was still third on the team in yards receiving with 386 on 27 catches.
The loss is a hit to an already thin position for the Fighting Irish. Notre Dame has only five scholarship receivers left on the roster and only Braden Lenzy and Lorenzo Styles caught more than 20 passes last season.
Buchner played in 10 games last season, mostly as a backup, and threw for 298 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions last season. He also ran for 336 yards and three scores.
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More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/notre-dame-loses-wr-davis-knee-names-qb-buchner-starter/ | 2022-08-14T08:47:42Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/notre-dame-loses-wr-davis-knee-names-qb-buchner-starter/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ROME (AP) — Seventeen-year-old David Popovici of Romania became the youngest swimmer to break the world swimming record in the men’s 100-meter freestyle Saturday, beating the mark set more than 13 years ago in the same pool.
Popovici touched in 46.86 seconds at the European championships to top the time of 46.91 set by Brazil’s César Cielo at the 2009 world championships, which also were held at Rome’s historic Foro Italico.
Cielo established his record on July 30, 2009, at the last major international meet to allow rubberized suits. It stood longer than any record in the event’s history, going back to 1905.
Now, it belongs to one of the sport’s budding stars.
“There was no rush and I had to be extremely patient about the world record,” Popovici said. “It has hurt but it’s always worth it and I feel fine right now. It felt great and it’s very special to break this record which was set here in 2009 by César Cielo.”
Cielo still holds the record in the 50 free, which is among eight men’s long-course standards that remain from the rubber-suit era. Five of those were set at those supercharged 2009 worlds.
Popovici went out in 22.74 and set the record by going 24.12 on the return lap to easily beat Hungarian butterfly specialist Kristóf Milák by 0.61. Italy’s Alessandro Miressi claimed the bronze in 47.63.
“This was a brilliant race, a joy to swim next to David,” Milák said. “David is a fantastic swimmer, I think the same crazy genius of the freestyle that I am in the butterfly. It’s great that his name will hit the headlines for long, long years.”
Popovici’s emergence sets up a potentially huge showdown at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where American star Caeleb Dressel — winner of five gold medals at last summer’s Tokyo Games — will come in as the reigning gold medalist in the 100 free.
Popovic had his coming-out at this year’s worlds in Budapest, sweeping golds in the 100 and 200 free. He didn’t get a chance to swim the 100 against Dressel, who dropped out of the event for health reasons before the final.
Milák, world record-holder in the 200 fly, hopes to also be part of the freestyle mix in Paris.
“My goal is very clear,” the Hungarian said. “I just want to reach a level in this event to arrive to Paris 2024 with the capability of swimming a time somewhere very close to 47 seconds.”
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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/romanian-teen-swimmer-popovici-breaks-2009-mark-in-100-free/ | 2022-08-14T08:48:04Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/romanian-teen-swimmer-popovici-breaks-2009-mark-in-100-free/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
MIAMI (AP) — Ronald Acuña homered on the first pitch of the game, Matt Olson hit his 24th homer and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 6-2 to sweep their doubleheader Saturday.
Rookie Vaughn Grissom also went deep for the surging Braves, who won their fifth straight after losing four of five to the NL East-leading New York Mets.
“They can turn the page from the rough weekend,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “These guys are playing for today.”
Acuña was removed after his fourth at-bat in the seventh as a precaution to rest his surgically repaired right knee. The All-Star outfielder, who played in the first game, tore his ACL on the same field last July. The injury forced him to miss the remainder of the regular season and Atlanta’s World Series championship run.
“I feel I’ve been playing with soreness for about a week now,” Acuña said through a translator. “It comes and goes and I’m playing through it. At this moment, I feel good.”
In the first game, Chadwick Thompson doubled twice, singled and drove in three runs to lead Atlanta to a 5-2 win.
Acuña’s shot over the wall in center was his 26th career leadoff homer. He also has 10 career blasts on the first pitch, four against Miami.
Braves starter Ian Anderson, who was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett Aug. 7 only to return temporarily as the 27th man for the doubleheader, scattered two runs in six innings. Anderson (10-6) gave up five hits, walked one and struck out four.
Although he reached double-digit victories in a season for the first time in his career, Anderson has struggled with command, prompting the demotion to the minors.
“Kudos to all of the guys in this locker room, I feel I’ve had a ton of run support these last few games,” Anderson said of the double-digit milestone. “That always helps, but it’s definitely an accomplishment.”
The Marlins have lost 12 of 13 at home and scored 23 runs total through their first 12 games in August. They also have been held to three runs or less in their last 14 games, the longest stretch in the major leagues since the Chicago Cubs had a similar drought for 15 games in Sept. 1979.
Grissom made it 3-0 with a two-run shot in the fifth. The 21-year-old Grissom hit Marlins reliever A.J. Ladwig’s first pitch over the wall in left-center for his second homer since being promoted from Double-A Mississippi on Monday.
Miami narrowed the deficit on Joey Wendle’s RBI single in the fifth, but the Braves responded with Olson’s solo blast in the sixth. Olson has homered in the first three games of the series.
“I’m not going up there and squaring it up every single time,” Olson said. “There are still some pretty poor at-bats mixed in. Nothing out of the ordinary, trying to be a little bit more grounded,”
Jesús Aguilar’s leadoff homer in the bottom half got the Marlins within 4-2 before Olson hit a two-run single in the seventh.
The Marlins loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth after Kirby Yates walked JJ Bleday and Jacob StalIings. Raisel Iglesias relieved and got the second out before walking Peyton Burdick. Pinch-hitter Garrett Cooper lined out to center for Iglesias’ 17th save and first with the Braves.
Tommy Nance pitched the first three innings of the planned bullpen game for Miami. Reinstated from the injured list before the second game, Nance (0-1) allowed one run, two hits, walked one and struck out six.
Olson homered, while Acuña and Robbie Grossman each had two hits in the first game.
Atlanta starter Kyle Muller scattered two runs and three hits in five innings. Recalled from Gwinnett earlier Saturday, Muller (1-1) walked one and struck out five. Immediately after Muller’s outing, the Braves returned the left-hander to Gwinnett.
Chadwick Tromp’s two-run double with the bases loaded capped a three-run fourth and put Atlanta ahead 3-0. Tromp experienced cramping in his left quad as he reached second, prompting immediate attention from Braves training personnel, but he remained in the game.
Miami reduced the gap on Aguilar’s two-run homer in the bottom half.
ROSTER MOVE
The Braves recalled RHP Bryce Elder from Gwinnett for the second game.
The Marlins optioned RHP Jeff Brigham to Triple-A Jacksonville to open Nance’s spot on the roster. Brigham threw two scoreless innings in the first game.
RARE HOME DOUBLEHEADER
The Marlins played their first nine-inning doubleheader at loanDepot Park since they moved to the retractable roof stadium in 2012. During the pandemic shortened 2020 season, the Marlins had three home doubleheaders, but those were reduced to seven-inning games.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Marlins: RHP Anthony Bender got the first two outs in the ninth in the second game before exiting with forearm discomfort. … INF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (right lower back strain) continues to rehab at the club’s spring training facility in Jupiter, but has not moved into baseball activities. … OF Avisaíl García (left hamstring strain) is continuing his strengthening exercises and began a running program Friday.
UP NEXT
RHP Bryce Elder (1-3, 5.48) will start the series finale for the Braves Sunday and the Marlins will go with LHP Braxton Garrett (2-6, 4.02).
—
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/tromps-3-hits-3-rbis-lead-braves-over-marlins-in-game-1/ | 2022-08-14T08:48:18Z | wpri.com | control | https://www.wpri.com/sports/ap-sports/tromps-3-hits-3-rbis-lead-braves-over-marlins-in-game-1/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
New York City desperately needs it workers to return to the office. Its economy depends on it.
But it's facing a particularly tricky problem: After several horrific attacks in the city's subway system this year, workers are telling their employers they are afraid to come back to work.
In two meetings this year, some of the city's most powerful CEOs confronted Mayor Eric Adams, demanding answers, according to Kathryn Wylde, the president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, who arranged the meetings.
"The executives came out very strong, saying, 'We can't in conscience bring our people back to work, encourage them to ride the subways, unless we see tangible evidence that you are doing something about this,'" she recalls.
What the numbers show
The CEOs mobilized after a series of high-profile attacks on commuters.
In a killing that shocked the city, Michelle Go, a 40-year-old consultant for Deloitte, was pushed in front of an oncoming train in the Times Square subway station.
In April, a gunman fired 33 rounds at commuters during rush hour. In May, Daniel Enriquez, a Goldman Sachs executive, was shot dead by a fellow passenger.
The killings put the city on edge, and that wasn't lost on Adams, who addressed reporters right after Go's killing.
"To lose a New Yorker in this fashion would only continue to elevate the fears of individuals not using our subway system," Adams said at the time.
So far this year, the number of complaints in the transit system, including assaults and harassment, is almost the same as it was at this point in 2019, according to data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
But subway ridership is still nowhere near where it was before the pandemic. It's roughly 60% of what it was in 2019.
The subway attacks are contributing to a perception crime is on the rise in the city.
Police statistics show that there have been fewer murders at this point than last year, when the country was emerging from the lockdowns that characterized much of 2020. Still, the number of murders is sharply higher than at the same time in 2019, before the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the number of felony assaults is up year to date compared to both 2021 and 2019.
And although New York City's crime numbers are still historically low, almost half of registered voters who responded to a recent Quinnipiac poll said crime is "the most urgent issue facing New York City today."
Wall Street executives are also worried
The killings of Go and Enriquez have also shaken Wall Street, because they both worked for big financial institutions.
Financial firms have also been prominent in pushing workers to return to their offices.
Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon is sensitive to the fears about crime.
"We have to have a safe environment for people," he told NPR in a recent interview. "I think public safety is just paramount for the vitality of cities, and the vitality of cities is paramount for economic activity in our country."
Solomon, who grew up in the suburbs outside of New York City, said crime was higher when he was a kid in the 1970s and 1980s. He remembered there were strict rules about where he could go, and how late he could stay out.
Solomon also said that, when he raised his children in the city decades later, it was "extraordinarily" safe.
"The city is certainly less safe," he said, talking about the present. "I would say it's a little grittier and a little dirtier," he said.
New York City is not alone in dealing with public safety issues.
