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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/stars-fans-photos-may-1-2023/3248017/ | 2023-05-01T23:36:06 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/stars-fans-photos-may-1-2023/3248017/ |
Authorities on Monday still had not captured a gunman in Texas who killed five neighbors, and as the search dragged into a third day with false alarms and few apparent leads, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott faced backlash over drawing attention to the victims' immigration status.
An FBI agent on the scene near Houston acknowledged they have little to go on in the widening manhunt for 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza, who has been deported four times since 2009, but who neighbors say lived on their street for years prior to Friday night's shooting.
Abbott offered a $50,000 reward over the weekend for any tips that might lead to Oropeza, and while doing so, the three-term governor described on Twitter all the victims as "illegal immigrants" - a potentially false statement that his office walked back and apologized for Monday. Critics accused Abbott, who has made hardline immigration measures a signature issue in Texas, of putting politics into the shooting.
KPRC in Houston reported that at least one of the victims was a permanent legal resident, despite the governor's claim.
"We've since learned that at least one of the victims may have been in the United States legally," Abbott spokeswoman Renae Eze said in a statement. "We regret if the information was incorrect and detracted from the important goal of finding and arresting the criminal. The true focus remains on catching this heinous criminal who killed five innocent people and bringing the full weight of Texas law against him."
Eze said information provided by federal officials after the shooting had indicated that the suspect and victims were in the country illegally. Her statement did not address why Abbott mentioned their status in his original statement and she did not immediately respond to questions about the criticism.
Law enforcement on the scene has not confirmed the citizenship status of the victims, all of whom were from Honduras. By describing them as "illegal immigrants" on Sunday in his first public statement about the shooting - and perhaps incorrectly - Abbott came under criticism from immigrant rights groups and Democrats.
Texas News
News from around the state of Texas.
"It is indefensible to any right-hearted Texan to use divisive language to smear innocent victims," said Domingo Garcia, president of the League of United Latin American Citizens.
"LULAC firmly believes that every human being, regardless of their immigration status, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect," says Rodolfo Rosales Jr., Texas LULAC state director. "We advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the issue's complexities while upholding the fundamental values of compassion, justice, and fairness. Gov. Abbott should apologize immediately for his callousness."
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center also criticized Abbott on Twitter for "using social media to amplify language painting a specific narrative intended to alter the way you view + treat the people around you."
"When we read things like that statement from Abbott and his social media team we are confronted with a choice," ILRC tweeted. "Do we want to live in a world where people are not granted their dignity and humanity even in the face of unimaginable tragedy? Or do we want — this? 'May their surviving family find peace and healing moving forward — we stand with Texans as they mourn this tragedy.'"
The victims were identified as Diana Velazquez Alvarado, 21; Julisa Molina Rivera, 31; Jose Jonathan Casarez, 18; Sonia Argentina Guzman, 25; and Daniel Enrique Laso, 9.
DRAGNET WIDENS FOR SUSPECT IN EXECUTION-STYLE SHOOTING THAT LEFT 5 DEAD
More than 250 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Marshals, are now part of a growing search that has come up empty despite additional manpower, scent-tracking dogs and a total of $80,000 in reward money on the table.
On Monday, a heavy presence of police converged in an area where the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reported a possible sighting but later said none of the persons were found to be Oropeza. It was one of the first times since the shooting that authorities had announced a possible sighting of Oropeza.
"I can tell you right now, we have zero leads," James Smith, the FBI special agent in charge, said Sunday.
Oropeza is considered armed and dangerous after fleeing the area Friday night, likely on foot. San Jacinto County Sheriff Greg Capers said authorities had widened the search area beyond the scene of the shooting, which occurred after the suspect's neighbors asked him to stop firing off rounds in his yard late at night because a baby was trying to sleep.
At a Sunday vigil in Cleveland, Wilson Garcia, the father of the 1-month-old, described the terrifying efforts inside his home by friends and family that night to escape, hide and shield themselves and children after Oropeza walked up to the home and began firing, killing his wife first at the front door.
Police recovered the AR-15-style rifle that they said Oropeza used in the shootings. Authorities were not sure if Oropeza was carrying another weapon after others were found in his home.
The alleged shooter is a Mexican national who has been deported four times, according to a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because public disclosure was not authorized.
The official said the gunman was first deported in March 2009 and last in July 2016. He was also deported in September 2009 and January 2012.
Capers said he hoped the reward money would motivate people to provide information and that there were plans to put up billboards in Spanish to spread the word.
Veronica Pineda, 34, who lives across the street from the suspect's home, said authorities had stopped by her house over the weekend to ask if they could search her property to see if the gunman might be hiding there. She said she was fearful that the gunman had not yet been captured.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Texas Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-252-TIPS (800-252-8477). | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-faces-backlash-as-search-for-mass-gunman-drags-on/3247927/ | 2023-05-01T23:36:07 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/texas-gov-greg-abbott-faces-backlash-as-search-for-mass-gunman-drags-on/3247927/ |
Hillcrest High School senior Andrea Tchinda is heading to Harvard next school year. "Class of 2027," Tchina said, pointing to her Harvard hoodie with a big smile.
Five years ago, Tchinda moved with her family from Central Africa to North Texas in search of a better life for Tchinda and her younger sisters.
"I moved April 11, 2018," Tchinda said. "I didn't know how to speak English."
Now, Tchinda is a straight-A student, taking advanced placement and college classes. She's also captain of the varsity basketball team.
"Well, first of all, she sits very front row. I mean, she could not be closer to the board," Advanced Placement biology teacher Claire Reeves pointed out. "She's really a top student in a lot of ways. One thing that definitely stands out is I have to study for her!"
Tchinda will attend Harvard on a full-ride scholarship.
"I was like, 'hey, dad, look at this,'" Tchinda said. "'Harvard is giving to me $86,000!' And we click on 'details' and we saw that everything was covered. Parent contribution, zero!"
Tchinda said her parents left good jobs in Cameroon to give her and her little sisters a chance for a better life in America.
"Whenever I think about Harvard, just being able to reward my parents, and just rewarding myself for all the hard work that I've put in," Tchinda said. "All the time that I've prayed, that I've cried, that I thought that I wasn't going to do it, and being able to have this hoodie on, it's just showing me that you did it!"
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Tchinda plans to study computer science.
"Everything is possible," Tchinda said. "Just bet on yourself!"
She'll attend Harvard on a full-ride scholarship. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/with-full-scholarship-dallas-isd-student-to-go-from-hillcrest-h-s-to-harvard/3247987/ | 2023-05-01T23:36:13 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/with-full-scholarship-dallas-isd-student-to-go-from-hillcrest-h-s-to-harvard/3247987/ |
4 arrested in Pontiac fatal shooting
Four people were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting last weekend of a 22-year-old man in Pontiac, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office said Monday.
The shooting was reported near Hammond and Nelson around 12:39 a.m. Saturday. Deputies called to the scene found Armani Terrell Baker's body in the front seat of a Ford Fusion in the street with its doors open, investigators said in a statement.
Baker had been shot multiple times, according to the release.
Later Saturday, authorities arrested two 18-year-old men, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old in connection with the incident. All four are from Pontiac.
The 18-year-olds are being held in the Oakland County Jail. The youths were being held in Children’s Village.
Detectives believe the motive for the shooting was robbery.
“Across this county and the country, it just seems there is less and less value placed on life,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “The tragic loss of a life as a result of a petty robbery is an example. We look forward to these four being held fully accountable for this senseless violent act.” | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/05/01/4-arrested-in-pontiac-fatal-shooting/70172372007/ | 2023-05-01T23:43:26 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/05/01/4-arrested-in-pontiac-fatal-shooting/70172372007/ |
A Norfolk-based bank has announced plans for a second Lincoln location.
Midwest Bank, which has a Lincoln location at 2655 Jamie Lane, said it plans to open a second branch at 7001 Pioneers Boulevard.
“We are very excited about this new branch location, and we feel that it will enhance our service delivery to this community and be convenient for our clients,” said Brian Wolford, market president of the Lincoln branches, said in a news release.
The new branch, which is being renovated and is scheduled to open early next year, will be a full-service branch with drive-up teller lanes, an ATM and agriculture, commercial, consumer, and mortgage lenders onsite.
Midwest Bank, which has operated in Lincoln since 2008, has locations in eight other Nebraska cities.
The U.S. economy added 236,000 jobs in March while unemployment ticked back down to 3.5%, according to the latest jobs report.
How business survival strategies compare during recessions versus COVID-19
How business survival strategies compare during recessions versus COVID-19
Only some companies that survived the COVID-19 crisis can use the same blueprint for the next economic downturn.
To compare business strategies for surviving the recent COVID-19 crisis and a typical recession, altLINE analyzed research from the World Bank, data from the Federal Reserve, and news reports.
A recession is usually defined as two back-to-back fiscal quarters in which the total amount of all goods and services declines. The COVID-19 pandemic began with a deep but brief recession in the U.S. economy, unlike any that preceded it in modern history. The ultimate effect was like flipping a light switch off for a couple of weeks and then turning it back on again.
As local officials announced restrictions on which types of businesses could stay in operation, many businesses feared the worst from the unknown virus. Companies and workers in sectors including travel, hospitality, entertainment, and events were hit especially hard with an abrupt halt to most social and in-person activities.
As uncertainty reigned, the U.S. GDP actually increased 12% in the two years spanning the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2019 through Q4 2021, a huge economic win compared with the 1918 influenza pandemic . During the two years following that influenza outbreak, experts estimate, global economies contracted 6%.
But a recession, much like the impact of COVID-19, is also "a high-pressure exercise in change management," as Harvard Business Review contributing editor Walter Frick observed. And that supreme uncertainty enveloping COVID-19 was felt not only by employers but their employees, too.
bluedog studio // Shutterstock
Businesses that survived the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 were more productive firms
The firms that survived the introduction of COVID-19 had one statistically significant key factor—their employees were more productive, according to a study from the World Bank .
The authors concluded that the strong correlation between sales per worker annually and the death of firms suggested a market "cleansing" of inefficient companies.
By the summer of 2021, tumultuous pandemic conditions forced at least 3.5% of businesses to close their doors permanently worldwide, according to conservative estimates from the World Bank study. In some developed countries, that estimate varied. Italy is estimated to have lost at least 8% of its businesses by that time. The country was an epicenter of disease early on in the pandemic.
Some countries suffered even more devastating losses on the upper end of World Bank estimates. In Mongolia, estimates suggest some 1 in 5 businesses went under.
In the past, productivity was not necessarily cited as an end-all-be-all factor in surviving typical recessions. Since a recession tends to be accompanied by decreased demand for goods and services, fewer people and work hours are needed to produce enough goods to meet demand.
But in 2020, the federal government rapidly issued increased unemployment assistance and thousands of dollars in stimulus that allowed consumers to continue spending money regardless of whether they remained employed.
UfaBizPhoto // Shutterstock
Firms pivoted entire business models overnight
Some businesses were prepared to meet the demand—large ones, at least. Amazon had built the largest private logistics network in modern U.S. history, allowing consumers to have nearly anything they wanted delivered to their homes.
Public data shows that businesses that suffered the most under COVID-19 were in the service industry—restaurants, hotels, and live event companies that were forced to close under safer-at-home regulations. Even after rules loosened though, many continued to see steep declines as wary customers stayed away.
Convincing customers to come back wasn't due to lack of trying, though. Event venues shelled out for accreditations like the GBAC-STAR to tout they had adequate public health practices in place for visitors. Like a scene ripped straight from Hollywood, it became commonplace to see hotels using electrostatic sprayers to decontaminate rooms, and plexiglass shields were erected at front desks, cash registers, and restaurant dining rooms across the country.
But these companies, especially small ones, also launched new products, adapting to the changing needs of a country stricken by a pandemic. Hotels rented out rooms as office space for local white-collar workers dismissed from large office buildings and business travel obligations. Restaurants rolled out curbside pickup with online ordering.
Traditionally, any recession can threaten existing business models since consumer demand shifts in affected industries. But the pressure builds more gradually and has often led companies to focus on cutting costs throughout a downturn to survive.
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
Businesses historically have more time to react to a recession as opposed to a public health crisis
There have been 13 recessions in the U.S. economy since World War II, and no two have looked the same. They do, however, share characteristics, according to leading economic research. And while recession indicators can appear in just one fiscal quarter, conditions typically decline more slowly than in 2020.
A recent study of economic indicators accompanying recessions from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis shows just how steep the dropoff in incomes, payroll employment, production, and retail sales was after COVID-19 compared to past downturns. Employment levels plummeted by 15% as more than 20 million people lost their jobs between February 2020 and April 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . The staggering job loss broke the prior record set during the Great Recession (2007-2009), when 6% of jobs were lost.
In a typical recession, businesses often begin taking action to preserve cash as indicators first start to show, whereas the sudden onset of the pandemic caught many businesses by surprise. For example, the retail and hospitality industries were disproportionately affected by social distancing health restrictions. With little time to prepare for the impact, the hard-hit sector shed more than 8 million workers from payrolls in March 2020 and April 2020 alone.
mavo // Shutterstock
COVID-19 forced companies to invest, whereas typical recessions require spending cuts
The U.S. government may not have adequately prepared for the public health crisis, having had its pandemic infrastructure that was built upon decades of Democratic and Republican administrations gutted by the Trump administration, but the private industry was ready.
Commercially available technologies had arrived at an opportune time by 2020. Video conference calling had been steadily gaining ground in board rooms and businesses across the country, thanks to companies that emerged in the aftermath of recessions such as Skype (launched in 2003) and Zoom (launched in 2011). Internet connectivity has only increased in availability since 2008, and workplaces are more connected than ever with real-time collaborative applications like Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Companies that had been slow to evolve digitally suddenly saw an opportunity to lean into internet-connected services that allowed the public to isolate themselves while still working, eating, shopping, and socializing. Financial, artificial intelligence, and health care-focused tech companies staffed up en masse.
Software and IT infrastructure writ large saw widespread investment as companies pulled back on investing in the construction of buildings, according to a Deloitte analysis of Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
PaeGAG // Shutterstock
Lobbying strength can sway survivability for industries no matter the crisis
Businesses banded together in the early days of the COVID-19 crisis and the Great Recession to flex their influence over lawmakers with an ultimatum: If you let us die, the jobs die, too.
Bailouts for the automotive manufacturing industry in 2008 and 2009 saved 1.5 million American jobs and the companies that employed them.
On the contrary, the live events industry that crawled out of the COVID-19 wreckage in late 2020 provides a case study of what can happen when those channels with the government aren't already open. The industry had difficulty appealing to lawmakers for more targeted relief.
Prior to the financial crisis of 2008, businesses in the service sector had remained more resilient through recessions compared to manufacturing sector firms, according to a 2010 study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond . Where a downturn in consumer spending might have meant large firms could trim costs to survive in past recessions, COVID-19's impact was prolonged and came with different barriers to doing business than simply reduced propensities to spend.
A coalition of businesses, including Live Nation and SAG-AFTRA, banded together to launch the #SaveLiveEvents campaign, encouraging Americans to lobby representatives for more assistance for events industry workers and small venues.
This story originally appeared on altLINE and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
The business news you need
Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. | https://journalstar.com/business/local/norfolk-bank-plans-second-lincoln-location/article_a3e436aa-e837-11ed-b614-9b204b94d09c.html | 2023-05-01T23:48:58 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/business/local/norfolk-bank-plans-second-lincoln-location/article_a3e436aa-e837-11ed-b614-9b204b94d09c.html |
One person was hospitalized Monday afternoon after he was shot by Lincoln Police and Nebraska State Patrol investigators in a west Lincoln parking lot, according to authorities.
The shooting occurred at about 2:45 p.m. Monday when three members of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force — a unit made up of plainclothes investigators from the Lincoln Police Department, State Patrol and Lancaster County Sheriff's Office — confronted a white man who had been following them near Northwest 27th and West O streets, Chief Lancaster County Sheriff’s Deputy Ben Houchin said.
At least one State Patrol trooper and one Lincoln Police officer shot at the armed man before "immediately" rendering first aid, according to the State Patrol.
Lincoln Fire and Rescue crews took the man to a local hospital following the shooting, authorities told reporters Monday afternoon.
The man, who has not been identified, was in critical condition Monday afternoon.
No officers were injured in the shooting, which happened in a parking lot just west of Northwest 27th Street along West O Street.
Authorities did not release the identity of the officers involved Monday. Both investigators have been placed on administrative leave in accordance with each agency’s policy, according to the State Patrol.
The man who police shot was armed, but it's unclear if he fired toward police, the State Patrol said. Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene.
"Clearly, the officers involved perceived a deadly threat and responded according to that perceived threat," Col. John Bolduc, the head of the State Patrol, told reporters at the scene Monday afternoon.
Houchin indicated the man had been following the investigators in his vehicle in the moments before the shooting. Bolduc said what led up the confrontation was unclear, but indicated the man had been the subject of a narcotics investigation prior to Monday's shooting.
"This is part of a larger effort to combat drug and weapons trafficking in the city," he said. "And this incident resulted from that type of investigation."
In the minutes after the shooting, several police officers — some wearing plainclothes and others armed with long guns — converged on the Super 8 motel a block east of the shooting scene and took one man into custody.
Houchin said the man who was shot is believed to have been staying at the Super 8, but his relationship to the second man was unclear.
The second man was not directly involved in the shooting, Houchin said. Police took him to the Lincoln Police headquarters after detaining him.
The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, which employs deputies who serve on the same task force as the investigators who shot the man Monday, will conduct an investigation into the shooting.
Bolduc said the appointment of the sheriff's office to lead the investigation is the "best practice," since the sheriff's office is "a third agency" and was not involved directly in the shooting.
Members of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force generally drive unmarked cruisers and wear plainclothes as they investigate drug and weapons crimes. Task force investigators don't wear body cameras.
In that instance, a plainclothes investigator, Adam Strode, shot and killed German Pedraza at an apartment near 19th and G streets as the Columbus man reached for a handgun. A grand jury later cleared Strode of any wrongdoing in the shooting.
The sheriff's office is expected to release additional details on Monday's shooting at the agency's media briefing Tuesday morning.
Most dangerous states to drive in
Most dangerous states to drive in
Driving is dangerous—perhaps even the most dangerous thing most Americans do in their everyday lives. Behind the wheel of a hunk of metal and plastic weighing an average of more than 2 tons , drivers aren't just risking their own lives and those of their passengers, but of everyone else on the road—or near it—as well.
The usual suspects of speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are continuing to put Americans at risk on highways and roads. About 39,000 people died in car accidents in the U.S. in 2020—an average of over 100 people per day. That's more fatalities on U.S. roads than in any year since 2007 , reversing what had been a downward trend in driving-related deaths. The alarming death toll exists despite manufacturers continuing to add increasingly advanced safety features to cars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Stacker used the Federal Highway Administration's 2020 Highway Statistics Report to rank states by fatalities per billion miles traveled, and to compare each to national averages.
Read on to discover the most dangerous states to drive in.
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SKT Studio // Shutterstock
#51. Massachusetts
- Total fatalities: 6.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (7.0 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 6.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.6 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 10.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (7.8 less than the national average)
A.Ruiz // Shutterstock
#50. Minnesota
- Total fatalities: 7.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.7 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 5.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.6 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 10.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (7.3 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#49. New Hampshire
- Total fatalities: 8.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.7 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 6.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.6 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 11.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (6.2 less than the national average)
Winston Tan // Shutterstock
#48. New Jersey
- Total fatalities: 8.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.6 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 8.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.4 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 12.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.5 less than the national average)
mploscar // GoodFreePhotos
#47. Utah
- Total fatalities: 9.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.2 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 7.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.1 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 12.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.5 less than the national average)
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Pasteur // Wikimedia Commons
#46. Hawaii
- Total fatalities: 9.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.7 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 10.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.4 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 6.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (12.0 less than the national average)
Anthony Quintano // Wikimedia Commons
#45. Rhode Island
- Total fatalities: 9.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.6 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 9.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.7 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.6 less than the national average)
Will Hart // Flickr
#44. Connecticut
- Total fatalities: 9.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.5 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 9.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.5 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.5 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#43. New York
- Total fatalities: 10.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.2 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 9.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.3 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 13.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.1 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#42. Vermont
- Total fatalities: 10.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.0 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 7.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.3 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 11.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (6.7 less than the national average)
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NEKVT // Shutterstock
#41. Washington
- Total fatalities: 10.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.9 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 8.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.5 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.8 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#40. Wisconsin
- Total fatalities: 10.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.7 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 8.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.7 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 13.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.1 less than the national average)
David Mark // Pixabay
#39. Maryland
- Total fatalities: 11.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.2 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.8 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 9.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (8.9 less than the national average)
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#38. Virginia
- Total fatalities: 11.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.2 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 7.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.5 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 18.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.4 more than the national average)
Famartin // Wikimedia Commons
#36. North Dakota
- Total fatalities: 11.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.0 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 8.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.4 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 12.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.2 less than the national average)
FiledIMAGE // Shutterstock
#35. Indiana
- Total fatalities: 11.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.7 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 7.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.1 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 18.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.7 more than the national average)
Pixabay
#34. Washington D.C.
- Total fatalities: 11.9 per billion miles traveled (1.5 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.9 per billion miles traveled (1.1 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: Not applicable
Pixabay
#33. Ohio
- Total fatalities: 11.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.4 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 10.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.7 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.0 less than the national average)
Tanner Daniels // GoodFreePhotos
#32. Nebraska
- Total fatalities: 12.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.4 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 7.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.8 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.9 less than the national average)
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Napa // Wikimedia Commons
#31. Alaska
- Total fatalities: 12.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.3 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 9.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.5 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.9 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#30. Idaho
- Total fatalities: 12.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.1 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 6.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.4 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 16.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.5 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#29. Michigan
- Total fatalities: 12.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.8 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.3 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.6 less than the national average)
Picryl
#28. Maine
- Total fatalities: 12.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.8 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 8.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.7 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 14.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.8 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#27. Nevada
- Total fatalities: 12.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.8 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.5 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 17.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.7 less than the national average)
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Annica Beckman // Pixabay
#26. Illinois
- Total fatalities: 12.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.7 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.7 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.9 less than the national average)
Rudy Balasko // Shutterstock
#25. Colorado
- Total fatalities: 12.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.6 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.7 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.5 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#24. California
- Total fatalities: 12.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.5 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 10.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.1 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 21.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.1 more than the national average)
Pixabay
#23. Pennsylvania
- Total fatalities: 12.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.5 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.2 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 16.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.1 less than the national average)
Pixabay
#22. Wyoming
- Total fatalities: 13.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.4 less than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 9.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.4 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 14.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.0 less than the national average)
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Airman 1st Class Connor J. Marth // U.S. Air Force
#21. Missouri
- Total fatalities: 13.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.2 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 12.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.5 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.0 less than the national average)
Jan Kronsell // Wikimedia Commons
#20. Alabama
- Total fatalities: 13.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.4 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 10.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.4 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 18.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.5 more than the national average)
Formulanone // Wikimedia Commons
#19. Delaware
- Total fatalities: 13.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.5 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 10.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.2 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 23.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.1 more than the national average)
Elvert Barnes // Flickr
#18. Georgia
- Total fatalities: 14.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.0 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.9 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 22.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.2 more than the national average)
cate_89 // Shuttertstock
#17. North Carolina
- Total fatalities: 14.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.1 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 10.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.5 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 22.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.0 more than the national average)
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Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#16. South Dakota
- Total fatalities: 14.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.1 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.3 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 15.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.2 less than the national average)
Connor 401 // Wikimedia Commons
#15. Texas
- Total fatalities: 14.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.5 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 12.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.7 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 21.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.8 more than the national average)
Joseph Sohm // Shutterstock
#14. Kansas
- Total fatalities: 15.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.9 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.8 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 19.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.0 more than the national average)
Pixabay
#13. Oklahoma
- Total fatalities: 15.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.2 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 12.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.6 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 18.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.5 more than the national average)
Sean Pavone // Shutterstock
#12. Oregon
- Total fatalities: 15.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.4 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.2 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.4 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 23.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.9 more than the national average)
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Oregon Department of Transportation // Flickr
#11. Tennessee
- Total fatalities: 15.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.6 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 13.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.9 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 20.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.4 more than the national average)
Katherine Welles // Shutterstock
#10. Florida
- Total fatalities: 16.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.6 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 13.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.3 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 21.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.9 more than the national average)
FloridaStock // Shutterstock
#9. Arizona
- Total fatalities: 16.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.7 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 12.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.5 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 20.9 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.8 more than the national average)
Mavrick // Shutterstock
#8. West Virginia
- Total fatalities: 16.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.3 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 11.4 deaths per billion miles traveled (0.7 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 20.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.5 more than the national average)
Pixabay
#7. New Mexico
- Total fatalities: 16.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.4 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 19.3 deaths per billion miles traveled (8.5 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 14.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.3 less than the national average)
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Andriy Blokhin // Shutterstock
#6. Kentucky
- Total fatalities: 16.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.4 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 13.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.2 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 19.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.7 more than the national average)
11photo // Shutterstock
#5. Louisiana
- Total fatalities: 17.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.7 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 15.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.3 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 20.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (2.0 more than the national average)
Tim Roberts Photography // Shutterstock
#4. Montana
- Total fatalities: 17.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.2 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 6.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.8 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 22.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.4 more than the national average)
Tim Evanson // Flickr
#3. Arkansas
- Total fatalities: 18.8 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.4 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 6.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.2 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 12.6 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.6 less than the national average)
Jonathannsegal // Shutterstock
#2. Mississippi
- Total fatalities: 19.0 deaths per billion miles traveled (5.6 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 14.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (3.7 more than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 22.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (4.0 more than the national average)
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Pixabay
#1. South Carolina
- Total fatalities: 19.7 deaths per billion miles traveled (6.3 more than the national average)
- Urban fatalities: 9.5 deaths per billion miles traveled (1.2 less than the national average)
- Rural fatalities: 32.1 deaths per billion miles traveled (13.9 more than the national average)
f11photo // Shutterstock
Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com . On Twitter @andrewwegley
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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has become one of 133 colleges and universities to earn a gold rating from the Association for Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.
The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System — better known as STARS — tracks the efforts of hundreds of universities to curb greenhouse gas emissions, improve building efficiency, and further other sustainability initiatives on their campuses.
UNL, which has more than 50 individuals who compile activities and data points for its report, has participated in the STARS program since 2014, when it earned a bronze rating. It reached a silver rating in 2016.
The gold rating was awarded April 23 and will be good for three years.
“Our Office of Sustainability has been working to achieve this gold rating for nearly a decade, and I am proud of our campus community for the continued dedication to our sustainability efforts,” said Jim Jackson, associate vice chancellor for university operations.
While the name implies a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions — UNL has reported a 20% drop in its emissions between 2017 and 2019 — STARS actually reflects data points in five broader areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, as well as innovation and leadership.
For example, UNL reported efforts to install automatic thermostats in its buildings that go into low-energy mode at nights, focused on achieving a bicycle friendly campus designation, as well as expanded efforts to offer classes about sustainability.
UNL's report also highlighted the formation of the Environment, Sustainability and Resiliency Council responsible for moving the university toward its sustainability goals, the use of biodigesters in Dining Services, and an "All in the Hall" recycling program that focuses on minimizing the waste sent to the landfill.
Hartman said UNL plans to continue its sustainability programs with the goal of achieving a platinum designation, something only 12 institutions have done so far.
"Platinum is our ultimate goal, but we remain focused on making continued progress on goals outlined in UNL's Environment, Sustainability and Resilience Master Plan ," Hartman said. "Our combined work has ushered in a new era of sustainability for this university, and that's momentum that we want to keep building upon."
Top Journal Star photos for April 2023
Opponents of LB626 celebrate in the Rotunda Thursday after the bill fails to advance after failing one vote short of cloture. The bill sought to ban abortions in Nebraska after about 6 six weeks.
LARRY ROBINSON, Journal Star
Lincoln East's Kenneth Williams (left) finishes first in the 200-meter dash at 22.153 with Lincoln East's Gabe Miles finishing second at 22.158 during the LPS Championship, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Beechner Athletic Complex.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
A gosling waddles along the shore of a small pond as it looks for food on Wednesday at Pioneers Park in Lincoln. Within 24 hours of hatching, goslings, or baby geese, can dive underwater 30 to 40 feet. Goslings stay with their parents for their first year of life and as they grow older tend to group together in "gang broods" that can oftentimes number in the hundreds.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Shinedown's Zach Myers rocks out on his guitar as he performs during Shinedown’s Revolutions Live Tour on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Six-year-old Hsa Lay Hser revels in a cascade of bubbles as he tries to pop them before they fly away during Bubblepoolza on Tuesday at Whittier Field. UNL hosted the free event for students with children. Families were able to explore painting with bubbles, a bubble snake, a bubble tower and rainbow foam. All attendees left with free kits to recreate the activities at home.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Lincoln Stars' Patrick Raft (9) celebrates with fans after scoring a goal against Des Moines at the Ice Box on Monday, April 24, 2023.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
Nebraska's Marcus Washington (left) is defended by Syncere Safeeullah during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims (14) celebrates with offensive lineman Ethan Piper (57) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
Sparky chows down on an oats and molasses birthday cake held by UNL equestrian team assistant coach Ibby Rodgers as they celebrate his 30th birthday on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Nebraska Animal Science Barn in Lincoln.
