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DES MOINES — Below average precipitation for the week gave Iowa farmers 6.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sunday, according to the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Field activities included cutting hay and spraying crops. Drought concerns were still prominent, the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report said.
“As drought and abnormally dry conditions continue across Iowa, widespread weekend rainfall throughout most of the state was welcomed by farmers,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said in a news release. “While scattered storms are possible this weekend, the official start to summer this week will coincide with a stretch of hot and dry days. Longer term outlooks are showing a return to near-normal rainfall as we enter a critical period for crop growth.”
Topsoil moisture condition rated 20% very short, 50% short and 30% adequate with no surplus. The percentage of topsoil moisture considered short to very short has gone from 25% the week ending May 21 to 70% for the week that ended Sunday, just a month later. Subsoil moisture condition rated 17% very short, 47% short, 35% adequate and 1% surplus.
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Corn condition continued to decline rating 59% good to excellent. Ninety-eight percent of soybeans have emerged, 10 days ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of the five-year average. Soybean condition dropped to 56% good to excellent.
Eighty-four percent of the oat crop has headed, 11 days ahead of last year and the average. Ten percent of oats were turning color, one week ahead of last year and normal. Oat condition declined to 50% good to excellent.
Ninety-six percent of the state’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed and the second cutting has started with 6% complete, roughly one week ahead of last year and the average. Hay condition declined to 36% good to excellent. Pasture condition rated just 28% good to excellent.
Livestock producers have started to supplement with hay as pasture conditions continued to decline. Reports were also received of concerns with water supply as some ponds and creeks have been going dry.
Just under half of the climatological expected rain fell across Iowa over the reporting period with deficits approaching two inches in portions of northeastern and southern Iowa, according to a weather summary by State Climatologist Justin Glisan. Cooler conditions were also reported with departures of up to five degrees below normal in northeast Iowa; the statewide average temperature was 67.9 degrees, 2.7 degrees below normal.
Weekly rain totals ranged from no accumulation at multiple stations to 2.60 inches in Story City (Story County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.54 inch, while the normal is 1.19 inches. Spencer Municipal Airport (Clay County) reported the week’s high temperature of 92 degrees on the 15th, 11 degrees above normal. Elkader (Clayton County) reported the week’s low temperature of 35 degrees on the 12th, 20 degrees below normal. | https://globegazette.com/news/local/weekend-rainfall-during-abnormally-dry-weather/article_f0fa8786-0fb1-11ee-8a0f-174616e47e44.html | 2023-06-21T12:07:33 | 1 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/weekend-rainfall-during-abnormally-dry-weather/article_f0fa8786-0fb1-11ee-8a0f-174616e47e44.html |
Two critically acclaimed African American artists inextricably tied to Richmond — one by birth, the other by a moving tribute — are featured in two installations at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts that visitors can see for the price of one.
One ticket will enable visitors to see “Benjamin Wigfall and Communications Village” and “Whitfield Lovell: Passages” at the VMFA through Sept. 10.
Combined, the exhibitions are a shared space by two distinguished artists — one focused on memory and identity, the other on community and daily life — whose muse took them in opposite directions with Richmond as a point of intersection.
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“We are delighted to bring attention to the works of these remarkable artists,” said Alex Nyerges, VMFA’s director and CEO. “‘Benjamin Wigfall and Communications Village’ celebrates Wigfall, who hailed from Richmond’s Church Hill neighborhood, and his life’s work as a barrier-breaking abstract artist, educator and mentor to future artists. Visitors to ‘Whitfield Lovell: Passages’ will be captivated by the erased histories, including the stories of individuals from the city’s important Jackson Ward neighborhood, intimated by Lovell’s profound works.”
Lovell, a native of the Bronx, traveled from New York to Richmond in 2001 to pay homage to Jackson Ward, a national historic landmark and onetime center of commerce where William Washington Browne and Maggie L. Walker became the first Black man and Black woman to charter banks in the United States.
His work “Visitation: The Richmond Project” features dozens of faces known and unknown and a soundtrack reading the names of Jackson Ward residents. Tucked amid the likenesses are boxes filled with pennies — a nod to Walker’s St. Luke Penny Savings Bank. He created the work at the Hand Workshop Art Center, now the Visual Arts Center of Richmond.
Lovell, 63, was awarded a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, the so-called Genius Grant, in 2007.
His VMFA exhibition, the most comprehensive collection of his work to date, showcases his collection of vintage photographs spanning from 1863’s Emancipation Proclamation through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. It’s anchored by his Richmond work and “Deep River,” a multisensory room designed to immerse visitors in the waters of the Tennessee River, from the perspective of the enslaved seeking escape.
Alexis Assam, a curator at the VMFA, said Lovell’s works “breathe new life into the likenesses of anonymous individuals and confront the viewer with past histories and their importance to our present understanding of American history.”
“Benjamin Wigfall and Communications Village” comprises nearly 90 works of art by Wigfall and visitors to the village — including Virginia-connected artists Betty Blayton and Mavis Pusey — as well as 12 printing plates and blocks and more than 50 archival objects.
More than 50 works in the exhibition were recently added to VMFA’s permanent collection as a major acquisition from the Wigfall estate, enabling the museum to expand its representation of the artist beyond his early works, “Chimneys” and “Corrosion and Blue.” In addition to 36 works by Wigfall, the acquisition included 19 prints by artists who visited Communications Village.
The exhibition on Wigfall, who died in 2017 at age 86, is both biographical and geographical, said Sarah Eckhardt, who co-curated the exhibition with Drew Thompson, associate professor of Visual Culture and Black Studies at Bard Graduate Center.
It’s the portrait of the artist as a young man whose life began to change in the late 1940s when he successfully lobbied his principal at Armstrong High School to hire an art teacher, Stafford Evans. It was Evans who introduced Wigfall to VMFA, where the student was encouraged to apply for a VMFA fellowship to attend Hampton Institute, now Hampton University — the start of a consequential and enduring relationship for both the artist and the institution. He would receive additional museum fellowships and remain in frequent correspondence with museum director Leslie Cheek.
“I don’t think there’s another artist, period — not just African American artist — who is more woven through the warp and weft of both the art education and the art mission of the museum,” Eckhardt said during a media preview of the exhibition.
“Benjamin Wigfall and Communications Village” showcases his development as an artist who would shift from painting to printmaking. But it also tracks his journey from Richmond to Hampton University, where he studied and taught art, before earning a master of fine arts degree from Yale University. In 1963, he began teaching at State University of New York at New Paltz. In search of a Black community, he found one in Ponckhockie an African American neighborhood in Kingston, New York. With the help of local youths, he converted an old livery stable into Communications Village, a neighborhood community arts center and printmaking studio where Wigfall and visiting artists from New York would mentor young people.
Visitors to his exhibition will be greeted by his seminal 1951 oil-on-canvas abstract work, “Chimneys,” portraying the smokestacks beside the former Marshall Street Viaduct connecting downtown to Church Hill. Wigfall received a VMFA prize for the painting, and the museum purchased a second painting by Wigfall, “Corrosion and Blue,” in 1958.
But Wigfall’s fruitful relationship with the museum occurred as Virginia became enveloped in the Massive Resistance era.
During the 1950s, a new auditorium opened at the museum with integrated seating, per orders by Cheek. But white patrons complained, and VMFA as a state agency was compelled to segregate its seating, Eckhardt said.
Although Wigfall’s talent had earned him respect and patrons in the local art community, he could not escape the bigotry of his hometown. He was tackled by police outside the Miller & Rhoads department store in downtown Richmond — where one of his works of art was hanging inside — and was handed a trumped-up charge that was later dismissed with the aid of attorney Oliver Hill, Eckhardt said, citing coverage of the event by The Hampton Script, the student newspaper of Hampton University, where Wigfall was a beloved art teacher.
“There’s no way that that history of segregation would disappear in an institution like this,” she said. “A space was made, a small space. But that doesn’t mean that he wasn’t feeling the effects of racism and segregation every time he probably set foot” in the museum.
Wigfall’s work generally was not overtly political. But the undertones are clear in his Picasso-esque 1955 etching, “Victim and Accused,” an anti-segregation statement.
“He had to take a bus from Church Hill and into this completely white neighborhood to get to the museum,” Eckhardt said. “So I don’t want to in any way erase how he would have felt in that circumstance. And I think that is what is key to Communications Village and to what he established in Kingston, and to the questions he started asking. Really the shift from the early ‘60s, with the emphasis on integration, to the late ‘60s, when he was thinking much more about what Black culture had to offer and what it would mean to root his own practice in Black culture.”
Massive Resistance cost Virginians more than desegregated schools. Its ripple effects had an impact on culture.
“Really, after Massive Resistance, I think that you lose the thread on African American art at VMFA for about 30 years,” Eckhardt said.
The centerpiece of Wigfall’s VMFA exhibition is the Communications Village, formally organized in 1973. A photo of the brick building takes up an entire wall; the opposite side features photos of professional artists and community people, and its stated mission to produce prints, audio recordings and photos to document the life and history of the community.
In one life-size photo, Wigfall — in shirt, tie and jacket, wearing headphones and toting recording gear — looks more like a radio journalist than an artist. It’s clear he viewed the roles as complementary and interchangeable.
In one interactive room, the transcribed words of residents are written on prints, with their recorded words available at the push of a button.
“What he wanted to do for the kids there, I think, and the message he had repeatedly said over and over was: You don’t have to leave your community to make art,” Eckhardt said.
“His goal wasn’t to make them artists. It was to help them see differently. And that you could see differently within your own community. You could find art. ... And I think that that, to my mind, is very attached to what he learned, and then what he wasn’t able to learn, at VMFA when he was here.”
The nurturing of his talents across racial lines might have seemed unlikely, given the racial divides of his formative years. But Wigfall appeared to absorb the notion that it takes a village to raise an artist.
“You would really be surprised how Richmond becomes a point of origin for so much — historically, artistically,” said Valerie Cassel Oliver, curator of modern and contemporary art at the VMFA. Wigfall took roots nourished in Richmond and planted them elsewhere, “to create and flourish opportunities for other artists, particularly young artists of color.” | https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/art-theater/works-by-two-prominent-black-artists-with-richmond-connections-share-space-at-vmfa/article_da5cceec-0c84-11ee-92cf-df0eed4730a3.html | 2023-06-21T12:09:32 | 0 | https://richmond.com/life-entertainment/local/art-theater/works-by-two-prominent-black-artists-with-richmond-connections-share-space-at-vmfa/article_da5cceec-0c84-11ee-92cf-df0eed4730a3.html |
DES MOINES, Wash. — The summer season officially kicked off on Wednesday.
While swimming in one of western Washington's many lakes, beach parks, and pools, is popular - some places may be closed or have reduced hours or capacity due to a lifeguard shortage.
Because of the shortage, three beach parks in Seattle remain closed. This includes Magnuson Park Beach, Seward Park Beach and East Green Lake Beach.
It's a "drought" that has been happening nationwide for at least 10 years, according to Jared Wold, the aquatics coordinator for Mount Rainier Pool in Des Moines.
Wold said the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem when many pools or swim areas were closed, and returning slowly with limited hours and programming.
Currently, Mount Rainier Pool is operating with about 70% lifeguard staff.
Recruiting at the high school level has led to most of Mount Rainier Pool's success in keeping its staffing numbers on an upward trend. Because Des Moines is a smaller community, Wold said it is tough to recruit and hire.
At Mount Rainier Pool (MRP) - the minimum age requirement in addition to proper training and certification - is 15. Other pools or recreation centers for beach parks may have different age requirements.
Overall, Wold said more "water education" or "water competency" at the high school level would be beneficial to all places in need of lifeguards but he understands the costs that may incur for a school district.
If you are hesitant to further look into lifeguarding, Wold encourages you to call MRP or the nearest pool or parks system to learn more.
"Especially in the climate we’re in right now with lifeguarding – you would have such a huge advantage showing up just having some sort of swimming background," Wold said. "If it’s something you’re interested in that you want to work at - a lot of places are very eager to help those people become stronger swimmers and bring them into the workplace with that kind of drive.”
Starting young
One of Mount Rainier Pool's lifeguards has been on a swim team or a swim club since she was six years old.
Celina Lam, 19, started lifeguarding at MRP when she was 15.
“I thought it would be a good way to give back to the community that I’ve always grown up in," Lam said. "I just thought swimming was super important and having everyone be safe while swimming was a great idea.”
Lam is currently attending the University of Washington. With her interest in entering the healthcare field, Lam views her role as a first responder at the water as a great first step in her career.
While MRP has some long-time competitive swimmers on its lifeguard staff - there are others who just entered the field.
Jermaine Kihuhua, 20, learned how to swim just about five years ago, and just recently became a certified lifeguard.
"People like me are examples that it’s almost never too late to do something," Kihuhua said. "Everybody should try and take the chance to protect themselves in the water.”
Building a culture where lifeguards trust one another is important to the staff, according to Lam.
"I know that a lot of our guards are more confident in their skills so I think that’s a great environment to be in as well," Lam said.
When it comes to the shortage, Lam said she was surprised when seeing the trend continue since she has always been involved in swimming and now lifeguarding.
Kihuhua said he is not as surprised.
"It is a job that you definitely need to be fast-acting in serious situations." Kihuhua said. "I can see a lot of people probably shy away from that just because of the nature of it that once things get tough – people do tend to freeze up.”
Lam and Kihuhua said with regular first aid practice and swimming training - MRP lifeguards are ready to respond. The main goal is for swimmers to follow the rules of the water and avoid any dangerous situations.
To view lifeguard position openings and requirements at MRP, click here.
For more information about being hired as a lifeguard in the Seattle Parks and Recreation system - click here. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/washington-pools-beach-parks-recruiting-lifeguards/281-1f47bcdb-f3ce-4dca-bf0e-857c52a0d351 | 2023-06-21T12:16:10 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/washington-pools-beach-parks-recruiting-lifeguards/281-1f47bcdb-f3ce-4dca-bf0e-857c52a0d351 |
It’s a construction milestone — the first steel beam was installed at what will be the new joint venture battery production plant for Honda and LG Energy Solution.
Honda said Tuesday the first beam was installed at the construction site in Fayette County’s Jefferson Twp., near Jeffersonville.
When complete, a plant that will cover the equivalent of 78 football fields will be making electric vehicle batteries for American-made Honda automobiles.
The companies have committed to invest $3.5 billion, with plans to create 2,200 jobs, in the over 2 million-square-feet facility, with an overall investment projected to reach $4.4 billion.
Credit: JIM NOELKER
Credit: JIM NOELKER
“There are many beginnings when you form a new company to build a new facility, but today is an important milestone for the LGES-Honda team, for the local community and everyone working at the site to create our new EV battery facility,” Bob Lee, chief executive of the new LGES-Honda joint venture, said in a statement from Honda. “Construction is on track and we look forward to reaching many more milestones on the way to starting production of EV batteries in 2025.”
The plant is expected to be operating by the end of 2024, with an annual production capacity of approximately 40GWh or gigawatt hours. (One GWh is one billion watts.)
The joint venture aims to start mass production of pouch-type lithium-ion batteries in 2025, to be supplied only to Honda American-made electric vehicles.
To serve the new plant, Dayton’s AES Ohio says it will need to build 13 miles of 350-kilovolt power lines, with 2.5 miles of a 69-kilovolt line, a pair of new substations for transmission while relocating a distribution substation.
In all, the plan involves what will be the electric utility’s largest substation in its service territory. Electric utility AES Ohio will invest $100 million in the project, a spokeswoman said.
Future employment information can be found at www.lgeshonda.com.
A Honda spokesman said the company has no update beyond what was released Tuesday.
Also Wednesday: Honda said it led all automakers with five Honda and Acura models in the top 10 and nine models ranking among the top 15 on the Cars.com 2023 American-Made Index.
For this year’s index, the top 10 models included the Alabama-made Honda Passport sport utility vehicle, Ridgeline pickup, Odyssey minivan and the Ohio-made Acura MDX and RDX sport-utility vehicles while the Honda Accord, Acura Integra, Acura TLX and Honda Pilot placed in the top 15.
Honda operates five auto plants in Ohio, Indiana and Alabama.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/new-details-first-steel-beam-installed-at-hondalg-jeffersonville-battery-plant/2KNUBMV3NVHZHLPCQG6WSLXXQI/ | 2023-06-21T12:36:43 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/new-details-first-steel-beam-installed-at-hondalg-jeffersonville-battery-plant/2KNUBMV3NVHZHLPCQG6WSLXXQI/ |
AES Ohio, Duke Energy, the Ohio Manufacturing Association and the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel all find themselves in agreement when it comes to opposing a bill that would change how Ohio electric utilities set their rates.
On Tuesday, they all testified against Senate Bill 102 as currently drafted.
Often, the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel’s office opposes utilities when they seek to raise rates, and the office has long been skeptical of electric security plans (ESPs) — plans that guide how utilities operate and seek to stay profitable, an effort to balance grid investment and the return on those investments. Such plans have been a feature of Ohio energy law since 2008.
But on this issue, the office and some utilities appear to be at least in partial agreement, perhaps for different reasons.
“The bill re-writes much of Ohio’s electric utility regulatory structure, creating uncertainty and risks for both customers and utilities,” Chris Hollon, AES Ohio senior counsel, testified Tuesday.
In the view of the consumers’ office, SB 102′s “detriments for consumers outweigh its benefits,” Maureen Willis, the consumers’ counsel’s acting legal director, said in testimony shared with this newspaper.
The proposed legislation fails to enact a “robust regulatory framework” and contains provisions that hurt consumers and development, testified Steve Nourse, vice president, legal, for Columbus-area utility American Electric Power.
One provision is language that raises the “price to compare” of the SSO or “standard service” offer, the main or default price Ohio consumers can use to compare the cost of one utility’s service against another, he testified. The bill would force state regulators to add what Nourse called “ill-defined indirect costs” to the SSO price.
“This legislatively mandated bill increase that will fall disproportionately on residential customers,” Nourse testified.
ESPs have “generally achieved balanced and reasonable outcomes for AEP Ohio” and its customers, he added.
The consumers’ office also said it would be a long time before the bill’s changes took effect.
Dayton-area utility AES Ohio is nearing the end of its latest application process for a new ESP. Matt Schilling, a spokesman for electric utility regulator Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, said Tuesday that in AES Ohio’s pending case, reply briefs were filed June 5. The next step is for a PUCO decision, for which there is no precise timeframe, he added.
Meanwhile, the latest round of ESP applications continues for other utilities. When it comes to AEP’s and First Energy’s proposed ESPs, those would be in effect for three to 10 years, Willis testified. “So, even if the bill’s approach to ratemaking were good for consumers, it will not have an effect on ending electric security plans until the 2030′s for AEP and FE.”
And Willis contends that the bill would allow refunds of illegal utility charges for a very limited time period, only after a court reversal of state regulators on such charges.
She was also critical of a provision letting power companies use a projected “test year” for determining expenses and revenues.
Said Willis: “Consumers have not necessarily done well when ratemaking is based on utility projections.”
However, the office likes how the plan allows parties to conduct legal discovery or questioning of PUCO staff. The PUCO has shielded staff from discovery, according to the consumers’ counsel.
An earlier version of SB 102 was HB 317 last session which did not have the votes to pass in a lame-duck session, the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel said.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/power-companies-consumers-counsel-all-testify-against-electric-rate-reform-bill/CTURUMCA7RF5HAPDBT6YGS6NF4/ | 2023-06-21T12:36:46 | 0 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/power-companies-consumers-counsel-all-testify-against-electric-rate-reform-bill/CTURUMCA7RF5HAPDBT6YGS6NF4/ |
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s Democratic Party primary field for attorney general is filling up as the former head of Philadelphia’s public defense lawyers kicked off her campaign Wednesday for the state’s top law enforcement office.
If elected, Keir Bradford-Grey, 48, would become the first Black attorney general in Pennsylvania. She also would become the first attorney general whose legal experience was primarily as a public defender.
Before Bradford-Grey led the Defender Association of Philadelphia for five years, she was Montgomery County’s chief public defender — recruited in 2012 by Gov. Josh Shapiro, who at the time was about to become chair of the county’s three-member board.
During those years as a chief public defender, Bradford-Grey expanded her offices’ profiles to get involved in criminal justice reform, creating programs to try to help keep defendants out of jail and pushing for policy changes, such as fighting the use of cash bail for per-trial detention.
“People write off what it means to be a public defender,” Bradford-Grey said in an interview. “They don’t know the experience and skill you develop in becoming a problem-solver and a solution-driver and understanding root causes very well.”
While Bradford-Grey headed the defender association, the organization created “participatory defense hubs,” or organized groups of trained volunteers who meet weekly with people facing charges. The goal was to help them understand the criminal justice system, make good decisions and find services available to them.
The defender association went to court to challenge the police practice of detaining people arrested while on probation without a judge’s approval. It researched the Philadelphia police practice of “stop and frisk,” finding that it predominantly targeted Black people and found something illegal in less than one-fifth of 1% of the cases.
In 2019, she helped personally represent a Black bicycle deliveryman in a racially charged case in which he was accused of fatal stabbing a white real estate developer in Philadelphia. The deliveryman, Michael White, was acquitted of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Sean Schellenger.
Two other Democrats — former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale and former federal prosecutor Joe Kahn — have already announced their candidacy for the Democratic nomination. Meanwhile, Philadelphia state Rep. Jared Solomon has said he is seriously considering running.
No Republican candidate has announced, although York County District Attorney Dave Sunday is considering running, a campaign consultant said.
A Boston native, Bradford-Grey got her law degree at Ohio Northern University before going to work as a public defender in Philadelphia. When she ran the defender association, it almost rivaled the size of the attorney general’s office, with more than 500 employees and a budget of more than $50 million. Bradford-Grey stepped down from the defender association in 2021 to join a private law firm.
The attorney general’s office has a budget of about $120 million annually and plays a critical role in arresting drug traffickers, fighting gun trafficking, defending state laws in court and protecting consumers from predatory practices.
The office helped lead state attorneys general in settlement talks with pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers over the opioid crisis. It also played a central role in defending the integrity of Pennsylvania’s 2020 presidential election against repeated attempts to overturn it in state and federal courts by former President Donald Trump’s campaign and Republican allies.
Shapiro stepped down as attorney general in January when he was sworn in as governor. He appointed his top deputy, Michelle Henry, to finish the last two years of his term as attorney general.
Henry, a former Bucks County prosecutor, has said she does not plan to run for the office in 2024.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/ex-chief-public-defender-run-pennsylvania-attorney-general/6K32UQJPNNEK5CG776BSZ2VS7M/ | 2023-06-21T12:51:18 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/ex-chief-public-defender-run-pennsylvania-attorney-general/6K32UQJPNNEK5CG776BSZ2VS7M/ |
PITTSBURGH — Three “Kings of Late Night” are coming to Pittsburgh.
Comedians and late-night talk show hosts Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall and Craig Ferguson are bringing their comedy show to Rivers Casino on Sept. 1.
For more information and to purchase tickets to Kings of Late Night, visit riverscasino.com.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/kings-late-night-coming-pittsburgh/ZRJ3MJ4QERGYJBRC2TLQHDHRMY/ | 2023-06-21T12:51:22 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/kings-late-night-coming-pittsburgh/ZRJ3MJ4QERGYJBRC2TLQHDHRMY/ |
Average daily flows
Snake River at Jackson 281 cfs
Snake River at Palisades 12,119 cfs
Snake River at Heise 12,969 cfs
Snake River at Blackfoot 6,893 cfs
Snake River at American Falls 12,229 cfs
Snake River at Milner 2,998 cfs
Little Wood River near Carey 459 cfs
Jackson Lake is 79% full.
Palisades Reservoir is 98% full.
American Falls Reservoir is 93% full.
Upper Snake River system is at 92% of capacity.
As of June 20 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_776a2d00-0f92-11ee-97a6-97aa23d187fd.html | 2023-06-21T12:53:45 | 1 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/average-daily-streamflows/article_776a2d00-0f92-11ee-97a6-97aa23d187fd.html |
CLOVER — A century-old pumping station continues to move water uphill from the Twin Falls Canal Co.'s High Line Canal, delivering irrigation water to land where water doesn't naturally flow.
But within a few years, a new system will be in place.
Last year, the Clover Irrigation Pumping Co. received a grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, as well as some money from the state, and are replacing the old pumping system with new pressurized pipelines on 4,000 acres owned by 73 shareholders.
The community of Clover sits on high country in Twin Falls County, south of Filer and Buhl. It was developed with the Carey Act at the turn of the 20th century, and got its name from the clover seed grown here then. The irrigation pumps were installed in 1915, the same year as the Clover Trinity Lutheran Church was raised on 1825 East.
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The original 50-inch pipeline, made of wood wrapped with cable, delivered water up to a diverter, where two lateral canals deliver water to farms by gravity. Eventually, the wood pipe was replaced with steel pipe, which, in 1984 was lined with concrete.
But the pipe has deteriorated to a point it needs replaced.
The first phase of the project is now complete, and two new pump stations have been built.
Three more pump stations are on the way, and the project should be completed by 2025.
To showcase the new pumps and pipelines, the Clover company on Tuesday hosted a tour of the infrastructure. Guests were treated to a look at the 100-year-old buildings and pumps that are still functioning, and to see the new pumping equipment that has been installed.
Larry Meyer farms 1,200 acres in Clover. Meyer grew up out here. His father grew up out here. And his grandfather got his start out here. He's a stockholder in the irrigation company.
Meyer is also on the Twin Falls Soil and Water Conservation Board, and on Tuesday he acted as tour guide, driving a bus around the canal to see the old pump houses and to look at the new pump stations that would replace them.
"We put this together in order to show everyone what the dollars are doing, with water smart dollars through NRCS, and also the water quality money from the state of Idaho," Meyer told the group at the start of the tour.
Guy Kaster, president of the irrigation board, said the changes were needed, and would mean an improvement for shareholders.
There are some aspects that were a little sad, he said, as the historic system had been in place for more than a century.
"It might be in the way of the new pump station, so it might have to be destroyed," Kaster told the Times-News, referring to the old main pump house, "which would be sorta sad in a way, because it's historic."
Kaster has farmed here for 40 years, following both his father and grandfather.
