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CROWN POINT — The results of the May 2 municipal primary elections in Lake County will officially be certified Monday now that the bipartisan county election board has decided whether to count or reject a few dozen problematic ballots.
The majority of the votes rejected by the board Thursday were mail-in absentee ballots either lacking a signature on the envelope or whose signature did not sufficiently match the one in the voter's registration record.
Each of the 91 mail-in voters with a missing or mismatched signature was given an opportunity to submit an affidavit explaining the discrepancy. A total of 48 did so, and the county election board ultimately accepted 36 of those ballots.
The board also addressed the handful of provisional ballots cast by in-person voters who were not permitted or unable to enter their candidate choices on a voting machine.
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The ballots of voters who failed to bring acceptable identification to the polls and voters who tried to switch parties after selecting a ballot largely had their ballots rejected by the board.
Voters required to cast a provisional ballot due to poll worker error or a temporary problem with a voting machine generally had their ballots counted.
None of the adjustments appear to have changed any election results.
The primary election winners from each political party will face the candidate nominated by the opposite party, if any, in the Nov. 7 general election.
Requests for recounts have been submitted to the election board by Benita White Arnold, Democratic candidate for East Chicago City Clerk, and Richard Hardaway, Democratic candidate for Merrillville Town Council, Ward 2.
Unofficial results show White Arnold lost to Rich Medina by 89 votes in a four-candidate race, while Hardaway's vote total was 13 fewer than Shauna Haynes-Edwards.
Next week is the deadline for candidates or party leaders to request a recount.
The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2024. A first look at the Senate battleground.
1. West Virginia
2. Montana
3. Ohio
4. Arizona
5. Nevada
6. Wisconsin
7. Michigan
8. Pennsylvania
9. Florida
10. Texas
Interactive: 2024 Senate map
Analysis: 2024 Senate map presents daunting challenge for Democrats
The 2024 Senate map presents a daunting challenge for Democrats. Time will tell if it proves to be insurmountable.
The party, which currently holds a narrow 51-49 majority, must defend 23 of the 34 seats up for grabs this cycle. That means Republicans need a net gain of just one or two seats to retake the Senate, depending on which party wins the White House in 2024.
The most favorable political terrain for Republicans runs through three states that former President Donald Trump carried by at least 8 points in 2020 -- West Virginia, Montana and Ohio. In all three, Democrats have incumbents with unique political brands who could again have crossover appeal with voters in a reelection race. And Republicans could face messy primary fights in all three states, leaving the eventual nominees weakened heading into the general election.
Beyond that, Democrats are defending Senate seats in a handful of pivotal presidential battlegrounds -- Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. All are expected to be fiercely contested, with Arizona offering the potential for an unpredictable three-way race if Democrat-turned-independent Kyrsten Sinema seeks reelection. Given the overlay of the presidential race, these contests are most likely to see outsize attention with high-profile campaign visits, making them more connected to the national crosscurrents.
If Democrats are searching for targets to offset potential losses, their options are limited. Florida and Texas -- both red-leaning states -- offer the best opportunities. While Florida Sen. Rick Scott has a history of razor-thin elections, he's won them all. The Sunshine State has also been trending toward Republicans in recent years, especially in the era of Trump and Ron DeSantis. In Texas, Sen. Ted Cruz withstood a tough challenge from Beto O'Rourke in 2018, a Democratic-friendly year. Defeating Cruz in a presidential year could pose an even greater test.
As the cycle gets underway, how these Senate races play out could depend on several factors. While all signs point to President Joe Biden seeking reelection, he has yet to formally announce his intentions. The 2024 GOP presidential field is only just starting to take shape, with Trump a clear front-runner for now.
Aside from the eventual nominees, the overall environment and mood of the country will also help shape contests up and down the ballot as well as the central campaign issues. The state of the US economy is a constant priority for voters. There are signs that culture issues, including parental rights, are poised to drive the debate within GOP primaries and could emerge as general election flashpoints.
Senate Republicans were unable to capitalize on what appeared to be a favorable midterm environment for them in 2022, in part because of flawed candidates, several of whom were elevated by Trump. Already this year, National Republican Senatorial Committee chair Steve Daines and other GOP leaders have sent signals that the committee could get involved in primaries if it means avoiding nominees who could cost the party in the general election. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/lake-county-set-to-certify-primary-election-results/article_d8f1ec54-f032-11ed-a779-2b0a506f78e8.html | 2023-05-11T21:48:35 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/lake-county-set-to-certify-primary-election-results/article_d8f1ec54-f032-11ed-a779-2b0a506f78e8.html |
LAPORTE — A new attorney for LaPorte County government was appointed Wednesday by the politically feuding commissioners.
Scott Pejic, a veteran criminal defense attorney based in Michigan City, was hired with the votes of commissioners Connie Gramarossa and Rich Mrozinski, who a week earlier had terminated the contract of Andrew B. Jones as county attorney.
Commissioner Joe Haney, who had been replaced as board president at that same meeting, abstained from Wednesday's vote on the grounds that he had not had a chance to meet and interview Pejic.
Gramarossa, who’s now president of the commission, and Haney verbally tangled before the vote for Pejic.
Haney continued commenting and asking questions while Gramarossa tried calling for the vote. She then paused and accused Haney of political grandstanding.
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“We’ll give you the floor. You can try and make a fool out of me. Go ahead. How long would you like to badger us?” she said.
“That’s not my intention at all. My intention is to simply understand what’s transpired here,” Haney said.
He said he was given the impression by his colleagues last week that the position would be advertised and candidates interviewed before being filled.
It wasn’t, and that’s why he didn’t recruit anyone for the job, he said, unlike the other two commissioners.
Mrozinski said he approached three lawyers who all turned him down because of how the position has become so politically charged the past few years.
“They don’t want to be part of that,” he said.
Gramarossa said she was contacted by Pejic after he heard about the opening and talked to another lawyer from South Bend.
She also said it was Haney’s fault that he misunderstood the process used for filling the seat.
“I think this was an open process and everyone had the ability to bring somebody to the table,” she said.
In early January, Gramarossa sided with Haney in deciding to replace Shaw Friedman with Jones as county attorney.
But she said Jones’s handling of a dispute involving a request by LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan was a major factor in her decision to terminate him.
Fagan is seeking all of last year's emails from county accounts of the former prosecutor and several of his staff members. He said he wants them to fill gaps in criminal cases where evidence was lost during his transition into office.
Gramarossa and Mrozinski went against the advice of Jones, who urged them to turn over the emails because they belong to whomever is prosecutor.
Gramarossa said she was more than happy to give Fagan access to emails he needs but not all of them, citing concerns about the privacy of others.
“We will not give him thousands of unrelated emails from the county server for a political witch hunt, and that’s the bottom line,” she said.
Fagan denied her claims: "There's no witch hunt. I have no ax to grind with anyone." | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/clashing-commissioners-hire-new-laporte-county-attorney/article_1dd09478-f007-11ed-beec-eb9b8cde52e0.html | 2023-05-11T21:48:41 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/clashing-commissioners-hire-new-laporte-county-attorney/article_1dd09478-f007-11ed-beec-eb9b8cde52e0.html |
Macomb County proposes new jail intake center for mentally ill inmates
Mount Clemens — Macomb County officials announced Thursday plans for a new central intake and assessment center for county jail inmates that focuses on helping and assessing individuals with mental health issues.
The new intake center will renovate and expand existing parts of the county jail and is projected to cost $228 million and add 210 new medical beds for inmates who need to detox or have acute or subacute mental health needs, county officials said.
Court-ordered competency exams have doubled in Michigan since 2010, and many individuals in crisis end up in jails waiting months for these exams due to a nationwide shortage of psychiatrists and mental health professionals.
Jail is sometimes the first place people in crisis connect with medical professionals, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel said at a Thursday news conference. Conducting psychiatric evaluations in jails can potentially save money and reduce overcrowding, he said.
"The unfortunate reality is jails have somewhat become the new location for people with severe mental health issues and concerns," said Hackel, who is a former county sheriff.
The Macomb County jail in Mount Clemens was built in the 1950s, Hackel said. All but three Macomb County police agencies bring arrested people to the jail, which wasn't constructed to help inmates with mental health or substance use issues, the executive said.
Most general population inmates are housed in the jail's tower, which has 900 beds and will receive some upgrades under the county's proposal. Other sections of the jail that are no longer functional, such as the rehabilitation center, will be renovated and replaced with the new central intake assessment center.
All intake and booking will take place in the new assessment center as well as medical examinations. The three-story building will include blocks specifically designed for the detoxification of inmates, those with mental health issues and the general jail population.
The Macomb County Sheriff's Office already contracts with a vendor to provide medical and mental health services in the jail but the demand is great, Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said. Additional resources and support are needed, he added.
It is unclear if staffing levels at the jail will change since several officer-intensive facilities, such as the rehabilitation center, will be replaced with the new intake center, Hackel said.
"It's about the type of staffing we're going to be providing," Hackel said. "I think that's going to be the difference coming to the new facility to help do those assessments."
Correctional officers do conduct basic screenings during inmate intake but upgrading the mental health programming is just as important as improving the jail's brick-and-mortar facilities, the executive said.
"What we're looking at is for the first time ever an opportunity to have somebody there with the expertise in that facility that goes beyond just the basics," Hackel said. "What's really important is making sure that we have the programming part of that tied into this because that's what's really going to have the impact on the people that are coming into this facility."
Macomb County Community Mental Health is looking to expand its crisis continuum and crisis stabilization programming as well as help for inmates returning to the community, CEO Dave Pankotai said at the news conference.
"Our goal is to keep people out of the jail and out of our local emergency departments as much as possible," Pankotai said. "A number of people could be diverted someplace else."
Everyone will be evaluated at the jail's new intake center but if an individual's primary issue is related to mental health or substance use, there should be an alternative facility to divert them to Pankotai said. They are scouting locations for this 24-hour facility for community members in crisis and are considering repurposing the Juvenile Justice Center, he said.
If someone has been identified as a danger to society they will still be housed in the jail, Hackel said. But, if they have a mental health issue their care will still be managed during their time awaiting a trial or sentencing, he added.
The plans are expected to cost the county about $170 million and will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for approval next week, Hackel said. Approximately $128 million would come from surplus funds from the federal American Rescue Plan, which must be dedicated by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent by Dec. 31, 2026. The remaining $42 million would come from the county's general fund.
Hackel's office will present plans for the new physical facility to the finance committee on Tuesday while plans that include programming updates will be presented Wednesday. County officials hope the makes a decision on Thursday.
"Once we have the approvals, we will start working with programming pieces that we can do now within the facility and within the community as well as moving forward with the remaining construction piece of the jail facility," said Vicki Wolber, Macomb County deputy executive.
At least a year of planning and design for the new facility is necessary before construction can begin, Wolber said. Work will likely being by the end of 2024 or 2025.
"I think this is going to be one that's going to set the tone for other county jails throughout the entire state and possibly throughout the country," Hackel said.
About $50 million in state money has also been requested, Hackel said. Some inmates in the Macomb County jail are sentenced to state prisons and the new facility and programming could help with this intake process, Hackel said.
"We're going to be able to... not only hand off the prisoner but hand off a document that tells and talks about the story of the individual and the issues that may be surrounding this person's well-being both medically and mental health wise," Hackel said. "That helps them better assess somebody, the minute they get their doors."
hmackay@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/05/11/macomb-county-hackel-wickersham-proposes-new-jail-intake-center-for-mentally-ill-inmates/70207001007/ | 2023-05-11T21:49:06 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2023/05/11/macomb-county-hackel-wickersham-proposes-new-jail-intake-center-for-mentally-ill-inmates/70207001007/ |
Michigan's COVID epidemic orders end; what happens now
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services rescinded Thursday all remaining COVID-19 related epidemic orders as the nationally declared public health emergency officially ended.
Residents can continue to receive free COVID vaccine shots because current vaccines are considered federal assets, health officials said in a Thursday release. When the federal supply runs out, which is projected to happen in the fall, individuals will have to pay for shots as the vaccines move to the commercial market, the health department said.
The Biden administration plans to preserve free access to COVID-19 vaccines for the uninsured and underinsured after the health emergency ends.
Authorized COVID-19 therapeutics also will continue to be available for free until the federal supply of antiviral treatments is depleted. Then most residents will pay whatever portion is not covered by their health plan, state health officials said.
But Michigan participants in the state-federal Medicaid health care program for mostly low-income residents will get the antiviral treatments at not cost through Sept. 30, 2024.
The end of the health emergency means that COVID will look more like any other illness: Sick individuals will start by going to their primary care physician to get authorized for testing or treatment instead of going to nearly any pharmacy or medical office, said Brian Miller, deputy director of the Michigan Association of Health Plans, the industry group representing most health insurers in the state.
COVID-19 tests will no longer be free.
For much of the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services required that health insurance — private, Medicaid and Medicare — paid in full for over-the-counter and laboratory COVID-19 tests.
Private insurers now have the option to "cost share," or ask patient to pay their copays or whatever other fees they have on tests, although federal health officials are still "encouraging" insurers to offer it for free.
Although the state epidemic orders are ending, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said hospitals and nursing homes will need to observe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requirements and guidance that still will continue to require reporting of COVID infections. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/11/michigans-covid-epidemic-orders-end-what-happens-now/70209397007/ | 2023-05-11T21:49:10 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/05/11/michigans-covid-epidemic-orders-end-what-happens-now/70209397007/ |
Southfield chief says video refutes police brutality claims
Southfield — Hours after being discharged from a mental health facility, a 27-year-old man attacked a Southfield police officer and later ran head-first into a glass wall in his holding cell, according to a video released Thursday by authorities that they say disproves claims that the officers abused the suspect and left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said he released more than 12 minutes of video from officers' bodycams and surveillance cameras in the police detention area to counter accusations of police brutality being leveled at his officers in connection to an April 5 domestic battery run to the 24000 block of Mulberry in Southfield near Lahser and 10 Mile Roads.
Police were dispatched to the house at about 8 a.m. after someone dialed 911 to report that Clint Willis had assaulted his elderly mother and knocked her unconscious, Barren said. A second phone call reported that Willis had damaged a vehicle, the chief said.
Police didn't find out until later that Willis had been released hours earlier "from some type of mental health facility," the chief said during a press conference at Public Safety Headquarters.
The responders located Willis on a street not far from his home, Barren said as he played for reporters the video that starts with officers approaching the subject. A female officer tells Willis several times to take his hands out of his pockets.
Videos from two different angles show Willis suddenly lunge at the officer and swing his right fist. The blow caused a "severe laceration" to the officer's right eye, Barren said. A split-second after the attack, the officer's partner tackles Willis, and the two cops wrestle him to the ground and handcuff him. The officer's bodycam records blood from her wound dripping on her hands as she helps make the arrest.
Willis was transported to the Southfield Police detention area, located in the Public Safety facility on Evergreen.
What happened next is being characterized differently than what the video shows, Barren said.
On Tuesday, a group of attorneys — Michael Fortner, Caroletta Sprinkle, Randall Upshaw and Stephanie Carson — sent a press release to The Detroit News and other media outlets announcing that they'd filed a lawsuit on Willis' behalf claiming police were responsible for breaking their client's neck and leaving him paralyzed.
"A $20 million lawsuit has been filed against the Southfield Police Department for brutally beating Clint Willis, a 27-year-old African American man, entrusted with his care while in custody and causing critical injuries," the press release said.
"The man was able to walk into the police station without assistance," the emailed release said. "He was carried out on a stretcher and rushed to Providence Hospital a few hours later. The victim's neck was broken during the attack, prompting a need for emergency surgery. Willis is paralyzed from the neck down and is currently being treated in a rehabilitation center."
The release added: "The family is demanding a complete and thorough investigation by an outside agency and criminal prosecution of all officers involved."
No lawsuits involving Willis had been posted as of 3 p.m. Thursday on either the Oakland County Circuit Court website or the Pacer site that lists the federal court docket. Phone calls to the two media contacts listed on Willis' attorneys' press release and their law office were not returned.
During Thursday's press briefing, Barren said: "The video shows that these claims (about what happened while Willis was in the detention area) are not true."
Surveillance footage shows Willis being processed by guards from Allied Universal Security, which has a contract with the city to process and supervise suspects in the police lockup area until they can be transferred to the county jail or elsewhere.
On the video, Willis is inanimate at first, but as guards try to escort him into a cell, he begins to struggle.
"(The guards) get a supervisor, and Mr. Willis then squares off with the supervisor," Barren said. "At some point they use a minimal amount of force to drag him back to the cell, but he gets back up and comes through the door, and the (guards) can't close the door."
The guards finally are able to shove Willis into the cell and slam the door behind him — "at which time, Mr. Willis becomes agitated, goes to the rear of the cell and then runs headfirst into the (polycarbonate glass) wall," Barren said.
As three guards stand outside the closed cell door, Willis is seen walking toward the back wall, twisting his body and hurling himself headfirst into the glass wall before collapsing on the floor. After seeing the severity of the injury, the guards called for help, Barren said.
Southfield Fire Department emergency medical technicians responded, put a neck brace on Willis and took him to the hospital, the chief said.
During Thursday's press briefing, Barren also shared social media posts that claimed officers had abused Willis. Barren also said he'd heard the family had retained an attorney, and that a Sunday protest was planned.
"I put this video out because I wanted to be transparent and let everyone know exactly what happened," Barren said. "And if family and friends still want to protest, certainly protest — but you now have the information. You'll see no police brutality (on the video) ... and the injuries suffered by Mr. Willis were self-inflicted."
Barren said he left a telephone message with the Willis family that had not been returned.
The chief said the officer whose eye was cut is back on the job. "She's been promoted to detective," he said.
ghunter@detroitnews.com
(313) 222-2134
Twitter: @GeorgeHunter_DN | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/05/11/southfield-chief-says-video-refutes-police-brutality-claims/70207778007/ | 2023-05-11T21:49:16 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/05/11/southfield-chief-says-video-refutes-police-brutality-claims/70207778007/ |
NORMAL — A local filmmaker's first feature film, nearly two nears in the making and shot primarily in Livingston County, will premiere on the big screen Friday night.
The film, "Hunting for the Hag," will be unveiled at 7 p.m. Friday at the Normal Theater, 209 W. North St. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and a Q&A with the cast and crew will follow the film.
Tickets cost $7 for adults and $5 for students, and can be bought online at www.normaltheater.com or at the door.
Paul A. Brooks, director and co-writer, originally from Streator, said the idea came about in 2020 during the pandemic, when a previously planned project was derailed and he decided to use the time he had to make a found footage film.
"Found footage is this subgenre that tends to be more forgiving than some other styles out there, and so it allowed us to write a script really quick and shoot everything pretty fast," said Brooks, 44, who now lives in Normal. "We shot most of the movie in about a week and it allowed us to make some mistakes within the context of the film."
The film follows a group of three women who are making a documentary as part of a college class project. The students travel from Chicago down to a fictional town in Central Illinois, called "Hawthorne," to capture footage of a legend called the "Hawthorne Hag," Brooks said.
Brooks and his co-writer, Sierra Renfro, took some inspiration from the 2016 sequel of the "Blair Witch Project," Nicolas Cage's 2018 film "Mandy," and a 2005 British horror film called "The Descent," which follows six women who embark on a caving expedition and have to survive against humanoid creatures.
"There's multiple parts of the movie that I wanted to try and recreate, as well as the fact that it's such a large female cast," said Renfro, 28, of Los Angeles, who also plays one the three female lead roles, named "Candy." "I think with 'Hunting for the Hag' having three main leads as the girls, and really seeing their perspective the entire time and keeping that thread of feminism, was important for me."
Renfro, along with co-stars Jasmine Williams, who plays Tara, and Alexa Maris, who plays Beth, all flew out to Central Illinois to film the project in August 2021, with most scenes being shot in a home west of Pontiac. Months of additional filming, editing and post-production followed, with the finishing touches being completed just last week.
Other shooting locations included Humiston Woods and a local gas station in Pontiac, as well as the Hoffman House in Fairbury, which also was where the cast lodged overnight, Brooks said.
Williams, 27, originally from Waukegan but now living in Los Angeles, said it was an intense shoot with most scenes taking place at night, but overall it was a incredible experience to work with people she knows, and also to become friends with others she had never worked with before.
"I really hope that people can see the friendship in the film and the love for each other and for their passions," Williams said. "Each character has a very specific personality and their passions are so aligned with who they are, so I hope people can walk away feeling empathy for these people and just that overall sense of friendship."
Although Maris, 26, of Los Angeles, had never been to Illinois, she said she was excited to experience this part of the Midwest. She added she was intrigued by the element of isolation while shooting scenes in the cornfields and on a campground.
With only a week to shoot a majority of the scenes, the production felt like a whirlwind, Maris said, but everyone involved was determined to create the film.
"The process of filming was a whirlwind because we didn't have a lot of time, but it was great and the entire cast of people involved was just ready to make it happen," said Maris. "I would love to see people be scared and genuinely have a reaction to our 'hag.'"
Brooks' friends Nathan Brandon Gaik, who plays the hag; Thomas A. Jackson, who plays Ray; and Steve Christopher, who plays Clint; have all worked together on previous film projects.
"It was good luck because I just called everybody individually and asked them to do it," Brooks said. "I got my first round draft picks for every character in the movie, really."
Gaik said he had not worked on films with Brooks before, but when he got the call about the role, his answer was clear.
"I've loved horror movies since I was a kid and as soon as I heard about the role, I knew I couldn't turn it down," said Gaik, 44, of Bloomington. "It's been a great experience to work with everyone, and I'm excited to see it."
Christopher, 58, of Peoria, said he has only seen a rough cut of the film, but was impressed with some of the visual tricks used to make scenes feel more novel and unique to the viewer.
"You want them to laugh when you want them to laugh, and you want them to jump or scream when you're expecting it," he said. "I can't say any more without spoiling it."
Jackson said the production of the film was astounding given the amount of time they had, and he loved working with the other actors and witnessing their performances, especially the three female leads.
"They're going places, and I feel privileged to have had a chance to work with them," said Jackson, 58, from LeRoy. "They're such great professional performers, and I'm sure people are gonna see it on the screen."
Brooks and his executive producer, Seth Chromick, also flew out to Los Angeles to shoot additional scenes with actor Daniel Roebuck, who has been featured in films like "The Fugitive" and "Getting Grace," as well as multiple Rob Zombie films, including "The Munsters."
Overall, Brooks said he wants people to have fun with the film and be entertained by it, because if they are, then it means he has done his job.
"Just getting my friends together to make something, that's kind of the key to me having a good time," Brooks said. "Like when you're younger and you're making a movie just on a home video camera, that's the vibe that I try to incorporate, so that everybody is out having a good time with it."
Brooks said the film is unrated, but it is recommended only for adults, as it is a horror film.
Following Friday's premiere, Brooks said he will work to find a home for the film via streaming or physical media. He said he may host another showing at the Normal Theater or another local theater.
Audience members will be able to buy merchandise related to the film, including trading cards of the three lead actors.
25 of the best horror movies based on true stories
'Based on a true story'
#25. 'The Strangers' (2008)
#24. 'The Hills Have Eyes' (1977)
#23. 'The Serpent and the Rainbow' (1988)
#22. 'The Mothman Prophecies' (2002)
#21. 'The Clovehitch Killer' (2018)
#20. 'Lords of Chaos' (2018)
#19. 'The Snowtown Murders' (2011)
#18. 'The Entity' (1982)
#17. 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose' (2005)
#16. 'From Hell' (2001)
#15. 'Ravenous' (1999)
#14. 'Shadow of the Vampire' (2000)
#13. 'Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer' (1986)
#12. 'Cold Fish' (2010)
#11. 'Angst' (1983)
#10. 'Monster' (2003)
#9. 'Poltergeist' (1982)
#8. 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre' (1974)
#7. 'Scream' (1996)
#6. 'The Conjuring' (2013)
#5. 'Zodiac' (2007)
#4. 'The Exorcist' (1973)
#3. 'Jaws' (1975)
#2. 'Psycho' (1960)
#1. 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991)
Contact Mateusz Janik at (309) 820-3234. Follow Mateusz on Twitter:@mjanik99
Paul A. Brooks, director of “Hunting for the Hag,” poses with a copy of a VHS tape outside the Normal Theater. The movie will premiere at 7 p.m. Friday at the theater.
Co-stars Jasmine Williams, Sierra Renfro and Alexa Maris play the three female leads in Paul A. Brooks' found footage horror film, "Hunting for the Hag."
From left to right, director Paul A. Brooks and actors Steve Christopher, Nathan Brandon Gaik and Thomas Jackson poses with a copy of a VHS tape outside the Normal Theater. "Hunting for the Hag" will premiere at 7 p.m. Friday at the theater.
Pictured is actor Daniel Roebuck, who plays a lawyer in Paul A. Brooks' film "Hunting for the Hag." Roebuck has been featured in films like "The Fugitive" and "Getting Grace," as well as has multiple Rob Zombie films, including "The Munsters." | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/normal-filmmaker-will-debut-horror-movie-friday-night/article_8f45e516-f00e-11ed-9709-2b14903d0659.html | 2023-05-11T21:56:59 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/entertainment/local/normal-filmmaker-will-debut-horror-movie-friday-night/article_8f45e516-f00e-11ed-9709-2b14903d0659.html |
BLOOMINGTON — What began as wood recycled from reclaimed bowling alleys has become a handmade dinner table at Bloomington Fire Department's headquarters at 310 N. Lee St.
The project required months of work and contributions from numerous firefighters.
The bowling lanes first were moved to a firefighter's garage, where several BFD members sanded the wood and created custom edges. The wood then was taken to BFD's Station Three, where captain Scott Cheeseman spent months working on the artwork for the tabletop.
Once the freehand illustrations were done, the table was moved to the BFD headquarters, where several other firefighters worked to finish the frame and legs.
The 15-foot-long table now can seat 14 people comfortably.
Photos: On the job with the Bloomington Fire Department
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Contact Drew Zimmerman at 309-820-3276. Follow Drew on Twitter: @DZimmermanLee | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-firefighters-work-together-to-create-new-dinner-table/article_ac96322c-f02e-11ed-bc2b-0f9086ad9b19.html | 2023-05-11T21:57:05 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/bloomington-firefighters-work-together-to-create-new-dinner-table/article_ac96322c-f02e-11ed-bc2b-0f9086ad9b19.html |
Clyde Guilamo, defense attorney for Michael Bakana, speaks Monday afternoon about his client's failure to appear for his scheduled murder trial at the McLean County courthouse.
BLOOMINGTON — Closing arguments are expected to begin Friday in the murder trial for the Normal man charged with killing a woman and injuring another in a 2021 shooting.
Michael Bakana, 44, failed to appear again Thursday, after authorities said earlier in the week that he was out on bond when he cut off his GPS monitoring bracelet and disappeared shortly before his trial was scheduled to begin Monday.
He is accused of first-degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Mariah Petracca, attempted murder in the shooting of another woman, and aggravated battery. Bakana has pleaded not guilty.
State prosecutors rested their case Thursday afternoon, having heard about a day and a half of testimony from a surviving victim, Petracca’s father, witnesses who saw the shooting that took place in front of Daddios Bar in downtown Bloomington, as well as law enforcement officers who responded to the scene and investigated the case.
Dr. Scott Denton, a forensic pathologist, also testified Wednesday about Petracca’s gunshot wounds, which included two shots to her back that he said were “independently fatal.”
The video shows Bakana walking across the street and away from the bar during an argument with the two women. He leaves the view of the camera and within one minute, he is seen walking back to the women and continuing to argue down the street.
Petracca is seen shoving Bakana into the wall outside the bar. Both women turn and walk away. It then appears that the defendant reacts by pulling a gun from his back waistband and firing multiple shots at the women.
After the state rested, one of Bakana's attorneys, Sean Brown, argued a motion for a directed verdict, which if granted would have meant Judge Casey Costigan would issue a verdict instead of having the defense present its case and the jury decide.
Brown argued the state had not met their burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt, saying that the women were the aggressors in the altercation that led to gunfire that night.
Costigan denied the motion. He said for that type of motion, it is considered “in the light most favorable to the state,” and given that, the evidence presented so far was “clearly sufficient for this case to move forward.”
The US surpasses 160 mass shootings in 2023. Here's every event mapped
The US surpasses 100 mass shootings in 2023—here's every event mapped
Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly states—and some stricter ones
Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space
Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly states—and some stricter ones
Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space
Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly states—and some stricter ones
Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space
Mass shootings have happened in gun-friendly states—and some stricter ones
Mass shootings take place in nearly every type of public and private space
Contact Kelsey Watznauer at (309) 820-3254. Follow her on Twitter: @kwatznauer.
Judge Casey Costigan speaks to lawyers on Wednesday morning at the McLean County courthouse Michael Bakana's jury trial, which proceeded without Bakana present.
