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PORTLAND, Ore. — A federally mandated count of the Portland metro area's homeless population was released Wednesday for the first time since 2019 after being postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Point-in-Time (PIT) survey counted 6,633 people living without a home in all three counties on the night of Jan. 26, 2022 — 5,228 in Multnomah County, 808 in Washington County and 597 in Clackamas County, according to the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS).
Multnomah County
Multnomah County saw an increase of more than 1,000 people compared to its last PIT count in 2019. Of the 5,228 homeless people counted in Multnomah County, 3,057 were unsheltered, 1,485 in shelter and 686 in transitional housing.
The number was lower than anticipated due to limiting factors for the people who conducted the survey.
"Teams were unexpectedly forced to quarantine or were faced with lost staff the week of the Count," the JOHS said in a news release.
The count highlighted the disproportionate rates of homelessness among people of color. In Multnomah County, people of color made up 40% of everyone counted.
To address the housing crisis in Multnomah County, JOHS is requesting funds for more than 2,000 shelter beds. That coupled with "COVID-related shelters" and federal funding for Safe Rest Villages would increase the number of beds to nearly 2,700, almost double what was available before the pandemic.
Washington County
Washington County was able to complete a PIT survey in 2021 and counted 716 people living without a home. This year, the number jumped to 808 people.
While the total number increased in Washington County, the number of unsheltered people — those living outside — dropped significantly.
In 2021, there were 269 people living in shelters in Washington County. This year, that number nearly doubled to 496 people.
"This is due to increased access and availability of shelter options in Washington County with new bridge shelter locations and new and extended winter shelter options," the JOHS said.
Clackamas County
In Clackamas County, surveyors found that of the 597 homeless people counted, 327 were unsheltered, 241 were in shelter and 85 were in transitional housing.
The data collection was limited compared to previous PIT counts because of "COVID-19 outbreaks and the implementation of necessary safety measures amongst outreach teams and at collection sites."
Despite the limitations, JOHS said the data gives valuable insights on the scale of the housing crisis in the county and which areas should be prioritized.
Clackamas County Chair Tootie Smith said the county's supportive housing services team is making strong progress toward its first-year goals to provide outreach, case management and permanent housing for people in need.
"This work, coupled with the Board of County Commissioners’ goal to develop 1,500 affordable housing units, puts the county on track to make a significant difference for all members of our community," she said.
The bigger picture
The impact of COVID-19 on homelessness in the Portland area continues to post serious challenges.
During the pandemic, Portland has seen some of the fastest hikes in home prices and rents in the U.S. A recent survey by Redfin found that rents in Portland have climbed roughly 40% since March 2021, the JOHS said.
A significant number of people in the metro area are experiencing chronic homelessness, meaning they have at least one disabling condition — a mental health condition, addiction disorder, chronic illness or physical disability — and have been homeless for at least a year.
Overall, the three counties tallied 3,674 people who met that definition.
In May 2020, voters approved the $2.4 billion Supportive Housing Services Measure to help tackle chronic homelessness throughout the tri-counties. The finding from that measure became available in July 2021.
Since then, Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties have invested in hundreds of shelter beds as well as street outreach teams and supportive housing placements.
Local governments have also invested substantial federal relief funds into rent assistance programs while also using the funds to increase shelter and hygiene services through programs like the Safe Rest Villages and others.
The results of the PIT survey will be reported to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and a full report on the survey will released this summer.
This year was the first time the metro area's three counties jointly released their PIT count results. It's also the first overall snapshot of the housing crisis since the start of the pandemic, which was found to be a major contributor to the housing crisis over the past couple years.
Due to the dynamic nature of homelessness, and the fact it's impossible to count every person experiencing homelessness in the region, JOHS underlined that the one-night PIT count is only meant to be a snapshot of the problem to help address areas of need.
The next PIT count is scheduled for 2023.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/portland-point-in-time-count-2022/283-23908a65-a619-4373-92bf-f01907ad1ad8
| 2022-05-04T22:48:42
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/homeless/portland-point-in-time-count-2022/283-23908a65-a619-4373-92bf-f01907ad1ad8
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler held a news conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss his proposed city budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year, which begins July 1.
The mayor’s office said it will release the full proposed budget document on Thursday at the start of a planned budget work session, but a draft version details a $6.7 billion budget that aims for three core priorities that the city has emphasized for the past year: homelessness, community safety and economic recovery.
The general fund discretionary budget in the proposal is $621.6 million. The budget also incorporates $104 million in additional American Rescue Plan Act dollars and $1.9 million in recreational cannabis tax revenue.
In the homelessness category, the two big budget items are $36.2 million to fund two years of operations for the six planned Safe Rest Villages plus two “C3PO” (Creating Conscious Communities with People Outside) villages, and $32.8 million for the Joint Office of Homelessness Services base budget.
The budget also has some set-asides for specific Joint Office programs, including $8.26 million for motel shelters and $7.5 million to continue priority services that were previously funded by an allocation in last year’s fall budget adjustment.
On the housing side, the budget proposes $5.8 million for land banking for affordable housing, $5.2 million to preserve currently affordable units that are set to expire and $3.5 million for the Broadway Corridor project to use on demolition work to prepare sites for affordable housing.
In community safety, the budget includes $2.9 million to expand 311 operations to 24-hours-a-day, $13 million for gun violence prevention, the bulk of which would go to the Office of Violence Prevention, $11.5 million for Portland Street Response to scale up to 24-hours-a-day operations, $3.9 million for body-worn police cameras, $3.9 million to bring on more unarmed Public Safety Support Specialists and $1.6 million for PPB efforts to deter car theft.
On economic recovery, the budget doles out a total of about $23 million to more than a dozen business groups or specific industries as well as some broader economic development initiatives, including $1.5 million to establish a Citywide Events Office and $1.3 million to streamline Portland’s development permitting system.
The budget also assigns about $21 million to a range of products under a “livability” umbrella such as $2.2 million for graffiti cleanup, $9.2 million to repair the Mt. Scott Community Center and continue redevelopment of O’Bryant Square and $4.7 million to repave Southeast Division Street.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-mayor-2022-23-budget/283-f7526029-9190-479c-953b-27301af3e6df
| 2022-05-04T22:48:48
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-mayor-2022-23-budget/283-f7526029-9190-479c-953b-27301af3e6df
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As I write this article, the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial is still going on. The trial is being televised on whatever Court TV channel there is now. Once upon a time, if a trial were televised it comprised a celebrity murder like O.J. and Nicole or maybe some type of serial murderer. As with most things, eventually the new wears off, expectations are diminished, and I guess we are left with a trial where Depp accuses his ex-wife of defamation.
Now let me say, as far as defamation trials go, this one is certainly more entertaining than most. I’ve not seen nearly all of the trial nor have I even seen all the highlights, but I can tell this one is, using good old Southern slang, a real “humdinger.”
Johnny says after an argument Amber pooped on his side of the bed. I’m not sure how everyone else feels about this event, but as for me, that’s pretty much a deal breaker. I can tolerate a lot of things. I understand at times folks make mistakes. I know married folks in anger can say awful things they do not mean. Forgiveness is an important component of marriage. But, I draw the line on forgiving intentional bowel movements in the bed, especially on my side. I wasn’t too crazy about that type thing when the kids were little babies and slipped up, but ... well, you get the picture.
On the other side, Johnny admits to doing pretty much any drug somebody would hand him and saying things like he’d like to cut Amber up into little pieces. And that’s one of the milder things he had to say. Johnny claims Amber’s insinuating he abused her during the marriage cost him his Jack Sparrow character, and he complained he should have been able to give Jack an appropriate send-off instead of the series just ending abruptly. I suspect he hated it ended because he got paid about $30 million for each movie, but it could be he just felt bad about the character’s end.
In reality, I thought, “Boy, what if each divorced couple, regular old Susie and Joe, later sued the other for slander.” We could fill the courthouse with how Susie called Joe’s mama a dirt-road whore and Joe said Susie was slinging it out both pants legs. We could argue all day long about Susie saying Joe had the morals of an alley cat but without the selection ability. I once had a wife in a divorce trial who was opposite my side, say when asked, after running the man in the ground for 30 straight minutes, could she sum him up in the marriage? She said, “Yes, if he had been my dog I would have shot him. “
Another time I watched a man being cross-examined about his wife. The other lawyer said, “Well, certainly she had some good qualities. Was she a good cook?” “No, worst cook I ever saw,” was the reply. “Well, did she at least keep house well?” “Nope house was a pig sty the entire marriage.” “How about your love life?” “Terrible, I’d rather do without.” On and on it went. Finally the lawyer said, “Well, surely, Mr. So-and-So, you can say something good about your wife.” And he replied, “Yeah, good riddance.”
I kinda feel maybe Johnny should have just said good riddance as well. Once the dirt starts getting turned, it is hard to stop the plowing. All I can say is I would tell any man, “Don’t date Amber, and if you do, check your pillow before you lay down.” As for Johnny, well you know what you are getting there.
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https://www.albanyherald.com/local/t-gamble-following-the-sleaze-of-the-johnny-depp-amber-heard-trial/article_3633f6a4-cbbe-11ec-a7de-87052694182b.html
| 2022-05-04T22:56:33
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https://www.albanyherald.com/local/t-gamble-following-the-sleaze-of-the-johnny-depp-amber-heard-trial/article_3633f6a4-cbbe-11ec-a7de-87052694182b.html
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North Kingstown places 2 more school employees on leave
NORTH KINGSTOWN — The interim superintendent placed two more School Department employees on administrative leave Wednesday, just days after suspending a teacher whose alleged “stalking” of a middle school student a few years ago is now the subject of a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
It wasn’t immediately unclear what, if any, connection exists between the announced suspensions.
In a news release, interim Supt. Michael Waterman said only that “recently, we have received new information from members of our school community about current North Kingstown School District employees. I take each and every concern very seriously. In an effort to be transparent with our school community, we have shared that I have placed three NKSD employees on administrative leave and have begun investigations into the allegations received.”
More from Friday:North Kingstown teacher placed on leave after complaint of student harassment
Waterman said “when the investigations are complete I will report the findings of those investigations to the school committee and the North Kingstown school community at large.”
Until then, Waterman said, “out of respect for the privacy of those involved and the nature of these personnel matters, no additional details will be immediately available."
The new suspensions involve a school administrator and another coach, The Journal confirmed Wednesday.
What happened Friday
Late Friday night, Waterman announced he was placing an unnamed teacher who once served as a middle school coach on administrative leave and asking the School Department’s independent investigator to open a new investigation into the allegations raised against him in 2017 – and how school administrators handled those allegations.
Waterman’s action came a day after lawyer Timothy Conlon filed a complaint with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on behalf of the parents of a former middle school girl.
At Scituate High:Football coach resigns amid questions about money from fundraiser
The parents allege that they complained to multiple school officials about the coach’s fixation and “stalking” of their daughter, starting in 2017 when she was 11, and continuing for the next two years.
According to the complaint, the coach was removed from his position in 2019 only after the parents threatened to seek a restraining order against him. But he stayed on as a teacher.
The parents contend that the school's response to their concerns amounted to "deliberate indifference" to federal Title IX obligations to protect students.
'Obvious overlaps' with 'fat testing' case
In the complaint, Conlon said there were “obvious overlaps” between the case of the middle school coach and the case of former high school boys basketball coach Aaron Thomas, which the U.S. Attorney’s Office is investigating as a potential civil rights violation.
Conlon represents several former athletes who stepped forward last year to say Thomas conducted “fat testing” on them while they were naked and alone with him.
An investigation by the School Committee’s independent investigator, lawyer Matthew Oliverio, found that Thomas had evaded scrutiny for years because of school administrators’ “blind allegiance” to him.
Thomas, who resigned last year as the School Committee prepared to fire him, has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crime
Email Tom Mooney at: tmooney@providencejournal.com
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https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/05/04/more-north-kingstown-high-school-employees-leave/9648809002/
| 2022-05-04T23:04:13
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https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/05/04/more-north-kingstown-high-school-employees-leave/9648809002/
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Al Jameison welcomed all the attention Wednesday, but was -- he said -- a bit surprised.
"I said, 'gee whiz.' I didn’t think I’d reach an age like that," he said.
That's because the East Harlem native turned 100 Wednesday. The milestone prompted a party at a Long Island assisted living facility Jameison now calls home.
"He’s been through a lot, he’s seen a lot," Timothy said.
Jameison’s only son describes his dad an old school tough New Yorker, a member of the Army's Military Police in World War II who was still driving and living on his own until about four years ago
"I think his secret was respect, admiration for all people and he learned tolerance," Timothy said.
Tolerance, Jameison says, was vital in his complicated world.
News
His Army unit was segregated and, later, after his wife and son moved to St. Albans Jameison faced similar challenges in his career as a commercial artist and union organizer.
"I got a lot of opposition," he said. "Plenty of opposition but I managed to climb that mountain and get through."
Jameison created logos for ad agencies, worked for the predecessor of Marvel Comics and later taught art to high school students -- all while caring for a wife who died after a battle with multiple sclerosis.
"I wouldn’t say I was exceptional but I wouldn’t accept failure. I wouldn’t accept that," he said.
On a day when he reflected back on his century of living, Jameison delivered a simple message: don’t let life’s disappointments knock you off course.
"Go ahead and face them and keep moving, and I think in the end you win out," he said.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/wwii-veteran-and-nyc-native-celebrates-100th-birthday/3674390/
| 2022-05-04T23:13:12
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/wwii-veteran-and-nyc-native-celebrates-100th-birthday/3674390/
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We’ve got a Weather Aware in place for the potential for severe storms Thursday night and Friday ahead of a cold front. Most of the day Thursday will be dry and hot, with highs approaching 90° in the afternoon. Thursday night, a line of storms will move in from Mississippi, and some of those storms could be strong to severe in West Alabama from around 8 pm to 1 am. Storms should weaken a bit as they push east.
We may see a bit of a lull in the storms through the first half of the day Friday, but additional storms could develop as we head into Friday afternoon. If those storms develop, and if the atmosphere has recovered from any overnight and early morning storms, additional storms in the afternoon could become severe, capable of large hail and damaging winds. These storms would be similar to some of our stronger summertime thunderstorms, capable of wind gusts as high as 70 mph and ping-pong ball size hail.
It’s not a given these storms will form exactly the way models are projecting right now, but because of that possibility, a Weather Aware is in place for Friday afternoon.
Storms that develop would push east through the afternoon and evening, and would begin to dissipate and weaken around 6 pm. Behind these storms, cooler and drier air pushes in to kick off the weekend.
Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:
Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Ashley Gann, Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes and Meteorologist Alex Puckett
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/weather-aware-for-storms-thursday-night-and-friday/
| 2022-05-04T23:38:14
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/weather-aware-for-storms-thursday-night-and-friday/
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The Oregon Coast Music Association has arranged for live music to accompany visitors to the Coos Art Museum during Wine Walk on May 6.
OCMA Festival Orchestra string musicians Sharon Eng and Shelley Mathewson will play an array of music on violin and viola for the event. The Portland based musicians are dedicated educators and performers with international recognition. Both are members of the OCMA Festival Orchestra, and Mathewson serves as principal viola and president of the OCMA Orchestra Committee. Representatives from OCMA will be available to discuss additional musical events especially the event planned for Sunday afternoon, May 8, at SWOCC. This event features the Aaron Johnson Jazz Trio at 2 p.m. on Mother’s Day afternoon. Also available will be information about events in the July Festival that runs July 16 through July 30.
The Madrona Viola Duo will be preforming in the Maggie Karl Gallery of Coos Art Museum. On exhibit will be Expressions West - 47 artists from 13 Western states that runs through June 25. This unique art exhibition mixes emerging and established artists from the regional Western United States.
“There is always something unexpected in this exhibit, which showcases the diversity of the Western States through a variety of media. Having the addition of live music from OCMA caliber musicians will make this an evening not to be missed,” said Toni Inman, exhibition manager.
The museum and OCMA plan additional live musical accompaniment during wine walk events for future months to enhance arts appreciation.
Offices for the Oregon Coast Music Association are located on the second floor of the Coos Art Museum Building, 235 Anderson Ave. in Coos Bay.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/madrona-viola-duo-provides-music-for-visitors-at-wine-walk-coos-art-museum-on-may/article_c9d7f90c-ca45-11ec-9db0-2bf065fd4165.html
| 2022-05-04T23:38:22
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/madrona-viola-duo-provides-music-for-visitors-at-wine-walk-coos-art-museum-on-may/article_c9d7f90c-ca45-11ec-9db0-2bf065fd4165.html
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April 10, 1960 – April 3, 2022
Wesley “Wes” Hill died on April 3, 2022 at his home in Coos Bay, Oregon. Wes was born in Okeene, Oklahoma on April 10, 1960 to George and Mary (Dodson) Hill. He and his brothers were born into the wheat and cattle business and developed a strong work ethic as a result.
Wes graduated from Okeene High in 1977. In 1993 he graduated with a Bachelors in Geology from Phillips University. He moved to the southern Oregon coast in 2003 and found his forever home. Wes was a hydrologist and helped many individuals and businesses over his career with his expertise and common sense approach. He began playing guitar in his early teens and continued playing until he was diagnosed with glioblastoma in autumn of 2021. He was passionate about the music he loved and became a gifted instrumentalist. Playing in bands from New Jersey to California, including the famous Monterey Bay Blues Festival with the band, Sweet Misery in 1991.
Wes is survived by his 3 sons, Ryan Hill of Oklahoma City, OK, Aaron Hill of Bandon, OR and George Hill of Cornelius, OR; 2 grandchildren, Nolan and Nyla Hill of Bandon; 2 brothers, Richard Hill of Corvallis, OR and David Hill of Enid, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews; and of course, friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth Hill of Kingfisher, OK.
A celebration of life will be held on June 11, 2022 beginning 2:00 pm in Wes’ home at 62790 W. Catching Rd in Coos Bay, OR. Please bring a pot luck item and any fond memories or stories of Wes.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/wesley-paul-hill/article_6682a86c-cbf7-11ec-9a76-a39c6064231f.html
| 2022-05-04T23:38:28
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/wesley-paul-hill/article_6682a86c-cbf7-11ec-9a76-a39c6064231f.html
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TUPELO • With the swing of a sledgehammer, a new chapter of Antone Tannehill Good Samaritan Health Services' 30-year story has begun.
Workers with the longtime free clinic began the demolition of its building, located on 420 Magazine Street in Tupelo, on Wednesday morning. The clinic also announced a capital campaign to raise funds for a new building, planned to be built in the current clinic's location.
Demolition planning started a year ago, Director Amy Fagan told a small crowd in attendance at the short ceremony. The clinic serves the working uninsured who live and work in Lee County with free medical, dental and pharmaceutical care.
The clinic has gone unchanged since its opening in November 1992. This has proved to be a challenge to its goal of increasing the number of patients and enhancing services, Fagan said.
“All those things, we realized, we're really keeping us from moving forward into the future,” Fagan said.
Only about half of the clinic's 5,000 square feet is currently utilized, the organization stated in a press release, almost entirely because of the condition of the building. Several exam rooms and restrooms aren’t usable, and much of the wiring is old and can’t be updated.
M&N Construction will handle construction of the new building, which is now being gutted. Only the outside of the building will remain; everything inside will be changed completely.
Construction will take six months. M&N Construction will start next week with interior demolition, said M&N Construction owner and contractor Nic Nichols.
Planned improvements include the addition of a drive-thru pharmacy and a kitchenette where patients can learn hands-on life skills, new space for volunteer offices, making everything Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, and updating clinic technology.
The estimated cost of the new facility is $650,000, nearly all of which the nonprofit clinic will need to raise. To do so, the clinic has launched a capital campaign through the CREATE Foundation and is in the process of applying for grants.
Until the new clinic is built, Good Samaritan Health Services is partnering with North Mississippi Health Services to treat patients at the former Healthworks building on 219 S. Industrial Road in Tupelo.
While in its temporary location, the clinic plans to start some enhanced services, with the intention of implementing it immediately in the new location. One step was expanding the mission statement to include those who work in Lee County, rather than just residents.
“We hope to spend some time doing some outreach in the community and letting people know about our services and that we can take more patients once we move back in,” Fagan said.
Historically, the clinic has been well supported by the community, Fagan said. Since its inception, it has sought to help the working poor, who often fall in the gap because they make too much to qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford private insurance. Because of this, many of the clinic’s patients are living with co-morbidities.
The clinic serves well over 100 chronic patients for routine care, and provides care for more acute situations, such as the flu, or even major surgery.
“Most of these people work two or three jobs to provide for their family, so the last thing they do is take care of themselves,” Fagan said. “We want to keep them well, healthy and working because if they’re healthy, they’re taking care of their own families and they’re contributing to our local economy.”
Good Samaritan Health Services serves clients ages 18 to 64. Care is mostly provided by volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, although the clinic does have some employed staff.
The clinic is hopeful to reopen by the end of October, in time for its official 30th anniversary on Nov. 2.
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/good-samaritan-health-services-welcomes-fresh-start-with-building-demolition-capital-campaign/article_e545e9b7-f5fb-5f84-aed1-db0407efb800.html
| 2022-05-04T23:58:29
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/good-samaritan-health-services-welcomes-fresh-start-with-building-demolition-capital-campaign/article_e545e9b7-f5fb-5f84-aed1-db0407efb800.html
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MINEOLA, Texas — $15. That’s what it cost Dallas attorney Linda Coffee to file Roe v. Wade in 1970.
“Now they keep raising the cost of filing things,” Coffee said laughing.
Coffee, 79, was born in Houston but grew up in Dallas, attending Woodrow Wilson High School.
She later graduated from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Coffee clerked for federal judge Sarah Hughes, who famously swore in Lyndon B. Johnson as president on Air Force One after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Coffee later teamed up with fellow UT law school grad, Sarah Weddington, to challenge abortion laws in Texas.
“She was going to bring an abortion challenge," Coffee said. “I don’t know how she was going to do it, because she didn’t have a client."
Coffee said a friend from church introduced her to Norma McCorvey, who was pregnant and wanted an abortion.
McCorvey became known as “Jane Roe” in Roe v. Wade, the Dallas District Attorney.
“Henry Wade was really a very excellent prosecutor,” Coffee said.
Coffee and Weddington argued the case in a Dallas courtroom, which still exists on Ervay Street downtown. The three judges who heard the case agreed with Jane Roe’s attorneys. But the case was appealed to the Supreme Court.
“I was kind of nervous anyway because I never -- this is the only time I've ever addressed the United States Supreme Court,” Coffee said.
Coffee still has her quill pens, a traditional souvenir given to lawyers who argue in front of the Supreme Court.
“There were so many people, and we noticed that there were a lot of the wives of the justices on the Supreme Court were there,” Coffee said.
The Supreme Court ruled in their favor, legalizing abortions in 1973. But now, the future is uncertain after a leaked draft opinion shows a majority of U.S. Supreme Court Justices are ready to overturn Coffee’s case.
“I'm sure that's what we're going to be fighting over state by state in the future,” Coffee said. “I think people will go places where they can get an abortion.”
Her advice to the younger generation?
“Keep participating,” Coffee said. “Do the best you can to try to make things better.”
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-attorney-linda-coffee-paid-15-to-file-roe-v-wade-in-1970-comments-on-leaked-supreme-court-draft-opinion/287-ae15bd35-00b9-4608-9b67-f2a4f66a05ae
| 2022-05-05T00:11:52
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-attorney-linda-coffee-paid-15-to-file-roe-v-wade-in-1970-comments-on-leaked-supreme-court-draft-opinion/287-ae15bd35-00b9-4608-9b67-f2a4f66a05ae
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DALLAS — Detectives are searching for leads after a suspect pistol-whipped, shot and killed a man outside a grocery store in Southeast Dallas, officials said.
The shooting happened just before 11 p.m. Tuesday near Hunt Food Store in the 7900 block of S. Great Trinity Forest Way, according to police.
The Dallas Police Department said a 58-year-old Hernaza Jenkins was pistol-whipped from behind by a man wearing all white and a white gator mask. After being pistol-whipped, police said the suspect shot Jenkins in the chest.
Police said Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) responded to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital, where he later died.
“He was always helping somebody. He’s one of the biggest hearted people you could possibly find,” said a woman, who didn’t want to be identified, only describing herself as a friend of the victim.
Friends say the victim was often referred to by the nickname "Big."
This homicide and gun violence has some neighbors in the area on edge and watching their surroundings.
“I’m scared! Nervous. Can’t trust nobody around here,” said Edward Sykes.
The victim’s friends say they’re having a tough time coping. They want to see the gunman off the streets.
“He’s one of the ones that I thought would always be there. Would always be there. I could always go to,” the weeping woman said.
Dallas police said the circumstances around the shooting and motive are not known at this time.
The Dallas Police Department is asking for anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Homicide Detective Frank Serra at (214)671-4320 or by email at frank.serra@dallascityhall.com and reference case number 078211-2022.
Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case. Tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 214-373-TIPS (8477), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-great-trinity-forest-way-shooting/287-a6de4023-3b6a-4eac-942b-53444e829992
| 2022-05-05T00:11:58
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-great-trinity-forest-way-shooting/287-a6de4023-3b6a-4eac-942b-53444e829992
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ARGYLE, Texas — On Friday, former Argyle mayor and retired firefighter, Don Moser, died at 56 years old from cancer.
WFAA has been following Moser's battle against cancer since 2019. He said back then doctors believed it was caused by his occupation as a firefighter, being exposed to carcinogens for decades.
Moser started as a volunteer firefighter in Colleyville when he was 16 years old. He worked at the Bedford Fire Department for most of his career, 17 years, and retired at Westlake Fire Department in 2005.
Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health concluded that firefighters face a 9% increase in cancer diagnosis, and a 14% increase in cancer-related deaths, compared to the general U.S. population.
"He was a firefighter during a time when awareness wasn't there," said Terry Moser, his wife.
In June 2017, Don Moser was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. Over the years, it spread to his sacrum, lungs, liver, brain and spinal cord.
Moser was retired as a firefighter when he was diagnosed. He tried filing worker's compensation claims, but they were automatically denied. His appeal was denied too. Retired firefighters are not covered under worker's compensation laws in Texas.
"It shouldn't be that way. They put their lives on the lines every day. They were willing to die," said Terry.
She said treating cancer is expensive, and many retired firefighters have to choose between paying for medication or a mortgage. She wants all firefighters to be protected under the law.
SEE MORE: A new Texas law helps firefighters pay for cancer treatment. But, not everyone is eligible.
"He didn't go easily. He fought until the very end, to the last breath," Terry said. "Don would like to see that retired firefighters be included, and be recognized in the ability to claim workers comp when they develop certain cancers."
Even though Moser's fight against cancer is over, his battle for retired firefighter rights continues through his story.
Moser's memorial service will be on May 20 at Well Community Church in Argyle.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-argyle-mayor-retired-firefighter-don-moser-dies-of-cancer/287-7f163560-9e59-4b9d-9c75-faef197a4c1c
| 2022-05-05T00:12:04
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-argyle-mayor-retired-firefighter-don-moser-dies-of-cancer/287-7f163560-9e59-4b9d-9c75-faef197a4c1c
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DALLAS — The teen boy in this week's Wednesday's Child wants to be adopted so much, his caseworker flew him to Dallas from another part in the state so he could be featured in our segment.
His name is Tim, and he's been in foster care most of his life.
Tim broke my heart, but he doesn't need our pity. He needs a loving family to adopt him.
"At home, I am an angel. Perfect," Tim said about his behavior at a residential treatment center for foster children.
Tim's been looking for his shot to be someone's son for a long time.
"I know I want a mom and dad at least," he said.
Tim has been in foster care for 10 years. He was just 3 years old when he entered the system. Today, Tim is 13.
His caseworker found a picture of him when he was 7 years old. Tim's big blue eyes shone brightly in the photograph.
Fast forward six years, and Tim is ready to be done with the state being his parent. His big blue eyes look tired now. He said it's hard for him to sleep, and he longs for the day he stops moving from placement to placement.
"Kind of like being in a prison without walls. You got runners, but then where you gonna [sic] go if you run? Absolutely nowhere but right back to where you ran from," he said.
Why has Tim been in care for so long? How did he fall through the cracks?
That's a story for another day.
Today, we focus on the mom he wants.
"Someone that cares, who's always worried. I may seem embarrassed sometimes (by her worrying) but she'll still be wondering if I'm OK. She'll ask how my day is every time I walk through the door," he said.
He wants a dad who will teach him how to be a man. He wants a father who will be his hero by simply paying attention to him.
"If I go outside, he'll go outside with me. He'll give me some normalcy."
And Tim wants siblings! Lots of them!
"Kind of gets boring playing by yourself," he said.
"Plus, you can learn from them," he said about possibly having older siblings.
Tim deserves never to be lonely again.
At the end of the day, what he has to offer a family is his smile, laughter, and hope.
"Freedom. Freedom to go out the door when I want and them not worrying about me coming back or not, because they know they can trust me," he said.
For more information on how to adopt Tim, please send all approved home studies to LaQueena Warren at LaQueena.Warren@dfps.texas.gov. Please remember to include Tim's names within the subject line.
If you're not licensed, please visit adoptchildren.org to find out more information on how to become licensed to foster and/or adopt or contact LaQueena Warren at 817-304-1272.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/wednesdays-child-13-year-old-tim-adoption/287-be136409-cdd6-4cd3-acd0-f786705d7788
| 2022-05-05T00:12:10
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/outreach/wednesdays-child/wednesdays-child-13-year-old-tim-adoption/287-be136409-cdd6-4cd3-acd0-f786705d7788
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Salem continues to make progress on addressing its homeless and shelter crisis, this time made possible by private citizens and local builders.
Salem added 20 more tiny shelters to one of their sites on Portland Road, which gives 40 more people a safe place to stay.
At 61-years-old, Michelle Meredith has worked in construction her whole life.
“I had a stroke last year and it took me out of the ball field,” Meredith said.
Without work, she found herself without a home decades before she was ready to retire. She’s grateful for the small space to keep her safe.
Salem is also home for Cristina Young, who says she lost her way and hit rock bottom.
“I came from a camp at Wallace Park and had been there for a couple of weeks. It’s been hard, but then coming here, it’s a change. Very relaxing, actually,” Young explained.
Young is moving into one of the 20 new tiny shelters in Salem made possible from donations by a few hundred residents.