"I'll be 64 in August, so that's all I've ever done is farmed out here," Kaster said. "I've irrigated with just about every kind of system ... from feed ditch, to gated pipe, to pivots, to sprinklers.
Kaster said he was glad the new system was more of a push-button operation. It makes it a little easier, he said.
The old pumps are 2400 volts, which presents problems for maintenance, because nobody wants to touch it, Kaster said.
The new pumps run on 480 volts and are widely available, should they ever need to be replaced. They also have variable drive operation, which allows them to increase pressure to meet demand, and decrease pressure to reduce water flow when it isn't needed, resulting in water conservation.
As a major granting agency, the NRCS also contributed and led in technical assistance, with engineers from the Twin Falls office devoting a lot of time to the project.
Mike Kothern, from the Twin Falls office of NRCS, told the Times-News that a project like this is fairly complicated, and so it has to have a lot of oversight.
"We're expending taxpayer dollars, so we want to do that in a way that we can guarantee as much as we can a good project," Kothern told the Times-News. "This is certainly going to be a big makeover. We'll be delivering, through this project, pressurized water to all of the individual farmers, so they can get rid of their pumps."
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
Clover Irrigation Pumping Co. makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
Lyle Lierman, right, who says he is the senior shareholder of the Clover Irrigation Pumping Co., is seen on Tuesday inspecting the metering sy…
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
The Clover Irrigation Pump Co.'s west pumphouse draws water from the High Line Canal, moving it to higher ground, where it then feeds laterals…
Clover Irrigation Pumping Co. makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
The new main pump station on the High Line Canal for the Clover Irrigation Pumping Co., is seen during a tour on Tuesday. The pumps are smalle…
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
The pump in Clover Irrigation and Pumping Co.'s main pump house moves water from the High Line Canal up a 50-inch pipe. Originally built in 19…
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
The west pump house for Clover Irrigation and Pump Company.
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
A guest can be seen through the window of the Clover Irrigation and Pumping Company's west pump house during a tour of the company's upgrades …
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
Larry Meyer (center) gives a tour of the Clover Irrigation and Pump Co.'s east-west diversion structure. Water is drawn from the High Line Can…
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
A tour visit the Clover Irrigation and Pump Co.'s east-west diversion structure on June 20, 2023. Water is drawn from the High Line Canal and …
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
The Clover Irrigation and Pumping Co.'s main pump house on the High Line Canal was built in 1915. The new pressurized irrigation system will r…
Clover Irrigation Pumping Company makes a big update to pressurized irrigation
Larry Meyer, from the Twin Falls Soil and Water Conservation board, led a tour on June 20, 2023, of the $6 million upgrade to Clover's irrigat… | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/century-old-irrigation-system-in-clover-gets-a-makeover/article_19ef84e0-0fb5-11ee-b129-13c3b23ea359.html | 2023-06-21T12:53:51 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/century-old-irrigation-system-in-clover-gets-a-makeover/article_19ef84e0-0fb5-11ee-b129-13c3b23ea359.html |
HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) — Hundreds came together Tuesday night to remember the lives of Ashley Wyatt, Anna Meyers and Josiah Philips, three coworkers killed in a car crash Saturday night in Jefferson County.
Those who knew the trio say they were great friends who had become like a second family for each other.
“That night, they were laughing and they were having fun and I’m glad that that was [Wyatt’s] last night and she at least was having fun,” says Jamie Garner, a family member of Wyatt.
Wyatt, Meyers and Phillips all worked at The Grove Chick-Fil-A in Hoover. Owner Jeffrey Foster says it’s been a hard week for him and the other team members, saying the whole Chick-Fil-A team is like a family.
“If you think about the impact they’ve made in this business, in this community, with this amazing team, they are really intertwined in our community and in our business and our leadership and even my family,” Foster said.
Some describe Wyatt and Meyers as being two peas in a pod, saying while they’re heartbroken they died, they’re glad they were together. Foster says chaplains have been around this week to help the team process the losses.
“Lot of stories are getting shared, some hope. And so, really being able to spend some time hearing about the good moments and the hard times in the restaurant and so we’re doing the best that we can,” Foster said.
Some of Wyatt’s loved ones say it doesn’t feel real that they’re gone and it’s hard waking up each day knowing a future has to be planned without them.
“[Wyatt] was so young and had so much more life and not just her gone, but such a beautiful soul that won’t be able to touch anybody else the way she’s touched so many already,” Garner said.
A memorial service and funeral for Meyers will be held this Friday at 4 P.M. at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover. Funeral information for Wyatt and Phillips hasn’t been released yet. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/vigil-held-for-three-chick-fil-a-coworkers-killed-in-bessemer-crash-over-the-weekend/ | 2023-06-21T12:54:37 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/vigil-held-for-three-chick-fil-a-coworkers-killed-in-bessemer-crash-over-the-weekend/ |
BAY CITY, Mich. (WJRT) - Bay City Public Schools has fired nearly 20 high school and middle school athletic coaches, including three leading varsity teams.
The coaches all work in other capacities for the district. Administrators forced them to leave coaching positions to avoid paying overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Many school districts employ coaches with teaching or other jobs through third-party contracts that remove concerns about overtime. But Bay City Public Schools makes coaching positions part of staff members' regular jobs.
Coaches were notified on June 2 by a letter from the administration that said they were out of a job. For coaches like Augie Facundo, who had been coaching wrestling at Bay City Central High School for two years, it was like a slap in the face.
"To me it was a shock," said Facundo. "We didn't know what was going on and we saw he recalled us on this day and said we need you to come in and sign your termination papers."
That shock was even more apparent for coaches like Stephanie Reed, who is already deep into preparing for the coming volleyball season.
"It definitely puts them a little behind," said Reed. "Say that they don't decide to bring us back until August, my kids have already gone all season without their freshman coach."
Stephanie is also an elementary school teacher at the district. She is still employed as a teacher, but had to give up her job as a coach so Bay City Public Schools did not have to pay overtime as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Bay City Western High School basketball coach Demario Walker said it's a shame that teachers won't be able to coach anymore.
"It used to be that 80% of the coaches were teachers," said Walker. "That's not the case anymore. It's people from outside. It's very rare to get someone inside the building to coach and you have that here and it's been taken away."
Walker added that it's been especially hard for his players, who are participating in summer league games throughout June without their head coach.
"I spoke to some of my varsity kids and they were bummed, especially the seniors," said Walker. "This is their senior year and they are not going to be able to have the coach that has been with them since they were freshmen."
Bay City Public Schools could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Coaches can appeal their termination through the union, but it could take months before their claims are settled. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/bay-city-public-schools-removes-dozens-of-athletic-coaches/article_d40385d0-0faf-11ee-94d5-834bc98bc2d6.html | 2023-06-21T12:55:44 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/bay-city-public-schools-removes-dozens-of-athletic-coaches/article_d40385d0-0faf-11ee-94d5-834bc98bc2d6.html |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - A hit-and-run driver is still on the run after a Father's Day crash in Flint left a 24-year-old Flint woman dead and two other women injured.
Flint Police Det. Sgt. Tyrone Booth said the crash happened Sunday night on Dupont Street near Paterson Street on Flint's north side.
Booth said three young women were crossing the street when an unidentified driver of a truck hit them and kept going. Chesley Fairhurst died from her injuries and two other women are recovering.
"She was a special young lady," said Lisa Reed, who is Fairhurst's aunt. "Everyone called her Pooh, picky eater, just a sweetheart. Our family loved her."
Reed said the family is devastated by the whole situation.
"This is something that could have been avoided," she said.
Reed doesn't know how the accident happened. She said the family has been getting conflicting information on what happened and the identity of the suspect vehicle.
What they are grappling with the most is the fact that the driver didn't stop. It is something that Reed said she doesn't understand.
"If it was an accident or something happened, you kept going. They (the driver) should have stopped. You hit three people," she said.
As a family they are coming to terms with what the hit-and-run driver has taken from their family and a community of friends who adored Fairhurst, who was a well-known lash and make-up technician.
Booth said anyone with information about the accident should call the Flint Police Department at 810-237-6800, email flintpolicetips@cityofflint.com or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-422-JAIL. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/family-mourns-loss-of-flint-woman-killed-by-hit-and-run-driver/article_4d51e0e4-0fba-11ee-aba1-175eb6a57b3d.html | 2023-06-21T12:55:51 | 1 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/family-mourns-loss-of-flint-woman-killed-by-hit-and-run-driver/article_4d51e0e4-0fba-11ee-aba1-175eb6a57b3d.html |
FENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WJRT) - Multiple residents on the renamed Lake Aanikegamaa gathered at the Fenton Township Hall on Monday for a meeting about the lake's name.
The current name roughly translates to "chain of lakes" in Ojibwe, referring to the Four Lakes area.
The U.S. Department of Interior changed its previous name, Squaw Lake, in September 2022 to remove the word "squaw" from America's geographic place names.
Erik Rodriguez of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe said the term "squaw" can be considered a slur from the colonial era.
"The word 'squaw' was used as [Europeans] came and met indigenous people. Then used to sexualize or degrade native women and make them feel inferior," Rodriguez said.
Pam Elder agreed with removing "squaw" from the lake name.
"If someone says that it's offensive, it's not on me to say they're wrong," she said.
But Elder and others in the Ponemah, Squaw, and Tupper Lakes Association wish they had a say in establishing the new name.
"What irritated people the most was there was never any request early in the process to solicit other name ideas," said association president Mark Schantz.
The group is planning to request an official name change from the federal government. Schantz said all Lake Aanikegamaa residents can expect postcards or door-to-door polls for new names later this summer.
Possibilities include Mud Lake and Swan Lake. When the association has a winner, they'll mail out the paperwork.
"I think we have a very good chance for the name that we submit to be strongly considered," Schantz said.
Multiple other waterways in Mid-Michigan were also renamed last fall, including Isabella Creek, Collar Creek and Evergreen Lake. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/lake-aanikegamaa-residents-near-fenton-to-request-a-new-name/article_9db337aa-0fa5-11ee-9673-272e07bd87e2.html | 2023-06-21T12:55:57 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/lake-aanikegamaa-residents-near-fenton-to-request-a-new-name/article_9db337aa-0fa5-11ee-9673-272e07bd87e2.html |
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Genesee County officials unveiled the Genesee Job Court Prosecutor Diversion Program on Tuesday morning.
This program will be a vessel for up to 150 Genesee County individuals who are on a pathway to a better future.
"This innovative pilot program really checks all the boxes. It's smart on crime, it reduces the burden on our criminal justice system, it puts offenders on a permanent path to success, it helps our local businesses and it makes our communities safer," said Nessel.
Participants charged with qualifying low-level, non-assaultive offenses will have the opportunity to maintain gainful employment.
"Eligibility will be screened on a case-by-case basis by considering factors like suitability for employment, past criminal history and potential impact on public safety," said Nessel.
Enrollees will work full-time for a designated Job Court employer. Upon successfully completing the one-year program, they will have the opportunity to have their criminal charges dismissed.
"What we have here is the opportunity for individuals to get out of the criminal justice system, to take a good-paying job, to sustain that job for a period of time, so that then they can become productive member of our community," said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton.
This program at the Genesee County Michigan Works office will provide participants with accountability, gainful employment, benefits, support and the tools they need for success.
Almost $5 million have been devoted by the Michigan Legislature for the Job Court Pilot Program. Up to 450 eligible defendants across the counties of Genesee, Marquette and Wayne will be matched with participating employers.
More than a quarter of those funds has been allocated for Genesee County. Genesee County officials and community partners already see the difference this will make in many lives.
"When they see the power they have in their lives, magic can happen. Lives can change. I've seen it and I want to see it more," said Genesee County Circuit Court Judge David J. Newblatt.
The Job Court program in Marquette was launched in April and will launch in Wayne County next week.
The Attorney General's Office is seeking partnerships with employers and service providers in Genesee County. Find out more information on their website. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/nessel-and-genesee-county-officials-launch-job-court-program/article_db9994ac-0fa9-11ee-9fa7-3b9234cd9f28.html | 2023-06-21T12:56:03 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/nessel-and-genesee-county-officials-launch-job-court-program/article_db9994ac-0fa9-11ee-9fa7-3b9234cd9f28.html |
June 21 is Make Music Day, and we’ve got several places to celebrate:
Rhythm in the Round Drum Circles will host a community drum circle at 7 p.m. in Eichelman Park, 6125 Third Ave. It is free to all ages and is an interactive event. Hand drums and small percussion instruments will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring folding chairs.
The “Lakeside Lounge” is back from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kemper Center, 6501 Third Ave. The Chevelles are performing. The “lounge” takes place on the northernmost lawn area at Kemper Center. A variety of beverages, including a full bar, will be available in Kemper’s Faulkner Building. There are a limited number of picnic tables available, and people are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Admission is free.
The Kenosha Pops Concert Band performs “Pops by the Numbers,” starting at 7 p.m. on the band shell in Pennoyer Park, on Seventh Avenue at 35th Street. The program is filled with pieces from the band’s extensive music library that have numbers in the title. Lou Rugani is the guest vocalist. Also, the Dave Braun Trio will perform pre-concert music starting at 6:15 p.m. Admission is free.
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Bristol Woodstock tonight features the band CrossOver, performing 6 to 8 p.m. in Bristol Woods County Park, 9800 160th Ave. Admission is free. Audience members should bring lawn chairs and/or picnic blankets.
Kenosha Creative Space is hosting a Make Music Day Block Party, starting at noon and going through the evening. Events take place on 57th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues. For more details, go to facebook.com/MakeMusicKenosha.
And in none musical news ... The Kenosha Kingfish are back in action tonight at Simmons Field. The Kingfish are hosting the Battle Creek Battle Jacks for a 6:35 p.m. game. It’s Teddy Bear Toss Night. Fans are asked to bring or gently used teddy bears to be donated to local families. For tickets, call 262-653-0900 or go to kingfishbaseball.com. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-wednesday-june-21/article_75ddcfc6-0f76-11ee-825b-7fad032a2572.html | 2023-06-21T12:58:10 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-area-events-for-wednesday-june-21/article_75ddcfc6-0f76-11ee-825b-7fad032a2572.html |
Brush up on your math skills for the Kenosha Pops Concert Band program tonight.
The theme is “Pops by the Numbers,” showcasing pieces from the band’s extensive music library that have numbers in the title.
“We go from ‘Plenty o’ Nuttin’ to ‘Totally Tina Turner,’ having fun with numbers,” said Craig Gall, the band’s musical director.
Greg Berg, the band’s master of ceremonies, will sing George Gershwin’s “I Got Plenty o’ Nuttin’” from the musical “Porgy and Bess.”
“Totally Tina Turner” is a medley of the late singer’s hits, including “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” and “Proud Mary.”
“We picked this piece before she died,” Gall said. “On our ‘numbers’ night, you add up all the pieces and it’s the ‘total.’ Now, of course, it’s also a memorial to her.”
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Gall will also conduct:
“Seventy Six Trombones” by Meredith Willson, featuring the band’s trombone section. “This is a band transcription of the arrangement Leroy Anderson did for the Boston Pops in the late 1950s,” Gall said. The audience, he said, should “listen for snippets from famous marches.”
“The Original Thirteen,” a march based on the Revolutionary War era hymn “Chester.” The piece, arranged by James D. Ployhar, salutes the 13 British colonies on the East Coast of North America that declared independence in 1776 and formed the United States of America. (Stumped? Here are the 13: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.)
“The Third Man Theme” by Anton Karas, composed for the 1949 thriller starring Kenosha native Orson Welles. Karas played the entire film score on the zither, and it hit No. 1 on the international music charts. As for the film itself? In 1999, the British Film Institute voted “The Third Man” the greatest British film of all time.
Michel Legrand’s theme song from the 1972 film “Summer of ‘42,” which Gall calls “an absolutely beautiful piece.” Legrand’s score won an Academy Award, and the main theme has gone on to become a pop standard, recorded by artists including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams and Barbra Streisand.
“23 Skidoo!” by Ken Whitcomb. “This is a spritely Vaudeville-style piece,” Gall said.
“The 32nd Division March,” which honors Wisconsin’s famous 32nd “Red Arrow” Division. The group — with soldiers from Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan — was organized on July 18, 1917, but its roots were in The Iron Brigade of the West in the Union Army. The “Red Arrow” name signifies that the division “shot through every enemy line” it faced. You can see a tribute to the division every day on Highway 32 (Sheridan Road). The red arrows on the road signs honor this group.
Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” composed in 1718. This band arrangement by John Stout features “excerpts from the piece — or else we’d be here for the whole summer season,” Gall said. “It’s the Reader’s Digest version.”
Assistant Conductor Kathy Ripley — also the band director at Tremper High School — leads the band on:
“The March From 1941” a movie theme by John Williams. “There’s lots of good stuff in this one,” Ripley said. “We played this at Tremper in November, and the kids loved it.”
Leroy Anderson’s “March of the Two Left Feet.” This wacky, fast-paced polka premiered in 1970 and is based on Anderson’s reading of the P.G. Wodehouse book “The Man With Two Left Feet.”
“Twelfth Street Rag” by Euday L. Bowman, which features the band’s clarinets and saxophones.
“One Tin Soldier,” from the 1971 movie “Billy Jack.” | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-pops-goes-by-the-numbers-for-june-21-program/article_707aea3e-0f7e-11ee-b283-238fe2e71f81.html | 2023-06-21T12:58:16 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-pops-goes-by-the-numbers-for-june-21-program/article_707aea3e-0f7e-11ee-b283-238fe2e71f81.html |
Celebrate an old-fashioned Independence Day at Spring Mill State Park
Spring Mill State Park's Pioneer Village will host a weekend of activities, games, and crafts on July 1 and 2, according to a press release.
Visitors can enjoy a traditional celebration of the Independence holiday with period craft demonstrations, hands-on crafts, pioneer games to play, hog calling, and a variety of other activities. See interpreters spinning, quilting, and more. (There will be no fireworks in the park.)
Abraham Lincoln, a Hoosier Hero portrayed by Danny Russel, will be speaking at 1 p.m. on July 1. He provides a compelling one-man show focusing on Lincoln's formative years in Indiana where he lost his mother and sister, taught himself to read and learned the value of hard work. His performance shows the hilarity, heartbreak, and humanity of America's greatest leader. Lincoln's performance is funded by a grant from Lawrence County Tourism.
Stop at the Lakeview Activity Center to visit the turtles, snakes inside the building, and hike around the lake where you may see more turtles, otters, and Canada geese.
Park admission during the event is $7 per vehicle for in-state residents and $9 per vehicle for out-of-state residents. 2023 Annual Entrance Passes are also available.
For more information on this and other upcoming events contact Coletta Prewitt at 812-849-3534 or springmillstatepark@dnr.in.gov. | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/21/spring-mill-state-park-to-host-old-fashioned-independence-day/70336976007/ | 2023-06-21T13:16:32 | 0 | https://www.heraldtimesonline.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/21/spring-mill-state-park-to-host-old-fashioned-independence-day/70336976007/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Brightline is celebrating a major milestone this week.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The high-speed rail service says it is celebrating the end of construction to Orlando, as it looks ahead to starting service.
The company says it’s taken years of work and millions of construction hours to get to the milestone.
Watch: Lake Nona, airport property values expected to skyrocket after Brightline launch
Brightline will hold a “spiking event” Wednesday to mark the end of the construction on the rail line from South Florida to Orlando.
Brightline says service will start later this summer.
Watch: Brightline unveils new train station at Orlando International Airport
The company says it’s taken four years to get to this point.
The extension consists of 170 miles of new track and 56 bridges.
Thousands of employees worked more than seven million construction hours to complete the project.
See more in the video above.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/brightline-completes-construction-high-speed-rails-connecting-orlando-south-florida/74OQOH3BZFEF5AXK255EZBTIGQ/ | 2023-06-21T13:20:03 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/brightline-completes-construction-high-speed-rails-connecting-orlando-south-florida/74OQOH3BZFEF5AXK255EZBTIGQ/ |
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — United Launch Alliance said technical issues forced them to delay the launch of a classified spy satellite.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
ULA’s Delta IV Heavy rocket was supposed to lift off just before 3:30 a.m. Wednesday.
However, an issue with a ground systems valve stopped the countdown.
Watch: ULA rocket’s debut launch delayed again due to large explosion
This launch is part of a mission for the National Reconnaissance Office and the U.S. Space Force.
The rocket is now set to go up at 3:25 a.m. Thursday.
Read: ULA rolls out new Vulcan Centaur rocket for test fire at Kennedy Space Center
Channel 9 will offer live coverage of the launch when it happens on Eyewitness News.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/vale-issue-delays-ulas-delta-iv-heavy-rocket-launch-florida-next-attempt-thursday/WQWUPO5QKZDNTN6J5IRF5QPAZU/ | 2023-06-21T13:20:09 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/vale-issue-delays-ulas-delta-iv-heavy-rocket-launch-florida-next-attempt-thursday/WQWUPO5QKZDNTN6J5IRF5QPAZU/ |
PASADENA, Texas — A Pasadena mother of six has been missing for a week.
Jennifer Gonzales, 30, was last seen on June 13 by her 14-year-old son who said she headed to Walmart at about 11 p.m. but never returned. Her family later learned that Walmart had been closed at that time.
Aura Gonzales, Jennifer’s mother, said she's tried calling her daughter but she's been met with silence, which is out of character for Jennifer.
On June 16, three days after Jennifer went missing, her SUV was found abandoned in the 1200 block of Jefferson Street in Houston.
Pasadena police said there were no obvious signs of foul play.
Aura told us there was a man’s shirt inside the SUV and a pack of cigarettes, which is unusual because Jennifer doesn’t smoke.
Jennifer’s six children are between 1 to 14-years-old. Aura said they keep asking for their mother.
“I simply tell them 'I can’t give you an answer right now but we’re doing everything possible so your mom can return home to you,'” she said.
Aura said she is very worried because she thinks Jennifer would never abandon her children.
“We love you. We’re waiting for you at home to return soon,” Aura said to her daughter.
Pasadena police are asking anyone with information about Jennifer's whereabouts to call 713-477-1221. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/missing-pasadena-mother/285-249633f1-5b19-42a0-9f04-d65b4d032ab8 | 2023-06-21T13:23:07 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/missing-pasadena-mother/285-249633f1-5b19-42a0-9f04-d65b4d032ab8 |
Not all kids go running out of the schoolhouse doors at the end of the last class of the year excited to start a summer full of fun.
For many, it means they will no longer have a source of regular meals.
The ramifications of food insecurity go beyond hunger. It is a medical issue for children as well. A 2019 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found policies used to reduce household food insecurity among children may also reduce children’s chronic and acute health problems and health-care needs.
According to the study, household food insecurity correlated with worse general health, acute and chronic health problems, reduced health-care access and increased emergency department use in children. Children in food-insecure households, the study found, are 19% more likely to have asthma, 27% more likely to have depression and 26% more likely to have hospital emergency department visits than their food-secure peers.
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According to the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, nearly 100,000 Northwest Indiana residents are food insecure — roughly one in six — including 20% of Lake County children.
In an effort to combat the problem, the Franciscan Health Foundation in 2021 partnered with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana to create a three-phase Food Insecurity Program.
Phase I is the Mobile Market program, which provides food to those in need with drive-thru events year-round.
Phase II is the Fresh Start Markets in Hammond and Crown Point. The healthy food pantries allow those in need to “shop” free. In addition to supplying food, the pantries work to identify the underlying causes and health implications of food insecurity with education, nutrition and recipes.
Phase III is the new Food Rx Program, which allows low-income individuals and their families — identified through the programs at the Fresh Start Markets, screenings and referrals — to receive additional, specific foods to meet their individual health needs. The program applies to patients with a diabetic A1C score higher than 7 (normal is less than 5.7, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and patients with comorbidities such as congestive heart failure and high blood pressure who have moderate to severe food insecurity.
The St. Clare Health Clinic’s Fresh Start Market at 1121 S. Indiana Ave. in Crown Point is open to the public from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month and noon-4 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month.
The Fresh Start Market at the Women’s Specialty and Dialysis Center Entrance, 5454 Hohman Ave., Hammond, is open from 9 a.m.-noon the second Wednesday of the month and noon-4 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month.
The Franciscan Health-sponsored Mobile Market takes place throughout the year in Crown Point and Hammond.
For more information about the Fresh Start Markets, call 219-407-6948. For more information about the events, visit the food bank's website at foodbanknwi.org.
To donate so no child experiences hunger and associated health problems, visit franciscanallianceorg11745.thankyou4caring.org/program-locations.
Wendie Clark is a community health improvement coordinator for Franciscan Health specializing in food insecurity. The opinions are the writer’s. | https://www.nwitimes.com/life-entertainment/local/wellness/franciscan-helps-feed-kids-on-summer-break-from-school/article_3dbb7760-e90b-11ed-85dc-af1bef6a4d56.html | 2023-06-21T13:23:38 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/life-entertainment/local/wellness/franciscan-helps-feed-kids-on-summer-break-from-school/article_3dbb7760-e90b-11ed-85dc-af1bef6a4d56.html |
Check out these top stories and more in The Times and nwi.com.
Feds want former GOP Portage Mayor Snyder to begin serving prison term within a week: https://bit.ly/4419BuW
Highland grocery store sells winning Powerball ticket worth $50,000: https://bit.ly/43PkvUV
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Video provided in partnership with The Times, JEDtv and WJOB. Sponsored by Strack & Van Til. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/219-news-now-feds-want-former-gop-portage-mayor-snyder-to-begin-serving-prison-term/article_ddc71b9a-0ff0-11ee-baa0-33d77eb2219d.html | 2023-06-21T13:23:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/219-news-now-feds-want-former-gop-portage-mayor-snyder-to-begin-serving-prison-term/article_ddc71b9a-0ff0-11ee-baa0-33d77eb2219d.html |
VALPARAISO — A 33-year-old Kouts man arrested this week on four counts of possessing child pornography reportedly told investigators he could have as many as 1,000 images of underage girls on his cell phone, according to a charging document.
"He stated that while viewing pornography online he would find himself clicking and navigating to other websites which contained younger looking girls," an Indiana State Police investigator said.
Christopher Hultquist said his interest in young girls started after he had his own "personal relationship issues," police said.
"He stated that he had been viewing such material for about three (3) years," a charging document reads.