Stephen Petracca is shown a photo of his daughter, Mariah C. Petracca, on Wednesday morning at the McLean County courthouse during a jury trial for Michael Bakana, the man accused of killing her. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/state-rests-in-bakana-murder-trial-closing-arguments-expected-friday/article_31a184f2-f035-11ed-9ae4-fbe4e2a3afe6.html | 2023-05-11T21:57:08 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/state-rests-in-bakana-murder-trial-closing-arguments-expected-friday/article_31a184f2-f035-11ed-9ae4-fbe4e2a3afe6.html |
In 2013, the Philadelphia Police Department was dealing with more than 5,000 car thefts annually.
To help the department combat those car thefts, a state task force gifted Philly police 25 automatic license plate readers. They are cameras mounted on top of police cars that take pictures of every license plate they pass and automatically cross reference with a database of stolen and wanted vehicles.
The primary purpose according to the department’s directive was “reducing stolen vehicles, stolen license tags, increasing the recovery of stolen vehicles and increasing the apprehension of offenders in Philadelphia.”
Fast-forward 10 years and the city has seen a surge of vehicle thefts. More than 6,400 cars were stolen as of the end of April. In 2022, more than 12,000 vehicles were stolen.
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Carjackings have also increased and police have been dealing with the issue of paper license plates.
All of which, Philadelphia Police Captain Shawn Thrush says, could be addressed with the use of automatic license plate readers.
“That tag will be picked up on our cameras and tracked. So sometimes it does work to our advantage. We can say that this paper tag has been used in these four particular incidents,” Thrush said.
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But the NBC10 Investigators found that Philadelphia is down to one operating automatic license plate reader. We also found no evidence of any arrests or vehicle recoveries happening as a result of the automatic license plate readers — even when more than one was functioning.
Copies of the last two years of plate reader quarterly reports show 12 million license plates were photographed during that time but zeros are listed all up and down the reports when it came to noting the number of arrests and recoveries or terror watch hits.
In interviews with several officials within the police department, they said that automatic license plate readers do work and have led to arrests. But there was confusion among top brass as to who keeps track of the data — and if any of it even exists.
“I would find it hard to believe that they didn't have any hits that would lead to the recovery of the vehicle. But I'd have to look into it more,” Krista Dahl-Campbell, Deputy Commissioner for Organizational Services, said.
Dahl-Campbell is in charge of reviewing the quarterly reports compiled by the Real-Time Crime Center. She said she didn’t recall seeing the reports before we showed them to her.
Following our interview, a department spokesperson, said no other reports exist that track Philly’s license plate readers effectiveness.
“It is safe to say that the reporting mechanisms in place do not accurately capture what ALPRs can do,” the spokesperson said in an e-mail.
The commanding officer for the Real-Time Crime Center, Captain Edward Thompson, signed off on some of the recent quarterly reports that showed zeros all throughout. He compiles those reports based on what the district captain sends up the chain of command.
“Whatever the captains of the districts are doing with ALPRs and what they're documenting there, we're not getting here. We do not get here,” Thompson said in an interview.
He then e-mailed citywide statistics for vehicle recoveries and arrests. But said: “Parsing those by recoveries/arrests because of ALPR isn’t possible with the data we have available.”
Although not listed in any of the quarterly reports, PPD’s major crimes unit had one license plate reader they used until earlier this year. According to a department spokesperson, the officers in that unit kept their own statistics for that plate reader. They show that since 2019, more than 500 vehicles have been recovered and 23 people were arrested.
But the spokesperson told us those numbers are “considered unofficial numbers.”
Meanwhile, the department is expected to receive 200 new license plate readers in the new year. The new batch will also be funded through a state grant using federal dollars. It is in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office.
The new cameras will be connected with the city’s existing software and so record keeping should be better, Dahl-Campbell said.
“It's definitely something that I want to pay closer attention to, especially now that we're going to have the ability to have these in a lot more locations,” she said.
Dahl-Campbell and Thompson said that the city ended up with just one license plate reader from the initial 25 because the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force which funded them stopped paying for maintenance in 2020.
“There were a lot of maintenance problems. A lot of the cars got condemned and they were taken out of the vehicles. So we started losing them,” Thompson said.
By the start of 2021, the department was down to 13 working readers. Officers were still using them for thousands of hours each quarter.
Then by the last quarter of 2022, five were listed as operational but were used for 467 hours total.
“They were working for a week. They're not working. So it wasn't a full month that they worked,” Thompson said.
And apparently zero arrests or cars or tags recovered, | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/amid-rise-in-carjackings-and-car-theft-philly-police-down-to-one-plate-reader-and-no-stats/3564342/ | 2023-05-11T21:57:20 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/amid-rise-in-carjackings-and-car-theft-philly-police-down-to-one-plate-reader-and-no-stats/3564342/ |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-arrest-woman-accused-of-helping-prisoners-escape/3564735/ | 2023-05-11T21:57:32 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/police-arrest-woman-accused-of-helping-prisoners-escape/3564735/ |
Case Manager Carrie Lesins rubs the belly of Skye, a therapy dog from the Absecon school district, on Thursday at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus.
MATTHEW STRABUK, Staff photographer
Members of the Emma C. Attales Middle School choir sing in the AtlantiCare cafeteria in Atlantic City.
MATTHEW STRABUK, Staff photographer
AtlantiCare staff clap for students in the Emma C. Attales Middle School band and choir.
MATTHEW STRABUK, Staff photographer
Absecon Superintendent Dan Dooley says AtlantiCare treated him for a medical emergency days before the birth of his child.
ATLANTIC CITY — Absecon Superintendent Dan Dooley was emotional in his return to AtlantiCare months after a medical emergency in January landed him at the facility days before his child was born.
Expressing gratitude, he met with a nurse Thursday who had helped get him out of the hospital to welcome his child.
Giving back, especially during National Nurses Week, is a life lesson he's trying to instill in his students.
"I think a big part of having our children grow, not only academically and socially, but also civilly, is for them to know that giving back is a huge part, and that we're all working together," Dooley said.
Members of the Emma C. Attales Middle School band and choir were given a chance to learn the importance of giving back Thursday when they visited AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus.
DENNIS TOWNSHIP — Firefighters rescued a driver from their burning car after it caught fire …
Upstairs, a small group of nurses sat together for a personal concert from the choir, who performed songs including an arrangement of "Cups" by Anna Kendrick.
Jadyn Clinkscale, an eighth-grader who plays drums in the band and sings in the choir, said public displays of appreciation are important for the medical field.
"I want to celebrate the nurses," said Clinkscale. "I know they do a lot for the hospital, so I feel like they deserve to be celebrated. I feel like they deserve this, to listen to music, to relax and not have the stress of knowing that a patient is on their hands."
Thursday's visit was made possible through a partnership between the school district and AtlantiCare. The hospital originally contacted Absecon school officials in the summer to discuss a potential trip, Dooley said.
The band and choir weren't the only visitors from the school. Both of Absecon's four-legged school employees, therapy dogs Skye and Hope, made the trip to the hospital.
The Greater Swiss mountain dogs are owned by Dooley, and five years ago when he arrived at Absecon, he implemented a therapy dog program he started while at the Commercial Township School District in Cumberland County.
A judge sentenced an Absecon man found carrying a gun at a local hospital to five years in p…
For about an hour, the dogs, with handlers, made their way throughout the hospital, pausing at each nurse's station.
Several nurses on each floor took a moment with their canine visitors, giving them pets and belly rubs.
Skye on Thursday celebrated his 1,000th visit as a therapy dog.
About 30 staff members are trained in handling the animals, preschool teacher Samantha Stoll said while accompanying them on the fourth floor.
Besides visiting the community, they're often used to help students cope with school and learning to read.
"We have an awesome team in Absecon," Stoll said. "Sometimes, I feel that the dogs are more for me than the kids, just depends on the day. But, it's really sweet, and the ability for kids to just focus on what's right in front of you and be able to see their reactions, and talk them through how they're feeling, and stuff like that."
Thursday's experience was one the staff can take with them the rest of their workweek.
“The talented students’ lively, uplifting performances were entertaining for our care team and our visitors," said James A. Kilmer Jr., vice president and chief administrative officer for AtlantiCare's City Campus.
GALLERY: Therapy dogs visit AtlantiCare for Nurses Week
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Case Manager Carrie Lesins rubs the belly of Skye, a therapy dog from the Absecon school district, on Thursday at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/absecon-schools-music-program-therapy-dogs-celebrate-nurses-week-at-atlanticare/article_4f350d6a-f02e-11ed-bd33-5b18bf53a9bc.html | 2023-05-11T21:57:34 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/absecon-schools-music-program-therapy-dogs-celebrate-nurses-week-at-atlanticare/article_4f350d6a-f02e-11ed-bd33-5b18bf53a9bc.html |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/swifties-take-over-south-philly-for-taylor-swifts-eras-tour/3564714/ | 2023-05-11T21:57:38 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/swifties-take-over-south-philly-for-taylor-swifts-eras-tour/3564714/ |
ATLANTIC CITY — A Florida man jumped to his death from a parking garage in the resort, police said Thursday.
The 42-year-old man from Riviera Beach, whom police did not identify, reportedly jumped from the structure once belonging to the Trump Plaza casino.
Police arrived at Mississippi and Atlantic avenues at 10:47 a.m. Thursday after witnesses said they saw the man jump. Officers found the man and attempted medical aid. Emergency personnel arrived and pronounced the man dead, police said in a news release.
Officers on scene spoke with witnesses, who said the man intentionally jumped from an upper level.
Anyone who needs assistance or knows someone who needs assistance can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/florida-man-jumps-to-death-in-atlantic-city-police-say/article_1fc654c4-f035-11ed-a28b-8ff3d282123c.html | 2023-05-11T21:57:40 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/florida-man-jumps-to-death-in-atlantic-city-police-say/article_1fc654c4-f035-11ed-a28b-8ff3d282123c.html |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/tracy-davidson-receives-honorary-degree-from-manor-college/3564717/ | 2023-05-11T21:57:44 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/tracy-davidson-receives-honorary-degree-from-manor-college/3564717/ |
ATLANTIC CITY — When city native Maria Christine Martin turned 50 this year, she didn't think her year around the sun would encompass so many blessings and success.
Becoming a minister at her parish, God is Reaching Out Ministries at Pacific and Texas avenues, spending time with her five children and six grandchildren, and being nominated for the Atlantic City Host and Spirit of Hospitality Awards — after she helped save someone's life with the assistance of a customer after a man collapsed while dining at Resorts Casino Hotel — topped off her year.
"I didn't think turning 50 was going to be this good," said Martin, who donned a birthday tiara Wednesday at the Host and Spirit of Hospitality Awards ceremony at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. "When they nominated me, it made me feel awesome that I was a part of saving someone's life that day."
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority has hosted the Host and Spirit of Hospitality Awards for 24 years, to honor casino and hospitality workers who go above and beyond their work duties, like Martin.
People are also reading…
"Many, many, many people come together to do this event," said Rick Santoro, director of the Special Improvement Division of the CRDA.
“It is an honor for CRDA to be able to recognize outstanding individuals within Atlantic City’s hospitality industry each year,” said CRDA Executive Director Sean Pattwell. “These are truly remarkable and inspiring people who work tirelessly each day to provide our visitors with exceptional and memorable experiences. I send my sincere congratulations to all of this year’s award winners.”
Looking for somewhere to take the mom or motherly figure in your life out to eat this Mother…
The awards aim to recognize front-line and back-of-the-house workers with 25 awards in categories like best bartender, best host/hostess, best retail sales associate, best visitor information/concierge/service personnel and more.
Additionally, presenters gave two special Atlantic City Improvement Awards to Michael Brestle of Calvi Electric Company and Thomas Sykes of SOSH Architects for their community-building work; and the Spirit of Hospitality Award to Jane Bokunewicz, director of Stockton University's Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism.
Pattwell said LIGHT's launch of the International Journal of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism helped the global hospitality industry reopen in a clean, safe and healthy manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The host awards are very special to me because I have served for almost 10 years on the selection committee that reviews all the nominations each year," Bokunewicz said. "I've had the privilege of reading hundreds of stories about Atlantic City employees serving our guests and doing amazing things each year. I am deeply moved by the kindness, caring and even heroism displayed by the hospitality professionals in Atlantic City."
Bokunewicz shared some of those impactful nominee stories, like a server who helped a customer with Alzheimer's disease order his favorite dish on the menu because he would often forget, someone performing the Heimlich maneuver on choking guests and a waitress recognizing a guest going into diabetic shock.
"It doesn't take an award to let you know you're doing a good job," said Martin. "But it's encouraging. It lets you know you're receiving what you are putting out." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crda-hosts-atlantic-city-host-spirit-of-hospitality-awards/article_11b8672c-f009-11ed-99f9-13f4ee637d1a.html | 2023-05-11T21:57:46 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crda-hosts-atlantic-city-host-spirit-of-hospitality-awards/article_11b8672c-f009-11ed-99f9-13f4ee637d1a.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — A surveillance operation led to the arrest of a Pleasantville man who was found in possession of a large quantity of drugs and cash, police said Thursday.
Police recovered 18 grams of cocaine, 510 bags of heroin, less than 2 grams of fentanyl, 255 oxycodone pills and more than $10,000 in cash from a car belonging to Antoyane McCall, 43, the department said in a news release.
McCall was charged with four counts each of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school. He was also charged with possession of paraphernalia used to package drugs, money laundering and operating a drug production facility. He is being held in the Atlantic County jail.
At 11:26 a.m. Monday, Detectives Christopher Dodson and Alberto Valles, along with Officers Troy Grams and Latray Butcher, were conducting surveillance in the first block of South Texas Avenue when they saw McCall holding a clear plastic bag containing suspected cocaine, police said.
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As police converged on McCall, he put the cocaine in his pocket. A search led to officers recovering cocaine and heroin, and the arrest of McCall, police said.
McCall's vehicle, which was unregistered in New Jersey, was parked in the street. Officer Adrian Nunez-Santos and his K-9 partner, Narco, who specializes in the detection of narcotics, were summoned to the scene. Narco indicated there were drugs present, and police uncovered paraphernalia used in the manufacturing or distribution of cocaine and heroin, along with additional drugs, police said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/pleasantville-man-arrested-in-atlantic-city-with-large-amount-of-drugs-cash/article_a93007c2-f036-11ed-89e9-9fa9a9ca1277.html | 2023-05-11T21:57:52 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/pleasantville-man-arrested-in-atlantic-city-with-large-amount-of-drugs-cash/article_a93007c2-f036-11ed-89e9-9fa9a9ca1277.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — Senior citizens living in the troubled Stanley Holmes Village public housing complex were relieved Thursday when they heard they no longer have to worry about quickly moving to a high-rise in the city.
"That policy has been revoked," said new Atlantic City Housing Authority Executive Director Matt Doherty at a hearing Thursday in Superior Court. Seniors had received letters from the authority saying they must be ready to move within 72 hours of notice sometime this month.
Sounds of relief could be heard from several residents who had attended the hearing before Judge John Porto in Superior Court.
The hearing was called mainly to deal with aspects of a Dec. 21 judge's order with which the Housing Authority has yet to fully comply.
"Will residents be notified of that?" asked Olga Pomar, housing preservation and community development coordinator for South Jersey Legal Services, which is representing more than 80 residents in a lawsuit over conditions at the 420-unit complex.
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"They will be notified in writing next week," said Doherty, the former executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, who began his job with the Housing Authority on Monday.
ATLANTIC CITY — Seniors and disabled residents at the public housing complex Stanley Holmes …
Many seniors had said they did not want to move because they felt high-rise conditions were as bad as those at Stanley Holmes, where problems with heat and hot wter, gas lines, infestations, broken appliances and more have made life difficult.
They also said they would no longer be within walking distance of churches and shopping and medical care, and some said they had phobias about elevators and living in high-rises in general.
Resident Shirley Moore, 70, said after the meeting she had begun packing for a move she didn't want to make. Her daughter and son-in-law were coming from Georgia to help her move there with them.
Now she can stay in Stanley Holmes, she said.
Doherty said there will also be an evening meeting soon to talk with residents, but the date and time have not yet been set.
The hearing was mainly focused on a motion filed by Pomar to enforce Porto's Dec. 21 order, which laid out nine specific things the Housing Authority was supposed to provide to Legal Services in writing by mid-January.
ATLANTIC CITY — The elderly and disabled residents at the Atlantic City Housing Authority’s …
They included documents on inspections, assessments and work performed on gas lines as well as heating and hot water systems. The judge had also ordered the authority to set up a system for keeping track of resident complaints.
"We had to file this motion because more than four months have gone by and we do not believe the Atlantic City Housing Authority is in full compliance with that order," Pomar said.
"The Housing Authority has provided informal communications, but ... hasn't given us documents we requested," Pomar said.
One of the documents Pomar requested and the judge had ordered the Housing Authority to provide concerned work done on gas lines in parts of the complex.
"The gas was turned off for three weeks in October, and the residents never got an explanation," Pomar said.
They were told then it was so dangerous they had to move, then told there was no danger and they could stay.
ATLANTIC CITY — New public safety and health problems are being found regularly at Atlantic …
"Your order required inspection within 30 days … but they didn’t do it until three months later, March 23, because contractors in crawl spaces (saw leaks)," Pomar told the judge.
Gas had to be shut off in six of the complex's 32 buildings because of active gas leaks and contamination found in March, Pomar said.
"They don’t seem to feel they have to account for the terms of the December order," Pomar said. "They have simply not acted."
Porto, however, said the record should reflect he's had an open dialog with Housing Authority attorney Richard DeLucry and with Pomar.
DeLucry outlined a long list of projects the Housing Authority has undertaken to fix the boilers that provide heat and hot water to the complex, gas lines and a variety of other problems found in a city inspection of units in December.
"If the question is 'What is the timetable?' we can't answer that," DeLucry said of a time when everything will be fixed.
ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Housing Authority was fined $10,000 Tuesday and given unti…
He said relatively new board members and brand new staff members like Doherty inherited a facility in serious disrepair.
"But people dealing with it inherited that problem and have been working day and night and even in extraordinary ways in a lot of cases to address problems," DeLucry said. "They keep snowballing."
He did not explain why the required documents had not been provided, other than to say he may have been overly optimistic when he agreed to the details of the Dec. 21 order.
"It may have been reckless on my part," DeLucry said. "I had no idea of scope of undertaking."
DeLucry said the authority is looking at all options.
"We are very close to being able to present a proposal to the board — what we think will be a permanent fix to the gas line issue," DeLucry said, as well as heat and hot water issues.
ATLANTIC CITY — The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development gave Stanley Holmes …
At the end of the hearing, DeLucry agreed to provide much of the requested documentation to Legal Services within three weeks, and some by next Friday.
Doherty also told the judge he is aware of the need to improve communication between the Housing Authority and residents, and to be more responsive to resident complaints.
"My second day (on the job) I had notices posted on every door with my name, title, email and cellphone," Doherty said. "Since then I have gotten calls about a variety of needs. I assigned them to get them performed and executed."
The board has also contracted to buy software to track resident complaints, DeLucry said.
"I don’t live in the past. Whatever happened cannot change, but we can learn from it," Doherty said.
He promised to send Pomar the board package before Housing Authority meetings, "so you can see resolutions before a vote on them." | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/stanley-holmes-village-seniors-will-no-longer-be-forced-to-move/article_33bbc6b8-f025-11ed-8547-1b49563081ed.html | 2023-05-11T21:57:59 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/stanley-holmes-village-seniors-will-no-longer-be-forced-to-move/article_33bbc6b8-f025-11ed-8547-1b49563081ed.html |
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tri-Cities Airport held an emergency drill on Thursday simulating a plane crash. The drill is held every three years.
Kristi Haulsee, director of marketing and air service development for the airport, said the drill is about making sure emergency personnel are communicating and working well during an emergency situation.
Over 50 volunteers from local high schools played the roles of victims during the simulation drill, equipped with special effects makeup. Each volunteer was assigned specific injuries for first responders to aid and care for.
“We will be working with various injuries,” said Haulsee. “From someone who’s maybe just wandering around on the airfield with very minimal injuries all the way, up until someone has perhaps perished in the crash.”
All emergency responders have to be coordinated.
“It’s up to us,” said Haulsee. “We have to be on the scene of a crash within three minutes of any incident happening on airfields.”
Sullivan County Emergency Management Director Jim Bean said during emergencies, all hands are required.
“We have ambulances from at least five counties,” Bean said. “Fire departments from within Sullivan and Washington County, we’ve got the forensic center from Johnson City.”
Firefighters practiced putting out a plane fire by using an old school bus during the mock simulation drill. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tri-cities-airport-holds-triennial-emergency-drill/ | 2023-05-11T22:03:05 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tri-cities-airport-holds-triennial-emergency-drill/ |
BANGOR -- For the first time since the start of the pandemic, a nonprofit will bring back an annual event -- this time under a new name.
The Eastern Area Agency on Aging will be hosting the Healthy Aging Expo next week on May 18 at the Anah Shrine in Bangor.
The event brings together over 70 vendors -- from health insurance and home care to hospice and caregiver services -- to discuss the experience of aging as a community.
Formerly known as the Senior Expo, organizers say they rebranded the event to promote a more inclusive environment.
"We are now part of the age-positive movement -- which is through Maine Council on Aging -- and the age-positive movement is really addressing ageism and age biases in the state of Maine, and it's really focused on creating an age-friendly community," said Tabatha Caso, executive director of EAAA.
This year, the expo will also have door prizes and a raffle.
More information can be found at eaaa.org/healthy-aging-expo. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/eastern-area-agency-on-aging-to-host-first-expo-since-2019/article_889165d0-f043-11ed-975a-c72e4ee5896a.html | 2023-05-11T22:08:13 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/eastern-area-agency-on-aging-to-host-first-expo-since-2019/article_889165d0-f043-11ed-975a-c72e4ee5896a.html |
DEDHAM -- As warmer weather comes to Maine, some are sharing advice for how to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Hiking through the woods on Maine's many trails is a summer staple for many.
However, according to Maine game warden Rick Ouellette, a nature walk can quickly turn dangerous for those who aren't careful.
"Even a minor problem such as spinning an ankle or twisting a knee -- now all of a sudden, they're immobile," said Ouellette. "Stay on the marked trails, don't wander off the trail for a better view or whatever. Trails are designed for, usually, the most safe passage up and down."
It's essential to practice safe hiking while you're on the trails, but some say it's just as important to grab everything you need before you leave the house.
"Bring water, proper footwear," said Ouellette. "Be prepared for a hike, don't hike beyond your abilities. Wear proper clothes, wear things to be prepared for the unknown."
Hikers should also bring a basic first aid kit, stay away from wild animals, and hike on familiar trails when possible.
Ouellette says communication is key. Travelers should bring a fully charged cellphone, in addition to a map and compass -- but plan for the worst.
"It's always better to hike with a friend than hike alone. But, if you are going to go alone, make sure you tell somebody where you're going so that if something does happen and you don't return -- we have a place to start," said Ouellette.
To learn more about about safe hiking, visit the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-game-warden-shares-hiking-safety-tips/article_72055764-f042-11ed-9d8f-5f171b416ab3.html | 2023-05-11T22:08:14 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/maine-game-warden-shares-hiking-safety-tips/article_72055764-f042-11ed-9d8f-5f171b416ab3.html |
DALLAS(KDAF) — In the famous words of the iconic 1960’s host, Rod Serling, “Next stop — The Twilight Zone.”
Twilight Zone Day is May 11, according to National Today. “The 1950s had seen an explosion in science-fiction-themed television and radio shows. But perhaps none has had a greater impact on popular culture than “The Twilight Zone.”
As we celebrate the iconic tv series that explored the bizarre and unexplained, look no further for the unexplained. Dallas was just ranked #8 as one of the best cities for paranormal activity.
Lawn Love conducted the study based on many factors: “We compared the 200 biggest U.S. cities based on four categories. We looked at paranormal sightings, Bigfoot sightings, haunted sites, and paranormal conventions and events, among 14 total otherworldly metrics.”
Dallas is home to numerous unexplained phenomena from the famous urban legend of the Lady of White Rock Lake to ghostly apparitions at the Baker Hotel.
The city’s peculiar and often mysterious phenomena still fascinates tourists and residents, keeping the spirit of the Twilight Zone alive in our modern world. | https://cw33.com/news/local/on-the-list-of-the-top-10-ghostly-encounters-in-texas-which-texas-city-ranked-highest/ | 2023-05-11T22:10:13 | 0 | https://cw33.com/news/local/on-the-list-of-the-top-10-ghostly-encounters-in-texas-which-texas-city-ranked-highest/ |
DALLAS — The city of Dallas continues to dig its way back to normal after reporting eight days ago that it’d been hit by a crippling ransomware attack.
In the immediate aftermath, the attack forced the city to take offline the police and fire department’s computer-aided dispatch system, the police department’s website and the city’s website. The city also closed its municipal court’s system. The city’s development services, public works, permitting and zoning couldn’t take applications or payments, nor could permits be issued.
“Unfortunately, mistakes have been made,” said Jim McDade, president of the Dallas Fire Fighters Association. “Some people have had difficulty getting in through 911, getting their calls answered in a timely manner, and then getting the proper equipment dispatched to them to take care of their emergencies. It's impossible to know exactly how many mistakes were made.”
As of now, the computer-aided dispatch system is partially back online. The websites have been restored. Development services can accept payments, issue permits and receive plans electronically.
The municipal courts still cannot take payments in person, online or by phone, according to the court’s website. It also says there are “no court hearings, trials or jury duty until further notice.”
The situation’s far from normal for the police and fire departments.
Officers continue to handwrite reports. They still can’t use their in-car computers to check license plates or check for warrants, and instead they have to rely on dispatchers to do it for them.
“If you're running a tag on a car, there may be a five or 10-minute delay,” said Sgt. Sheldon Smith, chapter president of National Black Police Association.
“If you run a person, you get that same type delay. Nothing is coming fast. Nothing," he said.
The servers for the police department’s records management system and field-based reporting system, which officers use to write their reports, are being be rebuilt, according to an email obtained by WFAA.
“Today, we're working like it's 1965 but it's 2023,” Smith said. “Officers have to adapt and overcome. But we don't have the full technology capabilities that we had three weeks ago, a month ago.”
When the dispatch system went offline, it also meant the system that automatically made sure that the closest station was dispatched wasn’t working. Suddenly, dispatchers dug out maps to figure which station was closest.
That part of the dispatch system is now back online, McDade said. But calls are still being dispatched through the computer, over the radio and even by phone at times, McDade said.
“It's 100% creating delays,” McDade said.
Technicians are painstakingly checking every computer. As of Wednesday afternoon, for example, about 30 fire department devices had been found to be infected with the virus, so now they’re having to be wiped and reimaged.
“It's a long painful process and there is no quick fix,” said said Brett Callow, a threat analyst with cybersecurity firm Emsisoft.
A hacking group called “Royal” previously claimed responsibility for the attack.
Callow told WFAA that the hacking group’s negotiation site, where they try to exhort victims, remains online. But he says the site where they put their leak materials has been taken down. He said that’s an indication they may be about to fold and rebrand themselves under a new name as has happened in other high-profile cases.
“The people involved with ransomware operations don't necessarily like high profile attacks,” Callow said. “It's going to attract law enforcement attention on them. My guess is that Royal as a brand is going to end after the Dallas incident and the hackers will start a new venture.”
City officials also said in a news release Wednesday that "at this time, it does not appear any personal data of employees or residents has been leaked."
Callow said based the size and scope of the attack, it’s highly likely that personal data was, in fact, compromised.
“If I was a resident of Dallas, I would be concerned that the hackers have whatever information the city holds about me,” he said. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dallas-ransomware-attack-progress-one-week-later/287-f0af11f2-1c52-4d33-a706-8fdfa1f0e5f1 | 2023-05-11T22:18:20 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dallas-ransomware-attack-progress-one-week-later/287-f0af11f2-1c52-4d33-a706-8fdfa1f0e5f1 |
INDIANAPOLIS — You can help hungry Hoosiers this weekend without even leaving your home.
The National Association of Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive is Saturday, May 13.
It marks the 31st anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving — the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Letter carriers throughout Indiana will participate in the largest one-day food drive by collecting donated non-perishable food items left in bags at mailboxes for local food banks.
You may have seen the cards in your mail, letting you know when you can leave that non-perishable food in your mailbox.
"It's just a simple ask, put one can in the box. If you can imagine, one can for every house we deliver to. One box of cereal for every business we deliver to. That's a lot of food. That's a lot of food on a lot of tables. And right now, with as expensive as food is, people need it," said Kieaunta Roberson who is a food drive coordinator.
By springtime, the organization said many pantries are depleted and enter a summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need.
Currently, the organization estimates more than 35 million Americans are unsure where their next meal is coming from.
The community can help by bagging donations of non-perishable food items and setting them by the mailbox ahead of regular mail collection time on Saturday, May 13. Your letter carrier will do the rest.