The birthday party for one of the eldest members of the UNL equestrian team brought a steady crowd of faces new and old. "Sparky was the first horse I rode when I joined the Equestrian team," alumni Tatem Vance remarked. "He means a lot to me and he's just everyone's favorite." While Pony rides and horse kissing booths attracted some. The prospect of seeing the old man on his 30th birthday was the main event. Visitors were all able to wish the birthday boy his birthday wishes. Often with a ninny or nibble on patrons shirt. "He kind of has an old man personality but in the best way possible," UNL equestrian Team assistant coach Ibby Rodgers said. "He also has no teeth, so he is also like a grandpa that way."
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Boys run the 800 meter final during the Harold Scott Invite Thursday at Beechner Athletic Complex.
LARRY ROBINSON, Journal Star
Lincoln Southwest's Charley Kort is dogpiled after scoring against Lincoln East during the HAC soccer championship match Wednesday at Seacrest Field.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Creighton players celebrate Andrew Meggs' run against Nebraska with teammate Tyler Lozano, Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at Haymarket Park.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Lincoln Southeast students, senior Grayson Waller (from left), senior Micah Brusnahan and junior Parker Horvath react to stock prices during Junior Achievement's stock market challenge on Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Troops from the Nebraska National Guard Company A, 2-134th Infantry Battalion march on to the field to take part in a departure ceremony on Sunday at Memorial Stadium. One hundred thirty-one Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers of Company A, 2-134th Infantry Battalion were seen off by their families and elected officials on Sunday. The Guard unit, based in Mead, is deploying overseas to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility where it will serve as a security force working with other U.S. military and partner nation forces.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lightning strikes above Memorial Stadium during a severe thunderstorm over Lincoln on Friday, April 14, 2023.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
Nebraska's Cole Evans (bottom) slides into home for a run against Northwestern's Cooper Foard (7) Friday at Haymarket Park.
LARRY ROBINSON, Journal Star
A Lincoln Fire and Rescue firefighter walks across charred grass after a grass fire near the eastbound lane of US-34 on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
Sparks and smoke rise from a the workbench where Lincoln East senior Blake Allen welds together two pieces of metal on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at The Career Academy in Lincoln. Lincoln East senior Blake Allen has been welding large letters to spell out a word. He plans to place the letters around the city for his capstone project at The Career Academy. His project honors a fellow welder and Lincoln East student.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lincoln Fire & Rescue personnel leave the site of a fire covered in insulation from inside the walls of a mobile home on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, near North First Street and Cornhusker Highway in Lincoln. Lincoln Fire and Rescue crews responded to the fire, near North First Street and Cornhusker Highway, just before 2 p.m. Wednesday and found a mobile home fully engulfed, Battalion Chief Jeremy Gegg said. One firefighter was injured while fighting the blaze, which totally destroyed a mobile home at 342 Alexander Road and caused damage to the exterior of a neighboring unit, which was vacant, Gegg said.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Meg Jackson, Jordan Hasselbalch, Kenna Lehmann, Allison Johnson and one individual who did not give their name (from left) hold a sign that spells out "no bans" outside the Capitol on Wednesday. Groups on either side of the abortion debate rallied at the Capitol as debate began on LB626.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Pius X's Reese Kortum (left) dives for second base as the ball flies by Lincoln Southwest's Karter Chamberlain during a HAC baseball tournament quarterfinal game Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Sherman Field.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
Briana DeSanctis poses with her stuffed rucksack at the Husker Bar II on Monday in Brainard. DeSanctis is traveling the American Discovery Trail and aims to be the first solo woman to complete the trip in its entirety. The trail brought her from Delaware before she stopped for a drink and a bite to eat.
LARRY ROBINSON, Journal Star
Nebraska defensive backs line up for drills during practice on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at the Hawks Championship Center in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska's Laney Choboy (right) dives to save the ball from hitting the floor as players scrimmage during a volleyball spring practice session on Monday at the Devaney Sports Center.
KENNETH FERRIERA ,Journal Star
Anna Johansen organizes quarter annuals by type on the opening day for Canoyer Garden Center on Monday, April 10, 2023, in Lincoln. The new shop is the second Canoyer Garden Center in Nebraska. The family-owned business sells a selection of annuals, herbs, houseplants, home décor, and other gardening supplies.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Escher Deal, 7 (right), cracks open an egg filled with pennies into a donation basket alongside Mira Krafka, 6 (left), after an Easter Egg hunt at the Unitarian Church of Lincoln on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Eggs were filled with pennies instead of candy per usual Easter tradition, with the children receiving a lesson about giving back by donating the pennies they retrieve from the egg hunt into three different donation baskets. After donating the pennies, the kids got to choose from a various assortment of prizes. The baskets, which were evenly filled at the end of the prize frenzy, were for OutNebraska, a non-profit pro-LGBTQ+ advocacy group, Center for People in Need, a center aimed at addressing basic needs for low-income households, and Little Free Pantries, a network of Lincoln-based free-food pantries fully provided by donations to combat food insecurity in the community.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
Lincoln East's Brayden Bouwens (right) makes a save on a Lincoln Southeast shot on goal on Saturday at Seacrest Field.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
A more than yearlong campaign by First-Plymouth Church to erase the medical debt of residents in the Near South neighborhood will come to a close this Easter Sunday.
LARRY ROBINSON, Journal Star
Former Illinois prison director, Rob Jeffreys, is introduced as the new director of Nebraska Department of Correction Services at the Nebraska State Capitol on Monday, April 3, 2023.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
The Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility is photographed by drone on Friday, April 7, 2023. The Water Resource Recovery Facility sits on 51 acres along Salt Creek in the north central section of the City. the treatment facility has a maximum capacity of recovering 28 million gallons per day and on an average day presently recovers about 20 million gallons of water.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Malcolm's Carson Frank waits to bat against Lincoln Christian Thursday at Lincoln Christian High School.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Pius X's Basil Fulton (lleft,12) and Morgan Armagost (3, Center) fight for position against Lincoln East's Marek Laird (first left, 8), Owen Hunt (right, 6) and Luke Duden (5, far right) during a corner kick in the first half on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Lincoln Pius X High School.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Children, alongside Ella Bruce (top left), her mom BrieAnna Bruce (first left) and Hai Any Tran (right) vie for Easter eggs tossed into the pool during an Easter egg hunt, on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Northeast YMCA in Lincoln.
Those in attendance were able to meet the Easter Bunny and get their toes wet searching the pool for eggs. Participants made sure to bring their swimsuits and pool-friendly baskets. Eggs were exchanged for treats outside the pool.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
A Lincoln resident casts a ballot in the city primary election at North Star High School on Tuesday.
LARRY ROBINSON, Journal Star
Nebraska's Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda runs with the ball during a football practice, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Hawks Championship Center.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Lincoln Southeast students walk out of class Monday in protest of a bill in the Nebraska Legislature that would ban gender-affirming care for trans youths.
LARRY ROBINSON, Journal Star
Michigan's Ellie Sieler (1) slides into home, scoring a run, against Nebraska's Courtney Wallace (right) Sunday at Bowlin Stadium.
LARRY ROBINSON, Journal Star
Lincoln Stars' Mason Marcellus (right) slams Waterloo's Gavin Lindberg into the glass during the first period at the Ice Box on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
LARRY ROBINSON Journal Star
Dressed in Native American regalia, Many Moccasins Dance Troupe member Marysa Dominguez performs a shawl dance during the Return of the Thunderbirds celebration on Saturday at the Indian Center in Lincoln.
The event celebrates the time of year many Native peoples give thanks to the Thunder beings for providing rebirth with rain & thunder. It is also a time we celebrate the return of many migratory birds to Nebraska. The Audubon society and the Indian Center celebrated together with music, dance, food, arts, kids games and activities, and more.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com .
On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS
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Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/unl-earns-gold-rating-for-sustainability-practices/article_ea1f600c-e839-11ed-ba31-e76f930b2a3d.html | 2023-05-01T23:49:10 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/unl-earns-gold-rating-for-sustainability-practices/article_ea1f600c-e839-11ed-ba31-e76f930b2a3d.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — A man from Westchester County in New York died Sunday when the taxicab he and five other people were riding in collided with another car, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said.
Almir Pachariz, 49, of Yorktown Heights, was pronounced dead at Artic and North Missouri avenues, the Prosecutor's Office said Monday in a news release.
The crash happened about 3:40 a.m.
The taxi collided with a Tesla at the intersection, killing Pachariz and injuring the cab's other passengers and driver, the Prosecutor's Office said. The cab's passengers and driver were taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus.
The Tesla's driver, whom the Prosecutor's Office did not identify, was also taken to AtlantiCare. His injuries were not life threatening.
Anyone with additional information about the crash can call the Prosecutor's Office at 609-909-7800 or visit acpo.org/tip/new. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/man-killed-by-atlantic-city-taxicab-crash/article_8a8a43ea-e858-11ed-85ef-7714c1a3f14b.html | 2023-05-01T23:54:32 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/man-killed-by-atlantic-city-taxicab-crash/article_8a8a43ea-e858-11ed-85ef-7714c1a3f14b.html |
VINELAND — A Weymouth Township man faces charges after leaving the scene of a two-car crash Saturday, police said.
Robert V. Dubois II is charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, leaving the scene of a collision and failure to report a collision after fleeing the crash site at Dante and Lincoln avenues, police said Monday in a news release.
An eyewitness followed Dubois until officers reached him near the Cumberland Family Shelter on Mays Landing Road, police said.
Police did not say whether the crash injured Dubois or the other driver. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-charged-with-dwi-following-hit-and-run-crash-in-vineland/article_afd4fb96-e85c-11ed-9fa2-f30a203998e0.html | 2023-05-01T23:54:38 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-charged-with-dwi-following-hit-and-run-crash-in-vineland/article_afd4fb96-e85c-11ed-9fa2-f30a203998e0.html |
OCEAN CITY — The Board of Education on Thursday approved a $48.23 million budget for the 2023-24 school year, which does not include an increase in the tax rate.
The budget includes a tax rate of 19.9 cents for every $100 of assessed property value.
Based on that, the owner of a house assessed at $500,000 would pay $995 in school taxes next year, if there were any houses assessed at $500,000 in Ocean City.
Both the city and the school tend to use that number for examples of the tax rate impact. At the meeting, school Business Administrator Timothy Kelley said that reflects the assessed value, rather than the market value, but still said he should probably increase it to at least $600,000.
OCEAN CITY — However quickly the city’s school district hires a new superintendent, there wi…
“I promise I will next year,” he said. The tax impact is only for the school taxes, and does not include city or county taxes.
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The school tax rate will raise $24.6 million toward the budget, the largest portion of the needed revenue, Kelley told the board. The district also takes in $11.5 million in tuition, and an additional $2.9 million from school choice tuition aid. Ocean City is a kindergarten-through-12th grade district, with students from Sea Isle City, Upper Township, Corbin City and Longport attending Ocean City High School in addition to school choice students.
The budget total includes $2.67 million in special revenue funding, including $1.6 million in federal funding for different programs. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/no-tax-increase-in-ocean-city-school-budget/article_9d91bbfa-e865-11ed-9c90-6b3c2669d848.html | 2023-05-01T23:54:44 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/no-tax-increase-in-ocean-city-school-budget/article_9d91bbfa-e865-11ed-9c90-6b3c2669d848.html |
OCEAN CITY — However quickly the city’s school district hires a new superintendent, there will likely be a need for an interim super for at least a while after Matthew Friedman leaves the job in June.
That’s according to Board of Education President Chris Halliday, who discussed the district’s plans for a new superintendent search at last week’s meeting, which also saw calls for Lauren Gunther, the district’s current director of student services, to be named interim superintendent immediately.
The meeting saw several residents express frustration with Friedman, who’s been in the job for less than a year, with some speakers saying he renegotiated the terms of his contract even as he was interviewing for a new job.
In late March, the Quakertown Community School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, tapped Friedman as its new superintendent. Friedman started the top job in the Ocean City district last July, with a salary of $190,000.
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Members of the public spoke about Friedman’s leaving, and the district’s pending search for a new superintendent.
“We need a leader with a long-term personal and professional commitment to Ocean City students and to our community,” said resident Marie Hayes. “That means we need a superintendent who is willing to make our wonderful island his or her home.”
OCEAN CITY — About a dozen students at Ocean City High School walked out of classes Wednesda…
Her husband, Dave Hayes, also spoke at the meeting, as did Dave Breeden, the president of the group Fairness in Taxes, who said there have been three school board presidents, three principals and will be four superintendents while his daughter has attended Ocean City High School.
“Leadership matters,” he said. “Without leadership, you have an organization that is floundering.”
Victor Steniec, also a Fairness in Taxes representative, suggested Gunther as a temporary superintendent.
“We’d like to see that happen as soon as possible,” he said, saying she has the needed qualifications.
Friedman attended the meeting but did not address the comments. He is not expected to leave the job before the agreed upon date of June 30.
Steniec also challenged a reimbursement of $605 to Friedman for a trip to Chicago for professional development. Friedman had successfully sought a change to his contract this year that allowed for more time for professional development and conferences.
OCEAN CITY — The Board of Education this week launched its search for a new superintendent t…
That payment was removed from the agenda before the board vote.
Several of the same speakers also called for a change in the meeting times for the school board, which now meets on Thursdays at the same time as City Council. School board member Robin Shaffer introduced a motion to change the night of the meeting.
Many in town, himself included, would like to be able to attend both meetings. Halliday suggested the board could revisit that issue in the future. The meetings have been advertised for the year, board attorney Michael Stanton said.
Halliday said the board would plan a meeting to get public input on what the community would like to see in a future superintendent. He said the previous superintendent search is still very fresh.
On Friday, he said, the district will begin to sift through resumes and applications, with plans for a special meeting of the board to discuss the next steps in the process. There had been a special meeting held, mostly behind closed doors, after Friedman announced plans to leave the district.
The district posted notice of the superintendent job opening through the New Jersey Association of School Administrators and on the district’s website, with a deadline of May 5 to apply.
UPPER TOWNSHIP — The Board of Education on Monday introduced a $36.68 million operating budg…
Whomever the board choses, Halliday said that person will need time to inform their current job of their plans.
“We will likely be required to have an interim superintendent,” he said. “Even if we fill this position expeditiously, there will be a lag.” | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/residents-frustrated-with-pending-change-of-superintendent-in-ocean-city/article_c14b87d0-e85e-11ed-8288-c78d6d5930e9.html | 2023-05-01T23:54:50 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/residents-frustrated-with-pending-change-of-superintendent-in-ocean-city/article_c14b87d0-e85e-11ed-8288-c78d6d5930e9.html |
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP — From Tuesday through Friday, Oak Road will be closed to traffic between Tuckahoe Road and Union Road, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for drainage improvement work, Atlantic County officials said Monday.
Work is weather permitting.
Motorists should plan travel time accordingly or seek an alternate route. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/work-set-for-oak-road-in-buena-vista-township/article_b7a2cc2e-e86e-11ed-8950-bb8badf03cce.html | 2023-05-01T23:54:56 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/work-set-for-oak-road-in-buena-vista-township/article_b7a2cc2e-e86e-11ed-8950-bb8badf03cce.html |
PHOENIX — Nearly two weeks after vetoing a popular bill to expand the sale of home-cooked foods, Gov. Katie Hobbs still won't say what she wants changed in order to sign a new version.
Hobbs dodged repeated inquiries Monday about the legislation, which was approved by broad bipartisan majorities, and her veto. She would not answer any questions after giving a short speech at an annual ceremony to honor fallen officers of the Department of Public Safety before she was driven off by her DPS security detail.
The Democratic governor and her newly hired press aide have declined to address bipartisan complaints about what some saw as a racially offensive tinge in her veto message: She wrote that allowing what has become known as the "tamale bill'' to become law would open the door to items being cooked in home kitchens with "rodent or insect infestation.''
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In her April 18 veto of House Bill 2509, Hobbs said allowing certain cooked foods to be prepared by individuals and sold to the public would "significantly increase the risk of foodborne illness'' by allowing what are called "cottage food vendors'' to sell "high-risk foods.''
As Democrats who supported the original bill began talking about overriding the veto, several said they heard from the Governor's Office that Hobbs would be willing to sign a revised version. That was enough to convince 12 House Democrats who had voted for the measure to change their votes, uphold the veto — and keep Hobbs from being the first Arizona governor since 1981 to have a veto overridden.
But supporters of the measure as originally approved questioned the need for further alternations. They noted that Arizona has laws of more than a decade that allow for the sale of some home-prepared items such as cookies and cakes as long as they are not made from items that can spoil.
HB 2509 would have allowed people to legally sell cooked items like tamales, tortillas and pupusas, items already widely available, albeit illegally, in parking lots and in front of stores.
Rules included in the bill
The legislation included a new requirement for home food preparers to register with the Arizona Department of Health Services, complete a food handler training course from an accredited program and maintain active certification.
Any items offered for sale would have had to be labeled with the name and registration number of the preparer, a list of ingredients and the production date. There also would need to be a statement on the label that it was prepared in a home kitchen "not subject to public health inspection.''
The bill also included restrictions such as maintaining temperature and allowing items to be transported only once and never for longer than two hours.
Items containing fish or shellfish would be strictly forbidden for home preparation.
On Monday, Hobbs still would not provide specifics about changes she would support. About the only thing her press aide Christian Slater has said is that Hobbs was not asking for unannounced inspections.
Senate Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein, a Tempe Democrat who opposed the original bill and declined to vote to override the governor's veto, has floated the idea of some sort of limit on these home sales, whether by total volume or on a seasonal basis.
"We need to make sure that the bill is crafted to address these very small home sells,'' she said. "Largely, I'm hearing of people who do it seasonally, maybe around Christmas time or maybe they do it around another holiday or something, so that really is small scale.''
But Rep. Alma Hernandez, D-Tucson, a big supporter of the unsuccessful override attempt, made it clear she saw no reason to impose what she sees as artificial limits.
"That lady you bought tamales on, whatever corner you were on in Phoenix, she is not selling the tamales for fun,'' Hernandez said. "I guarantee you, she is selling the tamales to make an honest living and be able to provide for her family.''
Meanwhile, Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, sponsor of the original legislation, said Monday he has yet to hear from the Governor's Office what changes would make it acceptable to Hobbs.
Complaints about Hobbs' wording
The dispute is also over Hobbs' wording in the veto message about "rodent or insect infestation.''
"That is offensive,'' Hernandez said. "And I would be glad to put up my nana's kitchen or my mom's kitchen up against anyone's kitchen.''
Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, whose mother and grandmother are Mexican immigrants, took it a step further.
"Not only was the veto outrageous, but to continue to push racist tropes of homes riddled with insect infestation or rodent infestation, it will just not be tolerated in the year 2023,'' Shope said.
Neither the governor nor Slater would address that language or the bipartisan reaction.
Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-gov-dodges-questions-about-homecooked-tamale-sales-veto/article_8442e0f2-e84c-11ed-a1e0-ffcc339010c3.html | 2023-05-01T23:55:24 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/arizona-gov-dodges-questions-about-homecooked-tamale-sales-veto/article_8442e0f2-e84c-11ed-a1e0-ffcc339010c3.html |
GLENBURN -- Make-A-Wish Maine partnered with Harvey RV & Marine to grant a young boy's big wish.
Back in February 5-year-old Grayson Witham received the ultimate gift of a kidney transplant.
Now make a wish Maine is ready to help him celebrate after months of successful recovery.
"We're really in the business of hope and we know giving kids something positive to look forward to,” Sonya Purington, director of mission delivery for Make-A-Wish Maine.
The generous foundation and Harvey RV & Marine partnered to help children facing major medical needs find joy through the gift of a brand new camper.
Organizers said around 20 children have been gifted campers throughout their more than decade-long partnership.
"Grayson and his family love camping but haven't had a camper of their own. So when he had a chance for a wish he wished for his own pop up camper,” according to Purington.
"He goes camping all summer. Every summer. He'd rather be in a camper than his own house,” said Britney Pease, Grayson’s mom.
Grayson's family said he's excited and ready to break in the new camper.
"He's pretty excited." | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/boys-wish-comes-true-thanks-to-make-a-wish-maine/article_a28c5da2-e871-11ed-9965-877dcad71fe2.html | 2023-05-01T23:55:45 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/boys-wish-comes-true-thanks-to-make-a-wish-maine/article_a28c5da2-e871-11ed-9965-877dcad71fe2.html |
ELLSWORTH -- A month after being indicted by a Hancock County grand jury, Joshua Goncalves-Radding faced a judge for the first time.
He is currently facing a total of 17 charges, including three counts of manslaughter, four counts of operating under the influence resulting in death and multiple reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and aggravated driving to endanger charges.
Goncalves-Radding pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The charges stem from a crash that killed Brian Kenealy, Chase Fossett, Luke Simpson and Riley Ignacio-Cameron in the early morning hours of Dec. 10 on Shore Road.
An investigation conducted by the Maine state police found that alcohol and speed were factors in the crash.
Maine State Police say this is not the first time the defendant has been connected to alcohol-related incidents.
They say Goncalves-Radding was the passenger seat in a car stopped on shore road a month prior in October for going 90-miles-an-hour in a 45-mile-per-hour zone.
Police say he allegedly throwing bottles out of the car during a traffic stop.
Goncalves-Radding is currently being held on a $5,000 cash bail and is ordered to not have contact with the surviving victims, their families and anyone involved in the case.
He will appear in Hancock County District Court in August. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-maritime-driver-appears-in-court/article_f7bf95a6-e86b-11ed-ab9a-c3db173f5a86.html | 2023-05-01T23:55:51 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-maritime-driver-appears-in-court/article_f7bf95a6-e86b-11ed-ab9a-c3db173f5a86.html |
BANGOR -- Miguel's Mexican Restaurant in Bangor stepped up in a big way to support a family in need.
After one of his former employees Ashely Bloomer unexpectedly passed away, restaurant general manager Kevin Miller decided to coordinate a fundraiser in her honor known as Good Neighbor Night.
Miller says 10% of today's proceeds will be donated to a college fund for Ashely daughter, Kennedy.
"We've always been about community and trying to help out. Obviously this hits close to home," said Miller.
Those who knew Ashely called her a gentle soul and someone who always helped others in need.
Ashely's mother Janet Blanchard says she's thankful for Miguel's in honoring her daughter's memory in a special way.
"I'm overwhelmed all the time so his is a very wonderful thing for Miguel's to do," said Blanchard.
Miller says the fundraiser raised $2,000 from patrons, and expects this number to increase with donations from local businesses and community members.
Miller expects to bring back the good neighbor night fundraiser every year. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/miguels-mexican-restaurant-holds-fundraiser-for-family/article_6a521b1c-e870-11ed-9e34-7f202da0c266.html | 2023-05-01T23:55:58 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/miguels-mexican-restaurant-holds-fundraiser-for-family/article_6a521b1c-e870-11ed-9e34-7f202da0c266.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — In Oregon’s six largest cities, violent crime and property crime decreased overall from 2021 to 2022, according to the FBI’s preliminary Uniform Crime Report. However, of those six cities with populations over 100,000, Hillsboro was the only one that saw an increase in both violent crime and property crime.
In 2022, data from the FBI shows there were 304 violent crimes committed in Hillsboro in 2022, a 7.8% increase from the year before. Violent crime increased by 17.9%.
Police Chief Jim Coleman said his department is aware of the increase, but pointed out that these violent crime levels aren’t too out of the ordinary for the past several years. According to the FBI’s data, since 2016, violent crime reports have been between 257 and 312 per year.
Property crime, however, has been rising since 2020.
Coleman said theft is a major part of the property crimes they report and it has been a growing problem in the city. Investigators have been trying to figure out what’s causing the spike.
“For instance, is it economics? Does it have to do with pricing inflation versus what people’s income has been in reaction to that? Is it related to the addiction epidemic?” he said. “Sometimes for our folks that engage in shoplifting, it’s a form of a behavioral outcome.”
Whatever’s causing it, Coleman said his department has been working on ways to prevent it and to apprehend suspects.
The police department has been strategically placing patrols in certain locations, like near garages and storage areas, to deter criminals or watch for suspects.
“We have seen in both auto theft and in I believe it was retail theft, where when we arrested certain individuals, we saw a dramatic decrease in the areas where they were committing their crimes,” Coleman said.
Optimistically, the police chief hopes that part of the reason more crimes were reported in the city in 2022 is that the police department has worked to make crime reporting easier for citizens.
People can now report crimes online in both English and Spanish and Coleman said the police department has been working to build trust in the community.
Another program the police department has been developing is its security camera partnership. This allows businesses and residents to voluntarily share information about their video security systems with police, so that if a crime occurs nearby, investigators know whom to contact to request surveillance video.
In addressing the increased violent crime, Coleman said a major contributor in Hillsboro is family violence. He said about 36% of violent crimes committed in the city are related to family violence.
This is something the city is also working to address. He said seven new volunteers are about to join the Hillsboro Domestic Violence Response Team. There are already about 40-50 volunteers on the team who provide 24-hour on-scene crisis intervention for situations involving domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence and stalking.
This team provides victims with information about their rights, how to report crimes and helps them create a safety plan.
“We always want crime to go down. But we are looking closely at — are some of the increases reflective of the outreach and the availability of services in both our city and our county?” Coleman said.
Other measures the police department is taking to crack down on crime include adding another analyst in 2023 to better track crime. This person will help feed information to investigators on where crime is occurring and the peak times of the week when crimes occur.
Coleman is also sending his investigators to classes to better understand violent crime and said the Hillsboro Police Department is working with law enforcement up and down Interstate 5 to learn more about organized crime and how to target it.
One thing Coleman pointed out is that although Hillsboro’s crime went up in 2022, it still remains low among Oregon’s most populated cities when it comes to crimes per capita.
Of Oregon’s six largest cities — Bend, Eugene, Gresham, Hillsboro, Portland and Gresham — Hillsboro’s violent crime per capita and property crime per capita rates are only higher than Bend’s.
“It’s a very safe community,” Coleman said. “We want to make sure that we can continue that trend over a long time.” | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/hillsboro-crime-went-up-in-2022-what-is-the-police-chief-doing-to-fix-it/ | 2023-05-01T23:56:25 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/washington-county/hillsboro-crime-went-up-in-2022-what-is-the-police-chief-doing-to-fix-it/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – A Central Florida photojournalist was among three men honored with a Chronicles Award the Kennedy Space Center on Monday.
Red Huber, who spent 46 years taking iconic photographs at the Orlando Sentinel, was selected along with Bob Granath and Mark Kramer to have their names forever added to the “Chroniclers” wall at the NASA News Center.
“Together, these three reporters have almost 115 years of experience reporting from Kennedy. Through factual reporting and compelling photographs, they helped make sure that people around the world knew the stories of Mercury, Apollo, Shuttle, and so much more,” Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Kelvin Manning said.
The inductees joined the 79 other Kennedy Chroniclers whose names hang on the wall in the “Bull Pen,” the room in the NASA News Center where media traditionally gather to research and file their stories during launches.
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Each honoree was nominated by other members of the news media and selected by a panel of NASA officials and current space reporters, according to a news release.
Huber covered the space program for 40 years in Central Florida as a senior staff photojournalist at the Orlando Sentinel.
“I’m so grateful for this honor. I want to thank both the person who nominated me and the Kennedy Space Center ‘Chroniclers’ Committee that thought I was worthy of this recognition,” Huber said.
Huber said his first up-close experience to a rocket launch was with Apollo 15 when he was working part-time as a photo lab technician in 1971 at the St. Petersburg Times, now called the Tampa Bay Times.
“To be able to photograph a moon rocket launch was epic. After that mind-blowing assignment, I was hooked,” he said.
A year later, Huber was hired at the Orlando Sentinel, and as they say, the rest is history. He retired in 2018.
Huber’s name will be on display alongside unforgettable names in journalism like Walter Cronkite and Jules Bergman.
The Chroniclers ceremony is always held at the beginning of May to honor the first U.S. human spaceflight, Mercury-Redstone 3, or Freedom 7, on May 5, 1961. The 15-minute, 28-second flight sent astronaut Alan Shepard into orbit around Earth, ending with a successful splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/central-florida-photojournalist-honored-with-chronicles-award-at-kennedy-space-center/ | 2023-05-01T23:56:29 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/central-florida-photojournalist-honored-with-chronicles-award-at-kennedy-space-center/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A man shot by a police officer and security gaurd at a Cocoa apartment complex last year has had his assault charges dropped by the State Attorney’s Office — and is now filing a lawsuit against the property’s managers, according to court records.
Intense body camera video from Cocoa Officer Clyde Hilliard shows gunfire at the Village Greene apartments on Oct. 13, 2022, which is when police said security guard Michael Ulery shot at Dexter Bray.