The charges describe a few of child sexual abuse images and videos linked to Hultquist, which include girls as young as 4 or 6 appearing alone or involved in sexual activity with adult men.
Police said they were tipped off in August by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that files containing child sexual abuse material had been uploaded to a cell phone later traced to Hultquist. The uploads were detected by a subsidiary of Verizon Wireless.
State police investigated and said they discovered more than 300 uploaded images of child sexual abuse material.
Investigators used Facebook to help confirm the identity of Hultquist.
On Monday, state police stopped a vehicle being driven by Hultquist near Ind. 49 and Ind. 8 in Kouts, a charging document says. He was taken to the Porter County Sheriff's Department and at first indicated he was unsure why he was stopped.
"I explained that I was concerned with somethings that would be found on his phone," police said. "His head dropped, he sighed and then indicated that there were pictures of girls on his phone."
Hultquist reportedly told police he also had an older cell phone at his home that contained the illegal images.
"He added that there was also a desktop computer that the kids primarily used for school would be in an upstairs bedroom," according to police.
Hultquist remained in custody at the Porter County Jail as of Wednesday morning.
"The Indiana State Police Crimes Against Children Task Force was assisted throughout the investigation by Indiana State Police Digital Forensics Unit, troopers from the Lowell Post, Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, and the Kouts Police Department," ISP Sgt. Jeremy Piers said.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
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Jeremy White
Robert Veden
Jeremiah Gonzalez
Miguel Pulido Jr.
Kenneth Quinn
Nicholas Serrano
Marvin Buckland
Maxamillion Correa
Joseph Croy
Kuldeep Singh
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Johnathan Nelson
Amelia Pack
Eric Lewis
Rabecca Broschat
Steven Dunn
Travis Talley
Dustin Neuliep
Lawrence Reilly
Arthur Schmidt III
Devon Malerich
Dylan Merrell
Shaunna Dickson
"He stated that he had been viewing such material for about three (3) years," a charging document reads. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/kouts-man-guessed-he-had-more-than-1-000-child-porn-images-on-his-phone/article_c769bf1e-1023-11ee-86fd-e79739168cff.html | 2023-06-21T13:23:51 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/kouts-man-guessed-he-had-more-than-1-000-child-porn-images-on-his-phone/article_c769bf1e-1023-11ee-86fd-e79739168cff.html |
CROWN POINT — Voters assigned to cast their ballot at Frank H. Hammond Elementary School in Munster should probably get used to seeing candidates, or their campaign team, making a final pitch for support just inside the school's doors.
On Tuesday, the Lake County Election Board dismissed two complaints filed against a Munster Town Council candidate who voters alleged was electioneering too close to where voters were marking their ballot in the school gymnasium for the May 2 primary election.
Under Indiana law, a 50-foot "chute," measured from the entrance to the polls, must be kept clear of all individuals, clothing, signs, buttons and other paraphernalia advocating for or against a candidate, political party or public question.
Linda Smith, a former poll worker, and John Twohy, both of Munster, each told the election board that at numerous prior elections candidates and their supporters at their polling place were kept outside the Munster elementary school, creating an expectation that voters would be free from candidate hassles once they got inside the building.
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This year, however, they said Republican town council candidate Jonathan Petersen, or his supporters, were inside the school passing out palm cards listing candidates allied with Peterson and his "elect fresh leadership" agenda.
"A lot of people were upset about this," Twohy said.
Peterson, who attended the meeting, opted not to address the allegations after county elections staff noted for the board that a 50-foot chute was marked with rope from the school gym to a point near the building entrance.
By all accounts, Peterson and his team remained outside the chute as they approached voters inside the elementary school — prompting the election board to dismiss the complaints.
"It was important for us to hear the complaint. We just feel it doesn't meet the burden (of an election law violation)," said J. Justin Murphy, acting election board chairman.
Lake County elections staff said they're looking at ways to more clearly mark the chute at the polling places set to be used in the Nov. 7 general election. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/munster/lake-county-election-board-ok-with-campaigning-just-inside-munster-school/article_6cd05c26-0faa-11ee-99ef-63bd9bc8e21c.html | 2023-06-21T13:23:57 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/munster/lake-county-election-board-ok-with-campaigning-just-inside-munster-school/article_6cd05c26-0faa-11ee-99ef-63bd9bc8e21c.html |
MIDLAND, Texas — The Midland ISD Bond Planning Committee met on Tuesday night to finish up their recommendation that will be discussed at next month's board meeting.
The committee reached a consensus for their recommendation at their final meeting, and it includes two propositions.
Proposition A includes the construction of the new campuses for Midland High School and Legacy High School, updating the freshman campuses of LHS and Midland to help with the conversion to middle schools (the current four MISD middle schools will also get some renovations done), and updating safety and security at campuses district-wide. The tally for Proposition A is $1.361 Billion or around $37 per month for the average homeowner.
Proposition B includes the construction of a new elementary school in the Lone Star Trails area, and general maintenance for campuses across the district. The tally for Proposition B is $317.2 Million or around $11 per month for the average homeowner.
MISD does have a feedback survey available until June 30 for people looking to voice their opinions about what they are wanting for the district. The new Board of Trustees meeting will be on July 25, 2023 and this is where the recommendation will be presented.
For more information about the bond, people can go to the Midland ISD website. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-isd-bond-planning-committee-reaches-consensus-for-recommendation/513-69462a70-47c5-4d3f-9d69-d491eb4ed9f5 | 2023-06-21T13:25:08 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/midland-isd-bond-planning-committee-reaches-consensus-for-recommendation/513-69462a70-47c5-4d3f-9d69-d491eb4ed9f5 |
LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — Firefighters responded to a structure fire early Wednesday morning.
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District arrived at the 4000 block of 7th St West at around 5 a.m.
According to a tweet by Lehigh Acres FD, the fire started at a wine cooler in the home’s dining room. The fire was extinguished and all residents were able to evacuate safely.
Light smoke damage was seen in the home.
For wine cooler safety tips, click here. | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/06/21/residents-evacuate-home-after-wine-cooler-caught-on-fire-in-lehigh-acres/ | 2023-06-21T13:25:54 | 0 | https://nbc-2.com/news/local/lee-county/2023/06/21/residents-evacuate-home-after-wine-cooler-caught-on-fire-in-lehigh-acres/ |
Todd McMichael has been a vocal opponent of the carbon capture pipeline routed through his family's land along the Sheyenne River in southeast North Dakota.
But his family signed an easement agreement with Summit Carbon Solutions anyway.
"My family signed an easement based on the fact that they don't want to deal with eminent domain. So they told me to go and negotiate with Summit," McMichael told the North Dakota Public Service Commission during an April 11 hearing in Wahpeton.
In a follow-up question, PSC Chairman Randy Christmann pointed out that McMichael showed up to testify against the project even though his family had signed an easement agreement.
"One of my biggest issues is the fact that as a landowner, why do we have to get an attorney? We want to say 'no.' Why do we have to get an attorney?" McMichael asked. "It's always nickel-diming the landowner, attorney, attorney, attorney, attorney."
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"So essentially you've acquiesced to an easement which you really didn't want?" Christmann asked.
"I have an easement that I feel we did our due diligence on and probably have a very, very strong easement. Am I happy about having a pipeline going across family land? No," McMichael answered.
McMichael isn't the only landowner who had signed an agreement with Summit only to testify against the project at one of the PSC hearings. The PSC conducted the hearings take testimony from the public and Summit officials as it considers Summit's route permit application.
Summit has touted progress in obtaining voluntary easements as a sign of support for what it calls the world's largest carbon capture and storage project, taking greenhouse gases from ethanol plants in five states and sending it to North Dakota for underground storage.
In recent news releases about the addition of ethanol plants in South Dakota and Iowa, Summit that it had acquired 70% of the five-state pipeline route through voluntary easements with nearly 2,500 landowners.
"This achievement underlines the strong community support and shared vision for sustainable agriculture and energy production," the release said.
When announcing on March 27 that North Dakota had reached 70% voluntary easements, a news release included this statement from Summit CEO Lee Blank: "Landowners across North Dakota and the Midwest have embraced Summit Carbon Solutions' carbon capture project because they recognize this investment will bolster our most critical economic industries — agriculture, energy, and ethanol."
Nondisclosure agreements prevent McMichael and others from sharing what is in a signed agreement, but not from expressing their opinion.
"The way they talk about it in public, that's their business," said John Satterfield, director of regulatory affairs for Summit Carbon Solutions. "There's nothing in our documentation that restricts them from saying, 'this is a great thing or this is a bad thing.' So that's your opinion. They're free to express that."
George Cummins is among the holdouts in Iowa, while others in his area have given up resisting.
"I've got good friends and neighbors who said 'This is a done deal, I negotiated the best deal I could,'" Cummins said.
Summit makes the easement payments even while it tries to secure the needed permits in the five states along its route — Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Cummins said some have paid off mortgages or bought more land or paid off nursing home bills. But he doesn't want to degrade the long-term value of his land near Charles City, Iowa.
"From my experience as a certified crop adviser, and in visiting with friends who have personal experience with pipeline construction, it is going to permanently alter the farmability and productivity of the farmland and reduce rental, resale and the appraised value of that farm," Cummins said.
During a series of North Dakota Public Service Commission hearings on Summit's route permit application, residents in counties along the route questioned the need for the pipeline, expressed concerns about safety in the case of a rupture and the effects pipeline construction would have on farmland.
Summit relied mostly on Chief Operations Officer Jimmy Powell and expert testimony to make its case that pipelines, including an existing CO2 pipeline in North Dakota, have a good safety record, and the pipeline will benefit corn growers, the ethanol industry and, by extension, the rest of the state.
"From the expert witnesses, the facts back and forth, relative to how we're going to handle drain tile, how pipeline safety is actually implemented for CO2 pipelines, how emergency response is going to be handled — I think we've addressed those issues pretty clearly," Satterfield said.
As a full day of testimony wrapped up in Linton on May 9, Erin Magrum, chairman of the Emmons County Board of Commissioners, gave an impassioned speech.
"Emmons County has amended its ordinances that we're demanding 100% voluntary easements. I can tell you that we will stand by that. We are not going to tolerate eminent domain in this county," Magrum said at the courthouse in Linton, North Dakota, the seat of Emmons County, population 3,271.
"And we're going to defend our landowners and honestly, even if you (the Public Service Commission) grant the permit to them, they need to come to Emmons County for their conditional use permits and other permits and if they do not abide by our setbacks, or they do not abide by our demands on the eminent domain, they're probably not going to get a permit. And I believe Emmons County is prepared to explore the limits of its jurisdictional authority, no matter where that takes us."
Summit attorney Lawrence Bender then pointed out to Magrum that Summit had obtained easements on 62% of the pipeline route in Emmons County.
"How can you stand up here and testify that there is zero support when 62% of the right of way has been signed?" Bender asked.
"Because I haven't met any of them," Magrum replied.
Some point to easements signed by landowners who no longer live on the land.
Breckenridge, Minnesota, landowner Sharon Leinen said several easements in Wilkin County were signed by "absentee" landowners.
"Well I looked at the easements that were signed and I didn't recognize any of the names," said Leinen. "I don't know if they even really care anymore because they don't live on the land so they don't have as big an interest in it as they used to."
In Minnesota, eminent domain is not an option for Summit. When Leinen refused Summit's offer, the company went to the landowner across the road.
It remains a point of contention in the other states on the route as Summit has begun filing lawsuits asserting eminent domain in South Dakota. Summit is also challenging local ordinances passed in Emmons and Burleigh counties and elsewhere.
Opponents also have been calling for a moratorium on carbon pipelines while the federal regulatory agency considers updating its safety guidelines, in part because of a pipeline rupture in Mississippi in 2020.
Satterfield maintains that pipeline rules are "robust" and pipelines are the safest way to move hazardous materials.
"There are people who are using incidents that happened and using fear tactics as a way to keep this project from happening," Satterfield said.
But still, he said Summit welcomes the kind of questions that arose at public hearings.
"I actually welcome stakeholders expressing those concerns because we want to make sure we have addressed those concerns, as best we can," Satterfield said. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/business/energy/summit-carbon-pipeline-easements-eminent-domain/article_c62db568-0b93-11ee-85d2-ff3b9e50b58e.html | 2023-06-21T13:32:54 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/business/energy/summit-carbon-pipeline-easements-eminent-domain/article_c62db568-0b93-11ee-85d2-ff3b9e50b58e.html |
(WJHL) – Almost a year after the Supreme Court decision was made to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case, the Tennessee Attorney General’s office partnered with other states to host a donation drive for pregnancy centers.
The office of the Tennessee Attorney General said the drive is in celebration of the one-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision. The Tennessee pregnancy centers on the list are located in Middle and West Tennessee. There are no centers apart of the drive in East Tennessee.
Angie Odom, founder and executive director of The TLC Community Center / Abortion Alternatives / Women’s Center in Elizabethton, said they did not know about the list, but want to know how to be added.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to be able to create our own wish list instead of just overall sending out what people need,” said Odom. “I like that we can personalize some items that are needed, because I do believe with our different areas you’re going to find a very diverse very diverse list. All in those listings of as far as things that are needed.”
The office of the Tennessee Attorney General hasn’t responded to how the centers were chosen yet. Although, they released a statement saying “Tennesseans have made clear, through their elected representatives, the desire to support mothers and children,” General Skrmetti said. “In celebration of the Dobbs decision, I’m proud to highlight the organizations in our state who go above and beyond to provide resources and care for mothers-to-be.”
The TLC Community Center / Abortion Alternatives / Women’s Center in Elizabethton did not administer abortions before the Dobbs decision, but provides options and helps soon-to-be mothers. They also provide childcare help and private adoption services.
“We are still doing what we’ve always done and that is not just being in there, standing up for one side or the other,” said Odom. “But we’re there to clothe, to diaper, to feed children and their families and to whatever the woman’s needs are.”
Odom said the TLC center still helps women if they decide to go through with an abortion or if they’ve had that procedure in the past.
“If this is the decision that she goes on to make, I want her to know that we’re still there for her, that we’re not going to go anywhere, and that if she needs our services, that our door’s always still open for her, that we’re not there to judge her, but we’re there to help her,” said Odom.
Sylvain Bruni, chair of the Washington County Tennessee Democratic Party, said the Dobbs decision has made it difficult for women to access the care they need.
“Abortions in particular have been completely eliminated from the options that women have as medical procedures that sometimes are absolutely necessary,” said Bruni. “And despite some of the discussion about the exemptions, those exemptions that have been forwarded in the law are clearly not enough. A woman has to almost be bleeding to death to get care and that’s completely unacceptable.”
Bruni said the law has impacted women’s decision to not want to take jobs in Tennessee.
“Because how can they be sure that if they come to Tennessee to work here, they’ll get the support that they need for their health care needs and that has a dire economic impact,” said Bruni.
He also believes the donation drive from the state is not addressing the real issues with women’s health care.
“Clamoring that, oh, there were donations and people can donate money to that,” said Bruni. “It is not serving the needs of women in Tennessee. It’s taking away options. So, it’s a gimmick and a red herring to distract from the real need for good, strong health care for everyone, with clinicians being protected to do their job, their basic job.”
Odom said that although they didn’t know about the Attorney General’s donation drive, other grants have been made available to them. She also said people can drop off donations at the center located at 145 Judge Don Lewis Blvd in Elizabethton.
Bruni said that although the law has been changed, there are still ways to support women’s health care.
“So what people can do is, go volunteer and help with clinics outside of state that provide health care to women,” said Bruni. “Go volunteer and donate to Planned Parenthood and vote. Vote for elected officials who are actually going to work for women who are going to work for health care for all and deliver actually the change that is needed. Because there is no change at the borders of this law that can make any difference at this stage.” | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/east-tennessee-pregnancy-centers-not-on-attorney-generals-donation-list/ | 2023-06-21T13:37:14 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/east-tennessee-pregnancy-centers-not-on-attorney-generals-donation-list/ |
A new app will allow Nebraskans to buy lottery tickets online, but it has a unique design that keeps it from running afoul of the state's prohibition on online gambling.
Jackpocket , which bills itself as America's No. 1 lottery app, announced Monday that it has launched in Nebraska. The company said the app allows lottery players to buy tickets for the Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky for Life, Pick 3, and Pick 5 games from a mobile phone or other electronic device.
Jackpocket is what's known as a lottery courier service, meaning it buys lottery tickets from official lottery retailers on behalf of its users and then delivers those tickets to them electronically. Users of the app place ticket orders, view an image of their ticket, get notified automatically if they win, and even receive prizes up to $500 instantly. Anyone who wins a prize of more than $500 must pick it up in person.
The company charges a service fee on each ticket sold but does not charge any other fees nor does it take a cut of winning tickets.
"The Jackpocket team is excited to offer Nebraskans — longtime lottery players and new players alike — an easy and accessible way to play," Peter Sullivan, Jackpocket founder and CEO, said in a news release. "We're committed to making the lottery safe, convenient, and fun."
Neil Watson, a spokesman for the Nebraska Lottery, said the app essentially acts as a middleman, offering players the convenience of buying tickets electronically.
Because it acts as a courier service and is not an authorized lottery retailer, it does not run afoul of the state's prohibition on online gambling.
"There's nothing in our laws that prohibits a courier service like that," said Watson, who emphasized that the app is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Nebraska Lottery.
Jackpocket is available in 15 other states, and the company says players have won nearly $300 million in lottery prizes using the app, including 29 individual players who have won $1 million each.
Watson said he's not aware of any issues with use of the app in other states, although the Texas Senate is currently considering a bill that would outlaw its use.
The largest lottery jackpots in US history
The largest lottery jackpots in US history
Lotteries have been around for a long time across cultures. From ancient Greece to the Han dynasty, people played the odds to realize an ambitious dream, while on the other end, states looked to profit. In the United States, the popularity of the lottery came with European colonization, according to historian Jonathan D. Cohen in "For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America ." Despite Protestant misgivings, the profits generated from lotteries were used to finance civil defense, the construction of churches, and even the founding of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.
While lotteries helped fortify a new country, Americans eventually eschewed their use because of widespread concern over misuse and mismanagement. In 1964, New Hampshire ran the first modern state-run lottery. Now, only five states —Alabama, Utah, Alaska, Hawaii, and Nevada—don't offer lotteries, while the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all have lotteries operated by the government.
States use lotteries to raise money for different administrative fees and to fund public services such as education or support for veterans. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, lotteries provide about 1% of state revenue annually . And what do the lucky ticket holders do with their share? Stacker compiled a list of the 15 largest lottery jackpots in U.S. history from news reports and lottery press releases, with details on how winners used the funds if available.
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#15. $587.5 million
- Date: Nov. 28, 2012
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 2
- Winners' locations: Arizona, Missouri
One of the two winning tickets belonged to Mark and Cindy Hill, who donated millions from their jackpot to help their local town build a new fire station , among other improvements. An anonymous winner in Arizona opted to take the lump-sum cash payment , which worked out to $192 million before taxes.
Canva
#14. $590.5 million
- Date: May 18, 2013
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: Florida
This entire jackpot went to a single winner, a woman in her 80s in the Tampa area. While her win—about $278 million after taxes—may seem to have been an incredible stroke of luck (a mother and daughter in front of her allowed her to cut in line to buy her ticket first ), that luck eventually ran out: She sued her son for millions, alleging he mishandled the windfall .
Anadolu Agency // Getty Images
#13. $632.6 million
- Date: Jan. 5, 2022
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 2
- Winner's location: California, Wisconsin
Two tickets split this jackpot, and the couple with the winning ticket in Wisconsin may have been in for a shock after learning how much went to the taxman. They chose the cash option for their half of the winnings, which totaled $225.1 million, though $71.2 million went straight to government coffers.
Anadolu Agency // Getty Images
#12. $648 million
- Date: Dec. 17, 2013
- Game: Mega Millions
- Number of winning tickets: 2
- Winners' locations: California, Georgia
Big U.S. lotteries will let players have their numbers drawn randomly, or the buyer can choose the numbers they wish to play. While choosing birthdays or lucky numbers may seem silly, that strategy worked out nicely for Ira Curry in Georgia, one of the two winners of this jackpot. Her lucky combination of family birthdays earned her $173.8 million after taxes .
VIEW press // Getty Images
#11. $656 million
- Date: March 30, 2012
- Game: Mega Millions
- Number of winning tickets: 3
- Winners' locations: Illinois, Kansas, Maryland
A cash windfall seems to promise the recipient a lifetime of luxury and leisure, but that's not always the case. Merle and Patricia Butler, who won a third of this jackpot, built a financial and legal team to help them stay solvent (but not before buying one of the most expensive houses in their county .)
Irfan Khan // Getty Images
#10. $687.8 million
- Date: Oct. 27, 2018
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 2
- Winners' locations: Iowa, New York
Lerynne West was one of the two winners to split this payday, but she nearly lost her chance. West was in the middle of a move to her new home when she heard a winning ticket was sold nearby, but she initially couldn't find the ticket during the chaos of moving. Thankfully, she tracked it down, earning a lump sum payment before taxes of over $198.1 million.
Tasos Katopodis // Getty Images
#9. $699.8 million
- Date: Oct. 4, 2021
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: California
Scott Godfrey, the sole winner of this drawing, chose to take home the lump sum payment of nearly $500 million before taxes. Two months after his win, Godfrey set up a foundation for charitable works and donated a carload of toys for a holiday drive. He has since spoken out on viral social media scams that use his name to dupe people with the false hope that he'll give them money.
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#8. $731.1 million
- Date: Jan. 20, 2021
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: Maryland
Before selling this winning ticket at a local corner store, the tiny town of Lonaconing in Maryland was known mostly for being the hometown of Major League Baseball pitcher Lefty Grove, who was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame over 75 years ago. This new influx of attention (and a $100,000 bonus to the store for selling the ticket) was an unexpected development to many in this coal-mining town of about 300 families.
Orange County Register // Getty Images
#7. $758.7 million
- Date: Aug. 23, 2017
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: Massachusetts
Two things happened when Mavis Wanczyk won a $336.6 million lump sum after taxes. First, she did what many aspirational lottery winners aim to do—quit her job at a hospital . Unfortunately, the massive, sudden influx of attention also led local police to set up outside her home for her security.
Boston Globe // Getty Images
#6. $768.4 million
- Date: March 27, 2019
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: Wisconsin
Manuel Franco said that before collecting this jackpot, his biggest financial goal was to save $1,000 in his bank account . Franco noted that the winning ticket was stuck to another ticket in his wallet, and he almost didn't see it. He told the press that with the winnings, he plans to travel, pay for the college education of his family members, and donate to charity.
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#5. $1.1 billion
- Date: Jan. 22, 2021
- Game: Mega Millions
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: Michigan
Most lottery winners want to stay out of the limelight, but some states require winners to be identified. Michigan has a loophole: Registered lottery clubs can select representatives to collect the winnings. The members of the Wolverines FLL lottery club, which held this billion-dollar-winning-ticket, hired a Florida-based lawyer to represent them , keeping the members' identities private.
RINGO CHIU // Getty Images
#4. $1.3 billion
- Date: July 29, 2022
- Game: Mega Millions
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: Illinois
Two people in Illinois waited nearly two months to come forward and accept their prize, which they chose to take as a lump sum payment for each of $470.7 million after taxes. At least 16 states are like Illinois in that they allow winners to maintain anonymity.
VIEW press // Getty Images
#3. $1.5 billion
- Date: Oct. 23, 2018
- Game: Mega Millions
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: South Carolina
A soon-to-be anonymous winner was on a scenic drive when they pulled over at the KC Mart in Greenville and bought a ticket "never once thinking she had the slightest chance to win," according to a statement from her lawyer Jason Kurland , who represented several lottery winners. The drive earned her a lump sum cash payment of over $877 million before taxes. The winner's lawyer? He was later charged with swindling money from his lottery-winning clientele.
VIEW press // Getty Images
#2. $1.6 billion
- Date: Jan. 13, 2016
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 3
- Winners' locations: California, Florida, Tennessee
Even in states where lottery winners' names have to be made public, some winners take comprehensive steps to stay out of the glare of media attention. Marvin and Mae Acosta, who split this jackpot with two other winning tickets, not only showed up six months later with security guards to claim their winnings, the Associated Press reports they moved out of their home listed on property records the day before coming forward. A statement by the couple said they would be donating most of the prize to a trust and charities.
Robert Gauthier // Getty Images
#1. $2 billion
- Date: Nov. 7, 2022
- Game: Powerball
- Number of winning tickets: 1
- Winner's location: California
The winner of the first U.S. jackpot to crack the $2 billion mark has not revealed themselves as of December 2022. The ticket was sold at Joe's Service Center in Altadena, just north of Los Angeles, and would net the winner $997.6 million before taxes in a lump sum. Should they choose to receive the money over 30 years, the jackpot works out to $68 million a year before taxes.
Gary Coronado // Getty Images
Reach the writer at 402-473-2647 or molberding@journalstar.com .
On Twitter @LincolnBizBuzz.
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Hoping to save lives, experts work on new air quality messaging strategies in Phoenix
Scientists, government representatives and local community service providers gathered in Scottsdale last week to reimagine how air quality data can be better used to protect the public from health impacts.
The event, hosted by Arizona State University, was termed a "Tabletop Exercise" rather than a conference or meeting to emphasize the focus on collectively addressing real scenarios and finding new solutions to gaps in data and failures in public messaging about hazards.
As a translator of satellite data for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego’s air quality team, ASU provides feedback to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service division to help those overseeing NOAA's monitoring and predictive efforts understand how that data is applied to planning and response activities in Phoenix and Maricopa County. Representatives from all of these groups, including the mayor, were present at the event.
Over two days, the participants considered three past air quality scenarios that had negative effects on Arizonans, and discussed what data or messaging adjustments might mitigate the impacts of similar situations in the future.
The Phoenix-based effort, co-led by Vanessa Escobar, a senior scientist and policy advisor with NOAA, is now part of the NOAA Pathfinder Initiative aimed at leveraging national data products to solve local issues.
One scenario considered a weeklong period of high heat and ozone — an invisible air pollutant associated with hot, sunny days — in metro Phoenix during July 2022 and asked participants to analyze data needs and coordination channels before, during, and following the event. Another scenario focused on bad air quality related to a winter temperature inversion and the use of small-scale fireworks over the most recent New Year's celebrations that resulted in pollution low in the sky. A final scenario assessed the consequences of a large, dry dust storm, or haboob, that moved through metro Phoenix in early October 2022, spiking levels of large particulate air pollutants nearly tenfold over just a few days.