Billionaire Ken Griffin recently decided to move Citadel's headquarters from Chicago to Miami, citing the city's longstanding problems with crime.
In a statement to NPR, the hedge fund said it was having a hard time "recruiting top talent from across the world to Chicago given the rising and senseless violence in the city."
The worries about the city's future
Of course, everyone's sense of safety is different.
What worries Wylde, of the Partnership for New York City, is how this will affect young people, with polls showing they feel more apprehensive about riding the subway and crime more generally.
When Wall Street executives talk about return-to-office plans, they often emphasize how important it is for young people to get back to the office so they don't miss out on mentoring and other career opportunities.
Wylde, who lived in New York since the late 1960s, remembers when crime rates were much higher than they are today, but she notes that many of today's residents came at a time when the city was safer.
"A whole generation of New Yorkers never gave a thought to their personal safety and security because we were the safest big city in America, perhaps the world," says Wylde.
And executives like Wylde worry that New York City could lose some of its appeal to companies and workers if the worries about safety continue to take hold.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-08-14/a-spate-of-horrific-attacks-in-new-york-has-people-fearful-of-returning-to-work | 2022-08-14T09:13:50Z | klcc.org | control | https://www.klcc.org/npr-news/2022-08-14/a-spate-of-horrific-attacks-in-new-york-has-people-fearful-of-returning-to-work | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
In a polarized America, you don’t get this kind of agreement on much of anything.
Three-fourths of voters favor empowering Medicare to bargain with drug companies for lower prices, and capping older Americans’ drug costs at $2,000 annually. In the same Morning Consult/Politico poll, a similar share supports reducing the federal deficit by up to $300 billion. Roughly 3 in 5 voters endorse a minimum tax rate for corporations, tax credits to promote renewable energy, and an extension of health care subsidies for the needy.
The Inflation Reduction Act includes all this and more. So, Republicans, what’s not to like?
The 730-page bill may or may not deliver on the inflation promise implied by the Democrats’ politically self-serving title for it, but the measure would do plenty that Americans — including Republican voters — like a lot, polls show. Yet not one Senate Republican voted for the package Sunday. Not. One. Don’t expect a much different result Friday, when the Democratic-controlled House is expected to pass the bill and send it to President Joe Biden to sign into law.
That Congress would pass a package so full of people-pleasers on a strictly party-line vote is yet another sorry reflection of the state of American politics, and in particular of the Republican Party. How is a nation of 330 million people supposed to solve problems when one of the two major parties is policy-phobic and compromise-averse?
Republicans simply don’t want to let Democrats score points by enacting a signature piece of Biden’s domestic agenda, whatever the benefits to their constituents, especially this close to the midterm elections. What’s more, in a party in which compromise is often a firing offense, Republican lawmakers who cross lines to back a Democratic priority have good reason to fear drawing a challenger in the next Republican primary.
Folks inclined to whataboutism and bothsidesism might counter that, well, in the Trump years, Democrats unanimously opposed Republicans’ signature accomplishment: the 2017 law that slashed taxes for businesses and wealthy individuals. But that package was opposed by most Americans, by a 2-to-1 margin, when it passed, and it remains unpopular. (Republicans now damning the Democrats’ bill as a budget-buster — which it’s not — won’t acknowledge this: Their 2017 tax cuts are projected to add as much as $2 trillion to the debt through 2025.)
I’m old enough to remember when Republicans called themselves the party of ideas. Now they’re mainly culture warriors. Proposing policies that help people and address chronic domestic problems is no longer their strong suit, to say the least.
What do they promise should they win control of Congress? Investigations of the Justice Department and the FBI, Hunter Biden and Anthony Fauci, all of which promise to be as lengthy, costly and unproductive as their Benghazi probes of the Obama years.
When news leaked three months ago that the right-wing majority on the Supreme Court would overturn Roe vs. Wade, celebratory conservatives promised a new phase of their “pro-life” advocacy, in which they’d push for more government assistance for needy mothers and kids.
But it turns out most Republicans in Congress are little interested, even if the initiatives come from their own side. “There are actually a lot of resources for expecting and new Moms” in existing federal programs, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissively told the Washington Post.
Sen. Marco Rubio, the Florida Republican who talks a lot about a family-friendly domestic agenda, told the Post that, with the end of a federal right to abortion, “We see an opportunity … to really move on it.” Yet when he had the chance during Senate debate to amend the Inflation Reduction Act, Rubio proposed not constructive family policy but a cheap-shot volley in the culture wars — an anti-transgender amendment stipulating that only “biological” women could receive benefits from federal maternal and infant programs.
Republicans’ one victory in the Senate amendment process? Deleting the bill’s provision for a $35 monthly cap on over-the-top insulin costs. Proud of yourselves?
On climate change, the debate showcased that Republicans not only have no policies to arrest the planet’s unsustainable warming, but they also deride Democrats who do as elitists. Yet even as the Senate debate droned on, it wasn’t elitists nationwide who were suffering from the increasingly evident effects of climate change — extreme and deadly storms, heat waves and droughts. It was Everyman and Everywoman, their constituents.
Many Republicans loudly condemned what Sen. Michael D. Crapo of Idaho called “an army of IRS agents” that the Democrats’ bill would unleash with an $80-billion infusion for the tax bureau. The unpopular Internal Revenue Service has been so depleted by budget cuts that audits of tax dodgers are rare indeed, and its technology is stuck in the age of paper-processing.
In the Reagan and George H.W. Bush years, Republicans routinely supported providing more money for the IRS in deficit reduction bills because Congress’ nonpartisan scorekeepers rightly ruled that such spending was a revenue raiser: More money meant more agents, more audits, fewer tax evaders, lower deficits.
Not surprisingly given the demonization of tax collectors since biblical times, the IRS provision is the one element of Democrats’ bill that doesn’t poll well. Yet the rest adds up to a popular whole, a landmark achievement that probably will help the underdog Democrats in the midterm elections.
Democrats are so jazzed by this and other positive news lately that they’ve taken to co-opting Republicans’ vulgar “Let’s go, Brandon” meme applied to the president. They’ve conjured superhero “Dark Brandon.” This Biden is a smiter of Republicans and terrorists, a brandisher of mighty pens to sign major legislation — and a keeper of (most) campaign promises.
Some popular promises — an expanded child tax credit, universal prekindergarten and higher taxes on the wealthy — were left out to satisfy Democrats’ maverick senators, Joe Manchin III of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona. Yet here’s another thing most Americans agree on, whether in politics or life: You take what you can get. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/column-gop-voters-will-benefit-from-the-inflation-reduction-act-congressional-republicans-just-dont-care/article_4e6cb78a-19c3-11ed-8e54-4732def722c8.html | 2022-08-14T09:18:39Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/column-gop-voters-will-benefit-from-the-inflation-reduction-act-congressional-republicans-just-dont-care/article_4e6cb78a-19c3-11ed-8e54-4732def722c8.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Americans know little history and what little they know they forget. Ask college students who won the Civil War or ask adults when the U.S. Constitution was ratified or whom the U.S. fought in World War II and shocking numbers will have no idea.
That’s one reason we should be careful about throwing around historical allusions and parallels.
Here are two cases in point: the words “fascist” and “un-American.” Both are bandied about with easy promiscuity, but both date back to particular moments in history and carry very specific meanings and connotations.
The many uses to which the word “fascist” is put these days are staggering. Bill O’Reilly called the ACLU fascist. Glenn Beck called Joe Biden a fascist. Barack Obama allegedly called Donald Trump a fascist, while Trump insists it’s “the new far-left” that is fascist. Vladimir Putin calls Ukraine’s government fascist, but a former CIA director says that no, it’s Putin who’s a fascist.
Do they know what they’re talking about?
Or does Gina Viola? Viola, an activist-turned-candidate who ran fourth in the Los Angeles mayoral primary in June, recently denounced City Council candidates Sam Yebri and Traci Park as “full-blown fascists” on Twitter, apparently because they support funding the Los Angeles Police Department at past levels.
Not just would-be-fascists or neo-fascists or fascist-adjacent. They’re full-blown fascists, presumably in the genocidal Hitler-and-Mussolini mold.
Nor did Viola back down when called out. “I equate growing an over-bloated, over-militarized LAPD, and those who support that, with fascism,” she told the Jewish Journal.
That’s ridiculous. People who believe cities need cops are not fascists.
Fascism — actual fascism — is identified most commonly with Benito Mussolini’s Italy. It is also used to describe Hitler’s Germany and Franco’s Spain, among others.
It is characterized by militarism and nationalism, usually with a strong dictatorial leader benefiting from a cult of personality. Fascist regimes are often prejudiced against marginalized groups. Their leaders reject liberal democracy, tend to emphasize social and economic control and are generally not averse to the use of violence.
What does that have to do with Sam Yebri and Traci Park? Absolutely nothing. But in Viola’s defense, she’s not the first to misuse the epithet. Accusations of fascism have been unfairly hurled for many years. In his 1944 essay “What is fascism?” British journalist, novelist and critic George Orwell wrote:
“I have heard it applied to farmers, shopkeepers, social credit, corporal punishment, fox-hunting, bull-fighting, the 1922 committee, the 1941 committee, Kipling, Gandhi, Chiang Kai-Shek, homosexuality, Priestly’s broadcasts, Youth Hostels, astrology, women, dogs and I don’t know what else.”
The word, he concluded was “much-abused” and had become “almost entirely meaningless,” except insofar as it meant “something not desirable.”
So what’s the big deal if we toss it around carelessly? Only that, as Orwell understood, words matter. “The slovenliness of our language makes it easier for us to have foolish thoughts,” he wrote.
Fascism was a terrifying totalitarian movement that plunged the world into an era of near-cataclysmic violence.
These days, when we face authoritarian, anti-democratic threats to our own institutions — threats like Trump, not the ACLU, to be clear — it’s not surprising that we reach for harsh language to convey the gravity of our situation and the depth of our anger.
But imprecision, hyperbole, false comparisons and empty words can be dangerous. They oversimplify and trivialize; they desensitize us to nuance.
After all, what will we say — how will we describe it — when the situation gets even worse? And, unfortunately, it can get worse.
Which brings me to the word “un-American,” which I heard on Beyoncé’s new album.