Keep in mind if you don't get your donation out Saturday, you can still put it out there Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and your postal carrier will pick it up. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indianapolis-food-drive-kicks-off-this-weekend/531-be1e6779-1029-41a8-9904-12bf92f9df15 | 2023-05-11T22:18:26 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indianapolis-food-drive-kicks-off-this-weekend/531-be1e6779-1029-41a8-9904-12bf92f9df15 |
SAN ANTONIO — Mother's Day is just three days away. But do we really know what moms want for the big day?
Figuring out what to get or do for mom can be stressful for many of us. But a new survey by One Poll breaks it down and shows what mom wants may not even cost a penny. Janee Hill, amotivational speaker and mother told us, "We moms just want to be we want to just be able to be by ourselves. And that's hard for us to ask for that because we are always doing for others."
Why do mom's need more me time? 65 percent said they were too busy with their professions. 58 percent said they were too busy with chores around the house. 51 percent said they just want quality time with loved ones. And 16 percent said making a new memory was essential. HIll added, "I would just encourage dads, kids, let mom just be you do the laundry, you do the kitchen, do it all just like she does it so that she truly can have a day off."
How they would use this time off? 42 percent said they'd like to read a book. 44 percent said watch TV. 30 percent said they'd like to engage in a hobby. And ten percent said they would like to go to the bathroom by themselves. Hill told us, "It may seem silly, but literally a mom's job is never done. She has no privacy even in the bathroom."
When it comes to relaxing most mom's said they just wanted to take a walk, listen to music, exercise, take a nap, or bathe in peace. To give her that free time Hill said, "Take the kids out to wash her car, do something for her, plant some flowers so that she can go to the bathroom alone and whatever else she can do in 10 minutes."
And if you were thinking about flowers or chocolates, neither were anywhere close to the top of the list. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/study-mothers-day-presents/273-105d0202-9932-483e-b78c-48067b4ee534 | 2023-05-11T22:18:27 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/study-mothers-day-presents/273-105d0202-9932-483e-b78c-48067b4ee534 |
BROWNSBURG, Ind. — Attorneys on behalf of the family of the special education student who was told to eat his on vomit at a Brownsburg elementary school are planning to sue Brownsburg Community Schools.
The family hired attorney Catherine Michael to seek justice for their 7-year-old student, who Michael said is challenged by autism, memory issues and communication.
The alleged incident happened in Feb. 16 with a student in the Life Skills program at Brown Elementary, located at 310 Stadium Dr., near South Odell Street — but the incident wasn't reported to the principal until 56 days later.
According to a tort claim, the family started seeing changes in their son's behavior shortly after he was moved into the Life Skills Classroom in September 2022. The family claims he showed signs of anxiety, depression and regression of skills. By January 2023, the 7-year-old showed increasing anxiety about going to school and showed strange behaviors toward food.
During meeting with school staff, the tort claim states the family was reassured the 7-year-old was doing well.
Then, around April 14, they received a call from the principal of Brown Elementary to request a meeting.
It was at that meeting that one of the parents of the 7-year-old was informed there was a video showing her child being forced to eat his vomit.
According to the claim, the Feb. 16 video showed the child choking on his food and projectile vomiting on a table next to teacher Sara Seymour. The tort claim states Seymour appears to be smiling and laughing.
Debra Kanipe, an instructional aide, allegedly gave the child a spoon to scoop up his vomit. The child can then be seen eating several bites of vomit and crying.
The tort claim states the family was not aware that a press release from the district had already been issued and information on the incident was being reported publicly, less than an hour after they learned of the incident.
According to the tort claim, attorneys, on behalf of the family, will be seeking damages for "gross negligence and willful misconduct, personal injury, physical distress, financial injury and negligent inflection on behalf of the student and his parent."
The tort claim alleges that the special education student will need extensive therapy, an education at a private school, and medical and psychological care for an extended period of time due to his multiple disabilities and language impairments.
The incident
On the afternoon of Feb. 16, in the cafeteria of Brown Elementary, 63-year-old Debra Kanipe, an instructional aide, noticed a 7-year-old student had food in his mouth and looked like he was going to vomit.
According to court documents, Kanipe asked 27-year-old teacher Sara Seymour to get a napkin.
That's when Seymour allegedly told Kanipe "if Victim 1 (the student) throws up, that Victim 1 (student) was going to eat it."
A detective asked Kanipe if Seymour was frustrated at the child. Kanipe replied, "Sara Seymour was more trying to prove a point with Victim 1."
Kanipe said she's worked in special needs/life skills for 27 years.
Seymour was a four-year special needs/life skills teacher at Brown Elementary School. She allegedly told a detective their policy is that they "encourage the child to keep eating." Seymour also "advised if a child spits out food and it still looks like formed food, she would encourage them to still eat it, but not vomit."
Police said another teacher, 48-year-old Julie Taylor, provided a tray for the boy to throw up on. The child later threw up on the tray.
As Kanipe and Seymour stood over the child, Kanipe reportedly handed the child a spoon and he began "eating his own vomit all while crying and looking at both Kanipe and Sara Seymour."
Police said Seymour and Kanipe stood on each side of the boy as he ate a portion of his vomit, while 38-year-old Kristen Mitchell, an instructional aide, and 24-year-old Meghan King, a behavioral technician at K1ds Count Therapy, watched the incident and did nothing about it.
Mitchell said Seymour "was laughing about what happened later in the day."
Mitchell, who had been at the school since 2021, confronted Seymour, but allegedly never reported the incident to DCS.
When detectives asked why Seymour appeared to be smiling during the incident, most notably "while watching Victim 1 spoon vomit into his mouth," Seymour said it was her "behavioral response when nervous."
Aftermath for those involved
The Brownsburg school board voted to cut ties with employees accused in the incident.
Initially, Brownsburg Schools put five staff members on leave. Two staff members (teacher Sara Seymour and instructional aide Debra Kanipe) were facing termination.
Then, Brownsburg police charged five people in connection to the incident, four of whom were Brownsburg Schools staff members and one of whom was an outside contractor.
Seymour and Kanipe, who both face felony charges, were fired. Brownsburg Schools said another instructional aide was fired. Two teachers who were facing termination resigned from their positions.
Brownsburg Schools confirmed the fifth staff member, who was placed on leave and was not charged by police, submitted her resignation, which will be official at the June board meeting.
"We have to be able to trust you," a mother told the board at a meeting Monday night.
Her child, like the children of many parents in the room Monday, has special needs. Many can't speak, so their parents spoke for them.
"The community is here to hold your feet to the fire," Laura McDaniel told the board.
Parent after parent told the board their trust had been shattered after an alleged incident in February at Brown Elementary. A teacher and her aide are accused of making a 7-year-old special needs student eat his own vomit. Police say three other staff members watched but didn't stop it or report it to anyone.
The teacher, 27-year-old Sara Seymour, and aide, 63-year-old Debra Kanipe, are charged with neglect of a dependent and failure to report. Three others, who police say saw what happened, are charged with failure to report.
"How does something like that happen, and are you sure, are you sure you've addressed it? And when you say that you're sure, are you sure enough to let my 6-year-old little boy walk in there, knowing that he can never tell you if you're wrong?" Blaire Evans asked the board.
According to the school superintendent Jim Snapp, the school's principal found out about the alleged incident last month while talking to a teacher about a different matter and reported it to the Department of Child Services. Then, Brownsburg police got involved. The delay has prompted parents to call for cameras in the classroom.
"If we don't have cameras for these children who cannot advocate for themselves, how can you say you create a safe environment for him, for any child like him?" asked mom Chelsea Zuleva.
Others called for a top-to-bottom investigation of the school and its policies.
"You think that's the only thing that's happened? I can guarantee you it's not. I guarantee you it's not," a woman who has a grandson in the special needs program told the board. "It's broken. The whole thing's broken for these kids. They can't talk. They can't tell someone if they're being abused, if they're being mistreated. They can't."
The superintendent and board apologized to parents, but families say they need better resources and more special education teachers in the district.
"This is your inflection point, and I implore you to use it," Laura McDaniel said. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/tort-claim-filed-brownsburg-elementary-school-abuse-case-special-education-student-eat-vomit/531-33fb8dc1-0071-4e2e-83d7-bf3aa26e14ec | 2023-05-11T22:18:32 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/tort-claim-filed-brownsburg-elementary-school-abuse-case-special-education-student-eat-vomit/531-33fb8dc1-0071-4e2e-83d7-bf3aa26e14ec |
Reid Park Zoo is expecting a big addition this spring.
Semba, the matriarch of the zoo’s African elephant herd, is pregnant, the zoo announced on Thursday afternoon.
This will be Semba’s third time giving birth since coming to the zoo in 2012.
The new arrival is expected in the spring of 2024.
Nandi, Semba’s first calf and the first elephant born at the zoo, was born in 2014.
Penzi, her youngest calf, recently turned 3 years old.
Mabu, who left the zoo in 2022, is the father to all of Semba’s calves.
Cassie Dodds, the elephant care supervisor, said in a news release that she is looking forward to seeing how Penzi will respond to her new role as a big sister, stating that Nandi immediately took on a nurturing role when Penzi was born.
“Semba is a great mother, and it has been incredible to watch the bond between sisters Nandi and Penzi,” Reid Park Zoo President & CEO Nancy Kluge said in a news release. “We’re excited for the herd to gain a member and for Semba’s daughters to take on new roles as they play and grow with this new addition to the family.”
Elephant gestation is between 22 and 24 months.
Semba is currently a little over halfway through her pregnancy, the news release said.
Since Semba is pregnant, the animal care staff is watching her weight, her vitamin and mineral intake and checking her blood work regularly. By doing this, the staff is able to get the information they need to monitor Semba as she progresses through her pregnancy.
“Not only will this birth have a big impact on elephant conservation and strengthening the elephant species survival plan for the next generation, but it also strengthens Reid Park Zoo’s family herd structure — every member of the herd will have a role in raising this new baby,” Dodds said in the news release.
Last month, the zoo held a celebration for Penzi’s third birthday. The celebration featured cupcakes for attendees, arts and activities and a birthday card for people to sign.
Penzi and the rest of her herd were even treated to lettuce, vegetables treat and a frozen veggie ice cake.
80+ photos of Tucson's baby elephant Penzi
Penzi
Penzi at almost a year old, weighing about 1,075 pounds.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi and Nandi spending time together.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
“She teaches us all to love and protect elephants,” said elephant supervisor Cassie Dodds, of Penzi.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Although Penzi plays with Nandi the most, she's had good interactions with the rest of the herd. Pictured with Nandi here are Lungile and Semba.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
At 11 months old, Penzi is starting to get her tusks, her favorite food is cucumber and she still loves to play with her big sister Nandi.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi and Nandi are still close as ever, despite Penzi receiving etiquette lessons from Nandi in January.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi reached 1,000 pounds quicker than her sister Nandi.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
As a 10-month-old elephant, Penzi is starting to become more independent from her mom.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi continues to be social with the rest of the herd. This photo shows her with big sister Nandi and mama Semba.
Photos by Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi is now 10 months old and weighs 980 pounds.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi, seen here with mom Semba, enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi, seen here with mom Semba, enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi, seen here with big sister Nandi, enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi, seen here with big sister Nandi, enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi, seen here with big sister Nandi, enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo snow day
Reid Park Zoo's elephant calf Penzi enjoyed her first snow day on Jan. 26, 2021.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi is now 9 months old and weighs 900 pounds.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi is pictured here with aunt Lungile and big sister Nandi.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Now 9 months old, Penzi is still as close as ever with her big sister Nandi.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
At 9 months old, Penzi enjoys creating muddy slip-and-slides with big sister Nandi.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Mapenzi — Penzi for short — was born to African elephant Semba on April 6. She joined sister Nandi, dad Mabu, brother Sundzu and aunt Lungile at the zoo.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi likes to find things around her habitat to interact with — food to eat, a log to balance on or toys to play with.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Now eight months old, Penzi is still close as ever with sister Nandi.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Now eight months old, Penzi is still close as ever with sister Nandi.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Though she’s growing more independent, Penzi loves her playtime with big sister Nandi.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Tucson elephant calf Penzi is now 8 months old and 815 pounds.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Elephant calf Penzi was born in April and is now tipping the scale at 735 pounds.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Lately, Penzi has been loving hay, leaves and tree branches.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Penzi’s current hobbies include eating and keeping up with the rest of the herd.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Reid Park Zoo
A pesar de su creciente independencia, Mapenzi está interactuando y socializando más con el resto de la manada.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Reid Park Zoo
Mapenzi -Penzi para abreviar- nació del elefante africano Semba, el 6 de abril. Se unió a su hermana Nandi, su padre Mabu, su hermano Sundzu y la tía Lungile.
Reid Park Zoo
Penzi
Reid Park Zoo
A los seis meses, la cría de elefante Mapenzi se ha convertido en una gran aficionada a la lechuga, el pepino y el heno.
Reid Park Zoo
Mapenzi
Born weighing 295 pounds, Mapenzi has doubled that five months later, now weighing 600 pounds. The Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court, reopened at the end of August.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Mapenzi
Mapenzi runs through her enclosure at Reid Park Zoo, 3400 E. Zoo Court, on Aug. 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo reopens
Mapenzi picks up and chews on plants in her enclosure at Reid Park Zoo located at 3400 E. Zoo Ct., on Aug. 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo reopens
Mapenzi, the four-month-old elephant calf, runs through her enclosure at Reid Park Zoo located at 3400 E. Zoo Ct., on Aug. 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo reopens
Mapenzi, the four-month-old elephant calf, walks through her enclosure at Reid Park Zoo located at 3400 E. Zoo Ct., on Aug. 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo reopens
Mapenzi (left), the four-month-old elephant calf, and her sister Nandi inside their enclosure at Reid Park Zoo located at 3400 E. Zoo Ct., on Aug. 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo reopens
Mapenzi, the four-month-old elephant calf, runs with the rest of her herd at Reid Park Zoo located at 3400 E. Zoo Ct., on Aug. 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo reopens
Mapenzi, the four-month-old elephant calf, gnaws on plants at Reid Park Zoo located at 3400 E. Zoo Ct,, on Aug. 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo reopens
Mapenzi, the four-month-old elephant calf, drinks water at Reid Park Zoo located at 3400 E. Zoo Ct., on Aug. 25, 2020.
Josh Galemore / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Four-month-old Mapenzi enjoys hanging out with big sister Nandi. "She wants to be attached and learning everything Nandi is doing," said Reid Park Zoo elephant supervisor Cassie Dodds.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
This photo of Penzi was taken around her 4-month mark.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
At 4 months old, Mapenzi weighs 546 pounds. She enjoys eating beet pulp, which is the root of a sugar beet soaked into an oatmeal-like texture.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Tucsonan will be able to again see the Reid Park Zoo’s elephants and other creatures starting Aug. 28.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Penzi celebrated her 4-month birthday with her first dip into the mud wallow.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Mapenzi, born April 6, is very social with the other elephants in the Reid Park Zoo herd.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Penzi continues to be timid around deep mud wallows but she has started to creep up to the side. Reid Park Zoo staff creates smaller puddles for her.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
At 3 months old, Mapenzi — Penzi for short — is learning to come when Reid Park Zoo keepers call her and has voluntarily allowed staff to draw blood without giving any reaction.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Penzi’s teeth have come in, so she’s been interested in eating bits of hay, grass and leaves. Her favorite food is lettuce.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Two-month-old Mapenzi was born at Reid Park Zoo on April 6, 2020.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Two-month-old Mapenzi was born at Reid Park Zoo on April 6, 2020.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Two-month-old Mapenzi can now put things in her mouth using her trunk.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo’s baby elephant, Mapenzi, is learning to cool herself down in the mud wallows, though she is still a bit cautious.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
At 1 month old, Reid Park Zoo’s baby elephant, Mapenzi, is starting to use her trunk more accurately.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo’s baby elephant, Mapenzi, turned 1 month old on May 6.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant was born on April 6.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant was born on April 6.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant was born on April 6.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant was born on April 6.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant was born on Monday, April 6.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant was born on Monday, April 6.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant was born on Monday, April 6.
Courtesy Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Here's a shot of Reid Park Zoo's baby elephant, pictured with big sister Nandi and mama Semba.
Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is proud to announce that Semba, the zoo’s African elephant matriarch, gave birth to a calf at 3:33 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2020. The female calf who weighed in at 295 pounds is healthy, standing, and nursing.
Courtesy of Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is proud to announce that Semba, the zoo’s African elephant matriarch, gave birth to a calf at 3:33 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2020. The female calf who weighed in at 295 pounds is healthy, standing, and nursing.
Courtesy of Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is proud to announce that Semba, the zoo’s African elephant matriarch, gave birth to a calf at 3:33 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2020. The female calf who weighed in at 295 pounds is healthy, standing, and nursing.
Courtesy of Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo, baby elephant
Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, Arizona is proud to announce that Semba, the zoo’s African elephant matriarch, gave birth to a calf at 3:33 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2020. The female calf who weighed in at 295 pounds is healthy, standing, and nursing.
Courtesy of Reid Park Zoo
Reid Park Zoo
Shelby Maerling, an elephant care professional at the Reid Park Zoo, conducts her morning routine health check on Semba, an African elephant, on March 12, 2020. Semba is currently pregnant and is due sometime in mid-April.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo
Shelby Maerling, left, and Savannah Beck, elephant care professionals, conduct their morning routine health checks on Samba, left, and Nandi, both African elephants, at the Reid Park Zoo on March 12, 2020. Semba is currently pregnant and is due sometime in mid-April. The sex of the calf is unknown.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo
Semba, an African elephant, walks around her enclosure at the Reid Park Zoo on March 12, 2020. Semba is currently pregnant and is due sometime in mid-April. The sex, height or weight of the calf is unknown.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo
Ann Forsberg-Doyle, a docent, keeps a watch on Semba, an African elephant, at the Reid Park Zoo on March 12, 2020. Semba is pregnant and due sometime in mid-April. Her movements and behavior are recorded every five minutes twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by staff and volunteers at the zoo.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo
Martha Hendricks, left, and Ann Forsberg-Doyle, both docents, keep a watch on Semba, an African elephant, at the Reid Park Zoo on March 12, 2020. Semba is pregnant and due sometime in mid-April. Her movements and behavior are recorded every five minutes twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by staff and volunteers at the zoo.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo
Shelby Maerling, an elephant care professional at the Reid Park Zoo, conducts her morning routine health check on Semba, an African elephant, on March 12, 2020. Semba is currently pregnant and is due sometime in mid-April.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo
Shelby Maerling, an elephant care professional at the Reid Park Zoo, conducts her morning routine health check on Semba, an African elephant, on March 12, 2020. With arm gestures, Maerling has Semba walk backwards. Semba is currently pregnant and is due sometime in mid-April.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo
Savannah Beck, a lead elephant care professional at the Reid Park Zoo, conducts her morning routine health check on Nandi, an African elephant, on March 12, 2020. Nandi's mother, Semba, is currently pregnant and is due sometime in mid-April. The sex of the calf is unknown.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Reid Park Zoo
Martha Hendricks, a docent, records on a tablet that Semba, an African elephant, was eating at the Reid Park Zoo on March 12, 2020. Semba is pregnant and due sometime in mid-April. Her movements and behavior are recorded every five minutes twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by staff and volunteers at the zoo.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Penzi, the youngest elephant at the Reid Park Zoo, celebrated her 3rd birthday on April 7, 2023. The zoo held a celebration that featured cupcakes for attendees, arts and activities and a birthday card for Tucsonans to sign. Penzi and her herd were treated to lettuce and vegetable treats and a frozen veggie ice cake. Video by Pascal Albright / Arizona Daily Star
Pascal Albright
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com
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Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://tucson.com/news/local/a-new-baby-elephant-expected-at-tucsons-zoo/article_cf2fb4a4-f031-11ed-ab20-2f3ea7227edc.html | 2023-05-11T22:20:41 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/a-new-baby-elephant-expected-at-tucsons-zoo/article_cf2fb4a4-f031-11ed-ab20-2f3ea7227edc.html |
A motorcyclist has died days after colliding with a minivan last week in midtown, Tucson police said.
Israel Antonio Martinez, 20, was traveling in the 300 block of South Country Club Road, near East Broadway, on May 2 when he collided with a Toyota minivan making a left turn, a news release Thursday from Tucson police said.
Martinez was wearing a helmet, but lacked the proper motorcycle endorsement on his license, Tucson police said.
Martinez was traveling about the posted speed limit at the time of the crash, police said.
Martinez died at a hospital Wednesday.
The driver of the minivan, a 70-year-old man, was not injured in the crash, police said.
Failure to yield while making a left turn by the van driver and excessive speed by Martinez were the contributing factors in the collision, police said.
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No charges or citations have been issued at this time.
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/tucson-police-motorcyclist-20-dies-days-after-wreck/article_631227a4-f03e-11ed-88fa-33c741357900.html | 2023-05-11T22:20:47 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/tucson-police-motorcyclist-20-dies-days-after-wreck/article_631227a4-f03e-11ed-88fa-33c741357900.html |
A motorcyclist has died weeks after he was thrown in a crash in midtown Tucson, police said.
Stephen Barry, 67, was traveling near North Columbus Boulevard and East Monte Vista Drive on April 18 when he lost control, crashed and was thrown from his motorcycle, Tucson police said Thursday in a news release.
Detectives believe he may have struck a pothole prior to losing control. He was also not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, police said.
Barry died Wednesday at a hospital.
So far this year, Tucson police have investigated six fatal motorcyclist crashes, which is one less than at the same time last year.
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/tucson-police-motorcyclist-dies-weeks-after-crash/article_dc4a2b7a-f035-11ed-8e75-23bbc11fef2b.html | 2023-05-11T22:20:54 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/tucson-police-motorcyclist-dies-weeks-after-crash/article_dc4a2b7a-f035-11ed-8e75-23bbc11fef2b.html |
Customers of Tucson Electric Power will see an average increase of nearly $10 per month on their home bills for the next 12 months after state regulators decided to let TEP recover millions of dollars in excess costs for fuel and purchased power sooner, rather than later.
The Arizona Corporation Commission’s 3-2 decision on Thursday came despite pleas by consumer advocates to stretch out TEP’s cost recovery to impose less of a burden on ratepayers already struggling with inflation.
The increase to the so-called Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustor Clause, a pass-through billing surcharge that repays TEP for excess fuel and wholesale power costs not included in base rates, will increase the average TEP residential bill by $9.87 per month over the 12-month period.
That’s about 2 cents per kilowatt-hour and an increase of 8.3% — on top of the average $6.36 customers currently pay for the usage-based surcharge.
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TEP’s business-class customers will see commensurate based on their usage.
But under a plan advanced by the ACC’s utilities division staff to ease the burden on customers, the surcharge rate will be higher in the winter months and lower in the summer when bills are typically surge.
That will result in an average home bill increase of $7.47 from May through September and an average $11.57 increase from October through April.
Alternatives rejected
Commissioner Lea Márquez Peterson — a Republican and the only commission member from Tucson — offered an amendment to spread the increase in the fuel surcharge out over 18 months for an average monthly bill impact of $6.33.
But the commission’s other three Republican members rejected that amendment, arguing the growing undercollected deficit and interest over the extended time would only cost ratepayers more in the long run.
The panel also rejected an amendment offered by Democrat Commissioner Anna Tovar to spread the payout period over 24 months to soften the “rate shock” on ratepayers.
Commission Chairman Jim O’Connor and members Nick Myers and Kevin Thompson voted in favor of TEP’s request, as modified by the staff proposal, to allow the company to recover its undercollected fuel balance over 12 months.
“The longer we stretch this out, the more money we are taking out of the ratepayers' pockets,” Myers said, noting the proposed increase was not out of line with recent increases approved by the commission.
Consumer advocates, including the state Residential Utility Consumer Office, the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund and the statewide anti-poverty group Wildfire asked the commission to stretch out the surcharge increase to lessen the bill impacts for consumers already coping with higher costs.
They noted the ACC voted to increase TEP’s fuel surcharge by $4 in April 2022, and customers are now facing TEP’s pending request for a 12% general rate increase after a 9.7% increase in 2021.
“Having 24 months to balance out the undercollection allows a greater opportunity for ratepayers to pay their bills directly and enables eligible ratepayers time to seek and receive financial assistance to pay their bills while still allowing the company to receive what it is owed,” Diane Brown, executive director of AZPIRG, told the commission at a meeting continued from last week.
Struggling families
Claire Michael, climate equity director at Wildfire, also backed spreading the surcharge increase out over 24 months, citing recent federal data showing that 19% of Tucson residents live in poverty, including one in four children.
“This poverty estimate does not include everyone struggling,” Michael said. “So, when considering how rate shock will affect various customers, while almost one in five people in poverty in Tucson will be disproportionately negatively impacted, many more families will also experience negative impacts.”
Responding to remarks by Commissioner Myers last week that a $17 monthly surcharge “is working one hour extra at In-N-Out,” Michael said many working-class people do not have the option of controlling their hours, and many people are seniors or disabled on fixed incomes.
"Poverty is a multifaceted issue that is influenced by a wide range of factors, making it a complex problem that cannot be solved simply by working more hours, especially considering the never ending increases in the cost of living, including energy rates and stagnant wages,” she said.
Márquez Peterson said she was in favor of extending the recovery period to 18 months to help struggling consumers, citing TEP’s pending request for a general rate increase and noting that Tucson voters next week will vote on a new city franchise agreement with TEP that would increase their bills.
That 25-year franchise agreement will raise bills for TEP customers in city limits by about $1 a month to fund underground installation of transmission lines through the midtown area and future city climate initiatives.
Cost grows with delay
During Thursday’s open meeting and discussion at an open meeting last week, O’Connor, Myers and Thompson said extending TEP’s cost-recovery period would only add to the burden on ratepayers, noting that TEP is entitled to interest on the undercollected surcharge funds.
The commission staff estimated that, depending upon how fast TEP is allowed to collect the unrecovered costs, interest costs of more than $4.5 million could accrue.
“If we don’t solve the problem sooner rather than later it’s ratepayers, with TEP as the intermediary, funding it at the cost of money which grows greater every day on a larger (uncollected) balance,” O’Connor said.
RUCO and Wildfire, together with the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., the Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association and Vote Solar, backed a proposal to shift a decision on a forward-looking component of the surcharge to a second phase of TEP’s pending rate case.
But the commission rejected that after hearing from staff that the surcharge already has been the subject of testimony in the rate case, which is expected to be decided by late summer.
Thompson said he didn’t want a growing undercollected balance in the fuel surcharge account to be shifted into base rates, where TEP could potentially earn a return on their costs.
He cited TEP estimates that extending the recovery period over 18 months would shift $25 million in undercollected balance to 2024, or under a 24-month period would shift $63 million.
“My concern is only if we push it out more than 12 months the balance shift just continues to increase until everything gets paid off in full,” Thompson said.
The commission rejected the idea of putting off part of the surcharge to the rate case, but Márquez Peterson, Myers and the other commissioners said they would favor an in-depth review of the Purchased Power and Fuel Adjustor Clause funding mechanism to avoid future, sudden impacts on ratepayers.
“But I think we could have handled this differently, whether as Mr. Myers mentioned, we dive in and look at perhaps reconstruction of this in the future, which I would be supportive of. I just think this is quite a burden, and we could have handled this as a one-off case,” Márquez Peterson said.
TEP’s initial surcharge request would have boosted the average monthly home bill by $13 for a year to allow the utility to recover $148 million in costs for wholesale power and natural gas the company says have jumped about 300% since 2019.
But since the company’s initial filing in January, projected excess fuel and power costs through March were updated with actual spending figures, cutting the undercollected balance by $22 million to about $126 million.
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-electric-power-bills-are-going-up-about-10-a-month/article_7b3bc830-edc8-11ed-a3d7-3356bc366c23.html | 2023-05-11T22:21:00 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-electric-power-bills-are-going-up-about-10-a-month/article_7b3bc830-edc8-11ed-a3d7-3356bc366c23.html |
A panel concerned over the growing number of book challenges and bans convened at Carthage College Wednesday night to address causes and what can be done to begin to address them.
The panelists included Carthage College’s Jacqueline Witter Easley, professor of education and co-director of Teaching Commons; Barbara Brattin, director of the City of Kenosha Library and Kenosha County Library System; and Gregory Bennett Jr., executive director of Peace in Our Streets-Kenosha, Inc. Carthage students also participating in the panel were Myles Chubin, Sydney Anderson, Brisedya Bautista-Gonzalez and Kyah Jernigan.
Carthage’s Julius Crump, assistant professor of religion and director of equity and inclusion for faculty and academic integration, facilitated the discussion.
During the “Freedom to Read: The History and Threat of Book Banning” event, the panel evaluated historical and current attempts to ban and challenge books at schools and public libraries and discussed the effect such campaigns have had on restricting information, freedom of thought and expression of cultural, religious and racial diversity.