"Air quality is one of the invisible challenges that impacts everyone, whether it is through particulates, ozone, storms or routine hot days during summer," Tim Lant, Director of Program Development for the ASU Knowledge Enterprise and a co-leader with Escobar of the tabletop exercise, said in opening remarks Wednesday. "We are here to bring together our cities, county, state and non-profit communities to talk about solutions to these challenges based on our people and place."
Talking about how we talk about data
Leading up to a discussion of the first scenario on ozone, a map displayed on a screen for the group showed estimates for heat and ozone impacts throughout the Phoenix metro area based on current satellite observations and future capabilities expected from NOAA’s GeoXO atmospheric composition instrument expected to launch around 2034. Differing interpretations among participants of the green, yellow and red-coded areas, their certainty and what it all means for residents were apparent immediately, highlighting the need for such a tabletop exercise to identify how best to communicate environmental data and coordinate public warning systems.
Gaps and misunderstandings about air quality monitoring and shortcomings in how it is communicated to the public can have real health consequences in the form of ailments like respiratory issues and cancer, especially for underserved and vulnerable groups. The 2023 State of the Air Report released by the American Lung Association labeled ozone levels in Phoenix as the fifth-worst in the nation over a recent three-year span.
Preparing for the worst:Phoenix is not prepared for a simultaneous heat wave and blackout, new research shows
Matthew Pace, a meteorologist with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, explained that ozone sensors on the ground are mostly distributed throughout the eastern region of the metro area where the problem is thought to be worse, leaving some question about how ozone moves through other parts of the valley, like Goodyear, which lacks local monitoring equipment. Collection of various environmental data by satellites can add to the picture, but is less location-specific and can be obstructed by cloud cover, necessitating a pairing with on-the-ground sensors. Yet these types of data sources are not always effectively integrated or interpreted for local use.
Levels of particulate pollutants, termed PM2.5 and PM10 to denote two size categories, also tend to be high in Phoenix due to vehicle emissions, wildfire smoke and dust storms. Vehicle emissions have grown as a problem in recent years with urban expansion, while smoke and dust levels have been exacerbated by climate change and drought.
"There are very robust associations between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and respiratory mortality, cardiovascular mortality and mortality in the population," said Jennifer Vanos, an associate professor in ASU's School of Sustainability.
Large bodies of research have found that the effects of air pollution fall most heavily on children, whose lungs are still developing, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions. The unhoused population, outdoor workers, athletes and those living in lower-income neighborhoods, which are often more heavily polluted and hotter than their richer counterparts, can also be more severely affected by poor air quality.
Kids and air quality:How a Phoenix district's electric school buses could protect kids and help them learn
"On a high ozone day and a high day of heat, we see that someone's health can be much more negatively affected than if it were just a high ozone day or just a high heat day, depending on underlying comorbidities and other risk factors and exposures," Vanos said. "We also know that you have to consider wildfire activities here or dry desert dust. But generally weather systems don't together account for pollution and heat, they'll often do it separately, so that's something to consider. In the public health guidance, there could be ways that we adapt policies or think about our messaging around that for some of this future research."
Another common issue is that participants in the conversation about data and health effects are not always using the same terminology to discuss heat and air quality metrics. The meaning of the AQI, or air quality index, and how it relates to health outcomes, Vanos said, is often not well understood. And data points like temperature readings can depend on the instruments used and how far above the Earth's surface measurements are taken.
"You recognize in the room that we are not all using the same vocabulary related to heat in this meeting," said David Hondula, director of Phoenix's Office of Heat Response and Mitigation. "What do we mean by temperature? Already we've seen an interesting example today: One type of temperature was shown on the map that might not be the same temperature we talk about when we provide the weather forecast."
Too hot to measure air quality?:Science needs data to solve problems. Climate change is making that harder
Tailoring public messaging to mitigate risks for vulnerable groups
Much of the tabletop conversation involved technical metrics, nuanced interpretations, sophisticated meteorological modeling efforts and gaps to fill in the scientific literature. But one voice in the room repeatedly brought home the real-world, street-level impacts experienced by the Phoenix demographic most exposed to heat and air pollution. Phillip Scharf, Chief Operating Officer for Central Arizona Shelter Services, spoke for the unhoused.
"We have a great opportunity within every homeless shelter in the county to continue to educate a group of individuals that truly is the most at risk for almost every health-related scenario you can think of related to weather, related to air quality, related to communicable disease," Scharf said. "It really is a subset of population that is the most at risk."
That risk extends not only to unhoused individuals but also to their belongings and pets, which may be vulnerable to contracting Valley Fever, for example, an illness caused by fungal spores in dust and one that is costly to treat.
"What is the average amount of wind necessary to move a full grocery cart?" Scharf asked, giving an example of a need for specific weather data that would be common among unhoused residents. "What is the average amount of wind necessary to pick up a tent? Those are the types of things that I think help us to both communicate and educate those populations so that there is a direct correlation for them in their minds between, does this haboob mean that I'm going to lose my stuff?"
Read the climate series:The latest from Joan Meiners at azcentral, a column on climate change that publishes weekly
Nicole Witt, Phoenix's first public health advisor, also brought up the higher vulnerability of elderly residents and those living in mobile homes, which make up about 6% of homes in Maricopa County but are the location of about 30% of indoor heat-associated deaths each year. Those without safe indoor refuges from heat may be more likely to have higher exposure to bad outdoor air quality as they seek evening relief on patios, Witt said. Her comments underscored the need for targeted messaging to vulnerable groups that also includes actionable information about what resources are available to them to seek shelter indoors or otherwise reduce their exposure.
Witt noted the importance of not only how these warning messages are composed, but who delivers them.
"(It's important to) make sure that your experts are all speaking the same language and then that information is appropriately getting to those who are trusted in the community, which is not the government usually, it's those who are working at the grassroots level who are providing services or our neighbors or whatever," Witt said. "So I think more (visual) products that make it simpler and that information obvious in maps or a great chart for the general public is a little bit easier."
Pace noted the challenge that notifications about environmental hazards like heat and air quality can become "white noise" if issued too frequently. Others pointed out that common scientific misinformation traps and politically polarizing language should also be considered when determining messaging format and content.
As the interdisciplinary group prepares to move forward with revising use of air quality data, monitoring efforts and messaging protocols to better serve metro Phoenix, Lant shared three next steps the group identified at the conclusion of the two-day event:
- Develop a range of possible future ways to map air quality in real-time to meet needs in the community
- Facilitate open communication around air quality among residents, local government agencies and academics to empower people to understand air-quality information and avoid unhealthy air
- Understand how complex scientific data can be used by public health and environmental agencies to make Phoenix a healthier city for future growth.
Joan Meiners is the climate news and storytelling reporter at The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com. Before becoming a journalist, she completed a doctorate in ecology. Follow Joan on Twitter at @beecycles or email her at joan.meiners@arizonarepublic.com. Read more of her coverage at environment.azcentral.com.
Support climate coverage and local journalism by subscribing to azcentral.com at this link. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2023/06/21/best-strategies-warn-arizona-hazardous-air-quality/70326613007/ | 2023-06-21T13:43:47 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2023/06/21/best-strategies-warn-arizona-hazardous-air-quality/70326613007/ |
As summer starts, climate activists show their stripes with shareable heat tracker
On the first day of summer — and the extreme heat and severe weather that goes with the season — a global campaign aims to draw attention to rising temperatures using computer-generated bar codes that can be projected in prominent places.
The campaign, called #Showyourstripes Day, starts Wednesday and encourages social media users to share their “warming stripes,” a downloadable graphic that depicts temperature trends over last 100-plus years in any given region.
Landmarks and public places across the globe will also light up in blue and red lights to commemorate the day, including the iconic water tower in downtown Gilbert.
"Show your Stripes Day was planned to launch on the summer solstice, the official beginning of the season with some of the biggest weather extremes, including hurricanes, wildfires, and high heat. Meteorologists and scientists also use the day to spread awareness of the effects of rising temperatures globally.
The graphic was created by Ed Hawkins, a professor of climate science at the University of Reading in England.
What do the graphs represent?
Each colored stripe represents the annual average temperature relative to a long-term average. Red stripes are years that were hotter than average; blue stripes are years that were cooler. The stripes are a visual representation of temperature rise over time, with a transition from cool to warm colors.
Each stripe represents the global temperature averaged over one year, stretching from 1850 to 2022. The colors are linked to the average temperature from 1971-2000. Red stripes mean those years were hotter than that 30-year average; blue stripes are years that were cooler.
The global warming stripes graphic shows a rapid shift from blue to red stripes in recent decades as carbon pollution has warmed the planet.
The hotter it gets:Phoenix is not prepared for a simultaneous heat wave and blackout, new research shows
How much have we warmed?
In 2022, the planet was 2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the 1881-1910 baseline, and temperatures in most regions have consistently risen since the 1970 baseline.
In Arizona, temperatures have risen roughly 3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970. The most rapid warming has occurred in the Southwest and the Northeast, with Arizona landing in the top 10.
Delaware, New Mexico, New Jersey, and Utah all join Arizona as the states with the sharpest rise in temperatures, all reflecting more than 3 degrees Fahrenheit increases since 1970.
Rising temperatures are mostly attributed to human-caused activities, particularly emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gasses.
For many years, scientists have warned that the rise in global temperature must be kept less than 1.5 degrees Celsius (or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Current trends show the planet is nearing a breach of that threshold.
Tracking climate change:ANDI the manikin can take the heat. ASU hopes it can also help people weather hotter days
Can we slow or reverse warming?
Scientists say it's possible to keep warming in check if countries make deep cuts to emissions in the next few years. Switching to renewable energies or carbon markets that cap corporate emission are ways for countries to limit their carbon output.
In 2022, the United States achieved a significant milestone by generating sufficient wind and solar energy to meet the power needs of approximately 64 million homes. This accomplishment showcases the rapid growth of wind and solar capacity, and experts predict this trend will continue in the future.
There is also encouraging news regarding the reduction of heat-trapping emissions in the United States. Since 2005, most U.S. states have witnessed a decline in these emissions. Scientists say this development indicates that efforts to combat climate change are yielding tangible results.
How can I share my stripes?
The graphic for any area is free to download at showyourstripes.info. Select your region, country and state from the dropdown tab to see statistics from recent decades.
The campaign encourages users to share their stripes on social media using the hashtag #showyourstripes.
Climate Central has created a more specific set for large and vulnerable cities across the U.S at climatecentral.org/graphic/show-your-stripes-2022. In Arizona stripes for Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff are available for download.
Jake Frederico covers environment issues for The Arizona Republic and azcentral. Send tips or questions to jake.frederico@arizonarepublic.com.
Environmental coverage on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Follow The Republic environmental reporting team at environment.azcentral.com and @azcenvironment on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Glendale wants a more vibrant downtown. Here's how a newly approved hotel could help
Glendale has entered an era of development, and a new hotel has just been added to the mix.
The City Council has approved a ground lease agreement with CivicGroup LLC. The project will make roots at 7120-7128 N. 57th Ave. and will result in a hotel in downtown Glendale with about 125 rooms, the largest in the area.
With construction beginning next year, the building is expected to be a game changer for the Glendale community, according to CivicGroup President Chris DeRose.
With construction beginning next year, the building is expected to be a game changer for the Glendale community, according to CivicGroup President Chris DeRose.
“We hope having a hotel downtown increases the level of activity — more visitors at more times of day — and increases the volume and type of conferences held at the civic center,” DeRose said in a statement.
Daniel Sabillon, Glendale's downtown manager, also shared thoughts regarding the potential positive impact of a hotel this size.
“This is a vibrant downtown that we're looking to bring more eyes upon, you know, we're trying to bring in more density, more businesses, which will ultimately attract more people,” Sabillon said.
Sabillon said he thinks that a hotel would allow people to stay overnight and really get to take in downtown. "There's gonna be a huge win for the downtown area and all the businesses.”
While businesses and other activities are being considered, it seems the civic center is the true focus in terms of the hotel's future location. DeRose noted that as of now, the civic center is underused because it cannot host multiday events because attendees have nowhere to stay.
“This hotel will drive multiday conferences to downtown Glendale and in turn provide a major source of business for the hotel,” DeRose stated.
In addition to Glendale’s $90 million revitalization efforts, CivicGroup, along with DeRose, think that by the time the hotel opens in 2025, the downtown area will be flourishing.
“I believe that within a few years, downtown Glendale will be one of the most sought-after destinations in the Valley,” DeRose said. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2023/06/21/glendale-approves-new-125-room-hotel-for-downtown/70339270007/ | 2023-06-21T13:43:59 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2023/06/21/glendale-approves-new-125-room-hotel-for-downtown/70339270007/ |
Council approves United Mesa Firefighters Association contract. Here's what is in it
The Mesa City Council approved an agreement with the United Mesa Firefighters Association’s local chapter on Monday that will boost salary, compensation and improve working conditions. These changes take effect July 1.
A one-time adjustment to the base pay for firefighters and engineers will climb by 3%, and the base pay for captains will increase by 6%. The agreement considers the possibility of a separate 5% merit increase each year for all three positions. The city is also experimenting with sick time, rewarding perfect attendance and incentivizing holiday pay.
“We are very competitive with the adjustment that we are proposing,” said Scott Butler, an assistant city manager.
The memorandum of understanding, or MOU, applies through fiscal years 2023 to 2026. The City Council has the authority to approve contracts following the November election when the city asked voters to change the city charter.
Previously, the conservative think tank Goldwater Institute challenged the city’s negotiations with public safety groups. In 2017, Mesa paused discussions between the City Council and public safety groups.
In 2021, the firefighters union called on the council to come back to the table to negotiate working conditions.
Councilmember Mark Freeman, a former city firefighter, during a council meeting on Thursday said the agreement was long overdue and would give stability and “increase (the) morale of the department.”
The charter continues to prohibit collective bargaining — a more formal process that establishes a contract between the employee groups or representatives and the employer. An MOU can be modified or terminated at the discretion of the City Council, which in May approved an MOU with the Mesa Police Association.
Fighting for pay increases:Mesa and its firefighter union in power struggle
Labor leaders say changes needed to address staffing shortages
The local Mesa chapter represents nearly 500 employees within the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. Retention and recruitment are key priorities the labor group is trying to address within the agreement.
Chapter President Trevyn Crosser told The Arizona Republic that the department fell behind in offering competitive wages throughout the years no MOU was in place.
That, in part, has led to staffing shortages and a “lower significant number of applicants” to the department, he said.
Crosser said job postings once would close within two days with 1,000 applicants. Now, postings stay open for days with not nearly the same number of prospective employees.
"Maintaining that competitive edge is huge, and how you do that is through compensation," Crosser said.
Crosser and the labor union leadership maintain that these changes will ensure Mesa residents and property owners will keep qualified and experienced employees, which should, in turn, help maintain standards of service.
The MOU was negotiated over several months with city management and labor leaders such as Crosser and Scott Figgins, the Local 2260 president.
“Our level of customer service means life and death for individuals on a day-to-day basis,” Figgins said. “Without retention and without positive recruitment … we can’t deliver on the other end.”
Beyond salary, the MOU will continue the city’s public safety stress-related injury treatment fund, which helps employees receive mental wellness treatment.
What the United Mesa Firefighters Association local chapter seeks
The public safety group is seeking changes including wage adjustments, attendance incentives, uniform vouchers and improved working conditions.
Wages
Starting July 1, the minimum proposed base pay for firefighters will increase by 3% from the current pay to about $18 an hour or $54,927 a year and max out at $26 an hour or $76,386 a year. Fire engineers will receive the same 3% increase to bring their pay to $27 an hour or $80,310 a year and max out at $30 an hour or $89,189.
Fire captains will have the highest jump to their current pay by 6% from their current pay to about $32 an hour or $94,140 yearly and topping out at $35 or $104,288 yearly.
All firefighters, engineers and captains will be eligible for a yearly 5% merit step increase over the three-year period the MOU is in place.
The city will also conduct a two-year pilot program to offer two days of time-and-a-half at the hourly rate for working on a city holiday.
Bilingual employees can receive up to $100 biweekly compensation based on their certification.
Members will also receive a $850 uniform voucher and a $250 boot voucher each fiscal year.
Hours
The city is incentivizing “perfect attendance” by offering a $500 incentive twice a year if members don’t use any sick or dock time throughout the year.
Members who don’t use sick time can receive an additional 24 vacation hours according to years of service as part of a two-year pilot program in the MOU. If the program is successful, the city could permanently add it to the city’s personnel guidelines.
Employees covered by the MOU who are injured on the job won’t lose out on the incentive.
Reporter Maritza Dominguez covers Mesa/Gilbert and can be reached at maritza.dominguez@arizonarepublic.com or 480-271-0646. Follow her on Twitter @maritzacdom. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/06/21/mesa-approves-labor-agreement-with-firefighter-union/70319360007/ | 2023-06-21T13:44:05 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/mesa/2023/06/21/mesa-approves-labor-agreement-with-firefighter-union/70319360007/ |
After Phoenix's first 'Zone' homeless encampment cleanup, where did people go?
Where will people go?
That was the question on everyone’s mind when a judge in March ordered Phoenix to shut down its largest homeless encampment, "The Zone."
Now, over a month since the first block of the encampment was cleared out, the answer is still unclear in many cases. Although some people moved into shelter space and are still there, and others relocated elsewhere in The Zone, some moved to places unknown.
During the May 10 cleanup, 47 of the 60 people city staff engaged with accepted shelter or other services, according to city data, though that doesn’t include other people who may have left the area beforehand.
Phoenix officials aren’t able to say how many of those people are still in shelter. While each person is tracked in a database shared by homeless service providers throughout Maricopa County, it’s a heavy lift to pull comprehensive data on where everyone from the first cleanup is currently, said Scott Hall, deputy director of Phoenix’s Office of Homeless Solutions.
Meanwhile, The Zone, which occupies blocks near the intersection of 12th Avenue and Madison Street, continues to be incrementally shut down. The third block of the encampment is scheduled to be cleared on Wednesday.
The Arizona Republic attempted to track down six people who were cleared out of The Zone during the May 10 cleanup. Three are in a shelter or hotel room; another has been staying at a hotel but, after being told he has to leave, plans to move back to The Zone.
Two others couldn’t be reached, despite multiple attempts by Republic reporters. It’s unclear whether the people are in a shelter, on the street or somewhere else.
The disparate outcomes lay bare a number of truths about the region's response to homelessness: how getting into shelter can change lives — and being forced to leave it can upend them; how some types of shelter, like hotel rooms, are highly sought after but in far too short supply; and how the current approach to clearing out The Zone is working well for some people but not for everyone.
‘It was a total blessing’: One month in shelter
Brian Patrick had been living in The Zone for almost a year when the May 10 cleanup took place.
With the help of the city and the nonprofit Community Bridges Inc., the 53-year-old moved from his tent on Ninth Avenue between Washington and Jefferson streets to an Extend-a-Suites hotel in north Phoenix and has been there since.
The hotel was crucial as Patrick, like many other people, wasn't open to staying at a congregate shelter. Some people don’t feel safe living in a crowded setting, have experienced trauma during past shelter stays or don’t want to be separated from their partner or pets, which many shelters don’t allow. Other people may not want to pare down their belongings or abide by shelter rules, such as curfew hours or to stay sober.
The adjustment hasn’t been easy for Patrick. He misses the freedom of the street and is still getting used to the 10 p.m. curfew and daily room checks, which remind him of living at home.
But it’s a lot better than the alternative, he said. He’s inside and has access to a bathroom, air conditioning and a telephone — comforts the street didn’t provide.
“It couldn’t have come at a better time for me, because I have a hard time with the heat,” Patrick said. “So it was a total blessing, on my part.”
Patrick also now has food stamps, Medicaid benefits and even got a ride from a Community Bridges worker to the junkyard to get a few parts to fix his truck, he said.
“The city is doing a great job with me,” Patrick said. “CBI and the city, even though I was upset with them at first, they’ve done quite a bit to help me and the situation I was in.”
Whereabouts unknown
As the May 10 cleanup dragged on, Vanessa Martin grew more and more upset.
In the five months that the 38-year-old had lived on the block with her boyfriend, it had become home. Martin had even weeded the area around their tent and planted a garden of artificial flowers at its entrance.
So when it came time to leave, Martin felt “panicky,” she said. She couldn’t find her boyfriend, and she felt rushed by city and nonprofit workers as she packed up her things alone.
“This is all just a nightmarish thing,” Martin said that day, her voice cracking as she carried storage bins out of her tent. She had initially agreed to go to a shelter on Washington Street but was having second thoughts. She had tried shelters before, and the crowds were too much for her.
Next phase:Second block clearing in 'The Zone' Phoenix homeless encampment ends in arrest
As nonprofit workers and Hall, of the Office of Homeless Solutions, gently tried to convince her to change her mind, she began crying harder.
“I’m not ready to go yet,” she told them, wrapping herself in a red plaid blanket.
At one point, it seemed their coaxing had worked. Martin got into the backseat of a white SUV and nonprofit workers drove her away, presumably to a shelter.
But a little over an hour later, she was back in The Zone, gathering up the remainder of her makeshift home. By the end of the day, her belongings — an electric scooter, a plush unicorn backpack, the plaid blanket — were piled high on a street corner two blocks away.
It’s unclear where Martin and her boyfriend are now. A city spokesperson said the city was unable to release her personal information.
In the weeks since the May 10 cleanup, The Republic returned to the street corner three times to try to find Martin but couldn’t. The pile of her belongings is gone. Once, someone in a nearby tent said they had seen her a few days before. That was the only indication she was still there.
Temporarily sheltered, but heading back to 'The Zone'
In the early morning hours of May 10, before the cleanup began, Antoin “Applejacks” Jackson moved his tent and belongings to the corner of 11th Avenue and Jefferson Street, a few blocks deeper into The Zone.
The 59-year-old and his dog, Ruckus, had been staying there until June 9, when Jackson said he called 211 and managed to get a room at a Motel 6 operated by Community Bridges in east Phoenix.
Jackson and Ruckus have stayed at the motel every night since then — but their stay will likely soon come to an end. Community Bridges staff told him on June 16 that the program was temporary and that he would need to leave. His options? Go into a congregate shelter or be back on the street.
It's unclear why some people, like Patrick, are being offered long-term hotel stays while others aren't. A spokesperson for Community Bridges said the Motel 6 is "a short-term solution" and that the goal is "to have the person move quickly into a better housing option."
But Jackson doesn't view congregate shelters, which he's stayed in before, as a better option. On Tuesday, he said he was packed up and ready to go back to his tent in The Zone, feeling betrayed.
"Why did they even bring me here if they were going to kick me out?" he said.
Two friends find the right fit
A few hours after the May 10 cleanup, Daniel Mackey, 62, and Barry Hayes, 67, were settling into their new accommodations at The Bridge, a shelter for men run by Community Bridges, and were feeling optimistic.
“It’s gonna work out, I think," Mackey said that day. "I have high hopes for this.”
So far, it has. The friends are still at the shelter and spend their days doing chores, eating breakfast at a nearby park and working with staff on a permanent housing plan.
Shelter almost didn't stick for them. The day before the May 10 cleanup, they went to a large shelter on Washington Street, only to leave within an hour. It was too crowded and chaotic for them, they said, and they didn’t like having their bags checked upon entry.
The Bridge, which accommodates about 40 men, has more relaxed rules and is a much better fit, Hayes said.
Policing ‘The Zone’:Phoenix paralyzed as COVID-19 spread, population rose and violence grew
Their situation illustrates a point that outreach workers and advocates have been repeating for years: Shelters are not one-size-fits-all. Someone may not want to stay in a large shelter but could be open to staying somewhere else, which is why it’s important to have options.
“We’re doing fine, and we’re hanging tough,” Hayes said. “Our life has improved overall, I think, since we left The Zone.”
Juliette Rihl covers housing insecurity and homelessness for The Arizona Republic. She can be reached at jrihl@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @julietterihl.
Reach crime reporter Miguel Torres at Miguel.Torres@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @TheMiguelTorres.
Coverage of housing insecurity on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is supported by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/21/after-first-the-zone-homeless-camp-cleanup-in-phoenix-where-did-people-go/70331251007/ | 2023-06-21T13:44:11 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/21/after-first-the-zone-homeless-camp-cleanup-in-phoenix-where-did-people-go/70331251007/ |
Avondale pilots cool pavement project, hopes for environmental benefit
Avondale started a new cool pavement pilot project in the hopes that it will have some environmental benefits.
Phoenix was found to be an urban heat island, which means the temperature in urban areas is higher than in surrounding rural areas, largely due to the abundance of asphalt and concrete. A 2014 study found that quickly urbanizing areas on the outskirts of Phoenix had the greatest changes in surface temperature. And, as one of the rapidly growing cities in the southwest Valley, Avondale was the perfect candidate to test out cool pavement.
Avondale typically uses a rejuvenator on the pavement three to five years after it's initially installed, extending the life of the pavement by five to seven years, said Avondale City Engineer Aric Stewart. Pavement usually lasts about 20 years before the rejuvenator. While the cool pavement has rejuvenator in it, it is used in conjunction with the rejuvenator the city had previously used.
Heat relief:Phoenix leaders' goal to add extreme heat to FEMA's emergency list advances
This particular cool pavement is called PlusTi and was developed by Michigan-based Pavement Technology, Inc. According to the company's website, PlusTi helps to reduce air pollutants emitted by vehicles while also reducing urban heat and extending the life of asphalt and concrete pavements.
And while some cool pavements change the color of the road, this particular technology doesn't, Stewart said. The cool pavement is a sort of film that goes directly on top of the pavement, so the process is simpler than putting in entirely new pavement.
Since it is only the pilot project, the cool pavement was applied to an area of Old Town between Central Avenue and Third Avenue, south of Western Avenue. That area was selected because it is more vulnerable to higher surface temperatures. It also has a high concentration of pollutants like ozone, said Associate Engineer Kate Hein in an email to The Arizona Republic.
The city was able to pay for the cool pavement with a grant, with the total pilot project costing about $65,000, Hein said. And there is still a possibility the pavement will eventually be applied to more areas in Avondale.