Now I’m not exactly sure what she’s trying to say when she sings about “my un-American life,” but I do know that this is a word with a clear and precise provenance. It dates to the Cold War when the infamous House Un-American Activities Committee — or HUAC — led what became a nationwide attack on communists, undesirable radicals and so-called subversives.
In the 1940s and ‘50s, the word was wielded by the right against not just Soviet spies and people plotting to overthrow the government, but also against people deemed disloyal for their beliefs, writings and speeches.
Among those caught up in the hysteria were Jewish socialists and Italian American anarchists and African American civil rights activists — people, in other words, whom it was not that difficult to paint as as somehow less than authentically American.
Some were blacklisted, defamed or deported.
Un-American. The very word implied a consensus about what an American is and what an American is not that didn’t exist then and doesn’t exist today.
Yet the word hasn’t died. The Trump administration called critical race theory un-American. Trump himself called members of Congress who didn’t applaud at his 2018 State of the Union address un-American.
Others have tried to reclaim the word from the right. Bruce Springsteen called Trump’s “Muslim ban” un-American. The ACLU — those fascists! — called George W. Bush’s torture policies un-American. President Biden called efforts to restrict voting rights un-American.
It’s a loaded and charged term with an ignoble past that should be used with caution and humility, because while we all do — or should — share certain fundamental values (such as opposition to torture), we also should agree that there is no single “correct” or “acceptable” set of beliefs for an American.
Speaking for myself, here’s a recent use of the term I found merited, accurate and admirable.
Cassidy Hutchinson, testifying in front of a packed hearing room and 13 million television viewers, spoke with uncommon composure as she described seeing the U.S. Capitol “defaced over a lie” and overrun on Jan. 6, 2021.
“It was un-American,” she said.
Yes it was. Good for her for saying so. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/column-who-are-you-calling-a-fascist-and-do-you-even-know-what-it-means/article_945e174c-19c4-11ed-9ed1-978dfb6a8a76.html | 2022-08-14T09:18:45Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/column-who-are-you-calling-a-fascist-and-do-you-even-know-what-it-means/article_945e174c-19c4-11ed-9ed1-978dfb6a8a76.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The House select committee’s investigation of the Jan. 6 insurrection has hammered home a fundamental truth about democracy. This cherished form of government, rooted in the will of the people, can be upended by demagogues when political party gatekeepers do not block their ascent to power.
When gatekeepers fail in this critical duty, democracies deteriorate in a process well-known to political philosophers throughout history, including Alexander Hamilton. As he wrote in Federalist No. 1, such individuals achieve elected power by manipulating and dividing the people, “commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants.”
In other words, the first step in democratic breakdown is the election of a demagogue to power. Such a person, as Eric A. Posner explains in “The Demagogue’s Playbook,” is one “who obtains the support of the people through dishonesty, emotional manipulation, and the exploitation of social divisions; who targets the political elites, blaming them for everything that has gone wrong; and who tries to destroy institutions — legal, political, religious, social — and other sources of power that stand in their way.”
Once in office, the demagogue devolves into an authoritarian who subverts the government, corrupting and dismantling the democracy itself to retain power.
Donald Trump started out as a demagogue, and, as the recent House hearings show, he slid deep into authoritarianism, orchestrating an aggressive multifaceted campaign to overturn a free and fair election.
What the United States and the world have witnessed over the past seven years since Trump announced his run for president is precisely the process of democratic deterioration that takes place when gatekeepers neglect to fulfill their duty to keep demagogues out of the executive pipeline.
Demagogues are as ancient as democracy itself, and, historically, watchful gatekeepers prevent them from seizing the bully pulpit and winning the public trust.
Gatekeepers need to have eagle eyes for spotting this corrupting subset of political actors. Then they must work to sideline them by all means permissible, public and private.
Since the early years of the American republic, elected and appointed officials, judges, journalists and community leaders have assumed this gatekeeping role, but none of these compare in importance to the central role of political parties. In our system of government, each party has the crucial duty of defending the Constitution against demagogues. Before anything else, that means ensuring that a party’s presidential nominee demonstrates an unwavering commitment to free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power.
As Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt, authors of “How Democracies Die,” assert, “an essential test for democracies is not whether such figures emerge but whether political leaders, and especially political parties, work to prevent them from gaining power in the first place — by keeping them off mainstream party tickets, refusing to endorse or align with them and, when necessary, making common cause with rivals in support of democratic candidates.”
Some might protest that this gatekeeping by political parties is antidemocratic.
But no system of government is perfect. That democracy can degenerate into tyranny through freely elected demagogues is an abiding paradox. It is democracy’s inconvenient truth — its greatest burden and most vexing dilemma.
Today, the Republican Party is duty bound to defend our democracy and Constitution against further assault by Trump. If the party of Lincoln does not stand up for candidates committed to free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power, it stands for nothing at all. Its failure to reject Trump resulted in institutional breakdown — and violence. And that is what will continue to happen if the party does not act decisively.
Recovery from the political trauma of the insurrection must begin with holding Trump accountable for his role in trying to overturn the 2020 election. But to safeguard our democracy from future presidential candidates who seek to take the same path, the leaders of both parties must embrace their duty to thwart such corrupt politicians at every turn.
Grasping this truth — that each party is responsible for counteracting its own demagogues — is a crucial starting point for rescuing American democracy from further decline. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/commentary-democracy-s-survival-depends-on-fighting-demagogues-the-gop-is-embracing-them/article_56496332-19c2-11ed-b06f-bb073f212ccc.html | 2022-08-14T09:18:51Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/commentary-democracy-s-survival-depends-on-fighting-demagogues-the-gop-is-embracing-them/article_56496332-19c2-11ed-b06f-bb073f212ccc.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
To the editor — Your article on electric vehicles completely ignored the elephant in the room: Where is that electricity going to come from?
Washingtonians buy about 300,000 vehicles a year. Collectively, they travel over 15 million miles a day. That many EVs will need almost 4.5 MEGAWATTS every day.
Since many of them will charge at night, solar power is of little use. Wind power will only help when it is available. What about the rest?
To oversimplify, we will need to build a medium-size nuclear generator (or its equivalent) for every 200,000 electric cars sold. And, don't forget, we need to string power lines to get the power to where it is needed. Is our governor carefully planning all of those utility upgrades?
Wait, I forgot he wants to tear down the Snake River dams, too! Add another nuclear plant or two.
Our local provider, Pacific Power, gets about 45% of their electricity from burning COAL, the most polluting fossil fuel. Charging your EV by burning coal isn’t going to help, is it?
In order to fully realize the benefits of EVs, we need competent leaders that can carefully plan the resources needed and put together every step to meet that plan.
PRES TUESLEY
Yakima | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letter-evs-great-but-wheres-the-power-come-from/article_30a38a1c-1946-11ed-af0f-978bfa4cce58.html | 2022-08-14T09:18:57Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letter-evs-great-but-wheres-the-power-come-from/article_30a38a1c-1946-11ed-af0f-978bfa4cce58.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
To the editor — It appears the 4th Congressional District has dodged a bullet.
Classless candidate Loren Culp got slapped down again in a political race, and probably will not make a concession, again. Instead, he refers to other candidates as spoilers.
I am not sure how he thought he had some God-given right to ascend to the congressional seat, when our laws give everyone the right to run. Maybe he can go off into the sunset and enjoy his retirement after being fired as a police chief and outvoted twice as a politician.
If not, he should go back to cement finishing and out of the public eye.
BILL SEVERSON
Stanwood | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letter-lets-hope-weve-seen-the-last-of-culp/article_02a02956-191c-11ed-9145-574cae2ef161.html | 2022-08-14T09:19:15Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/letter-lets-hope-weve-seen-the-last-of-culp/article_02a02956-191c-11ed-9145-574cae2ef161.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The latest Point-In-Time survey of people experiencing homelessness in Yakima County reveals some heartbreaking statistics, but it also offers some encouragement.
First, the not-so-good news: According to the annual survey — conducted Feb. 24 by Yakima County’s Department of Human Services — the number of local people who have no permanent residence has risen slightly. The count is up from 647 in 2021 to 670 this year.
Now here’s the encouraging news: Despite that 3.6% increase, lots more people are staying in local shelters or sanctioned encampments — 353 this year, compared to 253 last year.
Local service providers theorize that the reports of the past few years reflect the chaos of the COVID pandemic. Numerous people already struggling with homelessness might have avoided seeking formal shelter because they feared getting infected with the potentially deadly virus.
That makes sense. But we’d say the people who’ve been working hard for years to alleviate local homelessness are being a little modest, too.
The Union Gospel Mission, for instance, has “super-ramped up” its outreach efforts, according to Executive Director Mike Johnson. Mission workers now comb the streets seven nights a week to find people who might need someplace safe to sleep.
“At this point we’re getting one or two people each night who will get a ride back to the shelter,” Johnson told the YH-R last week.
But the latest survey also brings to light other indications that local efforts to help are working.
One of the most telling is that for yet another year, the great majority of people surveyed were experiencing homelessness for the first time. That’s understandable, especially given the tightness of Yakima’s housing market and last year’s loss of the relatively inexpensive Savoy Apartments.
Perhaps the most hopeful aspect of that number is that it suggests people in Yakima County don’t stay homeless for long. If the year-to-year trend is that the majority — 68% this year — have never been homeless before, it means people are finding solutions.
“… which means our programs and systems are working to get people back into housing,” Yakima County Human Services Director Esther Magasis said.
It sure sounds that way to us.
It sounds that way to Homeless Network of Yakima County Director Lee Murdock, too. She told the YH-R’s Phil Ferolito that some local service providers anticipated this year’s survey would find more people sleeping in the streets.
“The fact that we didn’t go up is astounding,” Murdock said, “and I think that’s a testimony of the work the outreach workers are doing.”
We think so, too.
Wring your hands all you like about all the homeless people you see everywhere these days, but this survey is an actual real-world head count, and these are impressive statistics.
They tell us we have some exceptional people and programs addressing one our community’s most pressing problems. They also tell us that those efforts are genuinely helping. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/opinion-homeless-survey-shows-local-efforts-are-working/article_3b62d77e-19ae-11ed-b692-776af421bcaf.html | 2022-08-14T09:19:22Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/opinion/opinion-homeless-survey-shows-local-efforts-are-working/article_3b62d77e-19ae-11ed-b692-776af421bcaf.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series looking at the practices of greenwashing.