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The Courageous Conversation event was organized by the Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism.
Banning history
Book banning in the U.S. has its roots in the 1800s, starting with Uncle Tom’s Cabin, written in 1852, which was the first to be banned nationally by the federal government because “they feared it would promote abolitionists,” said Easley during her presentation.
By 1873, U.S. postal inspector Anthony Comstock, initiated a law that sought to suppress the “trade in and circulation of obscene literature and articles for immoral use.”
“So, in other words, nothing through the mail that was deemed immoral or obscene could be distributed,” she said.
The Comstock Act also restricted the distribution of certain medicines, including birth control and materials that could be used for abortion and has resurfaced current national debates. The ban extended to James Joyce’s literary novel Ulysses published in 1933 and deemed obscene for distribution purposes. The ban was later repealed in 1957. Portions of the act still apply to the distribution of medicines, however, according to Easley.
As the trend toward greater censorship picked up steam, by 1982, the American Library Association created its first-ever national “Banned Book” week, in an effort to educate the public, said Easley. Each year, since then, the association has published its top 10 banned books and also top 100 list over time.
Most of the books since 2019, have been on topics centered on LGBTQ issues.
According to Unite Against Book Bans, the attempts to ban titles have nearly doubled in a year. Citing the organization’s most recent data, Easley said book ban attempts numbered 1,269 last year compared with 729 in 2021. The challenge to “unique titles” rose from 1,858 to 2,571.
“Ninety percent of the overall number of books challenged were part of attempts to censor multiple titles and that’s why we’re seeing the big increase,” she said. “So, instead of individuals approaching a school or a library … it’s now something that they’re having entire lists for that they’re putting out.”
She said various organizations are also publishing lists for people to bring to local schools and libraries.
According to Bennett, the rate at which books are increasingly challenged and/or banned is because the information is “at your fingertips.”
“Back in the day, you used to go to school catalog and actually do the research. So the same people that were being judged when it was greasers and rockers and their parents told them rock and roll was bad and it’s evil. The same people are trying to ban the books now,” he said “They became the parents.
“At the end of the day, everything’s at your fingertips, and the more you escalate in school and keep going up and up. Then, you start wanting to learn more, you start doing the research yourself, and now it’s harder to hide,” he said.
Reading trends
The panel also discussed why fewer students, especially teens and young adults read less. Anderson said access is important.
“Not every kid has access to all the books in their library, let alone books that are banned,” she said. “So, I think if legislation is passed to ban books, obviously that dramatically decreases literacy, but it is also very discouraging for kids who maybe don’t have an outlet to ask for the books.”
Chubin said while students are still reading because they have to for school, reading for enjoyment has decreased. However, he said when books are banned they receive more attention.
“When, ‘This Book is Gay’ was banned across the United States, I think it sold another 2,000 copies on Amazon and sold out within weeks,” he said.
Bautista-Gonzalez said she was more interested in reading books that have been banned.
“I feel like they are more educational,” she said.
“A lot of it is we talk about illiteracy .. and the fear that students will not know how to read, but what this is a signal of is ‘aliteracy,”’ Easley said. “That is people who know how to read and choose not to.”
Bratten said when it comes to age-appropriate materials she said it was up to parents to decide when they want to educate their children about certain topics.
“I also think it’s important to recognize that it’s not like teachers are brainwashing kids, or sharing information that’s way above their age level,” she said. “Teachers have done research. Teachers have studied and they’re perfectly capable of knowing what is age-appropriate content and what is not. And I think it’s absolutely ridiculous to be attacking teachers and saying that they’re indoctrinating kids.”
Terri Wruck, a member of the coalition, said among the things that people can do to address concerns over banning books and censorship challenges is to join book clubs in order to gain a better understanding of them, discussing the issues with local legislators, writing letters to the editor and visiting libraries.
“We know that information is power,” she said. “Our libraries hold the key to power that can level the playing field and open doors to inspire an enlightened people.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/education/carthage-panel-discusses-trend-in-calls-for-book-bans-challenges/article_128f207c-efbf-11ed-92e2-1744e461a480.html | 2023-05-11T22:25:47 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/education/carthage-panel-discusses-trend-in-calls-for-book-bans-challenges/article_128f207c-efbf-11ed-92e2-1744e461a480.html |
Originally published May 9 on IdahoCapitalSun.com.
An Idaho legislative committee that was created to be a check on federal power met Tuesday, taking testimony against a proposed federal rule on conservation and public land management — amid drought, wildfires and other drastic changes in the West.
The Idaho Legislature’s Committee on Federalism heard from a prepared lineup of witnesses that included Idaho agriculture and business groups. The meeting was open to the public.
The Bureau of Land Management and the Biden administration published the new public land rule last month. The BLM is accepting public comment until June 20. Anyone can provide a public comment online, at regulations.gov. The bureau had received more than 12,000 public comments as of May 9, with 42 days left in the public comment period.
The new proposed rule on conservation and land health is necessary to better manage public lands in response to climate change, historic droughts, large wildfires and severe storms that are being experienced across the West, BLM officials said in a press release before they published the proposed rule April 3.
Speakers who opposed the rule told Idaho’s GOP-controlled federalism committee at Tuesday’s meeting in the Idaho State Capitol that the rule could prioritize conservation over grazing, recreation, motorized vehicle usage and mining.
Those speakers included representatives from:
- U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher’s office
- J.R. Simplot Co.
- Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
- Idaho Water Resources Board
- Idaho Recreation Co.
Idaho’s 2023 legislative session adjourned April 6. The Committee on Federalism is an interim committee, meeting during the legislative off-season. The committee includes eight Republicans and two Democrats and is charged with monitoring federal laws and regulations that may affect Idaho.
In recent years, the committee has served as a sort of launching pad for the Idaho Legislature to push back against federal policies and laws it disagrees with, including COVID-19 restrictions and environmental, social and governance standards.
Everyone who spoke during Tuesday’s meeting was scheduled to speak in advance, according to the meeting’s agenda.
There was no testimony from conservation groups or members of the public. Nobody from the Bureau of Land Management, or who was in favor of the public lands rule, spoke to legislators.
Lori Lusty, senior environmental engineering manager for J.R. Simplot Co., told the federalism committee that the Bureau of Land Management allows multiple uses for public lands, making the land available for mining, oil and gas extraction, hunting, fishing, recreation and grazing. Under the proposed rule, Lusty worries that conservation leases and the ability for the BLM to designate areas of critical environmental concern would place additional limits on mining on Bureau of Land Management land.
“The long history of land management is that, with very few exceptions, once lands are designated for conservation purposes, they are no longer available for multiple uses,” Lusty said.
Across the country, the Bureau of Land Management oversees about 245 million acres of public land. In Idaho, the BLM oversees about 12 million acres, which is about 22% of the state’s land area.
The federalism committee doesn’t introduce or vote on bills, because the Idaho legislature is not in session, but its discussions often lead to new bills when the Idaho Legislature is in session, such as the bills pushing back against ESG standards.
Dirk Mendive, the regional director for U.S. Rep. Russ Fulcher’s Meridian office, told the committee that the Bureau of Land Management is going around Congress by trying to reinterpret a federal law — the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 — through executive branch action.
“I just would like the committee to know that Congressman Fulcher is strongly opposed to this rule and he is currently exploring every legislative option that might be helpful to either stop or prevent this rule,” Mendive told the committee.
“It is our desire to see this rule stopped,” he added.
Russ Hendricks, the legislative director for the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, also expressed concerns with the new public lands rule. He told the committee that he suspects the new rule would be used to implement cuts for grazing.
WHERE DID THE BLM'S NEW PUBLIC LANDS PROPOSED RULE COME FROM?
The Bureau of Land Management published the proposed rule in the Federal Registry on April 3, kicking off a 75-day public comment period.
In a press release, BLM officials said the new rule lays the groundwork for preserving wildlife habitat and restoring public lands that have been affected by drought and wildfires. They said the proposed rule will give the federal government a way to identify areas of public land in need of conservation or restoration.
“As the nation continues to face unprecedented drought, increasing wildfires and the declining health of our landscapes, our public lands are under growing pressure. It is our responsibility to use the best tools available to restore wildlife habitat, plan for smart development, and conserve the most important places for the benefit of the generations to come,” Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland said in a written statement when the proposed public lands rule was announced. “As we welcome millions of visitors to hunt, fish and recreate on our public lands each year, now is the time to improve the health and management of special places.”
Shortly before adjourning Tuesday afternoon, the Idaho Legislature’s Committee on Federalism voted to submit feedback on the pending lands rule during this public comment period.
Committee members did not discuss what comments the committee would offer, or how they would agree to the language. Instead, legislators serving on the committee agreed to prepare statements and public comments after Tuesday’s meeting ended. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-legislative-committee-hears-from-opponents-of-blm-s-proposal-to-protect-public-lands/article_e1ccb41a-f048-11ed-87d1-5f8a59d646ea.html | 2023-05-11T22:34:45 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/idaho-legislative-committee-hears-from-opponents-of-blm-s-proposal-to-protect-public-lands/article_e1ccb41a-f048-11ed-87d1-5f8a59d646ea.html |
BOISE — Money, power and sex. These words started the state’s case against Lori Vallow, and they ultimately ended up being the ones to close it out.
“Money, power and sex,” Madison County prosecutor Rob Wood said as he began the state’s closing argument in the murder trial that has stretched six weeks. “Beginning in October 2018, Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell set in motion a series of events that led to a series of three horrific murders in the state of Idaho.”
Vallow is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in connection with the deaths of her children Tylee Ryan, 16, and J.J. Vallow, 7, and of Tammy Daybell, the late wife of her husband, Chad Daybell. She is also charged with multiple counts of insurance fraud.
Jurors and courthouse attendees heard from dozens of witnesses prior to the defense and prosecution resting on Tuesday. Law enforcement officers, FBI agents, forensics experts, family, friends and neighbors have all taken the stand in the case, as previously reported. Wood touched on much of the evidence offered as he spoke to the jury.
THE PROSECUTION'S CASE
Wood said Lori and Chad came up with a plan to be together “unencumbered and free of obstacles.”
“This plan she set in motion must end today,” Wood told the jury.
Wood said acting together, Lori, Chad and Lori’s brother Alex Cox caused Tylee's death. After burning and dismembering her, they dumped her body in a green bucket and buried it in a pet cemetery.
"Tylee was gone and buried and out of the way, but Lori Vallow kept collecting Tylee’s money," Wood said. "She lied to multiple people about Tylee’s whereabouts. She had to keep her body hidden so she could keep getting the money."
Wood called J.J. Vallow’s death the "brutal" murder of a 7-year-old boy with special needs. He says Lori, Chad and Alex threw him away "like a piece of trash."
"J.J. Vallow's voice was silenced forever by a strip of duct tape placed over his mouth," Wood said. "The evidence showed he struggled and we’ll never know how long he fought "before his arms and hands were bound with more duct tape.
"Lori never reported that J.J. was missing or dead. Why? He had to remain hidden so she could keep receiving the money," Wood said.
Wood said they couldn’t kill the kids in Arizona where they had friends and family. He calls moving to Rexburg the catalyst for these slayings.
During the two attempts on Tammy Daybell's life, Lori was "conveniently out of the state; those trips were not coincidences," Wood said.
Wood said Lori wasted no time in making sure she could benefit from Tammy's life insurance money.
Wood said on Nov. 5, 2019, Lori and Chad were "dancing on a beach in Hawaii … free of the obstacles of Tylee, J.J. and Tammy."
Wood walked the jury through timelines, internet search history and call logs. He brought up Lori and Chad’s texts about J.J. and Tammy’s death percentages. A death percentage was something that Chad said indicated how close someone was to dying. The closer to zero someone's death percentage was, the sooner they would die. He said Lori always responded affirmatively when discussing these things and never once suggested that they shouldn’t kill the kids. He said Lori was the one who brought up the death percentage conversation on more than one occasion.
Lori used sex as a way of manipulating Chad, Wood said, and he showed the jury texts where Lori was overtly sexual after Chad told her what Wood said Lori wanted to hear.
The prosecution displayed a text Chad sent to Lori that said he would follow her to the ends of the universe.
Wood described Lori as the conduit of information for Alex. Wood also talked about how Lori gave J.J. over to Alex the night the boy was last seen.
Evidence in the case shows Alex’s phone pinged “mere feet from where J.J. was buried” the day after the last sighting of J.J. It also shows Alex left 17 minutes after arriving on the property. Wood said the grave was not dug in 17 minutes.
"This was planned. This was premeditated murder … She aided it, she encouraged it. She handed her boy off to Alex Cox."
“No one here has been charged because of their religious beliefs, they are charged for using those beliefs for the purpose of justifying of murder,” Wood said.
DEFENSE'S CLOSING ARGUMENT
But was this case actually all about money, power and sex? This is one of the questions defense attorney Jim Archibald posed as he delivered his closing arguments.
Archibald took multiple digs at Chad while addressing the prosecution’s "money, power and sex" claim. He said Charles Vallow, Lori's husband who was shot by Alex, made $400,00-$500,000 per year. Chad didn't make enough money selling his "stupid books about the end of the world," so his wife had to get a job.
As far as Lori’s quest for power, Archibald said Lori got zero converts to her religion in the first year. Chad got six. At this rate, Archibald said, it would take Chad 24,000 years to get his army of 144,000. This was met with laughter in the overflow room.
When it came to sex, he tells the jury to "use your reason and common sense when you look at pictures of Charles and you look at pictures of Chad." He asks if it was a sexual attraction that would draw Lori to Chad.
Archibald said it was ultimately Chad's pickup lines of Lori being a sexual goddess, them being married in previous lives and Jesus being their best friend that got Lori.
‘That’s quite a pickup line by Chad to Lori, and it worked,” Archibald said. “Pretty scary but it worked.”
Archibald also spoke about parts of witness testimony that painted Lori as a good mom. He said her only surviving son, Colby Ryan, said Lori taught her children to do good and to follow Jesus. He said after she met Chad Daybell, she changed and her beliefs changed.
Archibald raised the question that if Lori has a plan to kill her child next week why go through the trouble of hiring a babysitter and having her come over and learn about routines, medications and schools. He asked why she would enroll J.J. in school.
“Because Lori didn’t have a plan," Archibald said.
Archibald conceded that Lori lied about where her kids were but said she did it to “protect Chad, her lover, her eternal, in how many worlds, companion.”
He said Chad had control over her the same way other cult-like leaders have control over their followers. Because, he said, when religious principles are involved, reason and common sense go out the window. He told the jury that Lori saw Chad as Jesus and her beliefs morphed because of this. He said she was not there when the crimes were committed. Wood, the prosecutor, said this was purposeful.
Archibald said finding Lori's hair on the duct tape J.J. is wrapped in wasn't a smoking gun because he would hope all mothers would have their hair somewhere on their kids' pajamas, socks and their blanket, all of which were in the bag J.J. was found in. During the prosecution’s rebuttal, Wood said the hair wasn’t found on J.J., it was found in the plastic bag his body was wrapped in.
Archibald also questioned if Tammy's death was, in fact, a homicide and not a death by natural causes.
Of the 15,000 texts in evidence, Archibald told the jury, "show me one that says from Lori 'so when are you killing Tylee?' ... Show me one where Lori’s a part of that conspiracy “when are you killing J.J. by the way?”
Wood, during rebuttal, said she didn’t say that specifically, but she talked about death percentages in her texts with Chad and the fact that she was the one asking him to find out the percentages for J.J. and Tylee.
As Wood wrapped up rebuttal, he told the jury the only way to get justice for the victims was through a conviction.
“When Lori would tell her friends that nothing in this life counted for her,” Wood said. “Make it count for her.”
The jury is now deliberating the case. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/vallow-trial-nears-finish-line-with-closing-arguments-jury-in-deliberation/article_9aaf6976-f00f-11ed-962f-fbea5f33ad34.html | 2023-05-11T22:34:53 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/vallow-trial-nears-finish-line-with-closing-arguments-jury-in-deliberation/article_9aaf6976-f00f-11ed-962f-fbea5f33ad34.html |
The Bridgeport Police Department said it's investigating multiple incidents of hazing at the high school where older players on the boy's soccer team are accused of pulling down the pants of younger players and recording videos.
In a statement, the police department said on March 6 of this year they were notified by the Bridgeport Independent School District of a bus incident that may have involved hazing.
"BISD personnel informed officers an incident involved several players from the Bridgeport boys soccer team. Once BISD confirmed that hazing was suspected, Bridgeport Police Department initiated a criminal investigation," said police in a statement.
The police department said Detective John Bradshaw spoke with several victims, witnesses, and alleged suspects, including players from the Bridgeport Boys Soccer team, coaching staff, teachers, and administration.
It was determined that during the 2022-2023 soccer season, upperclassmen on the boys' soccer team, "were involved in the hazing initiation of underclassmen, described as 'de-pantsing.'"
"These incidents involved the underclassmen (some as young as 14 years old) being restrained or held down while multiple subjects removed articles of the victim's clothing, including their pants and underwear. The victim reported that while in an unclothed state, they were filmed and made to repeat phrases such as "I'm your b----."
Police said they believe this happened multiple times including in a school locker room, a school bus, and a hotel room during an out-of-town tournament.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Authorities said during the incident in the hotel room, one of the victims began to yell and a pillow was placed over their face. The victim told police he almost lost consciousness.
NBC 5 has learned that five people were arrested and charged with "personal hazing." Their names have been withheld until their ages could be verified. All five were released on Wednesday after posting bonds of $1,000.
Bridgeport ISD Superintendent Dr. Amy Ellis released a statement saying:
"Bridgeport ISD will continue to collaborate and cooperate with the police department while ensuring school consequences are in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and district policy. The type of behavior reported to BISD and police does not align with our core values and our commitment to providing a safe and caring learning environment for all students." | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/bridgeport-hs-soccer-players-accused-of-hazing-stripping-teammates/3255990/ | 2023-05-11T22:35:23 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/bridgeport-hs-soccer-players-accused-of-hazing-stripping-teammates/3255990/ |
A child injured in the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets on May 6 is no longer listed among those receiving care at Medical City Children's Hospital and another person injured in the shooting has been upgraded from critical to fair.
On Wednesday, Medical City Healthcare said they were still treating six people injured in the shooting at three different hospitals with conditions ranging from critical to good. That included one person one in critical condition, two in fair condition, and one in good condition at Medical City McKinney, one in good condition at Medical City Plano, and one in good condition at Medical City Children's Hospital.
On Thursday, the hospital group said the patients were continuing to improve and that they were now treating five patients at two hospitals. The list now includes three patients in fair condition and one in good condition at Medical City McKinney and one in good condition at Medical City Plano.
The child being treated at Medical City Children's Hospital was no longer listed among those admitted to the hospital. It's not yet clear if the child was discharged to go home or transferred to another facility.
William Cho, age 6, was at the mall with his mother, father, and brother when the gunfire erupted. William is the sole survivor in his family -- his mother Cindy, father Kyu, and 3-year-old brother James were all killed in the attack. Witnesses said William's mother died trying to shield him from the gunfire.
A representative for the Cho family released the following statement on Wednesday.
"Our hearts are broken for our beloved family members who are no longer with us. We are deeply grateful and sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support and prayers. William is recovering well. All of our attention is now focused on ensuring William leads a happy, healthy life with his extended family who love him dearly. We ask that you respect and honor our family’s privacy in the coming days and weeks so that we may mourn and honor our loved ones’ legacies and lives. We are not considering any media interviews at this time. With deep-felt appreciation, William's family."
A memorial service for the Cho family is scheduled for Thursday night.
With the outpouring of support for the victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers related to the shooting. The online fundraising platform said it was working around the clock to make sure that all funds donated go directly to survivors or the families of victims. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/child-injured-in-allen-shooting-no-longer-listed-among-hospitalized-patients/3255958/ | 2023-05-11T22:35:29 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/child-injured-in-allen-shooting-no-longer-listed-among-hospitalized-patients/3255958/ |
FC Dallas is honoring the victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets by wearing black armbands and a T-shirt with the message "Allen Strong" during the upcoming slate of road matches.
The club said starters will wear black shirts during their walkout processionals before the games. They also wore them during a team photo ahead of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Nashville SC on Wednesday.
Players will wear the same shirts during pregame warmups in Austin on Saturday and head coach Nico Estévez will wear the shirt during the match.
FC Dallas players wore black armbands during the match in Nashville and plan to wear them again on Saturday in Austin.
"On behalf of FC Dallas, I want to express our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the victims and their families affected by the tragic shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets," said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt. "As a community, we stand together in mourning the senseless loss of innocent lives. We also extend our gratitude to the brave first responders who acted swiftly and heroically in the face of danger. We remain committed to supporting the community and working together towards healing and unity."
FC Dallas and the FC Dallas Foundation have launched a Support for Allen jersey auction that will auction match-worn and autographed One Planet jerseys.
A limited number of "Allen Strong" T-shirts will be available for sale at all FC Dallas retail locations beginning Wednesday, May 17 at FC Dallas' match against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Toyota Stadium.
All proceeds from the auction and sale of the "Allen Strong" T-shirts will go to the Communities Foundation of Texas' Support for Allen Fund to assist local agencies providing mental health, grief and trauma support to the victims and their families, as well as first responders who may also have been impacted by this event.
The FC Dallas Foundation will make an additional donation to the Communities Foundation of Texas' Support for Allen Fund.
For information on the fund and to learn how you can donate, please visit FCDallas.com/Allen.
With the outpouring of support for the victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets, GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers related to the shooting. The online fundraising platform said it was working around the clock to make sure that all funds donated go directly to survivors or the families of victims. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fc-dallas-honors-victims-of-allen-shooting-with-armbands-t-shirts/3256030/ | 2023-05-11T22:35:36 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/fc-dallas-honors-victims-of-allen-shooting-with-armbands-t-shirts/3256030/ |
The Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council hopes people will join them in observing one minute of silence on Friday to honor the victims of the mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets.
Eight people were killed Saturday, May 7, when a gunman opened fire on shoppers at the outdoor mall. Among those killed were three children and five adults. Five of the victims came from two North Texas families. Seven other people were injured in the attack.
"Gun violence has become a public health crisis in our country," said Stephen Love, president/CEO of DFWHC. "We need to work together collaboratively to stop these tragic and horrifying incidents. We offer our condolences to the victims and their family members. We ask for a speedy recovery of those injured. We also thank our first responders for their dedication in serving North Texas."
The one-minute of silence will begin at noon on Friday, May 12.
The council said this week is also National Nurses and Hospital Week and that they were asking their member hospitals and community members to join in the moment of silence.
"The gesture will be an opportunity for North Texans to reflect on the loss of life over the past year from gun violence," the DFWHC said in a statement. "The one-minute time frame on May 12 will be an opportunity to create awareness of the increase in gun violence in our community. We would like everyone to consider what they can do personally to reduce this trend. What can we do to stop this public health crisis?'" | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/minute-of-silence-planned-for-friday-to-honor-allen-victims/3256043/ | 2023-05-11T22:36:01 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/minute-of-silence-planned-for-friday-to-honor-allen-victims/3256043/ |
What to Know
- Title 42 is the pandemic-era policy put in place during the Trump administration to immediately expel migrants without holding asylum hearings on the grounds of preventing the spread of Covid-19.
- TItle 42 expires at 11:59 p.m., ET, Thursday, in conjunction with the end of the national Covid public health emergency.
- Title 8 will replace Title 42 and will allow migrants to apply for legal pathways to enter the U.S.
NBC 5 reporter Maria Guerrero shares a first-hand account of what she's seen and witnessed along the border between Texas and Mexico.
Over the past two years, veteran NBC 5 photojournalist Michael Heimbuch and I have traveled to Texas border communities covering what I would honestly describe as a crisis -- a humanitarian crisis and a border security crisis.
As a Mexican-American and immigrant myself, I am passionate about immigration issues. I understand and empathize with both sides of this complex issue that has long divided many.
What NBC 5 viewers at home have watched unfold on local and national news across the southern border is the culmination of a long-broken immigration system.
This week, we are reporting from the southernmost tip of Texas. Brownsville, with Matamoros, Mexico, across the Rio Grande, is considered one of the “hot spots” for illegal crossings leading up to the end of the Covid-era border restriction policy Title 42.
Like the city of El Paso, Brownsville has declared a state of emergency ahead of the end of Title 42. The border crossings here are now lined with razor wire in an attempt to keep undocumented migrants from crossing into the city.
Earlier this week Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott (R) tweeted a video of the wire being installed in Brownsville and said more was coming to help seal off the border. The governor, who has long decried the problems at the border, has dispatched state troopers and deployed the state guard to beef up resistance along the river and ease the burden on federal agents. Just last week he announced the creation of the Texas Tactical Border Force to further bolster Operation Lone Star, his efforts to enhance border security. Abbott is also working legislatively, directing state lawmakers to make it a felony to illegally enter Texas from Mexico.
Title 42 was implemented during the Trump administration to quickly expel hundreds of thousands of migrants arriving at the southern border in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Biden Administration has pushed for the public health policy to be lifted because the global pandemic has been declared over, but legal challenges have kept the policy from ending until now. Title 42 will end at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday and be replaced with Title 8, the normal immigration law that will allow migrants to apply for legal paths into the United States.
What is certain is that the next few days and weeks will be chaotic.
Republican lawmakers and law enforcement agencies have fought to keep the policy in place to help keep the border from being overrun by an influx of immigrants from across the world hoping to enter the United States.
While politicians on both sides of the political aisle squabble over Title 42, about whether this is “a crisis,” about who’s at fault, or about whether the border is “secure,” desperate migrants from around the world, as well as border towns across Texas, are caught in the middle.
Mexican drug cartels and human smugglers take advantage of the political back and forth, further exploiting migrants by disseminating false promises of an “open border.”
Frustration is mounting.
Groups of migrants, many with small children, have risked their lives wading through the unpredictable Rio Grande River hoping to reach U.S. soil to either surrender to immigration officials or continue their hopeful journey toward a brighter future.
A number have perished along the way. We will likely never know the death toll.
Days ago, a group of mostly Venezuelan migrants, rushed the port of entry bridge in El Paso, demanding officials let them through. Razor wire and armed agents kept them at bay.
Congress is finally trying to hammer out a last-minute deal to address the latest wave, but it is a bill that could include partisan proposals related to the millions of undocumented people already in the U.S., the fate of DACA recipients, and the fate of the unfinished border wall.
At the request of Homeland Security, President Biden temporarily deployed 1,500 active duty U.S. soldiers to the border to handle “paperwork duties” freeing up Border Patrol agents to patrol the border and encounter migrants. Immigration advocates blasted the president for “militarizing” the border, raising fear among vulnerable people.
Scenes From the US-Mexico Border as Title 42 Ends
A COMPLEX CHALLENGE
The Biden Administration has repeatedly proclaimed ‘the border is not open.’
Vice President Kamala Harris, appointed to seek solutions to illegal immigration, famously traveled to Central America to tell migrants: “Don’t come. Don’t come.”
But they came. By the droves. Hundreds of thousands of migrants left their poverty-stricken, politically unstable and often violent countries with hopes of a better life in the United States.
CBP enforcement reported two million border encounters, which includes some migrants who’ve repeatedly tried to cross into the U.S.
An immigration policy that would punish repeat crossers, banning them from seeking asylum in the U.S. for five years is among ideas reportedly being considered by the White House.
Embattled Secretary of The Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Myorkas has become a constant on the Sunday morning news circuit proclaiming the southern border is secure and the administration is prepared for Title 42 to end, increasing resources on the border in preparation for an anticipated increase in crossings.
The Department of Homeland Security estimates more than 10,000 migrants are expected to cross into the U.S. every day once Title 42 is lifted.
Title 42 is a CDC public health policy dating back to the 1940s, allowing for the quick expulsion of migrants to stop the spread of disease or illness. The Trump administration implemented the policy in March 2020 at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic to stop the spread of the highly contagious and deadly virus.
Critics contend the Trump administration, and now the Biden Administration, have exploited Title 42 to keep migrants from seeking asylum, using the public health policy as an excuse to withhold due process. Under Title 42, border patrol agents are able to quickly expel migrants to Mexico or their home countries without allowing their asylum claims to be heard.
A large number of Haitians have fled their country for several years, after devastating storms extreme poverty and political unrest. Many Haitians have made their way through South America, Central America and Mexico hoping to reach U.S. soil and claim asylum.
Title 42 has barred many Haitians from entering the U.S. until Title 42 is lifted. Not wanting to return to Haiti, many have been living in filthy encampments across the Mexican border from Texas cities like Del Rio and Laredo.
Advocate groups have long criticized the expulsion, calling it inhumane and unconstitutional.
But hundreds of thousands of migrants have been allowed into the U.S. despite Title 42. This is where the federal government’s narrative does not fit the reality on the ground.
We’ve met and shared their stories for two years.