The cool pavement was initially applied in May. Eight to 10 weeks after the initial application, Hein said Tennesee-based Pavement Restoration, Inc. will be back to compare the areas with the cool pavement to control areas located in the same area that did not receive the cool pavement application. The company will evaluate how the rejuvenator impacts the structure of the pavement as well as any environmental impacts. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2023/06/21/avondale-installs-cool-pavement-to-old-town-roads/70332177007/ | 2023-06-21T13:44:17 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2023/06/21/avondale-installs-cool-pavement-to-old-town-roads/70332177007/ |
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — During Tuesday night's meeting, Coeur d'Alene City Council voted to extend its contract with Ironman. The triathlon will now stay in north Idaho for another three years.
The 20th annual race will take place on Sunday, June 25, starting at Coeur d'Alene City Park and ending between First and Second Street on Sherman Ave.
During the 140.6-mile race, attendants will endure a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run.
For more information on this year's race, click here.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/coeur-dalene-city-council-votes-extend-contract-with-ironman/293-baee0b6c-9596-4b47-b3bd-6a7d0215618a | 2023-06-21T13:47:03 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho/coeur-dalene-city-council-votes-extend-contract-with-ironman/293-baee0b6c-9596-4b47-b3bd-6a7d0215618a |
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced that the investigation into around 100 suspicious letters sent to legislators and public officials has now expanded beyond Kansas, so the FBI will now be the agency leading the investigation.
The KBI says they will continue to work with all law enforcement partners to bring an appropriate resolution to the incidents.
“Our focus remains on ensuring the safety of Kansans, and holding those responsible for these crimes accountable, said KBI Director Tony Mattivi. “The KBI is so appreciative of the incredible coordination and outstanding response by countless federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as by fire departments and hazmat teams to this unprecedented event.”
The KBI says they have had 60 special agents, forensic scientists and employees devoted to safely collecting or screening evidence or managing and tracking response to the incidents. Additionally, 17 hazmat teams and 12 bomb squads responded across the state. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/white-powder-letter-investigation-expands-beyond-kansas/ | 2023-06-21T13:59:32 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/white-powder-letter-investigation-expands-beyond-kansas/ |
HARTWELL, Ga. — Contstantin Pascal was getting ready to celebrate his 46th birthday and 11th wedding anniversary. However, the father of two never even got the chance to open his Father’s Day gifts.
On June 16, multiple agencies from Georgia and South Carolina, including Georgia Game Wardens with Department of Natural Resources, responded to a drowning at Paynes Creek Boat Ramp on Lake Hartwell.
Ana Pscal said her husband, their 10-year-old and 6-year-old sons along with her mother-in-law were on their ski boat. Ana decided to stay behind. She said they were pulling the boys on a tube behind the boat when she decided to head back to Lawrenceville.
On her way back she got a call from her mother-in-law and her oldest son stating something bad happened.
“Mom, I don’t see daddy, I don’t see Emanuel. I’m shaking, I’m scared,” she recalled her 10-year-old son Daniel telling her.
She told them to call 911 and she hung up and did the same.
When Ana got back to the lake, she learned her husband jumped in the lake and never resurfaced.
PHOTOS | Husband, father of two died days before Father’s Day while saving son in Lake Hartwell
Ana said at some point while Contstantin was pulling their youngest son on a tube, he fell off the tube and his life jacket slipped off.
“He was trying to struggle to survive,” she explained.
Her husband stopped the boat and dove into the water to help his son.
“Daniel said he (Contstantin) was holding his hands to his chest and his mom said he was gargling, then he went down,” Ana said.
In the meantime, someone on a jet ski happened to be riding by and saw the commotion. Ana said that person helped pull her youngest son out of the water.
It wasn’t long until Game Wardens, with assistance from Hart County Fire, Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County, SC Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, and the Elbert County Fire Dive Team, started using several boats to search the area with SONAR. Divers were also in the water searching.
DNR said on June 17 at 6:40 p.m., the Elbert County Fire Dive Team recovered Contstantin’s body in 43 feet of water.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without him, every night I wake up in the middle of the night and say this is a dream, but this is not a dream, it’s real,” Ana explained as she began to cry.
She added, “We kind of joked around like I cannot live without you and here I am trying to live without him… and it’s hard, it’s hard without him."
Ana said her mother-in-law is visiting from Romania. She was here to see her grandkids and to visit, but now must bury her son before she returns.
“No mother should have to bury their child,” she said.
Ana said now she’s just trying to figure out how to move forward and be there for her two boys as they learn to live without Contstantin.
“He was the love of my life, he was my soul mate,” Ana explained.
She said he couldn’t have been a better father, “He did everything for the family, everything.”
Up until his last breath, saving his youngest child.
“This is not how it’s supposed to be," Ana explained.
Drownings in Georgia, first half of the year comparisons:
- 2023 YTD (1/1/2023 – 6/19/2023) drownings in Georgia - 20
- 2022 (1/1/2022 – 6/19/2022) drownings in Georgia - 26
- 2021 (1/1/2021 – 6/19/2021) drownings in Georgia – 29 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/constantin-pascal-lake-hartwell-deaht-tubing-rescue-son/85-6c70dbc1-a5fc-43e9-ae23-57d7361a84cd | 2023-06-21T14:00:46 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/constantin-pascal-lake-hartwell-deaht-tubing-rescue-son/85-6c70dbc1-a5fc-43e9-ae23-57d7361a84cd |
DUNWOODY, Ga. — A hairstylist is recovering from an unintentional brush with a white powder that police now suspect contained fentanyl— a momentary contact that struck him down instantly.
The powder was inside an envelope delivered to Salon Colour at The Shops of Dunwoody on Chamblee-Dunwoody Road. The mystery: Who sent it there?
It was a large “priority mail” envelope.
The address on the envelope was not visible because it was covered with stickers that said, “Return to Sender.”
And the return address—was the salon’s address.
Stylist Penny Boaz said that at about 2 p.m., one of the stylists opened the envelope, “And then all of a sudden, the next thing I know, he's out."
The stylist had collapsed in his chair.
"And his eyes had rolled back in the back of his head, he was catatonic," said Stylist Jennifer Finnell.
Finnell and Boaz said the stylist stopped breathing briefly.
First responders “got here, and they gave him a drug to revive him,” Boaz said and took him to a hospital.
Dunwoody police said Tuesday that their field tests indicated the powder contained fentanyl, and they are sending the powder to the state crime lab for analysis.
The envelope arrived at the salon two to three weeks ago, Boaz said and sat on a table with other unopened mail.
Boaz and Finnell said several people in the salon picked it up and looked at it, but no one gopenedit until Tuesday.
“It sat around and sat around,” Boaz said, “and I started to tear back the return-to-sender label thinking, well, let’s see if we can see who it was sent to (originally). And I said, nah, just forget it, I don’t have time, I’ll check later.”
No one believes, now, that it originated at the salon.
Detectives are working to track back who sent it to the salon and why, and they’re checking if there have been similar incidents in metro Atlanta in recent weeks.
"It makes you not want to open your mail,” Finnell said, “it’s very scary, actually."
Dunwoody police statistics show that drug overdoses in the city tripled from 2015 through 2022. Now the stylists at Salon Colours are on edge, believing someone may have meant them to harm for no reason they can imagine.
“It is a mystery, it is,” Boaz said. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/dunwoody/dunwoody-salon-suspicious-package-fentanyl/85-d58ae294-9f94-4297-ab4e-1c82adec71a2 | 2023-06-21T14:00:48 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/dunwoody/dunwoody-salon-suspicious-package-fentanyl/85-d58ae294-9f94-4297-ab4e-1c82adec71a2 |
News Tribune, June 21, 1983
One of the pioneers in the development of Minnesota's peat industry, the late Joseph Leoni of Gilbert, will be honored at that town's Diamond Jubilee celebration later this month. Leoni was active for 30 years in the commercial development of peat.
The 41-unit Pineview Apartments, adjoining the Carlton Nursing Home in Carlton, will be dedicated in a ceremony this Sunday. The $1.8 million complex combines the appeal of private apartments with the advantages of some central facilities and nursing service when needed.
News Tribune, June 21, 1923
About 600 teachers are enrolled in the 21st annual summer school of the Duluth State Teachers College, the largest number in the history of the school. Fifty teachers from Duluth schools are enrolled, but also included are teachers from nearly every county in Minnesota.
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For the first time in the history of courts in Superior, a jury currently serving includes more women than men. The jury was chosen for the case of the American District Telegraph Company against the Benson Electric Company over the provision of night watchman services. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-century-ago-more-women-than-men-chosen-for-superior-jury | 2023-06-21T14:04:18 | 1 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/bygones-century-ago-more-women-than-men-chosen-for-superior-jury |
DALLAS — Editor's note: The video published above was a WFAA report from April profiling the Disney exhibit.
An immersive Disney experience at Lighthouse ArtSpace Dallas has closed months after it opened, according to the company.
WFAA profiled the new exhibit in April, and it was scheduled to run for three months. A viewer reached out to WFAA saying her tickets had been canceled and was never told why.
WFAA reached out to Lighthouse Immersive and were given the following statement:
“Yes, Lighthouse Immersive has closed its production of Immersive Disney Animation in Dallas. We are currently working on contacting our guests and issuing refunds for ticket purchases, as taking care of our guests is our primary goal at the moment.”
On the Lighthouse Immersive Studios website, a message acknowledging the closing read:
"Lighthouse Immersive regrets to announced that our production of Immersive Disney Animation in Dallas has closed. All ticketholders will receive a full refund. We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience."
It remains unclear why the Disney immersive exhibit closed. WFAA has also reached out to Disney and has not heard back.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-disney-movie-immersive-artspace-experience-canceled/287-861916d0-a810-4236-b2a9-4e1716c2621d | 2023-06-21T14:04:18 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-texas-disney-movie-immersive-artspace-experience-canceled/287-861916d0-a810-4236-b2a9-4e1716c2621d |
DALLAS COUNTY, Texas — Westbound lanes of Interstate 20 were shut down Tuesday morning due to a crash involving a motorcycle, according to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO).
Officials said traffic units responded at approximately 5:57 a.m. on June 20 to westbound lanes of I-20, just east of the Mountain Creek Parkway exit between Duncanville and Grand Prairie.
The office told WFAA there was an accident involving a motorcycle and the rider was in the roadway. The rider was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
The Dallas County Sheriff's Office Vehicle Crimes Unit is asking for help from anyone who saw the accident or may have dash cam video of the incident. If you have any information of video, DCSO is asking you contact VCU@dallascounty.org or call (214)589-2343.
More Texas headlines: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/i-20-shut-down-motorcycle-accident-mountain-creek-parkway/287-fff6ce99-2dcf-4a45-a7bc-a92a0e75ce9b | 2023-06-21T14:04:24 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/i-20-shut-down-motorcycle-accident-mountain-creek-parkway/287-fff6ce99-2dcf-4a45-a7bc-a92a0e75ce9b |
Here is your Duluth News Tribune Minute podcast for Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
The Duluth News Tribune Minute is a product of Forum Communications Company and is brought to you by reporters at the Duluth News Tribune, Superior Telegram and Cloquet Pine Journal. Find more news throughout the day at duluthnewstribune.com. Subscribe and rate us at
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CRESSON, Texas — An electric company is planning a power outage Wednesday morning that will impact customers near the Forth Worth area.
Tri-County Electric Cooperative said the outage will affect approximately 70 members in the Bourland Field area near Cresson. It's scheduled to start at 9 a.m. and run for no more than four hours (until 1 p.m., at the latest).
The company said members who are subscribed to its special alerts received a text and email about the planned outage.
"It is in our mission to provide safe, reliable power to our members," Tri-County said in a statement. "From time to time, we must take planned outages in order to safely make repairs and perform maintenance work to ensure members have reliable electricity."
This planned outage comes the day after ERCOT asked Texans to voluntarily conserve electricity. The provider issued a notice for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday due to extreme heat the expected record demand.
Note: The following video was recorded during the ERCOT conservation notice on June 20. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/planned-power-outage-texas-wednesday-bourland-field-cresson-tri-county-electric-cooperative/287-48a95a29-5b61-4d88-9f4e-1a71ae881075 | 2023-06-21T14:04:30 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/planned-power-outage-texas-wednesday-bourland-field-cresson-tri-county-electric-cooperative/287-48a95a29-5b61-4d88-9f4e-1a71ae881075 |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A Winter Park couple who boarded a Blue Origin flight to the edge of space last year would later bring a fraud lawsuit against Stockton Rush, the man currently thought to be lost with four others in the Titanic-hunting “Titan” submersible somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, according to a lawsuit filed in February on behalf of plaintiffs Sharon Hagle and Marc Hagle.
After their 10-minute mission — notably New Shepard’s fourth crewed flight in March 2022 from Van Horn, Texas — the Hagles said their dreams had come true. Appearing in the News 6 studio to discuss the launch, the couple told us that they had been preparing for such a trip the last 15-odd years.
“We’ve done lots of things that have just been a lot of fun for us, in addition to a terrific training program that Blue Origin initiated,” he said. “...When you’re floating in space and you’re looking at the black darkness of space, compared to the small blue circle that Earth is within space, it has an impact on you personally.”
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According to the couple’s lawsuit against Rush, however, it would appear the two intended to take their derring-do to the ocean floor just as well.
They at least paid for it, the suit claims, stating they each invested no less than $105,129 with OceanGate on Rush’s promises that they would be taken on an expedition to the site of the wrecked RMS Titanic aboard the company’s “Cyclops 2″ submersible vessel.
Concerning the Hagles, Rush began to substantially dig into these claims personally in September 2017, the lawsuit states.
At the time, the Hagles were allegedly having second thoughts about deposits made in November 2016 with OceanGate — reportedly of $10,000 each — on the pretense that the money would be kept in a dedicated client escrow account, one of several things the lawsuit claims was not done. It was promised to the Hagles that those deposits would keep them in the loop to later make a “milestone payment” in October 2017, with the exact payment date to be set 15 days after the first dive of Cyclops 2.
The Hagles contemplated backing out of their contract as the timeline reached September 2017 with no first dive yet performed, to which Rush allegedly traveled to Orange County to urge the couple to remain invested with OceanGate, the lawsuit states. Their meeting on Sept. 27, 2017, reportedly saw Rush expound on the submersible and what could be expected once it was operational, inviting the Hagles on deep-diving tests in the Bahamas and “definitively” stating Cyclops 2 would be ready to dive to the Titanic in June 2018.
To boot, the Hagles received and signed new contracts in January 2018 stipulating — in reliance of Rush’s promises — that they would pay $190,258 to OceanGate in anticipation of that June voyage, the suit claims. The money was wired in February 2018, and Cyclops 2 was renamed “Titan” about a month later, according to the lawsuit.
The June 2018 voyage was canceled and rescheduled to July 2019 due to how “OceanGate had not had sufficient time to conduct the full series of tests and dives needed to certify the Titan to the depth necessary to reach the Titanic,” the suit states.
The July 2019 mission was canceled a month ahead of time because a contracted support vessel “refused to participate” — with OceanGate later including “equipment failure” as a reason for cancellation — and the expedition was eventually pushed to July 2020.
With their investments in OceanGate now set to go unrealized for years, the Hagles demanded full refunds of $105,129 each, at which point an “expedition manager” at the company was tasked in June 2019 with developing a “full refund plan for those who want it.”
The July 2020 mission, too, was canceled, this time via email in October 2019, the lawsuit states.
Around that time, OceanGate reportedly replied to refund requests by “demanding that (the Hagles) participate in a July 2021 Expedition, and stating that if (the Hagles) failed to participate in the 2021 Expedition they would not be entitled to a refund or credit,” the suit states.
Rush, who was the CEO of OceanGate and had full and complete knowledge of the status of the Expedition planning and Cyclops 2 testing and control over OceanGate’s deposit and refund policies, knew or should have known of the falsity of these representations when they were made.
Rush made the false representations to Plaintiff with the express intent that Plaintiffs would (a) rely on the representations, (b) not withdraw from participating in the Expedition, (c) sign the Second Contracts, and (d) accelerate the payment of the full balance of the cost for the Expedition to OceanGate.
(...)
When the Expedition was delayed for multiple years, Plaintiffs requested a refund in accordance with Rush’s representations, but their refund requests were refused.
Plaintiffs were also informed that their monies were not maintained in a separate escrow account.
As a result, Plaintiffs have suffered and incurred damages.
Filing # 166896666 E-Filed 02/15/2023 05:02:00 PM (page 7)
Titan — with Rush said to be on board with British businessman Hamish Harding, Titanic expert Paul-Henry Nargeolet, and father-and-son Shahzada and Suleman Dawood — was reported overdue Sunday night, prompting search efforts about 435 miles south of St. John’s, Newfoundland.
U.S. Coast Guard officials said Tuesday that search efforts had already covered 10,000 square miles. Though it was reported early Wednesday by the Coast Guard that Canadian aircraft had detected underwater noises during more recent search operations for Titan, the five onboard are thought to have only enough oxygen to last them until 6 a.m. Thursday.
Read the lawsuit below-
Hagle Lawsuit Doc by Brandon Hogan on Scribd
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/central-florida-couple-who-went-to-space-sued-oceangate-ceo-over-titanic-voyage-fraud-claims/ | 2023-06-21T14:08:24 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/21/central-florida-couple-who-went-to-space-sued-oceangate-ceo-over-titanic-voyage-fraud-claims/ |
Aerospace and defense giant Raytheon Technologies Corp. has rebranded itself as “RTX,” and its defense businesses, including Tucson-based Raytheon Missiles & Defense, will be operated under the name “Raytheon,” with top management based in Tucson.
The changes, detailed Monday at an investors’ conference at the Paris Air Show, are part of a corporate restructuring announced in January that condenses the company into three businesses: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon.
The changes announced by Arlington, Virginia-based RTX are not expected to result in any operational changes in Tucson, a Raytheon spokeswoman said.
Raytheon is the Tucson region’s biggest employer with about 13,000 local workers.
“While we honor our legacy, we are always looking to the future — and that future is RTX,” RTX Chairman and CEO Gregory Hayes said, citing a $180 billion order backlog for its commercial aerospace and defense platforms.
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The investor event in Paris included a presentation by Wes Kremer, president of the combined Raytheon business after heading Raytheon Missiles & Defense since Raytheon Co.’s 2020 merger with United Technologies Corp. to form Raytheon Technologies Corp.
Under the new corporate structure, Raytheon Intelligence & Space business will no longer be a separately reporting business unit. The Virginia-based business was the result of a post-merger combination of two former Raytheon Co. business units, Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services and Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems.
Another previous Raytheon unit, Integrated Defense Systems, was folded into Raytheon Missiles & Defense as part of the 2020 merger.
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-raytheon-defense-name-rtx/article_1672d938-0f9d-11ee-a12d-cb1b6d877102.html | 2023-06-21T14:14:44 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-raytheon-defense-name-rtx/article_1672d938-0f9d-11ee-a12d-cb1b6d877102.html |
Tucson and the rest of the Southwest are dealing with a water crisis. How do you think the crisis will affect Tucsonans? What steps should the City of Tucson take to deal with it?
Question to candidates: Tucson and the rest of the Southwest is dealing with a water crisis. How do you think the crisis will affect Tucsonans? What steps should the City of Tucson take to deal with it?
Mayor
Arthur Kerschen
Tucson can encourage conservation without subsidies.
Regina Romero
As a desert city, Tucson had to adjust its water management practices. We went from being one of the largest cities in the U.S. fully dependent on groundwater to a city with a diverse water portfolio.
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As a Council Member, I worked to create a Water Service Area Policy to establish a defined water service boundary, recognizing that our water resources are finite and making it possible for Tucson to plan for a sustainable future.
The steps that the City of Tucson has already taken, such as investing in water conservation, infrastructure, and management, have helped reduce per-person water use and allowed the city to store a significant portion of its Colorado River water allocation for the future. The city's recycling of wastewater for non-potable uses, its rainwater and stormwater harvesting programs, and its robust Water Conservation Program are also noteworthy, as they provide tangible benefits to residents and businesses while conserving water resources.
Thanks to our diverse water portfolio and strong commitment to conservation, Tucson is recognized as one of the most water-resilient cities in the nation. Tucsonans will likely be able to weather the impacts of the water crisis better than many other cities in the Southwest.
However, with a deepening drought and increasing threats of climate change, we should not let our guard down. We have enough water to thrive but not to waste.
To continue being good stewards of our water resources, the City of Tucson should consider additional steps such as:
- Expanding diversification of water sources: While Tucson has already diversified its water portfolio, it may be worthwhile to explore additional sources such as desalination and expanding the wastewater network.
- Water conservation policies: While the city has made significant progress in reducing per-person water use, we should continue to discourage wasteful water use to further reduce consumption in the face of ongoing population growth and climate change.
- Promoting rainwater harvesting: While the city already offers rebates for rainwater harvesting, increased promotion and education around this practice and streamlining the rebate application process could help further reduce demand for potable water.
- Infrastructure improvements: While the city continues to invest in its infrastructure, ongoing upgrades for water infrastructure systems are needed, including pipes, pumps, and treatment plants, to improve efficiency, quality and reduce water loss.
- Cooperation: Continue to collaborate with other cities, government agencies, and stakeholders to develop a regional approach to water management and conservation.
Overall, the City of Tucson needs to continue to take a proactive approach to address the water crisis and ensure that its citizens have access to clean, safe, and reliable water resources for years to come.
Janet "JL" Wittenbraker
Water conservation is the most important issue for all Tucsonans, Americans and Worldwide. I believe we must take immediate action to protect this valuable resource and work for common solutions, e.g., conservation and reclamation. I am undecided on water harvesting because I am uninformed of the impact on the ecology. I do not believe conservation through penalties, e.g., high water bill, is a successful deterrent nor do I believe it is fair to low economic and/or multi-person households. Rather, I would suggest a discounted rate based on one’s conservation, e.g., a household using 10% less water is rewarded with a lower water bill and discounted per unit rate of #%. Again, I must defer this question to a later date when I’ve had the opportunity to review all City initiatives and speak with department leadership, employees, constituents, and subject matter experts.
Ed Ackerley
EFFICIENCY. One of the good things about Tucson is the good water management that has taken place over the years. The basin in Tucson and Avra Valley has enough water to sustain Tucson for well over 50 years, considering population growth, new housing, and industrial use. Beat the Peak was a successful campaign to limit water usage, convert lawns, and prepare the community for dwindling water resources in the future. City of Tucson needs to enhance its relationship with the University of Arizona, recognized around the world a one of the most knowledgeable water resource programs. The City of Tucson should take advantage of that resource.
Ward 1
Victoria Lem
Victoria Lem did not respond to our questionnaire.
Miguel Ortega
We are indeed dealing with a water crisis here in Tucson and the rest of the Southwest, and we should act accordingly. The City should be very intentional about requiring development to implement stronger water conservation measures into their new communities, including gray water and water harvesting. While it should involve all of our efforts to conserve, the larger burden should be placed on big companies and development as they are using larger amounts of water. We should also build partnerships with state and federal campaigns to conserve water.
Lane Santa Cruz
The City of Tucson has led water conservation efforts for decades. The drought crisis we have been experiencing for over 22 years comes from decades of poor planning from regional partners, and Tucsonans will need to continue water conservation efforts.
The City of Tucson has taken important steps to create water policies that will support a safe and secure water supply into our future. Water conservation is key. Tucson already has policies in place, such as recycling wastewater for non-potable uses, developing rainwater and stormwater harvesting programs.
Expanding our local recharging efforts, such as the Santa Cruz River Heritage Project, contribute to these efforts.
Ward 2
Paul Cunningham
The City of Tucson has been actively preparing for this water crisis for the last 20 years, and we are in better shape than any other large municipality in terms of our wet water storage, our CAP allocation, our reclaimed water partnership with Pima County and our gallons per capita per day usage (gpcd). This puts us in an ideal situation to pursue next-level water strategies like leaving water in Lake Mead to benefit the whole region as well as our managed recharge and green stormwater infrastructure programs like the Santa Cruz Heritage Project, that provide quality of life enhancements as well as water table recharge for our community. Tucson Water also continues to develop its cutting-edge rebate and education programs funded by the Conservation Fund (which I have consistently supported).
That is not to say that we don't have significant water challenges in our community. We are still a desert community and a large percentage of our aquifers are contaminated. We need to continue to innovate to ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy Tucson as we have. My office is active in discussions of new conservation programs and in the development of OneWater 2100, Tucson Water’s Master Plan for water in the 21st century. I have also consistently supported any and all efforts to accelerate cleanup of our aquifers.
In Ward 2, I will continue to work with well owners to turn off wells, particularly in shallow groundwater areas to enhance recharge of the aquifer. More than a dozen Ward 2 wells have been shut off since my time in office, and my office is currently working with several well owners to discuss bringing them onto the City’s renewable water supply.
Lisa Nutt
Water is life, and the water crisis is the single most important issue facing our city and our state. The impact on every part of our lives from our economy to our homes to our very future as a city. Tucson has done a much better job of conserving water than any other municipality in Arizona. Our community has been storing excess CAP water underground for years, which positions us to serve our current and immediate future needs. Tucson's culture of conservation is a strength-based approach we can continue to build upon and use in shaping policy and managing this precious finite resource. In addition, as a city council member, I want to push for Tucson to offer greater financial incentives for people and businesses to implement broader rainwater harvesting, cisterns, switching to either desert landscaping, artificial turf and other water-saving devices (like drip irrigation for agriculture) that can go a long way to additional water preservation.
Ernie Shack
Ernie Shack echoed Wittenbraker’s responses
Pendleton Spicer
I am skeptical that our water shortage is as dire as sometimes described and believe that all sides of the issue need to be thoroughly researched and decisions made based on that investigation. That being said, regardless of the degree of shortage, Tucsonans should be encouraged to value water and use it judiciously, given the fact that we live in a desert environment. Caution needs to be exercised in maintaining the quality of water, as well as the quantity so that we don't repeat the destructive situations Tucson has experienced with water quality in the past. Tucson can help to maintain local control of CAP water with the states that receive the water while discouraging the interference of federal intervention. Research into the city/county issues over water allocation and control is something I must do.