It’s hard to know if you’re being tricked by the tactics of greenwashing, which occurs when a company misleads customers through false claims and marketing about its environmental impact in order to benefit its public image.
It’s hard not to want to trust the brown recycled tag with the famous green “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” symbol. But just because the tag is recycled doesn’t mean the materials in the garment are or that the people who made them were treated and paid fairly.
It’s important to be informed about what brands to support and what to look for. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Look for ethical and renewable certifications on products: Certifications are a perfect way to tell if the garment or product you want to purchase checks all the boxes. This can help you determine if it is truly organic, if the product was created through ethical treatment of garment workers and farmers, if materials were created through eco-intelligence, if renewable energy was used, if there was water efficiency, if the company engages in social responsibility, if recycling was used through the supply chain and if the company prioritizes consumer safety.
The brands doing good will be sure to have certifications like GOTS (Global Textile Standard), Cradle to Grave, Fairtrade and Fairmined, Bluesign, and Recycled Claim Standard.
2. Do some of your own investigating: A great way to find out how specific brands treat their workers, animals and the environment is to do your own research. A great website to use is Good On You (www.goodonyou.eco). Go there to search a brand name and the site will tell you exactly how its team rated the brand on its practices and why.
3. Check for an independent group that has approved of a brand’s claims: The internet can be your friend. There are endless resources and plenty of people checking up on whether a brand is doing good by its customers, planet, workers and animals. A little extra digging never hurts.
4. Trust your gut! If you feel like a brand doesn’t seem as ethical as it claims to be, trust yourself and don’t support it with your hard-earned money. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/greenwashing-101-how-to-spot-greenwashing/article_1f99e535-64f8-5188-af73-3c982fb8faeb.html | 2022-08-14T09:19:28Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/greenwashing-101-how-to-spot-greenwashing/article_1f99e535-64f8-5188-af73-3c982fb8faeb.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
We pulled into Riverview Bible Camp near Cusick, about an hour north of Spokane, with wild, windblown hair and sweat glistening on our skin from the four-hour bus ride without air conditioning. We were excited to jump off the bus and start our newest adventure as the West Valley Church of the Nazarene youth group.
The July 25-29 camp drew youths from church congregations in Idaho, Oregon and Washington who came together to grow closer to the Lord and make new friendships. Many different churches were represented, as well as many different age groups, with attendees ranging from incoming sixth-graders to upcoming seniors. The 380 campers broke a 10-year camp attendance high.
I had never had the privilege of being able to experience summer camp, so I was beyond excited to finally get the opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.
While camp games like dodgeball and paint wars were a blast, it was the simpler moments that meant the most to me. The daily mealtime Uno games, the newfound inside jokes and the random dance breaks throughout the day all meant the world to me.
The nightly cabin talks, when we chatted about everything from our faith and testimonies to camp crushes or who snored the loudest, proved to me just how blessed I am to be able to call these faithful people my friends.
But above all, between the daily chapels, amazing sermons and heartfelt worship sessions, I was able not only to grow in my own faith, but to watch others open their hearts to the Lord and dive deeper into their faith, as well.
Through the many tears and laughs, I learned the true meaning behind my favorite line from guest minister Abe Powers, who said, “The windshield is bigger than the rearview.” The pastor had come from Texas to preach at summer camp, and he made a lasting impact on all of the campers’ hearts.
This camp taught me how to be present by looking beyond regrets and mistakes while looking ahead to the blessings God has waiting for us. God doesn’t want us to be so focused on the regrets of our past that we miss out on new opportunities and experiences that lie ahead.
The biggest takeaway from camp is not only to always bring an abundance of bug spray wherever you go, but to let go of your past and let God have control of all the seemingly uncontrollable things in life by being present and truly living in the moment.
I will always remember that the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror, and my hope is that you will keep this in mind, too. | https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/the-windshield-is-bigger-than-the-rearview-lessons-from-church-camp/article_4aae4e03-a601-56d8-83c6-4260a0640332.html | 2022-08-14T09:19:34Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/columnists/the-windshield-is-bigger-than-the-rearview-lessons-from-church-camp/article_4aae4e03-a601-56d8-83c6-4260a0640332.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
During the summer months, Selah’s community pool is a hive of activity. The pool is open 15 or 16 hours on a typical summer day, hosting swim lessons, lap swimming, swim team practices and recreational swimming for the community.
“I just feel like it’s important for everybody in our community to have a pool,” said Aimee Ozanich, the pool’s aquatic director. “I think pools are really important to the community.”
Originally christened the Selah Aquatic Center upon its 2019 completion, the relatively new facility was recently renamed as the Bruce Buchanan Memorial Aquatic Center in honor of the late Bruce Buchanan, who was a longtime supporter of the Selah Dolphins Swim Team. The renaming followed a $200,000 donation by Buchanan’s wife, Karron Buchanan, that will keep the pool financially afloat for the next two to three years.
While the pool is operating swimmingly this summer because of the donation, it is in danger of eventually closing its doors due to a lack of consistent financial backing.
Selah voters initially passed a bond to build the new facility in 2015. The city’s former pool had aged and was in need of replacement. After breaking ground in 2018, the current pool opened to the public in 2019.
The Selah Parks and Recreation Service Area board attempted to pass maintenance and operations levies for the pool in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021. According to Ozanich, all failed by a slim margin. Unlike most community pools, the Bruce Buchanan Memorial Aquatic Center is not supported by taxpayer dollars.
“The long-term solution is either we continue to get major donors or we pass a levy,” said Ozanich, who is also the Buchanans’ daughter. “Or the pool closes.”
For many local youths, the pool offers a place to learn swimming skills, stay connected with peers and have fun.
“It’s a quintessential summer activity,” said Hannah Rees, a lifeguard and water safety instructor at the pool.
Rees, 16, has also been a member of the Selah Dolphins Swim Team since 2011. The AAU swim team, which includes kids from 5 to 18, has been a staple in Selah for over 50 years and uses the pool for practices and meets.
“It is a great way for, especially the younger kids, to add structure to their day,” Rees said. “That’s how I learned to swim.”
In addition to hosting the Dolphins’ practices and meets, Rees sees many other benefits that the pool has to offer.
“Learning to swim is one the best things you can do for yourself and for your safety,” she said. “It’s just a great service for our community: teaching people to swim and offering a public service where people can have fun.”
As far as the future, the SPRSA board has not yet set a date for its next attempt for a maintenance and operations levy. However, the hope among pool supporters is that Selah taxpayers will eventually vote in favor of the levy and that a consistent funding method will be secured.
“I know it’s an added cost, but it improves so many different aspects of the lives of our community,” Ozanich said. “I think it’s worth the dollars per year that we’re asking.” | https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/news/staying-afloat-selah-pool-is-a-benefit-to-its-community/article_a5b88823-d942-573a-98b8-b73620375a9f.html | 2022-08-14T09:19:40Z | yakimaherald.com | control | https://www.yakimaherald.com/unleashed/news/staying-afloat-selah-pool-is-a-benefit-to-its-community/article_a5b88823-d942-573a-98b8-b73620375a9f.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Flash flood warning issued for Cameron Peak Fire burn area, including Glen Haven
A flash flood warning is in effect for portions of the Cameron Peak Fire burn area, including Glen Haven, Saturday evening.
"Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," the National Weather Service said in the warning, which is in effect until 9:30 p.m.
As of just after 6:20 p.m., up to half an inch of rain had already fallen over the warning area, which includes the following additional locations: Box Prairie, Upper Buckhorn along Larimer County Road 44H, Crystal Mountain and The Retreat.
These streams and drainages are within the warning area: Sheep Creek, North Fork Big Thompson River, Pennock Creek, Cow Creek, Black Creek, Buckhorn Creek, North Fork Fish Creek, Miller Fork, Big Thompson River, Grouse Creek, Eld Creek and Pendergrass Creek.
Up to another half an inch of rain is expected, according to the warning. In addition to flooding, expect rock slides or debris flows over rural roads, the weather service warned.
"Move to higher ground now," the warning stated. "Act quickly to protect your life."
Here is how to sign up for free alerts
Visit LETA's alert website at https://nocoalert.org/ to sign up. Log into your account or create an account. Then go to ''my subscriptions,'' select "event alerts'' and then select the categories you would like alerts for and fill out the information. The system can send you alerts via cellphone, landline and email.
More:Signing up for these Larimer County emergency alerts could save your life | https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2022/08/14/flash-flood-warning-issued-for-part-of-cameron-peak-burn-area-larimer-county/65402915007/ | 2022-08-14T09:30:59Z | coloradoan.com | control | https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2022/08/14/flash-flood-warning-issued-for-part-of-cameron-peak-burn-area-larimer-county/65402915007/ | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
MAYVILLE — “The Satanic Verses” author Salman Rushdie was taken off a ventilator and able to talk Saturday, a day after he was stabbed as he prepared to give a lecture in upstate New York.
Rushdie remained hospitalized with serious injuries, but fellow author Aatish Taseer tweeted in the evening that he was “off the ventilator and talking (and joking).” Rushdie’s agent, Andrew Wylie, confirmed that information without offering further details.
Earlier in the day, the man accused of attacking him Friday at the Chautauqua Institution, a nonprofit education and retreat center, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and assault charges in what a prosecutor called a “preplanned” crime.
An attorney for Hadi Matar entered the plea on his behalf during an arraignment in western New York. The suspect appeared in court wearing a black and white jumpsuit and a white face mask, with his hands cuffed in front of him.
A judge ordered him held without bail after District Attorney Jason Schmidt told her Matar, 24, took steps to purposely put himself in position to harm Rushdie, getting an advance pass to the event where the author was speaking and arriving a day early bearing a fake ID.
“This was a targeted, unprovoked, preplanned attack on Mr. Rushdie,” Schmidt said.
Public defender Nathaniel Barone complained that authorities had taken too long to get Matar in front of a judge while leaving him “hooked up to a bench at the state police barracks.”
“He has that constitutional right of presumed innocence,” Barone added.
Rushdie, 75, suffered a damaged liver and severed nerves in an arm and an eye, Wylie said Friday evening. He was likely to lose the injured eye.