In an arrest affidavit, police said Ulery was helping a tow-truck driver tow Bray’s car from the property when Bray came out of his apartment and pointed a gun at them. Investigators said the security guard and tow-truck driver told them that Bray had fired his gun.
[Click in the media player below to watch body camera video of the officer-involved shooting. WARNING: Video contains profane language. Viewer discretion is advised.]
As a result, Ulery and Hilliard shot Bray, the affidavit shows. According to a new lawsuit, Bray became permanently injured because of the shootings.
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Bray was airlifted to the hospital following the shootings and faced charges of aggravated assault with a firearm.
However, the State Attorney’s Office later dropped the charges on March 31. Investigators said that the magazine on Bray’s firearm was full, meaning that Bray hadn’t fired his gun — in contrast to what the security guard and tow-truck driver initially claimed.
Now, Bray is suing the homeowner’s association, property management and apartment security for damages in excess of $50,000 for Bray’s “extreme pain and suffering.”
The lawsuit blames the security company’s “negligent training and supervision” and calls the security guard “unfit in his role.”
Cocoa police said the department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement found that Hilliard didn’t break the law or any other policies. Since the shooting, police said Hilliard has returned to work.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/man-shot-by-cocoa-officer-security-guard-files-lawsuit-against-property-management/ | 2023-05-01T23:56:36 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/man-shot-by-cocoa-officer-security-guard-files-lawsuit-against-property-management/ |
UTICA, N.Y. – The updates to the traffic patterns on Genesee Street in Utica will soon become permanent after the Utica Common Council approved the Complete Streets changes on Monday.
The street will be reduced from four lanes to three with a turning lane in the center and bike lanes on either side.
The trial changes were put in place in October for 90 days to get public feedback. Then in January, the trial was extended to April 22 to allow for more feedback before a final decision was made.
Based on feedback from the community and an analysis completed by an independent engineering firm, the common council approved the new traffic pattern.
City workers will start repainting the lines this week. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/utica-common-council-approves-new-traffic-pattern-on-genesee-street/article_b9696ca0-e86b-11ed-9c37-d79dc870fe01.html | 2023-05-01T23:56:55 | 1 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/utica-common-council-approves-new-traffic-pattern-on-genesee-street/article_b9696ca0-e86b-11ed-9c37-d79dc870fe01.html |
INDIANAPOLIS — The sound of bagpipes filled the sanctuary of Second Presbyterian Church Monday morning. Marion County police officers and family survivors of fallen officers filled the pews for the Marion County Peace Officers Memorial Service.
Dee Dee Horen’s husband, Beech Grove police officer Bill Toney, was shot and killed in the line of duty in 2000. She delivered survivor remarks.
"I see you in your uniforms, but I see you as more than police officers,” said Horen. “You too are heroes. The courage that it takes in today's world to put on that uniform to protect a hostile community defines a hero. And I just want to thank you."
The Fraternal Order of Police reports an officer is shot in the line of duty every 25 hours in the United States, and an officer is killed every 52 hours.
2023 Marion County Peace Officers Memorial Service
National Police Week is coming up later this month in Washington, D.C. That includes the National Peace Officers Memorial Service on May 15. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/fallen-officers-remembered-at-marion-county-peace-officers-memorial-service-indianapolis-indiana-police/531-401e7c76-7ce1-4096-aadc-401d886236c3 | 2023-05-02T00:09:33 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/fallen-officers-remembered-at-marion-county-peace-officers-memorial-service-indianapolis-indiana-police/531-401e7c76-7ce1-4096-aadc-401d886236c3 |
MOOSE LAKE — A staff member was airlifted to a hospital Monday, May 1, after an assault at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.
Authorities responded to a 911 call regarding the assault at about 1:23 p.m., the Carlton County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. A 53-year-old man was transported via air ambulance to an area hospital.
"We have no information on the condition of the victim or what facility the victim was transported to," the news release said.
A 29-year-old male client of the program was arrested and transported to the Carlton County Jail, pending charges of second- and fourth-degree assault. The News Tribune and Pine Journal generally do not identify suspects until they have been formally charged.
The Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Human Services are investigating the incident. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/moose-lake-staff-member-hospitalized-after-minnesota-sex-offender-program-assault | 2023-05-02T00:11:55 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/moose-lake-staff-member-hospitalized-after-minnesota-sex-offender-program-assault |
Wichita, Kan. (KSNW) — The first Kansas Honor Flight of 2023 departed from Wichita early Monday morning for the nation’s capital. It’s the first of four charter flights scheduled for this year.
Five brothers who all served during the Vietnam War from the city of Corning, Kansas, northwest of Topeka, were among the 98 veterans on board. It’s a trip the Boden brothers say they have been looking forward to for a while.
“It’s a long time since we’ve been in the service. You kind of forget some things. This all brings back memories,” said 80-year-old Army Veteran Jerry Boden.
Jerry is the oldest of the five Boden brothers. At age 72, Bob is the youngest.
“This trip has been awesome so far, and I know it’s going to be good the whole time,” said Bob. “The best thing, we was talking this morning. There’s a lot of things we didn’t know about each other when we were in the service. So, we’ve been talking a lot about that. Which we have never done. So, I think that’s pretty special to me anyway because I didn’t know what any of my brothers really did because I was in myself. And when we came back, we just never really got together as a group and just talked about the service.”
For most of the brothers, including Don, Larry, and Gene, this isn’t their first visit to our nation’s capital. It’s a trip that’s sure to rekindle pride in serving their country and pain in friends lost during the course of the war.
“When I was there before, we had six guys in my company… that lost their life,” said Jerry. “At that time, I looked on the wall and found them all.”
When the brothers were asked if they could imagine the worry their parents must’ve felt sending their five oldest children into the service during such a turbulent time in our nation’s history, the Bodens had the following to say:
“I’m sure it was very hard on them. I know it would be hard on me to have somebody in the service, and especially at that time when there was a lot of conflict going on in the country,” said Gene.
“They were very worried about my brother. Gene was in Vietnam. My other brothers were in Fort Carson, and I was heading into the service. They didn’t especially like the idea that I was leaving also, but I had no choice at the time,” said Bob, who was the only Boden brother who didn’t go into the Army. Bob joined the Air Force out of high school.
After all these years, the Boden brothers also agree on this; they’re thankful for the opportunity to take this trip together.
“Yes, very blessed,” said Bob. “I know we’re not real old, but we’re getting there.”
“We always have a great time when we’re together,” added Jerry.
“Oh, I feel very honored,” said Gene. “Feel very honored to go.”
The five Boden boys are the oldest of eight children. They say their wives and families will be at Eisenhower Airport to welcome them home when their Kansas Honor Flight returns on Wednesday. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/five-brothers-who-served-during-vietnam-among-vets-on-kansas-honor-flight/ | 2023-05-02T00:13:09 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/five-brothers-who-served-during-vietnam-among-vets-on-kansas-honor-flight/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare for Employment) is hosting a paid trade skills camp for teens 14 to 18 years old in Wichita this summer.
Camp HYPE Trade Skills Week is scheduled for 9 a.m. to around 4 or 4:30 p.m. from June 5 to June 8 at the Wichita Workforce Center, 2021 N Amidon Ave #1100.
The Workforce Center says the camp is a four-day learning experience where students will be exposed to valuable soft skills and an inside look at jobs in the skills trade, including plumbing, pipe fitting and electrical.
“Students will learn about a career field they are interested in and will be paid a stipend of up to $200.00 based on punctuality, attendance, participation and sponsor of the camp,” the Wichita Workforce says.
Registration for Camp HYPE Trade Skills Week, sponsored by Local Trade Unions, is now open. To register, click here.
Breakfast, snacks and lunch are provided.
Closed-toed shoes are required for the camp. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/hype-hosting-paid-trade-skill-workshop-for-14-to-18-year-olds-in-wichita/ | 2023-05-02T00:13:15 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/hype-hosting-paid-trade-skill-workshop-for-14-to-18-year-olds-in-wichita/ |
SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) — Last week’s rain was a welcome sight for farmers in the Sunflower State, but it wasn’t enough to beat the drought.
Mount Hope saw very little rain last week.
Farmer Kent Winter said while they are thankful for every drop they get, it only bought them some time, and they need more rain if they want a healthy crop to harvest.
“A couple of tenths just does not move the needle in terms of this drought situation that we are in,” said Kent Winter, who farms near Andale and Mount Hope.
Winter said this is the driest it has been this time of year in the 40 years he’s been farming.
“The bushels are declining by the day,” said Winter.
Down the road in Garden Plain, rain is also needed.
“If you pull a whole clump out this time of year, we could get a much bigger ball of dirt and stuff but it basically just breaks off,” said Garden Plain Farmer Martin Kerschen.
Kerschen said his winter wheat is holding on.
He is used to harvesting about 75 bushels per acre but isn’t sure that will happen this year.
“I would say as of right now if it doesn’t rain this week, we are about a fourth of our average, but that is, we will take what we can get,” said Kerschen.
Farmers are working to beat the drought conditions.
Winter is using an irrigation system on one field.
“We’ve made five sweeps so far. That is a record for me. Most years, you don’t have to put anything on the wheat crop,” said Winter.
As for other crops, both farmers have planted their corn.
Kerschen said his corn is doing well now but will need more rain soon and later in July.
Both farmers plan to harvest their winter wheat in June.
They said with the crop being shorter this year, it will likely be a quick harvest, but that change if we get more rain. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/recent-rain-not-drought-busting-for-kansas-farmers/ | 2023-05-02T00:13:21 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/recent-rain-not-drought-busting-for-kansas-farmers/ |
“She must resign,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp and House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson in a joint statement. “This appears to be an ethics violation and if it isn’t then Oregon’s ethics laws are broken. An elected official cannot take funds for personal use from someone they regulate.”
The Secretary of State oversees audits for the State of Oregon. In no way could the top elected official ethically work a ‘side gig’ for a company engaged in the industry in which the Secretary is responsible for auditing and regulating.
“We have been continually calling for oversight into the OLCC and this industry. And yet, another turn of government misuse is apparent today. Democracy will die in darkness if we don’t hold elected officials accountable,” said House Republican Leader Breese-Iverson.
The House and Senate Republican Caucus’ along with the Senate Independent Caucus will be holding their first Oversight and Accountability Committee meeting this Thursday, May 4th.
The Oversight and Accountability Committee was first requestedover a week ago in a letter to the Presiding Officers of both the Senate and House Chambers. Sadly, these requests have gone unanswered.
“We have tried to work with our colleagues across the aisle to defend democracy in Oregon and hold our agencies and officials accountable. Democrats have remained silent, if forced to do so, we will move forward on our own,” said Senate Republican Leader Knopp. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/republican-leaders-secretary-of-state-shemia-fagan-must-resign/article_3659835a-e860-11ed-b990-3b4e84926907.html | 2023-05-02T00:15:46 | 0 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/republican-leaders-secretary-of-state-shemia-fagan-must-resign/article_3659835a-e860-11ed-b990-3b4e84926907.html |
In late April 2023, the South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team (S.C.I.N.T), Josephine County Narcotics Team (R.A.D.E), Douglas County Narcotics Team (D.I.N.T), Coos County Parole and Probation, and local law enforcement agencies conducted multiple narcotic operations in the Coos County area.
Investigators worked for several days to identify multiple drug suppliers in our area and surrounding areas. However, due to the sensitive nature, most of the information will not be released as there are ongoing investigations into these dealers.
This operation, spearheaded by (S.C.I.N.T), removed over 1000 Fentanyl pills and over ½ ounce of methamphetamine from the streets of Coos County.
It is challenging to remove these substances from our streets within the confines of the current laws in Oregon. However, we are incredibly thankful for these professionals who care as much for their communities as you and work tirelessly to find ways to remove these illicit narcotics legally.
S.C.I.N.T is actively fighting the illegal drug trade within the law and asks the public to continue providing any information about suspected dealers within or outside Coos County. | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/s-c-i-n-t-conducts-narcotics-operations-in-coos-county-resulting-in-drug-seizures/article_be99a49c-e875-11ed-b367-672af23ee80e.html | 2023-05-02T00:15:47 | 1 | https://theworldlink.com/news/local/s-c-i-n-t-conducts-narcotics-operations-in-coos-county-resulting-in-drug-seizures/article_be99a49c-e875-11ed-b367-672af23ee80e.html |
Local unions came together to mourn the hundreds of steelworkers who have died at the mills along the Lake Michigan lakeshore.
United Steelworkers locals gathered Friday on Workers Memorial Day to grieve and pay tribute to those who have died on the job throughout the mills' history.
"We must make sure we never add a name to that list," said Joe Gutierrez, a retired United Steelworkers Local 1010 officer. "Since opening in 1902, there have been 393 fatalities in the (former Inland Steel) mill. We must leave here inspired and anxious to do what we must to ensure that number doesn't rise."
He urged workplace safety at the Region's steel mills.
"It's more than talk. It's more than words," he said. "It's so very important. It's a mindset that applies to every aspect of our life. If you change your thoughts, you change your life."
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Union members have to rely on each other at a time when unions are under fire, Gutierrez said.
"There's an onslaught against unions in this country, where violence and bloodshed have become commonplace," he said. "We must not allow anger to trump civility. We must not allow anger to rule the day. The foundation of the labor movement is that we're brothers and sisters and one in this struggle. We must maintain this relationship with respect and love for each other."
He encouraged USW members at the union hall in Hammond's Hessville neighborhood to watch out for each other while on the job.
"If one person is hurt on the job wherever it occurs, it's a moral affront to a society that calls itself caring and compassionate," he said. "If one person is killed on the job, it wounds the soul of workers everywhere. Management and labor have a duty to ensure that everyone returns home to their family safely and in good health at the end of the day.
"There have been countless steelworker deaths. But hopefully, in this crucible, we can forge a more just society in solidarity for all who labor for their daily bread and build a brighter and safer future for the common good of all."
Cleveland-Cliffs CEO, President and Chairman Lourenco Goncalves said he's always prioritized workplace safety at the mills he's run.
"Of course, everybody wants to go home safely, but the devil is in the details," he said. "You can't just talk the talk. You have to walk the walk."
USW Local 1010 President Don Seifert said more than 100 deaths took place in the first 20 years of the Cleveland-Cliffs Indiana Harbor Works mill's operations in East Chicago, and it remains dangerous.
"We've added 44 names to that (memorial) wall in my 47 years," he said. "Three hundred ninety-three deaths is a huge number for any facility, even one that's been here for 120 years. We must not forget the past and those tragedies. We must speak up to prevent workplace injuries and be dedicated to never add another name to that wall. No one should hear that the person they love isn't coming home in 2023. Zero fatalities is achievable."
The issue affects almost everyone in the Region, he said.
"We recognize and honor members on that wall," he said. "They have families. Whatever people themselves have done in their careers, they might have family, grandparents, sons or daughters who work in the mill. They deserve to have their loved ones come home at the end of the day. Safety is tangible, something we must strive for in every hour or every day while we work." | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/hundreds-of-steelworker-deaths-mourned-on-workers-memorial-day/article_ee57477e-e83a-11ed-b3c0-0b116bdefc8f.html | 2023-05-02T00:17:25 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/hundreds-of-steelworker-deaths-mourned-on-workers-memorial-day/article_ee57477e-e83a-11ed-b3c0-0b116bdefc8f.html |
A Gary man sentenced to 65 years in prison for shooting another man to death during an altercation at a Gary gas station received a fair trial, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled.
Courtney Moss, 33, was convicted of murder with a firearm enhancement for killing 29-year-old Rayvon Harris on Aug. 22, 2020, inside the former Save gas station in the 4500 block of Broadway.
Moss testified that he acted in self-defense, but a Lake Criminal Court jury rejected his claim after watching surveillance videos of the confrontation between Harris and Moss and his three co-defendants.
In his appeal, Moss said the trial court erred in its jury instructions and evidentiary decisions, and prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence that Moss caused Harris' death.
The appeals court was unpersuaded by each of Moss' contentions in a 3-0 ruling written by Chief Judge Robert Altice Jr.
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As to the jury instruction, Altice said there was no serious evidentiary dispute by which Moss committed aggravated battery but not murder, particularly given the video recordings showing Moss firing his gun four times at Harris.
"The evidence establishes that defendant intended to shoot victim multiple times with the Glock at relatively close range," Altice said. "Indeed, defendant acknowledged his intent at trial but attempted to justify his actions by claiming self-defense. While defendant claimed at trial that his last shot was to victim’s leg, the video evidence does not bear this out."
Likewise, Altice rejected Moss' assertion that a photograph entered into evidence showing Moss seated in the back of a police car after a traffic stop was prejudicial because the photo did not show Moss handcuffed and the jury had already viewed video evidence of the actual shooting.
Finally, the Court of Appeals was unpersuaded by Moss' claim that prosecutors did not prove that he fired the fatal shot.
Altice said a reasonable juror viewing the video evidence would have no difficulty concluding that Moss fired all or many of the four shots, including to the victim's chest, that caused Harris' death.
"The state presented ample evidence to support the murder conviction," Altice said.
Moss still can request that the Indiana Supreme Court review his case.
Otherwise, his earliest possible release date from prison, assuming good behavior, is July 6, 2069, according to the Indiana Department of Correction. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/indiana-appeals-court-affirms-murder-conviction-in-gary-gas-station-shooting-death/article_b10c87f2-e84f-11ed-8c17-938ca7e38ff5.html | 2023-05-02T00:17:37 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/indiana-appeals-court-affirms-murder-conviction-in-gary-gas-station-shooting-death/article_b10c87f2-e84f-11ed-8c17-938ca7e38ff5.html |
CROWN POINT— Trial proceedings kicked off Monday in the case of an East Chicago man who allegedly shot a woman because she shorted him $10.
St. John Police CIT Officer Dustin Wartman is trained in mental health intervention.
Kevin Scott Varner, 51, was charged with murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and firearm enhancement.
If convicted, Varner faces up to 65 years in prison for the murder charge and up to 12 years for the unlawful firearm possession charge. He could get an additional five to 20 years added to his sentence for the firearm enhancement.
Though all defendants are provided court-appointed attorneys if they cannot afford one, Varner opted to defend himself in court.
Charging documents allege that on Feb. 12, Varner fatally shot Danielle Brown, 21, inside her friend’s house in the 1000 block of Durbin Street in Gary while his nephew Steven Nash kept lookout.
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Nash entered an agreement April 13 which stipulated that he would plead guilty to assisting a criminal in exchange for cooperating with prosecutors and potentially testifying during Varner’s trial.
Varner admitted during his opening statement that he killed Brown, but said he did not do so intentionally.
He said he and Brown were in a relationship and added that he wasn’t trying to kill her, he was trying to shoot her in the leg out of self-defense.
Varner was arrested by Fowler police after a car chase the evening of Feb. 12, during which he shot at officers, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Varner said he wasn't trying to shoot the officers, but was trying to shoot their cars.
Prosecutor Taylor Poulos said during her opening statement that Brown had purchased marijuana from Varner and shorted him $10.
Poulos told the jury Varner recruited his nephew, Nash, to get his $10 and the two drove to meet Brown. Poulos described how Nash went to the door and told Brown she owed Varner $10. Brown told Nash that she didn’t have the $10 and that Varner actually owed her money, Poulos said.
Poulos detailed how Varner then went into the house and shot Brown with a “Draco” style firearm, more commonly known as an AK-47.
A man who described himself as Brown’s boyfriend discovered her body and called 911, the probable cause affidavit stated.
Officers testified on Monday that when they arrived on scene the man repeatedly told them that Varner shot Brown.
Charging documents show that Varner called the man shortly after police arrived and when the man asked him why he shot Brown, he said it was not about “the money … its 2023 … I told you I wasn’t going to have people laughing at me.”
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Marlon Manning
Age : 40
Residence: South Holland, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303914
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Richard Stewart Jr.
Age : 24
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303910
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
John Tylicki
Age : 63
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303901
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Winfield Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jazmin Guerrero
Age : 28
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303897
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hobart Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kane Jackson
Age : 25
Residence: Geneseo, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303900
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Peter Kochopolous
Age : 59
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303907
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD; STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Billy Fowler
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303899
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - POSSESSION - SCHEDULE I
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Franklin George
Age : 72
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303911
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jasmine Escalante
Age : 37
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303896
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joshua Copollo
Age : 33
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303913
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Arresting Agency: New Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rex Engle
Age : 45
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303915
Arrest Date: April 24, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Roshaud Bell
Age : 21
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303905
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jamyra Thomas
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303875
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Camden Wall
Age : 18
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303883
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE - THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Devonte Phillips
Age : 28
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303878
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Melissa Reyes
Age : 38
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303873
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Griffith Police Department
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Brian Sheppard
Age : 44
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303881
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ernest Murphy III
Age : 53
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303876
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE - THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joshua McCafferty
Age : 37
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303879
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: East Chicago Police Department
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE - THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Mark Millsap Jr.
Age : 35
Residence: Phoenix, AZ
Booking Number(s): 2303885
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Cedar Lake Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Caroline Hamilton
Age : 25
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303880
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tyrone Holyfield Sr.
Age : 64
Residence: Riverdale, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303890
Arrest Date: April 23, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Dale Crawley
Age : 33
Residence: DeMotte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303884
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Winfield Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT DEFENDANT USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jeffery Vlietstra
Age : 59
Residence: Joliet, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303839
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Adam Valdez
Age : 39
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303860
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ryan Valleyfield
Age : 28
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303869
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Highland Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cody Sucich
Age : 28
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303868
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Schererville Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jarred Rumph
Age : 36
Residence: Elkhart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303865
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI; RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Lamont Murdaugh
Age : 23
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303856
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Merrillville Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Nicholas Ramirez
Age : 36
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303598
Arrest Date: April 14, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Edward Reddick
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303863
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ronald Kelley Jr.
Age : 49
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303854
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Crown Point Police Department
Offense Description: OPERATING A VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING PRIVILEGES ARE SUSPENDED
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Elizabeth Millan-Rodriguez
Age : 19
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303852
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Leonard Johnson Jr.
Age : 28
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303850
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Andrian Esparza
Age : 51
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303843
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: LCCC
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Nicole Fuentes
Age : 27
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303867
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
James Grover Jr.
Age : 43
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303861
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Hammond Police Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - W/PRIOR AN UNRELATED CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amy Alexanderson
Age : 38
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303844
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - ORGANIZED THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jose Becerra Hernandez
Age : 20
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303866
Arrest Date: April 22, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Romell Cooper
Age : 23
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303841
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Other
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Micah Singleton
Age : 24
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303827
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Indiana State Police
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Vaughn
Age : 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303819
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: FRAUD - COUNTERFEITING AND APPLICATION FRAUD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Nanay
Age : 63
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303820
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: THEFT - ORGANIZED THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Collins Onchagwa
Age : 35
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303835
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Dyer Police Department
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jessica Ottomanelli
Age : 35
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303822
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roberto Sanchez
Age : 42
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303805
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Samantha Flores
Age : 35
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303832
Arrest Date: April 21, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lowell Police Department
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tyrone Leverson Jr.
Age : 36
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303818
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jaquies Moore
Age : 28
Residence: Dolton, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303823
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Gary Police Department
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT DEF. USES A VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Thomas Aiken
Age : 51
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2303821
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Martell Flippins
Age : 35
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2303817
Arrest Date: April 20, 2023
Arresting Agency: Lake County Sheriff's Department
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
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Failed to pay a fine or appear in court? Safe Surrender is a chance to resolve the matter
Forgot to pay a traffic ticket or show up in court and are afraid you'll have to face adverse consequences? You're not alone. According to Delaware Courts, at the end of March, there were 55,000 cases of outstanding capiases and warrants.
People with an active warrant issued by Delaware courts or by police will have an opportunity to resolve the matter during Delaware Courts' Safe Surrender Day at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 12.
During Safe Surrender, a person with a capias ordering their appearance in court or arrest by police can have the order dismissed once the case has been addressed by the issuing court or police agency.
The event is described as "safe" because it allows those with an active capias, also called a bench warrant, or police-issued arrest warrant, to voluntarily turn themselves in without fear of retribution.
Sen. Darius Brown, an event supporter, said "We want to make sure that individuals no longer have to look over their shoulder with minor offenses, with warrants and capiases and they're able to live their lives."
Anyone who wants to find out if they have an active capias or a warrant for their arrest, can call 1-866-751-5327 or check online at the DELJIS Online Wanted Person Review.
Persons wanted for missing a court date and failure to pay traffic fines, child support or other justice-related obligations will be given a chance to address the issue with these participating courts:
- Superior Court
- Court of Common Pleas
- Family Court
- Justice of the Peace Court
Safe Surrender was last held in 2009 when more than 1,000 warrants were resolved in three days. It is anticipated that this year's one-day event will clear 750 warrants.
Will you need a lawyer?
Safe Surrender is not amnesty. How a case is handled will depend on each person’s circumstance.
Although appearing voluntarily will be viewed with favor, someone charged with a violent felony may get taken into custody. Individuals wanted for a nonviolent misdemeanor are more likely to be released after their case is processed.
Defendants with a private attorney should contact them prior to the event for advice. The Office of Defense Services will have staff present to provide legal counsel to those who seek services.
What will the day look like?
Attendees will be directed to the jury assembly room. Participants will need to provide their name and birth date so court staff can access their case(s) and direct them where to go.
People wanted on a capias for failing to attend a scheduled court proceeding should expect to appear before a judge so a new court date can be set.
For those with warrants for failing to pay child support, fines or fees, they'll be able to either pay what they owe or make arrangements to pay.
Individuals with a case under the jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace court will have the opportunity to speak with a deputy attorney general or the police agency that issued the citation.
Additional support services and childcare
Before entering the Justice Center, various churches, nonprofit organizations and community groups will be stationed in the courtyard to provide support services.
Vending machines offering snacks and beverages are in the jury assembly room as well as the lower level of the courthouse.
If bringing a child, a small play area for older children next to the jury assembly room will be available, but no childcare will be provided. Parents are responsible for supervising their children and providing for infants.
Consequences for not responding to a warrant
A person wanted on an outstanding warrant will have a few concerns to keep in mind.
If stopped by the police they will be taken into custody and brought before a judge.
If a capias for failure to pay was issued, the wanted person's state tax refund will be intercepted and a $25 charge will be added. If your driver's license was suspended, you won't be able to renew your driver's license.
Parking and entry into the courthouse
The Leonard L. Williams Justice Center is located at 500 N. King St. in downtown Wilmington.
High turnout for Safe Surrender is anticipated so be prepared for heavy vehicle traffic around the courthouse. There is limited street parking in the area, as well as paid parking at the Justice Center, but it to probably best to rely on public transit or a ride.
No electronic devices of any kind are allowed in the courthouse. Lockers to store personal items are available outside of the courthouse in the Justice Center parking garage.
There is a security screening just beyond the front doors of the building. There is a dress code for what's considered suitable courtroom attire. Participants will be turned away if not dressed appropriately.
Only one person will be allowed to accompany the wanted person.
Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com with tips and story ideas. Join our Facebook group - Delaware Voices Uplifted to learn what's happening in communities in Delaware. Become a subscriber to access more stories and the best in local reporting. | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/delaware-courts-organize-safe-surrender-for-people-with-warrants/70150283007/ | 2023-05-02T00:22:03 | 0 | https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/delaware-courts-organize-safe-surrender-for-people-with-warrants/70150283007/ |
Frontline workers to speak on opioid epidemic
The Gaston Controlled Substances Coalition is holding a program that will allow the public to hear from frontline workers about the effects of the opiate epidemic in Gaston County.
Coalition Coordinator Bill Gross said that the coalition wants to provide an update, as overdose numbers continue to increase.
"The core reason is we believe community leaders need an update about the opioid epidemic," Gross said. "There's a lot of questions about it. Sometimes there's mythology about it, and we want to give a very clear picture of what's occurring in our community and what the future may hold."
Gross said that the proliferation of fentanyl in the community has worsened the situation.
"The epidemic is getting progressively worse. We hear from front-line personnel that they assume fentanyl is on all street-sold drugs… People are pressing drugs that look like oxycodone and other legal pharmaceuticals, and they're putting fentanyl in those pills," he said. "This is creating a substantial increase in the number of cases of overdoses needed for reversals, for treatment. We do think it's important for community leaders to understand the trajectory of this epidemic. It will help them be informed to make good decisions in their agencies and organizations."
The program will be held on Thursday, May 4, from 9-11 a.m. at The Pointe Church, 6700 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont.
Speakers for the event include:
- Gaston Emergency Medical Services – Chief Mark Lamphiear
- Gaston County Police Department – Chief Stephen Zill
- Gaston County Jail – Sheriff Chad Hawkins
- CaroMont Health – Todd Davis, MD, chief physician executive
- Gaston County Department of Social Services – Angela Karchmer, director
- Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion – Captain Jeff Phelps, Gaston County Police Department
- Adult Recovery Court – Wendy Whisnant, drug court administrator
- Kintegra Health – Erin Myer, chief behavioral health officer
- Olive Branch Ministry – Michelle Mathis, executive director
- Population Health Department, Partners Health Management –Delton Russell, recovery specialist | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/frontline-workers-to-provide-update-on-opioid-epidemic/70159724007/ | 2023-05-02T00:22:37 | 1 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/frontline-workers-to-provide-update-on-opioid-epidemic/70159724007/ |
How the Schiele Museum plans to educate educators
The Schiele Museum of Natural History is starting a professional development program for area teachers.