Ward 4
Ross Kaplowitch
Water conservation is incredibly important, and I want to talk to both the community and city and county leadership before I devise a proposal.
Nikki Lee
As a City Council Member and a Tucsonan, I am deeply concerned about the ongoing water crisis that our city and the Southwest region is facing. Years of drought conditions undoubtedly have a significant impact on the ~40 million people who rely on the Colorado River for water, affecting not only their daily lives but also our environment, economy, and infrastructure.
Tucson has been a leader in great water policy and aggressive water conservation efforts for decades. While we all need to focus on water conservation in our homes and businesses, we can be proud of ourselves as Tucsonans for the mindset we share around water conservation. As city leaders, we must manage and secure our water resources and infrastructure, ensuring we have safe and clean water to efficiently supply to Tucsonans for generations to come.
In 2022, Tucson Water installed approximately 20,000 linear feet of transmission mains and drilled 4 production wells to keep Tucson’s water flowing safely and securely. We helped Tucson prepare for the future by upgrading 27 million gallons of groundwater storage. We encouraged Tucson Water customers to purchase water-saving appliances and provided 4,128 rebates to customers for those purchases. Because of the rebate program and the initiative of Tucsonans, we collectively conserved 30.7 million gallons of water through the replacement of appliances.
To continue making progress in this critical area, and after months of community engagement, Tucson Water has begun drafting the One Water 2100 Master Plan. The goal for this plan is to ensure a sustainable, high-quality water supply into the future. To learn more about this plan and engage in this effort, you can visit https://tucsononewater.com/. | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/city-election-questionnaire-water/article_d7825e56-f403-11ed-8cb8-3744fd239736.html | 2023-06-21T14:14:53 | 1 | https://tucson.com/opinion/local/city-election-questionnaire-water/article_d7825e56-f403-11ed-8cb8-3744fd239736.html |
GREENSBORO — One person was wounded in an overnight shooting on East Market Street and is recovering in a local hospital, Greensboro police said in a news release.
Officers responded shortly before 3 a.m. to the Great Stops in the 2400 block of East Market Street and found the gunshot victim, who was hospitalized in stable condition, police said.
Police have not released any information about possible suspects, the victim or what may have led to the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Greensboro/Guilford Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. Residents can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to P3tips.org to submit a web tip. All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-say-1-person-was-wounded-overnight-in-greensboro-shooting/article_d9f1ea54-102c-11ee-a8b0-6bc4398ed779.html | 2023-06-21T14:18:50 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/police-say-1-person-was-wounded-overnight-in-greensboro-shooting/article_d9f1ea54-102c-11ee-a8b0-6bc4398ed779.html |
GREENSBORO — A new school that will serve students in the western part of Guilford County is one major step closer to being built.
High Point's City Council voted Tuesday to annex the land for the school and then to rezone it for institutional use.
The votes were 7-2 and 6-3, respectively. The new school — to be named for famed NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson — is expected to have a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math theme, and include STEM laboratories for use by the students there. It will serve kindergarten through eighth grade, a configuration that's more common in other states and among charter schools and private schools.
As Guilford County Schools Superintendent Whitney Oakley explained, students will come from a-yet-to-be-set geographic area around the school, rather than through a school choice or magnet process.
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Neighbors of the properties at 721 S. Bunker Hill Road and 8869 and 8871 Boylston Road fought hard to keep the school annexation and rezoning from happening, bringing forward a wide variety of concerns including traffic and quality-of-life issues, but came up short on Tuesday, with only High Point Mayor Jay Wagner and Councilmen Britt Moore and Victor Jones casting opposing votes.
That vote came after an hours-long hearing that dominated Tuesday's city council meeting.
Council members had plenty of questions for High Point City planners recommending the project, other city staff, the school district representatives, and some of the Colfax neighbors who spoke out against the proposal. Topics were all over the map — Wagner asked about lighting for the school sports fields, for example — but one major chunk centered around school-attendance numbers and patterns, and whether a new school at this location would actually benefit High Point.
"When you ask a council to make these type of very important and emotional decisions and we take an oath to uphold the best interests of High Point, it would be interesting to know at least what your anticipation of the attendance is, because I don't think Colfax pays taxes in High Point," Moore said.
Oakley said school officials have seen explosive growth in the east, northwest and south of the county, and broader, shallower declines in enrollment across the rest of the district. The growth of charter schools in the area and more people homeschooling their children since the pandemic are contributing factors to the declines. She added that it's not clear yet how lasting the shift to homeschooling might be, and that it can also be complicated to make predictions about students in charter schools, because many families who go with charter schools for elementary school come back to the district for middle or high school.
She said one major long-term goal for the district is to shift students out of mobile units like the ones currently being used at nearby elementary schools. Part of her passion for that goal, she said, is thinking about a mobile unit at the former Hampton Elementary School in Greensboro that blew apart on a Sunday in 2018 when no students were present.
"It’s not a picture that I can get out of my head," she said.
In explaining his desire to vote in favor of the measure, Councilman Cyril Jefferson said that when schools are seeing declining enrollment, as some are in High Point, it's not just a function of what the school district does or how it draws its attendance lines, or where it puts new schools. The City of High Point, he said, has a role to play in slowing or reversing school-enrollment declines by investing in communities in ways that make people want to live there.
The vote by the High Point Council allows Oakley to go forward with asking the school board to approve the finalization of purchasing the land. Guilford County commissioners will have to approve the price for the sale. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/colfax-high-point-city-council-k-8-school-katherine-johnson-stem-traffic-neighbors-oakley-wagner-moore/article_0a008206-101d-11ee-ab97-b7ca375b5330.html | 2023-06-21T14:18:56 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/education/colfax-high-point-city-council-k-8-school-katherine-johnson-stem-traffic-neighbors-oakley-wagner-moore/article_0a008206-101d-11ee-ab97-b7ca375b5330.html |
GREENSBORO — By a 7-2 vote, the City Council approved a $751.3 million budget that includes a 4-cent property tax rate increase.
Mayor Nancy Vaughan and Councilman Zack Matheny voted against the budget at Tuesday night’s meeting.
The council also voted 7-2 to increase water and sewer rates by 8.5%, with Matheny and Councilwoman Sharon Hightower dissenting.
The property-tax rate will increase by 4 cents — to 67.25 cents per $100 of property value. A property assessed at $250,000 will carry a $1,681.25 tax bill — an increase of $93.25 over the present tax rate.
The budget is for fiscal year 2023-24, which begins July 1. It amounts to a 9.2% increase — about $63 million — over the present year’s budget of $688 million.
Under the plan, starting salaries for Greensboro police officers will rise from $46,300 to $55,000 starting in September. Also in September, the minimum wage for city employees will increase from $15.91 to $18 an hour, then to $18.71 in December and finally to $19.47 by December 2024, City Manager Taiwo Jaiyeoba said.
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“This tax increase is really hard to swallow,” Hightower said. “But if it gets us to where we need to get to, hopefully we'll get stabilized and we won't have to do anything further for awhile.”
Mayor Pro Tem Yvonne Johnson noted that the city loses money when it isn't competitive because other police departments lure officers away with higher salaries — after Greensboro has trained them.
Regarding the increased police officer salaries, Marikay Abuzuaiter said: “This is going to at least ... make an attempt to make sure our city is safe.”
The budget also includes new positions in the fire department, as well as in the planning, engineering/inspections, transportation and water resources departments.
It also accounts for the higher costs of goods and services.
Councilman Hugh Holston said 2 cents of the 4-cent property tax rate increase can be traced to council decisions earlier this year to raise employee salaries.
“Great decision, though, because we’re taking care of our employees and I think we should continue to take care of our employees,” Holston said.
However, Councilwoman Nancy Hoffmann said the city still isn’t maintaining its infrastructure.
“It’s not just a matter of digging ourselves out of a hole in terms of the maintenance needs of the city,” she said. “We’re in a crater.
“Over the last few decades, councils have not have not increased taxes significantly — last year was an exception because of the property revaluation. And it's unfortunate that we're having to come back and add that this year, but ... to provide the services that our citizens want and need … we’re just faced with that.”
Though they supported the pay increases, Vaughan and Matheny said they thought the city’s budget should have been smaller.
“Last year, we had a monumental tax increase, equating to $48 million in additional revenue for the city,” said Matheny, referring to the amount brought in by a countywide property revaluation. “This budget equates to an additional $60 million. That’s $109 million in two years in additional revenue. That's huge.
“It may seem like a nominal tax increase to some, but that property tax is going to filter down to those people who are struggling to pay rent.”
Vaughan suggested a change in the budget process.
“Maybe next year the charge should be to tell department heads, like we used to, to find 5% that you can cut out of your budget,” Vaughan said. “I think just about anybody can find fat in their budget, whether it's a home or a company.
“And after the huge increase of last year, I can't believe that there wasn't any excess revenue.”
Vaughan suggested the city should consider other revenue sources, such as a prepared food tax, increased occupancy tax or a facility fee added to coliseum arena tickets.
Greensboro's 2023-24 budget adopted Tuesday will be published online at greensboro-nc.gov/departments/budget-evaluation in July, according to a city news release.
As for the water and sewer rate increase that was approved by the council separately, that would mean $4.38 more a month for customers inside the city and $10.93 monthly for outside customers.
Explaining why she voted against it, Hightower said she didn’t want to “zap residents twice” — referring to the just-approved property tax increase.
But Vaughan said the city's water and sewer capacity benefits Greensboro’s economy.
“We could not do all of these large economic development announcements that we’ve had over the last two years without the water and sewer plan that we do (have),” Vaughan said. | https://greensboro.com/news/local/property-tax-increase-greensboro-budget/article_4b7fc0be-0fc5-11ee-8d89-23e56ebba63e.html | 2023-06-21T14:18:57 | 1 | https://greensboro.com/news/local/property-tax-increase-greensboro-budget/article_4b7fc0be-0fc5-11ee-8d89-23e56ebba63e.html |
The National Football League has announced several important dates for the 2023 season and 2024 offseason, including the dates of the NFL international games this season, the 2024 Pro Bowl and Super Bowl, and plenty of contract and free agency deadlines.
2023 NFL OFFSEASON IMPORTANT DATES
July 17 – Last day for teams to sign franchise player to a long-term contract extension. After this date, the player may only sign a one-year contract.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley are among the players that have received a franchise tag, but not yet agreed to a contract.
The backs are part of a significant offseason storyline of teams refusing to pay top running backs, which is setting up future drama between the Steelers and Najee Harris.
Read more from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/nfl-announces-important-dates-2023-2024-seasons/ULZHWQCCJNACDP6LY2RISSA76A/ | 2023-06-21T14:22:25 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/nfl-announces-important-dates-2023-2024-seasons/ULZHWQCCJNACDP6LY2RISSA76A/ |
Hotel development near Academy of Model Aeronautics dies, other hotel prospects await
MUNCIE, Ind. − The city's westside is getting a new 105-room hotel that will be branded as a Holiday Inn Express & Suites.
Zoning for the hotel, to be located on Hometown Boulevard off Nebo Road behind the Greg Hubler Hyundai dealership, was recently approved.
The current Muncie Holiday Inn Express, 4201 W Bethel Ave., is expected to undergo a name change in the near future, according to Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour.
According to the city, construction of the new hotel is expected to begin in August, with a 10-month construction timeline. The developer is Amerilodge group, based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The hotel is expected to bring 50 to 60 new jobs to Muncie.
More:Study finds Memorial Drive near AMA offers best site for proposed eastside hotel
A 2020 hotel study showed that Muncie could support at least three new hotels. But Ridenour said that hopes for a new eastside hotel along Memorial Drive east of the Muncie Bypass never came to fruition.
The same study said that location was was the best spot in Muncie to erect a new 55-room hotel that would serve the southern and eastern parts of the community. But property owners and developers failed to reach an agreement and, as interest rates increased, the development became less practical, according to Ridenour.
"The conversation has essentially stalled," said Chad Budreau, executive director of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, which owns the property where the proposed eastern development site was located. "It likely may not happen on this side of town."
Budreau said he had also heard other locations in the city were attracting new inns.
With the new Holiday Inn and another hotel planned for The Village at the Ball State University Campus, two of the three hotels the city could absorb are already on their way to being developed. The mayor also said other innkeepers are looking at Muncie as a location.
More:Plans push ahead for Ball State plans to revitalize The Village
“There’s definitely a need,” said Ridenour in a press release. “There are so many conventions and events hosted in Muncie, and our hoteliers have been overbooked for years.”
The proposed hotel at The Village is to be a "best-in class" hotel, according to a presentation to the BSU Board of Trustees last week. The hotel, which would be privately owned, is being developed at the same site as a university owned performing arts center and a privately operated "thematic restaurant."
The university said construction could begin in Fall 2024 and be completed by Fall 2026 at the intersection of University and McKinley avenues.
The project is part of an effort to revitalize The Village area and both the city and BSU are seeking a Lilly Endowment College and Community Development grant to add as much as $25 million for the effort in The Village.
"The aim of this initiative is to encourage Indiana's institutions of higher education to collaborate with community stakeholders to envision and jointly undertake significant community development efforts to create more vibrant places in which to live, learn, work and play," according to a presentation to the Ball State Trustees.
Ridenour told the Muncie Redevelopment Commission about the grant effort a the commission meeting last week. He said at some point the commission would probably be asked to participate in the project.
David Penticuff is a reporter at The Star Press. He can be reached at dpenticuff@gannett.com | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/new-holiday-inn-express-lands-on-westside-hopes-for-inn-near-ama-crash/70323211007/ | 2023-06-21T14:26:19 | 0 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/new-holiday-inn-express-lands-on-westside-hopes-for-inn-near-ama-crash/70323211007/ |
Still spots available for upcoming Music for All symposium at Ball State
MUNCIE, Ind. – Hundreds of high school band students and band directors from all over the United States will converge on Ball State University to participate in Music for All’s 46th annual Summer Symposium.
Presented by Yamaha, the Symposium starts with a weekend of intensive student leadership training June 24 through June 26, followed by a week of camp intensive June 26 through July 1.
Spots are still available in every division, according to a release, and registration can be found at camp.musicforall.org.
The student divisions include marching band, percussion, color guard, drum majors and music production, the release stated.
“The Music for All Summer Symposium provides character-building and leadership development for young people, while teaching performance skills,” Jeff Young, director of Camps for Music for All, said in the announcement. “The Symposium helps students develop core competencies like collaboration, effective communication, and self-confidence.”
The symposium is expected to include more than 70 educators from across the United States serving as faculty for the student divisions and The Director Academy.
“Music for All is committed to supporting practicing and future music educators to help with retention and recruitment of talented teachers,” Young said. “Especially now when areas of America are experiencing a shortage of teachers, including music educators.”
A one-day Parent Booster Institute will also give music parents and boosters insight on how to best support their school's music programs.
Organizations in Muncie have partnered with Music for All to provide complimentary tickets to concerts held on the evenings of June 26 through June 29. | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/still-spots-available-for-upcoming-music-for-all-symposium-at-bsu/70337665007/ | 2023-06-21T14:26:25 | 1 | https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/still-spots-available-for-upcoming-music-for-all-symposium-at-bsu/70337665007/ |
In many ways the structure, tucked on a hill and behind some ponderosa pines off Herold Ranch Road, looks much like any other house under construction.
But the multicolored blocks that make up its still-uncovered walls would say otherwise. They are plastic, made of everything from plastic bags to single-use cups and straws, all compressed into what could otherwise be mistaken as a standard cement block.
The house, being built by Flagstaff resident and former county supervisor Art Babbott, will be the first of its kind: a residential house made of the ByBlocks, a product of Los Angeles-based company ByFusion.
“The beauty is everything, like there's no high value plastic in here, you know, flossers and straws and just the junk of the junk,” Babbott said, gesturing at one of the blocks. “The coolest thing are these green ones are from fishing nets from the great Pacific Ocean trash island.”
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Indeed, on some of the blocks, the lettering of the nutrition facts from a piece of plastic food packaging was still clearly visible.
Babbott is building the one-bedroom, one-bathroom, 600-square-foot house as part of a 2019 county program with the goal of encouraging innovation in building across northern Arizona.
And while the walls of Babbott’s house currently wouldn’t look out of place in a trendy brewery, by the time the construction finishes, the home will look much like any other.
Babbott sees it as an exciting development for a community that recently faced the sudden closure of the recycling center in Flagstaff earlier this year.
The city is now shipping its recyclables to a facility in Phoenix.
But Babbott hopes his home can demonstrate optimistic possibilities for the future of recycling locally.
And that sentiment was echoed by ByFusion CEO Heidi Kujawa.
“Every community that we speak to is struggling with the same challenges. I mean, this plastic problem is pervasive, we're not going to change it overnight,” Kujawa said. “So in the meantime, we've got to do something to stop the bleeding, and more importantly, clean up the devastation we've left behind us.”
She said for ByFusion, the pervasive challenge of plastic waste in so many communities is a real opportunity to create solutions at the local level.
And Kujawa said they hope their company and the manufacturing of ByBlocks in Tucson, and potentially other communities, can augment already existing recycling programs.
“Our mission is really to help declutter that blue bin, so the recycling centers have less to sort through and it makes those processes more efficient,” Kujawa said. “The best way to think about it is, if you have a blue bin program in the community today, you put your water bottles in there, and then everything else goes into our process. And that enables us to keep it out of a landfill.”
Indeed, ByFusion already has growing presence in Arizona. The company is working with the City of Tucson not only to take plastics from that community, but also has plans to open a facility there to produce the blocks.
The company worked with Tucson on a pilot project last year. Kujawa said throughout the Tucson pilot project, they collected 110 tons of plastics to be turned into the blocks, more than double their goal.
But Babbott’s house represents a new step for the recycled plastic product.
Before Babbott began building, the blocks had never been used for a residential structure, Kujawa said. Instead, they had been used to construct parks or utility infrastructure in places like Los Angeles and Boise, Idaho.
“Mr. Babbott picked it up and, and was one of the very first to do this,” she said. “I'm really excited about the outcome. It's a really great demonstration about exactly what you can do with this material.”
The company and the City of Tucson also have plans to use the blocks to expand a women’s shelter and several other structures within the city, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
The city’s collaboration with the company may help Tucson achieve its sustainability and climate goals to divert 50% of waste from the landfill by 2030 and reach zero waste by 2050, the Daily Star reported.
Kujawa said the blocks can be made using kinds of plastics that very often cannot be recycled, and because of the simple way the blocks are manufactured, contamination is much less of a concern than that of traditional recycling.
The blocks are created using only steam and compression, she said.
“We only require plastic waste. We are not adding any additives, chemicals, glues, mortars or adhesives to the process,” Kujawa said. “But it's a really simple process. I often like to refer to it as: you eat your lunch, you throw [the package] on the conveyor, it goes into the machine, you make a block, you stick the block in a wall.”
For Babbott, who said he has always had a fascination with alternative and sustainable building methods, the effort represents the creation of a new market to help solve a pervasive solution.
About two tons of plastic went into the blocks that makes up several of Babbott’s walls. He said it took himself and just two others about two days to get the structure up.
Kujawa said the ease of building is one way the blocks can be less expensive to build with than traditional materials, saving time on the construction site. Otherwise the blocks are about the same price as a concrete or cinder block of the same size, she said.
And some of the traits that make plastic notorious in their impact on the environment, such as longevity, become a real plus when used as a construction material, Kujawa added. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/byblocks-suggest-new-recycling-solutions-for-flagstaff-housing/article_66fe09cc-097b-11ee-b2cd-9715b70af49c.html | 2023-06-21T14:30:34 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/byblocks-suggest-new-recycling-solutions-for-flagstaff-housing/article_66fe09cc-097b-11ee-b2cd-9715b70af49c.html |
Every member of the Arizona Senate earns a salary of $24,000 annually, but they’re also eligible for subsistence pay or per diem during the legislative session. This week the Senate Majority Leadership team is asking state leaders to consider opting out of receiving that subsistence pay, at least temporarily.
The state Senate adjourned on Tuesday, June 13 and will reconvene on July 31. If every senator continues to collect subsistence pay over the break, the total cost to the state will be about $83,944 before taxes.
Senators who live in Maricopa County are eligible to receive $10 a day in subsistence pay. Senators who formally reside outside of Maricopa County can be paid much more. They’re able to collect $119 a day.
Because the Senate has been in session for at least 120 days, and session has not formally concluded, they are still eligible to receive subsistence payments — which are intended to pay for lodging and food close to the state capitol.
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All state senators have the option of opting out of receiving per diem payments. When they file their paperwork, they can also set an end date for their requests. Essentially, if senators don’t need to travel during the break, they can ask for per diem payments to resume on July 31.
The request from Senate Majority Leadership comes just one month after a Flagstaff judge quashed an injunction filed against an Arizona Capitol Times reporter who was working on verifying Senator Wendy Rogers’ residency claims.
As a representative of the district that covers much of Flagstaff, Rogers also formally resides in Coconino County — making her eligible to receive $119 a day in subsistence pay.
At the time Rogers filed an injunction against harassment against reporter Camryn Sanchez, Sanchez was looking into rumors that the senator lived primarily in one of two houses she owned in Maricopa County and was not regularly commuting to and from Flagstaff.
Sanchez had visited both of Rogers' residences using address information that she found in public records. One of those visits happened around twilight on the evening of April 19. Both times, Sanchez wore press credentials. She did not enter Rogers' homes on either occasion.
The senator issued a press release claiming that “no one in their right mind” would knock on the front door of a house they were not invited to. She filed for a restraining order in Flagstaff Justice Court, asking that Sanchez not be allowed at the capitol, the place where both women work.
Rogers also characterized Sanchez’s behavior as creepy and noted at the time that she had asked the reporter not to approach her on the Senate floor. In filing for the injunction, Rogers pressed that Sanchez had no legitimate purpose for contacting her and that a reasonable person would be intimidated or disturbed by the reporter’s behavior.
Judge Howard Grodman ultimately ruled to dismiss the injunction, saying that “investigative journalism is a legitimate purpose” under the law. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/arizona-senate-majority-leadership-urges-temporary-suspension-of-subsistence-pay/article_c355737a-0f86-11ee-8a6a-1709cf46124a.html | 2023-06-21T14:30:41 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/arizona-senate-majority-leadership-urges-temporary-suspension-of-subsistence-pay/article_c355737a-0f86-11ee-8a6a-1709cf46124a.html |
A homicide victim whose body was found near the Lava Caves off of Highway 180 in 2020 has been identified with the help of a private genealogy lab, according to Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies.
In October 2020, a man’s body was found in a shallow grave north of Flagstaff, and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office quickly determined that the man had most likely been murdered.
Now, the victim has been identified as David Clark Wilkinson. Wilkinson was 56 when he disappeared. Around that time, he was known to have been in northern Arizona, and a missing person’s flyer was issued by CCSO in an attempt to locate him.
According to a press release from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Wilkinson’s DNA was collected when his body was found and sent to a private forensic genealogy lab in May of 2021.
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In January of 2023, the private company traced Wilkinson’s DNA back to one specific family tree, in which “one member could not be located or accounted for.”
Now that investigators have determined Wilkinson’s identity, they’re hoping the public will help to generate new leads in the murder investigation.
Wilkinson was a 5’11” white man who weighed about 165 lbs. He had graying hair, a graying beard, and classes. Deputies say in the summer of 2020 Wilkinson may have been traveling with one or two dogs in a 1997 Toyota Paseo.
CCSO asks that anyone who might have information about the case to contact them at 928-774-4523. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/homicide-victim-in-coconino-county-identified-with-help-from-private-genealogy-company/article_93d9fcac-0fb7-11ee-9563-5f3885dc3fff.html | 2023-06-21T14:30:47 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/homicide-victim-in-coconino-county-identified-with-help-from-private-genealogy-company/article_93d9fcac-0fb7-11ee-9563-5f3885dc3fff.html |
The Big Sky Conference announced the 2023-24 women’s basketball schedule Tuesday, including that of regular-season champion Northern Arizona.
Last year, the Lumberjacks went 21-14 (13-5 Big Sky) and shared the Big Sky Conference regular season championship with Montana State and Sacramento State. Then the Lumberjacks reached the conference tournament championship game before falling to Sacramento State.
The Lumberjacks begin conference play near the end of the 2023 calendar year, with the schedule as follows:
12/30 – Northern Colorado
1/11 – Montana State
1/13 – Montana
1/18 – at Portland State
1/20 – at Sacramento State
1/25 – Idaho
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1/27 – Eastern Washington
2/1 – at Weber State
2/3 – at Idaho State
2/8 – at Montana
2/10 – at Montana State
2/15 – Sacramento State
2/17 – Portland State
2/22 – at Eastern Washington
2/24 – at Idaho
2/29 – Idaho State
3/2 – Weber State
3/4 – at Northern Colorado
NAU has finished putting together its 2023-24 recruiting class.
The freshman include Turkish star Ceren Oturakci, Reilly Clark (Catalina Foothills HS/Tucson), Allie Cummins (Carondelet HS/Concord, California) and Ava Schmidt (Eastlake HS/Sammamish, Washington), and pair of Montana State transfers in Grace Beasley and Leia Beattie.
The Lumberjacks’ full nonconference schedule will be released at a later date. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-womens-basketball-conference-schedule-announced/article_bd64fba2-0f9f-11ee-9631-8fef5bf0ded8.html | 2023-06-21T14:30:47 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-womens-basketball-conference-schedule-announced/article_bd64fba2-0f9f-11ee-9631-8fef5bf0ded8.html |
Henrico Police have arrested two suspects in the death of Brittany Jo McDaniel, a woman who was found dead in her Highland Springs home May 15.
The first suspect, John Quincy Neal, was arrested June 15 and charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Neal, 21, is being held without bond at the Henrico County jail.
Police announced that the second suspect, Montreal Javon Robinson, 37, had been taken into custody early Wednesday morning. Robinson has also been indicted on charges of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony, according to court documents.
Preliminary hearings for both Neal and Robinson are scheduled for August 17 in Henrico General District Court.
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Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to call Detective Ensor of the Henrico Police at (804) 501-5000 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at (804) 780-1000.
This morning's top headlines: Wednesday, June 21
A Canadian military surveillance aircraft detected underwater noises as a massive operation searched early Wednesday in a remote part of the North Atlantic for a submersible that vanished while taking five people down to the wreck of the Titanic.