“We have people who sponsored five shelters. We have a gentleman who sponsored eight,” said Emil Graziani, a volunteer. “These are all private citizens.”
Volunteers collected $700,000 from the community, which is enough to build 150 more sturdy and mobile tiny shelters all built in Salem by a local tiny home company, Edomo.
“They came to us and they said, we want to do homeless shelters. So, we had a few meetings with them. We went over the specifics several times until we got the perfect plan and we came up with these compact livables,” Edomo CEO Sonya Wheeler said.
The nonprofit, Church at the Park, is now busy moving 40 more people in this week. Church at the Park Chief of Operations Josh Erickson said these shelters are proving to be a steppingstone to success.
“Our outreach team met this woman out in the parks, and within a month she moved into our shelter and now has her own place,” Erickson said.
Graziani added that “this is by no means the end here. This is the first step of moving further into the community and being productive and a contributing member of the community.”
Looking to the future, Young described what she’s hopeful for.
“To get back on the straight and narrow path that I was on beforehand. Instead of running amuck,” Young explained. “Getting a job, going to school, putting money in my pocket, and not spending it on drugs.”
In the last year, this model in Salem has moved 140 people off the streets and into permanent housing.
The city is working on developing three more similar sites.
According to the City of Salem, three sites have been approved by Council for the use of micro-sheltering – Center, Front and Turner.
The city also noted Marion County Court issued a stay on progress for the Center Street site. Per the city’s request, the order was amended for the city to support Church at the Park.
However, the city said because the site is under court review, “placement of guests and provision of services at the location are not permitted,” and is using its Portland Road site, available through August 31, 2022, in the meantime.
The city also noted for other possible shelter sites, more funding will be needed for the Front Street or Turner Road shelter locations.
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https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/salem-donors-builder-team-up-to-create-more-micro-shelters/
| 2022-05-05T00:12:36
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https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/salem-donors-builder-team-up-to-create-more-micro-shelters/
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — For several decades, Portland once had a thriving Japantown.
That neighborhood was nearly erased, however, when Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps. Now, the goal of a new project looks to preserve their memory by showing the full history.
“It’s everybody’s history,” said Chisao Hata with the Japanese American Museum of Oregon. “It’s all of our history, and so it’s part of Portland’s history. And we want it to be in the forefront into everybody’s awareness.”
Hata, who serves as the creative director of the museum’s living arts program, is also looking forward as she reflects on the past.
There’s a lot to see and learn, and she wants you to know even more.
“It’s about place and having a place and losing a place and having a — feeling like you’re being erased,” Hata said. “So it’s time that we stand up and lift up those stories. We’ve had to fight for some of the buildings.”
Those buildings made up what was once Portland’s vibrant Japantown.
“There used to be 36 nihonmachi or Japantowns along the West Coast prior to World War II,” Hata said. “And then with the issuance of Executive Order 9066, our communities were erased and encouraged not to return.”
By telling the stories within those structures, the museum is collaborating with the Architectural Heritage Center.
Stephanie Whitlock is executive director of the Portland non-profit that has more than 100 programs, including its popular walking tours. Eventually, there will be one for Portland’s Japantown.
“One of the things we try to show people in this project is … a lot of buildings in Portland and everywhere have such a deep cultural significance, maybe not special architectural significance,” said Whitlock with the Architectural Heritage Center. “But everyday stores, barber shops, groceries — those are important to Portland’s urban fabric because of the cultural history within them.”
The two groups will also create a virtual tour that’s an interactive digital storytelling map, showing how the Japanese community was also in other parts of Portland.
“In fact, the Yamaguchi Hotel, which … has a rich association with Japanese history, is slated for demolition,” Whitlock said. “So that’s kind of the beauty of the virtual tour, too, is we can capture the buildings that have been lost.”
“We want to remember, but not necessarily bring back, everything the way it was — because that’s not possible,” Hata said. “But what was in our communities, how people lived in the communities: the churches and schools and doctors and dentists and grocery stores and barber shops and community halls — those are all still memories that people have, even myself, of being down here in the ’80s and ’70s when we could gather down here.”
The collaboration comes with help from a $25,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The two organizations will be able to teach others about what Japanese Americans in Portland went through. They said the stories will be powerful, positive, and sometimes painful.
“We’re looking at the history of Japanese American farmers and their contribution to the state, especially prior to World War II,” Hata siad. “That program is called Inaka, which means farmland, back to the land.”
According to Hata, about 60 to 70% of the fruits and vegetables in Oregon around that time were originally grown by Japanese farmers. She added that the groups want to bridge the generational gap, too.
“We’re looking at bringing generations of people together to still capture the stories of mythology of Japantown and other experiences of growing up here and newer generations that are questioning their identity or want to know and not really knowing what to ask,” she said. “And then the other part is remembering nihonmachi and reimagining nihonmachi, or Japantown.”
It is an effort to make sure history is preserved.
“I’m a third generation Japanese American, and I’ve spent a good deal of my life in search of identity,” Hata said. “I’m from the generation that lost their language because of the World War II experience. And the pandemic actually had me thinking a lot about what my parents and many of our grandparents lived through for over three years. They couldn’t go to the store.”
Hata said they didn’t have freedom.
“They were behind guard towers and or in prisons,” she said. “The concentration camps were prisons and just, you knowing the resilience and the fortitude and the, we call it ‘gaman,’ the ability to endure in the face of a lot of pressure, that would buckle a lot of people — is really the inspiration that we owe it.”
The Japanese American Museum of Oregon is on Northwest Flanders Street in Portland’s Old Town neighborhood. It is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Organizers said the new program should be complete by 2023.
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/the-way-it-was-history-of-portlands-japantown-kept-alive-by-museum-architecture-center/
| 2022-05-05T00:12:42
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/the-way-it-was-history-of-portlands-japantown-kept-alive-by-museum-architecture-center/
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Abortion rights are again making headlines after POLITICO reported a draft opinion from the U.S. Supreme Court intends to overturn the nearly 50-year-old Roe v Wade decision.
Within moments, many online were questioning what was next, how to treat a draft opinion versus an actual decision and much more.
The Roe v. Wade decision has guaranteed federal constitutional protection of abortion rights for nearly the last 50 years. POLITICO has not said whom it received the draft opinion from, but on Tuesday, after the article was published, Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the draft is authentic.
This interview with Lewis & Clark College law professor Tung Yin was conducted before Roberts’ announcement on Tuesday, which confirmed the authenticity of the draft opinion.
Here are his responses to KOIN 6 News’ questions:
Editor’s Note: KOIN 6 News made light edits in the transcription of Yin’s interview for clarity purposes.
Should people take this initial draft as though it’s the actual decision to overturn Roe v. Wade?
I guess you would say that “Is it guaranteed that this will be the ultimate majority opinion?” And the answer is no, that when the judges, or justices in this case, take on a case after reading the briefs and oral argument, they’ll have a conference and sort of have a tentative vote. And based on that, either the chief justice or the most senior justice on the side that has the most votes will get to assign the tentative majority opinion, and then the same is true on the other side in terms of any dissents.
But once those are circulated, what can happen is that some justices who initially voted in the majority might think “Whoa, this is too strong of an opinion for me. This is not what I agreed to” or “I’m not comfortable with the language here.” And so what can happen is that you can lose some votes, either someone will defect to what was previously the dissenting side, which could become the majority if enough votes switch over. Or sometimes one of the justices, or maybe more than one, who were in majority will still vote the same outcome, but [with] a totally different and more narrow reasoning. And what happens in those cases is you end up with a very weird lineup where you’ll have … say, a three-to-four breakdown, where there’ll be three who have an extreme view on one side, two who are kind of in the middle who vote for the same outcome as the three and then the four original dissenters. When that happens, if we can determine that the two have the more narrow grounds, then that actually becomes the reasoning of the case because what we say is, well, we know that the three who had the more extreme view, they want to go farther, but they certainly would agree with at least what the two have said. So that gets us to five votes. But then, we have a more narrow ground for the ruling.
Let’s assume that it is what it appears to be, then it appears that we have five votes to … uphold Mississippi’s ban and in doing so, to reverse or strike down Roe and Casey. But what could happen is that of those five justices, maybe one or two of them, possibly, if persuaded by the chief justice, who’s not one of the five, writes a more narrow, what we call a concurrence to say, “Well, we don’t actually have to overrule Casey. Casey says that abortion restrictions are invalid if they present an undue burden on the woman’s right to choose. But if it’s not an undue burden, then the restriction is valid.” And so, a more narrow opinion might say, the Mississippi law is not an undue burden, and it still permits some abortions … If that were to draw one or more of the five, then that actually would become the controlling opinion and the result would be that the Mississippi law is upheld, but Casey is not struck down. However, other states could copy this particular restriction because there will be a ruling with a precedential value that would say, again, this type of hypothetical that yes, you can have a restriction for only the first 15 weeks. And you know, you could sort of see if that were the outcome … [then] other states would continue to sort of chip away.
So, they’ll be building a strategy, almost, based on the reaction of the justices?
Yes, and so if they were a more narrow ruling, that says 15 weeks is okay, then you might see another state say, “Well, let’s try 12 weeks. Let’s see what happens with 12 weeks.” I’ll give you this as an example, which is not to equate the two but just in terms of litigation strategy. This is how the NAACP successfully was able to overturn separate but equal is not by attacking it directly at first, but in each of the cases leading up to Brown v. Board of Education, they took on a particular state rule that claimed to be separate but equal but simply showed that it was not equal. Instead of overruling the original case, the Supreme Court was saying, “OK, well separate but equal is still the rule, but this is not equal.” So, this particular restriction can’t, or segregation, can’t stand until finally, you get to Brown v. Board of Education when you get the final death knell to separate but equal.
If a decision like this is made, can states like Oregon or Washington, or any state really, maintain their own laws allowing abortion?
If this draft opinion is what ultimately ends up being the ruling, then what it would say is that there is no constitutional right to an abortion, but that does not necessarily mean that a state cannot allow it. I guess one possibility is if the court were actually to say that the — whatever we’re gonna call the fetus, the embryo upon conception — is a life form that is entitled to the protection under the Constitution, that has its own constitutional rights, then theoretically, that might actually prevent a state from authorizing abortion. But if the ruling is simply what it appears to be, which is to say that the right to privacy does not extend to the right to choose, then it would withdraw from constitutional protection of abortion, and then it would leave it up to the states. Some states could have very permissive abortion laws, others will be able to restrict it as much as they wanted.
Now, just to complicate things, what you might end up with next is a federal law and this could go one of both ways. Probably not anyway because of the polarization and gridlock that we see, but … if we’re going to play hypotheticals, one hypothetical would be that, let’s say the Democrats retained control of the House and the Senate in the midterm elections. And so, they could pass or they could float a bill that would make it a federal statutory right to abortion. And because the supremacy clause says any state laws in conflict with federal laws have to give ground, as long as there’s a basis for the federal law that would supersede any conflicting state law. And usually, most federal laws are predicated on the idea that Congress can regulate interstate commerce, anything that has an impact on national commerce will work and so healthcare, for example, is predicated under the Commerce Clause and so a national abortion right would probably be the same.
Is that even possible with a filibuster?
That’s not my expertise. I’m just talking about the legal side of it. On the other hand, you know, suppose that in 2024, a Republican wins the White House and the Republicans control the House and the Senate. Then, again, assuming that Roe and Casey are struck down, you could see the opposite of a federal national abortion statute. You could see a federal anti-abortion statute, which again, will be predicated on the Commerce Clause. The constitutional issue is only one step in this, and then what could happen next would be dependent upon federal law as well. In the meantime, I think your question, particularly for local viewers, is what happens in Oregon? And what’s most likely, would be that nothing changes.
Should this decision or potential decision come as a surprise to people?
I have to say that the most surprising thing to me is that this even leaked in the first place. Now, I didn’t work for any Supreme Court justices, but I did work for three separate federal judges over three years after law school and one of the things that was emphasized over and over was the confidentiality of the chamber’s work. I’m not suggesting that it was a law clerk, but somebody in the Supreme Court … had to have leaked it, and so that’s just kind of surprising. I understand the significance and importance of the particular issue, but a lot of things the Supreme Court touches are very significant, and we’ve never really seen a leak like this, which is to say before the opinion has even been issued. What we have seen in books like “The Brethren” by Bob Woodward, and some others would be long after, there are revelations about the secrecy of deliberations.
But to your question about is this surprising? You know, partly, that’s a political question and partly it’s a litigation strategy question, which I guess to me, it would be a little bit surprising in that this was more like going for the home run instead of taking what would be a much easier walk or single, if you want to use a baseball analogy. I think from the arguments that were presented, during the oral argument on this case, and the reception of justices and just looking at the lineup of votes it seemed like you could expect a pretty easy upholding of the Mississippi law on the basis of it’s not an undue burden, which again, the chipping away but not outright overruling. But to go all out and say, “No, this is it. We’re doing it and we’re getting rid of the opinions right now.” I guess that seems a bit surprising, but I guess you know, you’ve got — if they do have five votes that are solid.
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https://www.koin.com/local/qa-law-professor-talks-leaked-scotus-abortion-opinion/
| 2022-05-05T00:12:48
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https://www.koin.com/local/qa-law-professor-talks-leaked-scotus-abortion-opinion/
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California, which has a economy larger than all but four countries and where much of the world's technological innovation is born, on Wednesday became the first state to formally begin examining how to broadly adapt to cryptocurrency and related innovations.
Following a path laid out by President Joe Biden in March, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order for state agencies to move in tandem with the federal government to craft regulations for digital currencies. It also calls for officials to explore incorporating broader blockchain computer coding into the government operations.
Evolving blockchain and cryptocurrency technology “is potentially an explosive creator of new companies and new jobs and new opportunities,” said Dee Dee Myers, a senior advisor to Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
“So there are a lot of opportunities,” she said. “There’s also a lot of unknowns in the industry and so that’s another reason we want to engage early.”
Newsom’s order says the state — home to Silicon Valley and financial innovators like PayPal and Square — should be out front in figuring out how to adapt to new technologies.
“Too often government lags behind technological advancements, so we’re getting ahead of the curve on this, laying the foundation to allow for consumers and business to thrive,” Newsom, a Democrat, said in a statement.
California has about 39 million residents and its economy is more than $3.1 trillion, larger than the United Kingdom and India. Newsom said his order is a step toward making it the nation's first state “to establish a comprehensive, thoughtful, and harmonized regulatory and business environment for crypto assets.”
Cryptocurrencies, which are built on blockchain database technology, have exploded in popularity in recent years. About 16% of U.S. adults have invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrencies and the percentage is much higher among younger men. Biden's executive order in part asks the Federal Reserve to consider whether it should create its own digital currency.
Blockchain creates the underlying transparency of a decentralized but publicly viewable ledger. The technology can also be used to record other types of information, such as property records. The records are held on many computers that together form a global network so that no one and no institution can control them.
There is heavy disagreement about the legitimacy of cryptocurrency, even among some of the world's richest people. Elon Musk is an avid supporter of dogecoin while Warren Buffet recently said he wouldn't pay $25 for all of the world's bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency. Each bitcoin is currently valued at about $38,000 but fluctuates wildly.
California’s approach will help to legitimize the technology and bring it into the mainstream, said cryptocurrency skeptic Hilary Allen, a financial regulation professor at American University in Washington, D.C. But she doesn't think it's the best approach for the state and its residents.
She said private investors are most likely to benefit, while state government should seek simpler technological solutions rather than turning to technology that “is by its very nature complex and inefficient.”
“While this approach will create more of a market for crypto ... it is unlikely to produce the best outcomes for users of public services in California,” Allen said.
California may be first to try to develop a comprehensive approach, but Ohio was the first to attempt to accept virtual currency for government services in 2018, though the program was soon discontinued because few people used it.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, also a Democrat, said in February that his state would begin accepting cryptocurrency for government services later this year.
California lawmakers are among many around the the U.S. who have offered related legislation. But a bill by Democratic Sen. Sydney Kamlager to allow California to accept crypto assets for state services failed in its first committee this year and a similar bill by Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham is stalled.
Similar measures have been introduced in Arizona, Wyoming and other states.
Despite the potential pitfalls of cryptocurrency, Newsom's order says California should take the lead in figuring out how to adapt to the technological evolution.
His order builds on a July 2020 report by the California Blockchain Working Group, which examined the use of blockchain along with its risks and benefits.
California that same year created a new Department of Financial Protection and Innovation from what had been the Department of Business Oversight, with a goal of evaluating emerging risks and opportunities while protecting consumers.
Newsom's order calls for the department to develop guidelines for disclosures by companies when they offer financial products and services related to cryptocurrencies. It will also provide guidelines for state-chartered banks and credit unions regarding crypto-related products.
The department will respond to consumer complaints, work with crypto companies to resolve consumer complaints and take enforcement action when needed. It will also publish consumer education materials, including advice on avoiding crypto-related scams and frauds.
Newsom's order directs a separate agency to solicit proposals for how best to use blockchain to help the state and the public.
“It is critical that we engage early with industry and start learning the pros and cons of innovative technology early,” said Amy Tong, secretary of California's Government Operations Agency. “We can take the next steps towards getting ahead of the curve and harnessing potential of these tools to make government better.”
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/cryptocurrency-news-california/103-abf1bd19-3894-4dc2-9ed4-dfc4ec0c579f
| 2022-05-05T00:22:31
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/cryptocurrency-news-california/103-abf1bd19-3894-4dc2-9ed4-dfc4ec0c579f
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STOCKTON, Calif. — A 2-year-old child has died after being hit by a car Wednesday morning, officials with the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Grass Valley office say.
Around 9 a.m. Wednesday, CHP officers were called to the area of Still Road and Rabon Valley Road where a 911 caller reported a small child had been struck by a car at a home on Still Road.
Before officers could respond to the scene, family members of the 2-year-old took the child to Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital where police say he died from his injuries.
According to the CHP, the crash happened on a gravel driveway of a private residence. Neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected as being factors in the crash, according to authorities.
No arrests have been made in the case, and the CHP says their officers are still investigating the sequence of events that led to the deadly crash.
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/grass-valley-nevada-city/child-killed-grass-valley-crash/103-a9db3e7a-b01e-4899-9385-2d842ac89fa5
| 2022-05-05T00:22:37
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/grass-valley-nevada-city/child-killed-grass-valley-crash/103-a9db3e7a-b01e-4899-9385-2d842ac89fa5
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LEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Lee County School District recently hired Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier who officially starts in less than two weeks.
But, his career could be short-lived if Lee County voters decide in November they want to start electing superintendents rather than appointing them.
Prior to 1974 when the district had fewer than 30-thousand students, the superintendent’s job was an elected position but voters then wanted it to be an appointed position.
Nearly half a century later it has become such a controversial issue.
Across the US, there are more than 13,000 school districts and 99% of them appoint their superintendents rather than elect them. Florida and Alabama are the only two states that allow elected superintendents.
However, voters like Terri Tracey think it would be good for the public to have a say in the hiring.
Voters like Miguel Hernandez oppose that idea and call it a mistake to go backward.
“I don’t think that’s cool. I think they should have someone who knows what they’re doing and experience it and know what they’re doing for the safety of the kids,” Hernandez explained.
It is a concern shared by the Lee County School District in a letter that was sent to lawmakers stating, “The district requires and deserves the most qualified leaders.”
Debbie Jordan said that letter fell on deaf ears.
She opposes electing a leader to head a $2-billion dollar school district.
“For an elected superintendent there are two qualifications. You have to be of age and you have to live in Lee County. That’s it. Nothing more,” she stressed.
Not a concern though for Governor DeSantis who signed the referendum introduced by State Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka.
“Unlike some of the school board members, I trust the voters of Lee County to make the best decision,” Persons-Mulicka said.
She pointed to chaotic school board meetings and poor decisions by board members as her reasons for supporting an elected superintendent.
When asked what if the electorate voted for someone who wasn’t qualified for the job?
“That’s a great question and that person would continue to be accountable to the voters,” she replied.
The position would be voted on every four years. However, if a superintendent is working out the district can fire them. The district has had six superintendents over the last 12 years.
If voters approve this referendum that means the next superintendent would be elected in 2024 for a four-year term.
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/04/lee-schools-superintendent-could-become-elected-position-under-new-law/
| 2022-05-05T00:31:37
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/04/lee-schools-superintendent-could-become-elected-position-under-new-law/
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LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Fentanyl is a National epidemic. It’s in our community, it’s in our neighborhoods and it’s killing our loved ones.
Florida is leading the Nation for fentanyl drug overdoses and the numbers are soaring higher and higher.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is trying to get ahead of the problem and is expanding its drug task force to take drugs off our streets and out of our communities.
Catherine Finning of North Fort Myers Mother lost her daughter two years ago to fentanyl poisoning. She’s hoping her story will shed light on a growing problem.
“My heart breaks every day. I cry every day. The pain will never stop. It’s agonizing,” said Finning when discussing the death of her daughter.
Catherine said her daughter Chasity was a bright light in a dark world.
“She was my first born. My only girl. The light of my life,” she said.
Catherine says the last time she saw her daughter, they were on the front porch talking just before Chasity went to a friend’s house for the night. She remembers what she said to her daughter just before she left.
“Be safe, I love you always. The following Monday we got the news,” Finning said.
That night, Chasity’s light went dark. She died of fentanyl poisoning on April 12, 2020. She was just 31 years old.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more powerful. Just 2.7 milligrams can kill the average adult, the same amount as four grains of salt.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno says one life taken is too many.
“I know I can’t stop the drug trade, but one thing I will stop, is the drug trade and drug use in my county,” said Sheriff Marceno. “Zero tolerance means zero tolerance. We are absolutely tracking down drug dealers and taking them to jail.”
Sheriff Marceno recently expanded the narcotics unit in Lee County, doubling in size. Marceno said this way they are able to focus on certain areas of the county and pinpoint where the problems are.
“Every single day we are running multiple investigations all over our County. We’re conducting surveillance, we’re utilizing drones, we’ve got intelligence detectives that are gathering intel constantly. We know who’s hanging out with who,’ said Sheriff Marceno.
The numbers are startling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5,000 people died from fentanyl in 2021 in Florida. In Lee County, 191 people died in 2021 from fentanyl.
Catherine said we need to do more as a community and come together to combat this epidemic.
“We need to be part of that task force and let each other know this is an epidemic that’s not going to get better until we do. This epidemic has to stop,” said Finning.
Catherine says since her daughter’s death, the days have been longer, there are no more conversations on her front porch or late-night phone calls, just memories. Memories of a young woman who had so much to look forward to.
“She’s only been gone almost two years, but the guilt in my heart can never heal. I just exist, I don’t live anymore,” she said.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit is working around the clock to make sure these dangerous drugs don’t end up in our communities.
Remember, if you or someone you know needs help, there are several online social media sites. But If you need help now call
1-800-662-help.
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/04/north-fort-myers-mother-speaks-out-after-daughters-fentanyl-death/
| 2022-05-05T00:31:43
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/04/north-fort-myers-mother-speaks-out-after-daughters-fentanyl-death/
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/hurricane-preparations-for-apartments-what-to-know/3674539/
| 2022-05-05T00:43:57
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/hurricane-preparations-for-apartments-what-to-know/3674539/
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Former Hampton Co. banker Laffitte indicted; more indictments for Murdaugh, Fleming
The South Carolina State Grand Jury Wednesday announced indictments against former Hampton banker Russell Lucius Laffitte, and passed down additional indictments against suspended South Carolina attorneys Richard "Alex" Murdaugh and Cory Howerton Fleming.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that the State Grand Jury had issued three superseding indictments in April, which include new charges against Laffitte, as well as Murdaugh and Fleming. In addition to previous State Grand Jury indictments, the superseding indictments contain 21 charges against Laffitte, four new charges against Murdaugh, and five new charges against Fleming.
More reporting:Court records show Alex Murdaugh paid for Georgia funeral home; director says loan paid
Power, prestige and privilege:Inside the rise and fall of the Murdaugh dynasty in South Carolina
These are the first indictments levied against Laffitte, 51, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Palmetto State Bank until the bank terminated his employment on Jan. 7.
The indictments are:
- In the first superseding April indictment, venued in Hampton County, the State Grand Jury charges Murdaugh and Laffitte together with one count of Criminal Conspiracy for allegedly conspiring to "surreptitiously" misappropriate to Murdaugh $350,245.08 in funds Laffitte held in trust as conservator for Natarsha Thomas at Palmetto State Bank. The indictment further charges Laffitte individually for Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value More than $10,000 (2 counts); and Computer Crime, Value More than $10,000.
- In the second superseding April indictment, venued in Hampton County, the State Grand Jury charges Murdaugh and Laffitte together with one count of Criminal Conspiracy for allegedly conspiring to misappropriate to Murdaugh $309,581.46 in funds Laffitte held in trust as conservator for Hakeem L. Pinckney and his Estate at Palmetto State Bank, in order in part to allow Murdaugh to pay back loans Laffitte had issued to him from client funds in an unrelated case in which Laffitte also served as a fiduciary. The indictment further charges Laffitte individually for Computer Crime, Value More than $10,000, and Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value More than $10,000.
- The second superseding April indictment additionally charges Murdaugh and Fleming together with one count of Criminal Conspiracy for allegedly conspiring to misappropriate to Murdaugh $89,133.44 in funds Fleming held in trust as attorney for Pamela Pinckney. The indictment further charges Fleming individually for Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value More than $10,000.
- Independent of the alleged Murdaugh conspiracy, the indictment additionally charges Fleming individually for Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value More than $2,000, but less than $10,000; and Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value Less than $2,000; in connection with his alleged use of funds he held in trust as attorney for Pamela Pinckney totaling $8,078.46, for personal expenses to take himself, Murdaugh, and another attorney on a private plane to the 2012 College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Finally, the indictment also charges Fleming individually for Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value More than $2,000, but less than $10,000, for allegedly misappropriating to Murdaugh $4,560.00 in funds Fleming held in trust as attorney for Pamela Pinckney, under the false and fictitious guise of unspecific case expenses.
- In the third superseding April indictment,, venued in Allendale County, the State Grand Jury charges Murdaugh and Laffitte together with one count of Criminal Conspiracy for allegedly conspiring to misappropriate to Murdaugh $1,172,945.76 in funds Laffitte controlled at Palmetto State Bank, in order in part to allow Murdaugh to pay back loans Laffitte had issued to him from client funds in an unrelated case in which Laffitte served as a fiduciary. The indictment further charges Laffitte as an aider and abettor to Murdaugh in 12 counts of Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value More than $10,000.
Murdaugh, 53, was suspended from the practice of law by Order of the Supreme Court of South Carolina on Sept. 8, 2021.
Murdaugh is now facing a total of 82 criminal charges - 79 from State Grand Jury indictments and three local indictments - as well as nine civil suits filed directly against him, and others connected to him in some manner.
More:Alleged co-conspirator Cory Fleming granted $100K surety bond
Dispatches from Hampton County:The eyes of the world on a small town amid Murdaugh saga
Altogether, through 15 indictments containing 79 charges against Murdaugh, the State Grand Jury has indicted Murdaugh for schemes to defraud victims of $8,492,888.31.
Although some of the amounts overlap between suspects, through two indictments containing 23 charges, the State Grand Jury has indicted Fleming for schemes to defraud victims of $3,725,203.85. Through three indictments containing 21 charges, the State Grand Jury has indicted Laffitte for schemes to defraud victims of $1,832,772.30.
Murdaugh was also indicted by the State Grand Jury in November 2021, December 2021, January 2022, and March 2022 for a total of 75 counts including Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Obtaining Property by False Pretenses, Money Laundering, Computer Crimes, Forgery, and Criminal Conspiracy. Murdaugh was previously indicted by a Colleton County Grand Jury for offenses related to a scheme to commit suicide and defraud an insurance company.
For subscribers:3 takeaways from ABC '20/20' special on the Murdaugh family crime saga
Murdaugh is currently in custody at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center in Richland County, S.C. on a $7 million bond.
Fleming, 53, was suspended from the practice of law by Order of the Supreme Court of South Carolina on Oct. 8, 2021. Fleming was previously indicted in March 2022 by the State Grand Jury for 18 counts including Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Money Laundering, Computer Crimes, and Criminal Conspiracy. Fleming is currently out on bond for the previously unsealed State Grand Jury charges.
What could be the penalties?
Prior to these indictments, Murdaugh was already facing, in theory, more than seven centuries of prison time if convicted and sentenced consecutively for each charge.
The crimes charged in the indictments carry the following penalties:
- Computer Crime, Value $10,000 or More, is a felony punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine of up to $50,000.
- Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value $10,000 or More, is a felony punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for up to 10 years, or a fine in the discretion of the court.
- Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value More than $2,000 but less than $10,000, is a felony punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for up to five years, or a fine in the discretion of the court.
- Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, Value Less than $2,000, is a misdemeanor punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for up to 30 days, or a fine of up to $1,000.
- Criminal Conspiracy, is a felony punishable upon conviction by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to $5,000.
This State Grand Jury investigation is being conducted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Attorney’s Office. The case will be prosecuted by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.
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https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2022/05/04/sc-grand-jury-indicts-alex-murdaugh-cory-fleming-russell-laffitte/9650800002/
| 2022-05-05T00:45:29
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https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2022/05/04/sc-grand-jury-indicts-alex-murdaugh-cory-fleming-russell-laffitte/9650800002/
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SNELLVILLE, Ga. — A 20-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after he showed up at the Snellville Police Department, and officers determined he had a probation violation warrant for his arrest. He didn't tell police his 8-month-old daughter was outside in a car.
Around 2 p.m., Davied Japez McCorry Whatley showed up at the police station to pick up firearms that had been confiscated in a previous case. While with the "property custodian," Whatley was taken into custody by police for a misdemeanor probation violation stemming from a hit-and-run crash with no insurance.
He never mentioned he'd left his infant, Nova Grace Whatley-Trejo, in the car, according to police. Around 9 p.m., the grandmother brought the baby to Piedmont Eastside Medical Center's emergency room.
The hospital staff determined Nova was dead and that she had been in the car for seven hours at the police station. The grandmother told hospital staff that the baby was left in a car "after a traffic stop."
After learning of the baby's death, police located Whatley's car in the parking lot of the adjacent Snellville City Hall.
At no time did he mention his infant daughter being left inside the car, police said in a statement. They said the entire interaction with the man, from first contact in the lobby to when he arrived in jail, was recorded on police body camera.