The first session of the Schiele Teacher Institute will focus on incorporating Native American history and perspectives into classroom lessons.
Jenny Bumgarner, a 7th-grade language arts teacher of 29 years, will start work with the program after she retires from the school district in May.
"The idea is to share and support teachers from that perspective, from that vantage point in writing grants and implementing really innovative and creative and engaging learning opportunities for their students," Bumgarner said. "I'm really excited about it, because I think it might translate into exponential impact. I'm hoping that that's what will happen, that I'll be able to impact some really great projects and really, really cool things in multiple classrooms through this initiative."
Tiffani Stewart, marketing coordinator for the museum, said that the museum staff came up with the idea for a couple of reasons.
"We wanted to provide an opportunity for professional development for teachers, but also we want to support them in providing best instructional practices for the classroom in the areas that cover natural history," she said.
Bumgarner said that the first session, which runs from July 31 through Aug. 3, will feature kayaking, a visit with people from the Catawba Indian Nation, and more.
"We're taking teachers kayaking on the Catawba River through the river keepers and getting information about indigenous people of the Catawba River Basin. We're gonna go to the Catawba Indian Nation, and they're doing presentations for us there and an indigenous lunch," she said. "We're gonna visit the bison farm and talk about the connection between Native American people and the bison conservation initiative where they're trying to re-up the bison numbers in North America."
The session this year is limited to just 15 teachers.
Stewart said that the museum intends to have other sessions.
"Obviously since this is our first we're going to see how it goes, see what the reception in the community is and get some feedback from other teachers that have gone through the program and then move forward," she said. "But that's our intention, that this would be an annual event. And it is free. So that's really exciting."
Teachers can sign up here, on the Schiele Museum's website. | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/how-the-schiele-museum-plans-to-educate-educators/70155875007/ | 2023-05-02T00:22:43 | 1 | https://www.gastongazette.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/how-the-schiele-museum-plans-to-educate-educators/70155875007/ |
SAN ANTONIO — Artificial intelligence is being used in so many fields around the world including medicine.
When you have a cardiac arrest it creates scar tissue. One study by John's Hopkins University researchers looked at a specific group of people who had previous cardiac arrests, increasing their risk in the future. Dr. Fahmi Farah, the founder of the Bentley Heart Medical Center told us, "It can help us pinpoint their exact risk of having cardiac arrest down the road so we can take those precautions and the measures we take sooner to prevent that event from happening."
20% of deaths worldwide are the result of sudden cardiac attacks. The Survival Study of Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk study used neural networks to build a survival assessment for each patient with heart disease, to provide with high accuracy the chance for a sudden cardiac death in the next 10 years and when it is most likely to happen. Another network took 10 years of patient data and looked at 22 factors like age, weight, and prescription drug use.
By using AI they can take precautions sooner to prevent a life-ending event from happening. Dr. Farah added, "We would actually put a defibrillator inside their heart. So it's an internal defibrillator that would just be implanted as a device and that would significantly reduce their risk of dying from a cardiac arrest."
Another study had to do with doctors and empathy. The University of California San Diego used 200 patient questions from Reddit's AskDocs social media forum.
Human doctors and ChatGPT were the subjects. A clinical team evaluated all answers, rating them on quality and empathy. ChatGPT was the winner, by a landslide. Those evaluating preferred the response by the computer nearly 80 percent of the time.
Dr. Farah said, "As a human, you will have some sort of emotion attached to that. And whether you say it verbally or not, like it will reflect. And whereas in a program like this, ChatGPT, they don't have that element."
Dr. Farah says a doctor's busy schedule that results in less time with patients, played a factor in those results too. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/ai-predict-heart-attack/273-8a87b037-2079-402e-b1d3-dbcddcab8c23 | 2023-05-02T00:24:26 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/ai-predict-heart-attack/273-8a87b037-2079-402e-b1d3-dbcddcab8c23 |
BREAKING NEWS
Woman found dead in north Phoenix desert identified as 29-year-old
Ellie Willard
Arizona Republic
A woman who was found dead in a desert area in Phoenix on Saturday has been identified. No details regarding a suspect have been released.
Just after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, officers responded to a call of an injured person in a north Phoenix desert area near 64th Street and Mayo Boulevard. When they arrived, they found the body of 29-year-old Lauren Heike who was pronounced dead at the scene.
No other information was released.
The suspect(s) remain outstanding and details about what led up to this incident are still under investigation. Anyone with information can contact the Phoenix Police Department, or Silent Witness (480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish). | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2023/05/01/woman-found-dead-in-north-phoenix-desert-area-identified/70172623007/ | 2023-05-02T00:24:30 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2023/05/01/woman-found-dead-in-north-phoenix-desert-area-identified/70172623007/ |
SAN ANTONIO — Neighbors in the St. Hedwig area said it was 1:29am when a burst of rapid gunfire shattered an otherwise peaceful night last Tuesday. The shots came so rapidly, in two different bursts, that neighbors lost count.
A surveillance camera system in the area captured dark, blurry images of a vehicle speeding by, but the video isn't clear enough to be really helpful for investigators.
Sharon Wiatrek said her family lost one cow in the attack. She said she heard something go pop in the night but it wasn't until daylight that she received a call from someone who was driving down the road and told her about the loss of the animal.
Wiatrek said her husband ran outside to see what happened.
"He said it's been shot, twice. Once in the neck and once in the stomach and that just really floored me. I thought what's the purpose of that?" Wiatrek said.
Wiatrek said she and her neighbors called law enforcement and started scouring the roadway for clues.
"All of us, including the cops, we found 19 shell casings, which he had gloves on and he put them in a bag, so I don't know if we'll get fingerprints or not," Wiatrek said, expressing hope that physical evidence will lead to a solution.
The Saint Hedwig Marshal's Office is investigating. In a Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/StHedwigMarshalsOffice, investigators wrote about looking into two cases. The first was Wiatrek's. The second case was reported later the same day when a man at FM 1518 and Jung Lane heard about the first attack and went to check on his own cattle. He told investigators he found one cow shot to death.
Investigators wrote they have been able to link the two incidents and they are interested in gathering additional clues.
The number for the Marshal's Office is 210-667-9605, or tips can be emailed to: marshal@sainthedwigcity.com. Tips can be made anonymously.
The Bexar County Sheriff is also looking for help with at least two additional cases that happened in unincorporated areas of the county closer to Highway 181, Stuart Road and Elmendorf-Lavernia Road.
A Facebook account states that one cow was found shot to death on Elmendorf-Lavernia, and three others were found on Stuart Road. One of those cows was found dead, another had to be euthanized because of the extent of its injuries and investigators said the third animal is being treated by a veterinarian.
Anyone with information about those attacks can call 210-335-6000 or email tips to: bcsotips@bexar.org. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/cow-killing-attack-camera/273-bc448eca-f503-45fb-a11f-d1f1c29f0fd4 | 2023-05-02T00:24:32 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/cow-killing-attack-camera/273-bc448eca-f503-45fb-a11f-d1f1c29f0fd4 |
SAN ANTONIO — Emmanuel Antequera and Rafael Rivero journeyed more than 2,000-miles from Venezuela to Texas with the hopes of securing a better future for their families.
The asylum seekers crossed legally through the Del Rio Port of Entry before being taken to San Antonio’s Migrant Resource Center.
The federally funded facility has welcomed well over 100,000 migrants since opening July 7, 2022, providing a variety of assistance, including overnight shelter, transportation and service referrals.
The number of migrants coming to the southern border is expected to increase with the impending expiration of Title 42, the federal pandemic-era health rule that gives authorities the power to quickly deport migrants.
El Paso has entered a state of emergency in anticipation of the potential surge in migrants when Title 42 ends. Rudy Rosales Jr., who serves as the Texas State Director of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), expressed support for the ending of Title 42, although he still has concerns.
“My main concern is the dignity and humanity in reference to how we treat these human beings,” Rosales said.
The White House announced last Thursday plans to set up a series of processing center hubs throughout Latin America in an effort to slow the influx of migrants along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Migrants served could also be eligible to be referred and transported to other countries such as Canada or Spain.
Rosales is calling on Washington lawmakers to take action as well.
“This goes back to the number one question and when is the United States government and specifically our Congress going to take action to do some comprehensive immigration reform,” Rosales said.
As for Antequera, he’s looking forward to his new life in Chicago where he plans to work and make money for his family back home.
Rivero plans to do the same but in New York.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott over the weekend, urging him to stop sending migrants to the Windy City because of capacity issues.
Abbott and other Republican governors have received extensive criticism for busing thousands of migrants to largely Democratic-led cities; seen by the Biden administration and immigration advocates as a politically motivated stunt.
Title 42 is expected to end on May 11. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/title-42-texas-migrants-end/273-1854072a-8f50-4c5b-81ef-fd286638d57b | 2023-05-02T00:24:38 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/title-42-texas-migrants-end/273-1854072a-8f50-4c5b-81ef-fd286638d57b |
A man is dead after a three-vehicle crash in Huntington County.
About 10:40 a.m. Monday, emergency personnel were dispatched to the junction of U.S. 24 and Indiana 114 in Roanoke because of a three-vehicle rear-end crash, according to a news release from Huntington County Coroner Philip Zahm. When first responders arrived, they found the deceased man in a 2008 Buick Lucerne.
His name will be released after the notification of next-of-kin is complete.
A female passenger in the same car was transported to a Fort Wayne hospital for unknown injuries, according to the release. A man in a Toyota Tundra pick-up truck was also injured and transported with non-life-threatening injuries to a local hospital.
A third vehicle – a Chevrolet Cruze – was involved. The woman and her two children inside were not injured.
Witnesses reported the Lucerne and Cruze cars were stopped at a stoplight when the truck hit the rear of the Lucerne, according to the release. The impact caused the Lucerne to hit the Cruze, sending the vehicles into the intersection.
An autopsy for the man killed in the crash is scheduled for Tuesday at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center to determine a cause of death, according to the release. The crash continues to be investigated by Huntington County Sheriff's Department, Huntington County F.A.C.T., and the Huntington County Coroner's Office. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/1-dead-in-three-vehicle-crash-in-huntington-county/article_10ba310e-e85a-11ed-aa4e-07d9174e532f.html | 2023-05-02T00:28:58 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/1-dead-in-three-vehicle-crash-in-huntington-county/article_10ba310e-e85a-11ed-aa4e-07d9174e532f.html |
The primary election saw strong early voting, and today’s polling is expected to go smoothly, Allen County’s director of elections said.
By the time early voting closed at noon Monday, 4,693 people had cast ballots in the municipal primary, Amy Scrogham said. The number later increased to 5,526 when votes from absentee ballots, traveling board ballots and satellite locations were added.
That’s better than the last two municipal primaries, Scrogham said.
In 2019, 4,515 people turned out for early voting in the primary, and 26,625 people voted overall – about 14% of registered voters. Expected turnout for a primary is 25% to 35%, she said.
The previous municipal primary in 2015 saw Allen County with the lowest turnout in the state. Only 1,634 people voted early that spring, and 19,783 people voted overall. That equaled about 9.8% of eligible voters.
Scrogham said she doesn’t know why the last two primaries didn’t draw more voters. The election board expects 25% of eligible voters to participate today.
Primary turnout is always lower than November general elections, Scrogham said. In the 2019 general election, voter turnout was 30.5%, and in 2015, it was about 22%.
Scrogham said she has heard people don’t like to vote in primaries because they don’t want to declare a party.
Voters aren’t expected to see long lines today because the election board was able to get ahead in preparations because primaries are slower. There were also no lines for early voting on Monday, so it took about two minutes for residents to cast their votes.
“The ballot is one page, so I think people can get through it fast,” she said.
To participate in Indiana’s primaries, a voter is required to declare a political party before receiving a ballot. Only Republican and Democratic candidates registered this year.
Leo-Cedarville is the only Allen County municipality besides Fort Wayne participating in the primary, Scrogham said. Residents of that town can vote for two of three candidates vying for two at-large town council seats: Timothy (Tim) George, Brian Jarboe and Andy Jones.
Scrogham said unless the Democratic party nominates a candidate, Leo-Cedarville won’t require an election ballot for Nov. 7.
On the Democratic ballot for Fort Wayne, the mayoral race is between Tom Henry, the incumbent, and Jorge Fernandez. The District 4 City Council race for the Democratic nomination is between Bob Behr and Patti Hays.
Four Democratic candidates are running for the three at-large positions on the City Council – incumbent Michelle Chambers, Stephanie Crandall, Audrey Davis and Sean Johnson.
On the Republican ballot, four candidates are listed in the mayoral race: Jason Arp, Jesse Crammer, Tom Didier and Eddie Ribel. Crammer announced March 23 he was no longer running, but Feb. 10 was the last day to formally withdraw a candidacy and be taken off the ballot.
In District 3, Republicans Nathan Hartman and Mike Thomas are running against each other, and in District 4, the candidates are Scott Myers and Joseph (Joe) Townsend.
Because Fort Wayne and Leo-Cedarville are the only municipalities with contested races in the primary, the Allen County Election Board will have 81 polling places instead of the usual 114, Scrogham said. Two of them will be in Leo-Cedarville and the rest in Fort Wayne.
People who don’t know which polling place is theirs can go to www.allencountyinvoters.gov or call voter registration at 260-449-7154, Scrogham said. Voters can also see a sample ballot for their precinct on the website.
Voters are allowed to bring a physical sample ballot when voting, Scrogham said. They should also remember to bring photo identification. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/early-voting-on-the-rise-as-officials-prepare-for-primary-election-day/article_109a6210-e86a-11ed-87a5-9f2f8de91dbd.html | 2023-05-02T00:29:03 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/early-voting-on-the-rise-as-officials-prepare-for-primary-election-day/article_109a6210-e86a-11ed-87a5-9f2f8de91dbd.html |
Longtime former lawmaker and law enforcement officer Bob Meeks – who became known for warning his colleagues, “There is no money” during budget discussions – died Wednesday. He was 89.
Meeks, a Republican, served in Indiana’s Senate for two decades beginning in 1988. As chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee, he was a key architect of multiple two-year state budgets.
That included a Gov. Mitch Daniels-era budget wrenching Indiana out of the red – a deficit and back pay that topped $1 billion – according to the Goshen News.
Meeks retired from the Legislature in 2008, citing health concerns. He dropped a re-election campaign to do so.
“I know I don’t want to die on the Senate floor. I want to go out when I’m at the top of my game,” he told KPC News at the time.
Meeks briefly served in the U.S. Army, 1954-1956, then went into law enforcement – in a career that lasted 25 years.
Meeks spent four years with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and 21 with the Indiana State Police. It was then that he joined the Fraternal Order of Police, the 355,000-member national law enforcement group.
Afterward, he founded a security company.
Meeks and his wife, Carol, lived in rural LaGrange County. A large family survives him: Carol, four children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, according to the obituary.
His brother, state Sen. Charles “Bud” Meeks, previously died in 2004 after a lengthy battle with cancer, according to the Herald-Times. Another brother, Frederick, also preceded him.
The Indiana State Police Post on the Indiana Toll Road was dedicated in his honor, and he also received a Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Daniels.
A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. on Friday, May 12 at the Mount Zion Lutheran Church, 797 N. Detroit St. in LaGrange.
The American Legion’s local unit will provide military rites, the obituary notes.
Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com. Follow Indiana Capital Chronicle on Facebook and Twitter. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/former-area-legislator-bob-meeks-dies-at-89/article_1f281bc4-e865-11ed-8d01-eb170b3934c3.html | 2023-05-02T00:29:09 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/former-area-legislator-bob-meeks-dies-at-89/article_1f281bc4-e865-11ed-8d01-eb170b3934c3.html |
Fort Wayne officials announced Monday how they are celebrating National Historic Preservation Month.
The city’s Community Development Division is asking people to share current photos of historic buildings or culturally significant places that are at least 50 years old. Participants who win in a drawing at the end of the month will have a choice between a private tour of the Allen County Courthouse or four tickets to a Fort Wayne TinCaps game this year.
People can participate by sharing the photo, location and a brief statement as to why the place is important to them on social media accounts using the hashtag #HPFW23.
ARCH, the city’s Historic Preservation Month partner, will host a lecture by Karen Richards on “Historic Downtown Hotels” at 1 p.m. May 20 at the Cinema Center in downtown Fort Wayne.
The city’s historic preservation staff has also produced walking tour brochures of historic districts throughout Fort Wayne. The materials are available at Visit Fort Wayne, the Community Development office and online at www.cityoffortwayne.org/preservation
Creager Smith, the city’s historic preservation planner, said in a statement that historic preservation is for everyone.
“We all have places that personally matter to us for many reasons. It could be for historic or design significance, or significant to your family or cultural heritage,” Smith said. “A recent example is the historic designation of the Turner Chapel A.M.E Church, a culturally and architecturally significant site located at 836 E. Jefferson Boulevard.”
The city’s historic preservation program offers services to help property owners and neighborhoods recognize historic properties. Technical assistance is also available for property owners in maintaining or recapturing the historic character of their properties. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-shares-ways-to-celebrate-national-historic-preservation-month/article_543c6d7a-e864-11ed-a2fe-0fb16db7b5c8.html | 2023-05-02T00:29:16 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/fort-wayne-shares-ways-to-celebrate-national-historic-preservation-month/article_543c6d7a-e864-11ed-a2fe-0fb16db7b5c8.html |
A 24-year-old man was sentenced Monday to 16 years in prison for his part in a 2020 murder.
Korta Thomas was sentenced based on a plea agreement he signed in June that dismissed the murder charge he initially faced. He was charged in connection to the death of 23-year-old Hakeem Cage, who was gunned down in front of his girlfriend and then robbed as he lay dying. The shooting occurred in the 7400 block of Mill Run Road on Dec. 2, 2020.
Thomas had sentencing hearings set for July and January that were continued, according to online court records.
He received Monday the sentence from Allen Superior Court Judge David Zent.
In exchange for testifying against his younger cousin who pleaded guilty to murder April 20, Thomas’ sentence was guaranteed to be set at 16 years on a felony charge of robbery resulting in serious bodily injury. Though he was not required to testify at trial against his cousin, the agreement stands.
Thomas and his cousin were identified through witnesses who were able to describe the shooting, actions of the men before and after the shooting and phone records, according to probable cause affidavits signed by Fort Wayne Detective Liza Anglin.
Cage’s girlfriend told police she and Cage were walking to her apartment after a party when she heard footsteps running in their direction. She heard about five gunshots, then Cage collapsed.
Immediately after he fell, the woman said she saw the shooter rifle through her dying boyfriend’s pockets, taking a large amount of money in the process.
Javon Thomas, 20, cousin of Korta Thomas, will be sentenced May 26 if Allen Superior Court Judge David Zent accepts his plea agreement.
Javon Thomas, who was 17 years old at the time of the murder, was originally charged with murder, robbery and a sentencing enhancement for using a firearm in the commission of the crimes. With the dismissal of the robbery and sentencing enhancement, Javon Thomas’ plea agreement required him to be sentenced to 55 years in prison.
Of that sentence, 45 years will be executed and 10 will be suspended. Once he is released from prison, he will be placed on probation for 10 years. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-sentenced-to-16-years-for-robbery-connected-to-2020-murder/article_c8b105d0-e828-11ed-b2d0-e737b9372615.html | 2023-05-02T00:29:22 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/man-sentenced-to-16-years-for-robbery-connected-to-2020-murder/article_c8b105d0-e828-11ed-b2d0-e737b9372615.html |
A woman and two men were injured in a triple shooting in Philadelphia early Monday evening.
A 32-year-old man, 36-year-old woman and 29-year-old man were on the 600 block of Oregon Avenue at 6:34 p.m. when shots were fired.
The 32-year-old man was shot once in the leg, the 36-year-old woman was shot once in the right thigh and the 29-year-old man was shot once in the left leg.
All three victims were taken to the hospital. The 32-year-old man is in critical condition while the woman and 29-year-old man are both stable.
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A weapon was recovered but no arrests have been made. Police have not released information on any suspects.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
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There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-and-2-women-injured-in-triple-shooting-in-philadelphia/3557359/ | 2023-05-02T00:31:32 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-and-2-women-injured-in-triple-shooting-in-philadelphia/3557359/ |
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MOUNT CARMEL, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Mount Carmel Board of Mayor and Alderman passed an ordinance on Thursday prohibiting parking on all streets in the town limits.
The ordinance passed 4-3 on the second and final reading. The ordinance states:
“No parking is allowed on the paved portion of any street within the Town of Mount
Carmel except in the event of extreme inclement weather conditions. Temporary
parking permits may be issued at the discretion of the Chief of Police in order to
accommodate other temporary on street parking due to exigent circumstances.”
The ordinance went into effect immediately. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/mount-carmel-bma-bans-street-parking-in-town-limits/ | 2023-05-02T00:32:56 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/mount-carmel-bma-bans-street-parking-in-town-limits/ |
One person was taken to the hospital Sunday night after a fire broke out inside an Evansville home, officials said.
The person was transported to Banner Health Wyoming Medical Center as a result of the blaze, but his or her condition is unknown, the Evansville Fire Department said in a statement Monday.
Evansville Fire and EMS was dispatched to the 30 block of Oklahoma Street for a report of a structure fire shortly before 5 p.m., the statement said.
One fire engine was delayed by a train crossing through the area. It was only slowed by a few minutes, said spokesperson Collin Baldacci.
"While I don’t have an exact length of time we were delayed, from the time we left the station en route to the fire to the time we arrived on scene, it was exactly five minutes, that includes the train delay," Baldacci said.
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Natrona County Fire Protection District, Casper Fire and EMS and Banner Health Wyoming Medical Center staff were able to arrive on scene in the meantime, the statement said.
Officials began putting out the fire and providing medical care without delay.
There was only one person inside the structure, said Baldacci. The fire was under control about 12 minutes after the initial dispatch time.
A member of the Natrona County Fire Investigation Task Force is looking into the cause of the fire, the statement said.
In total, Evansville Fire and EMS responded with four engines, a rescue, an ambulance and a chief officer.
An additional ambulance was requested once it was clear the person would need to be transported, and the on-duty battalion chief from Casper Fire & EMS, who was already on the east side of Casper, came over to provide assistance as well, Baldacci said.
"The success of this incident is a true testament to the interoperability and aid agreements between all agencies within Natrona County," the statement said. | https://trib.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/evansville-fire-sends-one-person-to-the-hospital/article_57623e56-e843-11ed-996f-9797ac10c272.html | 2023-05-02T00:33:02 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/evansville-fire-sends-one-person-to-the-hospital/article_57623e56-e843-11ed-996f-9797ac10c272.html |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released its 2022 Crime on Campus Report, which shares details about the volume and nature of crime on college and university campuses across the state.
Compared to 2021, East Tennessee State University saw increased thefts, assaults, and drug violations. Sex offenses and vandalism cases decreased.
“One of the biggest concerns is a lot of times people are leaving valuables inside their vehicles and they’re leaving them unlocked,” said Cesar Gracia, ETSU police chief. “And, so it’s just giving thieves easy access to personal items.”
Gracia says ETSU’s police department is focused on crime prevention.
“One of the main events that we started to host on campus was ‘Meet Us Before You Need Us,'” said Gracia. “And it just gives us an opportunity to meet the students as well as giving them some crime prevention tips. “
Jordan Fanuele is an ETSU student who lives on campus. She says she hasn’t experienced any safety issues.
“I think campus security is doing a pretty good job, since I feel so safe to just walk,” said Fanuele. “I’m from New York and I can’t say the same about that, but on campus I can just walk at 4 a.m. after doing a project to my dorm and I don’t have any problems.”
Afton Burton is a sophomore at ETSU and says she generally feels safe on campus.
“I’ve never had an incident where I felt unsafe walking on campus or anything like that,” said Burton. “And you’ll see public safety around at all times and it’s a very well-lit campus as well. So, I’ve always felt very safe and protected here.”
ETSU police have several ways crimes on campus can be reported.
“Not only do we have what we call the blue phones, the emergency phones,” said Gracia. “We also have an app that’s called the ETSU App where people can report crimes that are being occurred and it can be done anonymously. They can also take videos and photos and provide them to our department so that we can follow up on that information as well.”
Gracia says they are also pushing out a campaign called “See Something, Say Something.” In that campaign, they encourage people to immediately report an incident or anything suspicious.
“We need them to let us know so we can investigate it,” said Gracia. “We are very big proponents of we would much rather have the information and it be nothing as opposed to someone refrains from reporting something that might be suspicious and where they fail to report it we’re unable to act until it’s too late.”
Gracia encourages students and anyone on campus to practice situational awareness. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tbi-campus-crime-report-shows-which-offenses-increased-and-decreased-at-etsu/ | 2023-05-02T00:33:03 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tbi-campus-crime-report-shows-which-offenses-increased-and-decreased-at-etsu/ |
The Idaho Press took home a number of awards at the Idaho Press Club’s 2023 Awards Banquet on Saturday night, including top honors in General Excellence.
Boise Weekly also took home first place in general excellence among weekly publications.
The Idaho Press took home a number of awards at the Idaho Press Club’s 2023 Awards Banquet on Saturday night, including top honors in General Excellence.
Boise Weekly also took home first place in general excellence among weekly publications.
The general excellence award consisted of three issues from 2022 which were chosen at random by the Idaho Press Club. Last year, the Idaho State Journal, a fellow Adams Publishing Group newspaper, won first overall in the category.
The Idaho Press has won the award three of the past four years.
Other winners from the Idaho Press and Boise Weekly were:
• Reporter Betsy Russell, who finished first in General Column writing for her weekly Eye on Boise column
• The Idaho Press sports staff received first-place recognition in the Special Sections category for their work on the 2022 Idaho Press Football Preview
• Another Idaho Press specialty publication, the 2022 Recreation Guide, finished second overall in the Special Sections category
• Aside from its first place finish in General Excellence, Boise Weekly also received second-place recognition for its 2022 Emporium edition, which was designed by Jason Jacobsen
• Reporter Jordan Kaye finished second in Light Feature Report for his story “The tragedy and redemption of Wally Benton”
• Laura Guido came in second in editorial writing for her piece “The hoopla around the book banning isn’t just about the books”
• Kaye also finished third in the Sports Features category for his piece “Chess savant always makes the right move”
“I couldn’t be more proud of our group and the job they do day-in and day-out to make us the state’s premier newspaper,” Editor Teddy Feinberg said. “Everyone on our staff deserves credit and recognition for the awards that were won, most notably top honors in General Excellence both for Idaho Press and Boise Weekly. Congrats to all!”
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A receipt was sent to your email. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-press-boise-weekly-earn-first-place-honors-in-general-excellence/article_e4c54046-e838-11ed-8b36-cbc426b272a3.html | 2023-05-02T00:39:46 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-press-boise-weekly-earn-first-place-honors-in-general-excellence/article_e4c54046-e838-11ed-8b36-cbc426b272a3.html |
A judge on Monday denied former Boise City Councilmember Lisa Sánchez's request for a preliminary injunction.
Wendy Olson, Sánchez’s lawyer, had asked the court to stop Boise’s city council from taking action without Sánchez and to direct the city to reinstate Sánchez. Sánchez lost her seat when she inadvertently moved out of her district at the end of 2022.
The city accepted applications to fill her vacant seat, and Sánchez applied and was a finalist, but ultimately was not reappointed.
“It cannot be said that Plaintiff is clearly entitled to the relief sought or substantially likely to prevail on her claims,” Judge Derrick O’Neill wrote in the memorandum. “For the reasons stated herein, Plaintiff's Motion for a Preliminary Injunction is DENIED.”
The subject at hand was about Idaho code 59-901, which details how vacancies occur. One part, section C, said that if the incumbent is removed by lawful procedure, the office is vacant.
Olson argued that the city of Boise removed Sánchez “based solely on its own legal opinion.” She said the city should have had a court determine that her seat was vacant.
However, Dan Williams, the attorney for the city of Boise, had said that what applied was section E: If an incumbent is no longer a resident of the district in which they are elected, the office is vacant.
“That event happened, your honor, it doesn’t matter if it was a day or 100 days or two years, that event happened. And that caused the vacancy under the statute,” Williams told the judge last week.
The court had to determine that there were no complex issues of law or fact and that Sánchez was substantially likely to prevail on her claims. However, the court did not draw that conclusion.
“Accordingly, the issue of irreparable harm is moot and will not be addressed,” the court said.
The judge ruled solely on the preliminary injunction and did not make any opinion on the other ongoing aspects of the lawsuit.
Sánchez has suffered harm from the city’s actions, her lawyer said, including not being able to serve her entire term, which was set to end in January 2024, especially after being elected in a specific district. Since losing her seat, if she elects to run for city council this November, she will have to do so as a challenger rather than an incumbent, and does not get to vote on issues such as the hotly debated zoning code rewrite that Boise's planning and zoning commission approved last week.