There will be plenty of time to discuss global tensions during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. this week. But he’s starting his day Wednesday by highlighting a pursuit of inner tranquility. His public schedule for the day opens with a group yoga session on the United Nations’ north lawn. The event honors the International Day of Yoga. Modi persuaded the U.N. to designate the day in 2014 as an annual observance. The yoga-themed U.N. visit is a savvy and symbolic choice for a premier who has made the ancient discipline both a personal practice and a diplomatic tool.
A federal judge has struck down Arkansas’ ban on gender-affirming care for minors. U.S. District Judge Jay Moody ruled Tuesday that the nation’s first ban on such care for children violates the U.S. Constitution. Moody in 2021 had temporarily blocked the state from enforcing its ban while he considered the challenge to the measure. The law prohibited doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers or surgery to anyone under 18. It also prohibited doctors from referring patients elsewhere from such care. The ban had been widely criticized by medical groups.
President Joe Biden had just six words to offer after his 53-year-old son Hunter pleaded guilty to federal tax offenses in a deal that is also likely to spare him time behind bars on a weapons charge. He said simply: “I’m very proud of my son.” That pride has been accompanied by pain, and for the president’s family, both have been on public display. Republicans have worked to use Hunter Biden’s actions — and his acknowledged struggle with addiction — as an anchor to try to drag down his father.
Democrats downplay Hunter Biden's plea deal, while Republicans see opportunity to deflect from Trump
Anxious Democrats are seeking to downplay — or ignore altogether — the impact of new criminal charges against President Joe Biden's son, Hunter. And as Democrats dodge, former President Donald Trump and his Republican allies seized on the legal development to tighten his grip on the GOP and deflect from his own legal shortcomings. But in a nation deeply divided by partisanship, there were few signs immediately after Hunter Biden’s plea deal was announced on Tuesday that the unprecedented prosecution of a president’s son had shifted the 2024 election in any significant way. Democratic officials privately described the federal case against his son as a minor distraction at most that could linger deep into next year.
China has called comments by President Joe Biden referring to Chinese leader Xi Jinping as a dictator “extremely absurd and irresponsible.” The new clash of words comes just over a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a visit to Beijing that sought to break the ice in a relationship that has hit a historical low. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday said Biden's comments at a fundraiser in California ‘go totally against facts and seriously violate diplomatic protocol, and severely infringe on China’s political dignity. It is a blatant political provocation. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and opposition.’
President Joe Biden has convened a group of technology leaders in San Francisco to debate the risks and promises of artificial intelligence. The Biden administration is seeking to figure out how to regulate the emergent field of AI, looking for ways to nurture its potential for economic growth and national security and protect against its potential dangers. Biden says, “We’ll see more technological change in the next 10 years that we saw in the last 50 years,” adding that “AI is already driving that change.” His meeting Tuesday included eight technology experts from academia and advocacy groups.
Russian authorities say two drones have crashed outside Moscow as they were approaching the warehouses of a local military unit. Russian media reported Wednesday that the wreckage of a third drone was found about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away. Russia’s Defense Ministry says the drones were brought down using radio-electronic means. No damage or casualties are being reported. The drones could be the latest attempt by Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia as their war approaches its 17th month. Ukrainian officials have made no comment. Russian media are also reporting that rail lines have been blown up on the Crimean Peninsula in apparent sabotage operations.
The Bible will return to the shelves in a northern Utah school district that provoked an outcry after it banned it from middle and elementary schools last month. The Davis School District said in a statement on Tuesday that its board had determined the sacred text was age-appropriate for all school libraries. The committee’s reversal is the latest development in the debate over what materials should be available in public schools. The Bible challenge was submitted to a committee formed after the passage of a new state law expanding residents' ability to challenge books. The Bible was among a list of books facing scrutiny.
Tropical Storm Bret is chugging toward the eastern Caribbean as the region rushed to prepare itself for an unusually early storm and the torrential rains that are forecast. Bret has maximum sustained winds of 45 mph and is moving across the Atlantic Ocean at 18 mph on Tuesday. The National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm is expected to pummel some eastern Caribbean islands on Thursday at near hurricane strength. A tropical storm watch was issued for Barbados.
Andrew Tate, a social media personality known for expressing misogynistic views online, has arrived at court in the Romanian capital. Prosecutors there have charged him with rape, human trafficking and forming a criminal gang to exploit women. Prosecutors have also filed charges against Tate’s brother, Tristan, and two Romanian women. Romania's anti-organized crime agency allege the four defendants formed a criminal group in 2021 “in order to commit the crime of human trafficking” in Romania as well as the United States and Britain. The agency alleged that seven female victims were misled and transported to Romania, where they were sexually exploited and subjected to physical violence by the gang. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/henrico-police-brittany-jo-mcdaniel-suspects-arrested/article_e7bf859e-1039-11ee-b15d-23e430186f3d.html | 2023-06-21T14:35:31 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/henrico-police-brittany-jo-mcdaniel-suspects-arrested/article_e7bf859e-1039-11ee-b15d-23e430186f3d.html |
SAN ANTONIO — An apartment unit was destroyed in a fire late Tuesday night on the east side of San Antonio.
Crews arrived to the complex in the 4600 block of Dietrich Road, between Branch Road and W.W. White Road, around 9 p.m.
Firefighters were able to prevent the flames from spreading to other units and everyone made it out of the building safely.
The two people who lived in the damaged unit are working to find another place to stay.
There is no word on how the fire started.
This is a developing situation and further details will be added as they are received.
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Want to get in touch with someone at KENS 5? You can send a message using our Contacts page or email one of our team members. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/apartment-unit-destroyed-in-east-side-fire-san-antonio-texas/273-42d57b3d-c127-45df-a76a-6ed9da18dfbd | 2023-06-21T14:35:31 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/apartment-unit-destroyed-in-east-side-fire-san-antonio-texas/273-42d57b3d-c127-45df-a76a-6ed9da18dfbd |
ODESSA, Texas — A 6-week-old girl was killed in a wreck involving a drunk driver last week.
Right now, the family of the little girl, named Eliana, is planning a funeral, but they are also searching for something very special, a stuffed bunny.
This stuffed bunny contains a recording of Eliana's heartbeat. The bunny hasn't left her mother or brothers side.
"We could all hear her heartbeat loud and clear through the machine in the room," said Robert Pasquale, Eliana's grandfather. "Well while they were doing that for us they recorded it, the actual audio of it, then it was installed on this bunny. You squeezed it, the heartbeat beat out loud."
Her mother and brother keep it with them, but the bunny was taken from the Walmart in West Odessa while Nallely was in the bathroom.
"When she walked out it was gone," said Pasquale.
They believe two children around the age of 6 or 7 may have taken the bunny and they're just asking for a safe return.
"Why turn a negative into more negative," said Pasquale. "Why not turn a negative into a positive? Use this as a teaching lesson for the kids to where we can sit down and be like, 'hey look, this meant so much to her and you hurt her, but you did her good by bringing it back. So I want to reward you for it.' So I want to give the kids each 100 bucks if they'll step forward." | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/family-of-baby-killed-in-drunk-driving-crash-searching-for-stuffed-bunny/513-2ab0e81c-ce0f-402f-991c-3f146f1dbb26 | 2023-06-21T14:35:37 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/family-of-baby-killed-in-drunk-driving-crash-searching-for-stuffed-bunny/513-2ab0e81c-ce0f-402f-991c-3f146f1dbb26 |
WASHINGTON — It's been more than five-years since former University of Maryland football player Jordan McNair died of heatstroke after collapsing during practice.
An independent investigation found inadequate tools were used to cool McNair down.
One recommendation coming out of the investigation was the creation of an emergency action plan.
RELATED: University of Maryland release findings from investigation on Jordan McNair's death
On Wednesday Maryland's Congressional Delegation introduced the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act.
Rep. Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) introduced the bill in the United States House of Representatives, while Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced companion legislation in the United States Senate.
The bill requires college athletic programs to create, implement, and rehearse specific heat illness emergency action plans (EAPs) in consultation with local emergency responders, including the operation and use of cold-water immersion equipment, in order to avoid heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
“Jordan McNair’s death was avoidable. We owe it to him and his family to do everything we can to ensure such a tragedy is not repeated,” said Cardin. “Awareness of the warning signs, coupled with strong and consistent emergency procedures are important for keeping our student-athletes healthy, especially in extreme temperatures."
MORE: UMD releases body cam videos the day Jordan McNair collapsed on practice field
The proposed bill has already received the support of McNair's father, Martin, who launched a foundation in his son's name.
“I strongly support the introduction of the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act primarily to help improve player safety at the collegiate level of competition from this 100 percent preventable injury," said Martin McNair. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/jordan-mcnair-student-athlete-heat-fatality-prevention-act-introduced-in-congress | 2023-06-21T14:35:43 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/jordan-mcnair-student-athlete-heat-fatality-prevention-act-introduced-in-congress |
Lane restrictions will continue on Coldwater Road from Audubon Trail to Mill Lake Road, according to the Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department.
Scheduled completion is Friday, a week later than previously announced.
For more information, call 260-427-1172 or visit www.trecthefort.org. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/coldwater-road-lane-restrictions/article_a38bb7d6-1029-11ee-a6b3-7f2268c897e8.html | 2023-06-21T14:35:48 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/coldwater-road-lane-restrictions/article_a38bb7d6-1029-11ee-a6b3-7f2268c897e8.html |
OCEAN CITY, Md. — The White Marlin Open returns to Ocean City in August for its 50th anniversary.
Although already widely known due to participation by the likes of basketball legend Michael Jordan, this year's event will have more eyes on it than ever.
MORE: NBA icon Michael Jordan reels in 91.5lb swordfish in Ocean City
On Wednesday the tournament officially announced its joining the Sport Fishing Championship’s (SFC) Billfish Championship series.
That means the White Marlin Open will now serve as the Billfish Championship tour's final domestic stop, before concluding in Puerto Rico.
As the governing body of saltwater tournament fishing, SFC's Billfish Championship events are often nationally televised.
“The White Marlin Open is thrilled to join Sport Fishing Championship,” said Madelyne Motsko, White Marlin Open Tournament Director. "We are a proud industry leader in tournament competition, conservation, and fan experience. By teaming up with SFC, we can further showcase our iconic event and the Ocean City, Maryland, community to an international audience while reaching more fans across the globe." | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/ocean-citys-white-marlin-open-joins-sfc-billfish-championship-series | 2023-06-21T14:35:49 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/ocean-citys-white-marlin-open-joins-sfc-billfish-championship-series |
A murder-suicide is behind the deaths of a man and woman found in a Huntertown home Sunday.
Police responded Sunday to the residence in the 12000 block of Shearwater Run after someone reported people in need of medical assistance.
The pair had apparent injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Fort Wayne residents Arben Gllafce, 49, and Arjana Gllafce, 48, both of Fort Wayne, are the victims, the coroner's office said.
Arben Gllafce died from a gunshot wound and his death has been ruled a suicide. Arjana Gllafce died from multiple gunshot wounds and her death has been ruled a homicide, the 13th this year.
An investigation is ongoing. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/deaths-ruled-murder-suicide-in-huntertown/article_9594d028-1037-11ee-9e0d-e3826298b08a.html | 2023-06-21T14:35:54 | 0 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/deaths-ruled-murder-suicide-in-huntertown/article_9594d028-1037-11ee-9e0d-e3826298b08a.html |
A Fort Wayne teen is expected to spend two years in prison after pleading guilty to two kidnapping charges connected to a stolen car that had children in it.
Swa Hid, 18, was sentenced per a plea agreement signed last month that calls for two five-year sentences. In the agreement, it specifies that only two years of those sentences are to be executed and that they be served concurrent to each other.
Prosecutors did not object to Hid serving his executed sentence in the Allen County Community Corrections Residential Services or him being placed in Community Corrections. However, Allen Superior Court Judge David Zent ordered the teen to serve his sentence in the Indiana Department of Correction.
The remaining three years of his sentences are to be served on active adult probation. He's also ordered to pay more than $9,000 in restitution.
In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dismissed Hid's charges for allegedly resisting law enforcement, theft and leaving the scene of an accident. His charges stem from December, when police arrested him after witnessing him flee from a crash involving a stolen car.
The car had been stolen earlier that day with two young children inside. Their parents had left the car running while dropping off groceries for a friend, according to a probable cause affidavit signed by Fort Wayne Detective Chris Crasper.
The parents children called the police when they saw Hid, then 17, get into the car and drive away in it. K-9 Officer Treven Brown later located the vehicle and attempted to pull the teen over, but Hid fled and crashed into another vehicle.
Hid got out of the car and fled on foot, but was apprehended by Brown's police dog. After Hid was taken into custody, police were able to get his version of events through a translator.
Hid told police he was riding his bike home from a place he was working to earn his GED through when he saw the car running, got in and drove away, according to court documents. Once in the van, Hid said he noticed the two children in the back.
He then gave the children to a on old man he saw while driving and told him to keep an eye on the kids until he returned, Hid told police. After leaving the children, he was spotted by police and the chase-turned-crash ensued. | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/teen-pleads-to-spend-2-years-in-prison-for-kidnapping-charges/article_bfbc4e9e-0f88-11ee-96e4-1b90d86e226b.html | 2023-06-21T14:36:00 | 1 | https://www.journalgazette.net/local/teen-pleads-to-spend-2-years-in-prison-for-kidnapping-charges/article_bfbc4e9e-0f88-11ee-96e4-1b90d86e226b.html |
Name: DaJanay Greenwood
School: Indian Trail High School & Academy
Nickname: DaJa
Most memorable high school moment: My most memorable high school moment would be playing at my final holiday concert. I never thought I would cry at one of my final concerts, but I was just so proud of everyone and it was such a joyous moment. Playing our final song as a combined orchestra, band, and choir made my heart feel so full and the memories of my 4 years in high school came flooding back to me and it felt like I was ready to start a new chapter in my life. A very bittersweet send off.
Most influential teacher: Eric Herbrechtsmeier in Algebra 2/ AP Statistics; My entire life I believed I was so incredibly bad at math and that it just wasn’t a subject for me, or a subject I would never truly understand. But, my ideology for that changed when I was scheduled for his class period junior year (which I continued to have him senior year for AP statistics) He has been one of the most genuine teachers I have ever met who has a passion for math that is so infectious and makes me excited to learn math and go after it even when it’s challenging. His space in his classroom for me, felt judgmental free and I always knew I could ask for help and I would receive the help needed. It really helped open my eyes to new horizons in learning and I am forever grateful for that. I am so incredibly grateful for having many, many, great teachers at ITA.
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School activities/clubs: Concert band, National Honor Society, orchestra, pep band, Poetry Club, student government, wind ensemble
School offices held: Student council president (senior year); Student council secretary (junior year)
Honors, letters or awards: National Honor Society medallion and certification; Youth apprenticeship certificate; Congress of Future Medical Leaders Award of Excellence
Out-of-school activities/hobbies: Sewing, writing poetry, painting landscapes, reading and cooking meals to share.
College choice: Carthage College in Kenosha
Intended major/field of study: Neuroscience and Psychology
What I hope to accomplish in my lifetime: In my lifetime I hope I can establish a breakthrough in our current information on Alzheimers/Dementia. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-dajanay-greenwood-of-indian-trail-high-school-academy/article_70c4c08a-0e18-11ee-b347-27c3018ca5e9.html | 2023-06-21T14:38:28 | 1 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/todays-teen-2023-dajanay-greenwood-of-indian-trail-high-school-academy/article_70c4c08a-0e18-11ee-b347-27c3018ca5e9.html |
Cottonwood father and son discover they hit their first home runs exactly 31 years apart
An old Nike shoebox sat unopen in the work garage of 43-year-old Mark King in Cottonwood.
Inside the box were a handful of childhood mementos, like old family photos and autographed baseballs he collected during the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics games he attended while growing up in Grass Valley.
The box, like some of his family items, got stored in the work garage and went untouched. The life of King — a former college soccer player from San Diego Christian College — and his achievements had almost been forgotten after being hidden inside a cardboard shadow for five years.
That was until a special moment occurred while watching his youngest child Eli King play baseball at Big League Dreams on June 10.
Eli was having a rough day at the ballpark while his team, the Cottonwood Crush, faced off against the Lake County Bass. He committed an error while playing shortstop and fouled a ball off his left shin in the fourth inning.
The loneliness of committing an error on the New York Yankees replica field at BLD crept over Eli at first.
"I was kind of feeling down about how the game was going and just wanted to drive (the ball)," Eli said. He refused to allow a bruise or a fielding gaffe define his day. With runners at first and second, Eli shook off the pain.
The next pitch? A ball on the outside corner.
On a 1-1 count, Eli swung on an inside fastball that connected to the barrel deep into left center field. The ball kept carrying over the 205-foot fence for a 3-run home run.
Eli had just hit his first home run, swinging the 10-year-old's mood from deflation to elation.
His teammates — adorned in green and white jerseys — yelled and screamed as Eli touched first base, then second and third base before a barrage of helmet taps and hugs greeted him at home plate.
His mom Jessie screamed at a high pitch while Mark jumped and fist pumped the air in typical dad fashion. A perfect early Father's Day gift. The Cottonwood Crush would go on to lose to the Bass 11-5, but Eli's home run marked history.
Not just for himself, but also for the Crush, a team that was formed just five months ago.
"I just swung the bat and it felt really good," Eli said. "And then I saw it went over. I was just trying to get back to my team."
Mark wanted to commemorate Eli's home run ball three days later by writing his name, date, opponent and location by using his own first home run ball as a reference. When Mark opened the cardboard box, he discovered something incredible.
Mark and Eli hit their first home runs — on the exact same day — 31 years apart.
"I knew I had the ball in my shop, opened the box and looked up and saw it," Mark said. "I looked at my ball to see how it was written and I saw June 10. It was pretty ironic."
It was a Father's Day week to remember for the King family while Mark admitted Eli is a more talented athlete than he was.
"There are Bo Jacksons in the world," Mark King said. "He loves both baseball and soccer and he is talented at both. This season has been huge playing with the Cottonwood Crush for his baseball growth because it's more like real baseball. He loves and absorbs the game." | https://www.redding.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/21/father-and-son-share-first-home-runs-exactly-31-years-apart/70333327007/ | 2023-06-21T14:43:36 | 1 | https://www.redding.com/story/sports/local/2023/06/21/father-and-son-share-first-home-runs-exactly-31-years-apart/70333327007/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Springtime means honey bee swarm season for the Portland Urban Beekeepers, but so far, the spring of 2023 hasn’t been buzzing as much as usual.
The Portland Urban Beekeepers said typically, they respond to dozens if not hundreds of reports of swarms in the spring. That’s not the case this year. They’ve only responded to a couple.
Communications manager for the club Jessica Anderson said they’re not sure if the decreased number of swarm reports are due to natural causes or a tech issue with new swarm reporting software the club started using this year.
“We’re speculating that it’s a software issue for us this year. It was also a wet spring, some of the nectar was a little unusual. But we don’t have any reason to think that bees aren’t surviving the winter,” Anderson said.
Scientists agree the weather could have a lot to do with it.
Ramesh Sagili is an associate professor of apiculture – better known as beekeeping – at Oregon State University. Although he said there are no real statistics or hard data so far in 2023 to back it up, he agrees there have not been as many swarms in Portland and the Willamette Valley.
He hasn’t heard of as many reports of swarms and believes the wet and cold spring is to blame.
A cool spring hinders the colonization and growth of honey bees. The weather prevents flowers from blooming as early as they usually do, which means bees can’t collect as much nectar early in the season.
Swarming occurs when a colony grows large enough that it needs to split. About half the bees and a queen bee will leave the hive and go in search of another home.
However, without an adequate supply of nectar or warm weather to help bees thrive and reproduce, their colonies won’t grow as quickly and therefore won’t need to split and swarm. Sagili expects this is happening with honey bees, ground bees and other bees native to Oregon.
2022 was also a cold spring, but Sagili remembers it being slightly better than this year.
“This year is worse than last year. There was a break last year. Even a week break will allow colonies to grow,” he said.
Sagili said he’s not concerned about the decreased number of swarms. If the weather had been warm and ideal for bees this spring and swarms weren’t being reported, then it would be a different story.
But since it was cold and rainy, it’s his best guess this is the reason there might not be as many of them.
He said there’s no need to panic and that bee numbers could very easily bounce back in 2024 if the spring weather is warmer.
Anderson said the Portland Urban Beekeepers are also not too concerned. She said they’ve seen reports of swarms on social media and Nextdoor, the Portland Urban Beekeepers just haven’t been asked to respond to as many.
The lack of swarm reports has been a bit disappointing, Anderson said, because it’s a great way to help people get new bees. A new cluster of bees can cost close to $200, but finding a swarm and transporting it to a new home can mean free bees for a beekeeper.
Typically, swarming bees are spotted on trees or road signs, anywhere they can congregate while they send out scouts to search for a hospitable place they could live. The bees are usually docile while they wait, since they don’t have a home or honey to protect.
To catch them, Anderson said Portland Urban Beekeepers will put a bucket or box on a pole and try to get the queen bee inside. Once she’s inside, the other bees will follow and after a couple hours, most of the bees will be in the container. The bees can then be brought to a new hive.
“It’s incredibly fun to catch them and they are super satisfying, a really great way to give them a home,” Anderson said.
June heads toward the end of swarm season and Anderson said it’s possible but unlikely there could be a late season bump if Portland gets the perfect weather for colonies to grow.
With bee numbers down, Sigili said Oregon orchards and farms could see fewer trees and bushes seeded this summer. Pear trees and blueberry bushes could be impacted if bees aren’t able to pollinate them.
In California, he said it’s likely they could experience a similar problem on almond farms, since California also had a cold, wet spring.
“It goes to show how important bees are,” Sigili said.
In Portland, Anderson encourages people to report any swarms they see on the Portland Urban Beekeepers website.
In general, people can support bees by planting pollinator gardens and providing bird baths or dishes of fresh water for bees in their yard. | https://www.koin.com/local/where-are-the-bees-beekeepers-scientists-notice-fewer-swarms-in-portland/ | 2023-06-21T14:48:02 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/where-are-the-bees-beekeepers-scientists-notice-fewer-swarms-in-portland/ |
LOCAL
Petoskey’s Movie in the Park at Dark returns in July
Jillian Fellows
The Petoskey News-Review
PETOSKEY — The summer tradition of showing movies in Pennsylvania Park in downtown Petoskey will return next month.
Every Friday night from July 7 until Aug. 18 will feature a free and family-friendly film in the park for the Movie in the Park at Dark series.
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The summer 2023 lineup includes:
- July 7: “Minions: The Rise of Gru”
- July 14: “Holes”
- July 21: “Ferris Bueller's Day Off”
- July 28: “Top Gun: Maverick”
- Aug. 4: “Sing 2”
- Aug. 11: “August Rush”
- Aug. 18: “Super Mario Brothers”
Movies begin at dark, roughly around 9:30 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the movie will be canceled.
For more information, visit petoskeydowntown.com.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/21/petoskeys-movie-in-the-park-at-dark-returns-in-july/70337016007/ | 2023-06-21T14:50:51 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/entertainment/local/2023/06/21/petoskeys-movie-in-the-park-at-dark-returns-in-july/70337016007/ |
'Art in the Garden' to feature live music, workshops to celebrate nature, arts
GAYLORD — The 11th Annual Art in the Garden Festival will occur from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 24 at the Otsego County Alternative Landscaping Demonstration Garden and Conservation Forest, 459 Livingston Blvd. in Gaylord.
Participants will be able to explore winding garden paths, listen to live music, browse art displays and attend workshops like Beekeeping Basics and step-by-step acrylic painting. Join the celebration of the 26th year the gardens have been open to the community. Art in the Garden is a day to celebrate nature and the arts as conservation-based workshops and booths will teach kids and adults about the Northern Michigan environment.
Children can decorate life-sized butterfly wings, participate in the Home Depot kids building workshop, and make bee houses. The whole family can participate in a natural resource-based scavenger hunt around the garden, and greet the sun with a morning yoga class with Yoga-45, all while surrounded by flowers.
Patricia Osburn of the Otsego Conservation District will be offering a presentation and tour of the native plant nursery and garden. Other workshops this year include beekeeping basics, lavender with awakening Lavender Farm, step-by-step acrylic painting of a bumblebee, and butterfly container gardening.
Performances at the outdoor stage will take place all day, featuring musicians Lee Anne Whitman, Terry Coveyou, Will Engelman and Bruce and the Originals. There will also be a chainsaw carving demonstration by Patrick Barrigar of Bear-Grr Custom Chainsaw Carvings at noon.
If you're hungry, try some tasty Asian food by Shields Thai Food, and sweet treats from the Otsego County Junior Master Gardeners.
In addition, Hartwick Pines State Park, Higgins Lake Nursery & Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, Huron Pines, Crossroads Industries, Kids Outdoors Otsego, Otsego County Library, and Otsego County Junior Master Gardeners will have fun, educational booths. There will also be a variety of artists displaying and selling their work at the festival.
This event is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs, Art in the Loft, and the Rotary Club Fund of the Otsego Community Foundation. Many local businesses have donated items for the silent auctions, proceeds from which help support maintenance and programs in the garden. Admission is free, although donations to support the garden and Otsego Conservation District’s programs are appreciated.
For more information, visit otsegocd.org, call the Otsego Conservation District office at (989) 732-4021, or email otsegoconservation@gmail.com. | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/06/21/art-in-the-garden-to-feature-live-music-workshops-to-celebrate-nature-arts/70335720007/ | 2023-06-21T14:51:03 | 1 | https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2023/06/21/art-in-the-garden-to-feature-live-music-workshops-to-celebrate-nature-arts/70335720007/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/families-push-back-on-pennridge-curriculum-plan/3589486/ | 2023-06-21T14:51:33 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/families-push-back-on-pennridge-curriculum-plan/3589486/ |
Alumna of the Philadelphia High School for Girls have thrown their support behind school principal Lisa Mesi, after a 17-year-old student was denied her diploma after performing a short dance during a recent graduation ceremony.
"The Alumnae Association and our Board of Directors fully support Principal Mesi. She is a compassionate leader and outspoken advocate for our little sisters. We are fortunate to have her shepherding our alma mater through incredibly difficult years – through city- wide budget cuts, policy changes and a global pandemic that magnified every obstacle the faculty, administration and our dear little sisters have faced," former students wrote in a statement.