Police said Whatley bonded out of jail Tuesday night for the probation violation but was arrested Wednesday and charged with second-degree murder following the death of his daughter.
11Alive's Brittany Kleinpeter spoke to Nova's mother, Selena, via text message, who said her little girl lit up the room.
"She had the biggest personality a baby could have. She laughed and smiled since she was a month old. She talked to you in her baby language and answered you with noises when you said her name," Selena said.
The high temperature in metro Atlanta was around 86 degrees, according to 11Alive meteorologists.
GBI is now investigating the case and the agency's findings will be turned over to the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office.
"I loved her more than I could ever imagine and my heart is breaking that she is gone so soon," Nova's mother said.
Watch the full press conference below:
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/snellville-baby-death-hot-car-dad-arrested/85-adcc6b82-85c7-4118-bfc6-d3d81416cd87
| 2022-05-05T00:56:54
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/snellville-baby-death-hot-car-dad-arrested/85-adcc6b82-85c7-4118-bfc6-d3d81416cd87
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LONOKE, Ark. — Rex Barnhill knows the fields he's standing in well as he's been farming for nearly four decades.
"I'm not a long range forecaster but I do keep my eye on it, and eventually it's going to clear off and we'll have a decent summer," Barnhill, co-owner of Barnhill Orchards in Lonoke, said. "You make your plan and you work your plan, and you adjust your plan as you go."
Recent challenges already have him adjusting those plans more than normal though.
"Seems like it rains every third day round here and the ground's cold," Barnhill said.
He's right on both of those points.
The THV11 Meteorology Team said the portion of central Arkansas that Barnhill is referencing is a couple inches above normal rainfall totals.
And while the rain is a big issued, it's not the only one he's dealing with though.
Barnhill is also dealing with worldwide issues, along with many other farmers in Arkansas.
"The biggest issue right now, everybody's looking at, is the conflict in Ukraine," Mark Lambert, Director of Commodity Activities at the Arkansas Farm Bureau, said.
Lambert tracks these issues and how they impact farmers' bottom dollar here in Arkansas. He said the conflict, coupled with the rainy weather, is having a major impact on them.
"There's 40, almost 44,000 farmers in Arkansas. It doesn't take long to get to the million dollar range there," he said.
It'll result in millions in economic impact, and it's something that Barnhill is seeing first hand-- common items needed for the farm are more expensive and sometimes they're even triple the price.
"I mean a bag is, it's even more than doubled," Barnhill said. "Eight dollars, and now it's 25."
They're difficult challenges but Barnhill said they're used to it. He's not going to let rain or rising prices stop him – he said they'll adjust as they need to.
"I've been in it so long, you don't let these things bother you. You keep rolling," Barnhill said.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/weather-conflicts-impacting-arkansas-farmers/91-3c360693-b306-4ce1-8fa2-ad99eea92647
| 2022-05-05T00:57:00
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/weather-conflicts-impacting-arkansas-farmers/91-3c360693-b306-4ce1-8fa2-ad99eea92647
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Incumbent Howard Grodman will now run unopposed in the race for justice of the peace after his opponent, Bernadine Lewis, was disqualified due to signature concerns.
Both candidates turned in enough signatures by the April 4 deadline to qualify for the upcoming ballot. However, Grodman called Lewis' signatures into question in a complaint filed in Coconino County Superior Court on April 15.
Grodman alleged in his complaint that "at least 140" signatures appeared to be invalid with reasons ranging from the signer belonging to a different political party or not being registered to vote in the Flagstaff Justice Court precinct.
The challenge went to the offices of the Coconino County attorney and recorder for an internal audit to determine the validity of the complaint.
Documents from the Coconino County Recorder's office show that 100 of the 137 contested signatures didn't qualify, putting Lewis 93 signatures short of the 569 required to be placed on the ballot.
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Patty Hansen, county recorder, explained a signature can be disqualified for a number of reasons, such as someone not being registered to vote or registered in another district. They can also be considered invalid if the individual signed another candidate's petition first, is a member of a different political party or their signature does not match the one on file.
In Lewis' case, the Coconino County Recorder's Office found that mos belonged to a different political party.
Both candidates are Democrats. Challenges aren't uncommon. The Flagstaff mayoral race recently narrowed from four to three contenders when Regina Salas withdrew from the race after an audit left her 120 signatures short of officially qualifying for the ballot.
With this, Grodman, who has held the office since 2011, will now run unopposed in the Nov. 8 general election. He's pretty much guaranteed the position barring a whirlwind write-in campaign by Lewis or any others.
Reporter Bree Burkitt can be reached at 928-556-2250 or bburkitt@azdailysun.com.
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https://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/lewis-out-in-justice-of-the-peace-race-incumbent-grodman-to-run-unopposed/article_084a0094-cbff-11ec-aa9f-3783b022232b.html
| 2022-05-05T01:00:07
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https://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/lewis-out-in-justice-of-the-peace-race-incumbent-grodman-to-run-unopposed/article_084a0094-cbff-11ec-aa9f-3783b022232b.html
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Flagstaff beach volleyball seniors Gracelyn Nez and Bridget Bond, seeded No. 2 in the Division II pairs state tournament, exacted a bit of revenge Tuesday, defeating Salpointe Catholic's seventh-seeded duo of Jalynn Ransom and Emma Hugeback in the quarterfinals.
The Eagles pair fell to the same Lancers opponents in the final round of the team state championship tournament, but won 24-22 in the first set of Tuesday's match in Queen Creek. They dominated the second set, 21-10, to complete the sweep. Bond and Nez will take on No. 6-seeded Elli Wolthuis and Ryley Nelson of Gilbert Christian in the Thursday semifinal round.
Coconino senior Elyce Palmer and junior Hope Williamson fell in the second round of the tournament on Tuesday, losing 21-19, 21-15 to the Salpointe Catholic pair before Flagstaff faced them.
Flagstaff junior Haylee Gilleland and freshman Macie Moseng also fell in the second round, losing 21-17, 21-14 to the No. 4 Mesquite pair of Bella Reyes and Hailey Hanna.
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Softball
Paradise Honors Panthers 5, Coconino Panthers 0
Fifth-seeded Coconino was shut out Tuesday by No. 4 Paradise Honors in the 4A Conference playoffs in Surprise.
Paradise Honors junior Samara Romero pitched a gem, giving up just three hits across seven innings. Coconino freshman Kaitlyn Tso also pitched a solid game, striking out 11 batters in six innings.
Coconino (16-4, 10-2 Grand Canyon Region) is still alive in the double-elimination tournament. They will host eighth-seeded Bradshaw Mountain for a Thursday game. The Panthers defeated the Bears in both of the teams' matchups this season in the regular season.
Spartans reach playoffs
Northland Prep earned the No. 8 seed in the 2A Conference state tourney. The Spartans (16-4, 8-0 Central) will play No. 9 Trivium Prep in the opening round of the playoffs on Friday in Phoenix.
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https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/local-roundup-nez-bond-reach-state-beach-volleyball-semifinals/article_5400dc6e-cbce-11ec-8d0a-ab4320bfe6c5.html
| 2022-05-05T01:00:19
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https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/local-roundup-nez-bond-reach-state-beach-volleyball-semifinals/article_5400dc6e-cbce-11ec-8d0a-ab4320bfe6c5.html
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A Pleasant Dale man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly stole more than $200,000 worth of equipment, money, services and time from the Waverly contractor that had employed him, Lancaster County Sheriff's deputies said in court records.
Anthony Martin, 50, was charged with two counts of felony theft by deception for the series of thefts, which occurred between May 2017 and June 2021, Deputy Jeremy Schwarz said in the affidavit for his arrest.
Schwarz said a manager at Capital Tower and Communications filed a report with the sheriff's office last June and later provided details from an internal company investigation that documented the years of allegations against Martin.
The company alleged Martin repeatedly deceived his former employer by stealing 6,000 pounds of copper wire and a flatbed trailer, wrongfully using the company's credit card, submitting false timesheets and expense reports and improperly using purchase orders to buy personal construction materials, Schwarz said in the affidavit.
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Martin also directed company employees to work on projects at his own Pleasant Dale residence while on the clock, Schwarz said.
In total, Capital Tower told investigators the alleged thefts cost the company $203,432.
Martin was arrested and charged with the crime Tuesday. He paid $500 to be released from the Lancaster County jail on bond, according to court filings.
Tom Casady's list of the 10 most infamous crimes in Lincoln history
Crimes of the times
This is simply one man’s perspective from the early 21st century (first written in 2010). I had to make a decision about crimes that occurred at locations that are inside the city today, but were outside our corporate limits at the time they occurred. I chose the latter.
Before beginning, though, I have to deal with three crimes that stand apart: the murders of three police officers in Lincoln. I’m not quite sure how to place them in a list. They all had huge impacts on the community, and on the police department in particular. Because these are my colleagues, I deal with them separately and in chronological order.
Patrolman Marion Francis Marshall
Shot in the shadow of the new Nebraska State Capital, Gov. Charles Bryan came to his aid and summoned additional help.
Lt. Frank Soukup
Marion Marshall was technically not a Lincoln police officer, so Lt. Soukup was actually the first Lincoln police officer killed on duty. One of his colleagues who was present at the motel and involved in the gunbattle, Paul Jacobsen, went on to enjoy a long career and command rank at LPD, influencing many young charges (like me) and leaving his mark on the culture of the agency.
Lt. Paul Whitehead
In the space of a few months, three LPD officers died in the line of duty. Frank Soukup had been murdered, and George Welter had died in a motorcycle crash. Paul Whitehead's partner, Paul Merritt, went on to command rank, and like Paul Jacobsen left an indelible mark at LPD and the community.
No. 1: Starkweather
The subject of several thinly disguised movie plots and a Springsteen album, the Starkweather murders are clearly the most infamous crime in Lincoln’s history — so far. One of the first mass murderers of the mass media age, six of Charles Starkweather’s 11 victims were killed inside the city of Lincoln, and the first was just on the outskirts of town. I didn’t live in Lincoln at the time, but my wife was a first-grader at Riley Elementary School and has vivid memories of the city gripped by fear in the days between the discovery of the Bartlett murders and Starkweather’s capture in Wyoming.
The case caused quite an uproar. There was intense criticism of the police department and sheriff’s office for not capturing Starkweather earlier in the week after the discovery of the Bartletts' bodies. Ultimately, Mayor Bennett Martin and the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners retained a retired FBI agent, Harold G. Robinson, to investigate the performance of local law enforcement. His report essentially exonerated the local law officers and made a few vanilla recommendations for improving inter-agency communication and training.
Now I know that many readers are mumbling to themselves “how obvious.” Hold your horses, though. It’s not quite as obvious as you might think. I had two experiences that drove this fact home to me. The first was a visit by a small group of journalism students. Only one member of the class had any idea, and her idea was pretty vague. You need to remember that the Starkweather murders were in 1957 and 1958 — before the parents of many college students were even born.
The second experience was a visit by a Cub Scout den. I was giving the kids a tour of the police station one evening. We were in the front lobby waiting for everyone to arrive. As I entertained the boys, I told the moms and dads that they might enjoy looking in the corner of the Sheriff’s Office display case to see the contents of Starkweather’s wallet — discovered a couple of years ago locked up in the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office safe. After a few minutes, one of the confused fathers asked me who Starkweather was, and why it was significant.
No. 2: Lincoln National Bank
On the morning of Sept. 17, 1930, a dark blue Buick carrying six men pulled up in front of the Lincoln National Bank at the northwest corner of 12th and O streets. Five of the men entered the bank, while a sixth stood outside by the Buick, cradling a machine gun. Observing the unusual events, a passerby called the police. The officer who responded, Forrest Shappaugh, was casually instructed by the machine-gun-toting lookout to just keep going, which he wisely did. Returning with reinforcements, he found that the robbers had already made good on their getaway, netting $2.7 million in cash and negotiable securities.
Ultimately, three of the six suspects were arrested. Tommy O’Connor and Howard Lee were convicted and sentenced. Jack Britt was tried twice but not convicted by a hung jury. Gus Winkeler, a member of Al Capone’s gang, winged a deal with County Attorney Max Towle to avoid prosecution in exchange for orchestrating the recovery of $600,000 in bearer bonds. The following year, Winkeler was murdered in Chicago, the victim of a gangland slaying. The final two robbers were never identified.
The Lincoln National Bank robbery stood as the largest cash bank robbery in the United States for many decades. It precipitated major changes at the Lincoln Police Department. Chief Peter Johnstone was rapidly “retired” after the robbery, the department’s fleet was upgraded to add the first official patrol cars, the full force was armed and a shotgun squad was organized. Forty-four years later when I was hired at LPD, the echo of the Lincoln National Bank robbery was still evident in daily bank opening details, and in the Thomspon submachine guns and Reising rifles that detectives grabbed whenever the robbery alarm sounded at headquarters.
No. 3: The Last Posse
My first inkling about this crime came when I was the chief deputy sheriff. One of my interns, a young man named Ron Boden (who became a veteran deputy sheriff), had been doing some research on Lancaster County’s only known lynching, in 1884. I came across a reference in the biography of the sheriff at the time, Sam Melick, to the murder of the Nebraska Penitentiary warden and subsequent prison break. Melick had been appointed interim warden after the murder and instituted several reforms.
Several years later, a colleague, Sgt. Geoff Marti, loaned me a great book, Gale Christianson’s "Last Posse," that told the story of the 1912 prison break in gory, haunting and glorious detail.
To make a long story short, convict Shorty Gray and his co-conspirators shot and killed Warden James Delahunty, a deputy warden and a guard on Wednesday, March 13, 1912. They then made their break — right into the teeth of a brutal Nebraska spring blizzard. Over the course to the next few days, a posse pursued. During the pursuit, the escapees carjacked a young farmer with his team and wagon. As the posse closed in, a gunfight broke out and the hostage was shot and killed in the exchange, along with two of the three escapees.
There was plenty of anger among the locals in the Gretna-Springfield vicinity about the death of their native son, and a controversy raged over the law enforcement tactics that brought about his demise. Lancaster County Sheriff Gus Hyers was not unsullied by the inquiry, although it appears from my prospect a century later that the fog of war led to the tragedy.
Christianson, a professor of history at Indiana State University who died earlier this year, notes the following on the flyleaf:
“For anyone living west of the Mississippi in 1912, the biggest news that fateful year was a violent escape from the Nebraska state penitentiary planned and carried out by a trio of notorious robbers and safe blowers.”
Bigger news on half the continent than the sinking of the Titanic during the same year would certainly qualify this murder-escape as one of the most infamous Lincoln crimes in history.
No. 4: Rock Island wreck
The Aug. 10, 1894, wreck of a Rock Island train on the southwest outskirts of Lincoln was almost lost in the mist of time until it was resurrected in the public consciousness by author Joel Williams, who came across the story while conducting research for his historical novel, "Barrelhouse Boys."
The wreck was determined to be the result of sabotage to the tracks, perhaps an attempt to derail the train as a prelude to robbery. Eleven people died in the crash and ensuing fire, making this a mass murder, to be sure. G.W. Davis was arrested and convicted of the crime but later received a full pardon. The story was told in greater detail earlier this year by the Lincoln Journal Star.
A historical marker is along the Rock Island Trail in Wilderness Park, accessible only by foot or bike from the nearest trail access points about a half-mile away at Old Cheney Road on the north, or 14th Street on the south.
Here’s the big question that remains unanswered: Was there really significant evidence to prove that George Washington Davis committed the crime, or was he just a convenient scapegoat? The fact that he received a gubernatorial pardon 10 years later leads me to believe that the evidence must have been unusually weak. If he was railroaded, then my second question is this: who really pried loose the tracks with the 40-pound crowbar found at the scene?
No. 5: Commonwealth
On Nov. 1, 1983, the doors to Nebraska’s largest industrial savings and loan company were closed and Commonwealth was declared insolvent. The 6,700 depositors with $65 million at stake would never be fully compensated for their loss, ultimately receiving about 59 cents on the dollar for their deposits, which they all mistakenly believed were insured up to $30,000 through the Nebraska Depository Insurance Guaranty Corporation, which was essentially an insurance pool with assets of only $3 million.
The case dominated Nebraska news for months. The investigation ultimately led to the conviction of three members of the prominent Lincoln family that owned the institution, the resignation of the director of the State Department of Banking and the impeachment of the Nebraska attorney general and the suspension of his license to practice law. State and federal litigation arising from the failure of Commonwealth drug on for years.
At the Lincoln Police Department, the Commonwealth failure led to the formation of a specialized white-collar crime detail, now known as the Technical Investigations Unit. At the time, municipal police departments in the United States had virtually no capacity for investigating financial crime and fraud of this magnitude, and we quickly became well known for our expertise in this area. The early experience served LPD very well in the ensuring years.
No. 6: Candice Harms
Candi Harms never came home from visiting her boyfriend on Sept. 22, 1992. Her parents reported her as a missing person the following morning, and her car was found abandoned in a cornfield north of Lincoln later in the day. Weeks went by before her remains were found southeast of Lincoln.
Scott Barney and Roger Bjorklund were convicted in her abduction and murder. Barney is in prison serving a life term. Bjorklund died in prison in 2001. Intense media attention surrounded the lengthy trial of Roger Bjorklund, for which a jury was brought in from Cheyenne County as an alternative to a change of venue. I have no doubt that the trial was a life-changing event for a group of good citizens from Sidney, who did their civic duty.
I was the Lancaster County sheriff at the time, involved both in the investigation and in the trial security. It was at about this time that the cellular telephone was becoming a consumer product, and I have often thought that this brutal crime probably spurred a lot of purchases. During my career, this is probably the second-most-prominent Lincoln crime in terms of the sheer volume of media coverage.
No. 7: Jon Simpson and Jacob Surber
A parent’s worst nightmare unfolded in September 1975 when these two boys, ages 12 and 13, failed to return from the Nebraska State Fair. The boys were the victims of abduction and murder. The case was similar to a string of other murders of young boys in the Midwest, and many thought that these cases were related -- the work of a serial killer. Although an arrest was made in the case here in Lincoln, the charges were eventually dismissed. William Guatney was released and has since died.
No. 8: John Sheedy
Saloon and gambling house owner John Sheedy was gunned down outside his home at 1211 P St. in January 1891. The case of Sheedy, prominent in Lincoln’s demiworld, became the talk of the town when his wife, Mary, and her alleged lover and accomplice, Monday McFarland, were arrested. Both were acquitted at trial. The Sheedy murder is chronicled in a great interactive multimedia website, Gilded Age Plains City, an online version that builds upon an article published in 2001 by Timothy Mahoney of the University of Nebraska.
No. 9: Patricia McGarry and Catherine Brooks
The bodies of these two friends were found in a Northeast Lincoln duplex in August 1977. Their murderer, Robert E. Williams, was the subject of a massive Midwest manhunt during the following week. Before his capture, he committed a third murder in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, and raped, shot and left for dead a victim who survived in Minnesota. He is the last man to be executed in Nebraska, sent to the electric chair in 1997.
No. 10: Judge William M. Morning
District Court Judge William Morning was murdered in February 1924. He was shot on the bench by an unhappy litigant in a divorce case. His court reporter, Minor Bacon, was also shot, but a notebook in his breast pocket deflected the bullet and saved his life.
Many other crimes
Choosing Lincoln's 10 most infamous crimes was a challenge. Although the top two were easy, the picture quickly became clouded. We tend, of course, to forget our history rather quickly. Many of the crimes I felt were among the most significant are barely remembered today, if not completely forgotten.
Some readers will take issue with my list. In choosing 10, here are the others I considered, in no particular order. They are all murders:
-- Mary O'Shea
-- Nancy Parker
-- Charles Mulholland
-- Victoria Lamm and Janet Mesner
-- Martina McMenamin
-- Regina Bos (presumably murdered)
-- Patty Webb
-- Marianne Mitzner
I also thought about the five murder-suicides in which a mother or father killed multiple family members before taking their own life. Though tragic, these crimes did not command the same kind of attention as the others, perhaps because there was no lengthy investigation, no tantalizing whodunit, no stranger-killer, nor any of the details that come out in the coverage of a major trial.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7223 or awegley@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @andrewwegley
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Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said she will sign off on the zoning changes and land annexation that will allow a hotly debated housing development adjacent to Wilderness Park to proceed.
A group of Native community members who opposed the development set up a prayer camp early Monday and had asked Gaylor Baird to veto the City Council's approval of the development, known as Wilderness Crossing.
The mayor met with Native leaders on Tuesday and said in a news release on Wednesday announcing her decision that she looked forward to working with them to build a more inclusive community.
But she said she still intended to approve the council's action, which included annexation and zoning changes necessary for the plan to proceed.
Gaylor Baird said that previous modifications made by the developer and city planners had already addressed some concerns.
And the release pointed out the sweat lodge used by Native leaders to practice sacred ceremonial rituals is across the street from the proposed development on private property, not on park land.
"The owner of the property to be developed and the owner of the property that includes the sweat lodge both have the right to use their land as they wish within guidelines," she said.
On Sunday, a Native group erected the Niskithe Prayer Camp -- a name taken from an UmoNhoN word meaning Saltwater, a nod to the area's Salt Creek waterway.
“We are here today to take back our voice, which was stolen from us at last week’s City Council hearing,” said Kevin Abourezk, a leader of the peaceful prayer camp, at the outset of their vigil. “As Indigenous people of this land, we have had much taken from us over the past few centuries. Today we are standing up and saying, ‘No more! We are here. We are strong. We will remain.'”
Environmental activists and members of the Native community sent over 100 letters opposing the proposed development, and turned out in force to speak at a City Council public hearing on the development.
They are concerned about the effect the traffic, light and noise will have on the native habitat and wildlife of the park — and that it will disrupt the sanctity of one of the oldest and most-used Native sweat lodges in the city.
In addition to the request for the mayor to veto the action, the group had asked the city for other changes, including creating a city Native Advisory Committee and developing city and county policies to protect Indigenous ceremonial sites.
The group was meeting Wednesday night to discuss the mayor's decision, according to Abourezk.
Sam Manzitto Jr. plans to build 162 single-family homes, 134 townhomes and 205 apartments on about 75 acres south of Pioneers Boulevard between First Street and U.S. 77.
The Catholic Diocese of Lincoln plans to sell the land and has been working with Manzitto since 2018 on plans to develop it. The land has been designated in the Comprehensive Plan for future urban residential development since 2002.
Previous development adjacent to Wilderness Park like Lincoln Southwest High School, Cooper YMCA and the Horizons business park are examples of development that has used buffers and setbacks that protect the park and park uses, the mayor said in her release.
The Wilderness Crossing residential neighborhood proposal has followed the same process and includes similar design considerations like open land buffers, fences, lighting restrictions, landscaping, relocation of an existing street and tree plantings to create distance between and mitigate the impact of the development on neighboring private properties and the park.
“As our city grows, new neighborhoods will continue to be built next to existing neighborhoods, community amenities and places of worship. When that happens, the city will continue to listen to community concerns, then use thoughtful zoning policies and the Comprehensive Plan to help neighbors find meaningful ways to live and grow together,” Gaylor Baird said.
This is a developing story. Return to JournalStar.com for updates.
The group wants a formal apology from the Lincoln City Council and for members to engage in a restorative justice process with them, and asks the mayor to veto the council’s action last week.
The City Council on Monday approved zoning changes and an annexation that will allow a controversial housing development near Wilderness Park to proceed.
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| 2022-05-05T01:06:02
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PORTLAND, Oregon — Damage caused during abortion rights rally in downtown Portland marred an otherwise peaceful event Tuesday evening.
The damage was not as widespread as some instances in the past, but any damage is tough for a downtown trying to make a comeback. This time there was graffiti and broken glass, and some burning items thrown at the Mark O. Hatfield federal courthouse in downtown Portland.
If you look at the early part of the demonstration for abortion rights, many might consider it a fine example of free speech in action. But police say later on, during marches around downtown, some in the crowd took advantage of the situation.
And there's the graffiti and broken glass to prove it. You can see the damage to a Starbucks in pictures provided by Portland police.
Hardest hit was The Portland Exchange, a small grocery and café connected to a new Hilton-owned hotel. Vandals broke out several windows there Tuesday night. Those windows were boarded up Wednesday and the business closed, waiting for repairs.
Claudia Brown has seen this story many times over in Portland.
“I don't like it at all ... and the way I think — which is probably totally wrong — I think these people have to be from out of town because people from Portland can't possibly act like that,” said Brown.
This much is for sure, any extra damage is not what downtown businesses need right now.
The Portland Business Alliance (PBA) and others say downtown has been mounting a comeback, and things are better than they've been.
But the PBA and Downtown Portland Clean and Safe released a statement, saying in part, “Nothing could be more demoralizing and hampering to our collective recovery than the actions of a very few that happened after peaceful demonstrations last night."
The leader of the Downtown Portland Neighborhood Association thinks police are too understaffed to handle the bad actors in the crowd.
“Unfortunately, those that escape being accountable for their actions may feel they can return sometime later and do it again... Completely unacceptable," wrote Walter Weyler, chair and president of the Neighborhood Association.
This is a city that, on a fairly warm and sunny spring day, has a lot going for it — from the farmer's market in the park blocks, to a sunny spot for a lunch break in Director's Park.
One downtown worker told KGW that, despite what sometimes happens at night, downtown is a great place to work. Boarded up windows don’t mean they’ve all been broken.
“A lot of people seem to be scared of that, but a lot of it’s preventative, not indicative of damage behind those boards, and if you spend time down here during the day it’s just a normal city,” said April Stricker.
The Portland Bureau said it made one arrest Wednesday night. Luke S. Anderson, 31, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center of charges of Reckless Burning and Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree.
PPB asks that if you have any information, pictures, video or other evidence that can help them investigate acts of vandalism, to email crimetips@portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 22-117206.
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PORTLAND, Ore. — After two years, Portland City Council is back to in-person meetings. It's still a hybrid model, meaning people can participate online if they don't feel comfortable going to the meeting.
Bruce Barnes attended the meeting on Wednesday and wanted to give a public comment about the homeless crisis.
"I want to be here so I can look the elected officials in the eye — they are the ones working for me, they work for us," Barnes said.
Commissioner Mingus Mapps has been on the council for 16 months without an in-person meeting, and said he's ready for the interaction. He said this is a sign the city is recovering from the pandemic.
"I'm excited to see all of my colleagues in one place for the first time, that's a rare thing to happen," Mapps said. "I look forward to inviting the public back to City Hall."
When it comes to the future, there's still a lot of unanswered questions. Mapps said he thinks they will keep some elements of the hybrid public meetings. He said a lot of city employees are still working from home.
"Some employees in my office come in everyday, some come in a couple of days a week ... I believe that pattern holds true all across the city depending on the type of work that you're doing," Mapps said.
Wednesday's in-person council meeting is Commissioner Carmen Rubio's first as well.
"I think relationship is so key and having that connection and looking people in the eye that are speaking to you are important pieces of being accessible," Rubio said.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-city-council-in-person-meetings-after-two-years-pandemic/283-73acdba5-05b4-4975-9101-729de33efaa8
| 2022-05-05T01:07:46
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Experts are already predicting a high-risk wildfire season for the Pacific Northwest this summer, and it’s never too early to make sure your property is prepared.
Arborist Jeff Moore works for Urban Forest Pro in Portland. He said it's important for homeowners to inspect their properties heading into the warmer months and remove any dead plants or trees from their yards.
He said it's a good idea even for those who don't live areas typically prone to wildfire. Oregon's catastrophic wildfire season of September 2020 is a perfect example of how unpredictable and fast-spreading wildfires can be.
Moore said homeowners should give themselves 10 to 15 feet of "defensive space" around their homes and other structures on their property to keep flammables from spreading to them.
And it's not just the spaces on the side and front of the house; Moore said people should also consider what’s above.
“Inspect your powerlines and make sure they’re not going to drop huge trees on them, and notifying the proper people to take are of them,” said Moore.
Moore said another important thing homeowners should do is clear any ivy and invasive plants around their home.
According to Moore, there are a number of residents around Portland who have not removed down trees from the snowstorm last April. He said the trees that are lying around could be a potential hazard if a fire were to start.
Moore said that getting an early start on wildfire preparation could be save your home from a potential disaster.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/preparing-your-property-for-wildfire-season/283-3f234cd9-9e86-4f26-a61d-84aee37c34d3
| 2022-05-05T01:07:48
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The Gumtree Art and Wine Festival will return for its 50th year with wine serving as the newest component of the weekend-long event. Festivities will begin Friday, May 6 and conclude Sunday, May 8. A free concert will be held in downtown Tupelo Friday evening with local artists Modern Bodies and Spunk Monkees and American alternative country music band American Aquarium.
In this file photo from 2018, Angela Atkinson and family browse one of the vendors’ tents Saturday at the GumTree Festival in Tupelo.
LIBBY EZELL | DAILY JOURNAL
The Gumtree Art and Wine Festival will return for its 50th year with wine serving as the newest component of the weekend-long event. Festivities will begin Friday, May 6 and conclude Sunday, May 8. A free concert will be held in downtown Tupelo Friday evening with local artists Modern Bodies and Spunk Monkees and American alternative country music band American Aquarium.
TUPELO • The Gumtree Art Festival will relaunch as the Gumtree Art and Wine Festival this weekend in honor of its 50th anniversary.
This year's three-day festival will include a free Friday night concert featuring local bands Modern Bodies and Spunk Monkees and alt country band American Aquarium.
Festivities will begin Friday, May 6, at 10 a.m. with Paint The Town, featuring Plein Air artists.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., the festival will kick off its 50th birthday Gumball Birthday Bash on the corner of Tupelo's Main and Spring Streets with live music.
Saturday's schedule of events begins at 9 a.m. with a chalk art contest, Creative Kids Garden, Youth Writing and Arts Awards and The Palette, which is a new wine tasting addition launching this year alongside the rebranded festival.
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Singer/songwriter finalists will perform starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, and a winner will be announced at 4 p.m. The Artist Dinner and Visual Artist Awards will commence at 5:30 p.m.
The South's Best Art Party will usher in the end of Saturday evening from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday will be the final day of Gumtree Art and Wine festivities with a Mother's Day Jazz Brunch beginning at 10 a.m. The "Art Of..." studio tent will help finish the day and conclude the 50th anniversary festival Sunday afternoon.
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| 2022-05-05T01:29:46
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BOISE, Idaho — Community advocates continue to speak out after the trial of former Idaho Rep. Aaron von Ehlinger, who was found guilty on April 29 of raping a legislative intern in 2021.