She also said in a filing that because she lost her council seat, she lost her medical and dental insurance and is no longer accruing retirement benefits. She also lost her council salary of around $27,000, the filings said, which was her only income.
Sánchez did not immediately return a request for comment.
Carolyn Komatsoulis covers Boise, Meridian and Ada County. Contact her at 208-465-8107 or ckomatsoulis@idahopress.com and follow her on Twitter @CKomatsoulis.
Carolyn Komatsoulis covers Boise, Meridian and Ada County for the Idaho Press. She previously worked at a newspaper in rural Nebraska. She's from the D.C. area and went to school in Boston, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. In her free time, she loves watching football, spending time with Kyoko and Pickles, exploring and going on road trips with her best friends. She welcomes news tips in English or Spanish. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/judge-makes-decision-on-former-boise-councilmembers-request-to-be-reinstated/article_b65063c4-e862-11ed-9793-17165fead33d.html | 2023-05-02T00:39:52 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/judge-makes-decision-on-former-boise-councilmembers-request-to-be-reinstated/article_b65063c4-e862-11ed-9793-17165fead33d.html |
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Tenants of an east Boise apartment complex were given three days to vacate after their heat stopped working. They're suing the property management company
Twenty former tenants of the Cambridge Square Apartments in east Boise are suing Commercial Northwest Property Management after the heat stopped working and they were given three days to move out.
The lawsuit, filed in April, alleges that Northwest Commercial was negligent, breached its contracts twice, violated Idaho Code, violated the Idaho Consumer Protection Act and both intentionally and negligently inflicted emotional distress.
“Defendants made money and, on information and belief, profits off of Plaintiffs by covenanting them to provide them and their families with healthy and safe homes for them to live in,” the lawsuit says. “Yet Defendant intentionally or recklessly failed to maintain even the most basic essentials of those homes: water and heat.”
A representative of Commercial Northwest Property Management was not immediately available to comment.
The lawsuit alleges that the Cambridge apartments had experienced significant problems with heat, water and hot water for years.
On March 1, the lawsuit says, the tenants were served with a 30-day notice to vacate, which the lawsuit alleged had “no valid or legal basis under the lease agreements or Idaho law.” On March 9, the notice to vacate was rescinded, it says.
But the next day at 6 p.m., tenants were informed that the heat had been “permanently disrupted,” and the lease agreements were canceled immediately.
The tenants were told to leave and return their keys by Monday — three days after being informed that the heat was disrupted and they had to leave, the lawsuit says. Once again, the filings say, this had no valid basis in the lease agreement or Idaho law.
On Tuesday, March 14, the CEO of the company told tenants they wouldn’t have to leave before securing other housing.
“The Plaintiffs in these matters were left completely uncertain with respect to the stability of their housing,” the court filings say.
On March 15, a Commercial Northwest employee was served with a demand to restore heating and plumbing facilities within three days, which is required before a tenant can file a lawsuit.
The first count in the lawsuit, violating Idaho Code, is based in part on Northwest Commercial Property Management not fixing the problems within three days.
The second count is for violation of the Idaho Consumer Protection Act, which the lawsuit says prohibits unfair and unconscionable trade practices.
The lawsuit says Idaho law imposes a statutory obligation on landlords to maintain utilities like electricity, plumbing, heating, ventilating, cooling or sanitary facilities. The negligence per se count deals with the failure to maintain heating and plumbing.
The first breach of contract count is for breaking the lease agreement, which does not allow either party to break the lease before it is set to run out.
On March 30, legal counsel for the apartments offered to pay each tenant $5,000, the lawsuit says, as long as the tenants acknowledged that Northwest Commercial returned the tenants' March rent and security deposits. The lawyer for the tenants agreed.
But then two hours later, according to the lawsuit, Northwest Commercial's legal counsel breached that contract by additionally requiring tenants to agree their leases would end on April 10 before receiving the money.
By failing to maintain basic home essentials and the demands to vacate, the lawsuit alleges that Northwest Commercial Property Management inflicted emotional distress. The tenants suffered from panic attacks, insomnia, severe anxiety and other emotional distress, it said.
In addition, the tenants had to pay moving expenses, increased rent, application fees and other fees and suffered loss of wages, loss of employment and other damages, the lawsuit alleges.
The lawsuit is asking for monetary damages to compensate the tenants, restitution of rent paid, recovery of statutory damages, requiring the company to fix the issues, attorney’s fees and any other relief the court deems fit.
“While many of the Plaintiffs in this matter were able to secure alternative housing in the following weeks, a number of the Plaintiffs continue to reside at Cambridge, having received no assistance to cover the expenses of finding adequate, alternative, comparable housing,” the lawsuit says.
Carolyn Komatsoulis covers Boise, Meridian and Ada County. Contact her at 208-465-8107 or ckomatsoulis@idahopress.com and follow her on Twitter @CKomatsoulis.
Carolyn Komatsoulis covers Boise, Meridian and Ada County for the Idaho Press. She previously worked at a newspaper in rural Nebraska. She's from the D.C. area and went to school in Boston, where she graduated with a degree in journalism. In her free time, she loves watching football, spending time with Kyoko and Pickles, exploring and going on road trips with her best friends. She welcomes news tips in English or Spanish. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/tenants-of-an-east-boise-apartment-complex-were-given-three-days-to-vacate-after-their/article_b91c843c-e841-11ed-b86c-6b406c5eccc9.html | 2023-05-02T00:40:04 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/tenants-of-an-east-boise-apartment-complex-were-given-three-days-to-vacate-after-their/article_b91c843c-e841-11ed-b86c-6b406c5eccc9.html |
BOISE (AP) — A hair found stuck to duct tape wrapping the body of a 7-year-old boy matched the child's mother, a DNA analyst told jurors Monday in the woman's triple murder trial.
The hair, found on tape attached to a black plastic bag wrapping the body of Joshua “J.J.” Vallow, contained a partial DNA profile that was compared to three DNA samples, including one from the boy's mother, said Keeley Coleman, a DNA analyst for Bode Technology. The results showed the hair came from the mother.
“The partial DNA profile matched the DNA profile provided from Lori Vallow Daybell,” Coleman said. “The probability of randomly selecting a random individual in relation to that profile 1 is 71 billion.”
Vallow is charged with conspiracy, murder and grand theft in connection with the deaths of her two youngest children and a romantic rival in what prosecutors say was a doomsday-focused plot carried out with her brother and her fifth husband. The husband, Chad Daybell, is also charged in the case, and the brother, Alex Cox, died of natural causes before the charges were filed.
Idaho prosecutors say the couple espoused strange doomsday-focused beliefs involving demonic possession and “zombies” to further their plan to kill J.J., his older sister Tylee Ryan, and Chad Daybell's previous wife Tammy Daybell so they could collect life insurance and survivor benefits.
Both have pleaded not guilty to murder, conspiracy and grand theft charges, and they are being tried separately. Daybell’s trial is still months away.
Vallow has also been charged in Arizona in connection with the the death of her fourth husband, Charles Vallow.
He was shot and killed by Vallow' brother, Alex Cox, outside of his Phoenix-area home in July 2019. Cox told police the shooting was in self-defense and was never charged in the case. He died of natural causes later that year. Vallow has not yet had the opportunity to enter a plea in the Arizona case.
The children were last seen alive in September of 2019, just before Tylee's 17th birthday. Police discovered they were missing a month later after an extended family member became worried that she wasn't able to get ahold of J.J.
Their bodies were found the following summer buried in Chad Daybell's yard. J.J.'s remains were taped, wrapped in plastic and taped again, and Tylee's remains had been badly damaged and burned. Some of Tylee's bones showed evidence of stabbing or chopping marks, an investigator told jurors last week.
Tammy Daybell died in October of 2019, and her death was initially reported as being from natural causes. But investigators became suspicious after Chad Daybell and Vallow married two weeks later and eventually had Tammy's remains exhumed. An autopsy showed she had been asphyxiated.
On Monday, the DNA analyst told jurors that the hair sample wasn't complete enough to run through the FBI database, but that she was able to compare it to DNA samples from Tylee, Vallow and Vallow's friend, Melanie Gibb. The FBI database wasn't needed, Coleman said, because she had the three DNA samples from known people.
The trial began last month and was scheduled to last up to eight weeks or more. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/vallow-trial-lori-vallows-dna-found-on-tape-wrapping-sons-body/article_4a151a60-e862-11ed-996a-83d9b1a54b12.html | 2023-05-02T00:40:11 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/vallow-trial-lori-vallows-dna-found-on-tape-wrapping-sons-body/article_4a151a60-e862-11ed-996a-83d9b1a54b12.html |
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Fair will be kicking off the summer season on Saturday with its Fair, Fun and Food Kick Off Party.
The event will run from noon to 6 p.m. at the Village of Cultures on East Sangamon Avenue. Admission and parking at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is free for the event.
Attendees can help themselves to food and drinks from some of the state fair's most popular vendors, including Mr. Ribeye, Coleman Concessions, Wafflelicious and Illinois Wine.
The Springfield Park District's Henson Robinson Zoom and Washington Park Preschool will offer free children's activities. The State Fair Dunk Tank also will be set up to give attendees a chance to drench a local celebrity.
There also will be a performance from After Sunset, a local party band that performs covers of songs across all genres, from 3 to 6 p.m.
The 2023 Illinois State Fair will be from August 10 to 20. Visit statefair.illinois.gov for more details. | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/springfield-hosting-kickoff-party-100-days-out-from-illinois-state-fair/article_9616874e-e841-11ed-9bfb-0332086f2846.html | 2023-05-02T00:48:11 | 1 | https://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/springfield-hosting-kickoff-party-100-days-out-from-illinois-state-fair/article_9616874e-e841-11ed-9bfb-0332086f2846.html |
FENTRESS, Texas — A licensed skydiver died while skydiving in Fentress, Texas on Friday.
On Friday, April 28, an experienced 31-year-old skydiver died while skydiving solo in Fentress, which is around 15 miles outside of San Marcos. According to Skydive Spaceland San Marcos, the skydiver has been licensed to skydive solo for the last four years and has completed multiple, successful skydives at the same location in the past.
The skydiver, who has not been identified as the family is still being contacted, used their own parachute for a "self-supervised skydive." The company stated that the equipment was appropriately sized for the skydiver, in good condition and maintained by the standards set out by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
However, the early investigation has shown that the primary parachute malfunctioned, leading the backup parachute to be implemented.
"The skydiver did not survive the landing despite immediate medical attention," the company stated. "The skydiving community is small and any loss is felt deeply throughout the sport. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family of the deceased and the many friends who shared the skies throughout the years."
The FAA provided the following statement regarding the incident:
"The FAA is aware of a skydiving accident in Fentress, Texas around 1 p.m. local time Friday, April 28. Local authorities will provide the name and medical condition of the person involved. The FAA investigates the packing of the main and reserve parachutes and the rules of flight for the pilot and aircraft. The FAA does not determine cause."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/skydiver-parachute-malfunction/269-94d6a7af-6eef-4b6c-869c-acb2ec3e6da1 | 2023-05-02T00:52:39 | 1 | https://www.kcentv.com/article/news/local/skydiver-parachute-malfunction/269-94d6a7af-6eef-4b6c-869c-acb2ec3e6da1 |
At 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, a sexual assault was reported to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, launching a search on the ground and in the air for the person responsible — but the suspect has evaded capture so far.
According to Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson, Jon Paxton, the suspect took a 16-year-old girl on a UTV ride in the Cinder Hills OHV Recreational Area. When the girl returned to her family, she told them she had been sexually assaulted.
At that point, Paxton said, the family confronted the suspect, who fled on foot. Witnesses told CCSO they believe the suspect might have fled into the woods with a handgun, but deputies cannot confirm whether or not the suspect was armed.
A DPS Ranger Helicopter was called in Saturday to look for the suspect from the air, and according to Paxton, the search is ongoing. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/weekend-manhunt-continues-for-sexual-assault-suspect-near-cinder-hills-ohv-area/article_b78a3ec2-e858-11ed-a5cf-9f7a0a4abca3.html | 2023-05-02T00:52:50 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/weekend-manhunt-continues-for-sexual-assault-suspect-near-cinder-hills-ohv-area/article_b78a3ec2-e858-11ed-a5cf-9f7a0a4abca3.html |
After the recycling center closed suddenly last week, City of Flagstaff officials are still asking residents to hold onto their recyclables this week.
Public works director Scott Overton told the Arizona Daily Sun that city staff are working hard to get recycling services back up and running, but they just need a little more time.
“I will tell you this week, we have suspended service. So this will be our fourth day today [of no residential recycle pickup]. We are looking at all options as quickly as possible want to give the community plenty of resources. But they have to make sense,” Overton said. “This is a really significant focus of the city; staff are really working on all fronts.”
The solution to Flagstaff’s recycling woes looks to be Phoenix, which Overton said operates a large, modern recycling plant.
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Overton said city staff are in the midst of drawing up an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the City of Phoenix to send recyclables to the facility. Overton said they are moving as quickly as possible to get that contract completed and to Flagstaff City Council for approval.
At the moment, the agreement is set to go before Council on May 23. City staff had hoped to find a solution by Monday, but that proved unfeasible.
Should the contract be approved at that time, the effort would still represent a real sprint for the speed at which municipal governments usually operate. But that could still mean several more weeks of no recycle pickup for Flagstaff residents.
Overton said he is wary to see recycling serves halted any longer than the remainder of this week.
He said they may be able to restart collection and begin bringing those materials down to Phoenix even before the agreement is signed.
“If we can line up some trucking and some logistics and we can get to council. I think we can probably even accelerate it a little bit sooner than it takes for the actual IGA to be adopted,” Overton said. “And [the City of Phoenix has] been super helpful. They've been very open, they understand the predicament we're in, and I think they will do anything they can do to help us and bridge that gap to the [adoption of the] IGA.”
At the moment, Overton said they are working through the details of logistics, understanding the best way to collect and truck the materials “down the hill.”
He said he certainly understands the frustration of residents about the pause in recycling pickup, adding that city staff are in the same boat as residents on that account.
But as much as they would love to restart recycling pickup this week, Overton said for the moment they find themselves in somewhat of a catch-22.
Either they restart recycling services before they are ready and have no other option but bringing those materials to the landfill, or they ask residents to hang on to those materials for just a little longer. Both of those alternatives may make residents unhappy, Overton admitted, but he hoped residents can understand the dilemma and hang on to recyclables for just a little longer.
And indeed, that is exactly what is still happening with commercial recycle services.
Because of overflow concerns and capacity limitations of businesses, commercial recycling pickup is continuing, but that material is just being brought to the landfill, a city media release stated.
So far, providing residents with rebates for the fees associated with recycle pickup due to the pause has not been discussed, Overton said. That would be something that staff would want city council direction on before approaching.
This all comes after Norton Environmental Inc., which has operated Flagstaff’s MRF for over 20 years, suddenly told the city last week it would be closing its doors and could not accept recyclables.
The city’s contract with Norton was set to expire in September.
Overton said even before that news, the city was already in talks with Phoenix to begin shipping materials to the valley. This development simply sped up the process significantly.
And Overton said it makes a lot of sense for Flagstaff to “piggyback” onto the facility in Phoenix. Building or modernizing the Flagstaff facility was deemed off the table by city council back in 2019, and reiterated in 2020.
The MRF run by Phoenix already supports countless other communities, including nearly all of the cities within the Phoenix metro area.
And the introduction of recycled materials from Flagstaff would represent just a drop in the bucket for that facility. Operating about 22 hours every day, that facility process the same amount of recycled materials in a single week than Flagstaff generates over an entire year, Overton said.
It remains unclear exactly why Norton decided to stop accepting recyclables. The company could not be reached for comment.
But city staff indicated the closure appears to be related to a fire that occurred at the facility early last week. That fire may have damaged equipment and given how close to the end of the contract the company was, and the already difficult recycling business, the company may have decided to simply cease operations. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/no-recycle-pickup-this-week-as-flagstaff-looks-to-phoenix-for-new-facility/article_58a2dc7a-e867-11ed-ae9a-8baaecdf442b.html | 2023-05-02T00:52:56 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/no-recycle-pickup-this-week-as-flagstaff-looks-to-phoenix-for-new-facility/article_58a2dc7a-e867-11ed-ae9a-8baaecdf442b.html |
Orangutan moms are the best! No, really — they are extraordinary mothers, and orangutan little ones are lucky to have them. Since parents, regardless of species, so rarely receive a pat on the back meaning, “Good job,” I feel compelled to make a big deal of exemplary parents, including those who are orangutans.
All the other great apes (gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, humans) are highly social, but not orangutans. Strong bonds form between mothers and offspring, but many of the interactions between other individuals are more casual, such as feeding in the same area when fruit is plentiful. Orangutan moms are on their own when it comes to caring for their young because the fathers perform no paternal care, and there are no extended family members offering support either.
These primates have their first baby when they are in their mid-teens, and reproduce every 6 to 8 years, which is the largest birth interval of any terrestrial mammal. They care for their offspring for many years, investing substantial resources into each one. Though females spend decades caring for their young, most of them will only raise 4 or 5 offspring total.
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Babies are in physical contact with their mom constantly for about 4 months, as in this early stage their mothers never put their babies down. The moms carry them as they move through the trees, as they forage, and when they sleep. Every night, an orangutan builds a new arboreal nest to sleep in. It takes an orangutan just a few minutes to make a nest out of branches woven into a sturdy cradle structure, using smaller ones with leaves to line it, even with an infant clinging to her.
Orangutans rely entirely on their mothers to learn everything they need to know to survive in their tropical rainforest homes. With over 200 food types, their diet is complex and varied. Orangutan moms actively teach their offspring which foods to eat, when they are available, and how best to eat them. Orangutan mothers adjust their own feeding behavior according to the age and skill level of their offspring so the young can learn to forage successfully. They show them how to process foods, including the fruits that make up most of their diet along with leaves, bark, honey, and insects as well as the eggs of birds. Some foods are simple to consume, such as leaves that can be eaten just as they are, but fruits need to be peeled, and eating bark requires the edible part to be separated from the inedible part. Sticks are made into brush-like tools to remove honey from beehives or used to extract ants from cavities.
Young orangutans are completely dependent on their mothers for food and transport for 2 years, and moms breastfeed their young for up to 8 years. Orangutans become independent around age 10, but continue to visit their moms until the age of 15 or 16 years.
These loving mothers exhibit an impressive level of commitment to parenting. Way to go, orangutan moms! | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/london-zoo-congratulating-orangutan-mothers-on-a-job-well-done/article_2ebe8a26-e853-11ed-8dae-ff8b1edb79b2.html | 2023-05-02T00:53:02 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/london-zoo-congratulating-orangutan-mothers-on-a-job-well-done/article_2ebe8a26-e853-11ed-8dae-ff8b1edb79b2.html |
BALTIMORE — May 1 is Melanoma Monday, it's a day dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of sun exposure and skin cancer.
Scott Evans Woods found a mole on his arm back in the summer of 2020, he had spent a lot of the pandemic outdoors during the quarantine.
"My buddy of mine had an outdoor pool so we were all hanging by the pool four, five, six of us almost on a daily basis out in the sun a lot, not using sunscreen being a knuckle head like I am," said Woods.
After a while he noticed the mole grow in size to about the size of a pencil eraser, shortly after, he noticed a lump.
"I started feeling tenderness under my right underarm and then one day I felt a lump under there and of course the light bulb went off inside my head, something is not right," he said.
Early 2021, his dermatologist took a biopsy and the results came back positive for cancer, stage three melanoma.
That's when Woods was sent over to a specialist, Dr. Edward McCarron a surgical oncologist with Medstar Health.
"The melanoma was diagnosed late in its progression so once the melanoma has spread to the lymph node, it becomes very difficult to treat," said Dr. McCarron.
What would have been a simple treatment was now complex.
Woods was part of a new trial which included infusion every three weeks for 54 weeks and surgery to remove the tumor.
Now he is officially cancer free, he still carries around the scars from surgery as a reminder of what he overcame, and he wants others to take the precautions he didn't. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/skin-cancer-survivor-speaks-out-on-melanoma-monday | 2023-05-02T00:53:25 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/skin-cancer-survivor-speaks-out-on-melanoma-monday |
PHOENIX — It was a Thursday evening at Legacy Sports Complex in Mesa. 12-year-old Pyper Midkiff was practicing soccer with her Arizona Arsenal Club team.
Without warning Pyper collapsed just 20 minutes into the practice.
“She is a scrappy little player. My wife calls her ‘Spicy Pypy.’ She hasn’t seen a challenge, a tackle, a ball in the air she’s not excited about going and winning,” said her father, Matt Midkiff.
It’s that competitive fire Pyper will need as she fights to recover.
“She’s going to fight, and we just want her back,” said an emotional Midkiff.
Piper's dad said the medical emergency came out of nowhere.
“There was no collision. No ball hit her in the chest. No trauma to her head. It was kind of a ticking bomb that went off in her heart that went off at that moment,” said Midkiff.
Midkiff was coaching at another field in the sports complex when he got the call that Pyper had collapsed.
He ran to the field to find her teammates crying as parents and coaches worked to help Pyper.
“She was on the ground. Her face was turning blue. One of her teammate’s mom was already on the phone with EMS and initiated CPR,” said Midkiff.
Pyper was being transported to an area hospital when her heart stopped. Paramedics were able to get it restarted.
She was then flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital where she’s being cared for.
“She was able to wake up and recognize people. Nod her face. Move her limbs. Squeeze hands,” said Midkiff.
It's a glimmer of hope but she’s still heavily sedated and intubated with a long road to recovery.
Support from the local soccer community is helping the family through this ordeal.
Friends have started up a GoFundMe account for Pyper.
Players from other teams are wearing wristbands with Pyper’s initials and her jersey number in her honor. Phoenix Rising FC showed support by posing with a jersey with Pyper’s name on it before Saturday’s game.
“It’s really lifted my wife, myself and my kids up that so many people care about Pyper,” said Midkiff.
Pyper still has to undergo an MRI and other tests to find out what happened and what damage may have resulted from the cardiac arrest.
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Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/12-year-old-goes-into-cardiac-arrest-during-soccer-practice/75-639be652-2663-4dd2-a3a9-3590b1853e74 | 2023-05-02T00:55:37 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/12-year-old-goes-into-cardiac-arrest-during-soccer-practice/75-639be652-2663-4dd2-a3a9-3590b1853e74 |
PHOENIX — A 24-year-old motorcyclist died Sunday night after they were hit by a vehicle in north Phoenix.
Jalen King has been identified by Phoenix police as the motorcyclist who was killed near Paradise Village Parkway and Cactus Road.
King was driving west on Cactus Road and collided with a vehicle that was trying to make a left turn. A third vehicle was also involved in the collision.
Police said the motorcycle's speed appears to be a contributing factor. No signs of impairment were observed by the police.
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ADOT offers driving tips on its website to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/24-year-old-killed-motorcycle-crash-phoenix-police/75-5a88fb5f-4145-4a16-afc3-b523010a10ab | 2023-05-02T00:55:43 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/24-year-old-killed-motorcycle-crash-phoenix-police/75-5a88fb5f-4145-4a16-afc3-b523010a10ab |
TWIN FALLS — A man who was charged with first-degree murder after causing a fatal crash in June 2019 has accepted a plea deal in which he still faces a sentence of life in prison.
Cedric Mitchell, 38, on Friday signed a written plea of guilty, agreeing to amended charges of second-degree murder and aggravated battery. Four charges of aggravated battery were dropped. The victims named in those counts, however, are now included in the single aggravated battery charge he will plead guilty to, court records say.
Mitchell crashed his pickup truck, traveling between an estimated 74 and 76 mph, into the back of another pickup that was waiting at a stoplight on Heyburn Avenue East at Blue Lakes Boulevard North.
Maryann Steiner, 60, a passenger in the pickup, died and her husband, Dwayne Steiner, was seriously injured.
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The collision pushed the Steiner's vehicle into the intersection, causing other crashes and injuries.
While a defense attorney said it was his contention that Mitchell experienced a medical emergency before the crash, the prosecution didn’t believe it. Investigators found the accelerator of Mitchell’s vehicle was “100% engaged” and witnesses reportedly heard Mitchell say, “God take me. I want to die,” and “I wanted to bring the rapture.”
A grand jury indicted Mitchell of first-degree murder on July 31, 2019, and a lengthy list of motions and court dates, many of which were vacated, has followed through the years.
A motion to dismiss the charges against Mitchell had been set for Monday.
The plea deal was the result of mediation in which victims’ families were involved “from start to finish,” Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant Loebs told the Times-News on Monday.
Loebs said he was happy with the plea arrangement.
“Zero was lost,” he said, “except a three-week trial.”
Under the plea agreement, Mitchell will be given a mandatory life sentence. On July 19, prosecution and defense attorneys will go before District Judge Roger B. Harris to state their cases when Mitchell should be eligible for parole, Loebs said.
Had Mitchell, who is being held on a $2 million bond, been found guilty of first-degree murder, the minimum amount of time before being eligible for parole would have been 10 years, Loebs said.
Under the plea deal, Mitchell will also agree to pay reasonable restitution for people he injured. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/man-who-caused-fatal-crash-in-twin-falls-agrees-to-plea-deal/article_2e5aa5fc-e875-11ed-afa3-4f65db01567f.html | 2023-05-02T01:01:56 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/man-who-caused-fatal-crash-in-twin-falls-agrees-to-plea-deal/article_2e5aa5fc-e875-11ed-afa3-4f65db01567f.html |
TWIN FALLS — The College of Southern Idaho kept whole families entertained Saturday during its open house during Community College Month. Those who came enjoyed the balmy 80-degree weather, filled their stomachs with free hot dogs and ice cream cones, picked up free swag including pins and pens, and learned what CSI has to offer.
Wayne Woodhouse of the food service company Sodexo said he stayed busy, serving almost 1,200 hot dogs.
Prizes, including electronics and a cutting board made by a woodworking student, were awarded after the event in a drawing.
Gilbert the Golden Eagle, the mascot of the College of Southern Idaho, takes a break during 80-degree weather Friday during the college's open house in Twin Falls. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/people-see-what-csi-has-to-offer-at-open-house/article_03130a94-e855-11ed-b953-fbce61adf321.html | 2023-05-02T01:02:02 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/people-see-what-csi-has-to-offer-at-open-house/article_03130a94-e855-11ed-b953-fbce61adf321.html |
From inflation to unemployment, to worries about being unable to work because of an illness, having an emergency fund can help smooth out life’s financial hits.
And the good news? Starting one may not be as hard as you think.
If you’re lucky, things are going well right now – you have a steady paycheck, you pay your bills on time and you might even have a little extra money left over.
But what if something unexpected happens?
“We’ve all experienced unexpected financial emergencies, a major home repair, medical bills, or even loss of income,” Lisa Gill with Consumer Reports said.
Gill writes about personal finance for Consumer Reports.
“Having a rainy-day fund to cover these types of unplanned expenses can protect you from major debt which can easily turn into a financial crisis,” she said.
Financial planner, Nestor Vargas, said that putting aside enough to cover three to six months of essential expenses is a good rule of thumb.
“Essential expenses are housing, food, transportation, debts repayments and so what you want to do is you want to sit down and figure out how much that is on a monthly basis, multiply that times 3 or 6 to come up with the actual number you need to save for your emergency fund,” Vargas said.
Once you determine your savings target – don’t let that number overwhelm you!
“It is definitely important to start saving as much as you can or as little as you can, if it’s 5 dollars, 10 dollars a month, you will be surprised how quickly that adds up,” Vargas said.
An online savings calculator can show how much you’ll need to set aside each month to reach your goal and how quickly that money will grow.
“Consumer Reports suggests putting money into a high-yield savings bank or no-penalty certificate of deposit. Many of those accounts now have interest rates over 4 percent,” Gill said.
CR said to make saving even easier by setting automatic deposits or transfers from your checking account to your emergency fund – It will keep your contributions on track and secure until you need them.
While building emergency savings should be a priority, CR said you may have other urgent financial obligations, such as high-interest credit card debt.
If that’s the case, paying down that debt should become the priority. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/heres-why-you-need-an-emergency-fund-consumer-reports/ | 2023-05-02T01:04:06 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/01/heres-why-you-need-an-emergency-fund-consumer-reports/ |
GRAND BLANC, Mich. (WJRT) - Mid-Michigan has seen a recent rash of incidents involving gel blasters.
These toys, also called Orbeez guns, shoot gel balls that can bruise their targets. The problem popped up in other states around summer 2022.
"This actually kind of resembles almost like an AK-47 style," said Grand Blanc Police Det. Bryan Byarski while showing off a realistically molded gel blaster.
High school seniors have used them to ambush each other around town as part of a year-end "water war." Byarski said that this is the first year students have added gel blasters to the arsenal.
In previous years, they used water balloons and Super Soakers. Unfortunately, their war has claimed some innocent casualties at Holy Family Catholic School in Grand Blanc.