The attack was met with shock and outrage from much of the world, along with tributes and praise for the award-winning author who for more than 30 years has faced death threats for “The Satanic Verses.”
Authors, activists and government officials cited Rushdie's courage and longtime advocacy of free speech despite the risks to his own safety. Writer and longtime friend Ian McEwan called Rushdie “an inspirational defender of persecuted writers and journalists across the world,” and actor-author Kal Penn cited him as a role model “for an entire generation of artists, especially many of us in the South Asian diaspora toward whom he’s shown incredible warmth.”
President Joe Biden said Saturday in a statement that he and first lady Jill Biden were “shocked and saddened” by the attack.
“Salman Rushdie — with his insight into humanity, with his unmatched sense for story, with his refusal to be intimidated or silenced — stands for essential, universal ideals,” the statement read. “Truth. Courage. Resilience. The ability to share ideas without fear. These are the building blocks of any free and open society.”
Rushdie, a native of India who has since lived in Britain and the U.S., is known for his surreal and satirical prose style, beginning with his Booker Prize-winning 1981 novel “Midnight's Children,” in which he sharply criticized India's then-prime minister, Indira Gandhi.
“The Satanic Verses” drew death threats after it was published in 1988, with many Muslims regarding as blasphemy a dream sequence based on the life of the Prophet Muhammad, among other objections. Rushdie's book had already been banned and burned in India, Pakistan and elsewhere before Iran's Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa, or edict, calling for Rushdie’s death in 1989.
Khomeini died that same year, but the fatwa remains in effect. Iran’s current supreme leader, Khamenei, never issued a fatwa of his own withdrawing the edict, though Iran in recent years hasn’t focused on the writer.
Investigators were working to determine whether the suspect, born a decade after “The Satanic Verses” was published, acted alone.
District Attorney Schmidt alluded to the fatwa as a potential motive in arguing against bail.
“Even if this court were to set a million dollars bail, we stand a risk that bail could be met,” Schmidt said.
“His resources don’t matter to me. We understand that the agenda that was carried out yesterday is something that was adopted and it’s sanctioned by larger groups and organizations well beyond the jurisdictional borders of Chautauqua County,” the prosecutor said.
Barone, the public defender, said after the hearing that Matar has been communicating openly with him and that he would spend the coming weeks trying to learn about his client, including whether he has psychological or addiction issues.
Matar is from Fairview, New Jersey. Rosaria Calabrese, manager of the State of Fitness Boxing Club, a small, tightly knit gym in nearby North Bergen, said Matar joined April 11 and participated in about 27 group sessions for beginners looking to improve their fitness before emailing her several days ago to say he wanted to cancel his membership because “he wouldn’t be coming back for a while.”
Gym owner Desmond Boyle said he saw “nothing violent” about Matar, describing him as polite and quiet, yet someone who always looked “tremendously sad.” He said Matar resisted attempts by him and others to welcome and engage him.
“He had this look every time he came in. It looked like it was the worst day of his life,” Boyle said.
Matar was born in the United States to parents who emigrated from Yaroun in southern Lebanon, the mayor of the village, Ali Tehfe, told The Associated Press.
Flags of the Iran-backed Shia militant group Hezbollah are visible across the village, along with portraits of leader Hassan Nasrallah, Khamenei, Khomeini and slain Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Journalists visiting Yaroun on Saturday were asked to leave. Hezbollah spokespeople did not respond to requests for comment.
Iran’s theocratic government and its state-run media assigned no motive for the attack. In Tehran, some Iranians interviewed by the AP praised the attack on an author they believe tarnished the Islamic faith, while others worried it would further isolate their country.
On Friday, on AP reporter witnessed the attacker stab or punch Rushdie about 10 or 15 times.
Event moderator Henry Reese, 73, suffered a facial injury and was treated and released from a hospital, police said. He and Rushdie had planned to discuss the United States as a refuge for writers and other artists in exile.
A state trooper and a county sheriff’s deputy were assigned to Rushdie’s lecture, and police said the trooper made the arrest. But afterward some longtime visitors to the Chautauqua Institution questioned why there wasn’t tighter security given the threats against Rushdie and a bounty of more than $3 million on his head.
On Saturday the center said it was boosting security through measures such as requiring photo IDs to purchase gate passes, which previously could be obtained anonymously. Patrons entering the amphitheater where Rushdie was attacked will also be barred from carrying bags of any type.
The changes, along with an increased presence of armed police officers on the bucolic grounds, came as something of a shock to Chautauquans who have long relished the laid-back atmosphere for which the nearly 150-year-old vacation colony is known.
News about the stabbing has led to renewed interest in “The Satanic Verses,” which topped best seller lists after the fatwa was issued in 1989. As of Saturday afternoon, the novel ranked No. 13 on Amazon.com.
The death threats and bounty Rushdie faced over the book after its publication led him to go into hiding under a British government protection program, which included an around-the-clock armed guard. After nine years of seclusion, Rushdie cautiously resumed more public appearances.
In 2012 he published a memoir about the fatwa titled “Joseph Anton,” the pseudonym he used while in hiding.
He said during a New York talk that year that terrorism was really the art of fear: “The only way you can defeat it is by deciding not to be afraid.” | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/agent-rushdie-off-ventilator-and-talking-day-after-attack/article_a9e895da-1b7f-11ed-8421-d761bba6208b.html | 2022-08-14T09:42:09Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/agent-rushdie-off-ventilator-and-talking-day-after-attack/article_a9e895da-1b7f-11ed-8421-d761bba6208b.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
NEW YORK — Early, in-person voting began Saturday in New York’s congressional party primaries, which will set the final field for a slew of competitive contests in the general election this autumn.
Voters in two parts of the state are also picking new members of Congress in special elections to replace U.S. House members who resigned.
Some of the hottest contests will be an early test of where the Democratic and Republican parties are headed in the midterm elections.
In a special election in the Hudson Valley and the Catskills, Ulster County Executive Patrick Ryan, a Democrat, has campaigned on a promise to protect abortion access while Republican Marc Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, has focused on inflation, gas prices and crime.
Both want to fill the seat formerly held by Antonio Delgado, the Democrat who resigned to become New York’s lieutenant governor this summer.
In counties along the Pennsylvania border in western New York, Democrat Max Della Pia faces Republican Joseph Sempolinski in a contest to serve out the remainder of the term of former U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, a Republican who resigned this summer.
Meanwhile, in New York City the most closely watched race in the Democratic primary features a battle between two heavyweight incumbents who were forced to run against each other when a judge redrew the boundaries of the state’s congressional districts.
U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler and U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney face each other, plus newcomer Suraj Patel, a Democrat who has run for the office twice before.
And in western New York, the chairman of the state Republican Party, Nick Langworthy, is in a bruising primary fight with Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino, who was once the party’s candidate for governor but has a record of making outrageous comments and telling or passing along racist jokes.
A limited number of polling places will be open for early voting through Aug. 21. There’s then a one-day pause before the full array of polling locations open for the final day of the primary on Aug. 23. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/early-voting-begins-in-ny-congressional-primary/article_27643cea-1b7f-11ed-bdba-0f4831bd6b70.html | 2022-08-14T09:42:10Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/early-voting-begins-in-ny-congressional-primary/article_27643cea-1b7f-11ed-bdba-0f4831bd6b70.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Lewiston Art Festival organizers have announced the winners for this year’s event.
There is one winner per category.
• Best in show — Bonnie Heddon for “Aqua Shae” jewelry
• Painting — Jillian Tayler with “Murder Creek Akron N.Y.”
• Photography — James Hoggard for “Canadaway Creek Chutes, Big Boulder”
• Graphic Arts & Drawing — Jessica Gadra for “Zoo”
• Mixed Media — JoAnn Vanderheite for “Tribute”
• Artistic Craft I: Jewelry — Bonnie Heddon “Aqua Shae” necklace
• Artists Craft II: Fiber, Leather, Wood — Maura Hartwig for “Sunrise Pack”, leather/fiber
• Artists Craft III: Glass Ceramic Metal — Elyse Wall for “Spirit of the Glacier”, ceramic
• Best Booth Display — Matt Retzlaff for Booth #700 | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/lewiston-art-festival-winners-announced/article_b840feac-1b83-11ed-8530-3fb5c4213a1c.html | 2022-08-14T09:42:18Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/lewiston-art-festival-winners-announced/article_b840feac-1b83-11ed-8530-3fb5c4213a1c.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
ORCHARD PARK — Matt Ryan can finally put the Falcons behind him.
Whether it was seeing his name on the back of a No. 2 Colts jersey hanging in his locker, or completing his first attempt — a 6-yarder to tight end Kylen Granson — the 37-year-old quarterback feels as if his transition to Indianapolis is complete.
“I’m part of this team and there’s 30, 40 other guys that it was their first time playing with the Colts today,” Ryan said following a 27-24 preseason-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. “We all got it under under our belt for the first time. And I think all of us, that entire group of new guys here is going to feel a lot better heading into next week.”
The Colts can begin feeling more comfortable following Ryan’s debut, which reflected many of his pass attempts: relatively short and efficient.
With Von Miller and the rest of the Bills starting defense sitting out, Ryan finished 6 of 10 for 58 yards, with two of his incompletions coming on fourth down. More importantly, the 15-year veteran didn’t commit a turnover while showing a nimbleness in the pocket by avoiding a defender to hit Michael Pittman in stride on a crossing route for a 17-yard completion.
“I thought he looked poised in the pocket. I thought he looked accurate. I thought every throw was pretty much right where it needed to be,” coach Frank Reich said. “I expected to see him do that, and he certainly delivered.”
Tyler Bass made a 46-yard field goal as time expired as Buffalo scored on three consecutive possessions in the final 8:10 to rally from a 14-point deficit. Matt Barkley oversaw the comeback in finishing 18 of 24 for 224 yards, with Raheem Blackshear rushing for touchdowns of 1 and 3 yards over a span of 4:19 to tie the game.
Buffalo won its ninth straight preseason outing, which ranks as the NFL’s second-longest active streak behind the Baltimore Ravens who have won a league-record 21 in a row.
Coach Sean McDermott took the good — the come-from-behind win — with the bad in an outing Buffalo committed five turnovers, including four in the first half.
"It was good to see us come together a little bit as a team and play better complementary football in the second half,” McDermott said. “Obviously, the turnovers and penalties in the first half can’t happen.”