State Sen. Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, a noted advocate for survivors of sexual violence, said lawmakers have a lot to think about when considering the last year.
“When I saw the verdict, I didn't know quite how to feel. I wasn't convinced that there was justice. I wasn't convinced that, you know, I was happy. I mean, it was a sad day. The one thing I did feel was a little bit of relief that the victim's voice was validated. But the biggest thing I thought about is my role as a legislator,” Wintrow said.
The senator said lawmakers are "not off the hook" when it comes to the Jane Doe situation.
“There were plenty of warning signs of his behavior, plenty of conversations. What could we have done? All of us who witnessed it, to confront it and hold him accountable. And I think we should have expectations for that. And the legislature should be required to have a best-practice policy to prevent and deal with harassment in the workplace, period. That is our responsibility. That is our responsibility to each other and the taxpayers,” Wintrow said.
Notably in court last week, Jane Doe left the stand during her testimony saying, “I can't do this.” That event started a community conversation about what could be done to prevent a similar situation, or at least make it more manageable in situations where a survivor is retraumatized over and over. Wintrow said she and some of her colleagues have talked about changes they can make.
“The average time between report and arrest for a sexual assault, for example, according to one study, was about 88 days. Almost three months. In that time of the investigation, there is no protection for the person who's been harmed from the person that harmed them if it's a sexual assault. If you have a domestic violence or an intimate partner relationship, you can seek a protection order. But our law does not allow for that if you're not in an intimate relationship. So, in this case Jane Doe could not seek a protection order because of the law. And in the past several months, I've received three phone calls from women who want to get protection orders. And the judges say, 'well, I can't because the law won't allow me,'” Wintrow said.
Senator Wintrow said she wanted to look back at legislation that failed in 2020.
“I actually worked very hard with many stakeholders to provide legislation for a civil protection order for sexual assault survivors. I had the support from prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement advocates, victims -- you name it. I couldn't get it out of committee. I want us to go back to that legislation and we need to pass it. If there is one thing we could have done for her and many other survivors of sexual assault, if we really want to help people, allow them to get a protection order, and all we have to do is change the law to provide that opportunity,” Wintrow said.
Attention is again being drawn to the House ethics committee hearing that involved Jane Doe testifying behind a black curtain about her interaction with von Ehlinger. The committee found that von Ehlinger's behavior was unbecoming of a lawmaker. However, they made this clear: They were not there to find a crime. Doe was traumatized in real time as she testified as the general public, media, and lawmakers watched. A reporter and some other people watching the hearing then chased Doe through the Capitol, traumatizing her again.
“The thing that we don't do well as a culture and as a system is center voices of people being harmed. We talk a good game that we do that, but what does it truly mean to center the voice of somebody who's been victimized? It means that we listen to what their experience is and that we are willing to take action to adjust a system or behavior based on that information,” Wintrow said.
In 2023, Wintrow plans on pushing lawmakers to take on the topic and to take up changes.
“I do think some of the gaps that exist could be filled, and some of those things I think are about creating strict confidentiality process in there, accountability for any member who is acting outside of expectations. Making sure that we follow the rules we have. In this case, we actually had rules that that would protect a third party from harm. Well, in this case, the victim was a third party, but we still put her in a public venue. We wouldn't have had to do that. We do have a committee, a joint committee that was supposed to convene last session but didn't. So, I will work with my colleagues to encourage support, make sure we are convening and really try to create best practice process,” Wintrow said.
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| 2022-05-05T01:32:11
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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Governor Brad Little joined his Cybersecurity Task Force members in rolling out recommendations to protect Idaho citizens, businesses, and elections from cyber-attacks.
"Through the Idaho National Laboratory, the State of Idaho is home to unique and world-leading capabilities in countering cyber-attacks and engineering solutions to the cybersecurity challenges facing our state and nation." Governor Little said. "We need increased resources, partnerships, and active collaboration between a broad range of organizations to successfully protect Idahoans from ever-growing cybersecurity threats."
The 34-page report outlines 18 recommended actions, including cyber deterrence, increasing funding for cybersecurity, and increasing public awareness of cybersecurity threats, in order to better protect Idahoans.
"My Cybersecurity Task Force spent the past eight months identifying new ways to improve our state's defenses against cyber-attacks, including recommendations to better protect Idaho's election infrastructure," Governor Little said. "Fair and free elections are a hallmark of Idaho's proud representative democracy and the expectation of every Idahoan. I appreciate my very capable team for stepping up to the task."
The recommendations aim to ensure election integrity; safeguard Idaho's critical infrastructure; improve Idaho's pipeline of cybersecurity professionals; and improve the public's cybersecurity awareness and education.
Governor Little established the task force in August of 2021 to address the intrusions, corruption, and fraud committed by cybersecurity attacks each day. The threat is not just a local one; citizens, businesses, and governments at every level could be at risk of a cybersecurity threat.
"Across our state and throughout the nation, there are few more pressing threats to our safety, security, and freedom than cyber-attacks. This susceptibility makes the work of the task force so important," Governor Little said.
The task force was formed as part of Governor Little's "Leading Idaho" plan, which approved $12 million for a new Cyber Response and Defense Fund to ensure the state is prepared to respond to any cybersecurity events that may occur with elections throughout the state.
Another $500,000 was approved for proactive integrity audits, further enhancing the transparency and confidence around Idaho's elections.
The full Cybersecurity Task Force report is available here.
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| 2022-05-05T01:32:17
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MERIDIAN, Idaho — The Treasure Valley's Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI) presented a safety and response training Wednesday for more than 500 constructions workers to reinforce jobsite safety protocols.
KTVB reported two job-site deaths the last week of April from electrocution and a collapsed trench. Both deaths were preventable, according to Boise-area Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Director, David Kearns.
The presentation is part of ESI's participation in OHSA's National Safety Stand Down Week.
"As we see the Treasure Valley grow, we see all kind of contractors starting here -- up and comers. It's important we still continue to focus on getting people home safely," ESI Safety Director, Marianne Nelson said. "It doesn't matter if you are a new company, an old company, out-of-state, or new to the area. It's the same wherever you go. We just want the Treasure Valley to be a safe place wherever you work."
Falling from heights is the number one reason people die on a jobsite, according to Nelson. The presentation focused on falling hazards -- specifically the proper safety protocols to prevent death and mitigate risk.
Numbers from ESI show 368 people died on a jobsite in the United States from falling from an elevated platform or surface. That makes up 37% of all construction related deaths.
People often cut corners on safety protocols to save time and be efficient, ESI said. The common denominator is a worker doesn’t want to be high maintenance and make a fuss. However, the potential to save time is never worth the risk, Kearns said.
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/esi-safety-training-killer-in-construction/277-bc0807e2-ca6c-4118-b2d1-6c8e272ce763
| 2022-05-05T01:32:23
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NAMPA, Idaho — A new industrial park is coming to Nampa, consisting of three separate 115,000 square-foot buildings north of Karcher Road.
Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling and representatives from LDK Ventures, McAlvain Construction and Colliers celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for the Madison Logistics Center on Wednesday.
The logistics center is a "efficiently-constructed" industrial park, including solar panels on the roof and 28 dock doors in each building.
The three buildings also include parking for trailers, 32 feet of warehouse clear height and combination of natural skylights and LED lighting. The first building will be prepared for occupancy in January 2023.
“Our team is excited about the possibilities the Madison Logistic Center holds for the Nampa community,” Managing Principal of LDK Ventures, Denton Kelley said. “Our hope is that, as with our other projects here, it will continue to attract more businesses to the area and further position Nampa as an industrial hub and excellent place to do business.”
Kelley said the location for the Madison Logistics Center was selected based on Nampa's growth. The industrial park is located between Cherry Lane and Birch Lane, around 20 minutes away from the Boise Airport.
LDK Ventures is a Sacramento and Boise-based development group. LDK Ventures is backing the project, while bringing on McAlvain Companies for construction. Additionally, Colliers brokerage experts will serve as the leasing advisors.
During Wednesday's ceremony, Mayor Kling was presented with a $10,000 check from LDK Ventures and McAlvain Companies to support at-risk students in the Nampa School District.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation, which will serve many at-risk youth in our area,” Kling said. “LDK Venture’s expertise, professionalism and partnership is greatly valued, and we are excited to have them as part of our community … Nampa is centrally located to many amenities which makes it attractive to developers, and the Madison Logistics Center has great potential to provide additional living-wage jobs for our community.”
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/growing-idaho/madison-logistics-center-nampa/277-9f9436b9-1aaf-4065-bae2-8b8eeb891ed0
| 2022-05-05T01:32:29
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/growing-idaho/madison-logistics-center-nampa/277-9f9436b9-1aaf-4065-bae2-8b8eeb891ed0
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BOISE, Idaho — The housing crisis in the Treasure Valley doesn't seem to be letting up, forcing some people to find another place to live or downsize entirely.
The solutions seem slim to none, but the nonprofit LEAP Housing is taking matters into its own hands by building affordable homes out of storage materials.
Caritas Commons in Eagle, Idaho includes six homes made of three shipping containers, with the plan to build eight more. Each home is 960 square feet with four bedrooms and two baths.
"We don't really refer to them as tiny homes, but they are just the right amount of space,” said CEO of LEAP Housing, Bart Cochran.
The last four homes sold for $275,000 and the first two sold for $212,000.
"We really target 80 percent of the median area income of our audience so think like one-third of all households in Boise are 80 percent or below,” Cochran said. "This is the audience that can roughly afford about $300,000 in a home purchase. With median home prices at $575,000, the market has essentially left this audience behind."
But unfortunately, LEAP Housing is not immune to inflation and the cost of building a home keeps rising.
"We are starting to see upward movement not only in material costs but also fuel surcharges. Inflation is definitely in there as well, so it’s all a bundle of sort of upward movement of the total cost in order to construct,” Cochran said.
With help from the community and donations to the nonprofit, Cochran is confident they can keep the cost of homes in the $300,000 range.
Peter Manning was the first person to purchase a home at Caritas Commons, during a time when he was struggling to find something affordable.
"I was in the music business for thirty years and moved to Boise to be a concert promoter right up until covid took the wind out of everybody, and I didn't have the ability to wait for the music business to come back,” Manning said.
Since then, Manning found a job in a different industry. He moved into the home with his two children in December of 2021.
"Both my kids, just the quality it provides, it's basic, they have a bedroom you know, they have a place they can call home,” Manning said.
After a tumultuous two years, Manning said he is grateful to have a roof over his head for himself and his children.
“When I think about the challenges of living in a smaller space I think about the challenges of living in no space,” Manning said.
For a link to Caritas Waitlist (LEAP Housing Trust Waitlist), click here.
For a link to LEAP Housing's donation page, click here.
The City of Boise recently announced a partnership with LEAP Housing for a pilot program to legalize tiny homes. Currently, mobilized tiny homes are not legal under the Boise city code.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/housing-crisis-idaho-buying-homes-made-shipping-containers/277-9be4b72b-33ff-4a21-bade-6f60c2cb975f
| 2022-05-05T01:32:35
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/housing-crisis-idaho-buying-homes-made-shipping-containers/277-9be4b72b-33ff-4a21-bade-6f60c2cb975f
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QUINTANA, Texas — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information on the people responsible for harming a sick dolphin on Quintana Beach in April.
The bottlenose dolphin was found stranded alive on the beach in the Freeport area on April 10. Beachgoers found the dolphin, pushed it back out to sea and even attempted to swim with and ride the sick animal.
The dolphin later died from drowning, an autopsy confirmed.
The NOAA's law enforcement office wants the people who harassed the dolphin to be held responsible which is why the agency is asking anyone who can identify the individuals to come forward.
You can call the NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement Hotline anonymously at (800) 853-1964.
The reward of up to $20,000 is for information leading to one or all of the following, according to the NOAA:
- Successful identification
- Successful prosecution for the person(s) responsible
- An arrest, conviction, or civil penalty assessment
You must leave your name and contact information when calling to be eligible for the reward.
DO's and DON'T's for stranded marine mammals (from NOAA):
Don't push the animal back out to sea. Stranded marine mammals may be sick or injured. Returning animals to sea delays examination and treatment and often results in the animal re-stranding in worse conditions.
If the animal returns to the water on its own, don't attempt to swim with it.
Do put human safety above animal safety. If conditions are dangerous, do not attempt to approach the animal.
Do stay with the animal until rescuers arrive, but use caution. Marine mammals can be dangerous and/or carry diseases. Keep a safe distance from the head and tail. Also, minimize contact with the animal (use gloves if necessary) and avoid inhaling the animal’s expired air.
If the animal is alive, do keep its skin moist and cool by splashing water over its body. Use wet towels to help keep the skin moist and prevent sunburn.
If the animal is alive, don't cover or obstruct the blowhole. Try to keep sand and water away from the blowhole.
Do keep crowds away and noise levels down to avoid causing further stress to the animal.
Do report all dead marine mammals, even if they are decomposed.
Do keep dogs/pets away from the live or dead marine mammal.
Don't collect any parts (tissues, teeth, bones, or gear, etc.) from dead animals.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dolphin-harassed-texas-beach/285-9ab9514a-2201-4751-a08e-2ad79133442e
| 2022-05-05T01:51:35
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dolphin-harassed-texas-beach/285-9ab9514a-2201-4751-a08e-2ad79133442e
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PLANO, Texas — Bullets were sprayed all over an east Plano intersection Wednesday evening during a shootout between a man and an off-duty officer outside a 7-Eleven, police say.
Plano police say the off-duty officer claimed he saw the man arguing with someone else in the store and confronted him after seeing the man get a pistol out of his vehicle.
Both men fired multiple rounds, police say. Once officers arrived on scene, the man who wasn't an officer dropped his weapon after being told to by police and was taken into custody.
The off-duty officer was not taken into custody, police say, and whether he is placed on leave will be up to administration.
One other person was detained for questioning, but later released, police say.
No one was injured in the shooting.
Police say there will be no further updates Wednesday night.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/shootout-involving-off-duty-officer-outside-east-plano-7-eleven-police-say/287-7f383503-60ba-4a99-a4a4-14021e3afc2c
| 2022-05-05T01:51:41
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/shootout-involving-off-duty-officer-outside-east-plano-7-eleven-police-say/287-7f383503-60ba-4a99-a4a4-14021e3afc2c
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Douglas County Commissioners Tim Freeman, Chris Boice and Tom Kress celebrated Older Americans Month by issuing a proclamation honoring our most valued and precious of citizens, our seniors, as well as thanking our many local agencies and individuals for the incredible work they do to help our seniors during their weekly business meeting today, Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens, when staggering statistics about the poverty level and lack of services for seniors were brought to the forefront of major issues in the United States.
The Commissioners are grateful for the work done by all who dedicate their lives to helping our Older Americans in Douglas County, they presented Older Americans Month proclamation certificates to:
Douglas County Senior Services Department
Douglas County Senior Services Advisory Council
Douglas County Bistro Sixty Senior Dining Sites and Meals on Wheels Programs in Winston, Glendale, Riddle, Sutherlin, Reedsport, Yoncalla, Glide
Trio Community Meals
The Friendly Kitchen – Roseburg Meals On Wheels Program
Senior & Community Centers in Yoncalla, Glendale, Sutherlin, Glide, Reedsport, Riddle, Winston
The Community Cancer Center
Greater Douglas United Way, representing FISH, UCAN, UVdN, Salvation Army, Legal Aid, Meals on Wheels/Friendly Kitchen, St. Francis Community Kitchen, Compassionate Friends, YMCA and Common Ground Mediation that provide services for seniors.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
Oregon Department of Human Services, Aging & People with Disabilities Division
Umpqua Valley disAbilities Network
Mercy Foundation’s Senior Resource Coalition Members: Sidney’s Senior Services; Forget Me Not Village & Rock Steady Boxing and Bristol Hospice
Bridgewood Rivers Assisted Living
Callahan Village, Independent and Assisted Living Community
The Landing Senior Living Community
“I have had the honor to serve this community as a State Legislator, and in that role, I was honored to work on the Human Services Policy Committee, then as the Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee for Human Services. In those roles, I learned a lot about the programs, services and the needs in our community. The time spent on these committees was an incredible educational experience that has forever changed me. I had no idea of the amount of work that went on in our community or the need. Each of you, every day do your best to fill that need. There was a saying we had up there, that I am sure you all have heard. ‘A society is measured by how it cares for its elderly citizens’, and if that is our measurement here in Douglas County, because of the work you all do, we are measured well!” – Commissioner Tim Freeman.
Every year the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month in May. For 2022, they are focusing their efforts on helping Older Americans to age in place, stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. The 2022 theme for Older Americans Month is Age My Way, which is an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with our communities. A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.
The story behind the series of proclamations since 2021: The Board of Commissioners recognized that many of our residents had experienced very traumatic times during the long two-plus years of dealing with the pandemic. They were seeing an incredible amount of evidence of the difficulty people were experiencing and feared that people were getting too focused on the negative with acts of anger and frustration, as well as feelings of severe depression, loneliness and isolation. They saw that there was a desperate need to bring positive energy back to our communities in order to reconnect and reengage our citizens. So, they have dedicated themselves to bringing back ‘the good’, and plan to continue to highlight the amazing work being done by local individuals and organizations in order to encourage our residents to do the same. They hope you will join them in supporting and perhaps volunteering to help these folks, so we can come together to rekindle and restore our sense of community, our faith in others and the joy that makes Douglas County the best place to live, work and play. leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month in May. For 2022, they are focusing their efforts on helping Older Americans to age in place, stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. The 2022 theme for Older Americans Month is HYPERLINK "https://acl.gov/oam/2022/older-americans-month-2022" Age My Way, which is an opportunity for all of us to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with our communities. A copy of the live video presentation can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.
The story behind the series of proclamations since 2021: The Board of Commissioners recognized that many of our residents had experienced very traumatic times during the long two-plus years of dealing with the pandemic. They were seeing an incredible amount of evidence of the difficulty people were experiencing and feared that people were getting too focused on the negative with acts of anger and frustration, as well as feelings of severe depression, loneliness and isolation. They saw that there was a desperate need to bring positive energy back to our communities in order to reconnect and reengage our citizens. So, they have dedicated themselves to bringing back ‘the good’, and plan to continue to highlight the amazing work being done by local individuals and organizations in order to encourage our residents to do the same. They hope you will join them in supporting and perhaps volunteering to help these folks, so we can come together to rekindle and restore our sense of community, our faith in others and the joy that makes Douglas County the best place to live, work and play.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/douglas-commissioners-celebrate-older-americans-month-with-proclamation/article_87f42a4c-cbfd-11ec-a545-3b7e4d2e488e.html
| 2022-05-05T01:53:25
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/douglas-commissioners-celebrate-older-americans-month-with-proclamation/article_87f42a4c-cbfd-11ec-a545-3b7e4d2e488e.html
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February 28, 1971 – April 30, 2022
Todd D. Lesco, 51, of North Bend, passed away on April 30, 2022 in North Bend. Private cremation rites were held at Ocean View Memory Gardens in Coos Bay.
Todd was born on February 28, 1971 in Orange City, New Jersey, a twin brother of Christopher Lesco, to parents James and Barbara Lesco.
Todd will be remembered for his infectious laugh and kind heart. He had a passion for reading, cheering on the LA Raiders and New York Islanders hockey team. He brought clever and thought provoking conversation while tending bar at Benetti’s, Coney Station and Little Italy over many years. He will be deeply missed by the patrons he served, his devoted friends and his loving family.
Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and www.theworldlink.com. Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/todd-david-lesco/article_529f35c6-cbfd-11ec-970f-f3b3ae060699.html
| 2022-05-05T01:53:31
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/obituaries/todd-david-lesco/article_529f35c6-cbfd-11ec-970f-f3b3ae060699.html
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YUBA CITY, Calif. — Yuba City fire officials have called for evacuations due to a 4-inch natural gas leak.
Officials said the leak is at Monroe and Teal Hollow and that evacuations are in place 400 feet from the leak's location. Police said Monroe Road, Royo Ranchero and Sam Brannan Way and Tulio were being evacuated.
In a tweet, the Yuba City Fire Chief said the senior center was open for evacuees.
Firefighters are asking people to avoid the area if possible.
WATCH ALSO:
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/yuba-city-gas-leak/103-682f79ee-b321-43db-b9ae-11138aa615f9
| 2022-05-05T02:02:18
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/yuba-city-gas-leak/103-682f79ee-b321-43db-b9ae-11138aa615f9
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — When it comes to picking up trash in Portland, some residents have decided to take matters into their own hands.
A group of roughly 20 volunteers with Adopt One Block organized an unauthorized cleanup on the off ramp of I-5 and Rosa Parks Way Wednesday morning.
They told KOIN 6 News they were willing to trespass on ODOT land and risk legal action in an effort to keep the freeways clear.
“ODOT and PBOT have the trashiest parts of our community and they consistently refuse to get and keep those places clean,” said Frank Moscow, Founder of Adopt One Block. “They’ve got plenty of money, but they refuse to do their job. And that’s why these Portland women who care are here today because they are advocating, as are we, for regular, consistent cleanup of our public spaces.”
The founder of Adopt One Block, a local non-profit which helps citizens clean up the city by providing free supplies and protective gear told KOIN 6 News he helped organize the act of civil disobedience and hopes the “good trouble” communicates the organization’s frustration with the state of the city’s freeways.
“Either consistently keep your land clean or give non-profits like ours unfettered access so we can keep it clean for the community – but somebody’s got to step up,” Moscow stated. “We’re paying taxes, they are awash in money, this is their land, and they are the responsible party for getting in, keeping it clean. We’re tired of excuses this has been going on for years.”
Frustration with Portland’s ongoing trash problem is a sentiment Don Hamilton with ODOT said he completely understands.
“It’s been very difficult. All the litter and the graffiti issues that we’ve been having in the Portland area are quite overwhelming. And I think everybody in the Portland area understands this,” Hamilton said. “We’re working right now with a special $2 million authorization from the legislature that’s put additional graffiti and litter cleanup crews on the streets of Portland right now and will through the end of June next year.”
But as ODOT works to put more crews on the streets of Portland, he said unauthorized cleanups like the one off Rosa Parks Way are unsafe and ill-advised.
“It’s inherently dangerous for anybody unauthorized to be next to the freeway like that,” Hamilton explained. “People can get hurt and get killed on the side of the roads like that. So, we need people to make sure that they have the right equipment, have the right authorization, have the right training to be working at the side of the road like that.”
According to Moscow, Adopt One Block had been in communication with ODOT to try and get ongoing access to clean the city’s freeways approved, but claim the agency would only allow them to have a single-use permit, which would have to be renewed each time the crews wanted to clean a site.
“There is a lack of will, a lack of urgency to get and keep our public places clean,” Moscow told KOIN 6 News. “And we’ve done the normal petitioning of government bodies. We’ve asked for them to give us access to these lands. They turn us down, they turn other organizations down, but yet, they won’t clean it up themselves.”
KOIN 6 News asked ODOT about the permits and was not provided an immediate response.
While the issue may seem like a garbage fight between the city and citizens – Both ODOT and Adopt One Block agreed that a serious trash problem remains Portland, and that it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
“This is what hundreds of thousands of people see every day is the on and off ramps of the freeways,” Moscow said. “This matters in terms of people’s perception of the cleanliness of the entire city.”
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/adopt-one-block-volunteers-organize-unauthorized-i-5-clean-up/
| 2022-05-05T02:14:03
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/adopt-one-block-volunteers-organize-unauthorized-i-5-clean-up/
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The man suspected of punching and kicking a a 79-year-old man in the face after the two appeared to get into a disagreement on a Bronx sidewalk has been arrested, police said.
The violent incident took place around 1:30 p.m. on Monday in the Concourse section, according to police. Security video showed the two men talking to one another, with the older man clutching a cane, and police said it escalated into an argument.
Before long, the suspect punched the other man, Gerardo Cabeza, in the face, knocking him to the ground. But he didn't stop there, throwing his drink at Cabeza and kicking him in the face, police said.
Police said Cabeza told them the man tried to rob him, but didn’t end up taking anything. What prompted the man to attack him like that was not clear, but the suspect ran off right after.
Cabeza was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, and was recovering at home Wednesday.
Edgar Wilson was arrested Wednesday, just over two days after the incident. The 25-year-old Bronx resident was charged with assault and attempted robbery. NBC New York captured the arrest on camera, after a pair of NYPD officers spotted Wilson and moved in to make the arrest.
Cabeza, bruised and battered from the attack, broke down in tears after learning of the arrest, saying he can now get some rest. He said he no longer feels safe in his home, and he wants out.
"I’m gonna leave. I’m gonna get out of here. I live here for 50 years. 50 years," Cabeza said, adding that he is thankful and hopes the attacker is properly punished. "It’s very important because I’m glad they arrested, because the police showed me they are doing something."
Those who know Cabeza were stunned to see the video of him getting beaten in front of his own home. Those who live in the building said Cabeza would sit on the front stoop and greet people as they passed.
"When the people walk in the street he says bye, hello, God bless you. He’s a very good person, so I feel so sad about that," neighbor Mirka Caro Rivera said.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/suspect-arrested-for-punching-kicking-79-year-old-in-face-on-nyc-sidewalk-police/3674574/
| 2022-05-05T02:15:15
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/suspect-arrested-for-punching-kicking-79-year-old-in-face-on-nyc-sidewalk-police/3674574/
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FORT SMITH, Ark. — It was a normal Sunday morning for 88-year-old Lucy Hershel who was on her way to church as she traveled northbound on N 8th Street in Fort Smith.
As Hershel arrived at the intersection of N 8th and P St, her vehicle was t-boned and flipped. The driver who struck Hershel was George Curtis of Razorback Cab. The original complaint to the court said Curtis was driving eastbound when he failed to stop at a stop sign resulting in the accident.
Hershel was never the same says her lawyers, William and Ashleigh Buckley. “It was a complete abrupt 180 in her life,” said A. Buckley.
“Before the wreck, she was an independent 88-year-old. She could sit down, she went dancing, she paid her own bills, she was an active member of the Fort Smith community,” said W. Buckley. “What this wreck did was make her a completely different person.”
In the months and years since the accident, Hershel and her team attempted to settle with Razorback Cab but eventually took the case to the Sebastian County Circuit Court.
Last month, a ruling was made.
After failing to produce counsel, Curtis and Razorback Cab Company owner, Sheila Roller, the court found the company in default and liable for damages. The court awarded Hershel $250,000 in damages, which have yet to be paid.
In the Writ of Execution that 5NEWS obtained, as of March 1, 2022, no payment had been made to Hershel and her team looked for a way to find compensation.
“We started looking at other ways we could collect since they didn’t follow the law the way they were supposed to,” said W. Buckley.
As a result, the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department was ordered to seize 30 vehicles from Razorback Cab. The vehicles and other equipment seized will be put up for auction on May 23. All proceeds will be given to Hershel.
Hershel’s attorneys say they are thankful the case is closed, but say this is more than the money that is still owed.
5NEWS reached out to Razorback Cab Company owner, Sheila Roller who declined to be on camera but did issue the following statement. “Razorback Cab would like to thank the many people who rode with us for 45 years, our valued employees and cab drivers that worked with us for many years. We are grateful for being able to serve Fort Smith and the surrounding area. Thank you, Fort Smith.”
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com.
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/razorback-cab-company-bankrupt-attempting-pay-damages/527-adb88976-af41-4c23-a33c-550cc4709d34
| 2022-05-05T02:26:17
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/razorback-cab-company-bankrupt-attempting-pay-damages/527-adb88976-af41-4c23-a33c-550cc4709d34
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Permian Strategic Partnership and Permian Road Safety Coalition are partnering in an effort to reduce vehicle crash fatalities and injuries across the Permian Basin.
The two organizations have teamed up to develop a second round of the “First Responder Life-Saving Equipment Initiative.” The PSP will be giving $3.17 million to fund life-saving equipment to first responders in 26 counties across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. This partnership builds upon the first round of this initiative which was previously funded by the PSP in 2021 with a $1.1 million donation.
“The PSP is honored to continue supporting our first responder and law enforcement partners across the entire region through a new round of funding for this initiative,” said Tracee Bentley, president and CEO of the Permian Strategic Partnership. “Importantly, this second phase nearly triples the amount of our prior support and will expand our reach across the Permian Basin while strategically placing equipment and tools where they are most needed.”
“The PRSC is very proud to continue this worthy and valuable initiative with the PSP,” said Ellen K. Ramsey, executive director of the Permian Road Safety Coalition. “Law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency services workers – all first-on-scene responders – continue to greatly need assistance purchasing the tools necessary to save lives in urban, rural, and remote areas of the Permian Basin. Together, we will close these gaps and make our roadways safer.”
Specific life-saving equipment needs have been directly identified through close collaboration with Permian Basin first responders. The PSP funding will provide a base-level equipment kit for at least 80 first responder departments with customized equipment and gear to accommodate unique needs that vary across the Permian Basin. This equipment will include components such as medical supply kits, fire extinguishers, wildfire and structure fire protective clothing, gas monitors, mobile lighting tools, and rescue helicopter landing zone kits.
First responder agencies receiving this equipment are located in the Texas counties of Andrews, Borden, Brewster, Crane, Culberson, Dawson, Ector, Gaines, Glasscock, Howard, Jeff Davis, Loving, Martin, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, Reagan, Reeves, Terrell, Upton, Ward, Winkler, and Yoakum; and the New Mexico counties of Eddy, Lea and Chaves. Equipment will be distributed throughout 2022 and 2023.
The donation is the fourth multi-million-dollar gift that the PSP, a coalition of 17 leading Permian Basin energy companies. In April, the PSP provided a lead gift of $10 million to help construct a $30 million, 60,000-square-foot structure at Midland College that will enlarge the capacity of the college's existing Pre-K Academy and also serve as an academic center for the college's new Bachelor of Applied Science program in Early Childhood education.
Later in the month, it was announced the PSP will contribute $7.5 million to team up with The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to gift 134 elementary schools in the Permian Basin with a fully equipped science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Center, reaching more than 60,000 students and 2,000 teachers in 22 counties.
Then, it was announced a surgical and sub-specialty resident training program will operate in the Permian Basin, thanks to a $12.8 million gift from the Permian Strategic Partnership.
The gift to the Permian Road Safety Coalition brings the four-project total to more than $33 million.