"As they were driving by with an Orbeez gun, they shot ... through the window, hit a few kids on the playground. Some of them got hit in the head and face area," Byarski said.
Those students were left with bruises and Byarski worries what would have happened if one were hit in the eye. But even bruises, he said, are enough for assault charges.
That may be the only incident in which people were hurt, but it wasn't the only overall.
Byarski said there were two other incidents in which seniors caused disruptions at Rust Park and a McDonald's in Grand Blanc. In the latter incident, the students even wore masks.
The two teens who shot at Holy Family students turned themselves in and are being considered for charges.
These factors, along with the fact that the guns can be hard to recognize as toys at a distance, are why these incidents result in 911 calls. When police have limited information, Byarski said there's a chance of things going wrong.
"Now they get out with this very realistic-looking gun and the police officer has to make a split-second decision: Is this real or not?" he said.
Even without police involvement, things can get risky.
Frankenmuth Police Chief Donald Mawer also dealt with a gel blaster incident in April. He said that when people are scared about mass shootings, the last thing somebody should do is carry a realistic toy gun.
"You have civilians that are legally carrying firearms, as well. And with the uptick of gun violence in our nation, you're probably going to see armed encounters take place and settled with civilians that are carrying a weapon," said Mawer.
If parents or teens are buying a gel blaster for summer fun, police recommend they stick to a brand like NERF. They have bright colors and are more obviously identifiable as toys.
Police say that only players should be near or involved in gel ball fights. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/police-warn-against-unsupervised-use-of-gel-blasters/article_3112c9a4-e867-11ed-8f61-b7cc43923279.html | 2023-05-02T01:05:48 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/police-warn-against-unsupervised-use-of-gel-blasters/article_3112c9a4-e867-11ed-8f61-b7cc43923279.html |
Developers are snapping up property for new buildings in many Dallas neighborhoods. Residents on West Eighth Street in the Bishop Arts District complain one potential site has become a nuisance.
Property co-owner Andrew Strange said Monday the developers are looking for "entitlements" from the City of Dallas to get work underway. That could mean tax breaks that some projects receive when the city wants to encourage development.
In the Bishop Arts District, developers are competing with one another to buy land and get projects off the ground without tax breaks.
Neighborhood city councilman Chad West said Dallas developers should not assume there will be entitlements and these owners are at the top of the list of code violators in his district. He said the developers should work to communicate with neighbors.
“It’s certainly not a good first step in the right direction,” West said. “The property owners need to get this property under control.”
Officials from two City of Dallas departments were at the properties again Monday: the Office of Homeless Solutions and Code Compliance.
The properties are 111, 115, 117 and 119 West Eighth Street. They include two vacant houses and two vacant lots.
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At 111 West Eight Street, notices from several past code enforcement citation visits for open, unsecured structures were clearly visible Monday with dates March 30, April 4 and April 14.
Neighbors said they are the ones who actually boarded the properties to keep visitors out. The neighbors said trash and uninvited guests at the properties date back even further than the recent notices.
“This could be a situation where they’re trying to make everyone sell and lower our property value and get everyone so fed up, and sell for cheap, and say, ‘Hey I don’t want to live next to a dump, here you go.’ And that’s when they decide to develop,” said Benito Moriel who lives beside one of the properties.
Moriel said one of the property co-owners was at the site earlier Monday.
“’Hey, how is it going neighbor?’ That’s how he greeted me this morning. 'Not great. How do you think, I’m doing?'” Moriel said. “They’re irresponsible.”
Neighbor Alan Perry, who lives across the street, said the vacant properties are zoned for buildings up to six-stories tall, the sort of development that has already happened just a block away. Another new construction crane is visible down the street.
“This is mixed-use. It’s zoned for mixed-use. It’s zoned for commercial. I expect things like that to happen in my neighborhood, but I also expect that developers will take care of the lots that they buy,” Perry said.
Strange also said Monday that problems like this just happen at vacant Dallas properties. He said the owners have been doing the best they can to keep the site clear but homeless people keep messing it up.
“I disagree with everything that was said. This doesn’t happen all the time. Vacant buildings can be secured and cared for by absentee owners while they're waiting to do something else,” West said.
Strange later provided a text message:
“Due to the homeless issues we are pulling demolition permits and clearing the site along with the trash,” the text message said.
Neighbors said they would welcome improvement.
“I’ve been here for 8 years, this is the worst this block has ever looked,” Perry said.
West said the City of Dallas has been granting incentives for developers who include affordable housing units for residents with limited income, which would be desirable in Bishop Arts where housing is increasingly expensive.
“Bishop Arts is not a place where things are not happening,” West said. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/bishop-arts-neighbors-complain-development-site-is-a-nuisance/3248080/ | 2023-05-02T01:07:31 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/bishop-arts-neighbors-complain-development-site-is-a-nuisance/3248080/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/hillcrest-student-gets-full-ride-scholarship-to-harvard/3248060/ | 2023-05-02T01:07:44 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/hillcrest-student-gets-full-ride-scholarship-to-harvard/3248060/ |
Authorities in Kaufman County are investigating the reported assault of a 17-year-old in Forney Monday afternoon, the Kaufman County Constable's Office says.
Deputies with the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office and Kaufman County Constables were notified about a report of a possible shooting at about 2 p.m. at a home on the 2000 block of Cone Flower Drive in Forney.
A sheriff's office spokesperson told NBC 5 that early reports indicated a child may have been shot in the head and his mother was taking him to Baylor Scott & White Emergency Center in Forney. The mother reportedly told 911 operators that her child had been grazed by a bullet.
Precinct 2 Constable Jason Johnson said later Monday that a shooting had not occurred. Johnson said a 17-year-old had been assaulted and no arrests have been made as of Monday evening.
Further details on the teen's condition or the circumstances surrounding the incident were immediately available.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details on the investigation from the Kaufman County Constable's Office. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/kaufman-county-teen-assaulted-no-arrests-monday/3247917/ | 2023-05-02T01:07:50 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/kaufman-county-teen-assaulted-no-arrests-monday/3247917/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/many-school-bond-proposals-on-the-may-6-ballot/3248052/ | 2023-05-02T01:07:56 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/many-school-bond-proposals-on-the-may-6-ballot/3248052/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/neighbors-upset-with-vacant-properties-in-bishop-arts-district/3248051/ | 2023-05-02T01:08:03 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/neighbors-upset-with-vacant-properties-in-bishop-arts-district/3248051/ |
Every morning, NBC 5 Today is dedicated to delivering you positive local stories of people doing good, giving back and making a real change in our community. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/something-good/mother-and-daughter-work-first-flight-together/3248072/ | 2023-05-02T01:08:10 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/something-good/mother-and-daughter-work-first-flight-together/3248072/ |
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — A new bill that would prevent children from seeing drag performances is getting pushback from LGBT+ groups, while bill sponsors say it’s meant to protect children.
“I’m a dad,” said Rep. Mack Butler (R- Gadsden), one of the bill’s co-sponsors. “And if you look at all these sponsors of the bill, same thing, just dads trying to protect children.”
HB401 bans “lewd or lascivious dancing, presentations or activities including but not limited to… male or female impersonators, commonly known as drag queens or drag kings” in K-12 public schools, libraries or other public places where children are present.
Butler said that while he hasn’t heard of children being at drag shows in his district, he wants to get in front of the issue.
“There have been some instances across the state as well as other states. I’m just trying to take a stand for our children. Let them have their innocence — protect them,” Butler said.
Those with Central Alabama Pride said the bill infringes on free expression and discriminates against a community.
“So I just urge them to think about what they’re doing. Think about an entire community that’s being harmed,” Central Alabama Pride Executive Board Secretary Christopher Fitch said.
Fitch, who performs in drag shows as “Addison Vontrell,” said drag is not what lawmakers make it out to be.
“It’s not being provocative. It’s not being sexual. In drag, I’m completely covered. You can’t see anything. You will never be able to see anything. It’s an artform; it’s expression,” Fitch said.
That expression, however, is something Butler said children shouldn’t be seeing.
“You’re taking young impressionable minds and basically telling them what’s up is down,” he said.
“I will not comply,” Fitch said. “You can try to make me stop, but I will not comply.”
The bill has been referred to the House State Government Committee. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/alabama-gay-group-condemns-bill-seeking-to-ban-drag-shows-where-children-are-present/ | 2023-05-02T01:14:46 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/alabama-gay-group-condemns-bill-seeking-to-ban-drag-shows-where-children-are-present/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — One couple visiting Birmingham got more than they bargained for when they came for a visit over the weekend.
Instead of the welcome wagon, they were greeted with a slew of wannabe street racers outside their hotel.
On Saturday night, Adam Tanielian, an Ole Miss graduate student, and his wife were in town for some concerts, staying at the Holiday Inn near the airport, when they heard engines screeching across the street below around midnight.
“This was a new experience for me to see such a thing happening at a live intersection with people entering the intersection, making turns,” Tanielian said.
He saw a crowd form as cars raced and did donuts with people hanging from the windows — an incident now known as “exhibition driving.”
He said this went on for about half an hour until police arrived, and the drivers sped off and scattered. The ordeal was disconcerting for him and especially for his wife who’s from outside the U.S.
“That was seriously dangerous … The people hanging out the windows could have been thrown and killed, the pedestrians who were standing and video recording in the intersection could have been hit and killed,” Tanielian said.
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said there’s no place for this recklessness on city streets. He emphasized it’s easier to handle this problem before it begins, especially ahead of the summer when it’s more common.
“The key there is to stop that behavior from occurring. It’s hard to, when you have a large group like that, you can’t stop every single person,” Thurmond said on officers responding to calls for exhibition driving.
“It’s frustrating for city officials, it’s frustrating for business owners and residents alike,” said Birmingham city councilor Hunter Williams.
Williams also serves on the council’s public safety committee. Recently, they added dozens of speed bumps in strategic places throughout Birmingham, whereas on the state level, both the Alabama House and Senate have recently passed bills banning exhibition driving and increasing the penalties for exhibition drivers.
However, Williams pointed out, they need your help to permanently curb this dangerous driving too.
“It’s extremely hard for municipalities, specifically local police, to enforce … We need the community to help us put an end to this,” Williams said. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/caught-on-camera-large-exhibition-driving-incident-near-the-airport/ | 2023-05-02T01:14:52 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/caught-on-camera-large-exhibition-driving-incident-near-the-airport/ |
The “Idaho Gives” campaign kicked off Monday at the Mountain America Center with a ceremony honoring nonprofits and encouraging community members to give to support the local organizations providing services on the front lines of our communities.
Interested donors can visit idahogives.org through Thursday, research nonprofits, and select which ones they would like to donate to assist this year.
“Idaho Gives is a statewide giving campaign where we encourage everyone to give back to their favorite nonprofit,” said Evin Bask, chief operations officer for the Idaho Nonprofit Center that runs the four-day fundraiser. “It’s an event where it’s kind of our opportunity to just give thanks and give some funds to the nonprofits that are doing great work with our communities.”
The Idaho Gives campaign has raised $20 million for nonprofits in the state since it launched in 2012. This year, the effort aims to raise $4 million to benefit Idaho organizations.
“On Idahogives.org, you can search by causes, you can search by city, you can by name of the nonprofit,” Bask said. “You select the name of the nonprofit, and then the funds will go directly to that organization. We’re excited to be reaching some big milestones, and getting some needed funds back to the nonprofits.”
Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper and Ammon Mayor Sean Coletti issued a joint proclamation designating May 1-4 as “Idaho Gives Week.” Coletti and Idaho Falls City Council President Michelle Ziel-Dingman read the proclamation Monday to the assembled nonprofit leaders.
“More than 7,000 Idaho nonprofit organizations contribute significantly to our economy by providing services to our communities, employing over 67,000 Idahoans, and producing total revenue of $5.45 billion,” Ziel-Dingman read. “Idaho’s nonprofit leaders often are entrepreneurs, create new solutions to problems, and fill previous unmet needs in the area of health, recreation, education, research, arts, social services and more. Idaho Gives serves as a time to join together with one voice during one week to contribute to and amplify the efforts of nonprofits.”
The leaders united in asking area residents to give back to local nonprofits.
“We encourage all Idahoans to join in supporting and donating funds during this online event at idahogives.org,” Coletti said. “… To be honest, the cities, the communities, and the counties cannot do everything that needs to be done in this community. … I look around and I just see so many wonderful people and the things that they do.”
Nonprofits in the region provide a wide variety of services.
“There are so many different organizations — whether they’re supporting animals, whether they’re supporting neighbors that are hungry, neighbors that need housing, education,” Bask said. “There’s really kind of an endless opportunity of different causes to support.”
Community members can donate directly to 32 nonprofit organizations operating in Idaho Falls, Ammon and Shelley — including Habitat for Humanity, United Way of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County, Humane Society of the Upper Valley, Idaho Falls Symphony Society, Idaho Falls Arts Council, 7th Judicial District of Idaho CASA, Museum of Idaho, The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, Promise Ridge, Bonneville Youth Development Council, Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen, NAMI of Upper Valley, Happyville Farm, District 91 Education Foundation, Community Food Basket Idaho Falls, Rising Phoenix Tutoring, The Shepherd’s Inn Pregnancy Support Center, Hospice of Eastern Idaho, Eats Idaho Spay and Neuter Coalition, Phoenix QRF, Chaplinas of Idaho, Snake River Animal Shelter, Champ’s Heart - Bridling the Healing Power of Horses, College of Eastern Idaho Foundation, FASI GED, Tautphaus Park Zoological Society, Renaissance Springs Ranch, Idaho Sustainability and Energy Coalition, Camp Magic Moments-Cancer Camp for Kids and Shelley Supporters of the Arts and many other organizations.
In a random drawing at Monday's event, the Battelle Energy Alliance and Silver Star Communications provided $250 grants to Promise Ridge, the Idaho Falls Arts Council and Habitat for Humanity.
Idaho Central Credit Union also donated $500 to National Alliance on Mental Illness of Upper Valley, $720 to the Snake River Animal Shelter and $910 to the Community Food Basket from their Money Machine. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/celebrating-giving-hearts-idaho-gives-campaign-launches-in-idaho-falls/article_eb62a766-e871-11ed-a25e-53febd42b7e1.html | 2023-05-02T01:23:31 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/celebrating-giving-hearts-idaho-gives-campaign-launches-in-idaho-falls/article_eb62a766-e871-11ed-a25e-53febd42b7e1.html |
Protecting animals, plants, honey bees, clean water, reducing waste and recycling were all themes presented at the 24th annual Earth Day celebration. The Saturday event attracted more than 3,000 people to the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, organizers said.
“It’s always a great time to come out, learn about what is going on with the community in terms of sustainability, what is going on with recycling, and different organizations that are helping support the environment and our planet in some way,” said Sunny Katseanes, the zoo’s curator of public engagement. “It’s just a really great time for the public to come out and celebrate our planet.”
Visitors received an Idaho Falls Earth Day passport. Special exhibits were sponsored by Browning’s Honey, I-Stem, the Audubon Society, Master Gardeners, Idaho Noxious Weeds, Happyville Farm, Idaho Environmental Coalition, Northwind, the U.S. Geological Survey, ARTitorium, Idaho National Laboratory Net Zero and the Department of Environmental Quality. Recycle Row provided recycling, information and prizes to the guests.
In a unique display, students from Airica Staley’s environmental science class at Compass Academy created handcrafted art sculptures that emphasized humans' impact on the environment.
Ali Taylor, EastonRasmuson, and Blake Perez crafted a 4-foot tall, blue painted wave made of bottles, egg cartons, and other single-use plastics.
“Seventy-two percent of our earth is covered in water, and 40% is polluted,” they wrote in an artist’s statement. “… We wanted to let people know the actual cost and what we are headed toward if we continue to destroy our resources. As a society, we rely a lot on the ocean and what it provides for us, yet we work harder every day to kill it.”
Far too much trash is not properly disposed of and winds up in the environment, waterways and, eventually, oceans.
“Scientists predict that in 2050, there’s going to be more plastic in our oceans and seas than there will be fish,” said Abi Vences, a sophomore at Compass Academy. “We also found out that 300 million tons of plastic is produced every single year, with 14 million tons of that being thrown out into the ocean.”
Her peers Abby Sanchez and Dominik Harp fashioned "Joe," a human figure, entirely out of chicken wire and crushed soda cans.
“We created a work of art that we hope will motivate people to pause and reflect on their own daily consumption in the context of society,” they shared on a placard accompanying their sculpture.
Laila Auble, Takara Miller, Julian Redman, and Vences spent 15 hours making “Turt the Turtle,” a giant, three-dimensional tortoise whose shell was composed entirely of pop can halves.
“Just the production of aluminum cans and plastic ends up contributing 6% to 9% of all greenhouse gas emissions,” Vences said.
Local artist Joe Pehrson assisted the students in creating their exhibits.
Other students shared presentations focused on endangered animals.
Emma Schmitz, a junior at Compass Academy, researched biodiversity in Madagascar and the impact of deforestation on ring-tailed lemurs.
“Biodiversity is basically all the organisms and plants and animals in an ecosystem,” Schmitz said. “People are cutting down forests which many animals live in as their habitat. The deforestation generates carbon emissions and habitat loss for these animals — including the ring-tailed lemur. It is important to its environment because it helps spread seeds to help spread plants.”
Lemurs may be “symbolically adopted” by donating to the World Wildlife Fund, Schmitz said. In 2021, $50 million was granted to Madagascar to help preserve lemur habitat.
In addition, the Idaho National Laboratory also sponsored several exhibits — giving away wildflower seeds, tree seedlings, and do-it-yourself craft ideas to make upcycled bird feeders, balloon powered cars, and sun catchers while explaining about the site’s Net Zero initiative and cleanup projects by the Idaho Environmental Coalition.
“We’re just letting kids plant seeds to grow flowers,” said Gregg Losinski, environmental education and outreach coordinator for INL. “Flowers that would be a habitat for pollinators like butterflies, bees and hummingbirds that are really important to our system. Hopefully it will get kids just thinking about how they’re a part of the system by planting these flowers.”
The Earth Day events are designed to raise awareness and to help people preserve and protect animals and the environment both locally in Idaho Falls and around the world.
“The big message for Earth Day is what can you do to help the planet,” Katseanes said. “You can do a lot of things. You can do little things. We have offered recyclable bags. We have collected recyclable items that maybe people aren’t sure what to do with them. We’ve talked about sustainable energy that is offered in the community. We’ve also, of course, been talking about some of our animals and our endangered species.”
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Tell us your personal accounts and the history behind articles. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/going-green-idaho-falls-zoo-celebrates-earth-day/article_7e3a0886-e85e-11ed-812c-abe2a25caacf.html | 2023-05-02T01:23:40 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/going-green-idaho-falls-zoo-celebrates-earth-day/article_7e3a0886-e85e-11ed-812c-abe2a25caacf.html |
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A Volusia County man was arrested on Thursday after a fiery crash last year left his girlfriend dead, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
On Jan. 4, 2022 around 11:57 p.m., law enforcement responded to Kennedy Parkway near the intersection with U.S. Highway 1, troopers said in an arrest report.
The report shows that a pickup truck driven by then 21-year-old Luis Franco had crashed into a concrete utility pole and caught fire, leaving Franco injured and his 20-year-old girlfriend — later identified as Taylor Huggins — dead.
According to investigators, Franco had been driving north behind another vehicle along Kennedy Parkway and was trying to pass using the southbound lane. However, two deer crossing the road caused both vehicles to brake and prompted Franco to reenter the northbound lane, investigators said.
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After the deer passed, Franco then sped around the other vehicle toward the last curve leading to U.S. Highway 1, the report says.
However, Franco crashed into a utility pole near the intersection, causing the pole to “light up with blue flashes and arcs of electricity” before Franco’s truck caught fire, troopers stated.
Court records show that Franco was able to escape the vehicle, and the other vehicle’s driver called 911 to report the crash. However, Huggins died in the crash, and her body was ejected from the vehicle, troopers said.
“My name is Luis Franco. I believe my friend’s dead...” Franco stated during the 911 call. “I didn’t realize the road turned. We hit something, my truck’s on fire, my dog’s probably dead... I was driving like an (expletive). Things were going in my head... I was going around a curve. I didn’t realize the curve was there, and I said, ‘Oh, (expletive)’ right when I realized, and boom...”
Investigators said they later watched through body camera video taken by deputies who responded to the crash. According to investigators, the video shows Franco being talkative with a “range of emotions, including remorse, sadness and making lighthearted comments.”
The arrest report says Franco had slurred speech and asked deputies whether injuries he suffered in the crash would “leave a cool scar.”
“If I had my phone still, I’d say take a picture, man,” Franco told deputies, according to the report. “This would be a cool picture.”
Troopers added that Franco admitted to being the driver and explained he pulled Huggins’ body from the wreck following the crash.
“I know I’m in the wrong. I definitely do...” Franco says in the video. “I just can’t believe I did that. I saw that turn, and that’s the last thing I remember: is seeing that turn, and the next thing you know, everything is just blurry. I don’t even know. I pulled out my knife. I stabbed the airbag twice. I looked over in the passenger seat. I didn’t even check on my dog. I screamed out (Huggins’) name, and she’s laying on the ground.”
Troopers said they later uncovered Franco’s medical records, finding that Franco had a blood-alcohol concentration well above the legal limit upon being taken to the hospital after the crash.
The records also showed that Franco admitted to drinking several “Crown” shots and mixed drinks, troopers added.
Following the investigation, Franco was eventually arrested on April 27, 2023. He faces a charge of DUI resulting in the death of a human being and is held on a $75,000 bond.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/i-know-im-in-the-wrong-volusia-driver-accused-in-girlfriends-death-after-fiery-kennedy-parkway-crash/ | 2023-05-02T01:27:44 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/01/i-know-im-in-the-wrong-volusia-driver-accused-in-girlfriends-death-after-fiery-kennedy-parkway-crash/ |
DELTONA, Fla. – A driver was killed on Monday morning in Deltona after crashing into an oncoming vehicle, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said they responded to the crash around 11:54 a.m. near 1849 E. Normandy Blvd. and Clay Court.
According to witnesses, a black Mitsubishi SUV was driving north when it veered into the center lane, abruptly turned back into the northbound lane and collided with an oncoming Jeep SUV, deputies said.
In a release, investigators said the Mitsubishi’s driver, 57-year-old Shawn Wainwright of Osteen, was taken to a nearby emergency room, where he later died.
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The release shows that the Jeep’s driver was rescued by Deltona fire crews and taken to a hospital, where he was later listed in stable condition.
Deputies said they learned from witnesses that neither of the involved vehicles seemed to be speeding.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/02/driver-killed-in-head-on-deltona-crash/ | 2023-05-02T01:27:50 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/02/driver-killed-in-head-on-deltona-crash/ |
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — There will be little change to school taxes this year as the district benefits from increased state aid.
The township Board of Education adopted its budget for the 2023-24 school year last week. The budget includes $192.3 million in total appropriations, roughly equal to the $192.4 million budget the board adopted in 2022.
The 2023-24 operating budget for the district now sits at $166 million, an increase of $4.8 million from the 2022-23 school year.
Superintendent Kimberly Gruccio said the budget placed the district on a sustainable path toward the future and anticipated higher costs associated with what the district expects will be growing enrollment.
"Not only do we have a plan for this year, but it's the future as well and I think that is smart budgeting," Gruccio said. "And we're proud to say that we've done a good job with our numbers."
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This year's spending results in a tax levy of $85.5 million. The general-fund tax levy for the 2023-24 school year is set at about $80 million, amounting to an $80,000 increase over last year.
Business Administrator Daniel Smith said at the April 25 meeting that general fund appropriations had increased just 2.67% in the five-year period between 2018-19 and 2022-23.
"So the district has really, over the last few years, really kept the taxpayer in mind when building the budget," Smith said.
If a 1927 law was sought to completion, Seven Bridges Road, now just in Little Egg Harbor, would be true to its namesake. The other two bridges would connect the town to Little Beach and Little Beach to Brigantine. That would have provided a shortcut from North and Central Jersey to Atlantic City and the South Jersey beaches, rewriting the shore's history forever.
To raise these funds, the district will tax homeowners at a rate of $2.0682 per $100 of assessed property value, according to estimates provided in the budget. Smith said homeowners would see only a small change in their total school tax bill.
These revenues will be generated from a ratable base of taxable properties in the township worth $4.12 billion. With a local mean assessed home value of $210,668, the average homeowner faces an annual school tax bill of about $4,400, alongside tax bills from the township government and Atlantic County. The school district presentation acknowledged that its tax bill was higher than the average paid in Atlantic County, of $3,200, but noted it was considerably less than the average statewide school tax bill in New Jersey of $5,000.
Gruccio said she anticipated the district adding more than 1,000 new students over the next five to six years, due to people moving to the district during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Smith said the district was working to keep students enrolled in the district both by investing in high school programs and by expanding district preschool programs.
"We obviously want our students to stay here, and that's what we're working on," Smith said.
EHT's new curriculum initiatives include the hiring of a new reading specialist for the district; a career and technical education budget that will allow for the continued operation of an industrial arts room, along with the hiring of a year-round supervisor for the program; a new high school algebra “co-teacher,” and several special education teachers, including one instructor for students with language learning disabilities.
For sports, the district is installing new scoreboards for the softball, basketball and football teams. It is also building a new arena for its team in esports.
Smith said the school district was still experiencing backlogs in receiving needed HVAC materials, due to the lingering effects of supply-chain disruptions that date to 2021.
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — No one was hurt when a township school bus was hit by another vehicle …
Also included in the school’s plans is the rebuilding of the Alder Avenue Middle School elevator, the first phase of a roof replacement at the Joyanne D. Miller Elementary School and the rebuilding of the high school loading dock.
The presentation noted that the budget was also meant to enhance the district’s technical capabilities. The budget provides for the creation of a district-wide phone system, while bearing the new costs of software and firewall programs that have grown more expensive.
There are also plans to hire a district security coordinator, who would offer professional development training to staff and faculty to improve school safety.
The ability of the school board to avert a tax increase when implementing these new programs is tied to help from state and federal government.
Egg Harbor Township received another $7.65 million in aid from federal funds. That total includes about $4 million from the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion pandemic recovery act signed by President Joe Biden in March 2021. That pandemic-aid money is funding items including summer programs, middle school extended instruction, special education services and supplies for playgrounds and ventilation systems.
The district received $81.3 million in state aid to use for the 2023-24 school year, an increase of $11.1 million over last year. In the 2017-18 school year, state aid headed to the district totaled just $41.5 million, meaning that funds from Trenton almost doubled, increasing 95.65%, over the past six years.
The majority of state funds coming to Egg Harbor Township is “equalization aid,” which is determined by what the state expects the cost of an adequate education to be in the district. The adequate-education costs in turn are influenced by qualities of the school district and student body, such as total enrollment size, the number of students enrolled in free or reduced-price lunch programs and the number of students who have limited English proficiency. There are also set geographic adjustments that Smith said disadvantage Egg Harbor Township relative to districts up north.
That boost in aid to Egg Harbor Township is part of an increase of 10.8% in state funding for the 25 school districts across Atlantic County, with the state collectively sending another $47.9 million into area schools. The division has not been even throughout the county. Atlantic City, Pleasantville and Egg Harbor Township alone account for $37.9 million of that $47.9 million collective increase, while several county school districts lost funding. A group of legislators — including state Sens. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic; and Mike Testa, R-Cape May, Cumberland, Atlantic — successfully pushed for some districts that lost state money to have part of their funding restored.
OCEAN CITY — The Ocean City-Upper Township Rotary Club is sponsoring an essay writing contes…
Smith described the equalization aid as a way to benefit “underfunded districts." He credited the increased aid to Egg Harbor Township to a law Gov. Phil Murphy signed in 2018 that removed limits on state aid. Current state aid, Smith said, involved "reallocating aid from overfunded districts and giving it to underfunded districts." He said he anticipated changes to state aid to districts leveling off in the next few years for both districts currently losing and gaining funds from Trenton.
"We had that factored into our calculations for how do we get from here to five years in the future without seeing a major increase and without having major budget reductions," Smith said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/egg-harbor-township-school-district-keeps-taxes-level-with-192-million-budget/article_4f602cbe-e590-11ed-9e19-1f68597edd57.html | 2023-05-02T01:30:30 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/education/egg-harbor-township-school-district-keeps-taxes-level-with-192-million-budget/article_4f602cbe-e590-11ed-9e19-1f68597edd57.html |
Never has the median price of a home in Midland County sold for as much as it did during the month of March, according to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center.
The center reported that the median price of a home sold in March jumped $42,505 compared to February. The $342,005 set a new standard, topping the $340,000 set in August. It also was the 22nd straight month that the median price for a home sold in Midland County reached $300,000 in a month (February’s original total $298,000 was changed to $300,000).
The average total of a home sold also jumped from $329,000 in February to $382,310 in March. That average was third highest since the Texas A&M Real Estate Center started keeping track in 2011. March also was the 55th-straight month that the average price for a home sold in Midland County topped $300,000 — a streak that goes back to September 2018.