Migrants who have surrendered to Border Patrol were processed and released to migrant aid organizations known as NGOs (non-governmental organizations) or onto the streets of border towns.
Single men, women and families have been allowed into the U.S. with an ankle monitor and a mobile phone to report to immigration authorities for a hearing to determine if they can remain in the U.S.
In recent weeks, a swell of tens of thousands of migrants has been journeying to the southern border in hopes of “squeaking by” before Title 42 is lifted.
More than 2,000 migrants crossed into the city of Brownsville on Monday night alone, mostly Venezuelans.
Some of the exhausted migrants you see on video lined up who are then bussed away by border agents will be processed and sent back to Mexico or their home countries, but others will be processed and released with a court date, months or years later.
The recent influx has overwhelmed detention centers along the border leading CBP officials to release migrants with a promise to appear in court to determine if they are potential candidates for asylum. A backlog of existing cases in immigration courts means many of these cases will take years to finalize.
It is true some migrants will agree to the court hearing but not show up, and instead fade into the shadows.
Migrant aid organizations in border communities like Brownsville have, for several years, stepped in to help provide shelter to migrants released into the U.S. But there’s only so much space available in shelters and the migrants keep coming.
These NGOs, funded through FEMA, have worked closely with counties and shelters farther into Texas and border states willing to accept migrants by bus.
Oaklawn United Methodist Church in Dallas is one place that has accepted dozens of migrants. The shelter serves as a quick stop for migrants to receive a meal, a shower, and help in purchasing air or bus tickets to their final destinations. The goal is to have migrants in and out of Dallas within a few hours, according to OUMC.
The church has partnered with El Paso County to potentially receive up to 100 migrants a day, for up to five days a week, though plans have not yet been finalized.
Legal experts and officials in law enforcement contend a large number of migrants claiming asylum do not actually qualify for the program, as the threshold is high. Simply fleeing one’s country over a lack of jobs and poverty is not an acceptable claim, according to immigration attorneys NBC 5 has spoken with over the years.
TITLE 42
SOLUTIONS BEING CONSIDERED
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Myorkas stresses when Title 42 ends, other immigration policies will be implemented once again, including Title 8.
Title 8, he assures, will cut down on illegal border crossings because unlike Title 42, it carries potential penalties for repeat illegal crossings including a five-year ban on asylum claims in the U.S.
The Biden Administration has announced plans to set up a streamlined system for migrants to apply for asylum in their own countries to dissuade them from making the dangerous trek to the southern border.
One effort to cut down on illegal crossings is for migrants to use an application on their mobile phones to apply for asylum, though many people have reported glitches with the system.
The administration also expanded the number of appointments allowed through the app after migrants complained that limited timeslots were almost immediately taken.
The administration is also reaching a consensus with Mexico to continue allowing migrants from certain countries to be expelled to Mexico once Title 42 ends, including migrants from Venezuela, Nicaragua, Cuba and Haiti.
Another plan being considered is rejecting asylum claims if an immigrant did not first seek asylum in a country along their journey to the U.S.
Homeland Security announced targeted enforcement in El Paso on Monday, quickly drawing criticism from the union representing border patrol agents for announcing the operation ahead of time. ICE agents were deployed to search for undocumented migrants sleeping on the streets of El Paso, warning them to report to border patrol if they have not been processed or risk deportation.
Although Title 42 is set to end, the U.S. Supreme Court has yet to hear oral arguments over the policy and its future. It’s unclear whether a decision could affect the policy in the coming months.
So you see, the issue of Title 42 is complicated and changing by the minute. Make no doubt about it much is at stake.
Consider the very real need to fill jobs across the country, particularly in construction and agriculture, jobs migrant workers are eager to fill.
Lawmakers on both sides know this.
While much will be said in the coming hours and days, I hope people can show at least some empathy. These are human beings who did not necessarily want to leave their home countries and whether they should have left is absolutely debatable.
They are people who say they are so desperate for a better tomorrow, they’re willing to leave everything behind and risk their lives traversing entire countries, dangerous jungles, encountering violence, enduring hunger and thirst, hoping to reach a country that has long been considered a beacon of hope and opportunity.
TITLE 42
Sign up for our Breaking Newsletter to get the most urgent news stories in your inbox. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/first-hand-account-of-crisis-along-texas-rio-grande-as-title-42-expires-tonight/3256136/ | 2023-05-11T22:36:07 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/texas-news/first-hand-account-of-crisis-along-texas-rio-grande-as-title-42-expires-tonight/3256136/ |
Officials have found a woman wanted for felony escape from the Casper Reentry Center and a man with a felony warrant, the Natrona County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday.
Jashawn Crowley, 26, was arrested Wednesday afternoon by deputies, roughly nine days after the search began, the statement said.
The Natrona County Sheriff's Office asked for the public's help in locating Crowley on May 2.
Crowley had an active felony warrant for multiple felony charges including theft, conspiracy and forgery, the statement said.
"He has been known to frequent Natrona County, as well as Campbell, Converse, and Laramie County," the statement said.
Brittany Kern, 33, was found and arrested on Thursday.
Kern checked herself out of the Casper Reentry Center, which contracts with the Wyoming Department of Corrections, at 3:45 p.m. Monday, the statement said.
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She failed to return by 9 p.m. and was reported as an escapee later that night.
Kern was originally charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver and was sentenced to two to five years of probation out of Converse County, the statement said.
Her probation was revoked in December, so she was sentenced to CRC with a projected release date of this August. However, it's possible she will face additional charges as a result of her failure to return to the facility. | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/authorities-find-casper-reentry-center-escapee-and-man-wanted-on-felony-charges/article_49d76602-f03c-11ed-a0cb-47a358d54d72.html | 2023-05-11T22:38:57 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/authorities-find-casper-reentry-center-escapee-and-man-wanted-on-felony-charges/article_49d76602-f03c-11ed-a0cb-47a358d54d72.html |
Judge holds man accused in weekend stabbing death
LAS CRUCES – A judge found that a Las Cruces man is dangerous, and no release conditions could protect the public after police said he stabbed another man during a fight last weekend.
King David Mungin Jr., 31, was charged with voluntary manslaughter after police say he stabbed George Scott Suckow, 43, during a fight on May 6. Mungin remains in jail as of the publication of this article. A 3rd Judicial District Attorney's Office spokesperson confirmed that prosecutors would seek to hold Mungin in jail ahead of trial.
According to an affidavit by LCPD Detective Diana Renteria, Mungin confessed to stabbing Suckow at the outset of a fight this weekend. Mungin told police that Suckow had harassed him and said things came to a head Saturday night when he ran into Suckow on West Picacho Avenue.
Police then discovered Suckow and began transporting him to a hospital, the affidavit said. However, police said Suckow refused treatment, leading them to drop him off on Lohman Avenue. Police then discovered Suckow dead, lying in the former Wing Daddy's parking lot on Telshor Avenue a few hours later.
On Thursday, Judge Richard Jacquez of the Third Judicial District Court ordered Mungin to receive no bond. Mungin will be held in the Doña Ana County Detention Center until a trial is held or the judge finds that new circumstances have changed.
Justin Garcia covers public safety and local government in Las Cruces. He can be reached via email at JEGarcia@lcsun-news.com, via text at 575-541-5449, or on Twitter @Just516Garc. | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/courts/2023/05/11/judge-holds-man-accused-in-weekend-stabbing-death/70209607007/ | 2023-05-11T22:47:51 | 1 | https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/courts/2023/05/11/judge-holds-man-accused-in-weekend-stabbing-death/70209607007/ |
A pickup truck driver accused of hitting and killing a 6-year-old bicyclist in a Watford City apartment building parking lot last month has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts.
Julian Montoya, 19, of Watford City, is charged with negligent homicide and duty in an accident involving death. The two charges together carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Northwest District Judge Robin Schmidt scheduled a trial starting Sept. 18, court records show.
Montoya is accused of striking the boy the night of Saturday, April 8, while the boy adjusted his bicycle seat. Montoya allegedly went over to the child and apologized, then went to the pickup as though he was going to leave. A witness took the keys and Montoya went inside the apartment building. He returned to the scene a few minutes later, the Highway Patrol said. Montoya allegedly told authorities he thought he was going 5 mph and went into shock after hitting the boy.
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The witness told investigators Montoya was going fast as he rounded a corner in the parking lot and made no attempt to stop, according to a Patrol affidavit. Black tire marks after the turn "appear to be skid marks consistent with rear tires spinning due to rapid acceleration," the document states.
The agency does not identify minors because of a state law passed in 2021 that exempts the names of minors involved in a crash from public records laws.
A GoFundMe effort to raise money for the family identified the boy as Ian Garcia. Organizers of the fundraiser said Garcia and his family came from Guatemala a short time ago "to build a future in the United States." | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/driver-pleads-not-guilty-in-death-of-6-year-old-watford-city-boy/article_846d0566-f031-11ed-9c16-df7b9557efcd.html | 2023-05-11T22:55:22 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/driver-pleads-not-guilty-in-death-of-6-year-old-watford-city-boy/article_846d0566-f031-11ed-9c16-df7b9557efcd.html |
Chances of rain to hit Flagstaff; Phoenix to see triple-digit temperatures this weekend
Some "unsettled" weather is on course for Arizona's high country this weekend, bringing a minor chance of thunderstorms and some potential flooding, while metro Phoenix is likely to reach triple-digit temperatures.
The Coconino County Twitter account posted an update on Thursday, letting northern Arizona residents know of the upcoming forecast.
Saturday, May 13, is slated to be the beginning of the turning tide, but will be relatively isolated until Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Flagstaff.
"It should be pretty isolated on Saturday, but it kicks in mainly starting Sunday and then continues through the end of the seven-day forecast period. The outlooks for further out show it continuing beyond that period as well, so, into the week, into the following weekend and possibly beyond that. Kind of an extended period of these chances for showers and thunderstorms each day," Flagstaff meteorologist Justin Johndrow told The Arizona Republic.
This iteration will differ from the winter storm deluge, instead bringing varying amounts of precipitation throughout different areas, he said.
"It's a little different from when we have, like, a wintertime storm where it's raining everywhere and the amounts are a little easier to generalize. This is more of a showery — showers and thunderstorms, where one location in town might get half an inch of rain and two miles away didn't get anything," Johndrow said.
Through May 18, the forecast shows rain amounts up on the Mogollon Rim ranging from around 0.5 to 1 inch. For the White Mountains, some areas may see amounts from 1.25 to 1.5 inches.
Lower elevation areas could see about 0.25 to 0.5 inches in general over the course of the forecast.
The incoming rainfall will also work to delay the upcoming wildfire season in northern Arizona, a welcomed sight after the high country had been drying out with little precipitation over the last six weeks.
"We've been drying out for over the last say six weeks, we haven't really had any precipitation up in the forested areas, but the fire danger isn't really high yet anyway, but this will slow fire season down again by moistening everything back up and helping with green up. It's still likely to dry out in June, and it'll be a fire season, but this could kinda delay it a little bit," Johndrow said.
As for flooding, the probability is unlikely.
"The amounts are going to be kind of marginal for flooding, there's a low probability of that happening, and that would mainly be like for a burn scar area. Even there, the chances on any given day are pretty low, the moisture levels are not like we see in the summer, it's more limited, so the intensity of the rain doesn't look like it'll be too extreme at this point," Johndrow said.
Rainfall will be monitored by the Coconino County Flood Control District alongside Coconino County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service 24 hours a day while the weather persists.
"Authorities will be prepared to issue flash flood warnings if dictated by rainfall thresholds and weather conditions," Coconino County said on Twitter.
More information and updates on the upcoming storm can be found via the National Weather Service Flagstaff Office and Coconino County Twitter page.
'Moderate heat risk' in Phoenix this weekend
South of Flagstaff, residents will be experiencing very different weather conditions.
The National Weather Service Phoenix office has forecasted a blistering next few days in metro Phoenix, with chances of breaking triple digits in effect.
For the lower deserts, Sunday will be the tipping point, ushering in a range of minor to moderate heat warnings throughout the East and West Valley.
In terms of temperature, Friday is slated to have a high of 96 degrees and steadily climb throughout the weekend, hitting 99 on Saturday and 100 on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service Phoenix office website.
The Phoenix office recommends taking the necessary measures to stay safe while in the sweltering sun by following these tips:
- Drink water
- Wear sunscreen and light clothing
- Do outdoor work early or very late in the day
- Limit outdoor activities
Additionally, a flood warning has been put in place, running through May 16 from the Gila River between Painted Rock Dam and the Colorado River.
The Weather Service advises those in the area to be aware of closures of unbridged road crossings, inundation of low-lying farmland and any recreational water activities along the river. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-weather/2023/05/11/arizona-weather-phoenix-triple-digit-temperature-flagstaff-rain/70208734007/ | 2023-05-11T22:55:26 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-weather/2023/05/11/arizona-weather-phoenix-triple-digit-temperature-flagstaff-rain/70208734007/ |
A man involved with three others in an alleged scheme in which they stole more than $2 million worth of oil in western North Dakota has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Joseph Vandewalker, of Arnegard, on Thursday pleaded guilty to theft conspiracy and dealing in stolen goods. Northwest District Judge Robin Schmidt in addition to the prison time ordered him to pay $200,000 in restitution as well as $1,025 in fines and court fees.
Authorities in June 2022 alleged that Vandewalker, and Michael Garcia, Mark McGregor and Darrell Merrell, all three of Watford City, were involved in a three-year plan in which they stole $2.4 million worth of oil. Merrell and Vandewalker as truck drivers skimmed oil they were to offload at a Crestwood Midstream facility by manipulating equipment during their deliveries. McGregor allegedly arranged pickup dates and details, while Garcia was the “money link” for selling the oil and paying drivers, authorities said.
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Garcia in December pleaded guilty to theft conspiracy and leading a criminal association. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution as well as $1,025 in fines and fees.
McGregor is scheduled for a change-of-plea on June 7. Merrell’s change-of-plea is Aug. 2. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2nd-defendant-sentenced-in-alleged-oil-skimming-scheme/article_02a40316-f038-11ed-8d79-b347e024ce33.html | 2023-05-11T22:55:28 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/2nd-defendant-sentenced-in-alleged-oil-skimming-scheme/article_02a40316-f038-11ed-8d79-b347e024ce33.html |
GREENSBORO — Marcus Gause is set to take over as principal of Dudley High School in Greensboro this summer.
Gause is currently the principal at Andrews High School in High Point.
Dudley High School's principal, Lisé Timmons McLaughlin has been on leave since April 17, with Shelia Gorham serving as interim principal.
McLaughlin is expected to continue with Guilford County Schools, according to a district spokeswoman, but it's not clear yet in what role.
Gause is known — among other things — for singing to Andrews seniors at their graduation and for partnering with Page principal Erik Naglee on a series of podcast episodes discussing race issues. He had previously served as an assistant principal at Dudley.
Darrell Baker, one of Gause's assistant principals at Andrews, will take over as principal of Andrews High.
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Meanwhile, Johncarlos Miller, principal at Weaver Academy in Greensboro, is set to become the district's senior executive director of student assignment. Miller has been at Weaver Academy since 2018 and from 2010 to 2017. He also served as principal at Grimsley High and Northeast Middle.
Weaver Academy Assistant Principal Whitney Sluder will be the school's new principal. Prior to becoming an assistant principal, Sluder worked at worked at Weaver as a dance teacher and a curriculum facilitator.
The new principals start July 1. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/dudley-weaver-andrews-marcus-gause-johncarlos-miller-whitney-sluder-darrell-baker-timmons-mclaughlin/article_0f9b296c-ef45-11ed-9f65-e77310090bef.html | 2023-05-11T22:55:42 | 0 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/dudley-weaver-andrews-marcus-gause-johncarlos-miller-whitney-sluder-darrell-baker-timmons-mclaughlin/article_0f9b296c-ef45-11ed-9f65-e77310090bef.html |
ALLEN, Texas — The Allen Premium Outlets mall plans to remain closed until all funeral services have been held for the shooting victims "and the healing process has started," property management said in an email Thursday.
An area general manager for Simon Property Group told tenants that ownership intends to have the outlet mall property closed over the weekend but that retailers could access their stores on Thursday and Friday, and then again on Monday.
Funeral services began Thursday for some of the victims, but it was not confirmed when the final services would be held.
"As part of the Allen community and out of respect for the victim’s families and everyone else affected by this heinous and senseless act, we are not planning on reopening the center until all services and funerals have concluded and the healing process has started," the email said.
Eight people were killed Saturday, May 6, in the shooting on the mall property. The shooting happened near the H&M store and the suspected shooter was killed near the Fatburger restaurant.
Several other people were injured in the shooting, but their conditions had improved over the week.
As the days passed, a memorial grew at the mall and people were allowed back on the property to retrieve their vehicles. The outlet mall stores have remained closed since the shooting happened.
WFAA has reached out to multiple stores in the outlet mall, but none have provided their specific reopening plans.
The New Balance, Under Armour and Adidas stores confirmed they are paying their employees through this week, despite the closure.
The email from property management on Thursday also included several reminders for retailers, including that police have asked employees to call them if they "find anything that could be possible evidence" on the property.
Simon Property Group is also providing counselors on the property through this week to check on employees and provide help.
More coverage of the Allen mall shooting: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/allen-outlet-mall-shooting-reopening-stores/287-c4b48cc2-acf8-40de-bf77-54400884ae59 | 2023-05-11T22:56:34 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/allen-outlet-mall-shooting-reopening-stores/287-c4b48cc2-acf8-40de-bf77-54400884ae59 |
DALLAS — The city of Dallas continues to dig its way back to normal after reporting eight days ago that it’d been hit by a crippling ransomware attack.
In the immediate aftermath, the attack forced the city to take offline the police and fire department’s computer-aided dispatch system, the police department’s website and the city’s website. The city also closed its municipal court’s system. The city’s development services, public works, permitting and zoning couldn’t take applications or payments, nor could permits be issued.
“Unfortunately, mistakes have been made,” said Jim McDade, president of the Dallas Fire Fighters Association. “Some people have had difficulty getting in through 911, getting their calls answered in a timely manner, and then getting the proper equipment dispatched to them to take care of their emergencies. It's impossible to know exactly how many mistakes were made.”
As of now, the computer-aided dispatch system is partially back online. The websites have been restored. Development services can accept payments, issue permits and receive plans electronically.
The municipal courts still cannot take payments in person, online or by phone, according to the court’s website. It also says there are “no court hearings, trials or jury duty until further notice.”
The situation’s far from normal for the police and fire departments.
Officers continue to handwrite reports. They still can’t use their in-car computers to check license plates or check for warrants, and instead they have to rely on dispatchers to do it for them.
“If you're running a tag on a car, there may be a five or 10-minute delay,” said Sgt. Sheldon Smith, chapter president of National Black Police Association.
“If you run a person, you get that same type delay. Nothing is coming fast. Nothing," he said.
The servers for the police department’s records management system and field-based reporting system, which officers use to write their reports, are being be rebuilt, according to an email obtained by WFAA.
“Today, we're working like it's 1965 but it's 2023,” Smith said. “Officers have to adapt and overcome. But we don't have the full technology capabilities that we had three weeks ago, a month ago.”
When the dispatch system went offline, it also meant the system that automatically made sure that the closest station was dispatched wasn’t working. Suddenly, dispatchers dug out maps to figure which station was closest.
That part of the dispatch system is now back online, McDade said. But calls are still being dispatched through the computer, over the radio and even by phone at times, McDade said.
“It's 100% creating delays,” McDade said.
Technicians are painstakingly checking every computer. As of Wednesday afternoon, for example, about 30 fire department devices had been found to be infected with the virus, so now they’re having to be wiped and reimaged.
“It's a long painful process and there is no quick fix,” said said Brett Callow, a threat analyst with cybersecurity firm Emsisoft.
A hacking group called “Royal” previously claimed responsibility for the attack.
Callow told WFAA that the hacking group’s negotiation site, where they try to exhort victims, remains online. But he says the site where they put their leak materials has been taken down. He said that’s an indication they may be about to fold and rebrand themselves under a new name as has happened in other high-profile cases.
“The people involved with ransomware operations don't necessarily like high profile attacks,” Callow said. “It's going to attract law enforcement attention on them. My guess is that Royal as a brand is going to end after the Dallas incident and the hackers will start a new venture.”
City officials also said in a news release Wednesday that "at this time, it does not appear any personal data of employees or residents has been leaked."
Callow said based the size and scope of the attack, it’s highly likely that personal data was, in fact, compromised.
“If I was a resident of Dallas, I would be concerned that the hackers have whatever information the city holds about me,” he said. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-ransomware-attack-progress-one-week-later/287-f0af11f2-1c52-4d33-a706-8fdfa1f0e5f1 | 2023-05-11T22:56:40 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-ransomware-attack-progress-one-week-later/287-f0af11f2-1c52-4d33-a706-8fdfa1f0e5f1 |
DALLAS — Students at schools across North Texas staged walkouts against gun violence.
About 100 students at Bishop Dunne Catholic School in Dallas were among those who walked out. The teens walked outside to the football field. They locked arms and silently marched for nearly a half hour.
The demonstration was organized by students. However, it was an act of civic engagements some administrators supported.
"Unfortunately, this has been a constant conversation with tragedies that happen across the country. In particular, when they involve children and/or schools,” said Dr. Veronica Alonzo, associate superintendent of Dallas Catholic Schools.
Students from Texas cities including Dallas, Richardson, Plano, and Allen were among those who participating in a national push for student walkouts against gun violence on Thursday. The event took place in light of the tragic mass shooting at Allen Premium Outlets mall on Saturday, May 6, that left eight people dead and several people injured.
Many students said the stance they took is about awareness and making their voices heard.
“As a whole, Dallas is dealing with a lot of tragedy, right now,” said King David Reeves, founder of Mentor Connector.
Mentor Connector is a Dallas-based organization that works to pair mentors with young people who need them. The group and its partners toured several Dallas schools this week to discuss social emotional learning, discovering purpose, careers and safety. The group and its panelists also visited campuses where students recently lost peers to gun violence.
“Just like students don't know what resources are out there and available, nobody knows who where to go to, who to ask. So, Mentor Connector just wants to bring the recourses to them,” said Reeves.
Students participating in the walkouts said they will continue making their voices heard, hoping it could help bring about change. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-school-walkouts-gun-violence-amid-allen-outlet-mall-shooting/287-ceef268e-0f07-4653-8135-b2e2685298ef | 2023-05-11T22:56:46 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas-school-walkouts-gun-violence-amid-allen-outlet-mall-shooting/287-ceef268e-0f07-4653-8135-b2e2685298ef |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – Teens in Lynchburg may have to go home earlier soon.
City leaders are looking at imposing a curfew, after 6-year-old Kingston Campbell’s death from gunfire.
While no one’s been arrested, city leaders believe juveniles may be involved.
Crime among youth is a growing problem across the Commonwealth, says Dana Schrad, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.
“Some of our urban centers have seen juvenile crime rise,” Schrad said. “Richmond, Petersburg, some areas like that.”
Schrad said it’s up to individual cities and counties to decide if they want to create a curfew. She said curfews send a clear message.
“Curfew ordinances are an opportunity to at least identify kids who should not be out on the streets and make sure that they get home,” Schrad said. “Oftentimes, those charges can be dropped by the courts, but it does give law enforcement the opportunity to intervene and get kids home when they shouldn’t be out late at night.”
Curfews for minors aren’t new to some localities in our region.
Botetourt County has one, and so does Danville. Danville police said there have been 36 youth curfew violations in the past five years.
Most recently, Roanoke has been advocating for a youth curfew among recent gun violence in the Star City as well.
“We don’t want to see young people get into criminal activity and get to a point where they have committed felonies, and they are in the criminal justice system in a very hardened fashion,” Schrad said. “Anything we can do to prevent and intervene before those activities become serious.”
Meanwhile, Lynchburg city leaders are thinking through their options to curb youth gun violence.
Lynchburg Mayor Stephanie Reed released the following statement, in part on Thursday.
“My objective right now is to come alongside the community and work on ways to help prevent crimes like this from continuing to happen, which is why I’m launching the ‘Take Back Our Streets Community Coalition.’ We will be working on providing opportunities for our youth to get off the streets and have safe places to go to help keep them from taking part in or becoming victims of criminal activity.”
Lynchburg Mayor Stephanie Reed
The curfew proposal is expected to go in front of the council on May 23. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/amid-proposed-lynchburg-curfew-expert-weighs-in-on-effectiveness/ | 2023-05-11T22:56:52 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/amid-proposed-lynchburg-curfew-expert-weighs-in-on-effectiveness/ |
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – A solar farm proposal is off the table in Franklin County.
Mountain Brook Solar, LLC (Energix) withdrew plans for a 92-acre sire at Brooks Mill and Burnt Chimney Road, officials said.
The company proposed another solar farm near Smith Mountain Lake back in 2021. That proposal was also scrapped after public criticism.
Read the full alert here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/energix-withdraws-plans-to-build-solar-farm-in-franklin-co/ | 2023-05-11T22:56:58 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/energix-withdraws-plans-to-build-solar-farm-in-franklin-co/ |
This year, WSLS introduced a scholarship for two college-bound high school seniors.
10 Sports John Appicello got to meet both of the recipients - James River senior, Michael Jorgensen, and Glenvar senior, Kennerly Nichols.
It’s already quite an accomplishment to overcome some of life’s challenges, but turning those challenges into time to helping others is an achievement on another level.
That’s exactly what we found at Glenvar High School.
Sometimes, winning a battle within ourselves leads to becoming a stronger advocate for others.
From learning to live with Tourettes, to helping care for her sister, Kennerly Nichols has turned personal hurdles into a platform for doing good.
“I got really used to from a young age being an ambassador anyway and so I just thought it’d be really cool to have the resources to spread it further out further than just me to a classmate or me to my neighbor or something like that,” Nichols said.
“She’s always thinking about others and you can see this kind of selflessness as she approaches her sister who has special needs and she helps take care of her. She applies that same thing to her friendships and towards teammates so she’s always been a very selfless person,” Jason Cline, Glenvar wrestling coach said.
Nichols is a multi-sport scholar-athlete who earned state titles for the Highlanders in soccer and track and field.
But the individual competitive nature of wrestling is perhaps where Nichols was most prepared to learn, teach, and evolve.
“Sports especially wrestling, have really really helped shape my mentality. If you can go further, you can do better like there’s always more that you can do to help sharpen your experiences, to help sharpen someone else’s experience, and to just take what you can from a situation,” Nichols said.
“That’s something that she kind of developed over time where she would actually help me teach technique to the younger wrestlers as they joined the team,” Cline said.
Nichols is headed to Seton Hall’s School of Communication with an interest in digital media production – it’s no surprise she’s ready to turn to focus on others.
Kennerly is also a National Tourette Syndrome ambassador, where she makes public presentations to educate others and legislators about the challenges those with Tourette’s face. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/meet-2023-wsls-scholarship-recipient-glenvar-senior-kennerly-nichols/ | 2023-05-11T22:57:05 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/meet-2023-wsls-scholarship-recipient-glenvar-senior-kennerly-nichols/ |
FAIRLAWN, Va. – Tourism is the second-largest economic driver in the Commonwealth — visitors spent $25 billion across Virginia.
Leaders in the New River Valley are unveiling a new website called Visit NRV, and the site highlights attractions and outdoor recreation in the New River Valley.
Leaders said the NRV can make a stronger impact working together.
“Tourists don’t care about that, they come to an area to experience something, and research is showing that they are moving between the entities, the idea of working together, is inspiring,” Bruce C. Bryan, President of 5Points Creative said.
5Points Creative is the marketing group that created the website.
Leaders are looking to advertise attractions like the newly-named Pulaski County Motor Sports Park.
Jeff Roark, an experienced racecar driver, has some history on these tracks.
“I came here and started racing when it was the original Pulaski County Speedway in 1990,” Roark said.
For Roark, driving in the corners on the track is nothing new, and he considers this his homecoming.
“This is my third year with the newly named Pulaski County Motorsports Park,” Roark said.
Tourism leaders say racing is significant to the New River Valley, and it’s why you’ll see some national events in the summer.
“In July, we have the SRX series, we are very fortunate because it’s one of six events happening throughout the country,” Roark said.
Tourism leaders say they love the different assets in the NRV.
Tourism is big business in the Commonwealth. Leaders conducted a study learning that in 2021, visitors spent more than $25 billion across Virginia, up 44% from 2020.
Visitors spent $382 million in the New River Valley, which is why tourism leaders say it’s important each county works together.
“When visitors come to NRV they don’t see county lines, I love that the New River Valley works together to draw those visitors in,” Becky Nave with Virginia Tourism Corporation said.
In addition to more spending, visitors help with creating 185,000 jobs, which is 15,000 more than in 2020.