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https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/PSP-gives-Permian-Road-Safety-Coalition-3-17-17148276.php
| 2022-05-05T02:35:17
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https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/PSP-gives-Permian-Road-Safety-Coalition-3-17-17148276.php
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Beignets to boutiques: What businesses opened in Hattiesburg in April?
Several new businesses ranging from a beignet shop to a health care clinic opened their doors in Hattiesburg in April.
Here is what to know about newly opened businesses in the area.
Are we missing one? If you know of recently opened businesses not on this list, contact lthrailkill@gannett.com.
Mo'Bay Beignet Co.
Mo'Bay Beignet Co. opened April 29 at 2902 Hardy St., across from Southern Miss.
It is a Mobile-based pastry shop franchise specializing in beignets made using a family recipe.
The beignets are served with buttercream and cinnamon syrups, and the syrup and beignet mix are available for purchase online. The pastry shop also serves coffee.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. For information call 601-336-5395.
Hattiesburg business owner:Turning a dream into reality
More:Here's what businesses and restaurants recently opened in Hattiesburg
Chick-fil-A
A new Chick-fil-A location opened in the Hub City April 29 inside Forrest General Hospital. People who attended opening day were given free food and coupons.
It is the city's fourth Chick-fil-A location, with one located on the Southern Miss campus, one in Turtle Creek Mall and one on U.S. 98.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Open Arms Healthcare Center
Open Arms Healthcare Center opened for business April 28 at 1711 Hardy St.
The clinic specializes in preventative health care, behavioral health, family planning, social services, STD testing and telehealth. It is designed to provide underserved and underrepresented populations with health care in a safe environment.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. For information, call 601-582-0031.
Serene Oral Surgery
On April 22 Serene Oral Surgery opened at 6747 U.S. 98. The grand opening featured music, food and drinks.
The business offers dental implants, advanced bone grafting, full-arch implants and nightguards. Serene Oral Surgery is a member of the Area Development Partnership.
For information, call 601-337-3822.
Elegant Creations Salon and Boutique
Elegant Creations Salon and Boutique opened its doors at its new location at 2611 Lincoln Road on April 9 with a celebration featuring refreshments, drinks and live music.
The shop specializes in hair care, style and client wellness.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The business is closed Sundays.
For information call 601-307-0216.
A risk that paid off:From educator to Hattiesburg business owner
See photos:Small businesses create big renaissance in downtown Hattiesburg
Except4Grace Christian Bookstore and Gift Gallery
Located at 4 Preston St., Sumrall, Except4Grace Christian Bookstore and Gift Gallery hosted its grand opening April 4.
It specializes in Bibles, Christian books, church supplies and gifts.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. For information call 601-837-5126.
Contact reporter Laurel Thrailkill at lthrailkill@gannett.com or on Twitter.
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| 2022-05-05T02:36:21
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PORTLAND, Ore. — With the U.S. Supreme Court expected to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling that protects abortion rights across the country, based on a leaked draft opinion, focus has shifted to abortions at the state level.
So, how many abortions are provided in Oregon each year, how many people seeking abortions are from out of state and how has this changed over time?
The Oregon Health Authority tracks and reports induced abortions performed in Oregon. An induced abortion is an intentional procedure carried out to end a pregnancy, as opposed to a spontaneous abortion or miscarriage.
From 2018 to this 2022, residents in the Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties made up about half of all induced abortions in Oregon, per OHA.
The data for 2021 and 2022 is still preliminary and subject to adjustments.
The number of abortions reported in Oregon in 2020 and 2021 were the lowest of any years that OHA has tracked. Both nationally and in Oregon, the abortion rate has been declining for decades. In the 1990s and early 2000s in Oregon, about 14,000 induced abortions were performed each year. Now, the annual number is less than half of that.
Preliminary data from 2021 shows about 6,577 abortions were carried out last year.
As Oregon is one of few states with no legal restrictions on abortion, people from other states may travel to Oregon for more options and consultations.
Over the last five years, OHA data shows about 9.5% of people getting abortions in Oregon live in another state.
If the Roe v. Wade ruling is overturned, some analysts project demand for abortion and health services in Oregon could increase as other states, such as Idaho, could restrict legal access.
Planned Parenthood is expected to open a clinic on the Oregon-Idaho border in Ontario soon, after lobbying Oregon lawmakers for $15 million in funding. The organization has leased a clinic, but it’s not operating yet.
Additionally, a New York Times analysis of CDC explains who is most likely to get an abortion. They found the most typical patient is a single woman in her late 20s. Six in 10 people who have an abortion are already mothers, and nearly half are low-income women. About 92% of all abortions occur in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, with a large majority in the first trimester.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/oregon-abortions-data/283-efdc42c8-16e4-4e84-be2a-1bc96a342027
| 2022-05-05T03:18:15
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/oregon-abortions-data/283-efdc42c8-16e4-4e84-be2a-1bc96a342027
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Blanchet House, a nonprofit in the Old Town neighborhood that provides services to unhoused Portlanders, has resumed indoor dining services again after moving to to-go meals only during the pandemic.
It is also on the verge of launching a new program with a potential to make a big difference in the area.
Blanchet House serves three meals a day, six days a week to anyone who is hungry, no questions asked. That means they serve many who live in tents across the street in Old Town, and anyone else who shows up. It typically totals about 1,000 meals a day. Over the course of the pandemic, those meals were served outside.
"They have been living and existing in truly horrible, horrid, terrifying and inhumane conditions since the shutdown in March of 2020," said Scott Kerman, executive director of Blanchet House. "As good as our to-go service has been — and we're quite proud of it — it's still eating on a street, eating on the sidewalk, sitting in a gutter, having a meal."
Kerman has seen the raw side of Old Town.
"The mental health crisis in Old Town is extreme. I don't even think of this as a homeless problem. Right now I think of it as a mental health crisis. And it's an addiction crisis because people often will self-medicate as a way of dealing with their trauma and their PTSD and other mental illnesses that they're suffering from."
While he can't fix that, he has come up with a plan to help. Kerman has sold Multnomah County on setting aside more than $1 million to hire six peer support specialists. They'll be shared among Blanchet House, Rose Haven, William Temple House and Maybell Center for the Community, which all provide shelter or homeless services.
"That's going to create a continuity of care that just hasn't existed before," Kerman said. "These teams are gonna get to know our clients from agency to agency, because we serve a lot of the same folks down here. They'll eat a meal at Blanchet House and then they'll move to another agency in Old Town for other services, and I think it's really going to help us create relationships with the people that we're serving that's going to lead to better outcomes."
The peer support specialists will be people who are in recovery themselves, have been homeless or have lived with addiction and mental health issues.
They understand what people are going through. Blanchet House already has two specialists of its own.
"During our lunch service today a woman came in, sat down at a table and just put her head down. She was fairly nonresponsive — she wasn't passed out but she was pretty nonresponsive," Kerman explained. "We didn't know if she was just dope sick or what was going on, but we had two peer support specialists just checking in with her, making sure she was okay. We talked about whether we had to call 911; we decided we didn't have to at that time."
Eventually, the woman ate some food and moved on.
Held up by bureaucratic red tape, Kerman's plan is taking shape slowly. He came up with the idea more than a year ago, but currently there is just one of the six peer support specialists hired.
"I'm thankful that we're moving forward now, we're going to have these peer teams available to us, but I needed them six months ago! A lot can happen in a little bit of time," Kerman said. "We've had a lot of violence in Old Town. We've had two meal guests violently murdered in Old Town in the last two months. I just would say that when we have ideas that really make sense, wherever they come from, let's see what we can do to cut through some of the red tape and get these services to the people who need them."
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/the-story/blanchet-house-indoor-dining-peer-support-program/283-587fb2b8-3b57-40d8-8a7a-5149896d8356
| 2022-05-05T03:18:21
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DALLAS — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was involved in a car crash Wednesday night, multiple sources told WFAA.
Sources said just before 8:10 p.m., emergency crews were called to the accident in the area of Wolf and Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas.
Jones reportedly suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
This is a developing story. We’ll update as more information becomes available.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-cowboy-owner-jerry-jones-involved-in-car-crash/287-37a48651-782c-49eb-bd7d-2310f59e8f7a
| 2022-05-05T03:30:07
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NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark — In honor of May 4th, Shorter College students celebrated with a 'May the Force be with you' theme for their academic honors ceremony.
The students that were being celebrated on Wednesday weren't your ordinary students though.
The Anchor Re-Entry Program and the Second Chance Pell Program at Shorter focuses on both former and current Arkansas inmates, helping them with certifications on campus or next step college entry.
More than $27,000 worth of scholarships were passed out to 27 individuals with honors.
"We were actually able to help and change lives and actually give them hope," said Shorter College's Director of Support Services, Rick Watson.
Taking a look at both programs, and each aim to help people in different ways.
The Second Chance Pell Program offers courses that lead to an Associates of Arts along with entrepreneurial studies in Wrightsville, Fayetteville, Osceola, Texarkana, Little Rock, West Memphis, Pine Bluff, and Malvern.
The Anchor Re-Entry Program partners with the Arkansas State Department of Community Corrections to recruit individuals currently participating in parole or probationary programs, offering them higher education.
"What makes today special is Shorter College has been the recipient of a gift from an anonymous donor in the amount of $200,000," said Shorter College President, Jerome Greene.
He said the purpose of this gift is to provide scholarships and other support to people from the re-entry community, along with helping those in the Second Chance Pell Program who are trying to go to college.
Those efforts where seen Wednesday during the Star Wars themed ceremony that featured storm troopers ushering the event.
The ceremony also included Han Solo's: never tell me the odds, honoring students that are overcoming adversity.
"When I went to prison this last time in 2018 for delivery, I really got serious, I wanted something different," said Jamie Gregrich, a student who suffered from drug addiction.
She said she constantly used the excuse of having no family and a lack of support to justify her past decisions. She later began self-reflecting, and it was people like Watson who opened her eyes to the opportunities around her.
Gregrich's feelings were echoed by her fellow students too.
"I think the biggest issue that people like us have after everything's said and done because we're so torn up from the drug life, the backstabbing, the insecurities, the homelessness, whatever it is-- is to trust people when we get out," said Martin DeHaven, another student.
DeHaven said two years ago he was sitting in a federal prison cell on 24-hour lockdown because of COVID. He had always had a vision for his life, but never imagined he'd be able to go to college until he met Watson.
Those same feelings were shared by Roman Manley, who is currently incarcerated and cried while addressing a room full of people who supported him.
"I've been down ten times. The past two times I've been afforded the opportunity to make a change. Change is not easy," said Manley.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/arkansas-inmates-graduate-from-shorter-college/91-ec22c007-3b86-4b7d-9554-e1819a9fe964
| 2022-05-05T03:42:15
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STOCKTON, California — Family and friends said their final goodbyes Wednesday to 15-year-old Alycia Reynaga.
The teenager lost her life on April 18 after she was stabbed to death by a man on the Stagg High School campus, where she went to school. Stockton Police Department called it a "random attack."
The casket, adorned with a photo of Alycia, was escorted into Stockton's Annunciation Church this morning. In the background, an organist played "Amazing Grace," and many in attendance wore powder blue shirts with Alycia's nickname "LaLa" and her softball team number, #7.
She was a catcher on the Stagg High School softball team and remembered as someone with a joyous spirit.
"We're reminded how she was always optimistic. She was always outgoing. She was mature for her age, but she was always able to make others laugh," said Father Larry Machado, who gave the eulogy.
The traditional Catholic service had only the church priest speak and no one else. It perhaps exhibited the deep pain and emptiness left behind by the very likeable, young teen who touched so many lives.
Most of the people approached did not want to comment, instead keeping their thoughts private.
Some did speak, like one woman who didn't give her name, who was emotional and overwhelmed by it all.
"I'm broken for my family. I'm just so sad. Pray for us. Ok?" she said.
"Today is all about Lala and her family, celebrating her life here and supporting the family as much as we possibly can," said Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, who was in attendance.
Finally, escorting her casket away from the church was an elaborate, white, horse drawn carriage, along with a group of motorcycles.
Meanwhile, the court case involving her accused killer still continues. 52-year-old Anthony Gray of Stockton is accused of stabbing the teenager multiple times. He faces a first-degree murder charge and remains in jail without bail.
Police say there is still no motive.
WATCH ALSO:
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/alycia-reynaga-stockton-funeral/103-e3730d17-13bd-4a5f-ad37-cd6c8755a633
| 2022-05-05T03:42:16
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ROSEVILLE, Calif. — A nurse practitioner was arrested on April 30 on suspicion of sexual battery of a patient, according to the Roseville Police Department.
Anthony DeSouza is being accused of sexual battery during an exam with a female client on April 25, the Roseville Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.
Roseville Police Department spokesperson Shauna Brewer confirmed that this victim was an adult female, and that the victim is the one who reported this to the department.
"If there are others, then we are asking people to come forward," Brewer told ABC10. "We're asking the public that if you have any information on similar incidents or you are a victim to Anthony DeSouza, to please come forward to our investigations unit. You can call 916-774-5070 to reach an investigator."
DeSouza posted bail and was released from jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 6, according to Placer County Superior Court. ABC10 asked for charging documents, but those aren't available yet.
ABC10 learned DeSouza was working for Wellpath Community Care Center in Roseville, which opened Aug. 2020 as an opioid use disorder treatment facility.
In a statement to ABC10, Wellpath spokesperson Judy Lilley said:
“We were recently made aware of an investigation underway by local law enforcement regarding an employee. We take accusations of misconduct seriously, and we are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate the matter. Given the nature of the investigation, the employee has been suspended pending the outcome of this matter.”
ABC10 reached out to DeSouza to give him the opportunity to respond to the allegations. He declined to comment.
Jenine Jenkins is interim-executive director of Stand Up Placer, a non-profit that helps survivors of sexual and domestic trauma and human trafficking.
"There are a lot of things that can prevent people from coming forward, and all we say is—you have to get help," Jenkins said. "Sometimes, folks can feel like they caused it. Folks can feel like they don't deserve support. Those are just, you know, a few of the things that can prevent people from coming forward to law enforcement."
She said anyone who has information for Roseville Police can also reach out to Stand Up Placer, if they want that support.
"Allow us to be with you when you come forward to make that report," Jenkins said.
Stand Up Placer has a 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-575-5352.
Jenkins said the services Stand Up Placer provides is only possible through the generosity of supporters - and Thursday's Big Day of Giving is an opportunity to contribute. People can donate to Stand Up Placer HERE.
Sexual violence resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7)
- Voice: (800) 799-7233
- National Human Trafficking Hotline
- Voice: (888) 373-7888
- National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
- Voice: (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
- California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA)
- W.E.A.V.E.: Women Escaping a Violent Environment 1-866-920-2952
- RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network
- NSVRC: National Sexual Violence Resource Center
- National Sexual Abuse Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE 1-800-656-4673
Read more:
- Roseville hotel to be converted to permanent housing for unhoused community
- Lincoln City Councilmember Lauritsen responds to calls to resign after debate incident | Update
- Teacher allegedly caught masturbating in Placer High School bathroom
- Roseville sex offender busted on multiple charges, including possessing child porn, police say
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/roseville/roseville-nurse-practitioner-sexual-battery-arrested/103-f7130422-5416-41a6-8594-fd1f7d115037
| 2022-05-05T03:42:23
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STOCKTON, Calif. — Local animal shelters are asking for help from the community as they struggle to keep up with the rising number of animal intakes each day.
The Stockton Animal Shelter is at “dangerously full” capacity, according to a late April Instagram post from Sacramento Shelter Pets Alive (SSPA). This means that the shelter has extremely close to zero or zero kennels left, Meghan Ramczyk, Animal Services Supervisor for the city of Stockton, told ABC10.
“In our computer system, there's a map of the shelter, and when we look at that we can see that every kennel is full, I mean, that is critically full and we need help,” Ramczyk said.
According to Ramczyk, in the last seven days, the shelter has taken in 132 dogs, or roughly 19 dogs a day.
The SSPA is a non-profit organization that supports shelter animals in the surrounding area. It is currently working with the Stockton Animal Shelter to help foster and house its overabundance of cats and dogs.
“SSPA is what we refer to as our behavior team. They are boots on the ground, working with the dogs day in, day out,” Ramczyk said. “So every day, the dogs are walked, get out of their kennels, get some training and get group playtime if that's what they want.”
Despite the help from local entities, the Stockton shelter has reached an unmanageable daily intake of dogs and is asking for help from the community.
“I know a lot of people can't adopt, and if they can't, fostering is awesome,” Ramczyk said. “Whether it's for a week or two, or until the animal gets adopted, foster homes are imperative to us being able to get dogs out.”
The Stockton shelter also has a “doggy day trip” program, that allows people to adopt dogs for the day to get them out of the shelter.
“If you're taking your family to the beach or going on a hike, it's awesome to just grab a dog,” Ramczyk said. “Taking a dog for a day might not seem like a lot, but not only does it give that dog a break from the shelter, it gives us a good picture of who that dog is outside of the shelter.”
This program helps not only the dogs in the shelter but the shelter itself as well, which is understaffed amid the overcapacity of pups.
However, Stockton is not the only animal shelter with consistently maxed out kennel space. According to Ramczy, shelter capacity is a statewide issue.
The Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is one of many organizations in the region that has seen overflowing kennels.
“We see that more animals are going in than coming out right now because of poor adoption rates, especially for large dogs,” Kenn Altine, CEO of Sacramento SPCA said.
The organization is another one of a few local entities that helps manage kennel capacity in surrounding areas.
“We can manage our intake better so that we are taking the animals we know we can provide for and care for,” Altine said. “But we manage. We say 'yes,' but we also say 'when,' so that we can prevent ourselves from being overcrowded, so that when the public shelters go beyond their capacity, we're able to help by transferring animals in.”
Shelters like Stockton, Sacramento and many across the state are also preparing for the busiest day of the year.
“July 5 is the highest intake day for pretty much every shelter,” Ramczyk said. “We're dangerously full, but the fact is, we have to have open kennels.”
This is because dogs typically run away from home on the Fourth of July in fear of the loud fireworks.
“We're dangerously full, but the fact is, we have to have open kennels,” Ramczyk said.
For more information on how to help the Stockton Animal Shelter visit their web page or contact SSPA for information on donating, volunteering and upcoming adoption events.
Watch more from ABC10:
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/stockton/stockton-animal-shelter-dangerously-full-capacity/103-b2a84594-e0b1-4bbd-bfd8-724b9676da66
| 2022-05-05T03:42:29
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A woman was shot and killed inside her home in a quiet, family-friendly section of Queens Wednesday afternoon, police said.
The shooting occurred just after 2 p.m. in Ozone Park, according to police who responded to reports of a woman shot inside a home on 109th Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a 51-uear-old woman unconscious and unresponsive, with multiple gunshot wounds.
Police said one of the shots was to the woman's head, and that a total of three shots were fired, two of which struck the victim, later identified as Anna Torres.
She was pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe the suspect opened fire as Torres came to her front door.
A gun was recovered from where Torres was killed, according to police, and a person of interest is in police custody. Investigators said that the shooter took off in a black Chevrolet Traverse, but within an hour turned himself in at the nearby precinct.
Surveillance video from the neighborhood shows someone walking down the street in clothes matching the suspect's description, holding what appears to be a silver handgun. Others in the area can be seen running away from the man.
Police were looking into whether the victim and suspect may have known each other. Torres' son is a police officer, but officials said that they have "no reason to believe that this incident occurred because of his employment with the police department."
News
An investigation remains ongoing.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/person-in-custody-after-woman-fatally-shot-in-head-in-her-queens-home-police/3674568/
| 2022-05-05T03:46:31
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/person-in-custody-after-woman-fatally-shot-in-head-in-her-queens-home-police/3674568/
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Two young children were hurt after they were shot while sitting in the back seat of a car in Newark during a during-by shooting, police said.
The bullets started flying around 6 p.m. Wednesday, during the peak of the evening rush hour, according to police. The children, a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old, were in the back seat of a Jeep and stopped in traffic on Irving Turner Boulevard when another car pulled up along side them.
The people in the other vehicle started shooting, striking the driver — the 30-year-old boyfriend of the children's mother — multiple times, police said. A security guard at a nearby complex helped get the family to the emergency room.
"I seen the mother jump out the car crying...she came to me asking for help," said Lamont Lanham. "I heard the kids crying in the back. I looked in the backseat I saw the kids bloody...I just made a path and got them to the hospital, soon as a I can."
The Jeep was driven to the hospital with windows blown out, and was still sitting in the University Hospital emergency bay hours after the shooting.
The boyfriend, who police believe was the intended target, was said to be in critical condition. The children are expected to survive.
"There was a kid holding his face where you could actually see the blood coming down the side of his face," said neighbor Markyse Joseph.
News
The shooting occurred just steps away from a busy playground. Newark Public Safety Director Brian O'Hara said that the scourge of gun violence in the city has left no one safe.
"Already this year we’ve recovered well over 250 illegal guns including in the last week. Some assault weapons, weapons of war that have no place on our streets," O'Hara said.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation said that the car used in the investigation was stolen from Kearney, aft it was left running with the keys inside. Police said that stolen cars are often used to carry out crimes.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/two-children-just-4-and-7-years-old-shot-while-in-back-seat-of-car-in-newark/3674622/
| 2022-05-05T03:46:38
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – On Wednesday, Portland City Council approved a grant to give low-income Portlanders cooling units following the June 2021 heat wave.
The grant will launch the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) Heat Response Program which plans to give out 15,000 energy efficient heat pumps/AC units over the next five years to locations with the greatest heat-related risk.
As climate change worsens, worst-case models show extreme heat events, like that of June 2021, will increase, according to the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.
“Portlanders need us to take accelerated, aggressive climate action rooted in racial and economic justice,” said Commissioner Carmen Rubio. “This grant does that, and it will save lives and protect people from the effects of climate change. I am confident that the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund will execute this grant as it has all of its work: with accountability, transparency, responsibility, and urgency.”
The cooling units are slated to be given out over summer by Earth Advantage Inc., which was given a grant to buy cooling units. The company will also work with seven community distribution partners (CDPs).
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability said the distribution partners will identify eligible households and deliver the units to homes.
“We’re excited to begin working with the CDPs on training and logistics to install the first phase of heat pump/cooling units to Portland communities most at risk from heat events,” said Earth Advantage’s Climate Justice Program Manager Pilar Calderin. “We see our role as a partnership with PCEF and the CDPs to fulfill this critical mission in our city.”
Applicants for units are organized by housing providers and non-housing community-based organizations.
$6.3 million has been allotted for installation of the cooling units over the next five years.
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-city-council-approves-grant-giving-ac-units-to-low-income-homes/
| 2022-05-05T04:07:05
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FORT MYERS, Fla. — Family, friends, and a community gathered at Fort Myers High School Wednesday night to honor a teenager who was gunned down in Fort Myers more than a week ago.
More than 100 people were in attendance at the high school for a candlelight vigil honoring 16-year-old De’Mari Jackson.
Jackson was shot and killed in late April in Fort Myers. The Fort Myers Police Department said Jackson was an innocent bystander when a fight began and shots were fired in a Dunbar neighborhood.
A police report said Jackson wasn’t involved in the fight but he did shield his girlfriend from an oncoming bullet.
19-year-old Syncere Trice was arrested in connection with the murder.
Wednesday night’s vigil featured the community gathering in a circle with lit candles and a balloon release to honor the teen’s memory. Those in attendance were also encouraged to write down their favorite memory of Demari and put it in a jar for his family to keep.
RELATED STORY: ‘Grandma’ of suspected killer mourns two lives lost in deadly Fort Myers shooting
Renel Augustin was Demari’s freshman football coach. He said he remembers Demari the same way many others do — as a fearless person.
“Somebody that you can rely on and I’m 100% sure he wanted to be known as fearless. That’s who he was in a nutshell, to be fearless,” said Augustin.
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/04/candlelight-vigil-held-for-fort-myers-teen-killed-while-shielding-girlfriend/
| 2022-05-05T04:16:01
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LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Kayla Hauser just gave birth to Emmett five months ago. Like all babies, his life consists mostly of three simple things. Eating, sleeping, and pooping.
But, Hauser told NBC2 she’s struggling to do one of those things.
“I was crying on the phone with this doctor like how am I going to feed my kid?” said Hauser
Baby formula is in short supply. Hauser said she first noticed in January when her baby’s Similac formula was recalled.
“I had six or seven cans match the lot numbers that were recalled,” said Hauser.
She said her baby eats special formula, which is even more scarce. She would spend days calling every Publix in the county looking for food.
This is a problem for many parents in Southwest Florida and beyond.
The national retail federation said baby formula is one of the most common items to steal. In 2021, it made up 11 percent of all reported stolen items by organized retail crime gangs.
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/04/southwest-florida-parents-struggle-to-find-baby-formula-amid-nationwide-shortage/
| 2022-05-05T04:16:07
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/04/southwest-florida-parents-struggle-to-find-baby-formula-amid-nationwide-shortage/
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ATLANTA — Georgia saw record turnout and no lines on the first day of early voting for the 2022 primary election, according to a news release from the secretary of state’s office.
Overall, 27,298 Georgians cast their ballots early, in-person, three times the number that turned out to vote on the first day of the 2018 primary election and almost double the number for the June 2020 primary.
“Record turnout on the first day of early voting is a testament to an elections system that ensures top-level security and ease of access,” ecretary of State Brad Raffensperger said. “Georgia voters statewide experienced short or nonexistent lines and a smooth voting process. It remains easy to vote and hard to cheat in Georgia, further disproving the false narrative about the Election Integrity Act of 2021.”
For Georgia’s June 2020 primary election, 14,950 individuals cast ballots in-person on the first day of early voting. For the 2018 primary, only 9,266 Georgians cast ballots on the first day of early, in-person voting.
An additional 2,719 absentee ballots have been returned statewide as well.
In March 2021, the Georgia legislature passed the Election Integrity Act of 2021, which expanded the number of early voting days to 17, including two mandatory Saturdays of voting and codifying optional Sunday voting into law. The legislation also included provisions requiring photo ID for absentee ballots, added regulations to absentee ballot drop boxes and cut down on long lines.
New providions in Georgia voting law and the claims of fraud in the 2020 election were topics discussed on Wednesday during a voter rights panel discussion hosted by the Dougherty County Bar Association. The panel included local and state election officials and a Florida State University law… Click for more.
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https://www.albanyherald.com/local/georgia-sees-record-turnout-on-first-day-of-early-primary-voting/article_e2ab8870-cbd2-11ec-ad74-c3b500cfe8a0.html
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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The family of the Idaho Falls teenager whose car was found in the Snake River after he had been missing for more than four years confirmed the human remains found inside are his.
Jed Hall was last seen driving a 2009 gray Nissan Versa hatchback on January 22, 2018. Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD), Bonneville County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) and Adventures with Purpose (AWP), a search and rescue team, found the car in the Snake River South of Johns Hole Boat Ramp at River Parkway and Highway 20 in Idaho Falls on Sunday morning.
Hall was 16-years-old when he was first reported missing. IFPD said he took a 9mm handgun and various camping/survival gear when he left home. He also left a note that said he intended to attempt suicide, according to police.
Hall's family confirmed the remains were his Wednesday night in a Facebook post. They added they have tentatively planned a memorial service at the Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley, ID on Saturday, May 14.
It took AWP crews only 20 minutes after starting the search to help locate Hall's car. Their visit to Idaho Falls Sunday was the first time they did anything with Hall's case.
AWP Lead Diver and Investigator Doug Bishop said they were able to help bring tools and resources into this case that law enforcement did not have.
"There is no one in the world that's doing what we're doing and on the level we're doing it," Bishop said.
AWP is a search and dive team that primarily focuses on missing person cases involving a missing vehicle. They have more than two million subscribers on YouTube and Bishop said they get more than 15 million views a month.
Before they got involved in cold cases, Bishop said AWP's main purpose was to help clean up the environment and waterways around the world.
Since 2019, AWP has been able to help 22 missing person cases. He said while Hall's search was not their first case in Idaho, this was the first case they've solved in the Gem State.
Bishop told KTVB their viewers are the reason they're aware of Hall's case. After receiving tips and information about Hall and carefully vetting those details, Bishop said they were able to schedule a time to search in Idaho Falls.
"We arrived in Idaho Falls Sunday morning right around nine o'clock we got to work at the first location that we pointed out that we needed to search, which was the most probable of locations," Bishop said. "About 20 minutes into our search, we discovered a vehicle underwater about 75 yards downstream from the main boat ramp there."
Bishop said his search and dive team was able to track the last ping of Hall's cell phone to that Idaho Falls location near the water. They credit their unique sonar expertise for helping find the vehicle in the river.
"Law enforcement and search and recovery teams, in general, do not specialize in the use of sonar," Bishop said. "Yes, they use it. Yes, this area of water was searched. But the individuals that are using the sonar aren't specialized in it, they're not using it every day."
Bishop said while this may not bring closure to Hall's family, it at least provides answers.
"One of the toughest things to do is to lose a loved one and not know a thing," Bishop said. "What our minds are capable of and theorizing what happened in the, 'What ifs?' is a daily nightmare."
KTVB has reached out to IFPD for more details on the identification of the remains and the search efforts for Hall. They were not able to respond immediately.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/family-missing-idaho-falls-teen-confirms-human-remains/277-5438b8b6-779f-40a9-b9ba-5a30044f0a39
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BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark — As of Wednesday night, at around 9:30 p.m. over a dozen roads in Benton County are closed with most of the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas under a flash flood watch or advisory counties on standby.
“If you do see it and you’re aware, don’t chance it,” Travis Cooper, deputy director of Sebastian County Emergency Management. “Please turn around, don’t drown.”
A message many county officials are echoing, urging you to stay clear of flooded roads and not drive around barricades or road barriers.
“We just ask you to adhere to those because they’re there for your safety,” said Benton County Director of Communications Melody Kwok.
Kwok says they close roads when water reaches a certain level.
Roads could also be closed. Even if you don’t see water on the ground.
“Your road might not be flooded, but there might be a lot of debris on the road,” Kwok said.
An example, a road in rural Benton County was washed out a week ago and Wednesday it washed out again.
Benton County is using American Rescue funds to combat problems like this.
“Rebuild banks and do some hazard mitigation and make it so that our area it’s safer for drivers,” said Kwok.