One reason for the increase might be the decline in inventory. The 461 homes on the market at the end of the month was the fewest since June 2019 (455). The 1.9 months of inventory was the smallest since March 2022.
A comparison of Midland and other West Texas counties and larger metropolitan counties across the state shows the median price of a home sold increased more and pushed Midland County head and shoulders above other regional cities.
The median price in Midland County in March ($342,005) was nearly $100,000 greater than the median price in Odessa ($244,000) and significantly higher than Randall County ($259,950), Tom Green County ($258,000), Taylor County ($242,700) and Lubbock County ($240,000). In fact, the total dollar volume in Midland County ($112.016 million) was within $8 million of the volume of the more populated Lubbock County ($119.961 million).
Midland’s median price for a home sold in March also is greater than prices reported from Tarrant County ($340,000), Montgomery County ($325,000), Harris County ($300,000) and Bexar County ($297,000).
March housing report
Midland County
Sales: 293
Total dollar volume: $112.016 million
Average price for a home sold: $382,310
Median price for a home sold: $342,005
Homes available: 461
Months of inventory: 1.9
Source: Texas A&M Real Estate Center | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/texas-a-m-real-estate-center-midland-county-17915102.php | 2023-05-02T01:30:32 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/texas-a-m-real-estate-center-midland-county-17915102.php |
Mary Kate Armstrong struck out 18 and allowed one hit to lead the Holy Spirit High School girls softball team to a 7-0 win over Cape May Tech on Monday.
Lily Hagan went 3 for 4 with three RBIs for the Spartans. Madison Berry was 3 for 3 with an RBI.
Absegami 22, Pleasantville 1
Audrey Phillips was 4 for 4 with three runs scored and two RBIs for the Braves. Alyssa Bailey was 3 for 3 with three runs scored and two RBIs.
Buena 12, ACIT 2
Buena coach Pam Pickett earned career win No. 699.
Laylah Collins was 3 for 3 with three RBIs for Buena (7-5). Camryn Johnson scored four runs. Jamirah Roberts had three RBIs.
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Buena plays at Ocean City 4 p.m. Tuesday. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/monday-softball-roundup-mary-kate-armstrong-fans-18-for-spirit/article_a0698d94-e883-11ed-939c-03064ad2c3f0.html | 2023-05-02T01:30:55 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/highschool/monday-softball-roundup-mary-kate-armstrong-fans-18-for-spirit/article_a0698d94-e883-11ed-939c-03064ad2c3f0.html |
DETROIT — A Georgia truck driver was arrested in Detroit overnight after police said he returned to the scene after shooting at a car.
Michigan State Police said the shooting happened following a crash at Wayburn Street in Detroit, which involved a semi-truck and a car.
The semi-truck did not stop, and the other car followed the truck for several miles, according to a Twitter post from Michigan State Police.
While they were tailing the truck, the driver of the semi decided to shoot at the person inside the car along I-96 eastbound near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, the post said.
The semi-truck then “became disabled” and stopped, according to police. The 37-year-old truck driver left the semi, but later returned to the scene, police said.
Police arrested the man.
Following the arrest, investigators recovered a pistol nearby using a K-9 unit. Shell casings were also gathered from the scene, which caused parts of I-96 and I-94 to be temporarily closed.
In addition to the gun and shell casings found at the scene, investigators learned that the shooting was filmed by the victim on their phone. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-truck-driver-arrested-returning-scene-shooting-michigan-detroit/85-20bbac4f-a71c-4316-a3b7-991a45b76da7 | 2023-05-02T01:38:54 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/georgia-truck-driver-arrested-returning-scene-shooting-michigan-detroit/85-20bbac4f-a71c-4316-a3b7-991a45b76da7 |
Mote Marine manatee Hugh died this weekend at the age of 38 in Sarasota
One of Mote Marine's most beloved residents, Hugh, a 38-year-old Manatee, died unexpectedly on Saturday.
Hugh was born at the Miami Seaquarium and was moved to Mote Marine in 1996 along with Buffett. Together, they would eat 72 to 84 heads of lettuce every day and served as animal ambassadors to help raise awareness about the need to protect endangered manatees in the wild.
Hugh and Buffett were trained to participate in manatee research projects to help Mote Marine staff study their eyesight, hearing, physiology, and body temperature.
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ICYMI:Injection of polluted wastewater from Piney Point underground begins in Manatee County
The two Manatees also excelled at picking NFL Super Bowl championship teams, with many community members turning to the two animals every year for predictions ahead of the big game. Hugh correctly picked the Kansas City Chiefs to win the Super Bowl last season.
"Hugh’s indelible and lasting legacy will be one of an invaluable contribution to the scientific understanding of manatee behavior and contributions to the conservation of his species," Mote Marine said in a media statement. "Our team is forever grateful for the time we had with Hugh and his contribution to manatee conservation, and we are proud of our staff and volunteers for the level of care we provide to all the animals at Mote Aquarium."
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will conduct a necropsy to determine Hugh's exact cause of death. The process is expected to take about eight or more weeks.
Many community members shared their condolences over the loss on a Facebook post published by Mote Marine informing the community of Hugh's passing.
"I’ve been visiting Hugh since I was a child," one commenter, Lindsay Barrett, said on Facebook. "I’ve been taking my own kids since 2020. Most recently this past Christmas when Hugh booped us through the glass. He will be greatly missed."
Erin Sutherland shared a personal story about her grandparents, who volunteered at Mote Marine in the 1980s and 90's, and the impact the Manatees have had on her life. She worried about Buffett after the loss.
"I am heartbroken at this news. I remember when they arrived, and they were my late grandparents’ favorite Mote residents," Sutherland said. "Norman and Marjorie Meyerson volunteered at the Mote for many years in the 80s/90s and I loved visiting Hugh and Buffett so many times over the years. I am so sorry for the Mote’s loss. Hopefully Buffett will be alright without his best friend."
Another commenter, Whitney Mae Johnson, said she also remembered bumping up to the aquarium glass to greet her.
"I vividly remember my grandmother brought me to the Mote Marine Aquarium many times growing up," Johnson said. "On our first visit I walked up to the tank. Looking into the water a figured appeared and Hugh came to the window and pressed himself against the glass. This started my long love affair with Manatees and my constant devotion to help in any way I could to help protect them. I teared up reading this news."
"Hugh will be forever missed, but as you said, his work towards conservation will live on and because of his help manatees are doing so much better," she said. "My heart goes out to the Mote Marine Aquarium. I'm deeply sorry for this loss. Hugh will always be in our hearts." | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2023/05/01/beloved-manatee-hugh-died-this-weekend-at-mote-marine-in-sarasota/70169633007/ | 2023-05-02T01:40:54 | 0 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/manatee/2023/05/01/beloved-manatee-hugh-died-this-weekend-at-mote-marine-in-sarasota/70169633007/ |
15-year-old equestrian dies in accident at Fox Lea Farm near Venice
A 15-year-old Central Florida girl died Sunday, following a equestrian accident while riding in a competition at Fox Lea Farm in south Sarasota County.
Hannah Serfass was riding Quaxx 2, a 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding, in a hunter/jumper competition when the horse tripped and fell, according to a statement from the United States Equestrian Federation.
“The fall was unrelated to a jumping effort,” the statement read.
The teen from Webster was a member of the Wildwood Middle High School Track Team.
Earlier:Fox Lea Farm to host its first Show Jumping Under the Stars Charity Challenge Ride
A Sumter County School District official confirmed her identity Monday but clarified that she was actually home-schooled and participated in extracurricular activities with the school.
“The track team was very involved with her, connected with her,” said Jessica Christian, the curriculum supervisor for the Sumter County School District.
Team members were informed of her death Monday morning.
The statement also included an extension of deep condolences to the Serfass family from the federation, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association and Fox Lea Farm.
Federation spokeswoman Vicki Lowell noted in the release that, “The Federation takes every accident very seriously and will be reviewing the accident thoroughly to learn what we can do to minimize risk and increase safety in equestrian sport.”
Fox Lea referred to the federation statement Monday afternoon after acknowledging the accident in a Sunday Facebook post.
“Fox Lea Farm had a tragedy occur today,” the post stated. “Out of respect to the family, no information will be shared at this time. We send our sincere condolences to the family, trainer, friends, & the whole equestrian community. We are all heartbroken.”
Both Sarasota County Fire Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office responded to a call after the Sunday morning accident.
Serfass, a junior rider, was halfway through a hunter/jumper competition course, having just finished jump No. 5.
According to the Sheriff’s Office report, the horse landed successfully and took two or three steps to the next hurdle then planted its left front hoof, “which caused the horse to lean down significantly towards its left front hoof.”
“This action caused the rider to then topple forward and off the horse in the same direction and onto the ground. The horse then continued to fall in the same direction falling over and onto the rider’s head on the ground,” the report said.
Fox Lea Farm personnel and others began first aid, until Sarasota County Fire Rescue responded.
Serfass was taken via ambulance to the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Venice campus, where she was later pronounced dead.
A March 2023 profile by Ben Baugh in World Equestrian Center Magazine lauded Serfass' “coachability, focus, discipline, talent.”
She rode the entire winter 2022 circuit at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala and competed in Michigan.
A versatile athlete, Hannah competed in gymnastics until fourth grade, her mother Janine Surfas told World Equestrian Center Magazine, and then switched to riding and showing horses.
Hannah also ran track and cross country at Wildwood Middle School. | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/05/01/teen-equestrian-dies-after-fall-in-event-at-fox-lea-farm-near-venice/70170844007/ | 2023-05-02T01:41:00 | 1 | https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/venice/2023/05/01/teen-equestrian-dies-after-fall-in-event-at-fox-lea-farm-near-venice/70170844007/ |
MICHIGANTOWN, Ind. — School officials in Clinton County are investigating vandalism that caused extensive damage to a school building.
Superintendent Jeremy Fewell posted a statement to Facebook Monday evening detailing the vandalism, which he said was perpetrated by around 20 students late Sunday night. Fewel said the students broke into Clinton Central Jr./Sr. High School through a temporary window that was boarded up in a construction area.
Once inside, the suspects committed several acts of vandalism including pouring vegetable oil on the tile floors, including on stairwells and in front of classroom doors, tying fishing line across walkways to create a tripping hazard, spray painting obscenities on school property, hanging obscene signs outside the building, filling toilets with debris, gluing keyholes on classroom doors shut, smearing Vaseline on door handles, spreading food throughout the building and on the roof and painting the school's mascot and wall art around the office.
Fewell said the financial cost to the district will be "significant," but administrators have not yet determined a final amount. The school corporation and the Carroll County Sheriff's Department are investigating the vandalism.
"The CCSC administration and School Board do not condone nor accept this type of conduct from CCSC students," the superintendent wrote.
Fewell thanked members of the Clinton Central H.S. football team who were at school early Monday to lift weights and helped with the cleanup. Staff members also helped clean to ensure students could return to class on Tuesday.
Students at the Jr./Sr. High School had an e-learning day Monday due to the vandalism. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/clinton-central-high-school-vandalism-students-indiana/531-00441245-2da9-43e1-bd0b-a3dd02c10eaa | 2023-05-02T01:41:00 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/clinton-central-high-school-vandalism-students-indiana/531-00441245-2da9-43e1-bd0b-a3dd02c10eaa |
Cox: Cox employees in Southern Arizona joined forces with Interfaith Community Services on April 21, to host a free produce and bread box giveaway at the El Pueblo Neighborhood Center.
Roy Patel: Dunkin’ franchisee Roy Patel is spearheading a toy drive through May 3 to support the toy closet at Diamond Children’s Medical Center in Tucson. The Toy Closet is used to provide a much-deserved reward to children undergoing medical treatment. But as each child chooses a toy, there is a need to replace it. Patel is gathering new, unwrapped, age-appropriate toys at 3427 E. Speedway. Donations will be accepted inside the Dunkin’ location or the drive-thru.
Recommended donations include stuffed animals, Legos, Play-Doh, stress balls and coloring books. Other requested unwrapped toys include: Teething toys, musical toys, rattles, pop-up books, blocks, learning toys, books (all ages), play kitchen items, matchbox cars, board games, arts and crafts, video games, gift cards, model car kits, jewelry, movies, handheld games, crossword puzzle books, card games and cozy blankets.
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Walmart: In honor of National Volunteer Month, several Tucson Walmart employees gathered at Purple Heart Park Friday to help the local nonprofit organization Tucson Clean and Beautiful plant nearly 70 trees for Arbor Day.
“We strive to find opportunities that allow us to give back to the communities we live and operate in,” said Walmart Senior Manager Community Relations Amanda Dubose. “Our associates look forward to working alongside local nonprofit organizations, especially those helping to keep our planet healthy.”
Submit items about charitable donations by businesses or nonprofits to business@tucson.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/giving-back-in-southern-arizona/article_0a7d7c54-e500-11ed-970b-0f726a2f0a5b.html | 2023-05-02T01:45:24 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/giving-back-in-southern-arizona/article_0a7d7c54-e500-11ed-970b-0f726a2f0a5b.html |
KATY, Texas — A Katy man said someone used artificial intelligence to scam his parents out of a lot of money.
Lee Hall said his parents thought they got a phone call from their grandson who said he had lost his phone and needed help. But the voice on the other end of that call was not Hall's son, Christian.
“He mimicked the voice," Hall said. “Specifically, using his name, and making his voice made a very believable that he was with his friends in Mexico, caught in an accident.”
Someone used artificial intelligence to copy Christian's voice and call his grandparents.
“As a loving grandfather, he believed it," Hall said. “He wired him money, you know, 1000 plus dollars.”
What made Hall most upset is the fact that he himself works in tech, specifically artificial intelligence.
“I knew this was about to happen," he said. "But I didn't warn them in time.”
Hall said since he didn't get to warn his family, he's warning his neighbors via Nextdoor.
The problem has become so real that the Federal Trade Commission has issued a consumer alert, warning that if you get a call and it sounds like you're loved one is saying they're in trouble, don't just trust the voice. Call the person who called you and verify the story and the phone number. Also, know that scammers ask you to pay or send money.
“Make sure they use some kind of like family password," Hall said. "Always call, verify and authenticate.”
Hall is hoping others won't fall for these very real-sounding, but fake voices that certainly play with our minds and hearts.
“I think that's where the scammers prey on," he said. "Victims emotions.”
There is no suspect in custody in this case, according to law enforcement. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/artificial-intelligence-scams/285-e8c36c97-cd8c-4652-879a-f8460cdec301 | 2023-05-02T01:47:48 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/artificial-intelligence-scams/285-e8c36c97-cd8c-4652-879a-f8460cdec301 |
SHERMAN, Texas — Both sides made truth the issue in closing arguments during the three-week-long federal trial of aircraft trust company owner Debra Lynn Mercer-Erwin, who claimed she never confessed to committing any crimes.
“She lied to you and got caught,” prosecutor Lesley Brooks told the jury. "They come in here and call the agents liars. That’s offensive.”
Brooks said Mercer-Erwin made two un-taped proffer statements to federal agents in the presence of several of her own attorneys. A third interview with Mercer-Erwin, when first arrested, was taped.
“If you think those agents are lying about what she (Mercer-Erwin) said, then who better to correct them than her own attorneys,” Brooks said. “And they (the defense) didn’t call them (to the witness stand).”
Mercer-Erwin’s defense attorney, however, accused the federal agents of acting improperly by not recording two of three interviews.
“It tells me that our United States government knows how to record an interview,” attorney Joe E. White Jr. said. “It tells me they made a conscious decision not to record. Now how convenient is that?”
Two federal agents have previously testified that Mercer-Erwin acknowledged taking part in a Ponzi scheme involving fake plane deals with her alleged co-conspirator during un-taped proffer interviews after her arrest in December 2020. The agents also testified that she admitted that as many as ten of her planes ended up in the hands of drug smugglers.
Mercer-Erwin, through her Oklahoma City-based company Aircraft Guaranty Corp., is alleged to have registered planes on behalf of foreign drug dealers.
Prosecutors alleged she failed to adequately vet the foreign nationals she registered planes for and willfully turned a blind eye to criminal activity involving the planes she registered.
Under U.S. law, foreign nationals cannot get U.S. registration for their aircraft. However, the FAA allows foreign nationals to gain U.S. registration for their aircraft by transferring the title to a trust company.
This is the first trial in which an aircraft trust company owner has been charged and tried for allegedly registering planes that were put in the hands of drug traffickers.
Prosecutor Ernest Gonzalez told jurors that regulations require aircraft trust companies to be “accountable” and not allow the aviation industry to “shift the burden” elsewhere.
He said drug cartels need planes to operate and don’t want trust companies “to ask questions” when registering planes.
Gonzalez said Mercer-Erwin admitted in a proffer statement that 10 of her planes had drug connections. He said her company, Aircraft Guaranty, was putting planes “in a position” to smuggle drugs by failing to do proper vetting.
“She’s blinding herself to what is right in the face,” Gonzalez said during closing arguments.
Two planes registered by Mercer-Erwin’s company were found in Central America carrying a total of more than three tons of cocaine, records show. Mercer-Erwin has been indicted in connection with those planes as well as a third plane shot down by the Venezuelan military on a clandestine runway in July 2020.
“How many warnings do you need to make a determination that you’ve got a problem,” Gonzalez said.
Aircraft Guaranty had a thousand planes in trust, earning at least $1.2 million annually, he said.
White argued that federal officials have “tried to demonize” the non-citizen trust system. He also said Mercer-Erwin did required vetting and has said the company should not be “deputized” to do the work of other federal agencies.
He also argued that prosecutors failed to prove their drug conspiracy case. “Who did Debbie conspire with regarding the planes?” he asked jurors.
White said prosecutors hadn’t shown direct evidence Mercer-Erwin knew there were drugs aboard any planes.
“There’s not one text message…that Deb Mercer-Erwin had anything to do with drugs coming into this country,” White said. “Where is the evidence that she is a drug distributor?”
“The government says she turned a blind eye to drugs,” White said. “But in order to turn a blind eye, you have to know what you’re turning a blind eye to.”
Mercer-Erwin also has been accused of running a Ponzi scheme with her alleged accomplice, Federico Machado, through her other Oklahoma City-based company, Wright Brothers Aircraft Title.
Prosecutors said a key piece of evidence in the alleged Ponzi scheme is a “secret ledger” that went back and forth via emails between her and Machado.
In her testimony, Mercer-Erwin sought to distance herself from Machado and the ledger. “It was (Machado’s) account of his transactions,” she testified. “I didn’t have a clear understanding of the ledger he was providing me.”
However, court testimony has shown that “ledger” and corresponding banking records showed that investors wired escrow deposits into a Wright Brothers Aircraft Title trust account. Investors signed “escrow agreements” with Mercer-Erwin’s company dictating the escrow demands were to remain in the account, to be returned to the investor once the plane sales were completed, or upon the investor’s request for reimbursement.
Instead of the deposits staying in the account as required, government witnesses have testified that ledger and bank records showed money flowed from the escrow account to repay prior investors and into the coffers of entities controlled by Machado.
“She wants you to believe through verbal agreements, rather than the written agreements, that it was okay to move money,” Gonzalez told jurors.
“She followed actions and directions of Machado, her partner in crime,” Gonzalez said. “It just shows she is part of the scheme with Machado.”
Gonzalez told juror that Mercer-Erwin funneled $75 million from the escrow account to her alleged accomplice, Federico Machado, and pocketed $4.9 million in escrow fees. Machado is a fugitive in Argentina.
Mercer-Erwin made $142,000 in interest from the escrow account. “She made interest money by having that dirty money in there,” Gonzalez said.
White, however, questioned why prosecutors failed to call any of the alleged Ponzi victims to testify.
“Why didn’t they interview anybody?” White told jurors. “Tell me who the victims are because I want to know…What was the scheme and who got defrauded?”
Prosecutors said investors were duped into what was supposed to be short-term loans with low risk and high rewards. Though no investors appeared at the trial, WFAA has confirmed that investors claim alleged to have lost some $240 million, according to court records and their civil attorneys.
Prosecutors acknowledged during closing arguments that they have the burden of proof in charges against Mercer-Erwin that include wire fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking and export violations. However, they said records bolster their case.
“They (the defense) think you’re too dumb to follow the evidence,” prosecutor Brooks told the jury.
Investigators and prosecutors have said a series of stories WFAA first aired in 2019 spurred a federal investigation that resulted in the indictments of Mercer-Erwin, her daughter, Kayleigh Moffett, Machado and others. The WFAA investigation looked into how it came to be that more than a thousand planes were registered in the tiny East Texas town of Onalaska, which has no airport.
Moffett has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and not properly reporting that planes had been taken out of the country. She accepted a deal for five years of probation. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/jury-deliberating-trial-of-aircraft-trust-company-owner-accused-of-registering-planes-for-drug-smuggling/287-4f381d3c-c8a5-4cab-a127-c78c79f05c38 | 2023-05-02T01:47:54 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/jury-deliberating-trial-of-aircraft-trust-company-owner-accused-of-registering-planes-for-drug-smuggling/287-4f381d3c-c8a5-4cab-a127-c78c79f05c38 |
DALLAS — While teachers and students are counting down the days to the end of the 2022-2023 school year, some superintendents, administrators and parents from public school districts across North Texas are gathering to focus on funding.
“We are here, today, to declare an emergency,” said Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District.
Representatives from more than 10 Dallas area school districts were among those staging press conferences on May 1. Their mission was to raise the alarm about public school funding.
“I am sounding the distress alarm. Mayday! Mayday! Mayday,” said Melinda Samberson of Texas PTA and Frisco Council of PTAs.
The educators and advocates said they were sending a call to action to Texas lawmakers as they count down the days to the end of this legislative session. They’re urging the lawmakers to consider increasing public school budgets statewide.
"Eighty-five percent of our budget is in people, and most of them are teachers. If we're not made whole for inflation, then we're not able to make our teachers and the support staff, all of our valued team members whole, just to keep the rate of inflation flat,” Elizalde explained.
The administrators said the current budget being negotiated by state lawmakers leaves Texas public schools about $7 billion short from what is needed to cover inflation. Administrators shared, in some cases, teachers are burned out, support staff is underpaid, districts are cutting corners around the high prices of fuel and materials, and school programs are in jeopardy of being cut, among other things.
“Future teachers are turning away from their passion and their calling, because they just can't afford to be educators,” explained Irene Cordozo, a teacher in Cedar Hill ISD.
Members of the coalition said the Texas legislature has more than $30 billion in surplus funds. They believe Texas students deserve more than a $90 per pupil increase.
“It's embarrassing to be in one of the largest states and we are at the bottom of funding our kids. That's not okay. That is not okay,” said Dr. Katrise Perera, superintendent of Lancaster ISD.
For now, the educators and supporters are urging parents, community members and business leaders to contact local lawmakers. This legislative session ends May 29. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/superintendents-north-texas-say-increased-funding-needed-public-schools/287-8d83bf5d-6e8f-47dd-a706-5e8d675a2c85 | 2023-05-02T01:48:00 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/superintendents-north-texas-say-increased-funding-needed-public-schools/287-8d83bf5d-6e8f-47dd-a706-5e8d675a2c85 |
WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas — A man shot during a weekend car burglary spree hopes police are able to identify and arrest the suspects.
White Settlement police has video of the suspects from several different neighborhoods. They are currently trying to identify four different people involved in the crime spree.
Police said they have already talked to a juvenile who is at least a person of interest in the case.
The car burglaries took place in neighborhoods across White Settlement, with one of the incidents in the central area of the city involving a shooting.
Just before 2 a.m. on April 30, one of the suspects fired gunshots at Alden Morgan, who was sitting in his car as the suspect opened the car door.
"It scared me. I'm still kind of still shocked," said Morgan.
Alden Morgan, who asked not to show his face, is recovering after getting grazed by a bullet. He showed WFAA the wound on his upper left leg and then demonstrated how one of the burglars opened his car door and caught him off guard.
He also explained how the burglar was also surprised to find him in the car.
"When I pushed him back, I seen the fire coming from the gun," said Morgan. "And it luckily was a poor shot because it hit the car and ricocheted and hit me."
White Settlement police released video from several neighborhoods showing the suspects. They hope the public recognizes their clothing.
Neighbor Martin Ketcham heard the gunfire. He later learned there were two shots fired after he initially only heard one before coming out of his house. Ketcham saw his neighbors outside and knew something was wrong.
"This is a pretty peaceful neighborhood," said Ketcham. "I have been here 15 years. I've heard a couple of gunshots through the years but not that close."
Police have already obtained a search warrant to check a cellphone they believe one of the suspects dropped during the getaway.
Morgan has never had a brush with gun violence, so the incident has left him shaken up. He shared how the shooting was a very close call, especially since the gunman fired more than once at him.
"He hit the car instead of hit me direct," said Morgan. "I am so lucky man."
White Settlement police are getting assistance from their law enforcement partners. Agents from the ATF are providing forensics assistance for the projectiles recovered at the scene.
The ATF will process the evidence to see if the projectiles' unique patterns match projectiles from any other cases entered into a national database.
Evidence technicians also had success lifting fingerprints at the scene. The cellphone recovered at the scene, which may belong to one of the suspects, will be checked for personal information through the Fort Worth Police Department, which has the software to analyze and unlock smartphones. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/white-settlement-texas-man-survived-gunfire-car-burglary-spree-hopes-video-leads-to-arrests/287-1aab97c9-838b-4afe-954f-d19a5554f906 | 2023-05-02T01:48:06 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/white-settlement-texas-man-survived-gunfire-car-burglary-spree-hopes-video-leads-to-arrests/287-1aab97c9-838b-4afe-954f-d19a5554f906 |
Long an opponent of COVID-19 safety mandates, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Monday he will investigate three major pharmaceutical companies for deceptive practices, arguing that they may have misrepresented the effectiveness of vaccines and the likelihood of becoming infected after receiving a vaccine.
Paxton said in a news release that his office would investigate whether “profit motive or political pressure” played a role in any of the “pandemic interventions forced on the public.”
The investigation will also look into the potential manipulation of trial data by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, said Paxton, a fierce opponent of mandates on lockdowns, vaccinations and masking prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If any company illegally took advantage of consumers during this period or compromised people’s safety to increase their profits, they will be held responsible,” he said in a statement.
“If public health policy was developed on the basis of flawed or misleading research, the public must know. The catastrophic effects of the pandemic and subsequent interventions forced on our country and citizens deserve intense scrutiny, and we are pursuing any hint of wrongdoing to the fullest,” Paxton said.
In a statement, Pfizer spokesperson Sharon Castillo defended the company’s practices, saying “regulatory agencies across the world have authorized the use of our COVID-19 vaccine.”
“These authorizations are based on robust and independent evaluation of the scientific data on quality, safety and efficacy, including our landmark phase 3 clinical trial,” Castillo wrote. “Data from real-world studies complement the clinical trial data and provide additional evidence that the vaccine provides effective protection against severe disease.”
The COVID vaccines, she added, “have saved millions of lives, tens of billions of dollars in health care costs, and enabled people worldwide to go about their lives more freely.”
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson did not respond to a request for comment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 672 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine were given in the United States between December 14, 2020 and March 1, 2023, with rare adverse effects.
Deaths after vaccination also have been rare, and the CDC stresses that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the known and potential risks.
“COVID-19 vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent SARS-CoV-2–associated serious illness, hospitalization, and death,” the CDC said in January. “All persons, including those who are immunocompromised and their household members and close contacts, should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, and receive the updated (bivalent) booster dose, when eligible.”
Paxton said the pharmaceutical companies had “record-making financial success” in recent years that came largely as a result of the products they developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that “vested interest” in the success of their products required “aggressive investigation” into whether the companies made decisions to profit from the pandemic.
Paxton said his office would investigate if the pharmaceutical companies went awry of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and would look at activity that would fall outside of the legal immunity granted to manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine. He said he aims to produce documents that would help shed light on the decision making over COVID-19 precautions taken by the federal government.
He said pharmaceutical companies have had “unprecedented political power and influence over public health priorities” since COVID-19 was first discovered and should be held accountable if they took “dangerous, illegal actions to boost their revenues.”
Dr. David “Davey” Smith, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health at University of California San Diego Health, said the emergency authorization the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave COVID-19 vaccines in late 2020 had a lower standard of proof than the traditional route for authorization. He said, however, that such approval was given with the caveat that scientific study must continue on the treatments.
Since the vaccines received emergency authorization, Smith said, “the evidence is very clear that it is very effective in preventing serious illness from COVID-19.”
Smith also said the emergency use was granted based on the vaccine’s ability to prevent serious illness after contracting an infection, not on its ability to prevent the disease or transmission of the disease altogether.
“You can get an infection and you don’t die from it or get hospitalized from it,” he said. “The FDA thinks that’s a win.”
Paxton’s investigation into the vaccine’s efficacy goes against the claims of his political ally, former President Donald Trump, who as recently as January dismissed claims about potential safety concerns with the COVID-19 vaccines and defended the government’s use of emergency authorization for the vaccine.
“I was able to get something approved that, you know, that has proven to have saved a lot of lives,” Trump said in an interview on the conservative podcast “The Water Cooler.” “Some people say that I saved 100 million lives worldwide.”