For more information about tourism’s economic impact, click here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/new-river-valley-leaders-highlight-tourism-plans/ | 2023-05-11T22:57:11 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/new-river-valley-leaders-highlight-tourism-plans/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office is raising money for Special Olympics Virginia with two unique fundraisers this weekend.
Deputies will be taking tips as “celebrity waiters” inside Red Robin off Valley View Boulevard from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, those who donate to the cause will get a pledge card that they can place on a cruiser.
Any amount is accepted, and the goal is to completely cover the squad car.
“Give back, that’s my best pitch,” Tameka Paige, Public Information Officer for the sheriff’s office said. “If you like to give back, come have a good meal, come have our deputies wait on you, come on out.”
Donations will help cover the costs of programs for Special Olympics athletes. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/roanoke-city-sheriffs-office-to-raise-funds-for-special-olympics-virginia/ | 2023-05-11T22:57:17 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/roanoke-city-sheriffs-office-to-raise-funds-for-special-olympics-virginia/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – Gun violence is a growing problem across the country and the Star City. In 2023, there have been nearly two dozen shootings in Roanoke alone.
The most recent happened Monday night. Police say a man was killed after a shooting at an apartment complex in Northwest Roanoke.
In the wake of the recent violence, there’s been controversy in the community over how to address the problem, who’s responsible, and how city leaders and elected officials are keeping you safe.
10 News sat down with Roanoke Commonwealth’s Attorney Donald Caldwell to find out the challenges he faces when trying to put violent offenders behind bars.
“This country is facing a huge problem in violence, so it’s not specific to Roanoke City,” Caldwell said.
He’s been the city’s Commonwealth’s Attorney since 1979, prosecuting people who commit crimes.
“There don’t appear to be any real solutions in sight,” Caldwell said.
When it comes to gun violence, Caldwell says putting someone behind bars isn’t simple.
“We have absolutely no problem with case investigation,” he said. “But just because you’ve got good investigators, doesn’t mean you’re going to have a prosecutable case. It all hinges on admissible evidence in court.”
Caldwell says witnesses can make or break a case, and they’re hard to come by.
“What we do see more so than we saw 10 or 15 years ago, is a reluctance by some people to come forward and testify in court,” said Caldwell.
When deciding how long someone will spend behind bars, Caldwell says that’s not entirely up to him. Sentencing guidelines are set by Virginia lawmakers.
“If my hands are tied, it’s tied because of the laws that are passed by the General Assembly,” Caldwell said.
Unless there’s a plea deal, if a case goes to trial, convictions are ultimately up to a judge or a jury.
Caldwell’s office doesn’t track the city’s conviction rate.
10 News reached out to other commonwealth’s attorneys across Southwest Virginia, including Bedford County, Montgomery County, Henry County and Pulaski County. They all say they don’t track conviction rates either.
Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance provided the following statement to 10 News.
“Even with felonies, conviction rates can be misleading. Show me an attorney (prosecutor or not) that has won all of their cases and I will show you an attorney that doesn’t try difficult cases. If a prosecutor only accepts slam dunk cases, their conviction rate is going to be very high but it may be that they are refusing to take more challenging cases. On the other hand, an office may have a lower conviction rate but are accepting more difficult cases and trying those cases when other offices won’t. So, I’m not sure that conviction rates are synonymous with aggressive and successful pursuit of justice.”
Wes Nance, Bedford County Commonwealth's Attorney
“People are dying at twice the rates from drug overdose,” Caldwell said. “Who is responsible for that? I mean, all you can do is what you can do. And in the end, I’m not like some people who get out there and beat my gums and talk about, you know, what needs to be done. I do what I can do and that’s all I can do.”
Watch 10 News’ full, uncut interview with Roanoke’s top prosecutor Don Caldwell below. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/roanoke-commonwealths-attorney-talks-challenges-roadblocks-to-convicting-offenders-of-violent-crimes/ | 2023-05-11T22:57:23 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/roanoke-commonwealths-attorney-talks-challenges-roadblocks-to-convicting-offenders-of-violent-crimes/ |
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
According to VDOT, the north left shoulder and left lane are still closed, and traffic is backed up for more than six miles.
ORIGINAL STORY
A tractor-trailer crash is causing significant delays on I-81N in Montgomery County, according to VDOT.
Crews say the crash happened at mile marker 127.5 and drivers can expect delays.
As of 5:06 p.m., all north lanes were closed and traffic was backed up for about 3.5 miles. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/tractor-trailer-crash-in-montgomery-county-closes-all-north-lanes-traffic-backups/ | 2023-05-11T22:57:30 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/11/tractor-trailer-crash-in-montgomery-county-closes-all-north-lanes-traffic-backups/ |
BALTIMORE — Baltimore City Community College is offering free tuition, fees, and books for eligible students for summer 2023.
BCCC stated that although community college is an affordable option compared to a college tuition, this will help students with the every economic barriers that people are facing today.
"BCCC always celebrated diversity, and the demographic and profile of students from Baltimore City Public Schools and surrounding areas. Removing the cost of tuition, fees, and books sends the right message at the right time, that our doors to access and success remain open," said President Debra McCurdy. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/baltimore-city-community-college-offering-free-tuition-for-summer-2023 | 2023-05-11T22:59:02 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/baltimore-city-community-college-offering-free-tuition-for-summer-2023 |
ELK GROVE, Calif. — A competitive pinballer in Elk Grove has his eyes on a big tournament Saturday that could see him matched up against the world's best player.
“If I were fortunate enough to win my first match, it looks like I will be playing the No. 1 player in the world (Escher Lekoff), so at that point, nothing to lose right," said Rick Deml.
Deml is one of about two dozen people from around the world who qualified for the upcoming Pinclash tournament. He's played the game all his life, but it was only five years ago when he took things to the next level.
He found the Capitol Corridor Pinball League and they helped him enter a whole new dimension of the game.
"I just caught the bug at that point, and then they showed me about tournaments. There's actually tournaments where you can actually go out and compete against your peers... it's basically my hobby. You know, some people collect cars, I play pinball. That's what I do on the weekends," said Deml.
At home, he's got no shortage of options. What started as a humble two pinball machine collection eventually grew to 10.
"They multiply. I don't know what it is,” Deml said with a laugh.
He evolved his gaming skills over time, learning from online videos, streams and even from other players during tournaments.
“I learned real quickly, each game is totally different. The scoring is different, the objectives, and so once you learn the game, each individual game like Godzilla... you got to get in deep, into the rules, to really dive into the high points and the Grand Champion scores,” said Deml.
The other key element: nudging. If you've ever seen a character playing a pinball game in a movie or TV show, you've probably seen them shaking or bumping the machine. It's called "nudging," and it can make or break a game by saving the ball.
"It's something that a lot of people are not aware of, but the elite players can save their ball by doing the nudging techniques. That's why they played longer and that's why they win a lot of games," said Deml.
He's putting his pinball wizardry to the test Saturday in the Pinclash tournament, where he'll be pitted stream-to-stream against his opponents. The tournament brings everyone together on Twitch from noon and, likely, into the evening hours for the championship game.
He'll have some tall tasks ahead of him as he takes on some elite players from around the world, but for now, he's focused on his strategy and playing up to his abilities on a big platform.
“I'm going to be focused on my game," said Deml. "I can't really worry about what the other players are doing. I just have to do my business, so to speak.”
The Godzilla Pinclash Tournament is Saturday at noon. It'll stream on Twitch at iepinball. In the meantime, people can also get a preview of Deml's skills on the Elk Grove Pinball channel. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove-pinball-wizard/103-94d611f6-cdda-4248-a103-4601550d4ea4 | 2023-05-11T23:08:06 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove-pinball-wizard/103-94d611f6-cdda-4248-a103-4601550d4ea4 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Governor Gavin Newsom is set to announce his final budget revisions Friday, and they include an additional $290 million for flood response.
He previously proposed $202 million in January, so the additional $290 million in the May proposal would take it up to a total of $492 million.
“California is facing unprecedented weather whiplash – we just experienced the driest three years on record, and now we’re dealing with historic flooding. Our investments must match this reality of climate-driven extremes. We’re committing even more resources to support communities up and down the state as they continue responding to the impacts of this year’s storms,” said Newsom.
Here’s how the additional $290 breaks down:
- $125 million to support preparedness, response and recovery related to the 2023 storms
- $75 million for local flood control projects
- $40 million for San Joaquin Floodplain restoration
- $25 million to expand the California Small Agricultural Business Drought Relief Grant Program
- $25 million for potential additional disaster relief and response costs
The budget also includes proposed legislation codifying provisions from executive orders allowing for the safe diversion of flood flows for recharging groundwater. He says the provisions would make it easier to capture floodwater by setting clear conditions for diversion.
Newsom also plans to fund raising the Corcoran Levee in the Tulare Basin to protect surrounding communities. It would be the third time the state or federal government got involved in raising the levee, which he says is due to over-pumping groundwater causing the ground below to subside.
Funding for that project would be contingent upon the ability of the local government to meet certain criteria as it relates to efficiency and lowest possible cost.
WATCH MORE ON ABC10: Timelapse | Water rushes down Oroville Dam spillway | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/newsom-proposes-additional-290m-flood-investments/103-3d69021e-9f41-4a0c-b160-e23ac5960be0 | 2023-05-11T23:08:12 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/newsom-proposes-additional-290m-flood-investments/103-3d69021e-9f41-4a0c-b160-e23ac5960be0 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After more than three years, Title 42 is coming to an end. The order authorized the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to immediately remove migrants, including people seeking asylum, seeking entry into the U.S. at the land borders.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the order under the Trump administration in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. officials turned away migrants more than 2.8 million times under Title 42 since the policy began. The policy is now set to end at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 11.
That's because the Biden administration announced an end to the COVID-19 public health emergency, consequently ending the Title 42 border restrictions as well.
The lifting of the Title 42 order does not mean the border is open. According to the U.S. Homeland Security, when the Title 42 order lifts, the U.S. will return to using Title 8 immigration authorities "to expeditiously process and remove individuals who arrive at the U.S. border unlawfully." The law outlines processes for deportation and carries strict penalties, including five and 10-year bans on reentry for people deported.
"Starting at midnight, people who arrive at our southern border will be subject to our immigration enforcement authorities under Title Eight of the United States Code," said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas at a White House briefing Thursday afternoon. "Here is what that means. If anyone arrives at our southern border after midnight tonight, they will be presumed ineligible for asylum and subject to steeper consequences for unlawful entry, including a minimum five-year ban on reentry and potential criminal prosecution."
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With Title 42 set to end, the U.S. expects migration levels to increase. Organizations across the country, including those in the Greater Sacramento region, are preparing to help vulnerable migrants.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a nonprofit helping people affected by humanitarian crises. In 2022, the IRC's Resettlement, Asylum and Integration (RAI) teams served 308,174 clients. That includes 177,860 in the U.S.
With offices in Sacramento, the IRC is preparing to help people rebuild their lives, if needed, in the region.
"We are scaling up our programs on both sides of the border," said IRC executive director, Tara Rangarajan. "There is no public health rationale for denying people their legal right to claim asylum at the U.S. border. The disastrous impact of policies, like Title 42, has left tens of thousands of people waiting in Northern Mexico for a chance to seek asylum in the U.S."
The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) is preparing to help migrants, too. Outside of food assistance, SFBFS also offers low-cost immigration legal services "to help people navigate the complexities of obtaining lawful status in the U.S." SFBFS provided 533 immigrants with legal service support in 2021.
Through the immigration legal services program, SFBFS provides "access to a staff attorney and Department of Justice accredited representatives. The services provided range from consultations to full representation in affirmative cases before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as well as defensive representation before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)."
SFBFS also offers refugee resettlement services. SFBFS began the service in 2015 through a collaboration with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) Office. In the first three years of the program, SFBFS helped 506 people in Sacramento County.
"We won't really know the impacts of Title 42 for some time, but we are expected to see an increase in our services," said Kevin Buffalino, Director of Communications with the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. "We are prepared and ready to meet the increase in demand. It's something that we've already seen over the past couple of years with the pandemic and inflation. Our community members are certainly hurting."
Organizations like SFBFS and IRC are encouraging consistent funding and volunteers to help all communities in vulnerable situations.
ABC10 reached out to several other community organizations. Most said they're not sure when, if at all, migrants will be in our region, but they're prepared to help anyone who may need it the most.
We want to hear from you!
The Race and Culture team's mission is to serve our diverse communities through authentic representation, community engagement and equitable reporting.
Accomplishing our goals of inclusive reporting requires hearing from you. Is there a person or place that you want us to highlight? Email us at raceandculture@abc10.com or fill out the form below. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/organizations-preparing-to-help-possible-migrants-as-title-42-ends/103-8d7ae796-d651-447a-909a-fd749d8aa885 | 2023-05-11T23:08:18 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/organizations-preparing-to-help-possible-migrants-as-title-42-ends/103-8d7ae796-d651-447a-909a-fd749d8aa885 |
STOCKTON, Calif. — A teen was hurt after being hit by a box truck in north Stockton Thursday, the Stockton Police Department said.
According to police, the crash happened at around 1:13 p.m. Thursday on Thornton Road south of Wagner Heights Road.
Thornton Road is blocked off in both directions from Wagner Heights Road to Lucile Avenue as authorities investigate the crash.
Police have described the pedestrian who was hit as a female teen. They have not released information on the teen's condition or the circumstances surrounding the crash.
It's unclear how long Thornton Road might be closed.
Traffic Map
Check out traffic in the area on the map below.
Watch more from ABC10: San Joaquin County emergency services interrupted over copper wire theft | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/teen-hurt-crash-box-truck/103-e02f422c-5233-4282-b597-b1da120827f9 | 2023-05-11T23:08:24 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/teen-hurt-crash-box-truck/103-e02f422c-5233-4282-b597-b1da120827f9 |
Before a Lancaster County judge sent a Texas man to prison Thursday for filming sex with a Lincoln teenager in 2022, a prosecutor chastised the 21-year-old for his "lies, deceit and manipulation" that hung over the case before and after he filmed the girl.
In front of a crowded court gallery Thursday afternoon, Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Julie Mruz described an escalating series of lies that took Jose L. Martinez from a then-17-year-old girl's social media inbox to a local motel room last April, where the Laredo man repeatedly filmed sexual acts with the teen.
Mruz said Martinez initially lied about his real name and how old he was when the two began an online relationship and later, after the girl ended things with the 21-year-old, he used fake phone numbers to harass her.
At times, Mruz said, Martinez demanded the girl not shower without FaceTiming him and required her to send nude photos of herself.
He would become enraged, the prosecutor said, if the girl didn't answer his phone calls — even when she was at school or work.
"(The girl) was subject to brainwashing by Mr. Martinez and his manipulation," Mruz said. "She not only consistently was sending him money, but was also convinced by him to self-harm."
Mruz said the girl finally escaped the "nightmare" in April 2022, ending her relationship with Martinez after he'd spent two weeks at a local motel, where he took explicit photos and videos of the girl — adding to a collection of hundreds of nude images he'd compiled of the teen.
But after she ended her relationship with Martinez, he threatened to "expose" the teen by sharing the images online.
Eventually, Martinez followed through, sending a photo of the girl he had taken in the motel to one of the girl's classmates while continuing to send harassing texts to the 17-year-old, Lincoln Police Investigator Ben Pflanz said in the affidavit for Martinez's arrest.
But even after Martinez was arrested in Iowa that month and charged in Lancaster County with generation of child pornography, Mruz said Martinez has continued to reach out to the girl.
"It is crystal clear to the state ... that he still has zero remorse for his actions, despite his words in court today," Mruz said. "His behavior has affected (the girl) and her family. And he just simply doesn't care."
Martinez pleaded guilty in March to attempted generation of child pornography as part of a plea deal.
Martinez's attorney, Darik Von Loh, said little at the 21-year-old's sentencing hearing Thursday, instead pointing to a letter he penned to Judge John A. Colborn in defense of his client.
"I just would ask that Mr. Martinez be given a lenient sentence," Von Loh said. "I believe that the circumstances surrounding this case do not warrant any kind of lengthy jail sentence, judge."
Martinez, too, was brief when given a chance to speak at the hearing.
"I apologize to the victim and her mother," he said, "and everything else is in the letter, your honor."
In her comments, Mruz indicated that Martinez had asked for a five-year prison term in his letter to the court. The prosecutor asked for a "lengthy" sentence and a no-contact order preventing Martinez from communicating further with the teen.
Colborn ultimately sided with the state, sentencing Martinez to 20 to 30 years in prison — an order that drew muted celebration and some tears from supporters of the victim in the courtroom.
Martinez, who was given credit for 233 days served, will be eligible for parole in 2032.
Four years ago: Photos, videos from catastrophic flooding in Nebraska
Flooding in Nickerson, 3.13
Flooding in Wahoo, 3.13
Flooding in Nickerson, 3.13
Flooding in Ashland Area, 3.14
Flooding in Ashland Area, 3.14
Flooding, Ashland
Flooding, Hooper
Flooding, 3.14
Flooding, 3.14
Flooding, 3.14
Flooding, 3.14
Fremont flooding
Rescued in boat
Spencer Dam
Highway flooding
Genoa bridge
Stranded cattle
Flooding, 3.15
Flooding, 3.15
Tuxedo Park in Crete
Platte River flooding at I-80
Flooding near Plattsmouth, 3.16
Peru flooding, 3.17
Peru flooding, 3.17
Peru flooding, 3.17
Peru flooding, 3.17
Peru flooding, 3.17
Peru flooding, 3.17
Peru flooding, 3.17
Peru flooding, 3.17
Rescuing calf in Fullerton
Nebraska City flooding
Cooper plant
Water flowing over levee L575 across the river from Nebraska City in Percival, Iowa
A Kansas City, Missouri, native, Andrew Wegley joined the Journal Star as breaking news reporter after graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in May 2021. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/texas-man-sent-to-prison-for-filming-sex-with-lincoln-teen/article_1a3541d6-f031-11ed-a0dd-7fba43a87538.html | 2023-05-11T23:09:22 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/texas-man-sent-to-prison-for-filming-sex-with-lincoln-teen/article_1a3541d6-f031-11ed-a0dd-7fba43a87538.html |
More than 5 million Native Americans live in the United States as members of 574 federally recognized and 63 state-recognized tribes. That number is projected to rise to 10 million by 2060.
A federally recognized tribe is a sovereign entity with a government-to-government relationship with the United States, as well as the rights of self-governance in such areas as tribal law and taxation.
Just 13% of Native Americans live within 324 recognized reservations. Land held in trust by the U.S. government for Native American settlement is roughly 56 million acres. The 16 million-acre Navajo Nation Reservation in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah is the largest, and the 1.32-acre Pit River Tribe cemetery in California is the smallest.
Stacker ranked the states with the largest Native American populations using data from the Census Bureau's 2021 American Community Survey. The Census Bureau's definition of Native Americans includes Alaskan Natives but excludes Native Hawaiians.
Compared with other U.S. races, Native Americans have a life expectancy that is shorter by more than five years. The suicide rate among Native American youth is 2.5 times higher than among youth in the rest of the country. Native Americans are also 2.5 times more likely to experience violent crimes than the national average, and more than four out of five Native American women will experience violence in their lifetimes.
Holistically, these issues can be seen as symptoms of several larger issues, including access to social services, educational opportunities, nutritional food, and health care.
Property rights pose more significant problems, insomuch as residents who don't have deeds to the land on which they live struggle to build credit, which throws a significant barrier in front of upward mobility. Meanwhile, tribal lands are tough sells for franchises and other commercial developers that would bring jobs to reservations, as these companies are often resistant to negotiating contract terms under tribal law.
One effort to mitigate the aforementioned statistics came with the 1968 establishment of the "American Indian" Movement in Minnesota, which advocated for sovereignty and rights. The group famously occupied the Wounded Knee battle site at the Pine Ridge Reservation for more than two months in 1973.
Rep. Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico, has since been tapped to head the U.S. Department of Interior for President Joe Biden's administration, becoming the first Indigenous Cabinet secretary in the nation. Among her responsibilities will be the underfunded Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the latter of which oversees all tribal land under U.S. trust.
Keep reading to find out which states have the biggest Native American populations.
You may also like: LGBTQ+ history before Stonewall | https://journalstar.com/news/local/standing-bear-stamp-ceremony-in-lincoln-on-friday/article_a1ba5f20-f026-11ed-9be1-9bd2ec85ac1b.html | 2023-05-11T23:09:29 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/standing-bear-stamp-ceremony-in-lincoln-on-friday/article_a1ba5f20-f026-11ed-9be1-9bd2ec85ac1b.html |
MELBOURNE, Fla. – A physical education teacher at Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School was arrested after police said a video surfaced showing him encouraging two students to fight last month.
Melbourne police said they were contacted about a fight on April 21 involving two students in the boy’s locker room during a gym class.
According to a news release, video shows a group of students watching the fight — along with the class’ teacher, Paul Eller, 58.
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One of the students was injured during the fight, causing it to stop, police said. However, the release shows that while some of the spectators were talking about the injury, Ellis “could be heard making a noise to encourage the participants to begin fighting again.”
After that, the two students continued fighting, and Eller only stepped in to break up the fight after a third student jumped into the fray, police said.
Eller was later arrested and faces charges of child neglect, culpable negligence and disruption of a school function.
The school announced earlier this month that a teacher was under investigation for allowing students to fight on campus, though no information has been provided about whether that teacher was Eller.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/melbourne-gym-teacher-arrested-after-encouraging-students-to-fight-police-say/ | 2023-05-11T23:15:15 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/melbourne-gym-teacher-arrested-after-encouraging-students-to-fight-police-say/ |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The Food and Drug Administration announced changes to its MSM blood donor policy on Thursday, allowing for more gay and bisexual men to become blood donors.
Representatives from One Blood said they’re glad to see a decades-old policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating blood come to an end.
Member of the gay and bisexual community — and Savoy Orlando owner Brandon Llewellyn — said the new policy has been a long time coming.
“Finally, the policy that was very antiquated and discriminatory is finally lifted,” Llewellyn said. “We’ll be able to start donating blood.”
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While the issue has been long-standing in the community, it became even more apparent back in 2016 when people who wanted to donate blood after the Pulse Nightclub shooting were turned away.
“I mean, obviously, we know a lot of people that went through it, and, you know, people that wanted to donate blood at that time but couldn’t, and it was very hurtful from anything,” Llewellyn said.
The new FDA policy screens all blood donors for HIV risks regardless of gender or sexual orientation. One Blood Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Susan Forbes, said this brings in a new era of donor eligibility.
“This maintains safety, the blood supply,” Forbes said. “It makes blood donation more inclusive. It treats all donors equally and fairly. And at the end of the day, it enables more people the opportunity to donate blood. So these are all really great things.”
One Blood helped make this new policy a reality by enrolling 1,600 gay and bisexual men into the FDA-funded ‘ADVANCE’ study.
One Blood called on local organizations in Orlando and South Florida to help find participants. The results provided helped the FDA make the decision to change its policy.
“We’re very grateful to the LGBTQ+ community here in Orlando and in South Florida for the participants who enrolled in that study,” Forbes said. “They should take great pride today in what they helped accomplish by making blood donation more inclusive and maintaining safety the blood supply at the same time.”
In anticipation of the FDA’s decision, One Blood has already made changes to its software to implement the new Donor History Questionnaire. However, there is still more work to be done before the new policy is fully in place.
“We look forward to implementing the new guidance, and as soon as we’re able to do that, then we will make an announcement that we are underneath the new guidance,” Forbes said. “Until that time, we remain under the three-month deferral for men who have sex with men. So that policy stays in place until we’re able to move to the new policy.”
Forbes said that for those who were deferred prior to July 2017 when the FDA’s lifetime ban was in place, they will have to go online and be reentered.
For more information on the timing of the new policy, click here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/new-era-of-donor-eligibility-fda-eliminates-restrictions-on-gay-bisexual-blood-donors/ | 2023-05-11T23:15:21 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/new-era-of-donor-eligibility-fda-eliminates-restrictions-on-gay-bisexual-blood-donors/ |
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – A large law enforcement presence has converged on a neighborhood in the Kissimmee area after a shooting involving at least one deputy, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sky 6 flew over the scene at the Remington subdivision off Partin Settlement Road.
The sheriff’s office said the shooting involved at least one deputy. No information was provided about whether the deputy opened fire or was shot at.
News 6 is working to gather more information on the details of the shooting.
Stay with News 6 for the latest information.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/osceola-county-law-enforcement-swarms-neighborhood-after-shooting/ | 2023-05-11T23:15:27 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/osceola-county-law-enforcement-swarms-neighborhood-after-shooting/ |
Welcome to the May edition of Our Roots newsletter.
This month we celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander heritages and how they became an integral part of the Central Florida community.
ASIAN IMMIGRATION TO CENTRAL FLORIDA
Orlando is home to thousands of Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islanders. Nearly 5% of Central Florida’s population is Asian American decent, and Asians are the fastest-growing population in Orlando.
Following the Vietnam War, Asian immigrants began to arrive in the Central Florida area in the 1970s. Vietnamese storefronts began to occupy areas around Colonial Drive and Mills Avenue, known now as the “Mills 50 District.” These businesses include grocery stores, restaurants serving regional Vietnamese cuisines, doctors’ offices, martial arts studios and salons.
Fifteen minutes down the road, you will find Orlando’s ‘Chinatown.’ Various shops like Asian bakeries, boba tea, ramen restaurants, and medical offices occupy the space along the 5000 block of Colonial Drive.
ASIAN-OWNED RESTAURANTS
- MOGE TEA: 636 N Mills Ave. A
- DOCHI: 1222 E Colonial Dr.
- POP THAI: 1227 N Mills Ave.
- PHO HOA: 649 N Primrose Dr.
- STICKY RICE: 1915 E Colonial Dr.
- POKEKAI: 609 Irvington Ave.
For more restaurants to support visit here.
EVENTS CELEBRATING AAPI
- May 13 | 230 p.m. — FusionFest’s MYgration Film Festival @ South Trail Branch Library
- May 14 | 11 a.m. — Asian-American Heritage Council Asian Cultural Festival @ Bill Breeze Park
- May 20 | 2 p.m. — Asian Cultural Association Cultural Display and Performance @ Orange County Regional History Center
- May 24 | 6 p.m. — ACT Town Hall Meeting @ Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/our-roots-celebrating-aanhpi-heritage-month/ | 2023-05-11T23:15:33 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/our-roots-celebrating-aanhpi-heritage-month/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill into law that would make changes to amusement rides in an effort to increase safety and prevent another tragedy like the death of a teenager on an Orlando attraction last year.
DeSantis signed the Tyre Sampson Act, SB 902. The law is named for the 14-year-old tourist who fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall attraction at ICON Park in 2022.
The free-standing drop tower, which took guests up into the air before dropping over 400 feet at 70 mph, has since been dismantled.
The legislation includes requirements for a seat belt and harness for any ride that goes over 100 feet and for all rides to be regularly commissioned, certified and tested by a separate regulatory agency.
[RELATED: Orlando FreeFall death one year later. Here’s where things stand | Tyre Sampson remembered 1 year after fatal plunge from Orlando FreeFall]
In addition, amusement ride operators would have a certain timeframe to report if there was an accident and the state could reserve the right to impound it if necessary.
The bill would also allow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to conduct unannounced inspections for specific purposes.
The bill was filed by State Sen. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, after an investigation into Sampson’s death last year found that sensors were manually adjusted in the seat Sampson was in, making the ride unsafe and allowing the harness’ restraint opening to be “almost double,” according to a report.
The new law will take effect on July 1.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/tyre-sampson-act-signed-into-law-changes-rules-for-florida-rides/ | 2023-05-11T23:15:39 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/05/11/tyre-sampson-act-signed-into-law-changes-rules-for-florida-rides/ |
The Oneida County Mural Trail is set up as a destination for tourists to visit a series of local murals. You can find a list of the murals on the Oneida County Tourism website. The launch of the Trail was made at Sickenberger Lane, which is covered with murals from Artists like Angela Decarlis. Angels also serves as President of the Board of Utica Monday Night for the Arts.
"Art is subjective, so there’s definitely going to be people that are not going to enjoy a certain esthetic, and there’s going to be other people that love it. I think that this is an opportunity for our city to welcome and open their minds to accepting and just having an experience, and every mural isn’t going to be potentially your favorite, and that’s ok, but know that you’re going to have an experience with it. You’re going to feel something, and that’s what it’s about."
The Liberty Bell Mural site has been the talk of the town. Feedback on future designs has been both positive and negative, but Oneida County Tourism is hoping to turn that vibe completely upbeat using the Mural Trail. Sarah Calero is the Director Communications for TV/Film at Oneida County Tourism.
"We really just wanted to shift the conversation and make this a really positive thing. You know this has been in the works for quite some time. We believe that it is incredible to support our local Artists, and we absolutely should be in giving them projects, but it’s also a cool thing to bring in people from other areas."