Sebastian County is using money from the state to improve bridges. The county is currently monitoring the weather for areas prone to flood such as Highways 96 and 252 near Central City and Lavaca. In Fort Smith, the area of Old Greenwood Road and Phoenix are areas they are watching.
“We do have all of our signage ready in case there is any roads that need to be closed”, said Dustin Willet, Crawford County Road Foreman.
Crawford County crews are responsible for over 150 roads. Crews will be out all day Thursday to monitor conditions.
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https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/county-crews-prep-heavy-rains/527-ae458ce7-a67e-4260-a514-3579d9ddc709
| 2022-05-05T04:49:44
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COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — Michael and Lori Swim knew instantly they had found their forever property more than a dozen years ago. They live in the Collin County extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, and have settled on 24 acres.
"It is beautiful up here isn't it? It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears over time," said Michael Swim.
Over 12 years, they've built a home, a ranch, a place for their children and grandchildren and enough land for the horses they rescue. Now, when the couple looks out, they see what they could potentially lose.
"We've been going through this for five years. We're tired," said Lori Swim.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has plans to build a Highway 380 bypass.
Two of the four proposed options run right through their land, which is also known as Route C.
Route C would take out two barns and the home where the Swims' daughter and grandson live. The route could take about eight to ten acres, and to do that, the state would have to exercise eminent domain.
"It's the right of the state to take property from a private individual and convert it to a public use," said Clint Schumacher, who is an attorney with Dawson & Sodd.
The Dallas-area law firm exclusively deals with eminent domain cases. The firm does not represent the Swims but has clients fighting eminent domain involving the Highway 380 bypass project.
The Swims built the ETJ to get away from development, and just last month the couple held a wedding in their backyard. For Michael, it was a bittersweet moment.
"My son is married here, and we have the specter of potentially not being on the property anymore," he said.
Once the state decides a 380 bypass route, it will start negotiating "just compensation" with property owners. This clinical approach to valuing property is what leads to court. Schumacher told WFAA that there two ways to challenge possible eminent domain: politically and legally.
"At the end of the day, fair market value doesn't give you value for those intrinsic things that have real value to you but may not have value in the marketplace," said Schumacher.
For example, the value of raising children in a home, while important and valuable to us, carries no value on the market.
Schumacher told WFAA that generally single-family residential property is the least expensive to the state, also possibly least disruptive. Then, it's multi-family residential and industrial property. The most expensive is commercial property.
The fair market value is based on a number of factors, but one of the largest factors is the value of similarly situated properties adjacent to the property in question.
And the value of the property will be different now, compared to three to four years from now when the condemnation occurs. But it is safe to assume that Collin County property values have trended higher in the future.
"One of the most intrusive things our government does to an innocent person is take their land," said Schumacher.
Every proposed route will affect someone. It's the state's job to find the route with the least impact and public comment is a big part of that. The attorney says the best thing is to stay informed, talk to your local representative and make your voice heard at public meetings.
TxDOT and Collin County will host both an in-person and virtual public meeting to gather input on the Highway 380 project. The in-person meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, at the Rock Hill High School Cafeteria, located at 16061 Coit Road in Frisco. If you plan to attend, officials said you can arrived at any time during the two-hour timeframe -- you don't need to register.
The virtual meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 and will remain open through Wednesday, May 25 at www.keepitmovingdallas.com/US380ProsperFriscoWidening.
"The one that affects fewer residences, less grass-land, and less timber-land is Route D. These are small farms and small ranches that are directly impacted," said Michael.
TxDOT said it will take until the beginning of next year to narrow down the route choice. After that, it could take up to three to four years until condemnation happens.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/collin-county-property-owners-eminent-domain-cases-over-highway-380-bypass-project/287-c1d9c18d-6c6d-4408-9661-e67ec564ca0e
| 2022-05-05T05:08:48
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Surveillance video showed a sledgehammer-wielding thief smash his way through the front window of a Bronx jewelry store, part of a string of at least 18 connected NYC robberies in which police said nearly $250,000 in merchandise has been swiped.
The video, from around 4 p.m. Sunday, shows the man dressed in all black take a sledgehammer to the front window of the M&NP Jewelers store on White Plains Road in the Pelham Parkway section during broad daylight.
"All of a sudden we hear a boom, a loud boom. The last thing I had in my mind was that we were gonna get robbed," said store employee Yailin Reyes, who was working inside at the time.
Reyes and her coworkers can be seen jumping back when the hammer first hit the window. She somehow had the presence of mind to run to the front gate and pull it down.
"My first instinct was to close the gate. And while I was closing the gate, the guy got stuck between the glass and the gate, and I was like 'Oh my god am I gonna chop him in half?" Reyes said.
A second robber came to help his friend out, holding the gate up. They weren’t able to get much, but police said the duo did grab 10 gold chains and five gold pendants.
The total loss was $20,000, but Reyes' boss knows it could have been much worse. He told them to close the gate in case of a burglary.
"When he saw that I was the only one to control my emotions and do as he said, he was happy," Reyes said.
Police said the incident is part of a citywide jewelry store robbery pattern the last few months. At least 18 stores have been hit, with the robbers getting away with more than $247,000 in goods have been stolen.
In the latest incident, on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, police said that the same crew broke into a store just a day after the Bronx heist, and got away with more than $187,000 in jewelry.
Reyes is afraid the thieves may come back, but said that the store has made some adjustments for safety, as well as to what gets displayed up front. The owner of the store spent $40,000 on the new, thicker windows.
"We have better windows now. Instead of putting gold in the front we put silver and stainless steel," she said.
The suspects have not yet been caught. An investigation is ongoing.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jewelry-store-smash-and-grab-heist-tied-to-at-least-18-robberies-netting-thieves-250k/3674623/
| 2022-05-05T05:17:48
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jewelry-store-smash-and-grab-heist-tied-to-at-least-18-robberies-netting-thieves-250k/3674623/
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ST PAUL, Minn. — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired on April 27, 2022 following release of the Minnesota Dept. of Human Rights investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department.
The judge overseeing the federal civil rights cases of four former Minneapolis police officers in the killing of George Floyd said Wednesday that he has accepted the terms of Derek Chauvin's plea agreement and will sentence him to 20 to 25 years in prison.
Chauvin pleaded guilty Dec. 15 to violating Floyd’s civil rights, admitting for the first time that he kept his knee on Floyd’s neck — even after he became unresponsive — resulting in the Black man’s death on May 25, 2020. The white former officer admitted he willfully deprived Floyd of his right to be free from unreasonable seizure, including unreasonable force by a police officer.
Under the plea agreement, which Chauvin signed, both sides agreed Chauvin should face a sentence ranging from 20 to 25 years, with prosecutors saying they would seek 25. He could have faced life in prison on the federal count. With credit for good time in the federal system, he would serve from 17 years to 21 years and three months behind bars.
U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson deferred accepting the agreement pending the completion of a presentence investigation. He said in a one-page order Wednesday that the report had been issued, so it was now appropriate to accept the deal. He has not set a sentencing date for Chauvin.
Chauvin is already serving a 22 1/2 year sentence for his murder conviction in state court last year, though he is appealing that conviction. He would serve the federal sentence concurrently with the state sentence.
The federal plea deal means Chauvin will probably spend more time in prison than he faced under his state sentence. State prisoners in Minnesota typically serve one-third of their sentence on parole, which for him would mean 15 years in prison.
Chauvin waived his right to contest his federal conviction if Magnuson accepted the plea agreement.
Magnuson also has not set sentencing dates for three other ex-officers who were convicted of related federal civil rights charges in February. The presentence investigations for Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng are still underway. They're scheduled to go on trial next month in state court on charges of aiding and abetting Chauvin in Floyd's murder.
Prosecutors revealed at a pretrial hearing last month that the three had rejected plea agreements on the state charges. Terms were not disclosed. Lane’s attorney, Earl Gray, said it was hard for the defense to negotiate when the three still didn’t know what their federal sentences would be.
Watch more on the Case against Derek Chauvin:
Watch the latest coverage on the death of George Floyd and the trial of Derek Chauvin in our YouTube playlists:
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/george-floyd/judge-overseeing-derek-chauvin-civil-rights-case-accepts-plea-deal/89-78bf2476-ed7b-4205-9338-090efaeea5b8
| 2022-05-05T05:20:20
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/george-floyd/judge-overseeing-derek-chauvin-civil-rights-case-accepts-plea-deal/89-78bf2476-ed7b-4205-9338-090efaeea5b8
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PORTLAND, Ore. — An "overwhelming" majority of nurses at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland have voted in favor of a strike, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) reported Wednesday evening — protesting alleged unfair labor practices and demanding a new contract.
The nurse's union has accused Providence of engaging in "illegal attempts to discriminate, threaten and retaliate against nurses who engage in protected union activity and exercise their rights to speak up for patient and caregiver safety."
During past negotiations, the union said that Providence refused to provide important safety information about emergency department staffing and that the health care system's emergency departments have been consistently understaffed during the pandemic.
“Our patients come first. Nurses overwhelmingly voted to strike to defend our rights to speak up to keep our patients and coworkers safe," said John Smeltzer, RN, ONA's executive committee president at St. Vincent. "Nurses’ top priority is improving patient safety by addressing Providence’s staffing crisis and raising standards to recruit and retain caregivers.
“Providence is hemorrhaging nurses and staff. We can't wait and hope it gets better. We have to take action. For two years, frontline nurses have sacrificed our own health and safety for our patients and for Providence during COVID-19. Now, we’re asking Providence to protect patients and nurses with basic care improvements, safe nurse staffing, better working conditions and a fair contract.”
The 1,600 frontline nurses at St. Vincent are members of ONA, which represents more than 4,000 nurses across 10 Providence facilities in Oregon.
In response to the news of a strike, Providence St. Vincent spokesman Gary Walker said in a statement that the hospital has tried to negotiate constructively with ONA to deliver comprehensive pay and benefits:
"Throughout this long process, ONA has at times delayed on agreeing to additional dates for discussions and to this point has rejected Providence St. Vincent's offer to engage a neutral federal mediator to help build consensus to accelerate negotiations.
"Tonight’s strike authorization announcement is just the latest attempt to delay meaningful discussion, a move that only serves to prevent our valued nurses from receiving the substantial pay raises and expanded benefits they deserve.
"When it comes to negotiations, Providence St. Vincent believes that talking solves more than walking. We are eager to continue the dialogue with ONA as we work tirelessly toward finding a mutually agreeable resolution."
Nurses at St. Vincent began the strike vote April 19, closing the vote on Tuesday. After a majority approved the strike, ONA's Labor Cabinet met and authorized the strike on Wednesday.
ONA said it will give Providence a 10-day notice before the strike begins to allow the hospital to "cease admissions and transfer patients" or come to an agreement in order to resolve the strike.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/nurses-strike-vote-providence-st-vincent-portland/283-00847012-e6f0-48e8-bfce-219b2162aaba
| 2022-05-05T05:20:26
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PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police are looking for tips after a man tried to set fire to the Muslim Community Center of Portland's building in North Portland on Tuesday evening. The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) said the case is being investigated as an arson and possible bias crime.
Shortly after 6:45 p.m., surveillance cameras captured a man pouring "an undetermined type of accelerant" on the back of the Muslim Community Center building. The suspect lit the accelerant on fire, but flames failed to spread.
"After unsuccessfully starting the building on fire, the suspect tried a second time," PPB said. "Fortunately, there was only minor damage to the structure."
The suspect was wearing a blue hoodie and a face mask, carrying a small blue bag and wearing a black backpack.
The beginning of this week marked the end of the month of Ramadan for followers of the Islamic faith, which culminates in the holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
PPB's arson investigators and an investigator from Portland Fire & Rescue are working to gather details on the crime. Anyone with information on the attempted arson or the man pictured is asked to contact Detective Meredith Hopper at (503)823-3408 or Meredith.hopper@portlandoregon.gov.
RELATED: 'The bigotry is still alive': Portland synagogue vandalized with threatening hate speech and fire
Earlier this week, staff at Congregation Beth Israel reported that someone had started a fire on the building's exterior doors and spray painted the words "Die Juden" on the side of the building. Police believe it happened sometime between the afternoon of Sunday, May 1, and Monday morning.
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-muslim-community-center-arson-bias-crime/283-8d002418-8f4e-4b9c-adb4-cf39547cdc45
| 2022-05-05T05:20:32
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An in-custody death at Marion County Jail is under investigation after an inmate was found unresponsive after an apparent medical emergency, according to Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said deputies and medical staff called an ambulance and gave inmate Michael Duclos CPR after he was found in his cell around 6 a.m. May 3.
The 66-year-old was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Duclos’ death is being investigated by Linn County Sheriff’s Office. Per MCSO policy, inmate deaths must be investigated by an outside law enforcement agency.
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https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/marion-county-jail-death-under-investigation-after-inmate-found-unresponsive/
| 2022-05-05T05:55:48
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https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/marion-county-jail-death-under-investigation-after-inmate-found-unresponsive/
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — It's May and the the 42nd president is back in Arkansas. Former president Bill Clinton will be speaking to the graduating class of the Clinton School of Public Service on Saturday night. He'll be speaking to not only those that graduated this year, but in 2020 and 2021.
Before President Clinton prepares to give the big commencement to the graduates, he agreed to sit down with THV11's Craig O'Neill in the Clinton Center to chat about Arkansas politics, along with other topics.
The start of the conversation began with President Clinton sharing his thoughts on reestablishing a competitive democratic party in this state.
What was his solution exactly? Well, a return to grass roots politics.
"I just went everywhere, and I met somebody, and talked to them and my so called 'political organization' were just people I met, that I kept in touch with, and we kept working together and it made a big difference," Clinton said.
It was noted that politics in today's age is based on 'divisive identity,'-- highlighting that politics are based on 'divisive tribalism' rather than 'inclusive tribalism.'
With this in mind, we questioned if the former president would feel confident running in a political climate in today's world.
"Oh no, well yeah, I don't think there's a way in the world I could be elected, you know, in some places today that I always thought I could be," Clinton said.
It's known that Arkansas politics have changed since Clinton was in office.
Along with politics, the world has changed and many events have taken place on a national stage-- most recently the Ukrainian and Russian conflict.
While wearing a Ukrainian lapel pin, President Clinton was questioned about his previous meetings with Vladimir Putin.
"I met Putin twice when he was prime minister to Yelstin and I think we were together three other times while I was still president," Clinton said.
But, it wasn't until after Clinton had left office that Putin began to worry him.
"When people decide to stay for life anywhere then their number one goal becomes weakening the opposition and keeping popular support by whatever is available at the time. They also break rules and Putin kills people who are in other countries. That's a very bad thing in a world where the rule of law needs to count for something," he said.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is something that worries the former president, who shared his support for Ukraine.
"I think he thinks of himself as a Russian patriot but the truth is he has been reduced to, you know, illegal and inhumane tactics and I hope the Ukrainians win," he said.
Aside from the political climate and national conflicts, Clinton also wanted to make a point as Arkansans start to make vacation plans--include his center.
He also touched on his time as president, and what his role as leader hoped to inspire.
"I wanted people to come in here [Clinton Center] and go through it and say 'okay whether I like Clinton or not, whether I voted for him or not, I do understand that what presidents do have a real impact on our lives and what happens in politics, makes a difference,"' Clinton said.
And of course the interview couldn't end without a hopeful word that he'll share with the Clinton school graduates on Saturday night.
"I would say we're still the best positioned country in the world in the 21st century. We just can't major in the minors, we can't make our differences more important than our common humanity and I think down deep inside we know better, and we just need to get our heads screwed on straight and get back to work," he said.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock/bill-clinton-talks-politics-ukraine-presidency/91-98101a26-631d-4e7e-aab7-362f40b811ca
| 2022-05-05T06:12:20
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock/bill-clinton-talks-politics-ukraine-presidency/91-98101a26-631d-4e7e-aab7-362f40b811ca
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock School District is moving full steam ahead with their new superintendent, Dr. Jamall Wright.
Following a lengthy selection process, everyone involved said they're just excited to get started.
In a few weeks, Little Rock schools will be out for summer, but for retiring superintendent Michael Poore that'll mean that he's out of school forever now.
"Little Rock is a wonderful community. We use the phrase 'called the power of us' and really that's what this has to be," Poore said.
Wednesday night during a contract approval board meeting, Dr. Jamall Wright was officially named as incoming LRSD superintendent, pending a few signatures.
Looking towards the future, Wright said he's getting ready for day one.
"I want to really engage with our students and families to understand their experiences, to kind of get a better understanding of what are some of their hopes and dreams," he said.
Currently, Wright is a superintendent in Mississippi. He comes with a long resume that includes a variety of other educational positions.
"I think the demographics of the student population in Little Rock is similar to other places that I worked," Wright said.
The school board unanimously approved his contract Wednesday that runs through 2025 and includes an option to extend.
"I am looking to make Little Rock my home and hopefully this will be it for me," he said.
LRSD School Board President Greg Adams said after Wednesday's meeting that they're confident in Wright's ability to lead the district in the right direction.
"We think that Dr. Wright is going to be the right person for us to build on that progress," Adams said.
The school board is preparing to raise teacher salaries and shared that during the process of writing up Wright's contract, they also reviewed pay for administrators and superintendents around the state. They decided to set Dr. Wright's new salary in the middle of that range.
Now, ahead of Wright's start, Poore gets ready to pass the torch and said he's excited for a supportive transition period.
"How successful Dr. Wright is going to be [depends on] how much we put into him," Poore said.
And Dr. Wright's is sharing in that excitement and said that he's ready to get started.
"It's comforting to know that we have such a stellar group of teachers within the district that I'm looking forward to working with," he said.
Dr. Wright will come from Mississippi to visit Little Rock next week and to start visiting schools, continuing the transition process.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock/jermall-wright-little-rock-school-districts-superintendent/91-47ddc2d3-9bd1-4adc-a8ff-ef86886d4875
| 2022-05-05T06:12:26
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock/jermall-wright-little-rock-school-districts-superintendent/91-47ddc2d3-9bd1-4adc-a8ff-ef86886d4875
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EAGLE, Idaho —
When fully built out, Avimor plans to build about 10,000 homes, spanning 35 square miles, and leaving thousands of acres for open space and trails.
“The foothills make it so beautiful. I can go out my back door and I'm on a trail,” a resident of Avimor, Sharon Kerbow said. "They are so ahead of everyone else; I think and there's no place I'd rather live. I love it here.”
The community is nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of western Idaho’s high desert along Highway 55. But living in the foothills also means living in a fire-prone region.
As we recognize “Wildfire Awareness Month,” and as the 2022 fire season nears, KTVB looks at the innovative ways Avimor is trying to prevent and protect against wildfires.
“It's one of the first things we asked because coming from a state where it was a concern, a lot of concern, then that was one of our questions,” Kerbow said.
Wildland-Urban Interface
As fire seasons are becoming longer and hotter, wildfires are capable of devastating communities across the country. At the same time, a growing number of people are living in landscapes where fire poses serious risks. Landscapes like the foothills north of Eagle, where dry vegetation creates combustible fuels for fast-moving fires.
As more development spreads into the wildland-urban interface (WUI) Eagle Fire District Chief Tyler Lewis is concerned about how wildfires can impact the growing community.
“We know the catastrophic fires that can happen when we get wind-driven events,” Chief Lewis said. “That's our number one concern when we see these developments going in there. Some of the other concerns have to do with the distance from our other resources.”
The fire district requires developments in the foothills to have a wildfire mitigation plan.
“We're trying to get ahead of it and figure out what we can do to slow those fires down when they start, give us a chance to be able to catch them and get them suppressed as quickly as possible,” Chief Lewis said.
Living With Wildfire
Avimor invested in a conservation director to keep the 23 thousand acre community free of wildfires.
“When you have development, as Avimor does, where conservation is at the center of it, then you can have development and conservation in concert with each other, which I think is what we want in the foothills for sure,” Avimor’s Conservation Director, Zoe Tinkle Duran said. “At Avimor, they're not really living in the foothills, they're living with the foothills. And so that is living with wildfire.”
Because fire is native to the foothills’ ecosystem, Duran said we need to expect it.
“It’s not a question of if, it’s when,” Duran said. “The best thing that we can do in our homes is to make sure that we have survivable spaces. And so that's where that Firewise component comes in.”
Firewise
Firewise USA, a national program combining efforts of homeowners, community leaders, and developers to stop wildland fires before they can start, has recognized Avimor since it first broke ground. The program educates and equips people with the tools to save lives and property by creating ‘survivable spaces.’
“[Survivable spaces] can be landscaping. So if you look around to some of the landscaping we have here, in some of this new development, we will see a lot of rock mulch, you'll see sparsely vegetated areas,” Duran said. “It's about the species of plant, but it's also about how it's spaced in the home.”
Avimor uses firewise components in all that it does, from the landscaping to the building materials used for homes.
“Our siding is all cementitious, so it's made out of the cement product,” said Dan Richter, the managing partner of Avimor. “The venting into the attics are all specified so embers aren't going to creep into the attic and start a fire in the attic.”
Research shows wind-tossed embers, and small flames from ground fires, pose the biggest threat to homes and businesses in the WUI.
The area surrounding a home, from within five feet of the home to 200 feet away, is called the ‘Home Ignition Zone.’ The immediate zone, the area within five feet around a house, and the structure itself, is the most important zone because that is the most vulnerable to embers. The area of 5-30 feet from the home is called the intermediate zone, which is where careful landscaping and breaks to decrease fire behavior come into play. The extended zone stretches 30-200 feet away from the home, in that zone, the goal is to interrupt a fire’s path and keep flames small through the landscape.
“We want to think about the connectivity between our wildland interface and the fuels in the siding of our house,” said Duran. “The general rule is to try to keep the zero to five feet fuels free. That doesn't mean you can't have any plant life. But to make sure that it's Firewise compatible plant: low stature and keeping it lean, clean and green.”
Wildfire Mitigation
Avimor built berms and mows along Highway 55, where fires often start. Trails serve as fire breaks and allow access for first responders. Ponds and green spaces are scattered throughout the community.
“You put your parks into places it'll slow things down. You put your trails in places it'll slow things down, you try to mitigate as much as possible,” said Richter. “All of the homes that back up to the interface areas get inspected by our conservation director every five years to make sure they've not made any changes that make it more susceptible to wildfire.”
Avimor has also invested in a slope mower to keep flames from racing down steep slopes.
“We mow a lot of the slopes that are a direct interface with a lot of our homes,” said Richter.
Sheep and cattle also graze in the area to help control fuels.
Avimor and the Eagle Fire Department work closely together to stop catastrophic fires.
“We planted a forage kochia plant, which is resistant to the fire. And so, we built it five miles long, 30 foot wide all the way around Avimor,” Chief Lewis said.
The forage kochia serves as a fire break, so crews can catch up with a potential fire.
“The idea there is it'll spread out and take the moisture and water out of the ground for that plant, which will choke out all the flashing fuels which we're seeing right now, which are cheatgrass,” Chief Lewis said.
Planting forage kochia also helps the community remove highly combustible invasive species.
“We can look to see like where do we have maybe invasive nonnative annual grasses, those are highly combustible and can carry fire long ways,” Duran said. “Let's identify where those areas are and do proactive restoration on those areas just so we can kind of stop the fire at its ignition source.”
Chief Lewis expects to plant more forage kochia in other places across the foothills.
Avimore has also ensured there are access roads so that first responders can easily reach potential fires in the surrounding foothills.
“We work with the eagle fire district and make sure we've got accessible areas, multiple ways in and out ways to get actually right to the interface,” Richter said. “As a matter of fact, some of the roads that are back there are for two-wheelers or, ranch roads, we go through and regularly grade them because sometimes they get eroded. And to make them accessible so that the fire department can get their equipment deployed back there if a fire was coming from that direction.”
Access roads also act as fuel breaks, preventing wildfires from spreading to further vegetation.
“They've integrated wildland fire and wildlife management into every step along the way,” Duran said. “You have a lot of power as a homeowner to follow these Firewise components and these Firewise elements to not only help yourself but help those around you.”
Avimor wants to make sure homeowners never feel powerless in the face of a wildfire.
“I've been here through two fires, and at no time was I concerned that we were in danger. The fire department was amazing. All the area around our house is Firewise,” Kerbow said.
“This is the model that we want to see be put out there,” Lewis said “They've worked and they've been a partner with everything.”
Watch more 'Growing Idaho':
See the latest growth and development news in our YouTube playlist:
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/avimor-developing-firewise-community/277-1f98136d-f0d0-4df1-998f-06944b97933e
| 2022-05-05T06:23:05
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/avimor-developing-firewise-community/277-1f98136d-f0d0-4df1-998f-06944b97933e
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he was with Dave Chappelle later in the night after the comedian was tackled onstage, calling the attack "horrific" but added that Chappelle was handling it in his typical manner.
Adams, who was participating in a Milken Institute panel in Los Angeles on Wednesday, said that the incident at the Netflix Is a Joke comedy festival harkens back to “some of the mental health crises we’re facing," while calling it "unbelievable" that someone would do such a thing.
"Violence is unacceptable. Thank God there was a response to make sure that he wasn’t injured seriously," the mayor said. "It was horrific to have someone come on stage and attack in that manner."
However, Adams also added that Chappelle, who was not injured when the audience member rushed the stage and tackled him to the ground, was his typical self later in the evening when he saw him.
"He was just telling jokes, you know Dave," said Adams.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Police released images Wednesday of a replica handgun equipped with a knife blade that authorities said was recovered from the man who tackled the comedian on-stage at the Hollywood Bowl.
Security personnel took control of the man immediately after the tackle. LAPD officers then responded to the picturesque entertainment venue nestled between the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood and arrested the suspect.
Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Isaiah Lee. He was arrested on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon. The weapon was described as a replica handgun that contained a knife blade that can be ejected. It is unclear whether the suspect attempted to use the weapon.
"The suspect produced what was later discovered to be a replica handgun and pointed the item at the victim," the LAPD said in a statement. "Hollywood Bowl uniformed security officers, who witnessed the incident, engaged the suspect and removed him from the victim and took him into custody."
Lee's bail was set at $30,000. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney to represent or speak for him.
The motive for the attack is not yet clear.
Chappelle's routine at the Hollywood Bowl included jokes and comments about increased security after widespread backlash over jokes he has made about the transgender community, according to Buzzfeed reporter Brianna Sacks, who was in the audience.
Chappelle's spokesperson released a statement Wednesday.
"The performances by Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl were epic and record-breaking and he refuses to allow last night’s incident to overshadow the magic of this historic moment," the spokesperson told NBC News in a statement. "As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show."
The Los Angeles Philharmonic, which manages events for the Hollywood Bowl, released a statement Wednesday afternoon.
"The safety of our artists, visitors and staff is the LA Phil's top priority," the statement read. "The incident that occurred at the Hollywood Bowl on May 3, 2022 remains an active investigation, and we are unable to comment further at this time. Please refer additional questions to the LAPD."
The suspect was hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the altercation with security team members. Details about the extent of the injuries were not immediately clear.
After the unsettling incident, comedian Chris Rock joined Chappelle on stage and quipped, "Was that Will Smith?"
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-says-he-was-with-dave-chappelle-after-horrific-onstage-attack/3674704/
| 2022-05-05T06:49:11
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-says-he-was-with-dave-chappelle-after-horrific-onstage-attack/3674704/
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Telecommunications industry groups on Wednesday ended their bid to block California's net neutrality law that bars broadband providers from throttling service.
In a federal court filing in Sacramento, the groups and California Attorney General Rob Bonta jointly agreed to dismiss the case.
The move followed a January decision by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowing enforcement of the 2018 law, which bans internet providers from slowing down or blocking access to websites and applications that don't pay for premium service.
"The case is finally over," Bonta said in a statement. "With this victory, we've secured a free and open internet for California's 40 million residents once and for all."
Messages seeking comment from an attorney representing the groups weren't immediately returned.
The law was signed by former Gov. Jerry Brown after regulators during the Trump administration killed federal net neutrality rules designed to prevent AT&T, Comcast, Verizon and other major internet providers from exploiting their dominance to favor certain services or apps over others.
In response, seven states and Puerto Rico enacted their own net neutrality policies. The most expansive effort was in California, which started enforcing the law last year, with potentially significant consequences for the rest of the U.S.
In addition to barring internet providers from throttling service or charging companies like Netflix for a faster route to customers, the California law banned some forms of "zero rating" — a term for when a cable or phone company exempts a service from data caps.
Net-neutrality advocates say such programs undermine competition by potentially tilting users to the sponsored app and away from rivals.
Big telecom companies fought the measure fiercely in court. They argued that the regulations can undermine investment in broadband and introduce uncertainty about what were acceptable business practices.
The Trump administration sued to block California's 2018 law, preventing it from taking effect for years, but the Biden administration dropped that lawsuit.
WATCH ALSO:
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/telecommunications-groups-net-neutrality/103-ba5b808c-9e79-435a-afd6-34262061052d
| 2022-05-05T06:53:28
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/telecommunications-groups-net-neutrality/103-ba5b808c-9e79-435a-afd6-34262061052d
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ELK GROVE, Calif. — Nearly 1,500 customers are without power due to a SMUD outage in Elk Grove.
The unplanned blackout is still being looked into, but, according to SMUD, the outage happened around 11:23 p.m.
Officials are estimating power could be restored by 12:55 a.m.
An outage map of the area impacted can be found HERE.
WATCH ALSO:
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove/nearly-1500-people-without-power-elk-grove/103-0eab02b2-9d11-440f-8040-cf3475f4ba61
| 2022-05-05T06:53:29
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/elk-grove/nearly-1500-people-without-power-elk-grove/103-0eab02b2-9d11-440f-8040-cf3475f4ba61
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Portland police are investigating a shooting near King School Park that sent one woman to a hospital Wednesday evening.
Police have narrowed their focus to one home on Northeast Grand Avenue, and have closed the road at Wygant Street.
According to PPB, a woman was shot and taken to a hospital. Her condition is unknown at this time.
Officials said a suspect has been detained pending investigation.
It is not known what led up to the incident.
This is a developing story
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/1-hospitalized-after-ne-portland-shooting-near-elementary-school/
| 2022-05-05T07:40:11
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/1-hospitalized-after-ne-portland-shooting-near-elementary-school/
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A car crashed into a Southeast Portland McDonald’s Wednesday evening — damaging the glass facade and entry, Portland Fire & Rescue said.