Pressed by podcast host David Brody about whether he had concerns that the vaccines were not as safe as the medical community had initially said, Trump said that reports of people having issues with the vaccine are “relatively small numbers.”
In December 2020, as Trump was still contesting the results of the presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden, his administration was touting the administration’s delivery of a “safe and effective vaccine.”
In the aftermath of the vaccine’s production and widespread distribution, Paxton fought local and federal policies aimed at controlling the COVID-19 virus’ spread in public. He sued the Biden administration for requiring large businesses to mandate vaccines for their employees and also filed suit against multiple Texas school districts for attempting to require masks in school.
Paxton tested positive for COVID-19 in January 2022. At the time, his office did not say whether he’d been vaccinated for the disease.
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
>MORE COVID NEWS: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/ken-paxton-covid-19-vaccines-investigation-texas-ag/273-b294a7af-e01a-4590-bca5-d2794630c4e4 | 2023-05-02T01:57:35 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/ken-paxton-covid-19-vaccines-investigation-texas-ag/273-b294a7af-e01a-4590-bca5-d2794630c4e4 |
HOBART — Aspiring health care professionals at Hobart High School will be hosting a blood drive next week.
The school's chapter of HOSA Future Health Professionals is behind the drive, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 12 at the school, President Angelina Zepeda said.
HOSA Future Health Professionals is a student-led organization that aims to encourage students to pursue a career as a medical professional.
At Hobart High, the group has participated in the American Cancer Society's Strides Against Cancer Awareness Walk, sent students to HOSA's state leadership conference and hosted blood drives like this one in partnership with the American Red Cross. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/students-hosting-blood-drive-at-hobart-high-school/article_3de687bc-e851-11ed-9779-8b9bb58c606e.html | 2023-05-02T01:57:41 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/students-hosting-blood-drive-at-hobart-high-school/article_3de687bc-e851-11ed-9779-8b9bb58c606e.html |
MERRILLVILLE — Merrillville appears to be an ideal location to grow a business, and two companies in the AmeriPlex at the Crossroads business park are examples of that.
Quality Pasta Co. and Midwest Truck & Auto Parts moved into space they are leasing in a building at 9401 Georgia St. in AmeriPlex. The facility was developed by Crow Holdings.
They are among the latest companies to locate in AmeriPlex.
Town officials toured both businesses to learn more about their operations as well as ways Merrillville can assist them.
Representatives from Quality Pasta and Midwest Truck & Auto Parts both indicated the town has been a great partner, and there are numerous reasons Merrillville stood out when they were considering where to locate their operations.
Among those factors was tax abatement, which the Town granted for both businesses.
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Peter Kroner, CEO at Quality Pasta, said the company was considering sites in several states, and the tax incentive helped encourage them to come to Merrillville.
“It allows us to build up this space,” Kroner said.
With the abatement in place, the company can devote more resources to increasing production of its array of products, including macaroni & cheese and Muscle Mac. As production grows, it will reduce costs.
“By time that happens, the tax incentives will wear off,” Kroner said.
Midwest Truck & Auto Parts, a supplier of aftermarket components for heavy, medium, light duty, and performance automotive and truck applications, leases about 125,000 square feet of space in AmeriPlex.
Michael Chudacoff, president of Midwest Truck & Auto Parts, said the company knew moving into the new facility in a thriving business park would be good for growth.
Tax abatement helped bring the company to town, but there were other factors as well. Like Quality Pasta, Midwest Truck & Auto Parts was attracted to Merrillville because of the growing workforce here.
“We knew it would be a tremendous opportunity moving forward,” Chudacoff said.
In 2021, Quality Pasta announced it was creating the manufacturing plant in Merrillville. The plan called for Quality Pasta to employ about 50 people. The company has surpassed that mark with about 70 people on staff in Merrillville. There is room to grow in its 90,000-square-foot location, which means more jobs could be coming there.
“The eye on the future is always what we think of here,” Kroner said.
About 35% of Quality Pasta’s 70 employees are Merrillville residents, and nearly 90% of the total staff live in Lake County.
Midwest Truck & Auto Parts in 2020 announced its plans to move to Merrillville. At that time, the company indicated it would create up to 150 new jobs by the end of 2024. Midwest Truck & Auto Parts is right on pace with that goal with about 140 workers at the Merrillville location. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/merrillville-building-pace-brisk/article_27b6efce-e840-11ed-8978-17f6a97ba5a6.html | 2023-05-02T01:57:47 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/merrillville-building-pace-brisk/article_27b6efce-e840-11ed-8978-17f6a97ba5a6.html |
Woods Aitken LLP, along with the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association and the Lincoln Journal Star, have announced the finalists for the 2023 Best Places to Work in Lincoln awards.
The awards are determined based on the results of the Best Places to Work in Lincoln survey conducted earlier this year.
Finalists are split into four categories based on workforce size, with three finalists each in the small, medium, large and extra-large categories.
Here are this year's nominees, listed in alphabetical order in each category:
Small companies (10-24 employees): Children's Specialty Pediatric Clinic -- Lincoln, Complete Hearing, Merrill Lynch.
Medium companies (25-49 employees): Don't Panic Labs, HoriSun Hospice, Lutz.
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Large companies (50-149 employees): Community Action Partnership of Lancaster & Saunders Counties, Cornhusker Bank, UNICO Group.
Extra large companies (150+ employees): Assurity, Nelnet, Olsson.
The final rankings for each category will be announced at an awards celebration on June 15 at Haymarket Park. Reservations can be made through June 7 at woodsaitken.com/bptw. | https://journalstar.com/business/local/finalists-announced-for-lincolns-best-places-to-work-awards/article_a3039094-e852-11ed-a524-2b3d438a65b6.html | 2023-05-02T02:02:23 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/business/local/finalists-announced-for-lincolns-best-places-to-work-awards/article_a3039094-e852-11ed-a524-2b3d438a65b6.html |
Americans travel billions of cumulative interstate miles every year—statistically, accidents are almost a certainty. Still, many traffic crashes and subsequent fatalities are avoidable.
In 2020, nearly 39,000 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes on U.S. roadways—an increase of roughly 7% from 2019, according to the most recent data released in 2022 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In nearly half of all fatal crashes, drivers were either speeding, impaired by alcohol, not wearing a seat belt, or some combination of those three, according to NHTSA.
Highway driving, in particular, can lead to more serious or fatal accidents than on other roadways because vehicles are traveling at much greater speeds.
President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has earmarked tens of billions of dollars for programs that will improve road safety in the U.S., including programs to improve physical infrastructure, vehicle safety, and data collection.
Stacker ranked data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, to identify the highways in Nebraska that had the most fatalities from auto crashes in 2020. Ties were broken by the total quantity of crashes where possible.
#25. Washington St
- Total fatalities: 1
- Number of crashes: 1
#18. US-385
- Total fatalities: 2
- Number of crashes: 2
#18. US-20
- Total fatalities: 2
- Number of crashes: 2
#18. SR-92
- Total fatalities: 2
- Number of crashes: 2
#18. SR-89
- Total fatalities: 2
- Number of crashes: 2
#18. SR-33
- Total fatalities: 2
- Number of crashes: 2
#18. Abbott Dr
- Total fatalities: 2
- Number of crashes: 2
#18. 13Th St
- Total fatalities: 2
- Number of crashes: 2
#17. I-480
- Total fatalities: 3
- Number of crashes: 2
#14. US-26
- Total fatalities: 3
- Number of crashes: 3
#14. SR-71
- Total fatalities: 3
- Number of crashes: 3
#14. SR-50
- Total fatalities: 3
- Number of crashes: 3
#12. US-281
- Total fatalities: 4
- Number of crashes: 3
#12. SR-64
- Total fatalities: 4
- Number of crashes: 3
#11. SR-35
- Total fatalities: 4
- Number of crashes: 4
#10. US-83
- Total fatalities: 5
- Number of crashes: 4
#8. SR-91
- Total fatalities: 5
- Number of crashes: 5
#8. SR-2
- Total fatalities: 5
- Number of crashes: 5
#7. US-275
- Total fatalities: 6
- Number of crashes: 6
#6. US-77
- Total fatalities: 7
- Number of crashes: 6
#5. US-81
- Total fatalities: 8
- Number of crashes: 7
#4. US-6
- Total fatalities: 10
- Number of crashes: 10
#3. US-75
- Total fatalities: 11
- Number of crashes: 10
#2. US-30
- Total fatalities: 11
- Number of crashes: 11
#1. I-80
- Total fatalities: 28
- Number of crashes: 23 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/car-aimed-for-nebraska-capitol-crashes-into-tree-instead-state-patrol-says/article_4fbb8850-e87b-11ed-9a65-2bc58153b6e3.html | 2023-05-02T02:02:29 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/car-aimed-for-nebraska-capitol-crashes-into-tree-instead-state-patrol-says/article_4fbb8850-e87b-11ed-9a65-2bc58153b6e3.html |
The city's proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year is about $92.4 million, a 6% increase over the current budget.
However, property valuations have gone up anywhere from 10%-30% based on the most recent valuation done by the Lancaster County Assessor's Office.
Whether people's property taxes go up depends largely on what the city and other taxing entities, such as the county and Lincoln Public Schools, do with their tax levy.
Members of the City Council on Monday heard from about a half-dozen people about why it's important for them to stick to the budget they approved last year and not take advantage of a "windfall" from increased valuations.
Lynn Fisher, general manager of Great Place Properties, said that if the city is serious about affordable housing, "you'll do everything you can to keep property taxes as low as possible."
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Fisher said that property tax increases lead rental property owners to raise rents, something many of them are already doing in anticipation of potential property tax increases.
Bud Synhorst, president and CEO of the Lincoln Independent Business Association, said that by his calculations, the city has collected $102 million more than it budgeted over the past three fiscal years, or an average of $34 million a year.
Synhorst said now would be a good time to "hold the line" and only take the amount of money it needs to pay for the already approved budget.
"This would be a responsible time to step back," he said.
Councilman Richard Meginnis, who proposed the nonbinding resolution, said his purpose was to try to "give a little notice" to property owners about what might happen with their property taxes in the next year.
Meginnis, who is president of commercial real estate company NAI FMA Realty, said many owners of both residential and commercial properties start raising rates ahead of time in anticipation of cost increases, such as rising property taxes.
Declaring the intent now to stick to the previously approved budget would allow those owners to institute small increases now rather than forcing them to potentially institute larger increases if the budget is changed later this year, he said.
Some council members said they were uncomfortable giving the next City Council budget direction, even if it is nonbinding, especially with a city election Tuesday that will put at least three new members on the council.
"I don't personally feel we should be proposing any statement of intent to the next council," said Councilwoman Michelle Suarez, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Jane Raybould, who was elected to the state Legislature last year. Suarez is not seeking election to the seat.
Councilwoman Sändra Washington, who is not up for reelection this year, agreed with Suarez that she didn't want to try to influence what a future council might do with the budget.
Still, Washington said she appreciated the chance to discuss the issue.
In the end, Meginnis asked to delay a vote on the resolution for a week, which the council unanimously decided to do.
In other business Monday, the council voted to approve a plan to redevelop a home near 84th and A streets into a new headquarters office for Hoppe Development.
Fred Hoppe, who is a principal in the business, wants to add an 8,200-square-foot office building to the house at 1620 S. 84th St. and use the existing house for conferences and as a reception area.
Hoppe owns the house, which abuts several acres of undeveloped land he owns east of 84th Street, as well as his backyard.
Nearly all the neighbors who live in the area support his plans, he said, which he came up with because he wants to keep the property suitable for the neighborhood.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Department had opposed the plan, but the Planning Commission approved it, except for a proposal to keep access to the site on 84th Street, which goes against the city's access management plan.
The council, however, narrowly approved an amendment that will allow the property to keep the 84th Street driveway for the office redevelopment, but would require it to relinquish it in the future if the site develops further.
The vote on the amendment was 4-3, with Tom Beckius, James Michael Bowers, Suarez and Washington supporting it, and Richard Meginnis, Bennie Shobe and Tammy Ward voting against it.
2023 Voter's Guide: Lincoln City Council
This year's city elections will put at least three new faces on the City Council, where the four seats which represent districts are on the ballot. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lincoln-city-council-debates-resolution-to-hold-the-line-on-property-taxes/article_d16bc76e-e864-11ed-943c-bba5f46ef487.html | 2023-05-02T02:02:35 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lincoln-city-council-debates-resolution-to-hold-the-line-on-property-taxes/article_d16bc76e-e864-11ed-943c-bba5f46ef487.html |
Former USA Today Editor-in-Chief Nicole Carroll joins ASU
Weeks after quietly departing Gannett Co.'s flagship paper, former USA Today Editor-in-Chief Nicole Carroll is starting a new gig as head of a local journalism initiative at Arizona State University.
Her new role will involve studying and developing methods of reporting on communities and business strategies for local news outlets. She will work with ASU Media Enterprise, a nonprofit collective of media outlets, and the university's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where she once studied.
"When you lose local news, you lose cohesion, you lose political participation, you lose connections in the community," Carroll said. "It's really a crisis, and after so many years on a very big stage, I really wanted my next chapter to be about helping smaller communities save, sustain and transform local news."
The exact details of the new initiative will come in the next few weeks, Carroll said. But its primary focus will be on news deserts, communities where there is no or limited news coverage, she said.
About a fifth of the U.S. population lives in a news desert or in a community at risk of becoming one, per Northwestern University's Local News Initiative, and local papers continue to rapidly disappear at a rate of roughly two per week.
“We really want to go where local news is in danger or already missing," she said. "And that can be certainly in Arizona and across the country — we're really digging into that now."
A news legacy in Arizona
Carroll spent nearly 20 years at The Arizona Republic, which Gannett also owns. There, she saw overwhelming changes in the media industry — particularly, a marked shift from print paper reporting to digital journalism.
As The Republic's editor, she led a project on the proposed U.S. border wall that won a 2018 Pulitzer Prize. She also led breaking news coverage recognized as a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2012 and 2014. One nod came after The Republic's coverage of the 2011 Tucson shooting that killed six and wounded 13, including then-U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and another nomination resulted from reporting on the deadly Yarnell Hill wildfire in 2013.
Before joining The Republic, she earned degrees from ASU and Georgetown University. She got her start at the El Paso Times in El Paso, Texas, and worked for the East Valley Tribune in Mesa.
In 2018, she was named editor-in-chief at USA Today, where she threw energy and resources into building the publication's enterprise and investigative journalism.
Kristin Roberts, the company's chief content officer, announced in April that Carroll would leave USA Today. Gannett has undertaken a significant leadership reorganization in recent months.
That restructuring comes after several rough fiscal quarters for Gannett, which merged with GateHouse Media in 2019 and owns upward of 200 daily papers across the U.S., many in communities without another news source. In recent years, the company has seen widespread layoffs and the closure of numerous papers.
Sasha Hupka covers higher education for The Arizona Republic. Do you have a tip on Arizona's universities, community colleges or trade schools? Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter: @SashaHupka. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2023/05/01/former-usa-today-editor-in-chief-nicole-carroll-joins-asu/70172724007/ | 2023-05-02T02:14:03 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2023/05/01/former-usa-today-editor-in-chief-nicole-carroll-joins-asu/70172724007/ |
Inmate convicted of manslaughter in 2019 death of Maricopa County detention officer
An inmate accused of attacking and killing an officer at Maricopa County's Lower Buckeye Jail in 2019 was convicted of manslaughter after more than three years of prosecution, according to Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone.
Maricopa County Sheriff's Detention Officer Gene "Jim" Lee died in October of 2019 after a violent attack by Daniel Davitt, an inmate at Lower Buckeye Jail. The six-year veteran officer fell into a comatose state after the attack due to a severe head injury, Penzone said.
Lee died from his injuries the following day. Described by his colleagues as kindhearted and helpful, the officer was honored by his family, friends and community during a Celebration of Life at Comerica Theatre in Phoenix shortly after his passing in 2019.
"Officer Lee’s family is grateful for a resolution and appreciative of all in the community who have shown their love and support throughout the last 3 1/2 years," Penzone wrote in a Monday news release.
Davitt will be sentenced on June 2 and could receive between 15 to 30 years of jail time as a result of his six prior felony convictions, according to Penzone. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/01/inmate-daniel-davitt-convicted-in-death-of-arizona-officer-jim-lee/70172859007/ | 2023-05-02T02:14:09 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/05/01/inmate-daniel-davitt-convicted-in-death-of-arizona-officer-jim-lee/70172859007/ |
Scottsdale detective resigns after aggravated assault indictment in DUI collision
A former detective with the Scottsdale Police Department resigned in March after being indicted on charges of aggravated assault and endangerment, Scottsdale police announced Monday.
Scottsdale police say that on Nov. 4, 2022, former police Detective Michael Lanouar was driving in his assigned detective vehicle while off-duty near Pima and Indian School roads when he struck another vehicle, injuring its occupants and both vehicles.
Police say lab results of Lanouar's blood showed he had a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.198% and the department submitted aggravated assault and endangerment charges to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
Scottsdale police investigated the incident criminally and internally, and completed the latter investigation on Jan. 12 prior to the indictment. The department involuntarily demoted Lanouar from police officer to detention officer before the indictment in mid-March.
More:Ex-Scottsdale detective indicted on aggravated assault after DUI collision
Department spokesperson Aaron Bolin said Lanouar resigned on March 20 after being placed on non-disciplinary suspension following the indictment.
Bolin said the department would not hold interviews about the resignation and referred questions about Lanouar's arrest to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale-breaking/2023/05/01/former-scottsdale-detective-resigns-months-aggravated-assault-indictment/70172890007/ | 2023-05-02T02:14:15 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/scottsdale-breaking/2023/05/01/former-scottsdale-detective-resigns-months-aggravated-assault-indictment/70172890007/ |
LOCAL
One fatality confirmed in Lubbock's Sunday morning collision
Alana Edgin
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
One person died early Sunday morning after a collision in south Lubbock.
About 4:29 a.m. Sunday, police arrived at South Loop 289 and University. The south to west flyover from IH-27 to South Loop 289 was closed, and westbound traffic on the loop was diverted off of the loop east of I-27, according to a statement from LPD.
An initial investigation determined a Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling west in the 2100 block of the loop. The Tahoe left the road, struck a guardrail, and started to roll.
Two passengers in the Tahoe were ejected. One of the two was Tyrell Miller, 38, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver and other passenger were taken to University Medical Center.
Police said the investigation in ongoing, as of Monday. | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/one-fatality-confirmed-in-lubbocks-sunday-morning-collision/70170825007/ | 2023-05-02T02:14:30 | 0 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/05/01/one-fatality-confirmed-in-lubbocks-sunday-morning-collision/70170825007/ |
That was the message Monday night as Richmond officials, first responders, family, parents and citizens from all walks of life came together at the Vigil for Peace gathering at George Wythe High School, the scene of a shooting last week, to urge the community to do its part to eliminate gun violence.
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras became emotional as he recounted the all too numerous vigils that he has attended for gun violence victims. “I’m running out of places on the map, and I’m tired, so let’s make this one different,” Kamras said. “Let’s change, because our kids’ lives are literally depending on it.”
The gathering was organized in the wake of multiple shootings in Richmond in the past couple of weeks. The Richmond police chaplain team and community organization Virginians in Action hosted the vigil.
“We have to have a renewing of the mind,” said Virginians in Action founder Cruz Sherman. “We have to start changing the mindset of our young people, we have to start changing the mindset of our young adults, we have to change our minds ourselves as those that live and work and play in Virginia. We are better than this.”
On Thursday, two George Wythe students were shot near the school grounds. One student was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, while the other had less serious injuries.
Only hours later that evening, a fatal shooting occurred at the Belt Atlantic Apartments on Midlothian Turnpike, a short walk from the high school. Marcus Dobson, 40, was found by police at the complex with an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
The city is now up to 26 homicides this year.
According to Richmond Interim Police Chief Rick Edwards, 40% of those cases occurred as the result of arguments.
At the vigil, Edwards urged the community to think before bringing a gun to a verbal or physical altercation. “I’ll submit that it’s not the mistake the minute you pull the trigger,” he said. “The problem starts when you decide to bring that gun.”
George Wythe principal Kevin Olds pushed for greater parental involvement to help students curb socially inappropriate behaviors.
“We want to educate children, but we also sometimes have to help raise their children because they’re coming to us with some maladaptive behaviors,” Olds said. “We have to address those things: that’s why social-emotional learning is important, that’s why mental health crisis is at the forefront of what we’re talking about.”
Kamras urged all of Richmond to be better in terms of helping families and neighbors, but also in being responsible gun owners.
“I’m tired of hearing about kids getting access to guns because they weren’t locked up,” Kamras said. “You want to own a gun? God bless. But lock it up and be responsible.”
Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin wondered aloud where the visible outrage was regarding the numerous shootings that have haunted the nation. She pointed out that thousands of people protested in front of the Robert E. Lee monument in 2020 before it was moved, but have not delivered the same outreach for the recent gun incidents.
“Where are these people now?” McEachin said. “Listen to what these community leaders have said and have asked and volunteer. Don’t just shout out, show up.”
During Monday night’s Richmond School Board meeting, resident Ta’Quan Grant called on officials to ramp up after-school programs to help students. A 2018 Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, Grant ran for the board in 2020.
“These programs brought young people and helped them get on the right path, especially with career,” said Grant, who also urged board members to hold town hall meetings in the community.
08-06-1979 (cutline): Antoi Harrington (left) and Robert Winthrow are friends.
In October 1954, students crowded into the new Douglas S. Freeman High School in Henrico County. The school, which cost about $1.1 million, opened the previous month and had roughly 500 high school and 500 elementary students.
In September 1961, students entered Westhampton School in Richmond. That fall, Daisy Jane Cooper became the first African-American student to integrate the junior high school; the following year, she made similar history at Thomas Jefferson High School.
In April 1955, students at Ridge School in Henrico County enjoyed their new merry-go-round. It was presented to the school by the PTA, which had collected donations for playground equipment.
In March 1961, Robert K. Crowell, a teacher at George Wythe High School in Richmond, held his first class on communism. The six-week course was reported to be one of the first in the country and drew national attention from newspapers and television. Crowell said his method of teaching the class was to emphasize that communism was not merely an economic system “but a way of life.”
03-29-1971: Young student listeds to playback in reading class. The program was to be used the following fall for first graders in Richmond city schools.
06-16-1989 (cutline): Doing something--Patricia Lancaster, Boushall Middle School curriculum specialist, is surrounded by some of the pupils taking part in the "Becoming a Woman" program.
07-13-1979 (cutline): In Super Mint factory--Stephanie McIntosh, Becky Blum and Chris Minney (left to right) made Astonishments this week in the Superintendent's School for the Gifted.
09-01-1970 (cutline): "It's different. It's a new experience. Everybody's trying to make it work. I think it will work." These comments by Susan Lippsitz, a new student at Thomas Jefferson High School, are reflective of those by several high and middle school students in their second day of the school term under a new court-ordered desegregation plan.
07-11-1976 (cutline): Blackwell Elementary students examine a bell in front of Treasury building in Washington D.C. The Richmond elementary school class was part of Class-on-Wheels, a summer school program. The federally financed program was designed to give disadvantaged studens the opportunity to travel by bus throughout Virginia.
09-01-1970 (cutline): Students leave a city school bus at Thompson Middle School, where some of them are to board a Virginia Transit Co. bus taking them to Maymont School. Thompson, in the annexed area on Forest Hill Avenue, and Maymont, near Byrd Park, are paired under the city's court-ordered desegregation plan. Some confusion yesterday about busing students to Thompson and then to Maymont was alleviated this morning through a new, direct VTC bus schedule.
From the Archives: A look back at Richmond schools
08-06-1979 (cutline): Antoi Harrington (left) and Robert Winthrow are friends.
Wallace Clark
In October 1954, students crowded into the new Douglas S. Freeman High School in Henrico County. The school, which cost about $1.1 million, opened the previous month and had roughly 500 high school and 500 elementary students.
Staff photo
NL Published Caption: Benedictine High School's Cadet Corps in formation behind the school. 10-8-61 50th anniversary
Amir Pishdad
In September 1961, students entered Westhampton School in Richmond. That fall, Daisy Jane Cooper became the first African-American student to integrate the junior high school; the following year, she made similar history at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Staff photo
In July 1968, a summer session class of journalism students worked on the yearbook, “The Sunfire,” at the Collegiate Schools in Henrico County.
Carl Lynn
In April 1955, students at Ridge School in Henrico County enjoyed their new merry-go-round. It was presented to the school by the PTA, which had collected donations for playground equipment.
Staff photo
In September 1967, students’ motorcycles lined the parking lot at Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond on the first day of school.
P.A. Gormus, Jr.
In March 1961, Robert K. Crowell, a teacher at George Wythe High School in Richmond, held his first class on communism. The six-week course was reported to be one of the first in the country and drew national attention from newspapers and television. Crowell said his method of teaching the class was to emphasize that communism was not merely an economic system “but a way of life.”
Staff photo
NL Published caption: Children romp at William Fox Elementary School before classes. The Christmas holidays ended today for pupils in the area
Ryan
08-31-1970 (cutline): Students wait for transfer buses at corner of Westover Hills Blvd. and Forest Hill Ave.
Staff photo
05-03-1979 (cutline): Pupils sit under an atop homemade wooden loft at Cary Elementary School.
Wallace Clark
08-30-1971 (cutline): Miss Susan R. McCandlish greets her fifth graders on their first day at Chimborazo School.
Staff photo
08-30-1971 (cutline): Mrs. Gayle Graham (right) calls roll in her fifth grade class at Lakeside Elementary School.
Staff photo
03-29-1971: Young student listeds to playback in reading class. The program was to be used the following fall for first graders in Richmond city schools.
Staff photo
04-18-1982 (cutline): Video equipment used in a visual literacy program, paid for by Title I in Richmond.
Staff photo
09-06-1989 (cutline): Thelma Smith, a former teacher who came to school yesterday to help, pinned bus numbers on pupils at Bellevue Elementary School.
Staff photo
09-03-1985 (cutline): Corey Green on bus, ready to head home after 1st day of school at John B. Cary School.
Bruce Parker
05-03-1979: John B. Cary Elementary School library.
Wallace Clark
06-16-1989 (cutline): Doing something--Patricia Lancaster, Boushall Middle School curriculum specialist, is surrounded by some of the pupils taking part in the "Becoming a Woman" program.
Alexa Welch
07-13-1979 (cutline): In Super Mint factory--Stephanie McIntosh, Becky Blum and Chris Minney (left to right) made Astonishments this week in the Superintendent's School for the Gifted.
Masaaki Okada
09-08-1972: Students cross street on Forest Hill Avenue aided by crossing guard.
Don Long
09-01-1970 (cutline): "It's different. It's a new experience. Everybody's trying to make it work. I think it will work." These comments by Susan Lippsitz, a new student at Thomas Jefferson High School, are reflective of those by several high and middle school students in their second day of the school term under a new court-ordered desegregation plan.
Amir Pishdad
07-11-1976 (cutline): Blackwell Elementary students examine a bell in front of Treasury building in Washington D.C. The Richmond elementary school class was part of Class-on-Wheels, a summer school program. The federally financed program was designed to give disadvantaged studens the opportunity to travel by bus throughout Virginia.
Staff photo
09-01-1970 (cutline): Students leave a city school bus at Thompson Middle School, where some of them are to board a Virginia Transit Co. bus taking them to Maymont School. Thompson, in the annexed area on Forest Hill Avenue, and Maymont, near Byrd Park, are paired under the city's court-ordered desegregation plan. Some confusion yesterday about busing students to Thompson and then to Maymont was alleviated this morning through a new, direct VTC bus schedule.
Staff photo
10-02-1975 (cutline): Counselor Libby Hoffman uses pictures, recorded story to teach 'self worth.'
Masaaki Okada
05-14-1971 (cutline): Mr. J.C. Binford with his 11th grade American History Class. This was one of the largest classes at George Wythe.
“There are too many guns in this city,” said Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, seen here as he finished an impassioned speech during the Vigil for Peace gathering outside George Wythe High School in Richmond on Monday.
George Wythe High School principal Kevin Olds speaks during a Vigil for Peace gathering hosted by the Richmond police chaplain team and community organization Virginians in Action outside the school on Monday.
Members of the Richmond Police Department, government officials and community organizations were among those who joined together to host a Vigil for Peace outside George Wythe High School in Richmond on Monday. The school was the backdrop for a gun-related incident last week when two students were injured in a shooting that took place near the school.
During the gathering outside the school on Monday, Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Colette McEachin holds up a Richmond Times-Dispatch front page from June 2020 with a photo depicting protesters at the Robert E. Lee monument and asks where are those protesters now. | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/in-wake-of-gun-violence-a-vigil-is-held-to-call-for-peace/article_058ed08c-e855-11ed-a05c-23a6520f28f9.html | 2023-05-02T02:23:35 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/education/in-wake-of-gun-violence-a-vigil-is-held-to-call-for-peace/article_058ed08c-e855-11ed-a05c-23a6520f28f9.html |
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