With Buffalo also resting Josh Allen and its starting offense, the struggles fell on backup Case Keenum, who threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.
Keenum’s performance was a disappointment for a player the Bills are counting on to be Allen’s backup after acquiring the 10-year veteran in a trade with Cleveland. He finished 11 of 18 for 86 yards with his second interception coming one play after Bills safety Jaquan Johnson picked off Foles to give Buffalo the ball at the Colts 15.
“To go out and do that, that was uncharacteristic of me. I take full responsibility for all of those,” Keenum said. “Any time we don’t score a touchdown when we have the ball in our hands, it makes me mad. So there’s a lot of stuff I need to get better at.
Under Keenum, the Bills managed just 119 net yards offense and five first downs in the first half, with Buffalo's only score coming on rookie linebacker Terrel Bernard returning Nick Foles' fumble 69 yards for a touchdown.
Foles, who also threw an interception, finished 7 of 11 for 72 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown pass to an uncovered running back Ty’Son Williams.
Sam Ehlinger, the Colts’ sixth-round pick out of Texas last year, finished 10 of 11 for 88 yards with touchdown passes to tight ends Jelani Woods and Michael Jacobson.
Ryan is set to become the Colts’ fourth different opening day starter in as many years since Andrew Luck retired. He takes over after Indianapolis parted ways with Carson Wentz, who took the blame for the Colts squandering their playoff chances by losing their final two games, including a 26-11 season-ending dud at Jacksonville.
Reich provided Ryan the preseason start in part to provide the starter an extra chance to ramp up for the season-opener at Houston on Sept. 11. Reich is also mindful of how the Colts got off to a slow start in opening last season 1-4 under Wentz.
ROOKIE VS ROOKIE
Bills first-round draft pick, CB Kaiir Elam, got the better of Colts second-round draft pick, WR Alec Pierce, in forcing Indianapolis to go three-and-out on its opening possession. Elam stayed tight to Pierce on a slant route and got his hand on Ryan’s attempt on third-and-3 at the Colts 12.
INJURIES
Colts: CB Isaiah Rodgers who had an interception and recovered a fumble, did not return after sustaining a head injury in the first half. ... WR Keke Coutee did not return due to a groin injury.
Bills: Elam returned after being evaluated for a head injury late in the second quarter.
UP NEXT
Colts: Host the Detroit Lions on Aug. 20.
Bills: Host the Denver Broncos on Aug. 20. | https://www.lockportjournal.com/sports/bills-rally-to-beat-colts-27-24-in-matt-ryans-indy-debut/article_3ce5c972-1b7e-11ed-83bc-030741c0389c.html | 2022-08-14T09:42:19Z | lockportjournal.com | control | https://www.lockportjournal.com/sports/bills-rally-to-beat-colts-27-24-in-matt-ryans-indy-debut/article_3ce5c972-1b7e-11ed-83bc-030741c0389c.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Ellie Joyce’s summer diving season included another significant achievement in what already was an accomplished career in the sport.
The member of Arlington’s Dominion Hills summer team won each Northern Virginia Swimming League competition she entered, including the renowned Wally Martin Memorial 3-meter meet as well as the events synchronized division, then recorded her biggest accomplishment with second- and third-place finishes at the girls USA Diving Junior National Championships in Midland, Texas.
Competing at nationals for the Dominion Dive Club, Joyce was second in the 1-meter girls age 16-18 event with a 447.15 score (456.05 was the winning total), and placed third in the 3-meter with 477.45 in the same age group. The winning mark was 505.35 and second was 479.35.
As a result of that performance, Joyce, who will dive for the University of North Carolina women’s team, qualified for the FINA Junior World Championships for the first time as a member of the United States’ junior national team. That competition will be held later this year in Montreal.
Joyce had competed in junior nationals many times, but had her biggest success this season.
Last summer, Joyce was disappointed in her performance at the junior nationals, when she said she performed poorly, finishing near the bottom of one- and three-meter competitions. This season, she was poised to significantly improve.
“This was a big step up from last year. I was more prepared and consistent and had a better mindset,” Joyce said. “Last year I tried to be too perfect. This year I wanted to just dive and have fun. I got off to a good start and kept up that energy.”
During her 1-meter competition, Joyce said what helped clinch second place was scoring a 60.3 on one particular inward 21/2 dive.
“That was big to get,” she said.
The junior national meet and the NVSL’s individual all-star diving competition had conflicting early-August dates, so Joyce was unable to participate for Dominion Hills at the NVSL event. A number of other top NVSL divers missed the all-star meet as well because of junior nationals.
Top divers not at all-stars often consider the earlier Wally Martin meet their biggest local competition of the summer campaign.
Joyce won the Wally Martin 3-meter girls age 15-18 division with a 272.1 score. She teamed with Amanda Stalfort of Sideburn Run pool to win the synchronized event with a 163.29 total at the girls 13-and-over age group. Stalfort is a teammate of Joyce’s at Dominion Dive Club and a diver for Westfield High School.
During the five-week regular-season portion of the 2022 NVSL season, Joyce won the senior girls division at each meet, helping the team finished tied for second in Division IV with a 3-2 record.
This fall, Joyce will be a rising senior for the Washington-Liberty Generals diving team. During the 2021-22 high-school season, she won the girls Liberty District and 6D North Region meets, but came down with COVID three days prior the Class 6 state meet and was unable to attempt to defend her championship. As a sophomore she won district, region and state crowns, and as a freshman she was fourth in the region and fifth in the state.
Joyce now looks ahead to the junior world meet, where she could compete in multiple events.
“I’m super-excited about it,” she said. “I have never represented the United States before, and I’m thankful for the chance to compete.” | https://www.insidenova.com/sports/arlington-diver-enjoys-a-standout-summer/article_64fd7d5e-1b67-11ed-9712-039cd259513f.html | 2022-08-14T09:56:31Z | insidenova.com | control | https://www.insidenova.com/sports/arlington-diver-enjoys-a-standout-summer/article_64fd7d5e-1b67-11ed-9712-039cd259513f.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Chef Yahia Kamal unlocks the door to Baba’s Pantry, a Palestinian-American delicatessen at 1019 E. 63rd St. on the edge of the Brookside neighborhood and the intersection with Troost Avenue.
“Hello, my friend!” he says with an ear-to-ear grin that crinkles the corners of his eyes.
Chef Kamal used the same greeting to stop supermarket shoppers careening up and down the aisles in their tracks. Long before the velvety spread he was hawking became a ubiquitous party dip, his disarming smile eased many into sampling their first bite of hummus.
“I put hummus and dips on the map for KC, and I loved it, but I didn’t make much money,” Kamal proudly says, recalling the days he hustled the sample circuit under the Yummy’s Choice label.
Kamal burst onto the local artisan food scene with his flavor-packed dips and spreads in 2004. His tasty wares and extraordinary sales ability eventually landed him a coveted regional contract with Whole Foods.
But the entrepreneurial journey can be a bumpy ride.
Over two decades, the self-trained chef opened two restaurants that had short runs. He also split with a business partner who continues to sell products under the Chef Kamal label in local grocery stores.
Kamal and his wife, Yusra Kamal, were making sandwiches at a lunch counter in Cosentino’s Market Downtown when they were laid off during the pandemic. Yet, despite the uncertainty of the world in that moment, he wasn’t ready to retire.
Baba’s Pantry opened in July 2021, and this time his children — Kamal, Yasmine, Omar and Hannah, all in their 30s — decided to partner with their 62-year-old father.
“It was the perfect opportunity for my dad to start over and incorporate the family,” says Omar, who has taken on the role of sous chef, learning — and writing down — his dad’s closely held recipes.
The Palestinian-American palate
In the kitchen of Baba’s Pantry, a huge vat of garbanzo beans cools in a colander. Cooking from scratch requires soaking the beans overnight, cooking over low heat for several hours, and making sure to frequently skim the foam off the top.
“People think it’s so easy and convenient from the can, but the texture, the smell, it’s not the same!” Chef Kamal says. “They add so much stuff to it, you don’t know what is in there.”
As a young boy, Kamal’s mother would shoo him out of the kitchen and send him instead to stand in line to buy staples from neighborhood stands such as hummus, falafel, kebabs and pita.
Even though the Palestinian kitchen of the era was reserved for women, Kamal figured out ways to learn and develop his palate. He would lend a hand to the hummus maker to speed up the line, or he would sneak into the pantry when the family was not home and admire the spices.
When he moved to Oklahoma to attend college, it wasn’t long before he missed the traditional foods of his homeland. He recalls calling his mother on the phone to get her recipes. His apartment kitchen became a gathering place. Of course, Kamal didn’t charge his college friends, and to this day finds it hard to eat alone.
“I never thought the kids would follow me, but as they grew older, they were getting more curiosity about the food. The biggest difference is I give the food away, they charge for it,” Kamal says as he blushes.
‘We call him Leo the Lion’
All the Kamal children will independently tell you their “baba” (Arabic for dad) was born under the zodiac sign of Leo.
“My dad is an innovative, resilient, creative, loving person who just really loves who he is and loves sharing his culture with other people. Despite all the twists and turns in his life, he always perseveres,” says his oldest son Kamal Kamal, a Kansas City Art Institute graduate who works as an interior designer and event planner in New York City.
The son was unable to help financially due to his own struggles during the pandemic. Instead of money, he made a video, set up a crowdfunding campaign and took on the role of “brand manager” to help his father develop a space that would showcase his dad’s culinary talents.
“I think I helped push him further. He’s such a personality, a known character. I thought, let’s take it to another level and let this space reflect who you are as a Palestinian immigrant,” he says.
The colorfully lettered front windows proudly proclaim Baba’s Pantry a Palestinian-American Delicatessen. Fashioned after a bazaar, the walls are painted in vivid hues of marigold yellow and cerulean blue with accents of terracotta and mint green. Red frames hold family portraits while antiques, souvenirs and trinkets collected from their homeland add a personal touch.
Customers can sit on a cushioned bench to sip strong Turkish coffee or a daily lemonade available in strawberry, saffron or blueberry-basil, or small tables to enjoy shawarma or kebabs with a pile of shoestring fries dusted with Baba’s spice blend.