Officials told KOIN 6 News the car crashed into the side of the SE Stark and 81st location, but the building is not structurally compromised.
None of the employees were injured, and told KOIN 6 News they were in the kitchen at the time of the crash.
Crews said when they arrived on the scene, they were unable to find the driver or any passengers.
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/driver-flees-after-crashing-car-into-se-portland-mcdonalds/
| 2022-05-05T07:40:17
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/driver-flees-after-crashing-car-into-se-portland-mcdonalds/
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A New Jersey neighborhood was put on lockdown for nearly 24 hours due to a standoff between a SWAT team and a man with a flamethrower who refused to surrender.
The tense standoff began Tuesday afternoon, as a man who lives on Thomas Avenue in Lyndhurst had an arsenal of weapons, including a flamethrower, according to police.
Ali Haider, who had to evacuate his home Tuesday, said that he had seen the suspect, Robert Condit, around a few times.
"He always says hi, he’s really friendly," Haider said.
But Lyndhurst police said the 51-year-old Condit was far from friendly with officers when they went to his home to execute a court order to seize guns from the house. They said Condit legally owned some of the guns that were found in the home.
Police were able to safely escort Condit’s grandmother and mother out of the home, but then he barricaded himself inside.
The Bergen County Regional SWAT team as well as the FBI were soon called in. A video circulating on social media showed someone firing a flamethrower toward police.
News
Overnight, police launched gas canisters into the home and stayed in touch with Condit’s mother. Then came the news Lyndhurst neighbors and police were hoping for: he surrendered.
"After 21 hours, he realized it was the best course of action for him," said Lyndhurst Police Captain Michael Carrino.
The standoff ended in the best way possible – without any injuries or shots fired. But it still was something the quiet Bergen County neighborhood is not remotely used to seeing.
"It’s a comforting feeling knowing that police and SWAT teams can handle such situations in a way that nobody got injured," said Haider.
Police said Condit doesn’t have a criminal history, adding that he’s getting a medical evaluation at a nearby hospital and will face charges.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-with-flamethrower-put-nj-neighborhood-on-lockdown-after-refusing-to-surrender/3674744/
| 2022-05-05T08:20:42
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-with-flamethrower-put-nj-neighborhood-on-lockdown-after-refusing-to-surrender/3674744/
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The Long Island mother who was arrested and charged after allegedly giving a COVID-19 vaccine shot to her son's friend — without the parent's permission — will avoid jail time after accepting a plea bargain.
It was the shot heard 'round the tri-state: Laura Parker Russo sparked outrage when video of her injecting the vaccine into the arm of a 17-year-old inside her home on New Year's Eve was shared on TikTok in January.
"You'll be fine — I hope," Russo could be heard saying as she administered the unauthorized vaccine. She told police she got the vaccine, which she says on the video is Johnson & Johnson, from a pharmacy that is now under investigation.
But on Wednesday, there was a different type of anger, as the teen's mother was livid that Russo will walk away with no criminal record.
"She violated him, she manipulated him, talked him into doing something he shouldn’t have been doing, that wasn’t legal," said mom Lisa Doyle.
NBC New York is not sharing the teen's name because he is a minor. Doyle said that the family wasn't for or against the vaccine itself, saying "we were just kind of waiting, I wasn’t in a rush to get him the vaccine."
When the boy went home, he didn’t feel well and told his mother, who then called the police.
News
Police arrested Russo after that, but Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly offered a plea deal that will likely see Russo get 50 hours of community service in lieu of a sentence or probation.
Doyle said she was speaking out now because she feels strongly that Russo should be able to continue teaching and working with children. Russo is a science teacher at Herricks High School, and had been reassigned.
"I don’t think her judgement is there if she thinks that this was okay," Doyle said. "I’m a teacher, I can do anything, I’m above the law — what else can she do?”
Russo's attorney told NBC New York over the phone that he believes it was a fair and just offer when looking at the teacher's personal and professional record.
The Doyle family said they intend to file a civil lawsuit against Russo, who will next appear in court in June.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/no-jail-time-for-long-island-mom-who-gave-sons-friend-covid-shot-at-home/3674702/
| 2022-05-05T08:20:48
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/no-jail-time-for-long-island-mom-who-gave-sons-friend-covid-shot-at-home/3674702/
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New Jersey's largest city is increasingly becoming corporate owned.
A decade-long trend nationwide of investors buying houses has apparently reached its peak in Newark, where nearly half of all home sales in the past three years have been to companies that buy and then rent them out.
"What these corporations are doing is buying these properties above what they’re assessed at, and they're investing in those properties and raising the rents on those properties sometimes 100, 200 percent," said Mayor Ras Baraka.
The city's mayor is fighting back, trying to slow the growth in home sales to investors while encouraging middle class growth in his city.
Among other measures, Newark will make it unlawful to repeatedly solicit a homeowner to purchase their home, as some residents have grown very weary of.
Deborah Smith Gregory is one of those people fed up with companies trying to buy her home. She says that the solicitations come in the form of door knocks, mailers, and of course phone calls.
"If I tell you not one time, two times, ten times and you still do it day after day, month after month, that would be considered harassment," she said.
The city will also put an “affordable housing” deed restriction on all sales of city property.
Newark owns thousands of properties, according to Baraka. Those properties can be easy to spot, with signs plastered on abandoned, mostly foreclosed homes all around town. But selling to investors is not the answer, according to the city.
"Rents rising, displacement of residents, evictions, lower opportunities by people of color in our neighborhoods — these are all things that are harmful," said Richard Cammarieri, of the New Community Corporation.
Mayor Baraka admits none of the big money house buying is illegal, but he says it is damaging nonetheless — and if he can’t stop it, he at least wants to slow it down.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nj-city-cracks-down-on-banks-buying-houses-then-renting-them-out/3674752/
| 2022-05-05T08:20:54
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/nj-city-cracks-down-on-banks-buying-houses-then-renting-them-out/3674752/
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Bird species that live in wooded areas are under stress from human-caused changes to forest composition, according to new research led by Oregon State University that quantifies the effects of forest “degradation” on bird habitat.
“Reducing forest loss has been the main focus of conservation policy to date, which is well justified because it has a strong negative effect on biodiversity,” said Matt Betts of the OSU College of Forestry. “But the effects of changing the composition and age of forest via timber management have traditionally been very difficult to measure at large scales and thus have been largely ignored. Our work shows population declines in many bird species in eastern Canada are due to habitat loss caused by forestry activities.”
Findings by the international collaboration led by Betts were published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution.
The scientists looked at the degree to which forest degradation – the reduction or loss of biological complexity – in the form of clearcutting and then thinning or replanting single tree species affected bird habitat and long-term trends in bird populations.
The study area was the Acadian Forest in Canada’s maritime provinces. Breeding habitat loss occurred for 66% of the forest’s 54 most common bird species from 1985 to 2020 and was strongly associated with the loss of older forests, the researchers found.
Species experiencing the greatest decreases in habitat were the golden-crowned kinglet and Blackburnian warbler, with seven species in all showing habitat declines of greater than 25%.
Habitat loss was strongly linked to long-term bird population declines, particularly for species living in old forest. The researchers estimate that between 33 and 104 million birds were lost due to forest degradation over the 35 years of the study.
Nine bird species in the study area have declined at rates exceeding 30% over the past 10 years, which meets criteria for listing as threatened under Canadian endangered species legislation, the scientists found.
“Due to increased global demand for wood, more and more of the Earth’s surface is being used for timber extraction,” said Betts, the lead scientist for the HJ Andrews Long-term Ecological Research Program. “This shows up on remote sensing as both forest loss and forest gain, but unfortunately the ‘gain’ is often vastly simplified, young forest. Our paper presents a new way to quantify these sorts of changes.”
Betts and collaborators from Cornell University, the University of Rhode Island, the University of New Brunswick, Google and multiple Canadian and U.S. agencies combined satellite imagery and breeding bird survey data along with species distribution modeling to examine forest and bird population trends.
The Acadian Forest, known for its tree species diversity, has shown pervasive signs of degradation over the last three-plus decades, Betts said. Since 1985, more than 3 million hectares of the Acadian Forest have been clearcut, and much of that area is now dominated by single tree species or a mix of early successional species.
“Old forest declined by 39% over the period we observed,” Betts said. “Over the same period, forest cover actually increased by a net 6.5%. That pattern of extensive harvest of old forest, followed by rapid regeneration of young forest and then subsequent harvest before maturity is attained, seems to be common in many forest regions of North America and northern Europe.”
Managed forests, he said, tend to be dominated by one or two merchantable tree species, and they also tend to be younger than those that would occur under a natural disturbance regime – for example, with fires or windstorms. That carries potential implications for species associated with mature or old-growth forests.
Quantifying the effects of forest degradation effects is particularly important in light of recent findings by the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services that indicate the planet is facing a biodiversity crisis, said Betts, who also points to research published in Science that shows bird populations have been showing severe declines across North America.
“Clearly the research by Betts and collaborators identifies one of the critical smoking guns of avian declines,” said Peter Marra, the director for Georgetown University’s Institute for Environment and Sustainability and a co-author of the recent Science paper on bird declines. “We’ve assumed once a natural forest is cut down, as long as you plant more trees all the rest of the plants and animals will fill back in. The new research shows that’s not the case.”
In the Acadian Forest, deforestation – permanent conversion to another land-cover type – was not a primary driver of habitat loss, Betts said, as it accounted for less than 2% of all habitat loss across the 54 bird species examined.
“Overall, our findings indicate broad-scale declines in forest birds of the Acadian Forest, and for most species, abundance is strongly associated with habitat amount,” he said. “We expect that similar consequences for biodiversity are in place for intensively managed forests in other parts of the world as well. If all you look at is forest cover, you’ll miss the more subtle but critically important role of forest age and type in maintaining biodiversity.”
The Environment and Climate Change Canada Climate Nature Fund supported this research.
The collaboration included scientists from the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development; Canada’s National Wildlife Research Centre; the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry; and Google Earth Engine.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/bird-populations-in-eastern-canada-declining-due-to-forest-degradation-research-shows/article_e26da6b8-cbe6-11ec-8e32-47923b84dc39.html
| 2022-05-05T09:00:15
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/bird-populations-in-eastern-canada-declining-due-to-forest-degradation-research-shows/article_e26da6b8-cbe6-11ec-8e32-47923b84dc39.html
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COOS BAY – The Coquille Indian Tribe’s new Ko-Kwel Wellness Center in Coos Bay has received accreditation from the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Accreditation distinguishes the KWC among outpatient facilities for its adherence to rigorous standards of care and safety.
“We are very proud of how far we have come in less than a year,” said Kathryn Halverson, chief executive officer of the Coquille Tribe’s Health and Wellness Division. “2021 brought a lot of changes, including a new building and many new staff. Preparing for accreditation took a lot of collaboration and effort, and I am very grateful for our amazing team that contributed to this success.”
The KWC, formerly the Coquille Tribal Community Health Center, initially received accreditation in 2001 and subsequently passed national reviews in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019.
Construction of the wellness center was completed in the summer of 2021 on the Kilkich Reservation near Charleston. KWC serves Coquille Tribal families, members of other federally recognized tribes, Coquille Tribal employees, and the general public as capacity allows. It offers primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services and an onsite pharmacy.
Prospective patients can learn more at www.kokwelwellness.org, or by calling (541) 888-9494.
Status as an accredited organization means the KWC has met nationally recognized health-care standards. Organizations that earn AAAHC accreditation embody an ongoing commitment to high quality care and patient safety.
Ambulatory health-care organizations seeking AAAHC accreditation undergo an extensive selfassessment and onsite survey by AAAHC surveyors – physicians, nurses and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory care.
Founded in 1979, AAAHC is the leader in ambulatory health-care accreditation, with more than 6,100 organizations accredited.
Accredited outpatient settings include ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, student health centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, employer-based health clinics, retail clinics and tribal health centers, among others.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/ko-kwel-wellness-center-achieves-accreditation/article_9dc729fa-ca45-11ec-a974-9fd0732b3804.html
| 2022-05-05T09:00:21
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/ko-kwel-wellness-center-achieves-accreditation/article_9dc729fa-ca45-11ec-a974-9fd0732b3804.html
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It is a partly to mostly cloudy and muggy morning across Central Alabama with some patchy fog. Visibility could be less than 1 mile at times. Temperatures are in the 60s.
The old cold front will retreat north into Tennessee on Thursday as a warm front. We will have a hot, humid, and mostly dry day. Only a slight chance for a shower/storm is possible. High temperatures will be around 90°. This could be the first 90° mark this year!
Tonight, a weakening squall line will move across Central Alabama. A few storms could be strong to possibly severe. SPC has placed Western and Northern Alabama in a Level 1/5 Marginal Risk for severe weather. The main threats would be strong winds and hail. Lows will be in the 60s. We’ve issued a Weather Aware for tonight, so you need to have ways to get weather warnings.
Another cold front will move across Central Alabama on Friday. It will move in during the morning and set off another round of strong to possibly severe storms.
SPC has placed areas along and east of I-59 in Central Alabama, including Birmingham, in a Level 2/5 Slight Risk for severe weather starting in the morning and continuing into the afternoon. The main threats will be strong winds and hail. There is a low chance for a tornado mainly over Southern Alabama. Heavy rain is possibly with any storm too. We’ve issued a Weather Aware for Friday due to the storm threats.
The storms will come to an end during the late afternoon. Then we will become partly cloudy. It will turn a little cooler with high temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s. The rain will end on Friday night with less humid air moving over the state. Lows will be in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
Mother’s Day Weekend Outlook: We will be partly cloudy on Saturday morning. Then it will become mostly sunny in the afternoon with less humid air and highs in the upper 70s. Mother’s Day, Sunday will be sunny and warmer as an area of high pressure sits north of Alabama. High temperatures will be back in the mid 80s.
Next Week Outlook: A ridge of high pressure will sit over the Southeast U.S. Monday through Wednesday. We will have plenty of sunshine each day and it will become hot. High temperatures will be in the upper 80s on Monday, but we could be in the lower 90s Tuesday and Wednesday. An upper-level low will move from the Atlantic into Georgia on Thursday and Friday. This will send clouds into Alabama along with a few showers. High temperatures will be in the 80s each day.
Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Ashley Gann, Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes and Meteorologist Alex Puckett
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/hot-today-but-you-need-to-be-weather-aware-tonight-and-friday-with-the-threat-for-strong-to-severe-storms/
| 2022-05-05T09:33:33
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/hot-today-but-you-need-to-be-weather-aware-tonight-and-friday-with-the-threat-for-strong-to-severe-storms/
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Titusville mother waits as state attorney decides if police justifiably fatally shot her son
For just over four months, Linda Lowery-Johnson avoided opening her son’s Christmas gifts, as she waited for more information about just how the 40-year-old ended up shot to death by a still-unnamed Titusville police officer.
“I haven’t heard nothing. Nothing since they told me they killed my son," Lowery-Johnson said of the Dec. 26, 2021 shooting death of James Lowery in Titusville.
Since then, she said requests to have someone talk to her about the case have been ignored; police reports have been blacked out, and she still doesn't know whether the officer who shot Lowery even remains on the police force.
“My son got killed that Sunday, the day after Christmas, and that following Tuesday, the chief came to my home and said he was very sorry. But they didn’t tell me anything," she said. "I feel like they should talk to us, tell us, so I can see what happened with my son.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which is the state agency typically called in to investigate officer-related shootings across the state with few exceptions, turned over its report to the Brevard County state attorney’s office last week.
That means prosecutors will review FDLE’s report on bodycam footage, interviews, the autopsy report, and forensics before making a decision about whether the shooting was a justifiable use of deadly force.
A decision could come within weeks, along with the release of video that could give Lowery-Johnson the basic information on what happened to her son.
Civil rights attorneys file suit:Crump files public records lawsuit against Titusville PD in officer-involved shooting
'An unfortunate situation for everyone':Brevard prosecutors won't pursue murder charge against woman who fatally shot sister
The Shooting
The deadly shooting took place after sundown, the day after Christmas, in a neighborhood off the 1500 block of Gayle Avenue. It was about 7 p.m. and police received a 911 call describing a domestic disturbance. Police have not publicly released the call nor played it for the family.
In a news release, police included a narrative that an unidentified man "violently assaulted," a woman in the roadway near Gayle Avenue. The police report about the incident was not publicly released.
The news release described that an unidentified patrol officer spotted "the suspect" running on foot and that there was a physical altercation. The pair darted through the darkened streets of the neighborhood.
At some point, the officer discharged his firearm. Police withheld information about where the man was wounded. The officer was placed on administrative leave.
Titusville police, who have the discretion to release certain records and videos under state law, opted not to share the information with the public or show the family bodycam footage from the shooting.
The shooting happened as the department was under growing criticism from some in Titusville's minority community over a spate of gun violence and street shootings in the riverside town of 45,000 people.
"The police constantly ask for cooperation, but don't provide any answers when it's something they are involved with," said Dwight Siegler, a longtime community activist who alerted high-profile civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump's office about the shooting. "We need answers and should have gotten them. It's been four months."
'I feel like they should talk to us'
Titusville Police Chief John Lau, who heads the 135-officer agency, cited the ongoing investigation and FDLE's handling of the case as the reasons for not releasing any further information or showing any videos to the family.
Last month, Lau attended a closed-door meeting called by the North Brevard branch of the NAACP to update select residents about the incident.
Lau said his agency is waiting for the state attorney's office to conduct its own review. Once finished, Lau said Titusville police will complete its own internal investigation into the shooting.
Lowery-Johnson, however, wants her voice heard. She believes the shooting was a case of mistaken identity.
"My son was trying to get home to me," she said. "I told the chief that they got the wrong person. I asked him to be truthful and I asked who killed my son and he wouldn't tell me. I feel like (the police) are trying to hide something."
Her attorneys have moved to have an independent autopsy to get preliminary information about her son's injury.
She said that even a phone call outlining findings early may not have eased her pain, but could have helped her understand more about the shooting.
Family, community ask for transparency
Natalie Jackson, one of the attorneys representing the Lowery-Johnson family, said law enforcement and prosecutors could do more.
“The family has been waiting to find out what happened to their son and their brother. The family just wants some transparency. It wouldn’t hurt for police or prosecutors to set up a meeting or something or have a phone call,” she said.
“All we’ve seen from Brevard following these officer-related shootings is a lack of transparency and a lack of empathy for the parents,” said Jackson, who is also working with Crump on the Nov. 13, 2020 shooting case that left two Cocoa teens dead in a mistaken traffic stop.
In that case, Angelo Crooms, 16, and Sincere Pierce, 18, were shot to death by a deputy. The shooting was not publicly acknowledged by the Sheriff’s Office for four days as the parents raised questions.
The parents were not told about the whereabouts of the bodies or offered assistance, Cynthia Green, one of the mothers, said.
'We're still fighting for justice':It's been a 'year of hell' say parents of Cocoa teens killed in mistaken shooting by Brevard deputy
Nationally, in wake of the George Floyd in-custody death in 2020 and questions over how police attempted to shape the narrative of Floyd’s death in the hours after the deadly incident, law enforcement agencies involved in officer-related shootings have moved to release more information in such cases.
In Indian River County, the Sheriff’s Office released its video within three days of a hospital incident in which a 29-year-old man armed with scissors, was shot to death by deputies. The Sheriff's Office has gone to court to ask a judge to order Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital's emergency room video of the incident publicly released. It's not been decided.
"Across the nation, many are understanding that to inspire trust in the community, you need transparency," Jackson said, who joined Lowery-Johnson and others in front of the Titusville Historic Courthouse in February, calling for justice in the case. "The family has been waiting long enough."
Lowery-Johnson says her son was a good man who had just turned 40 a few days before he was killed. She misses his smile and his presence.
"Now," she said. "All I want is justice. I want justice for my son."
J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.
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https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/05/05/titusville-family-waits-answers-james-lowery-death-officer-shooting/9616328002/
| 2022-05-05T11:02:51
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https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/2022/05/05/titusville-family-waits-answers-james-lowery-death-officer-shooting/9616328002/
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TUPELO • The Tupelo Planning Committee has rejected a request for a proposed low-income apartment complex pending a redesign to conform to code, even as a slew of residents in a nearby subdivision opposed its construction altogether.
During a Monday night Planning Committee meeting, the committee reviewed the site plans for a large apartment complex on Colonial Estates Road. The complex, named Flowerdale Commons, would have 46 units and 107 parking spaces.
Britton Jones, prospective owner of the complex, said the units would income controlled; no household with an income of more than $55,000 would be able to rent from the complex. He said the project is being funded through private investors, but would get Low-Income Housing tax credit incentives from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
City Planner Jenny Savely said the apartments would be located in a mixed-use zone and be within use-by-right, but the city still had to review the buildings' site plans to make sure it conformed.
Committee member Scott Davis noted one glaring issue was the plans called for four buildings that are over 150-foot in total length but city ordinances only allow a maximum of 120 feet.
Tom Wicker, an attorney representing the Town Creek Master Water Management District, said he feared the new construction could lead to a near by dam overflowing during heavy rain. He said the district is working with Jones to settle the concerns.
The committee ultimately tabled the matter pending a litany of conditions, including a traffic study, water management report and a redesign to conform with city codes. Jones has 90 days to complete the requirements and resubmit the plans to the city.
Residents fear declining property values, owner says concerns unfounded
During the meeting, multiple nearby residents voiced displeasure with the project, raising questions about lowering property values, added traffic and other safety concerns.
The major complaint by all attending residents was that they believed property values to decline if the complex was built near their subdivision.
“I have lived here for 13 years,” resident Micheal Chester said. “I never dreamed affordable housing would be built a few feet in front of my home. I really oppose this type of housing where it is going.”
Jones, who owns multiple apartment complexes in Northeast Mississippi, said the project would not lower property values. He said he lives within one mile of his apartment complex in Oxford. He also noted he owned a successful complex in town already.
“We’ve done King Pines off of Monument Drive and Ida Street. He had great success here,” Jones said. “It will increase property values.”
Crime a concern to residents
Residents also had security concerns, but Jones noted his already established complexes were well kept and safe. Resident Donnie Elkin, a retired police officer from Columbus, said he often patrolled “these kinds of apartments” and believed it would increase crime.
“ You’re going to be shaking your head for allowing something like this in this neighborhood,” he said. “I haven’t seen a single police officer come down my street. If this is built, I’m sure we will be seeing a lot more of them.”
Again, Jones rebutted, claiming the oldest apartment he owns, located in Holly Springs, was a decade old and has not increased crime in the area.
“You can actually come see it. See what it looks like and meet the people there," he said.
Residents want complex relocated, Jones notes it is properly coded
Former Mayor Glenn McCullough, who established the subdivision in question with Mary Conner Adcock, spoke in opposition of the apartments ... or, at least, where they might be located.
“We don’t oppose affordable housing. We are all about affordable, quality housing, but this is the wrong location,” he said.
Because the property is coded as use-by-right, Jones is permitted to build in the location without objection.
Jones noted he worked with a realtor and picked between two properties. He said he chose the location because “It was zoned properly and was undeveloped land.” Development Services Director Tanner Newman said Jones does not own the property in question yet, but that was not a requirement to approve a site plan.
Residents’ concerns sparked traffic study
Residents all noted traffic as a concern, including Linda Collins, who said she was worried about the narrowness of Colonial Estates roads along with its sharp curves.
“The road was not built for a lot of traffic,” she said.
Jones said that he understood the fear and said he would comply with the committee’s request to perform a traffic impact assessment before returning before the committee for reconsideration.
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/residents-share-concerns-over-proposed-apartment-complex-in-tupelo/article_1eb89f13-2683-5d2d-aefb-9fcfa3abc9f6.html
| 2022-05-05T11:21:19
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/residents-share-concerns-over-proposed-apartment-complex-in-tupelo/article_1eb89f13-2683-5d2d-aefb-9fcfa3abc9f6.html
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SALTILLO • Downtown business leaders are opposing an idea they feel would allow a small group to dictate what they can and can’t do with their property.
The Saltillo Main Street Association has proposed creating a historic color palette that they would “suggest” when a business begins major renovations or restorations. The proposal would only affect a one block section of downtown.
“Are you going to legislate what we can paint our property that we pay our own taxes for?” Ironclad Tattoo Gallery owner Jason Wilson asked the Saltillo Board of Aldermen during a Tuesday evening public hearing. “We shouldn’t have to go in front of you and beg and ask if we can paint something on our property.
“It’s coming off that a small group of people are trying to control how our image and how our businesses and how our stuff can look.”
Deanna Knight, a Saltillo Main Street Association board member, said the group has been reviewing the strategic planning that the Mississippi Main Street Association did with the previous board several years ago. They started looking at the ordinances and guidelines that Tupelo and Booneville have for commercial buildings and central business districts.
“We want to look at some ordinances that would give us a very general color palette,” Knight said. “Mississippi Main Street recommends either Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore’s historic paint colors. There is a very wide span of exterior colors. So it doesn’t have to be limiting, it can be pretty broad.”
The organization wants to put together a committee of city, business and community members to research the ordinances of communities around the region to put something together.
Knight said most cities requires businesses planning to make major restoration or renovation work in the central business district to fill out a form so the city knows what’s going on.
“We would, at that time, make the recommendation that these are the colors we would recommend,” Knight said. “Our concern is people coming in and buying a building and not making it look like DB’s and Old Towne – not keeping it consistent with the revitalization we have already done.”
The proposal would only affect a one block stretch of the town’s small downtown – Mobile Street (Highway 363) from Second Street to Front Street.
“Since it is one small block, we think it is very important that it is cohesive,” Knight said. “We definitely think we are trending in that direction. The existing buildings would be grandfathered in.”
That statement confused at least two business owners along the 350-foot long stretch of road.
“If business owners or business properties are going to be grandfathered in, what is the purpose of changing what we already have going?” asked DB’s owner Danny Brown. He noted that the previous incarnation of Saltillo Main Street had already hashed out the idea of color coding for consistency.
“Who are you going to force to change if everything is already grandfathered in?” Wilson said. “Now you are wanting to legislate something that is not even broke. Why do I have to fill out a form if I want to do something? And who is going to enforce this? Are you going to fine us every day our building is the wrong color?"
Wilson, a former Saltillo Main Street board president who helped bring the organization to town, said he feels the group is getting away from its mission to revitalize a downtown by trying to pick colors and hosting events.
Aldermen agreed that for the most part, the buildings and businesses in the affected area look nice and would not have to change.
“We do have some buildings downtown that have not been brought up to standards,” said alderman Scottie Clark “We’ve got a building downtown with a garage door on the front and OSB (oriented strand board) in the windows. That’s not very attractive for the other two buildings on either side.”
Brandy Wilson asked that if there was only one building on the block causing a problem, why hasn’t somebody reached out to that property owner?
“Has anybody gone to them and said, Hey your building is an eyesore?” she said. “Has anyone contacted them?”
Mayor Copey Grantham said the city has talked with that particular landowner multiple times.
“We even went to them and tried to purchase the building and take it over,” Grantham said. “Unfortunately they are unwilling to negotiate. That’s their right.”
The board took all the comments under advisement but took no action. The issue of creating a committee to look at color schemes downtown could be placed on the board’s next agenda for May 17.
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/saltillo-businesses-call-main-street-proposal-heavy-handed/article_55d0af54-a96d-5db3-b9b9-3880d8ca7aa5.html
| 2022-05-05T11:21:25
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/saltillo-businesses-call-main-street-proposal-heavy-handed/article_55d0af54-a96d-5db3-b9b9-3880d8ca7aa5.html
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/the-punch-list/article_d4fcc901-5534-5d85-a1fd-184317a11964.html
| 2022-05-05T11:21:31
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https://www.djournal.com/news/local/the-punch-list/article_d4fcc901-5534-5d85-a1fd-184317a11964.html
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The Coos Bay-North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau is pleased to announce its participation in the Americans for the Arts - Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study.
This is the sixth national study of the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. Building on its 25-year legacy, AEP6 will examine the economic power that the arts and culture wield in the Coos Bay area and 386 other participating communities, representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Each community will receive a customized economic impact report about the number of jobs supported, government revenue generated, and economic activity of its nonprofit arts and culture sector.
“The Coos Bay-North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau is so excited to be participating in this year’s national study,” said Janice Langlinais, Executive Director of the Bureau. “Staff and volunteers will attend many of the arts and cultural events planned for the Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston area throughout 2022 and the beginning of 2023 asking audiences and attendees to take a few moments to answer a quick survey. This data will provide us with some hard numbers on the economic impact these events have on our local communities.”
The Arts & Economic Prosperity® series demonstrates that an investment in the arts provides both cultural and economic benefits. Previous studies were published in 1994, 2002, 2007, 2012, and 2017. In 2017, AEP5 documented that the nonprofit arts industry generated $166.3 billion in economic activity (spending by organizations plus the event-related spending by their audiences), which supported 4.6 million jobs and generated $27.5 billion in government revenue.
Suzan Jenkins, executive director of the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County and member of the AEP6 Equity Task Force, said, “As a long-time participant in the Arts and Economic Prosperity studies, our agency has utilized the AEP survey results and achieved dynamic and sustained fiscal and philosophical legislative support for our advocacy efforts for more than a decade. The new AEP6 study promises to produce even more valuable results for participants nationwide.”
Audience-intercept surveys will be collected from attendees to arts and cultural events in happening in our communities from May 2022 through April 2023.
“We hope to generate 800 completed surveys,” added Langlinais.
These will be added to the national sample, which is anticipated to surpass 250,000 surveys. The national findings, as well as the results for each of the 387 participating communities, will be made public in September 2023.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/coos-bay-area-to-participate-in-national-arts-economic-prosperity-study/article_3f0503c8-ca41-11ec-b68f-1b0ca3b1f43c.html
| 2022-05-05T11:41:24
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/coos-bay-area-to-participate-in-national-arts-economic-prosperity-study/article_3f0503c8-ca41-11ec-b68f-1b0ca3b1f43c.html
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WARSAW, Poland – Eight-year-old Yehor focuses on the task at hand.
On the floor of a hotel hallway, he folds scraps of paper into squares as if packaging a present.
In the past two months, Yehor has slept in the cold hallway of his apartment building in Mariupol, Ukraine, where blasts rattled the windows. Where food and clean water ran out fast.
Then, while sheltering with relatives, an explosion caved in the roof over his head. His mother grabbed Yehor and family cat Mouse and sprinted to the nearest building still standing.