Those people coming in from other areas can also help to boost the local economy by visiting local businesses along the trail system. Oneida County Tourism received an EDA grant from the Federal Government to expand their social media platform and make the Mural Trail easily accessible from any mobile device. Kelly Blazosky, President of Oneida County Tourism talked about how that app will help with boosting participation.
"Visitors will be able to easily use it with their handheld devices. We can even gamify it, and encourage them to take selfies, and posts, and check-in, and go to have lunch at locations that are hosting murals. Come to have a cocktail at Sickenberger, and make it very interactive for visitors as well. As much or as little as they want to do with it."
You can expect to see some new murals added to the Trail this summer. Here are a number of ways to access the Mural Trail:
Instagram: Visit Oneida County
Facebook: Visit Oneida County NY
Website: https://www.oneidacountytourism.com/what-to-do/visitor-trails/mural-trail/ | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/oneida-county-mural-trail-becomes-a-destination/article_3a2b3be4-f03b-11ed-bac2-57a942bd2970.html | 2023-05-11T23:22:38 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/oneida-county-mural-trail-becomes-a-destination/article_3a2b3be4-f03b-11ed-bac2-57a942bd2970.html |
BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Scott Family Amazeum, which opened in 2015, features educational interactive exhibits to engage families. The museum is looking to expand and called the $10.35 million donation from the Scott Foundation a "critical first gift" to the expansion of the museum.
The founders of the museum, former Walmart CEO Lee Scott and his wife Linda Scott, alongside their sons Eric Scott, his wife Elda, Wyatt Scott and his wife Janell. were the generous donators. According to a press release, this gift is in the hopes that others will be inspired to donate to the museum as it looks to expand.
Eric Scott, said, “The next phase of growth will complement the nearby Crystal Bridges nature trails and Orchards Park, creating an exciting outdoor destination for the Northwest Arkansas region.”
With a space of about 50,000 square feet, the museum includes exhibits sponsored by companies like Walmart, 3M, General Mills, and Hershey's.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/the-scott-family-amazeum-received-10-million-gift/527-c6955b43-bdbc-477b-9742-831c7b690335 | 2023-05-11T23:23:09 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/the-scott-family-amazeum-received-10-million-gift/527-c6955b43-bdbc-477b-9742-831c7b690335 |
Richmond police have released the name of a man killed in a hit-and-run on Wednesday.
Ryan Howell, 28, of Richmond was pronounced dead in the 5200 block of Orcutt Lane. Police were called there at around 3:15 a.m. for a report of a person down in the road.
Police said he was struck by a vehicle driving westbound on Orcutt Lane. They said the driver did not stop.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (804) 646-1369 or call Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000.
A pedestrian was also hit by a vehicle in the same block in October. That person was seriously injured. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-release-name-of-richmond-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-crash/article_9de8ed5a-f042-11ed-9a94-bb666448525c.html | 2023-05-11T23:23:09 | 1 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-release-name-of-richmond-man-killed-in-hit-and-run-crash/article_9de8ed5a-f042-11ed-9a94-bb666448525c.html |
Mother’s Day is the second-largest shopping holiday in the U.S. behind Christmas, and Americans are continuing that trend by spending a record $35.7 billion for this Sunday's occasion.
According to the National Retail Federation, 84% of Americans plan to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, with the average person spending $274 for the holiday. Adults 35-44 are dropping the most money at $382 per person.
Mother’s Day buying has steadily risen the past five years despite the COVID-19 pandemic taking up a large bulk of that period. Last year, the U.S. saw more than $31 billion in sales, including $246 from the average person.
Nearly three-quarters of consumers purchase greeting cards for the holiday, with the same percentage of people adding flowers to their shopping lists; 60% spend on special outings such as Sunday brunch.
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Strawberry Fields Flowers & Finds in Richmond provides local flowers like peonies that are popular with customers. The florist also sells Mother’s Day gift sets that include a ceramic mug, tea samples, a tea towel and a greeting card.
“It’s always a fun week,” said Strawberry Fields owner Deanna King. “Stressful, but fun.”
In addition to flowers, the shop sells other Richmond products such as scented soy candles from Sydney Hale Co. and cookies from Scuffletown Sweets. Those items also appear in the gift boxes.
Mothers are not the only recipients of these gifts, however. Many people are recognizing friends, mentors and other family members who have taken on motherly roles.
"People buy for all different types of moms," King said. "That's why Mother's Day for us is always bigger than Valentine's Day, because you have mothers, mothers-in-law, stepmothers, godmothers, pet moms ... people have an important person in their life that's a mother-type figure."
Online retailers and department stores are the most popular places to shop for Mother’s Day, but 30% go to specialty stores like jewelers, florists and electronics dealers.
Nine Roses Jewelers in Richmond primarily creates custom bridal jewelry but does receive a number of Mother’s Day inquiries from new and growing families.
“The majority of our Mother’s Day clients are spouses of new mothers, and they generally end up buying necklaces,” said Nine Roses owner Nick DeRosa.
Some consumers are opting to gift experiences over physical products, with Gen Z and millennials expressing the most interest; 31% of Mother's Day shoppers plan to provide activity-based gifts such as concerts, hiking trips and spa days, per the NRF.
Even with newer gift-giving experiences gaining popularity, tried-and-true presents like flower arrangements remain a safe bet for most families.
"For Mother's Day, people like bright and colorful stuff like tulips, hydrangeas and orchids," said Hakim Christopher Turner, owner of Christopher Flowers in Carytown. "Flowers are an expression of love." | https://richmond.com/news/local/how-do-we-show-mom-we-love-her-were-setting-a-record-for-mothers-day/article_0ae6c08c-edc6-11ed-a38d-2b71cfbfe6dd.html | 2023-05-11T23:23:15 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/how-do-we-show-mom-we-love-her-were-setting-a-record-for-mothers-day/article_0ae6c08c-edc6-11ed-a38d-2b71cfbfe6dd.html |
The Kenosha HarborMarket has announced a new logo and a slate of special activities as it celebrates its 20th anniversary launches its 21st outdoor season Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Kenosha.
“We are encouraging people to bring their mothers to the market,” Kenosha HarborMarket Executive Director Andrea Forgianni said. “The fresh, artisan foods and crafts, along with gift ideas and a variety of entertainment in a park-like setting create a perfect atmosphere for moms and their extended families.”
The outdoor market is located at Second Avenue and 56th Street, one block west of the City of Kenosha Civil War Museum and Public Museum. The outdoor Kenosha HarborMarket will be held every Saturday through October 28th.
Saturday’s activities will also include:
A Maypole Dance will be performed by the Women In Motion-Kenosha at 12:30 p.m. in the area just west of the Kenosha Public Museum.
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Beyond Bubbly will provide giant bubble demonstrations in the grass between Second Ave and the Civil War Museum all day.
Haley Klinkhammer, acoustic pop, and Rogers/Thomas Duo, R&B and originals, will perform from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Kenosha Public Library will launch its summer Bookmobile season at Kenosha HarborMarket.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary and the 21st season, Kenosha HarborMarket also has a new logo. The logo, designed by Design Partners, Racine, features the iconic Lighthouse and highlights the market’s founding in 2003.
In addition to different attractions each week throughout the outdoor season, Forgianni said people should mark their calendars for a celebration of Italian-American Heritage Day at Kenosha HarborMarket on Saturday, Oct. 7, which will feature food and entertainment.
For more information about Kenosha HarborMarket, visit the website at www.kenoshaharbormarket.com. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-harbormarket-sets-saturday-events-debuts-new-logo-as-new-outdoor-season-opens/article_786f1508-f020-11ed-9f8d-1fdad9cf2695.html | 2023-05-11T23:26:41 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-harbormarket-sets-saturday-events-debuts-new-logo-as-new-outdoor-season-opens/article_786f1508-f020-11ed-9f8d-1fdad9cf2695.html |
Franciscan Health Crown Point won a Peregrine Award for Trauma Innovation.
Peregrine Health Services a boutique health care consulting firm based in Florida, honored the hospital for its treatment of substance abuse.
Franciscan Health Crown Point was recognized for a project that aimed to identify and help patients who suffer from substance use disorders. It landed a grant to develop the program, including by hiring a peer recovery coach, bringing on a social worker trained specifically in substance abuse treatment, educating health care providers and putting prevention plans into place.
A panel of judges gave it the highest total score out of a group of 10 finalists.
"A lot of hospitals are treating and releasing patients with substance use disorder," Franciscan Health Crown Point Manager of Trauma and Injury Prevention Jennifer Homan said. "They provide resources but don't take the extra steps to arrange treatment, with the thought being that patients have to engage that on their own. We wanted to change that."
Franciscan Health Crown Point also provides educational sessions to the community, including at the Lake County Sheriff's Department and the Lake County Jail. About 30% of 370 of the inmates randomly sampled at the jail last year suffered from substance use disorder, Lake County Jail Mental Health Director William Mescall said.
Such inmates have a recidivism rate of 55% within a year.
"What Lake County residents need to understand is that they are going to foot the bill for these struggling citizens one way or another," he said. "That is, they can either pay to rehabilitate these individuals and help them live in the society, or they're going to pay to keep them locked up and out of society. National data suggest that rehabilitating people is a much more cost-efficient approach to working with individuals with these conditions."
Homan said more education was needed about substance abuse, such as that people afflicted with it have often suffered psychological damage in the past.
"It's considered more in the behavioral health realm," Homan said. "We needed to get people comfortable with engaging with treatment conversations."
Franciscan Health Crown Point President and CEO Daniel McCormick said the trauma services team earned the recognition.
"The Franciscan Health Crown Point trauma services team's work to improve the SBIRT process demonstrates the impact our trauma program has on the entire community," McCormick said. "Its outreach beyond the emergency room is extensive and something the community should be very proud to call its own. The team's dedication to our Franciscan mission is truly life-changing. The Peregrine Award is well deserved."
Writers strike in Hollywood: Average residual checks can barely cover an In-N-Out burger
Writers strike in Hollywood: Average residual checks can barely cover an In-N-Out burger
Region native Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times of Northwest Indiana since 2013. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/franciscan-health-crown-point-wins-peregrine-award-for-trauma-innovation/article_79e50118-efad-11ed-9a56-93c0140a791a.html | 2023-05-11T23:28:22 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/franciscan-health-crown-point-wins-peregrine-award-for-trauma-innovation/article_79e50118-efad-11ed-9a56-93c0140a791a.html |
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields' Emergency Department has been reaccredited for pediatric care.
The Illinois Department of Public Health renewed the south suburban hospital's accreditation through 2026.
"We are thrilled to again receive EDAP approval for re-accreditation," said Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Director of Nursing and Emergency Services Cindy Mele. "Respect for life and compassionate concern are among the core values of our healthcare ministry. We are blessed to be able to care for these vulnerable young patients and their families. We thank the IDPH for the honor."
Illinois Department of Public Health has recognized more than 100 hospitals in Illinois through its Pediatric Facility Recognition program, including Franciscan Health Olympia Fields at 20201 South Crawford Avenue.
In 1994, it established the Illinois Emergency Medical Services for Children program to improve pediatric emergency care across the state. It aims to improve capabilities and transfers between facilities by ensuring hospitals are complying with federal performance guidelines.
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Franciscan Health Olympia Fields underwent a rigorous reacceditation process to ensure it could take care of seriously injured and gravely ill children.
The recognition follows a rigorous recertification process and indicates the hospital's emergency department has the essential resources and capabilities in place to meet the emergency and critical care needs of seriously ill and injured children.
"The contributions that Franciscan Health Olympia Fields has made to the Emergency Medical Services for Children Facility Recognition program over the last several years is recognized and appreciated," said Evelyn Lyons, manager for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Biggby Coffee, Flora Plants, Funk My Life and McDonald's open; Aster & Gray and Elements Wine Bar close
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NWI Business Ins and Outs: Buona/Rainbow Cone, Fat Burrito, Pickles Kids and Dear Dani Boutique opening | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/franciscan-health-olympia-fields-emergency-department-reaccredited-for-pediatrics/article_77f79e88-efad-11ed-80cf-efc77199fb2d.html | 2023-05-11T23:28:28 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/franciscan-health-olympia-fields-emergency-department-reaccredited-for-pediatrics/article_77f79e88-efad-11ed-80cf-efc77199fb2d.html |
Pizza Hut/Taco Bell. KFC/A&W. Dunkin/Baskin-Robbins. Gloria Jean's/Jamba Juice.
Dual-concept restaurants have proliferated in recent years, giving people different dining options under one roof.
Two iconic Chicago brands are doubling up to enter the fray.
Buona Beef, the popular purveyor of Italian beef and other Chicago street cuisine, and Beverly landmark The Original Rainbow Cone, a South Side staple, are teaming up with the theory that two is better than one.
The new Buona/Rainbow Cone will open in Valparaiso on April 12.
The dual-concept restaurant at 2901 John Howell Drive will offer Italian beefs, sandwiches, salads and protein bowls and Rainbow Cone's towering five-ice-cream flavors on a single cone.
It willl have a dining room, a mobile ordering pick-up zone and a double-lane drive-thru. It also plans to roll out a food truck in the area.
Buona was launched as a "beef stand" in Berwyn by Joe and Peggy Buonavolanto in 1981 and remains family owned by the third generation today. It opened on Indianapolis Boulevard in Schererville in 2018.
"Our Indiana communities share the same passion for Buona and Rainbow Cone as our incredible Chicago-area customers do," said Joe Buonavolanto III, the restaurant chain's vice president of franchise operations. "Our expansion to the state has had enormous success. We welcome our Valparaiso neighbors to the Buona/Rainbow Cone family."
The chain offers Chicago staples like Italian sausage, beef and sausage combos, Chicago dogs and pepper and egg sandwiches during Lent. It also serves plant-based options and some Italian fare like rigatoni, ravioli, fettucini and pizza.
Buona has grown to 26 restaurants and hundreds of employees across Chicagoland. It claims to be "the largest family-owned Italian beef restaurant group and Italian beef producer in the country."
Buona partnered last year with Rainbow Cone, which Grandpa Joe Sapp created in 1926 when he was dissatisfied with one ice cream flavor per cone. He stacked orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House, strawberry and chocolate, slicing instead of scooping them to maintain structural integrity.
The two longtime Chicago area restaurants opened their first joint eatery in Darien last year and are looking to spread the Second City's cuisine at dual-concept restaurants across the country.
"We've built a proven, scalable approach to expanding Buona and Rainbow Cone to new areas throughout America, with industry-leading innovation, modern design, and the highest quality of classic Chicago flavors," Buonavolanto said. "But it's our deep family and community roots that have truly powered our passion and success." | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/northwest-health-hospitals-get-high-grades-from-leapfrog-group/article_13b3483c-ea03-11ed-931b-ff36bef8c2bc.html | 2023-05-11T23:28:34 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/northwest-health-hospitals-get-high-grades-from-leapfrog-group/article_13b3483c-ea03-11ed-931b-ff36bef8c2bc.html |
Teachers Credit Union has named Nancy Engelmann chief human resources officer.
The South Bend-based credit union has branches in St. John, Hammond, Gary, Whiting, Chesterton and Valparaiso.
Engelmann has served in human resource leadership positions and management consulting roles for PricewaterhouseCoopers, Automatic Data Processing, Baxter Healthcare, Sears Holdings Corp., Alliant Credit Union and recently for Takeda, a multinational biopharmaceutical company that supplies plasma-derived therapies.
In her new role, she will lead the credit union's human resources professionals, oversee talent management and drive its people-first strategy.
“We’re pleased that Nancy has joined the TCU team,” said Jason M. Osterhage, president and CEO of TCU. “Talent acquisition and development is a key priority in TCU’s long-term strategy. We are now on a journey to become an award-winning workplace widely known for cultivating talent and developing leadership. Nancy has broad experience in building and implementing comprehensive talent management strategies and we’re excited for her to lead the HR team on this journey.”
She's a Chicago native who earned a bachelor's degree from Elmhurst College in suburban Chicago and an MBA from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Teachers Credit Union is Indiana’s largest Credit Union with about $5 billion in assets and more than 50 branches in Indiana and Southwest Michigan just across the border from Northwest Indiana. Founded in 1931 to serve educators, it's swelled to more than 300,000 members.
Writers strike in Hollywood: Average residual checks can barely cover an In-N-Out burger
Writers strike in Hollywood: Average residual checks can barely cover an In-N-Out burger
Region native Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times of Northwest Indiana since 2013. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/teachers-credit-union-names-a-new-chief-human-resources-officer/article_4efd556e-f029-11ed-bbda-43fe9f355310.html | 2023-05-11T23:28:40 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/teachers-credit-union-names-a-new-chief-human-resources-officer/article_4efd556e-f029-11ed-bbda-43fe9f355310.html |
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch has won the endorsement of a second Republican Indiana congressman for her 2024 bid to succeed term-limited Gov. Eric Holcomb as the state's chief executive.
U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon, R-Evansville, said he takes "great pride" in backing Crouch, a fellow southwestern Indiana resident, for the Republican nomination for governor.
"Her track record of conservatism, demonstrated through her tenure in both the state of Indiana legislative and executive branches, inspires confidence in her ability to shape Indiana's future. There is no one better suited to represent the values of our Hoosier community and provide leadership for the state."
Crouch has now locked up support from two of the state's seven Republican congressmen; her campaign was endorsed Tuesday by U.S. Rep. Greg Pence, R-Columbus, the brother of former Gov. Mike Pence.
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The state's five remaining Republican congressmen have yet to announce a preference in the gubernatorial contest between Crouch, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun and Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden.
If she wins the nomination, Crouch — a two-term lieutenant governor, and former state auditor, five-term state representative and county official — would be the first woman to lead a Republican ticket in the Hoosier State.
Jennifer McCormick, who was elected state superintendent of public instruction in 2016 as a Republican, so far is the sole candidate seeking the 2024 Democratic nomination for Indiana governor. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/crouch-wins-backing-of-second-gop-congressman-for-indiana-governor-bid/article_b92e52fe-f02d-11ed-b473-1bd8ac33b7f4.html | 2023-05-11T23:28:53 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/crouch-wins-backing-of-second-gop-congressman-for-indiana-governor-bid/article_b92e52fe-f02d-11ed-b473-1bd8ac33b7f4.html |
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Contact Us | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-dead-and-child-hurt-in-quadruple-shooting-in-philadelphia/3564833/ | 2023-05-11T23:28:57 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/man-dead-and-child-hurt-in-quadruple-shooting-in-philadelphia/3564833/ |
EAST CHICAGO — Concerns about lead contamination have plagued the Calumet area of East Chicago for almost four decades.
Soil tests showing dangerous levels of lead and arsenic led the city to close a nearby elementary school and demolish the West Calumet Housing Complex. In 2009, the former USS Lead site was added to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund National Priorities List.
Donald Mosely has lived on McCook Avenue since 1964. He said the land that once held the West Calumet Housing Complex "is just about in my backyard."
Over the next few months, a warehouse and logistics center will be constructed at the site. Moseley and over 800 of his neighbors have all had their properties remediated by the EPA, however some residents fear the new development could unearth more contamination.
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'Nobody knew'
Mosely remembers when much of the Superfund site was "nothing but prairie."
"As kids we used to go out there and play and have cookouts," Moseley said. telling how he and his friends even tried to make wine using wild grapes that grew on the property.
"Some people would hunt rabbits out there ... nobody knew about any contamination," he said.
When Mosely first heard about high levels of lead in the soil, he felt "very uneasy."
For decades, USS Lead, E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Co. and Atlantic Richfield Co. emitted lead and arsenic into the air. In 1985, the EPA sampled the soils surrounding the facilities and found lead levels as high as 11,000 parts per million, or ppm. The EPA recommends soil cleanup when lead levels exceed 400 ppm in areas where children play; 1,200 ppm is the federal cut-off for "non-play" areas.
The EPA has been able to excavate contaminated soil from hundreds of residential properties. In September of 2020, the EPA removed 671 properties from the Superfund National Priorities List. However, the land where the West Calumet Housing Complex was, what the EPA calls "Zone 1" remains fenced off.
Remediation
The old West Calumet Housing Complex property, land that once housed over 1,000 residents, sat quiet after a Wednesday public hearing at the nearby Carrie Gosch Elementary School. Unused basketball courts lay buried beneath a foot of tall grass, lush vines covered the metal fencing and a robin stopped to perch on a coil of barbed wire.
"It looks like it's gone back to the way it was before — prairie," Mosley said sometimes he sees deer running around on the property at night.
Recent Zone 1 soil samples showed lead levels as high as 12,000 ppm.
EPA representatives and a handful of residents gathered in the auditorium of the former Carrie Gosch school Wednesday to discuss the development of the West Calumet land. Carrie Gosch has sat vacant since 2016, when concerns about lead contamination forced the school to close just a week before the start of the academic year.
Industrial Development Advantage hopes to build a warehouse and logistics center on the West Calumet land. Steven Radel of IDA said the 850,000-square-foot facility would be a $75 million investment.
According to IDA's website, the Utah-based company specializes in remediating and developing "distressed" commercial and industrial properties. Construction on the logistics center is slated to begin in 2024. Radel said IDA plans on leasing out the building; depending on who the end user is, the project could create 400 to 900 jobs. Industrial Development Advantage is working to create a local job training program to ensure the facility employs East Chicago residents.
East Chicago Common Councilman Terence Hill represents the Third District, which encompasses the West Calumet Housing property. Hill wholeheartedly supports the logistics center and said he is "excited" to see it move forward.
Under the development plan, contractors working for IDA will remediate the site under close EPA supervision. The required soil excavation depth will be 12 inches and the lead remedial action level will be 800 ppm. Some residents have critiqued the cleanup plan, saying more remediation should be conducted.
“I am in favor of economic development for the city ... but as an environmental injustice community, the minimum is being done for this cleanup. ... We are a population that has already experienced significant challenges from existing exposure,” Maritza Lopez said during a public hearing last May.
The EPA's initial cleanup plan for the property was stricter, as the future use for the land was still residential. Under the residential cleanup plan, the soil excavation depth would have been 24 inches and the lead remedial action level would have been 400 ppm.
Radel noted much of the soil will be covered with hardscape.
During the Wednesday meeting, Thomas Alcamo, a remedial project manager for the EPA, said four air monitors will be stationed at the site during the cleanup. Alcamo also said the estimated 107,000 tons of excavated soil will be taken to a landfill in Newton County. To ensure very little dust leaves the property, contractors will use a truck cleaning station, a street sweeper and, if needed, will dampen the soil.
Cleanup work is expected to begin this July and be completed by the end of the year.
"I think I had most of my questions answered, but I still have that little bit of concern because I live so close," Mosely said after the hearing. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/east-chicago/cleanup-of-west-calumet-housing-site-to-begin-this-summer-east-chicago-moves-forward-with/article_21a32b7a-f01a-11ed-a3e0-f37b7ea26734.html | 2023-05-11T23:28:59 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/east-chicago/cleanup-of-west-calumet-housing-site-to-begin-this-summer-east-chicago-moves-forward-with/article_21a32b7a-f01a-11ed-a3e0-f37b7ea26734.html |
What to Know
- A meteorite struck a home in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, on Monday, a physics professor at The College of New Jersey confirmed.
- The object went through the roof and the ceiling of the home before hitting the hardwood floor where it came to a rest. The home was occupied at the time but no one was injured.
- On Thursday, Nate Magee, a physics professor at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in Ewing, confirmed the object was a “stony chondrite meteorite.” A school spokesperson said the meteorite weighs 2.2 pounds (984 grams) and is approximately 4.56 billion years old.
A meteorite struck a home in Hopewell Township, New Jersey, earlier this week, a physics professor at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) confirmed.
Hopewell Township Police said a metallic object struck the roof of a home on Old Washington Crossing Pennington Road on Monday around 1:15 p.m.
The object went through the roof and the ceiling of the home before hitting the hardwood floor where it came to a rest. The home was occupied at the time but no one was injured.
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Police said the object appeared to be metallic, was oblong in shape and was approximately 4" by 6" in size.
Hopewell Township Police said they contacted other agencies for assistance in positively identifying the object. They also said the incident could be related to a recent Meteor shower called the Eta Aquariids.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
On Thursday, Nate Magee, a physics professor at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) in Ewing, confirmed the object was a “stony chondrite meteorite.” His conclusion was based on visual examination, density measurements and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images as well as input from retired meteorite expert Jerry Delaney.
“It is most likely type LL-6, which means that it is lower in iron than most chondrite meteorites, and has been highly metamorphosed by intense heat even before entering the Earth’s atmosphere,” a TCNJ spokesperson wrote.
The spokesperson said the meteorite weighs 2.2 pounds (984 grams) and is approximately 4.56 billion years old.
“It’s likely to be named based on the nearest postal address, thus likely to be officially dubbed the "Titusville, NJ" meteorite,” the spokesperson wrote.
The school did not confirm whether or not the meteorite was part of the Eta Aquariids. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/meteorite-struck-nj-home-tcnj-physics-professor-confirms/3564757/ | 2023-05-11T23:29:01 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/meteorite-struck-nj-home-tcnj-physics-professor-confirms/3564757/ |
A man was killed and a child was injured in a quadruple shooting in Philadelphia early Thursday evening.
The shooting occurred along the 5900 block of North 21st Street at 5:54 p.m.
Four people, including a 7-year-old child, were shot. One male victim was pronounced dead at 6 p.m. The 7-year-old child was shot in the left thigh. Police have not yet revealed the child's condition or the conditions of the two other victims.
They also have not yet revealed if any arrests were made or information on any suspects.
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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.
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/multiple-people-injured-in-philadelphia-shooting/3564802/ | 2023-05-11T23:29:02 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/multiple-people-injured-in-philadelphia-shooting/3564802/ |
CASEVILLE, Mich. (WJRT) - Police body camera video has been released of a Taser incident involving a former NFL player and the current Caseville police chief.
The incident happened in March 2022, a few months before Debra Hopkins was named police chief of Caseville in June 2022. She had been with the department for 26 years before she was named chief.
Michigan State Police were called to investigate the incident. They forwarded their investigation of the incident to the Huron County Prosecutor's Office to review whether the incident involved excessive force.
Citing a conflict, the prosecutor sent the case to the Michigan Attorney General's Office, which received the report on June 28, 2022.
Prosecutors haven't decided whether to file any charges, but ABC12 obtained video of the incident through the Freedom of Information Act.
Huron County sheriff deputy Brandon Kadar was escorting a man out of a home on Sand Park Road just north of Caseville on the night of March 5, 2022.
Kadar was called to the house, as a complaint was made about the man's behavior. The man is Shannon Myers, a former NFL player drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1995.
Hopkins, who was an officer with the Caseville Police Department at the time, was backing up the deputy.
The video shows Myers pulling away from Kadar at times and Hopkins had her Taser pointed at Myers.
The plan was take Myers to a hotel for lodging for the night, but he was not fully cooperating.
"I am trying not to take you to jail right now, but you are not making my choice easy," Kadar said to Myers on the video.
Kadar and Hopkins continued to try to get Myers into a police car, but he wouldn't go willingly. Hopkins issued a first warning about firing the taser.
"Taser, Taser, Taser," Hopkins can be heard yelling.
She didn't fire at that point but issued the warning again about 20 seconds later.
"Get him on the ground. Let's Taser him," she told Kadar on the recording.
Again, Hopkins didn't fire the Taser and Kadar was able to get handcuffs on Myers. But Myers continued to resist getting into the police car. About 90 seconds after that second taser warning, Hopkins uses it.
"I'm done, I'm done. Taser, Taser," Hopkins said on the video.
They got Myers inside the car after he was tasered. He eventually pleaded no contest to attempted resisting and obstructing and was given a delayed sentence. There were no injuries.
Hopkins has remained on duty since the incident. About two months following the Taser incident with Myers, she was named police chief for the small Caseville department.
Hopkins did not return phone or email messages seeking comment on Thursday. The attorney general's office did not provide a timeline for when prosecutors will make a decision about charges in the case. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/body-camera-video-shows-caseville-officer-taser-former-nfl-player/article_abac08e0-f048-11ed-a885-e7a94594d7b2.html | 2023-05-11T23:31:02 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/body-camera-video-shows-caseville-officer-taser-former-nfl-player/article_abac08e0-f048-11ed-a885-e7a94594d7b2.html |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - From May 16 to 19, First United Food Pantry will represent Flint in the NASCAR Foundation 75th Anniversary Giveathon.
In a 75-hour effort, the national movement helps nonprofits raise funds that are critical to supporting their work.
The Flint faith-based pantry is looking to combat food insecurity and the lack of access to fresh foods. They have a vision to build a Garden Greenhouse with sources of fresh food for over 20,000 people they serve each year.
"We've thought about it many times: 'What would happen if we weren't here?' And there's so many families that would go without food," said Tammie Visnaw, food pantry director of First United Food Pantry.
Since 2006, the nonprofit has been on a mission to provide, fulfill and sustain families through their giving. After the pandemic, the pantry went from serving 15 families a week to serving over 600.