In the refrigerated cases that make an “L” on two sides of the space, customers also can buy tubs of hummus, baba ganoush (eggplant dip), sweet shatta (chile paste), labneh (strained yogurt cheese), olive mazza (similar to tapenade), and other tasty spreads to take home.
Preserved and pickled foods line another wall, including jalapeño makdous (oil-cured peppers stuffed with chili, walnuts, garlic and salt), candied butternut squash, pickled avocado and pickled turnips.
“Our vision was to bring (customers) to his pantry,” says Yasmine, the oldest daughter and family baker.
Baba’s love language
In 1993, Chef Kamal moved with his children to Palestine for several years so they could learn the culture and the Arabic language. But it wasn’t until the oldest three went off to college that they started “shopping,” or outright “raiding,” their dad’s pantry.
“It’s truly his vision: He went back to what does it mean to cook for family,” Yasmine says of Baba’s Pantry, which their father initially wanted to name The Smiling Chef.
“We talked about what it feels like to eat at Baba’s (or dad’s). That experience of going to the shelf and grabbing something. Opening a jar and talking about how to use it.”
Of course, base ingredients differ around the world. Through invention or necessity, Chef Kamal has developed a knack for creating variations on a theme. For instance, his labneh (a type of yogurt cheese) incorporates cream cheese and walnuts while his makdous sometimes swaps out eggplant for jalapeños.
“Is it Palestinian-American?” Yasmine asks. “Yes, he added American ingredients, but it is Palestinian first.”
The overarching catch-all terms “Mediterranean” or “Middle Eastern” don’t quite explain the family’s food, or their journey. The children prefer to acknowledge and embrace the Palestinian diaspora.
“I think it’s important for us that people know we are Palestinian. I think our food is getting lost. People are taking some of the dishes and renaming them. We want to say this is where we are from,” says the youngest sibling, Hannah Kamal Nsenki.
'Finish the dream'
While Hannah was still in high school, she worked for her dad sampling hummus in grocery stores.
“I don’t know how he did it,” she says. “He’d somehow grab a person and talk to them for five minutes, and he’d have sold them a case. Maybe it’s that smile? How he blushes? His goofy laugh?”
Hannah, who manages the business paperwork and social media accounts, sees her primary role as the “diplomat” of the family, the one who can help her siblings present a new idea to her father in a way that makes it palatable.
“Like all families, we have our little pushbacks and tiffs, but I feel like my dad is finally being heard, and he’s never been more creative,” she says. “We tried to push alcohol. That was too far for him. Everything else he’s been very open to.”
Future expansion plans include a Palestinian bakery and community event space next door. The oven, which has already been ordered from Jordan, will allow Yasmine to expand her contributions of baklava and knafeh.
Inspired by Black Lives Matter, Omar and Kamal are keenly interested in adding music and events to foster community engagement and promote causes they are passionate about.
Meanwhile, Chef Kamal is eager to “finish the dream” — but, this time, with the best partners a baba could ask for.
This story was originally published on Flatland, a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. | https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2022-08-14/kansas-citys-hummus-king-brings-together-his-entire-family-for-babas-pantry | 2022-08-14T09:57:02Z | kcur.org | control | https://www.kcur.org/arts-life/2022-08-14/kansas-citys-hummus-king-brings-together-his-entire-family-for-babas-pantry | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Happy Sunday! We are starting the day with comfortable temperatures in the 60s and clear skies. Winds will pick up from the southwest this afternoon, helping temperatures to warm into the upper-80s to low-90s. Skies will range from mostly sunny to partly cloudy, and any rain chance will remain to our northeast. It is shaping up to be another fantastic day across the Tennessee Valley!
Monday will be the hottest day of the week as highs reach the 90s across much of the valley. There will be a few pop-up showers possible, but most of us will remain dry.
Temperatures will fall back into the mid-80s on Tuesday as a cold front drops to our south. Humidity levels will be lower, making for another pleasant mid-August day.
Wednesday through Saturday will feature below-average temperatures as highs reach the low to mid-80s each afternoon. On and off rain chances will be possible through the weekend, with the highest coverage of rain Friday and Saturday.
For the latest, download the Local 3 Weather app. | https://www.local3news.com/local-weather/a-mostly-sunny-and-hot-sunday/article_a5a1cf36-1ae5-11ed-8b7a-733cd85c7cad.html | 2022-08-14T10:08:17Z | local3news.com | control | https://www.local3news.com/local-weather/a-mostly-sunny-and-hot-sunday/article_a5a1cf36-1ae5-11ed-8b7a-733cd85c7cad.html | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
The heatwave which has gripped Kent this week is set to come to an end with three days of thunderstorms. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for Monday (August 15), Tuesday (August 16) and Wednesday (August 17).
"Torrential downpours" are being forecast for much of the UK which may cause disruption including flash flooding. The Met Office yesterday put a yellow weather warning in place for Monday with other parts of the UK also set for thunderstorms on Tuesday.
Tuesday's weather has now been extended to the southeast of England, including Kent, with a further warning also in place on Wednesday. The warning will begin at 10am tomorrow morning and last until 11:59pm on Tuesday before a fresh warning comes into place on Wednesday at 10am and lasts until the end of the day.
READ MORE: Motorcyclist in critical condition after Seal crash
The Met Office has now warned of potential for sudden flooding as a result of the parched ground which has formed in this summer's heatwaves. This flooding, when combined with spray, may result in difficult driving conditions.
There is a chance that homes and businesses may become flooded with floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds potentially causing damage. There is also a possibility of power cuts and loss of other services.
Flooded roads may cut off some areas whilst there is a possibility that train and bus services may face delays or cancellations as a result of the weather. Fast flowing or deep flood waters may pose a "danger to life."
For Monday, the Met Office has said: "Already some showers to start the day, but these likely to become more widespread and heavier through the late morning and afternoon, lasting into the evening in places. Some counties are likely to miss the worst of these storms but where they do occur, slow-moving torrential downpours could produce 20-30 mm inside an hour, with 40-50 mm falling in around 2-3 hours in a few spots. Hail and frequent lightning could pose additional hazards for some."
Southeast England had been due to avoid Tuesday's wet weather but the Met Office has now said: "Whilst some places will miss them, thunderstorms and areas of heavy rain will develop quite widely on Tuesday across much of England and Wales. 20-30 mm of rain is possible within an hour, but where areas of thundery rain become slow-moving, some places could see 50 mm in less than three hours.
"There is a low probability that higher totals could occur in a few spots over the course of the day, while hail and frequent lightning are likely additional hazards for some places. There is considerable uncertainty at this stage in regional and county level focus."
Likewise, on Wednesday, the Met Office has said: "Thunderstorms and areas of heavy rain will develop quite widely on Wednesday across the southern England. 20-30 mm of rain is possible within an hour, but where areas of thundery rain become slow-moving, some places could see 60 mm in less than three hours. A few spots could see more rainfall than this still, whilst hail and lightning may be additional hazards."
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I walked from Reculver Towers to Herne Bay and saw just how the dry spell has scarred Kent | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/kent-met-office-thunderstorm-warning-7461940 | 2022-08-14T10:21:24Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/kent-met-office-thunderstorm-warning-7461940 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
No matter where you go in Kent, you’re sure to find fascinating history within every nook and cranny of the county. While so much of this history is truly interesting, other parts of Kent’s past could be considered a little more, unsettling.
From eerie abandoned hospitals to deserted islands littered with human remains , some parts of Kent you definitely wouldn’t want to find yourself in when it gets dark Perhaps no landmark better highlights this slightly creepier side of the county than Reculver Towers, found between Herne Bay and Westgate-on-Sea.
If you’ve ever been near our east coast, you’re sure to have spotted this impressive structure, but you may not know the terrifying stories that surround them. I certainly didn’t, but once I had heard the tales, I was set on seeing them up close for myself.
Read more: I spent an hour at Kent’s lowest rated Wetherspoons and left totally confused
The spooky history of Reculver Towers
If, like me, you were unaware of the story that surrounds this dilapidated landmark, allow me to enlighten you. The site is said to have been in place for thousands of years, but during that time, a dark event occurred.
When the Romans arrived in Britain in 43AD, they too set their sights on Reculver and established a small fortlet there, the ruins of which can still be seen today. During excavation work, the remains of around ten infant burials were found, dating back to the Roman period.
Due to the nature of their burial, it is widely assumed these children were condemned as part of a ritual sacrifice to appease the Roman gods. It would seem that the horrific atrocities that were committed at the fort left an indelible mark on the surrounding countryside.
It is said that on stormy nights when the wind is at its highest and the sea at its wildest, the shrieks of a panicked baby can be heard from the towers. Due to this reputation, the Towers have long been viewed as a haunted place in local folklore.
My visit
Upon arriving, the conditions of my visit were, thankfully, not those of a horror film. On the day that I decided to explore this piece of supposedly haunted history, Kent was experiencing yet another spell of hot weather, meaning I had sunshine and clear skies on my side.
I was quite thankful for this because, had I visited once the sky had grown dark and the air cold, I might have started to buy into the folklore of the site. It was plain to see how this area could turn rather creepy under the cover of nightfall.
The dilapidated ruins would make a fantastic set for some kind of ghost movie, though I was hoping not to invertedly become the star of one while I explored. The Reculver Towers Project just doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
What largely added to the overall eerie atmosphere of the place were the numerous headstones found littered around the ruins. Nothing quite like a frank reminder of your own mortality while exploring a piece of history.
On a slightly more positive note though, I will say that the ruins were definitely impressive to take in. Seeing the imposing towers up close really was something to behold, and very much piqued the interest of the former history student in me.
Though I will admit, it was hard to take in these surroundings without thinking back to the terrifying things that had been unearthed at this very spot. Remembering such details still managed to send a slight chill down my spine, even in spite of the high heat.
I’ll end on another positive note though and that being the views of the surrounding area were absolutely breathtaking. From this vantage atop the cliffs, I could see miles of the stunning Kent coast which glistened in the summer heat.
Verdict
This spot really did capture my interest the entire time I was there, even if it did leave me just a tad creeped out. It is somewhere I’d highly recommend visiting when you get the chance, and there are plenty of amazing surrounding walks to enjoy after to further explore this patch of Kent.
While I didn't see or hear anything resembling a ghost during my visit, I couldn't help but notice a rather eerier atmosphere surrounding the landmark. So if you are if you are planning a trip here, maybe go while the sun is still up though - just to be safe.