He spent two nights at a school crammed with evacuees. He slept on a flattened cardboard box.
He boarded a minibus crammed with strangers, inching along and stopping at nearly 40 checkpoints on the road out of Ukraine.
That's how he ended up here — in a hotel in Warsaw, folding his paper package while children next to him craft paper planes.
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"What are you making?" asks Mandy Haase-Thomas, a Nebraska volunteer who has come here to help Ukrainian kids like Yehor.
"Wrapping supplies for the war," he replies.
In the two months since Russia launched a war against Ukraine, an estimated 5.4 million people have fled the country — the largest refugee crisis on European soil since World War II.
Yehor is one of roughly 1.6 million Ukrainian children now spending their days in shelters, hotels and strangers' homes across Europe.
One of those hotels is a Best Western just east of the Vistula River in Warsaw, where 50 rooms are filled with Ukrainian families trying to figure out what’s next.
This is the headquarters of Operation Safe Harbor Ukraine, a Nebraska-founded project raising money and sending volunteers to keep refugee families safe, housed and fed.
Roughly 160 Ukrainian children have entered this hotel after fleeing violence with their families. Like Yehor, some have seen the dead. They know to fear snipers and bombs. Many left behind fathers and older brothers. All left behind life, and childhood, as they knew it.
Since the Russian invasion, 8-year-old Yehor has rarely cried.
"He is strong, and he is brave," said mother Kateryna Shepotynyk. "He is not afraid."
Through toys, crafts and games, two Nebraska volunteers from the Lincoln Children's Museum hope to ease the kids’ trauma, if only for a few moments every day.
Tara Knuth and Haase-Thomas arrived here on April 24, lugging bags brimming with stuffed animals and puzzles; string and beads and plenty of fuzzy pipe cleaner; markers and coloring books and playing cards.
(Editor’s note: Flatwater Free Press reporter Natalia Alamdari arrived in Warsaw the same day, a guest of Operation Safe Harbor. The project’s leaders are allowing her to stay in the hotel as she reports. Learn more at www.operationsafeharborukraine.com.)
The Children’s Museum duo learned about the opportunity when Knuth’s husband came home from playing basketball with news — teammate Steve Glenn, former Husker football player and Lincoln businessman, was recruiting volunteers to run a hotel shelter for Ukrainian refugees.
The pair was soon on a plane bound for Eastern Europe, flying to this city a few hours from the Ukrainian border — and hoping that what they know about educating Nebraska kids could help the youngest Ukrainians, too.
"Their days used to be school ... their days used to be playing with friends in the neighborhood," said Knuth, executive director of the Lincoln Children's Museum. "And then it wasn't that for a long time. And now, to have some normalcy back … is important."
Knuth and Haase-Thomas, the museum's operations director, have transformed the hotel conference room into a makeshift children's museum.
There are tables of craft supplies and coloring materials. A corner of blocks and toy cars, where the windowsill becomes a pretend race track. The Nebraskans pace the room, helping kids create flowers out of multicolored napkins and pipe cleaner, and passing out beads to string together bracelets.
The Nebraskans don’t speak Russian or Ukrainian. The kids don’t speak English. Most communication happens over Google Translate, by passing a phone back and forth.
In the conference room, it's the water table — a green plastic bin with canals and toy boats and rubber ducks — that the kids flock to.
"Water brings everything together," Knuth said. "Kids feel safe around water."
Sitting on the conference room floor, Timur Iordatii cranks a handle with one hand to make waves through the plastic river of water. With another, he guides a rubber boat through twists and turns.
Timur and his mother walked 18 miles to the border after their bus leaving Lviv got stuck in stand-still traffic. Along the road, strangers left food and supplies for those walking.
Timur is 4. He’s shorter than his mother’s suitcase. He offered to help roll it along the side of the road.
He got sick after sleeping on a cold school floor near the border. They moved several times before landing at the Best Western last week.
After two months, they finally have their own shower. Timur is finally around kids who have been through what he has. “A gift from God,” his mother said.
In this hotel, even playtime is infused with war: A leftover box becomes a make-believe tank. Armed with blue and yellow markers, children color the Ukrainian flag into hearts and outlined hands.
Play is a language, Haase-Thomas said, shedding light on how kids grapple with their world.
The duo from the Lincoln Children’s Museum came to Warsaw to offer comfort through play.
"These kids have lost everything," Knuth said. "There's some safety in what you know."
By the end of their makeshift museum’s first day, the Nebraskans had to set up an extra table because so many young refugees — and their moms — wanted to make bracelets. Kids walked around showing off their handiwork, while moms chatted and kept their hands busy stringing beads onto pipe cleaner.
Children, mothers and volunteers walked out with rainbows of bracelets on their wrists.
Before Haase-Thomas decided to leave for Poland, her 6-year-old daughter asked: “Mommy, did you know there are people who don’t have houses? Can we give them money? We have enough.”
A few days later, she attended a church service about following your heart. She spoke to Glenn, who told her he could tell her heart was set on helping Ukrainian kids.
“Mommy’s going to help people who don’t have a home,” she told her daughter. “She’s going to help other mommies.”
Now Knuth and Haase-Thomas try to make the Ukrainian parents’ lives easier. They play with their children. They run to the pharmacy to grab medicines. They serve meals. They try to lift a little weight from the parents in the hotel. They can only lift so much.
“What we can do during the day does not change what (the children) are probably experiencing at night. When things get quiet, when their thoughts come back,” Knuth said.
The best they can do: Offer something else for the kids to remember.
“That when they look back on this time, it’s not all bad memories,” Knuth said. “That there are people that played with them, who gave them attention, who loved them.”
“Who wanted to make sure they felt safe,” Haase-Thomas said.
Since leaving Ukraine, Yehor hasn't been in school. He plays in the hotel halls with his newfound friends. He wraps imaginary supplies for the war he just escaped.
And, on the second day after Lincoln volunteers set up shop, he walks into the makeshift children’s museum.
He colors. He throws plastic darts with the other children.
"He needs to forget about what he's seen and what he felt,” his mother said. "And here is a place where we can do it.
Yehor does not know that he and his mother will soon fly to London to join his aunt. To start a new life.
In this moment, in a Warsaw hotel’s converted conference room, he plays, like an 8-year-old should.
The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Learn more at flatwaterfreepress.org
The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter. Learn more at flatwaterfreepress.org
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/helping-yehor-near-ukrainian-border-nebraskans-offer-play-comfort-to-child-refugees/article_bfe05ab0-26dc-5cf5-898c-1eac1cd7bd09.html
| 2022-05-05T11:55:08
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/helping-yehor-near-ukrainian-border-nebraskans-offer-play-comfort-to-child-refugees/article_bfe05ab0-26dc-5cf5-898c-1eac1cd7bd09.html
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An attack of Dave Chappelle at a Los Angeles performance was “unsettling” a representative for the comedian said in the first statement since the incident.
Chappelle was tackled during a performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Tuesday night and a man was later arrested.
“As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show,” Carla Sims, Chappelle’s representative, said in a statement to CNN. “Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped calm the crowd with humor before Chappelle introduced the last and featured musical guests for the evening.”
The man who tackled Chappelle, identified as Isaiah Lee, had a knife and is in custody
Security guards overpowered the attacker, and Chappelle continued his performance while the man was taken away in an ambulance.
The assailant was carrying a replica handgun with a large blade that folded out of it similar to a pocket knife.
Isaiah Lee, 23, was detained and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, said Officer Alba Mendez, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson.
Lee was treated by medical staff for an unspecified injury and was booked into jail early Wednesday and held in lieu of $30,000 bail, Mendez said. It was not immediately known if he had retained a lawyer.
Foxx came out after the attack and told Chappelle, “I thought that was part of the show.”
Rock had also already performed at the event and later came on stage after the incident and joked, “Was that Will Smith?”
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.
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https://www.al.com/local/2022/05/dave-chappelle-rep-releases-statement-about-unsettling-attack-says-chris-rock-jamie-foxx-calmed-crowd.html
| 2022-05-05T12:53:14
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Two people thought to be in their 20s or 30s were found shot to death in a residential building in midtown Manhattan, authorities said Thursday. No arrests have been made.
Officials say gunfire erupted at a building on West 37th Street shortly after midnight. One man who has yet to be identified was found in front of the building. He was shot in the stomach and was pronounced dead a short time later, police said.
Responding officers found the second victim, 34-year-old Kamir King, of Manhattan, on the third floor. He had been shot in the head and also was pronounced dead at a hospital. A firearm was recovered near the first victim, officials said.
No arrests have been made. Police believe three or four suspects fled the scene after the shooting. The building where it happened is home to a makeshift recording studio, but at this point it's unclear what if any involvement that studio has in the case.
It's also not clear if the victims knew their killers. The NYPD is expected to provide additional information later Thursday.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/2-dead-in-midtown-manhattan-shooting-mystery/3674835/
| 2022-05-05T12:54:25
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/2-dead-in-midtown-manhattan-shooting-mystery/3674835/
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A 41-year-old Queens man has been arrested on murder and weapons possession charges in the death of a 51-year-old woman from the same borough who was found shot in the head in her own home Wednesday afternoon, police said Thursday.
Giuseppe Canzani is accused of killing Anna Torres in her 109th Avenue home in Ozone Park. Torres was found with multiple gunshot wounds when cops responded to reports of a woman shot in the home just after 2 p.m. Three shots had been fired in all.
Two of them hit Torres, with one going into her head, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Cops said they believe the shooter opened fire when Torres came to her front door.
A gun was recovered from where Torres was killed, according to police. Investigators said that the shooter took off in a black Chevrolet Traverse, but within an hour turned himself in at the nearby precinct.
Surveillance video from the neighborhood showed someone walking down the street in clothes matching the suspect's description, holding what appears to be a silver handgun. Others in the area can be seen running away from the man.
Police were looking into whether the victim and suspect may have known each other. Torres' son is a police officer, but officials said that they have "no reason to believe that this incident occurred because of his employment with the police department."
Police didn't share any possible details on a motive when they announced Canzani's arrest Thursday. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/arrest-made-in-brazen-midday-killing-of-nyc-cops-mom-in-her-own-home/3674827/
| 2022-05-05T12:54:31
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/arrest-made-in-brazen-midday-killing-of-nyc-cops-mom-in-her-own-home/3674827/
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One of the world's most notorious drug lords was extradited overnight from Colombia to Brooklyn, where he is expected to face trial on a litany of charges.
Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, better known as "Otoniel," was captured last October. Colombian President Ivan Duque made his capture one of the top goals of his administration.
Otoniel, leader of the feared Gulf Clan, spent years on the run. The operation to seize him involved hundreds of Colombian special forces and dozens of helicopters.
This is a developing story.
Copyright NBC New York
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/top-colombian-drug-lord-extradited-to-brooklyn-for-trial/3674897/
| 2022-05-05T12:54:37
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/top-colombian-drug-lord-extradited-to-brooklyn-for-trial/3674897/
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by: Austin Franklin Posted: May 5, 2022 / 06:44 AM CDT Updated: May 5, 2022 / 06:44 AM CDT SHARE BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — This week is National Air Quality Awareness Week and Alabama Partners for Clean Air joined CBS 42 News to speak on the importance of the clean air. Watch the full interview in the video player above.
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/alabama-partners-for-clean-air-speaks-on-national-air-quality-awareness-week/
| 2022-05-05T12:58:09
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/alabama-partners-for-clean-air-speaks-on-national-air-quality-awareness-week/
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P&S Paving gets extension to dig, sell Daytona Beach land dirt
DAYTONA BEACH — Should the city have given P&S Paving nearly two more years to keep digging dirt on city land and hauling it off to paying customers?
An agreement struck three and a half years ago required P&S to wrap up its digging early next month, but the company said the COVID pandemic put it way behind where it expected to be by now with collecting dirt from a huge piece of city property near First Step Shelter.
At Wednesday night's meeting, City Commissioner Ken Strickland said if P&S Paving was going to get the 21-month extension it was requesting, then the city should escalate its charge for the dirt. City Commissioner Stacy Cantu wanted to negotiate something shorter than 21 months.
But in the end P&S Paving was granted the 21-month extension without a price hike on a 6-1 vote that chalked up Strickland as the lone no vote.
"We have to decide whether we want to penalize a partner of ours," Mayor Derrick Henry said before commissioners voted.
P&S Paving has been a key player in several high-visibility city projects, including the recent makeovers of Beach Street and Riverfront Park.
P&S Paving also handled site work for the First Step Shelter project that included clearing, grading, building foundation construction and excavation of two small retention ponds for the shelter for homeless adults on U.S. Highway 92 that opened in December 2019.
Read more about Daytona Beach's dirt deal:To defray homeless shelter cost, Daytona plans to sell dirt
Catch up on past coverage of Daytona Beach dirt deal:Daytona homeless shelter $2 million dirt deal upsets competitor
Learn about what's happening at Daytona Beach's First Step Shelter:Daytona's First Step Shelter will continue to only accept referred clients
P&S was originally going to charge the city $1.62 million for the site work it handled. But when the overall cost for shelter construction shot up to $6 million, the dirt deal was created to offset those costs.
The 2018 agreement was set up to allow the city to lop off at least $2.13 million of the shelter project's cost.
Anatomy of a dirt deal
The 15,000-square-foot homeless shelter was built on a 10-acre site that is part of 626 acres of undeveloped city property between International Speedway Boulevard and Interstate 4. With the hundreds of vacant acres around the 10-acre shelter site not being used for anything, the city agreed to let P&S Paving dig a 40-acre retention pond and keep the estimated 1.42 million cubic yards of dirt that will be scooped from it.
The massive retention pond will span a surface of 1.74 million square feet — the space of 30 football fields — and will be about 22 feet deep.
P&S is paying the city $1.50 per cubic yard of dirt it gathers. Dirt can sell for $5-$15 per cubic yard on the open market, but P&S had to factor in what it would cost to excavate and haul off the dirt to its customers.
The company is also having to pay for fuel to keep pumps going to drain the site since they hit the water table at about six to eight feet down.
The agreement also leaves the door open to P&S digging at least one more retention pond on the city land five miles west of Interstate 95, although the company would have to pay the city a higher rate of $2 per cubic yard for the additional dirt. The city manager will have the final word on whether P&S will dig more than one pond, and what the location and configuration of all the ponds would be.
The land has been sitting idle for decades and it's pockmarked with wetlands. But there are only three or four dirt pits from New Smyrna Beach to Ormond Beach, so the fill on the city site is valuable.
The deal was structured for P&S to pay the city $1.06 million as soon as all required permits were issued.
P&S agreed in 2018 to pay the city an additional $1.06 million once it cleared out the expected 1.42 million cubic yards of dirt in the 40-acre pond. P&S had three years to complete the pond, and that three-year deadline would have come next month if commissioners hadn't granted the extension.
More money will come the city's way if P&S is allowed to expand the 40-acre pond or dig more ponds and pay the higher rate of $2 per cubic yard. But those additional ponds, which don't yet have pinpointed locations on the property, would also have three years to be completed after the city manager approved them.
Financial pressures on P&S Paving
Daytona Beach-based P&S incurred some large costs up front for the fill excavation. P&S would had to pay all permit fees, and the company had to cover all costs to create the retention ponds.
That has tallied hundreds of thousands of dollars for fuel, labor and equipment usage. P&S also has to pay for all surveys, studies, expert services, remediation and restoration of the pond sites.
P&S also footed the bill to change and then pave the dirt haul path that runs the length of the site. The company also had to clear all vegetation off the 40-acre pond area, drain the pit that would constantly fill with Florida's high water table and build berms around the pond.
"They've fronted a considerable amount of expense and I'd be surprised if they've recovered that yet," city Public Works Director Andrew Holmes told city commissioners Wednesday night.
In a memo to the city manager, Holmes explained that the COVID pandemic threw the excavation project off balance.
"The contract was developed so (P&S Paving) could excavate and market the material to the developing public, much of which was in Daytona Beach and surrounding communities," Holmes wrote. "The uncertainty brought many of the projects to a halt. The economy appeared to be making a turn for the better, but still not as robust as it was at the onset of the contract."
When projects have been delayed, P&S hasn't dug up the dirt for those ventures because they would have nowhere to drop it off, Holmes said.
He said P&S has been providing the city monthly reports of how much yardage it has removed. So far a total of 433,000 cubic yards of dirt have been dug out, Holmes said. A cubic yard is a unit of volume equal to a cube one yard long on each side.
P&S does an areal survey with a drone every month to come up with its removed yardage, and the city verifies the tally, Holmes said.
That 433,000 is only about a third of what P&S is allowed to collect under the agreement that was extended Wednesday night. But despite the lagging total, Holmes said he believes P&S "acted in good faith."
'A good faith agreement'
When Cantu challenged a P&S representative at the meeting on why he needed a 21-month extension, he said his company had been battling "significant inflationary and workforce pressures."
At least some commissioners struggled to understand why COVID put P&S so far behind on digging up dirt when Volusia County has been exploding with new development since the beginning of the pandemic. P&S employee Curtis Long said those were projects already planned when COVID hit.
Projects that could launch now are being delayed with waits of 18-24 months for roofing materials, and prices for everything from piping to fuel is shooting up, Long said.
Strickland said the city has the same inflationary pressures, and it should be able to raise the price of selling its dirt to help pay its bills, too.
Local resident Vernon Weatherholtz said he thinks P&S "got a very cheap price" and added that "21 months is unreasonable at this price."
"This is the taxpayers' money, and the city has to be accountable for this," Weatherholtz said.
The mayor said the dirt excavation project isn't costing the city anything and the property wasn't being used for anything before the deal was struck.
"I don't want to cut out on someone we made a good faith agreement with," Henry said.
You can reach Eileen at Eileen.Zaffiro@news-jrnl.com
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https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/05/05/daytona-beach-contractor-gets-more-time-to-keep-collecting-city-dirt/9652064002/
| 2022-05-05T13:56:08
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https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2022/05/05/daytona-beach-contractor-gets-more-time-to-keep-collecting-city-dirt/9652064002/
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Officials with the Lee County School System announced on the system's Facebook page that one of its buses had been involved in an accident around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
LEESBURG -- Officials with the Lee County School System announced on the system's Facebook page that one of its buses had been involved in an accident around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
The system said that Lee County Fire-Rescue personnel arrived at the scene on Lovers Lane Road quickly to evaluate the students on the bus. Four were taken to the hospital with what were described as "non-life-threatening" injuries.
School System Transportation Director Latesha Wilson came to the scene to check on the safety of the students and to make sure all were picked up by parents.
More than 150,000 spectators will pack into Churchill Downs on May 7 to watch the 148th Kentucky Derby: the race that’s been dubbed the greatest two minutes in sports. Whether you’re picking a dark horse or sticking with the favorite, we at Stacker have ranked all the thoroughbreds running t… Click for more.
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https://www.albanyherald.com/local/lee-county-school-bus-involved-in-accident/article_861aecca-cc74-11ec-bea1-5b027de17036.html
| 2022-05-05T13:58:07
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https://www.albanyherald.com/local/lee-county-school-bus-involved-in-accident/article_861aecca-cc74-11ec-bea1-5b027de17036.html
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AUSTIN, Minn.-Union meat packing and food processing workers and leaders apart of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663 celebrated the passage of frontline worker payments with lawmakers at their union hall on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
DFL State Sen. Erin Murphy, who represents St. Paul and Duluth's DFL State Sen. Jen McEwen thanked workers for their tireless efforts during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and even dedicated the original bill Gov. Tim Walz signed into law to the union hall.
UFCW Local 663's Director of Organizing Rena Wong said workers were pressuring lawmakers for nearly two years to be considered in the frontline worker payments.
Wong said GOP state lawmakers originally opposed the inclusion of retail, food processing and meat manufacturing but changed their minds after fierce lobbying from the union.
"Dozens and dozens of members testified at hearings live and in person. They rallied down at the capitol. They have held mass together, prayed together, just to get to this moment," Wong said.
The event featured speeches that were translated from English to Spanish, and vice versa, from three union members that thanked fellow workers for fighting for what was earned.
Wong said the union's next mission is to pass the Worker Safety Act, which she said will ensure employers are proving safe environments for workers across Minnesota.
"Guidelines are great but they are voluntary. What we really need for workers is enforcement, so that they go home the same way they came to work in the morning. Safe, healthy and in one piece to their families," Wong said.
Local 663 represents nearly 17,000 workers in retail, meat packing, food processing, healthcare and other industries across Minnesota in Iowa.
UFCW represents 1.3 million workers nationwide, according to the union's website.
To learn how you can sign up for frontline worker payments, click here.
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https://www.kimt.com/news/local/united-food-and-commercial-workers-local-663-union-celebrates-frontline-worker-payments/article_5aa25454-cc22-11ec-916e-a34bf4b0abdc.html
| 2022-05-05T14:18:47
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https://www.kimt.com/news/local/united-food-and-commercial-workers-local-663-union-celebrates-frontline-worker-payments/article_5aa25454-cc22-11ec-916e-a34bf4b0abdc.html
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Authorities are looking for two strangers in a sex attack on a woman on a popular New Jersey recreation trail in the middle of the afternoon earlier this week, prosecutors said.
The woman was on Morristown's Traction Line Recreation Trail shorty before 3:45 p.m. Tuesday when prosecutors say the two men approached her and asked for cash.
She didn't give them any. One man then shoved her to the ground and sexually attacked her while the other stood by, officials said. Both men fled the trail afterward.
Prosecutors say the victim didn't know either man. Both are thought to be about 20 years old. One was seen riding a bicycle. Authorities released photos of them (above).
Anyone with information is asked to call the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Endangerment Unit at 973-285-6200, the Morristown Bureau of Police at 973-538-2200 or Morris County CrimeStoppers at 1-800-SHERIFF (743-7433) or 973-COP-CALL (267-2255).
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/2-men-ambush-woman-in-sex-attack-on-popular-nj-trail/3674907/
| 2022-05-05T14:25:49
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/2-men-ambush-woman-in-sex-attack-on-popular-nj-trail/3674907/
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ASHEBORO, N.C. — Editor's Note: Video features NC Zoo's decision to permanently close the Aviary habitat as reported on April 25.
A beloved chimp at the North Carolina Zoo has died. The NC Zoo said Nori, an 11-year-old member of the chimpanzee troop was euthanized Monday due to declining health.
Zoo staff said Nori was not just quirky but full of sass. The chimp was born at the zoo on August 2, 2010. By the age of five, Nori started to experience loss of balance and seizures. She was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy.
"We reached out to Duke Health early on in Nori's disease and started collaborating with a neurologist specializing in epilepsy," said the Zoo's Director of Animal Health, Dr. Jb Minter. "We attempted numerous antiseizure medications through the years with varying success, and unfortunately, Nori's seizures have never been fully controlled."
Nori then experienced a steep decline in her quality of life including increased seizure activity and excessive bodily injury, according to the NC Zoo. Her medications also made her tired and drowsy. The chimp troop recently started avoiding her because chimps preferred to be around other, highly social animals. The lack of social interaction can be distressing for a chimp.
"From the day she was born, Nori captured and held tight the hearts of all that knew her. Caring for her as an infant, watching her grow with the other chimps is the most rewarding and meaningful thing I have done in my career," said Jennifer Ireland, the Zoo's curator of mammals. "Nori was a goofball and full of sass. Nori's health challenges over the past few years have been tough on everyone. I cannot speak highly enough of Nori's care staff and the veterinary team at the North Carolina Zoo for all they have done to care for Nori over her lifetime."
The zoo's troop now consists of 15 chimpanzees – nine females – Asha, Amy, Ebi, Gari, Genie, Gerre, Gigi, Ruby and Tammy, and six males – Gus, Kendall, Jonathan, Lance, Obi and Sokoto.
The zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan, which helps monitor and guide zoo chimp populations.
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/beloved-chimp-nori-known-for-her-sass-dies-at-the-north-carolina-zoo-asheboro/83-34ddb3ec-7592-4fed-8472-10ea2c30166e
| 2022-05-05T14:25:55
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/beloved-chimp-nori-known-for-her-sass-dies-at-the-north-carolina-zoo-asheboro/83-34ddb3ec-7592-4fed-8472-10ea2c30166e
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QUINTANA, Texas — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information on the people responsible for harming a sick dolphin on Quintana Beach in April.
The bottlenose dolphin was found stranded alive on the beach in the Freeport area on April 10. Beachgoers found the dolphin, pushed it back out to sea and even attempted to swim with and ride the sick animal.
The dolphin later died from drowning, an autopsy confirmed.
The NOAA's law enforcement office wants the people who harassed the dolphin to be held responsible which is why the agency is asking anyone who can identify the individuals to come forward.
You can call the NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement Hotline anonymously at (800) 853-1964.
The reward of up to $20,000 is for information leading to one or all of the following, according to the NOAA:
- Successful identification
- Successful prosecution for the person(s) responsible
- An arrest, conviction, or civil penalty assessment
You must leave your name and contact information when calling to be eligible for the reward.
DO's and DON'T's for stranded marine mammals (from NOAA):
Don't push the animal back out to sea. Stranded marine mammals may be sick or injured. Returning animals to sea delays examination and treatment and often results in the animal re-stranding in worse conditions.
If the animal returns to the water on its own, don't attempt to swim with it.
Do put human safety above animal safety. If conditions are dangerous, do not attempt to approach the animal.
Do stay with the animal until rescuers arrive, but use caution. Marine mammals can be dangerous and/or carry diseases. Keep a safe distance from the head and tail. Also, minimize contact with the animal (use gloves if necessary) and avoid inhaling the animal’s expired air.
If the animal is alive, do keep its skin moist and cool by splashing water over its body. Use wet towels to help keep the skin moist and prevent sunburn.
If the animal is alive, don't cover or obstruct the blowhole. Try to keep sand and water away from the blowhole.
Do keep crowds away and noise levels down to avoid causing further stress to the animal.
Do report all dead marine mammals, even if they are decomposed.
Do keep dogs/pets away from the live or dead marine mammal.
Don't collect any parts (tissues, teeth, bones, or gear, etc.) from dead animals.
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/dolphin-harassed-texas-beach/285-9ab9514a-2201-4751-a08e-2ad79133442e
| 2022-05-05T14:26:01
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/dolphin-harassed-texas-beach/285-9ab9514a-2201-4751-a08e-2ad79133442e
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ENCINITAS, Calif. — Referred to as a zero-waste nightmare, helium-filled balloons are a single-use plastic that is also a major ocean pollutant. To cut down on this waste, the City of Encinitas passed a ban on the sale of lighter-than-air balloons. The San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation was also instrumental in that push.
"We kind of did a spot check on the businesses that were selling the balloons since the ordinance has passed. And the compliance rate was absolutely unbelievable of the different stores that were selling them stopping on their own. A few, it was a corporate decision and needed to have something from the city to cease and desist, which they did," said Mark O'Connor. This Coastal Defender is one of the co-leads on the Rise Above Plastics Committee through the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
This non-profit is committed to protecting the world's ocean, waves and beaches. If you're in Encinitas, you'll often see Mark picking up single-use plastics and other trash to keep Moonlight Beach clean.
"So, this is pretty typical, a plastic film. I can't tell, looks like some kind of food product might have been in that," said Mark as he pointed out trash found on the Encinitas beach.
One of the biggest pollutants this Surfrider Volunteer has found are balloons. Mark even has a jar of his findings, which he also had on hand when advocating for the ban on helium-filled balloons at an Encinitas City Council meeting. Mark says on average he collects at least one balloon on each of his beach inspections.
"This is my about 190 to 200 balloons. I've lost count now. Yeah, like I said, there's a couple of people that have given them to me too. You can see there is mylar and latex, all the ribbons," said Mark as he showed off the stuffed jar.
Marine conservation organizations and even the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] a partner with the Surfrider Foundation, names balloons as a top pollutant that poses harmful consequences for marine life.
"The latex, there are a little heavier and they only hold air for about 24 hours and mylar is like for three weeks. So, it seems to be a little heavier and it gets caught in the seaweed and I don't know what Mother Nature's doing, but it must just finally break free. 95 percent of the latex ones I recover are in the kelp," said O'Connor.
The sight of balloons littering the beach are not just an eye sore. The attached ribbons can get wrapped around sea turtles, around the talons and wings of birds, found in the digestive tracts of wildlife and have other deadly consequences for animals.
As we strolled along the beach, I asked Mark, why does he think the ban on "lighter-than-air" balloons was successful in Encinitas?
"This city council, the people that are here are pretty progressive. They love the marine environment. It's a part of tourism, a part of who we are, its recreation, it provides food," said O'Connor.
While Encinitas is the first city in our county to implement this ban, it sounds like they may not be the last. Mark tells me the Surfrider Foundation has engaged the city council for the City of Solana Beach to push for a similar helium ban. The goal is to start along our coastline and work their way more inland.
But don't get it twisted. This isn't a ban on all balloons. Mark promoted the idea of using air in balloons, rather than lightweight helium. He said when your celebration is over, let the air out and properly dispose of the balloon in the trash.
O'Connor stressed this a push to get businesses, and you, to get creative about how to celebrate in an eco-friendly way.
"If you want to join us, or if you're in a city, or you are part of a city council and you're listening, and you want our help to get this done, you can email rap, rap@surfridersd.org. Tell us who you are, you would like to do, and what city and how you can help, how you want to help and we get those emails out of that account. It'll come to me and I'll email you back or we'll meet for coffee, a phone call or something," said O'Connor.
In a previous Earth 8 story, I covered how helium filled balloons can be transported, due to westerly winds, as far east as the desert here in our county and pose a threat to the wildlife. Mylar balloons are often reported along the hiking trails and the landscape of Borrego Springs.
There is a petition to push for the ban of lighter-than-air balloons in San Diego County. You can sign up here.
Mark suggests checking out balloonsblow for more eco-friendly ways to celebrate no matter where you live.
*** Special thank you to Janis Jones with the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation for your photographs used in this story.***
Additionally, if you would like to help and/or volunteer with the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, just check out their website.
WATCH RELATED: Why mylar balloons pose an environmental hazard
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/outreach/encinitas-bans-lighter-than-air-balloons-hopes-protecting-environment/509-8b01d865-a665-4ed1-a6ab-8703436ed9c2
| 2022-05-05T14:26:07
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/outreach/encinitas-bans-lighter-than-air-balloons-hopes-protecting-environment/509-8b01d865-a665-4ed1-a6ab-8703436ed9c2
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