The pantry operates with volunteer support while depending on donations, grants and contributions from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Getting large amounts of funding is huge, as every dollar counts in everything the pantry does.
"We would like to hit $10,000. That way it would allow us to get a large greenhouse and some of the supplies along with it to maintain it and continue to keep it running," Visnaw said.
Produce from the greenhouse will supplement nonperishable goods and increase availability of fresh food.
"It gives us a little bit of extra help besides what we get from the Food Bank to feed people the fresh products, the healthy foods that people need," Visnaw said.
The operations of the pantry is just one part of the impact they look to make in the community.
"I can't stop doing what I'm doing because it's all about them and continuing to help them and giving them hope. Not just food, but the hope for the future and that somebody cares," Visnaw said. "That's our goal here."
The amount of funding they receive will determine the size of the greenhouse.
Click to find more information on First United Food Pantry and the NASCAR Foundation 75th Anniversary Giveathon. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/food-pantry-represents-flint-in-nascar-foundation-giveathon/article_a2f19326-f045-11ed-858b-539648b75b04.html | 2023-05-11T23:31:08 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/food-pantry-represents-flint-in-nascar-foundation-giveathon/article_a2f19326-f045-11ed-858b-539648b75b04.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — A surveillance operation led to the arrest of a Pleasantville man who was found in possession of a large quantity of drugs and cash, police said Thursday.
Police recovered 18 grams of cocaine, 510 bags of heroin, less than 2 grams of fentanyl, 255 oxycodone pills and more than $10,000 in cash from a car belonging to Antoyane McCall, 43, the department said in a news release.
McCall was charged with four counts each of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school. He was also charged with possession of paraphernalia used to package drugs, money laundering and operating a drug production facility. He is being held in the Atlantic County jail.
At 11:26 a.m. Monday, Detectives Christopher Dodson and Alberto Valles, along with Officers Troy Grams and Latray Butcher, were conducting surveillance in the first block of South Texas Avenue when they saw McCall holding a clear plastic bag containing suspected cocaine, police said.
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As police converged on McCall, he put the cocaine in his pocket. A search led to officers recovering cocaine and heroin, and the arrest of McCall, police said.
McCall's vehicle, which was unregistered in New Jersey, was parked in the street. Officer Adrian Nunez-Santos and his K-9 partner, Narco, who specializes in the detection of narcotics, were summoned to the scene. Narco indicated there were drugs present, and police uncovered paraphernalia used in the manufacturing or distribution of cocaine and heroin, along with additional drugs, police said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/pleasantville-man-arrested-in-atlantic-city-with-large-amount-of-drugs-cash-police-say/article_a93007c2-f036-11ed-89e9-9fa9a9ca1277.html | 2023-05-11T23:31:16 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/pleasantville-man-arrested-in-atlantic-city-with-large-amount-of-drugs-cash-police-say/article_a93007c2-f036-11ed-89e9-9fa9a9ca1277.html |
LOWER TOWNSHIP — Police are looking for a missing 15-year-old girl.
Jania A. Alex is Black, 5-foot-3, with black hair and brown eyes, police said. She was last seen on Village Road in the Villas section of the township, where she is known to hang out. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt with a white X on it, black leggings and white Adidas shoes. She may be in possession of a white and light blue book bag.
If seen, call police at 609-886-2711. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/lower-township-police-seek-missing-15-year-old/article_fdcace76-f049-11ed-a728-d31c1597135b.html | 2023-05-11T23:31:22 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/lower-township-police-seek-missing-15-year-old/article_fdcace76-f049-11ed-a728-d31c1597135b.html |
WATERLOO – Waterloo Schools announced its 2023 graduation dates for East High School, Expo Alternative Learning Center and West High School.
East High will hold its ceremony at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23 at the University of Northern Iowa McLeod Center. Expo will hold its ceremony at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 in the school's auditorium. West High will hold its ceremony at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 25 at the University of Northern Iowa McLeod Center.
Photos: 2023 Cedar Valley Top Nurses recipients at award ceremony
COURIER CELEBRATES CEDAR VALLEY'S TOP NURSES
The 2023 Cedar Valley Top Nurses recipients, front row from left, Carol Ratchford, Jake Powers, Allie Boyle, Christiara Deese, Amanda Vervaecke; back row, Tina Styron, Salem Fauser, Sarah Kutz, Danette Christensen and Andrea Burgart at the awards banquet ednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls. The Courier celebrated the Cedar Valley’s Top Nurses for the fifth consecutive year. Sponsors for the event included NewAldaya Lifescapes, Western Home Communities, MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, Cedar Valley Hospice and the Courier Media Group. See more photos at wcfcourier.com .
CHRIS ZOELLER, Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 2
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Allie Boyle of MercyOne-Waterloo Medical Center, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 3
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Andrea Burgart of Cedar Valley Hospice and Reader’s Choice winner, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, left, and Sheila Kerns, right, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 4
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Danette Christensen of Harmony Waterloo, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 5
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Christiara Deese of Care Initiatives Inc., center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 6
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Salem Fauser of Black Hawk County Health Department, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 7
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Sarah Kutz of UnityPoint-Allen Hospital, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 8
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Jake Powers of MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 9
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Carol Ratchford of MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 10
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Tina Styron of UnityPoint-Allen Hospital, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
Nurses 11
Cedar Valley top nurse recipient Amanda Vervaecke of UnityPoint Wound Clinic, center, with Courier Media's Doug Hines, right, and Sheila Kerns, left, at the awards banquet on Wednesday at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.
CHRIS ZOELLER Courier Staff Photographer
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Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/waterloo-schools-graduate-dates-announced/article_6245c7bf-2389-5e0b-8152-b1d6b23af0dd.html | 2023-05-11T23:33:07 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/waterloo-schools-graduate-dates-announced/article_6245c7bf-2389-5e0b-8152-b1d6b23af0dd.html |
City Councilors to spend $2M of COVID-19 money on downtown lighting
On Tuesday, Wichita Falls City Council members will consider allocating $2 million of the city’s COVID-19 relief money for lighting in the downtown area.
The city got $29 million from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan Act to replace revenue lost and alleviate negative economic impact incurred during the pandemic.
The money dedicated to downtown will be used to take down old trees that interfere with lighting, install phone charging stations, improve WiFi service and support art initiatives.
The city staff said the plan would reduce the amount of automobile traffic downtown, attract businesses to the area, improve walkability to grocery stores, pharmacies, public transportation, child care, and medical assistance located downtown, support more residential development there and expand downtown cultural events and festivals.
Councilors will also consider allocating another $90,790 of ARPA money for the renovation of two restrooms in the Health District building. City staff said the restrooms are not ADA compliant and are frequently out of order. The extra allocation would bring the total amount for the renovation to $264,590.
The city council adopted a general plan in June 2022 for spending the city’s ARPA money, which included funding for downtown and the Health District.
Councilors will also consider spending $127,600 for renovation of the Health District’s reception area, but this money will come from an excess fund balance rather than from ARPA.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Councilors will be asked to appoint a new fire chief to replace Ken Prillaman, who retired in March. The city got four applicants for the post and City Manager Darron Leiker chose a finalist whose name will be given to councilors prior to Tuesday’s meeting.
In other business, councilors will:
- Consider awarding $1,848,299 to Freeman Paving, LLC for the 2023 Concrete Street Rehabilitation Project, which includes work and bus stops.
- Consider applying for a grant of $13,700 from the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership.
- Consider an agreement for creation and maintenance of eligibility lists for lateral positions in the Police Department and to waive the age requirements for the lateral position. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/city-councilors-to-spend-2m-of-covid-19-money-on-downtown-lighting/70207150007/ | 2023-05-11T23:34:28 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/city-councilors-to-spend-2m-of-covid-19-money-on-downtown-lighting/70207150007/ |
Documents provide details on latest charges against Anthony Patterson
Court documents made public Thursday shed light on the latest criminal charges filed against former Wichita Falls automobile dealer Anthony Patterson.
The latest charges were three counts of Employment Harmful to Children under 14, three counts of Sexual Performance of a Child under 14 and one count of Trafficking a Child Engage/Sexual.
The Employment Harmful to Children under 14 charges claim Patterson induced two girls ages 8 and 10 at the time “to work in sexually oriented commercial activity, namely private travelling massage business, the primary business of which was the offering of service that was intended to provide sexual stimulation and/or sexual gratification to the customer.” The original charges against Patterson claimed he engaged a woman through a “sugar daddy” website and had her bring the two underaged girls to him.
The Sexual Performance of a Child relates to encouraging a child to participate in a sexual performance or engage in sexual conduct and the trafficking charge is one of four similar charges filed against Patterson since the investigation began.
Patterson was jailed on the latest charges May 8 and bonded out the following day. He was originally arrested in February 2021 and, to date, has paid $5 million to get out of jail as additional charges have been filed.
All the charges and indictments stem from incidents alleged to have happened in Patterson’s home in November and December of 2017. Patterson is alleged to have asked a Vernon woman to bring two of her underaged relatives to his home in Wichita Falls for sex purposes.
New indictments came about after a prosecutor and investigator interviewed the two girls in April and learned of previously undisclosed sexual activity. Since then, Patterson has been in and out of jail twice. His trial was due to start this month, but his Dallas-based attorneys have asked for more time to prepare in light of new charges.
Seventy-eighth District Court Judge Meredith Kennedy rescheduled the trial for October. Most of the charges against Patterson carry the possibility of life in prison if he’s convicted. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/documents-provide-details-on-latest-charges-against-anthony-patterson/70208186007/ | 2023-05-11T23:34:29 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/documents-provide-details-on-latest-charges-against-anthony-patterson/70208186007/ |
Group to present plan to save the WF Railroad Museum
Some local residents have a plan to restore the former Wichita Falls Railroad Museum and want to make their case to the City Council Tuesday.
The now-defunct museum left vintage railroad cars sitting on city-owned property at the tracks in downtown Wichita Falls. After it was abandoned in 2020 by the nonprofit that operated it, the Museum of North Texas History inventoried the contents and has proposed taking possession of the smaller artifacts.
City Councilor Steve Jackson said people approached him about restoring the site, so the council delayed a decision.
Since that time a group formed and has held a couple of meetings. Jackson said the group wants to present a business plan to council members.
Alyssa Johnston is president of the group. She said the members are considering options for nonprofit status and looking into whether the previous nonprofit left behind any debt. She said the group has ideas for special events at the museum and ways to connect with the community through partnering with downtown businesses and organizations.
“We want to preserve what’s there and make it functional for people to come visit. That’s the main goal,” Johnston said.
The city staff has recommended selling about two thirds of the old railroad cars in order to maintain the remaining ones on public display.
“I don’t want that to happen,” Johnston said.
She does not object to the Museum of North Texas History taking the smaller items.
“They did a lot of work and they deserve the credit and recognition for getting in there and doing that when it was dumped on the city,” she said. “It would be my hope that if the city does allow us to operate again that we would be able to work with them to figure something out. We would prefer them to be at the railroad museum.”
She said the project would take a lot of fundraising and grant writing.
“Initially we would rely on volunteers to come out. You’ve got to reach out to the Eagle Scouts and the Airmen to help do some cleaning and do things that need to be done on a regular basis,” she said.
The Museum of North Texas History, also located downtown, proposed taking possession of dozens of smaller items that range from train whistles to spittoons while the city would determine the fate of the cars and engines.
The item is back on the agenda Tuesday with the city staff recommending the small artifacts be given to the Museum of North Texas History. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/group-to-present-plan-to-save-the-wf-railroad-museum/70209035007/ | 2023-05-11T23:34:30 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/group-to-present-plan-to-save-the-wf-railroad-museum/70209035007/ |
Kemp Sculpture Garden Exhibit Opening
The 19th Annual Sculpture Garden Exhibit and Artist Reception will be 6:30-8 p.m. Saturday, May 13, on the grounds of the downtown Kemp Center for the Arts. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Chad Plunket, director of the Charles Adams Studio Project in Lubbock TX, juried the exhibit, said Kristine Thueson, ACWF Programming Coordinator.
Nine of the 10 sculptors, whose work was selected for the new exhibit, should be present at the Kemp Saturday evening, according to Thueson, along with Plunket and new Preparator, area sculptor B.C. Gilbert.
The 2023-24 exhibit features 10 new pieces that will be added to the 11 permanent sculptures on the Kemp grounds. The new pieces will be on exhibit until May 2024, when next year’s exhibit will be installed.
The new exhibit include works by Ellis Barber – Waco, TX; Danville Chadbourne – San Antonio, TX; BC Gilbert – Wichita Falls; Chad Hines – Temple, TX; Suguru Hiraide – Wichita Falls; Dewane Hughes – Troup, TX; and Jim Robertson – Trinity, TX. The event is open to anyone in continental North America, she said.
Other new sculptures are by Steven Buduo – Saint Louis MO; Jenn Peek – Norman OK; the late Seward Johnson – Hamilton NJ.
The Saturday event will feature live music by members of the Wichita Christian School Drum Band, as well as complimentary appetizers and beverages. Awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be presented Saturday night. The Kemp Center galleries are open during the reception.
“We use a different juror each year,” said Thueson. “This show has a broader range of styles than in past years. It’s an extreme combination of abstract and figurative pieces.”
Plunket was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, and has in lived in Alabama, Tennessee, and Newcastle, England, before moving to Lubbock.
A working sculptor, he was referred to Thueson by recently retired Preparator Joe Barrington. Area sculptor B.C. Gilbert will take over Barrington’s former duties of installing the outdoor sculpture exhibits.
Plunket juried the outdoor exhibit by examining images of 80 sculptures from across the country. “He is familiar with the (Kemp) space visiting this past summer,” Thueson said, “so he can make better informed decisions on what can fit in the space (garden).” The jurist will be there Friday for the installation and Saturday evening for the reception.
In curating the exhibit, Plunket said “I was really just looking for quality work. I certainly don’t want to curate something in and then have it fall apart four months later. On a personal level, I enjoy work that has a sense of humor to it. I think sometimes we think that art has to be such a serious endeavor. There are some pieces that have some whimsey going on with it.
‘It’s also work that changes once when you get closer to it and then move around,” he said. “I like work that maybe continues to surprise me or inform itself to me as I get closer or circle around it.”
Plunket said people should take the opportunity to meet the sculptors and ask them questions about their work and to learn more about the medium. For those who will be unable to attend the opening, the Sculpture Garden exhibit will be available to view anytime during regular Kemp hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
What to know if you go
When: The Artist Reception is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sat., May 13. The outdoor exhibit is available to view when the Kemp Center is open.
Where: Kemp Center for the Arts, 1300 Lamar
Admission: Free and open to the public. Information at (940) 766-3347 or www.artscouncilwf.org. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/kemp-sculpture-garden-exhibit-opening/70204976007/ | 2023-05-11T23:34:30 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/05/11/kemp-sculpture-garden-exhibit-opening/70204976007/ |
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — Pennsylvania State Police in Chambersburg are searching for a missing Franklin County man.
Evan Michael Small, 19, from Fannettsburg was last seen at his home in the area of the 18100 block of Fannettsburg Road W., Metal Township in Franklin County on May 8 at 5 p.m.
According to police, he was last seen wearing a dark t-shirt, a gray fleece-lined hoodie, jeans and boots. There is no vehicle believed to be associated with Small.
He is 5'10" with red or auburn hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information regarding Small's location has been asked to contact PSP Chambersburg at 717-264-5161. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/pennsylvania-state-police-searching-missing-franklin-county-man/521-49bfffcc-0f44-4b2e-b207-80a2ce4b2606 | 2023-05-11T23:35:38 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/pennsylvania-state-police-searching-missing-franklin-county-man/521-49bfffcc-0f44-4b2e-b207-80a2ce4b2606 |
BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) — Police continue to investigate the discovery of a human fetus that was found Wednesday in the Booneville sewer system.
The fetus was found in a lift system at the water treatment plant. WTVA was told Wednesday afternoon the fetus was found in a small lake off Veterans Drive but police clarified it was found at the plant.
Workers found the fetus in the water while conducting a routine check at approximately 7:30 a.m.
Booneville Police Chief Michael Ramey described the size of the fetus.
“You probably couldn't hold it with one hand but you could hold it with both your hands,” he said. “But it is probably big enough you couldn't hold it in one hand.”
The coroner’s office is transporting the fetus to Jackson for DNA testing.
“We hope that maybe someone will come forward that can enlighten us on all this,” Ramey said. “It's really a bad situation. But, the main thing is we are trying to determine who this fetus belongs to.”
Police are still trying to determine how the fetus made its way through the sewer system.
Ramey said it's too early to discuss possible criminal charges. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/booneville-police-continue-to-seek-answers-after-fetus-was-found-in-sewer-system/article_f3ad13bc-f040-11ed-ac5a-d73b80f62bf1.html | 2023-05-11T23:36:48 | 1 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/booneville-police-continue-to-seek-answers-after-fetus-was-found-in-sewer-system/article_f3ad13bc-f040-11ed-ac5a-d73b80f62bf1.html |
STARKVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) — Weather forced Mississippi State to move its Friday morning graduation ceremony to 10 a.m.
The ceremony was originally scheduled to take place at Davis Wade Stadium at 8:30.
MSU has made no changes to the 6:30 p.m. ceremony.
Usually, inclement weather is not a major factor. Graduation ceremonies are usually held inside the basketball arena.
However, renovations to the basketball arena forced the school to move the ceremony outdoors. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/msu-moves-friday-morning-graduation-to-10-00/article_59e9de8c-f044-11ed-a863-fb2e4f4e1663.html | 2023-05-11T23:36:54 | 1 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/msu-moves-friday-morning-graduation-to-10-00/article_59e9de8c-f044-11ed-a863-fb2e4f4e1663.html |
SHANNON, Miss. (WTVA) — Raybern's employees in Shannon put together a barbecue fundraiser for a good cause.
The event was held on Thursday but only for employees.
The money collected will go toward repairs at The Way Academy in Tupelo.
A fire severely damaged the daycare in February.
No one was injured but children and staff haven’t been able to return to the building since.
The children of some Raybern's employees attended the daycare.
The company will also be donating money separately from Thursday’s event. They’ll present the donations later this month. | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/rayberns-employees-raise-money-for-daycare-repairs/article_d706f122-f047-11ed-bacb-1346fb4d63e1.html | 2023-05-11T23:37:00 | 0 | https://www.wtva.com/news/local/rayberns-employees-raise-money-for-daycare-repairs/article_d706f122-f047-11ed-bacb-1346fb4d63e1.html |
AUGUSTA -- Consumers for Affordable Health Care took to the State House Thursday to share sobering statistics on health care affordability statewide.
They say they're concerned with how the rise in health care costs is hurting Mainers.
"One-in-four have cut pills in half, skipped doses of medication or delayed or did not fill a prescription because they couldn't afford it. 83% of those contacted report that it was due to a hospital bill," said Ann Woloson, executive director for Consumers for Affordable Healthcare.
Concerns over health care affordability prompted Senate President Troy Jackson to sponsor L.D. 1795.
Should this become law, the legislation would prohibit health care providers from charging, billing, or collecting a facility fee in certain situations such as emergency hospital visits.
"We have a lot of people go to the health care facility for good reason and afterwards get hit with a huge bill. Cost of care is driving people into the poor house," said Jackson.
Maine Association of Health Plan executive director Dan Demeritt supports the bill, saying it would help Mainers understand better what they're paying upfront.
"L.D. 1795 will create a limitations on the use of facility fees and bring transparency and accountability to a billing practice that strikes many consumers and advocates as underhanded," says Demeritt.
Maine Hospital Association representative Jeffery Austin opposes the bill, saying this has nothing to do with transparency.
"This Legislation would prohibit us from collecting our operational costs for a number of services. That immediately puts in jeopardy every service covered by this bill. We need to be able to bill for our services," said Austin.
The bill is in the early stages. It will be taken up in a workshop session with the the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services committee within the next couple of weeks. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/proposed-bill-to-fight-health-care-crisis/article_9d787210-f046-11ed-9ade-f3a6e0b7eaee.html | 2023-05-11T23:39:38 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/proposed-bill-to-fight-health-care-crisis/article_9d787210-f046-11ed-9ade-f3a6e0b7eaee.html |
PINE ISLAND, Fla. – A partnership between the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Fort Myers Mural Society is bringing life through art to the areas affected by Hurricane Ian.
The first mural was unveiled on Thursday on Pine Island. It features two interactive elements for those wanting to take photos to post on social media. The first is a bench made to look like a swing through the Mangroves.
The second is a pelican with a fish in its mouth. Pretend to feed the Pelican for a perfect Instagram photo.
“The mural is an amazing representation of Pine Island and its culture,” says Shari Shifrin of the Fort Myers Mural Society.
The mural is located on the north side of the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant on Pine Island. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/11/new-mural-unveiled-on-pine-island/ | 2023-05-11T23:46:42 | 1 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/11/new-mural-unveiled-on-pine-island/ |
BOISE, Idaho — Boise Mayor Lauren McLean says a third-party investigation into Boise Police will be unveiled on Tuesday at Boise City Council.
"Just today, we actually confirmed with the independent investigator that he will be zooming into the city council work session on Tuesday to present and what he's done and what he's found,” Mayor Mclean told KTVB Thursday.
Boise agreed to a $500,000 budget for an investigation into a now former BPD police captain to determine if racism impacted work or any practices within the Boise Police Department and the city. The investigation is from a third-party, nobody in the City of Boise has seen the report yet. McLean said independent investigation is crucial to the process.
“To me, it's important to bring somebody in that had no ties to the community. They had experience and doing interviews like this to then share with the community, the council and myself and the results of what they found,” McLean said.
So, what should Boise expect from the report and the presentation from the investigator, Steptoe & Johnson attorney Michael Bromwich.
“The public should expect to hear a rundown of what he's done. To hear a rundown of what he learned. And then I would expect, because we've said we're going to move on and have the department take a look at this, too, hear as well what more could be done if we were to choose to spend a lot more money or better than that have with the council and the chief and decide how the city proceeds, if there's anything else we need to look at,” Mclean said.
The report will not be a simple declaration on Boise Police, it’s an in-depth and complicated process.
“I would say that, like everything in Boise, there's always more than, you know, this or this,” Mclean said. “We're a community of folks that care deeply about each other, that are committed to remaining safe, to holding folks accountable to it, providing service to residents of Boise. And in all of those situations, you find nuance.”
The investigation, which again is tallied at $500,000, has drawn questions about the cost. McLean explains her perspective on the value in that investment.
“I would say what's the value of making sure that we're doing everything we can. The Boise Police Department is doing everything it can to keep our community safe, to hold everyone accountable, and to make sure that we're serving Boiseans in the best possible way,” McLean said.
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/local-third-party-investigation-into-boise-police-to-be-unveiled-tuesday/277-f73e146f-7c0a-46bb-9548-96caf6fa4a00 | 2023-05-11T23:49:37 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/local-third-party-investigation-into-boise-police-to-be-unveiled-tuesday/277-f73e146f-7c0a-46bb-9548-96caf6fa4a00 |
RICHMOND, Ind. — Twisted metal, piles of bricks and burnt plastic now sit in the spot of the former My Way Trading Warehouse in Richmond. One month ago, it caught fire, burning plastic and sending toxic smoke into the air.
The City of Richmond says there's a lot of work to be done and residents and business owners agree, but they're adjusting to back into normal life after a chaotic month.
The city says the cleanup process will begin May 15, starting with a sampling of debris from the EPA. Next, they say they will develop a plan to remove the materials.
Jenny Tinkle works across the street from the warehouse. April 11 is a day she will never forget.
"We had a customer walk in and I was helping him at the counter," she said. "He had been there a couple of minutes and finally he said, 'Did you know the building down the street is on fire?' We weren't aware of it, so that's when we found out it was on fire and we knew it was going to be a big one when we saw that."
What came in the days and weeks afterwards, Tinkle can only describe one way.
"It was a little bit chaotic," she said. "Our parking lot was full of emergency responders. We had the sheriff's office, the EPA, firefighters, the health department."
Less than a mile away, Sandy Carpenter told 13News she remembers April 11 starting out pleasant.
"I was sitting outside, working. It was a pretty day," said Carpenter. "I heard a neighbor say, 'Oh my god.'"
She's lived in her home, less than a mile from the warehouse fire, home for more than 40 years.
"Smoke. Billows and billows and billows," said Carpenter.
One thing that's stuck with residents is a new appreciation for first responders.
"I don't know how they did it, but they were able to keep a lot of homes and businesses free from the fire," said Tinkle. "I'm thankful for all of them." | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/city-of-richmond-outlines-cleanup-plan-one-month-after-warehouse-caught-fire-recycling/531-db0013fc-eece-4e82-83bc-76ab2f0acded | 2023-05-11T23:49:52 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/city-of-richmond-outlines-cleanup-plan-one-month-after-warehouse-caught-fire-recycling/531-db0013fc-eece-4e82-83bc-76ab2f0acded |
INDIANAPOLIS — After sitting vacant for years, the old Broad Ripple Kroger is officially being torn down to make way for a new mixed-use development.
The lot sits on Guilford Avenue, just off Broad Ripple Avenue.
Local developers Milhaus, Gershman Partners and Citimark broke ground on the project Thursday. The $70 million development is called “Versa” and will have 233 apartment units and 3,600 square feet of ground-floor retail space with an outdoor patio.
“Developing a new community in Broad Ripple Village was an obvious choice for Milhaus as soon as Gershman and Citimark approached us about the project. The village embodies so many of our key values, bringing walkability and an urban feel to residents, showcasing local artists and elevating the local community,” said Brad Vogelsmeier, Milhaus vice president of development.
Currently, there are several other high rises in the area, but the Broad Ripple Village Association said there’s still a lot of demand.
“Most of them are at max or close to max capacity, so there is, despite what people might believe, there’s a desire to still be here,” said Jordan Dillon, the executive director of BRVA.
Many also hope the development will make the area safer, with one less vacant lot.
“It naturally promotes safer streets at all times and all hours of the day,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett.
“The more development and the more use of empty space that we can put in the village, the more quickly we are able to meet our mission of having a very safe and vibrant village and community,” Dillon said.
Others are concerned the identity of the village is changing with large developers coming in.
“It’s probably like 1,200 bucks to live there,” said Jonathon Hall.
“The neighborhood people are getting pushed out,” said Maia Blazek.
The village association believes it can do both.
“We can be funky and we can be sleek at the same time. We can have larger buildings and still have our smaller businesses and bungalow homes in the area,” Dillon said.
With more people moving in, businesses are also excited about new customers.
“Excited that the lot is going to be turned into something. It was a parking lot for a while and now it’s just vacant and a waste of space in a town and place where there’s not much space to be had in the first place,” said Julian Orem, general manager of Ripple Bagel & Deli. “We will have more business opportunities coming to town and bringing more people to be part of the community.”
Demolition is underway, with construction starting soon. It's expected to conclude in 2024.
Broad Ripple Avenue is also undergoing a $271 million improvement project to help with infrastructure and beautification. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/mixed-use-development-replacing-vacant-broad-ripple-kroger-store/531-33ff6637-f588-4bfe-abab-4f06640cfadc | 2023-05-11T23:49:58 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/mixed-use-development-replacing-vacant-broad-ripple-kroger-store/531-33ff6637-f588-4bfe-abab-4f06640cfadc |
FORT MYERS, Fla. — A boat burst into flames in the backyard of a Fort Myers home on Thursday afternoon.
According to the Iona McGregor Fire District, firefighters were able to extinguish the flames by an empty home near McGregor Blvd. and Whiskey Creek.
The boat was approximately 16 feet long and there wasn’t much left of it, Iona McGregor Fire said. Nobody was injured and the home was not damaged.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Count on NBC2 to bring you the latest developments on this story. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/11/boat-catches-fire-near-fort-myers-home/amp/ | 2023-05-11T23:50:51 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/05/11/boat-catches-fire-near-fort-myers-home/amp/ |
Two Arizona chihuahuas win big at Westminster
Kye Graves
Arizona Republic
Two Arizona chihuahuas from the same local dog club won big at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday.
Hotrod and Cidney, both members of the Chihuahua Club of Greater Phoenix, took New York by storm, winning the Long Coat Chihuahua Best of Variety and Smooth Coat Best of Variety, respectively.
For 9.5-year-old Hotrod, it was his second Best of Variety win. He last took the crown back in 2017.
"Two big winners from the same club is an amazing testament to the care in breeding, training and development of these beautiful dogs. All in our club are so proud of our winners and recognize the dedication it takes to bring their dogs to this point," said Chihuahua Club of Greater Phoenix President Kathy Wigal. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/05/11/arizona-chihuahuas-win-at-westminster-dog-show/70209197007/ | 2023-05-11T23:52:12 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2023/05/11/arizona-chihuahuas-win-at-westminster-dog-show/70209197007/ |
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