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READ NEXT: | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/reviews/explored-haunted-kent-landmark-terrifying-7458066 | 2022-08-14T10:21:34Z | kentlive.news | control | https://www.kentlive.news/whats-on/reviews/explored-haunted-kent-landmark-terrifying-7458066 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Nothing good is likely to come of this.
The Texas Supreme Court is reconsidering rules that allow Texans under 18 to obtain abortions without parental consent in light of the state’s soon-to-take-effect abortion ban.
Chief Justice Nathan Hecht asked an advisory committee to make a recommendation on the matter in an Aug. 1 letter obtained by Hearst Newspapers, asking the committee to “conclude its work” at a meeting next week on Aug. 19.
A spokeswoman for the high court explained that the justices believe the new law, and a landmark June ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court overturning federal protections on abortion, have “raised questions about whether the parental-notification rules are still consistent with Texas law.”
“The court asked the advisory committee to study the issues raised in the referral letter and make recommendations, which it does almost any time rule changes are contemplated,” said the spokeswoman, Amy Starnes.
Current Texas rules require abortion patients under 18 to notify their parents when they are seeking an abortion and receive their permission. But the rules also allow the teen to seek permission from a judge instead.
The number of minors who have been able to access that legal process ground to a near-halt after Texas imposed its six-week abortion ban in September 2021 — in August, 20 minors were able to get their cases before judges, state data shows. By October, once the ban was in place, that number dwindled to just two.
Still, attorneys who represent the young “Jane Does,” named as such in court filings for confidentiality purposes, say there will still be a need for the process, known as judicial bypass, even once the trigger ban takes effect on Aug. 25.
Though the trigger ban includes no exception for rape or incest, it does include an exception for pregnancies that risk death or “substantial impairment of a major bodily function.” The exception has spurred debate statewide, especially among doctors and hospital groups concerned that it is too vague and creates legal liability for them.
[…]
Blake Rocap, legal director at Jane’s Due Process, a nonprofit that helps represent pregnant minors in Texas, said there will still be a need for the bypass process for children whose physicians determine their pregnancies qualify for that health exception.
“You can see a possibility where a minor patient may have a pregnancy that is causing their health to deteriorate, causing a lot of risk or is dangerous for them in the future,” Rocap said. “Let’s say they’re a really young victim of sexual assault or incest and their body is not able to handle a full-term pregnancy just because they’re not physically big enough … They would need a bypass.”
Rocap added that would be especially important in the case of minors in CPS or foster care who will always need bypass because under Texas law, the state is not allowed to consent to abortion.
Less than 1 percent of abortions, or 31, were performed in 2021 on patients 13 years old or younger, according to data collected by the state health department. A little over 2 percent involved patients under 18, including 226 patients between 14 and 15 years old and 807 between 16 and 17.
I guess I’m not sure what it is that has changed here from the perspective of the judicial bypass process. Abortion is now far more restricted than before for minors, but if a young person qualifies for an abortion under the health exception then I don’t see how the question of whether they need to notify their parents or can be approved by a judge to protect their personal safety is any different. All of this makes my skin crawl and is a reminder why parental notification laws were such a bad idea in the first place – the kind of person who doesn’t want to tell their parents they need an abortion probably has a good reason for that. I have less visceral distrust of the Texas Supreme Court right now than I do of the US Supreme Court, but I don’t have much trust in what they’re doing here. I hope to be proven wrong about that. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106559 | 2022-08-14T10:32:48Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106559 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
We’ve identified the problem. That’s good. Now let’s do something to fix it.
Misinformation about elections has led to violent threats against election workers in Texas and other states — including one who was told “we should end your bloodline” — according to a new report released by a House panel Thursday.
The House Committee on Oversight and Reform heard from one county election official in Texas that he received death threats after being singled out by out-of-state candidates who claimed the 2020 election was stolen. Those threats quickly escalated and eventually included his family and staff.
Tarrant County Elections Administrator Heider Garcia received social media messages including, “hunt him down,” “needs to leave Texas and U.S. as soon as possible,” and “hang him when convicted for fraud and let his lifeless body hang in public until maggots drip out of his mouth.”
The report said Garcia had to call law enforcement when his home address was leaked and calls for physical violence against himself and his family increased — eventually leading to threats against his children that included “I think we should end your bloodline.” Law enforcement determined that none of the threats broke the law, but they did provide coordination and additional patrol around his neighborhood.
The findings are the latest evidence of how former President Donald Trump’s unfounded claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him have taken root as they have been echoed by his supporters, including Texas Republicans who passed new voting restrictions last year.
The report comes as polling released this week indicates two-thirds of Texans who identify as Republicans still do not believe the 2020 election was legitimate. The June survey by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin found 66 percent of Texas Republicans said they don’t believe President Joe Biden legitimately won the election. That was unchanged from February when they were asked the same question.
The report is part of a longrunning effort by congressional Democrats to push back on Trump’s claims and new voting restrictions in states, including Texas.
“Election officials are under siege,” said U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, a New York Democrat who chairs the oversight panel. “They face growing campaigns of harassment and threats, all driven by false accusations of fraud.”
[…]
Garcia wrote that Sidney Powell, Trump’s former lawyer who sought to overturn the 2020 election, appeared on Fox News pushing bunk claims about voting machines turning Tarrant County blue. Garcia was also targeted by Michelle Malkin, a conservative commentator on Newsmax, and far-right website The Gateway Pundit.
Their attacks on Garcia came when Biden won the typically red county by 0.2 percentage points after Trump had led the initial count on election night, before late absentees and provisional ballots were included.
“What followed in the next 4 to 6 weeks was a terrible time of threats and concerns for the safety of my family, my staff and myself,” Garcia wrote.
The House panel in April sent letters to elections administrators in Texas, Arizona, Florida and Ohio asking how misinformation had impacted their work. The report’s findings are based, in part, on responses by Remy Garza, a Cameron County election official who is president of the Texas Association of Election Administrators.
Garza told the committee that during debates in the legislature over proposed changes to voting laws, public testimony frequently included “broad generalizations of alleged fraud” and “repeated misleading information about actions taken by the Harris County clerk responsible for the November 2020 election.”
Garza said the bills Texas Republicans passed were inspired by “false information” and were also sometimes impossible for elections administrators to implement. For instance, the state Legislature enacted a requirement for voting machines to produce a paper record without providing the necessary funds to cover the costs of converting existing equipment to comply, as well as other requirements that are not possible in counties that don’t have certain elections systems.
I have a hard time understanding how those threats against Heider Garcia’s family would not be considered violations of the law. If that’s the case, then the law needs to be updated, because we just can’t have that in a world where we also want free and fair elections run by competent people. Various provisions to offer protection to election officials were included in the voting rights bills that passed the House but were doomed by the filibuster in the Senate. I’m hopeful we’ll get an update to the Electoral Count Act of 1877 to shore up the weaknesses that Trump tried to exploit in 2020, but I seriously doubt that an amendment to include those election official protections could be added, for the same filibuster-related reasons. We’re going to need the same “hold the House and expand the Dem majority in the Senate” parlay to have some hope for this next year. I hope we can wait that long. The Trib has more. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106570 | 2022-08-14T10:32:56Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106570 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
Good.
Metro’s plan to gradually get rid of gasoline-powered buses took a step forward this week, when federal officials awarded the transit agency nearly $21.6 million to replace 20 diesel buses with electric ones, and the equipment needed to keep them charged.
“These essential funds will help our region transition to lower-polluting and more energy-efficient transit vehicles quicker,” Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, said in a statement announcing the award from the Federal Transit Administration. “I look forward to watching the positive impact this brings to Houston Metro and residents.”
Metropolitan Transit Authority officials applied for the money in May, citing the grant as a part of overall efforts to replace its diesel fleet. Federal officials, as part of the transportation bill passed last year, increased funding for zero emission buses from about $182 million to $1.1 billion, allowing transit agencies to compete for the funds with a greater likelihood of winning funding.
[…]
Board members one year ago approved a plan for Metro to purchase only zero-emission vehicles by 2030, giving the agency years to convert its fleet of more than 1,200 buses away from diesel.
So far, Metro has made plans to purchase 50, including the 20 covered by this week’s grant. The agency earlier this year received funding from the Houston-Galveston Area Council, which doles out some federal money in the area, for 20 electric 40-foot buses — those that typically operate local routes — and ten smaller shuttles that often operate MetroLift paratransit routes.
See here for the most recent update. It’s obviously going to take awhile to replace the whole fleet, but you have to start somewhere. Hopefully, there will be more federal funds available in the future to help. Kudos to all for getting this going. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106580 | 2022-08-14T10:33:04Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106580 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
As you may infer, I’m not impressed.
Deshaun Watson’s best play in his preseason debut with the Cleveland Browns came long before he took the field in Jacksonville.
Watson apologized Friday “to all the women I have impacted” after being accused by two dozen women of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions.
Potentially facing a year-long suspension, Watson publicly expressed remorse and contrition for the first time since he was accused of sexually harassing or assaulting the women during therapy sessions in 2020 and 2021.
He spoke before the team’s exhibition opener, a 24-13 victory against the Jaguars (0-2) in which Watson was roundly booed during three series of work. Fans in one end zone could be heard chanting vulgarities at Watson during his first drive.
[…]
“Look, I want to say that I’m truly sorry to all of the women that I have impacted in this situation,” Watson said in the pregame interview. “The decisions that I made in my life that put me in this position I would definitely like to have back, but I want to continue to move forward and grow and learn and show that I am a true person of character and I am going to keep pushing forward.”
Watson has denied any wrongdoing, and grand juries in two Texas counties declined to indict him on criminal complaints. He settled 23 of 24 civil lawsuits.
I hope I don’t have to explain why that “apology” is lame and meaningless. I suspect that Watson is beginning to fear that his suspension will be lengthened, and this is his feeble attempt to mitigate. I can’t imagine it would have any effect, and frankly if this is the best he can do then he better hope it doesn’t have a negative effect. But I suppose you never know. ESPN and Yahoo Sports have more. | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106582 | 2022-08-14T10:33:11Z | offthekuff.com | control | http://www.offthekuff.com/wp/?p=106582 | 1 | 1 | green-iguana-35 | null |
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