On June 9, during a graduation ceremony, 17-year-old Hafsah Abdul-Rahman performed a short "Griddy" dance -- a simple foot-shuffling dance that is popular online -- on her way to receive her diploma.
At that time, principal Mesi declines to hand Abdul-Rahman her diploma, but, NBC10 has learned that students were warned before the ceremony that families were asked not to cheer, clap or shout while students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas at risk of students not receiving their diplomas.
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Abdul-Rahman's dance elicited a few chuckles from the crowd. The teen said she knew this, and the alumna association cited this rule in it's decision to side with the principal -- even calling media coverage of the incident "click bait."
"The current media tempest regarding the temporary withholding of a diploma to a few students during the June 9, 2023, graduation ceremony is headline grabbing and click bait. It does not reflect in any way the overall tone and tenor of the day. At the onset – and previously shared with all students, families, and other attendees - Principal Mesi clearly communicated the guidelines and regulations for the ceremony with an added dose of warmth and humor.
In the future the Alumnae Association is open and available to work with the school community as they continue to examine and evolve our traditions," the association's statement states.
Also, Abdul-Rahman was not the only child penalized in this way for similar actions at the graduation ceremony.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
A district spokesperson told NBC10 that, after the ceremony, all of these students, including Abdul-Rahman, received their diplomas off stage. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philadelphia-high-school-for-girls-alums-support-principal-who-withheld-graduation-dancers-diploma/3589542/ | 2023-06-21T14:51:40 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/philadelphia-high-school-for-girls-alums-support-principal-who-withheld-graduation-dancers-diploma/3589542/ |
NEWS SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A Central Florida beach has been named a top spot for shark attacks.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
According to the website Travel Lens, New Smyrna Beach is No. 1 for swimmers getting bitten by sharks.
There have been 32 attacks, or bites, in New Smyrna Beach since 2010.
Watch: Florida officials spotlight water safety after spike in child drownings
When it comes to surfing, Travel Lens ranks Panama City and Daytona Beach as the most dangerous beaches.
Officials recommend people only swim in front of a lifeguard stand and never swim alone.
Visitors at the beaches should know their swimming capability and check the weather before they head out.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/central-florida-beaches-named-top-spots-shark-attacks/5BHPKCW2ZBBRXIZRMHRZ5SX444/ | 2023-06-21T14:51:52 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/central-florida-beaches-named-top-spots-shark-attacks/5BHPKCW2ZBBRXIZRMHRZ5SX444/ |
MARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County is preparing to distribute sandbags to help mitigate flooding issues that have popped up following relentless rainfall this week.
The county said sandbag locations will open at noon on Wednesday and will also be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Bags will be provided. The sites are self-serve with assistance as needed.
There is a limit of 10 bags per resident.
Read: Thunderstorms flood streets, down oak tree in Ocala
The locations are listed below.
Marion County operations:
Martel Recycling Center
296 S.W. 67 Ave.
Ocala, FL
Belleview Sportsplex
6501 S.E. 107th St.
Belleview, FL
SEE: Storms flood streets in Ocala
City of Ocala Municipal Government operations:
ED Crosley Center
1510 N.W. Fourth St.
Ocala, FL
Jervey Gantt Park
2200 S.E. 36th Ave.
Ocala, FL
For more information, call 352-671-8465 or 352-629-2489.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/happening-today-marion-county-distribute-sandbags-help-with-flooding-issues/GXJBASKGFZDLLDMO6K3KYN57FY/ | 2023-06-21T14:51:58 | 1 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/happening-today-marion-county-distribute-sandbags-help-with-flooding-issues/GXJBASKGFZDLLDMO6K3KYN57FY/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police said they made an arrest for a shooting in Orlando that sent two people to the hospital.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Officers said Rashawn Francis is in custody for the shooting.
Investigators said Francis opened fire outside a festival on West Washington Street on May 29.
Read: ‘Horrific scenario’: Mortgage company’s failure to make insurance payment can be catastrophic
Two people were hit with the bullets, including one victim who was holding a child in his arms at the time.
Fortunately, the child was not hurt.
Watch: Thunderstorms flood streets, down oak tree in Ocala
Francis is facing attempted first-degree murder charges.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orlando-police-arrest-man-accused-shooting-2-near-festival-last-month/E5R6AV7QCZBQ5P3SWEIEAJL6K4/ | 2023-06-21T14:52:04 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/orlando-police-arrest-man-accused-shooting-2-near-festival-last-month/E5R6AV7QCZBQ5P3SWEIEAJL6K4/ |
EVERETT, Wash. — A fatal hit-and-run collision is under investigation in Everett Wednesday morning.
Everett police have confirmed that a woman was hit by a dark SUV early Wednesday morning. A 911 caller reported seeing the driver of the dark SUV exit their vehicle after hitting the woman, look at the victim and then get back in their car and flee southbound on Evergreen Way.
The pedestrian was declared dead at the scene when first responders arrived.
No further victim information was available at this time, but the collision is still under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett/fatal-hit-run-everett/281-ba60d647-cda1-417e-a304-8530466ff0b2 | 2023-06-21T14:52:50 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/everett/fatal-hit-run-everett/281-ba60d647-cda1-417e-a304-8530466ff0b2 |
SEATTLE — The company whose submersible vanished in the North Atlantic on a tourist dive to the wreck of the Titanic was repeatedly warned that there might be catastrophic safety problems posed by the way it was developed, documents show.
With five people aboard a vessel that if still functioning would have a dwindling amount of oxygen, an expanding international fleet of ships and airplanes is searching for the Titan, operated by OceanGate Expeditions. The undersea exploration company based in Everett, Washington, has been making yearly voyages to the Titanic since 2021.
In the first piece of good news since the search began, a Canadian aircraft detected underwater noises, though the vessel has not been found, the U.S. Coast Guard reported early Wednesday.
David Lochridge, OceanGate’s director of marine operations, wrote an engineering report in 2018 that said the craft under development needed more testing and that passengers might be endangered when it reached “extreme depths,” according to a lawsuit filed that year in U.S. District Court in Seattle.
OceanGate sued Lochridge that year, accusing him of breaching a non-disclosure agreement, and he filed a counterclaim alleging that he was wrongfully fired for raising questions about testing and safety. The case settled on undisclosed terms several months after it was filed.
Lochridge's concerns primarily focused on the company's decision to rely on sensitive acoustic monitoring — cracking or popping sounds made by the hull under pressure — to detect flaws, rather than a scan of the hull. Lochridge said the company told him no equipment existed that could perform such a test on the 5-inch-thick (12.7-centimeter-thick) carbon-fiber hull.
“This was problematic because this type of acoustic analysis would only show when a component is about to fail — often milliseconds before an implosion — and would not detect any existing flaws prior to putting pressure onto the hull,” Lochridge's counterclaim said.
Further, the craft was designed to reach depths of 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), where the Titanic rested. But, according to Lochridge, the passenger viewport was only certified for depths of up to 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), and OceanGate would not pay for the manufacturer to build a viewport certified for 4,000 meters.
OceanGate's choices would “subject passengers to potential extreme danger in an experimental submersible,” the counterclaim said.
However, the company said in its complaint that Lochridge “is not an engineer and was not hired or asked to perform engineering services on the Titan.” He was fired after refusing to accept assurances from OceanGate's lead engineer that the acoustic monitoring and testing protocol was, in fact, better suited to detect any flaws than a scan would be, the complaint said.
OceanGate Chief Executive Stockton Rush defended the approach in a speech to a conference in Seattle last year hosted by the tech news site GeekWire. He described how he had taken a prototype down to 4,000 meters: “It made a lot of noise,” he said.
So he brought the vessel back up, and on a second dive it made the same troubling noises, even though it should have been dramatically quieter. The company scrapped that hull, which had been constructed by a marine manufacturer, and built another one with an aerospace supplier, Rush said.
In an emailed statement, a spokesman for the company said the missing sub was completed in 2020-21, so it would not be the same as the vessel referenced in the lawsuit.
OceanGate also received another warning in 2018, this one from the Marine Technology Society, which describes itself as a professional group of ocean engineers, technologists, policy-makers and educators.
In a letter to Rush, the society said it was critical that the company submit its prototype to tests overseen by an expert third party before launching in order to safeguard passengers.
Rush had refused to do so.
Rush was piloting the vessel that is now missing.
The letter, reported by the New York Times, said society members were worried that “the current experimental approach adopted by Oceangate could result in negative outcomes (from minor to catastrophic) that would have serious consequences for everyone in the industry.”
In a 2019 interview with Smithsonian magazine, Rush complained that the industry’s approach was stifling innovation.
“There hasn’t been an injury in the commercial sub industry in over 35 years,” he said. “It’s obscenely safe because they have all these regulations. But it also hasn’t innovated or grown — because they have all these regulations.” | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lawsuit-titanic-submersible-safety-problems/507-ce1817b4-b5bd-443e-839a-5beb92c7938a | 2023-06-21T14:52:57 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/lawsuit-titanic-submersible-safety-problems/507-ce1817b4-b5bd-443e-839a-5beb92c7938a |
SEATTLE — Seattle city leaders are proposing cracking down on street racing in hot spot areas with traffic cameras.
Seattle City Council’s Transportation Committee discussed proposed legislation on Tuesday that will designate several streets in West Seattle and Northeast Seattle “restricted racing zones.”
City leaders said this proposal is the first step in the process to address a years-long problem and those who live along Alki, one of the problem areas, said it can’t come soon enough.
Residents in the area hear sounds of street racing at all hours.
“You can actually hear it in the evening throughout West Seattle, you can hear the rumble even in the middle of the night,” said Lynn Drake, who lives in West Seattle.
A problem that locals expect to rev up this summer.
“Summertime is the time for that, Sundays, weekends, long weekends, Fourth of July is crazy, Memorial Day weekend is crazy,” said Carlos Gomez who lives on Alki.
City leaders hope to catch who’s behind the wheel with traffic cameras. A 2022 change to state law allows cities to use speed cameras in areas designated as a "restricted racing zone"
These are the six streets city leaders are considering making a “restricted racing zone” giving SDOT the authority to install cameras.
- Alki Avenue SW between 63rd Ave SW and Harbor Avenue SW.
- Harbor Avenue SW between Alki Avenue SW and SW Spokane St.
- West Marginal Way SW between SW Spokane St and 2nd Ave SW.
- Sand Point Way NE between 38th Ave NE and NE 95th St.
- NE 65th St between Sand Point Way NE and Magnuson Park.
- Roadways inside Magnuson Park including, but not limited to, NE 65th St and Lake Shore Dr NE.
“I've seen them race, especially down here," Drake said. "And a lot of motorcycles sometimes they're doing wheelies and they get on their back wheel and head all the way down to Harbor Avenue and it’s really disruptive and loud."
Locals think traffic cameras could bring some accountability.
“You don't know who you have to talk to because the police are really busy all the time and by the time they get here, they’re gone,” Gomez said.
Seattle police tell councilmembers they’re aware of racing in the areas listed but enforcement can be challenging and unsafe.
“This is a great community, neighbors are here, people are here and to have someone come along and make a really loud sound completely disrupts the area. Having anything to calm the noise would be fantastic,” Drake said.
The proposal does require an equity analysis before any cameras are installed and more streets could be added to the list. The transportation committee plans to take up the proposal again next month. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-city-leaders-crack-down-street-racing/281-c52d2372-fc0d-47f0-a05d-13e0b241b661 | 2023-06-21T14:53:03 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seattle/seattle-city-leaders-crack-down-street-racing/281-c52d2372-fc0d-47f0-a05d-13e0b241b661 |
PHOENIX — On Tuesday, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed into law SB1291, drastically elevating the rights of citizens in guardianship and conservatorship in historic reform for an area of civil law that has long been noted for abuse.
Governor Hobbs had previously signed SB1038, establishing a Probate Advisory Panel. Both bills passed out of the Legislature with unanimous support in both the House and Senate, which together bring long-needed reform and accountability to probate courts in Arizona.
The grassroots effort was led by Sherry Lund, who was motivated to act after her family endured over a decade of emotionally devastating and extremely costly litigation in two states to prove her stepson, the grandson of Walt Disney, was competent and not in need of a guardian or conservator. Her experiences led her to found 5-14 Protecting Liberty, a grassroots organization dedicated to probate reform.
“The amount of money that was demanded to be paid by our family through the legal action to protect our son’s rightful inheritance was nothing short of extortion. Across our nation the courts, attorneys, and fiduciaries have developed a pattern and practice of abuse that protects their sources of financial gain, pulling it from private citizens and into their pockets. After what happened to our family, I could not sit by and watch as other Americans are abused by the system that was designed to protect them,” said Mrs. Lund.
Both bills were sponsored by Senator John Kavanagh R-Fountain Hills, who stated in public testimony that probate reform is “a very important issue” and spent hours in stakeholder meetings to develop the bill language that would ensure the rights of individuals are not lost unnecessarily in Arizona courts. Rep. Alex Kolodin R-Scottsdale, who sponsored the striker amendment that added stronger protections for Arizona citizens, called SB1291 “a phenomenal bill” and was instrumental in seeing it passed.
By Arizona law, the bills will become effective 90 days after Sine Die of the Arizona Legislature. Mrs. Lund in expressing her gratitude said, “Immense thanks are due to Sen. John Kavanagh for his efforts at getting both of these bills through the legislature, to Rep. Alex Kolodin for his strong legal language and commitment to the Constitution, and to Governor Katie Hobbs who recognized the need for reform and signed SB291 and SB1038 into law.”
Asked about her next plans, Mrs. Lund replied, “I’m not stopping. There is much more to do in Arizona to protect children and families. Nationally, I won’t stop until every state is upholding the Constitution in probate matters. Our case led me to meet so many other families, from around the country, with horror stories that cannot be ignored. I have the ability to affect positive change and am determined to do so.”
About 5-14 Protecting Liberty: Founded by Sherry Lund, 5-14 Protecting Liberty is a grassroots coalition of citizens who have experienced abuse, separation from loved ones, the loss of individual liberty, personal property and finances in the probate system. 5-14 Protecting Liberty is dedicated to protecting the rights of all.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/arizona-gov-katie-hobbs-signs-probate-reform-laws-inspired-by-disney-family-court-battles/75-55da7a77-3d0a-4dc4-a654-d195199922a5 | 2023-06-21T15:01:13 | 0 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/arizona/arizona-gov-katie-hobbs-signs-probate-reform-laws-inspired-by-disney-family-court-battles/75-55da7a77-3d0a-4dc4-a654-d195199922a5 |
PHOENIX — An Arizona State University administrator claims she was fired for bringing high-profile, right-wing speakers onto campus.
Ann Atkinson, executive director of the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development at the Barrett Honors College, broke the news on a high-profile platform: the Wall Street Journal.
"ASU claims to value freedom of expression," Atkinson wrote in an opinion piece posted late Monday. "But in the end, the faculty mob always wins against institutional protections for free speech."
The university says that's not what happened.
The four-year-old program's funder, the T.W. Lewis Foundation, terminated the donation on June 30, according to an ASU spokesman.
Atkinson's job won't exist past that date, the spokesman said, but as a university employee, she is eligible for other jobs.
Atkinson, an ASU grad who has worked in commercial real estate and development for almost two decades, couldn't be reached for comment.
Here's what we know:
Roots in February protest
This is the latest skirmish between conservatives and what they view as a liberal university trying to silence people it disagrees with. In this case, a substantial donation is involved.
The controversy stems from a campus event in February that drew protests from faculty at ASU's Barrett Honors College.
Three dozen Barrett faculty members signed a letter to the honors college dean condemning the *Health, Wealth and Happiness" event that Atkinson organized at Gammage Auditorium.
The featured speakers were Charlie Kirk, of Turning Point USA, and Dennis Prager, host of the online "Dennis Prager Show" and operator of Prager U.
The faculty letter described them as "purveyors of hate."
"It was important for me to speak out on behalf of my most vulnerable and marginalized students," Professor Jenny Dyck Brian, faculty chair at Barrett, said in an interview Tuesday.
"I didn't have a problem with them speaking, but the event was being advertised in Barrett's name with Barrett's logo... We wanted to make it clear that we were not endorsing the event."
The faculty did not call for the event's cancellation.
No incidents at event
The event went off without incident.
Both Prager and Kirk were applauded when they slammed the faculty critics.
"They know nothing about what any of us stand for," Prager said.
Kirk praised ASU: "The university deserves credit for not cowing to the mob. That is important."
Kirk's organization targeted the three-dozen faculty members in its online "Professor Watchlist."
"The very existence of the watch list undermines any claims that Charlie Kirk wants to make about the importance of free speech because all we did was disagree with him," said Professor Jenny Dyck Brian, faculty chair at Barrett.
Started with $2.5 Million gift
Four years ago, the T.W. Lewis Foundation pledged $1.5 million for the T.W. Lewis Center for Personal Development at ASU's Tempe campus, plus $1 million toward the construction of a Student Success Center at the Barrett Honors College.
ASU could not confirm how much of the money was donated.
"Are you prepared for life after college? For its challenges, for its opportunities?" Atkinson said in an introductory video.
"If you are unsure of these answers, the Lewis Center can help."
The foundation was created by Tom Lewis, founder of the T.W. Lewis Company, a prominent builder of luxury homes.
Donor to conservatives
The T.W. Lewis Foundation has been a prolific donor to charitable causes throughout Arizona, as well as to conservative activists.
The foundation's publicly available tax returns for the 2020 and 2021 tax years show $225,000 in donations to Prager University and $50,000 to Turning Point.
Lewis told the Arizona Republic: "The long story short is that conservative viewpoints are not welcome at ASU. Or, at most public universities in America."
In her op-ed, Atkinson cited the university's "deep hostility toward divergent views."
ASU gets 'green Light' on speech
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a defender of free speech and academic rights on college campuses, gives ASU a positive "green light" rating for its protection of free speech.
In a tweet Tuesday, FIRE said it was seeking more information on Atkinson's allegations.
ASU provided this statement:
"Arizona State University remains committed to - in practice, not just rhetoric - all things that support free speech and all of its components. The event in question was held and was a success.
As a public university, ASU is committed to free, robust and uninhibited sharing of ideas among all members of the university's community.
The university values and adheres to the First Amendment to the U.S Constitution, which provides freedom of speech.
These values apply to the students and other members of our community who helped to organize the Lewis Center speaker program and to the faculty who expressed strong opinions about the event."
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/asu-staffer-claims-she-was-fired-for-bringing-right-wing-speakers-university-denies-it/75-6b2fd7f2-0d76-4955-9a44-7085fabf1cf4 | 2023-06-21T15:01:19 | 1 | https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/asu-staffer-claims-she-was-fired-for-bringing-right-wing-speakers-university-denies-it/75-6b2fd7f2-0d76-4955-9a44-7085fabf1cf4 |
NORWALK, Ohio — A woman and her unborn child were killed when her 2-year-old son accidentally shot her in northeast Ohio.
The incident happened in the afternoon hours on June 16 in Huron County’s Norwalk, located 30 minutes south of Sandusky.
The police report stated that the mother called 911 and told dispatchers the toddler shot her in the back. Officers arrived at a home on Woodlawn Avenue and found the woman and the child upstairs, with a 9 mm handgun right next to her.
The victim was rushed to Fisher-Titus Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries. Authorities believe that based on early information, the 2-year-old got ahold of the gun and accidently shot the mother.
"The Norwalk Police Department offers our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and all those affected by the tragic passing of the young mother and her unborn son," the department said in a statement. "Words truly cannot express how heartbreaking this is, and we cannot imagine the pain and heartache you're feeling."
The 2-year-old boy is currently in the custody of his father, who was not home at the time of the incident. The woman's name has not yet been released.
An investigation into the case remains ongoing, with no criminal charges being filed at this time.
📺 10TV+ is available for free on Roku & Amazon Fire TV: Stay up to date on what's happening in your community with a 24/7 live stream and on demand content from 10TV — available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/pregnant-mother-dies-after-being-shot-in-the-back-by-2-year-old-boy-in-northern-ohio/530-5ca9b792-50c8-4aa9-bebc-ca459a7d293b | 2023-06-21T15:04:30 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/pregnant-mother-dies-after-being-shot-in-the-back-by-2-year-old-boy-in-northern-ohio/530-5ca9b792-50c8-4aa9-bebc-ca459a7d293b |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)– Birmingham city leaders are working to bring major revitalization to the Smithfield community.
In order to make their vision a reality, the city must be awarded a $50 million grant. City councilor Darrell O’Quinn says Birmingham is a finalist.
In the meantime, the city is moving forward with the planning process. Most recently the city council approved rezoning for multiple properties like the Smithfield Library.
Councilor O’Quinn said many of these areas will convert single family residential zoning into mixed use zoning, allowing for ground floor business space with residential above
He said the city is confident they will receive the grant.
“I would say very likely,” said O’Quinn. “I would bet that this would be the largest scale revitalization project that’s been done in the state of Alabama possibly ever.”
Senior Deputy Director of Community Development for City of Birmingham, Cory Stallworth, said the tagline for this project is ‘Honoring the Past and Envisioning the Future.’
Stallworth said they’ll bring in resources for existing homeowners and about 900 new housing units, making room for new families.
This doubles as an effort to replenish enrollment at schools in the area like Parker High School.
Mixed use properties are also in the works along with wrap around services for education, childcare, and work force development.
He said the project’s crowned jewel is a social innovation center. This would include housing units, a high-tech library and a workforce development center.
“And we have over 20 workforce development partners, economic development partners around the city that have committed to bringing training opportunities to this workforce development center. Bringing medical training for medical jobs at a lot of our medical institutions around the city,” said Stallworth.
With nearly $300 million planned for these revitalization efforts, Smithfield community members would see a dramatic transformation over an eight-year period.
Some are hesitant about what these changes could mean for existing residents, but others say this has been needed for decades.
“A lot of our young people who move out of town, they move away because they have nowhere to go,” said Pat Davis, Smithfield Neighborhood President. “They don’t have housing and we would certainly like to keep some of our young people at home.”
“I’m going to be a part of it to make these things happen, so I just want to know about the rest of it and how it’s going to take place,” added Patsy Maxey, a Smithfield Resident.
City leaders said the grant that would allow for their proposed improvements requires they focus a lot of their resources on existing homeowners and schools in the area.
The city asks for patience and encourage community members to attend any future meetings to gain a better understanding of this project. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/city-of-birmingham-works-toward-major-revitalization-in-smithfield-community/ | 2023-06-21T15:05:06 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/city-of-birmingham-works-toward-major-revitalization-in-smithfield-community/ |
MCKINNEY, Texas — The Erwin Farms neighborhood in McKinney had a group of uninvited visitors last week. The neighborhood is no stranger to wildlife as WFAA reported on the wild hogs that made a mess of a number of lawns in January.
"It gets a little wild around here now and then, we've lived here for years," laughed Garrett Piersall, a resident of Erwin Farms.
Their latest group of visitors took the "farm" in Erwin Farms too seriously.
"We woke up and I said, 'You won't [expletive] believe what happened on the Cove this morning,'" Piersall recalled saying to his wife on Sunday.
There were 40 goats on his lawn.
Multiple house cameras caught visuals of the goats slowly making their way through the neighborhood.
"They were coming down the road really slowly and kinda chilled out right here," said Mike Danielson, a longtime resident in the neighborhood.
WFAA was told that around 40 goats broke from the herd that was grazing at a nearby development. The goats are normally tasked with eating down the vegetation for the development which, in turn, helps with fire season.
But, they instead took a stroll through the neighborhood. The goats had migrated for more than a mile from the rest of the herd.
"I think they ate a little bit from everybody's yard all the way around the circle here. One of the guys on two legs was just eating my tree. It was pretty wild," said Piersall.
Naturally, a few front yards were picked clean including Piersall's bushes. "It actually did us a favor because we were probably going to pull them this week or next anyway," he laughed.
The small group of goats eventually reunited with the larger herd.
The firm that employs the goats did not want to be a part of the story. But WFAA was told the firm did replace the parts of the yard the goats destroyed.
"They took care of things very quickly. They got his flowers replaced in a couple hours," said Danielson.
Most everything has been replaced, including normalcy in the McKinney neighborhood.
"The grass is greener on the other side... over here," laughed Danielson. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/goats-grazing-break-from-herd-stroll-through-mckinney-texas-neighborhood/287-27f32c7a-652f-41c3-a9ad-85ffdb826295 | 2023-06-21T15:06:38 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/goats-grazing-break-from-herd-stroll-through-mckinney-texas-neighborhood/287-27f32c7a-652f-41c3-a9ad-85ffdb826295 |
WAUTOMA, Wis. — A K-9 partner of one of the western Wisconsin officers slain back in April found a new job.
Grizz worked alongside Chetek Police Officer Emily Breidenbach until she was killed in the line of duty. Grizz was taken in by Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles, a western Wisconsin pet service, and recently joined the Wautoma Police Department as a therapy dog. Grizz's first assignment will be with one of the department's school resource officers.
"Yesterday our department grew with the addition of one very special officer. Please join us in welcoming Therapy K9 Officer Grizz to Wautoma," Wautoma Police posted Friday, June 16 on Facebook. "The circumstances that brought Grizz to Wautoma are heartbreaking. Grizz’s momma will forever be Officer Emily Breidenbach (EOW 04/08/23). Emily will always be a mentor for all officers with community service in their heart. We hope to make Grizz’s momma proud of all he will accomplish in Wautoma. The Chetek Police Department and community will forever be our sister city. Grizz and WPD look forward to visiting Chetek as we blend our pd families."
According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), Breidenbach and Cameron police officer Hunter Scheel pulled over a vehicle on April 8, 2023, knowing that the driver of the SUV was wanted on a warrant for failing to pay child support. Authorities said 50-year-old Glenn Douglas Perry also exhibited concerning behavior following a contentious divorce.
During an encounter on the side of County Road SS near the intersection with Highway 8, Perry fatally shot the 32-year-old Breidenbach and the 23-year-old Scheel. The suspect was also hit by gunfire and died later at a local hospital.
According to a post by Blueberry Cottage Labradoodles, Grizz was with Breidenbach in the final moments.
The community responded with several events to honor Breidenbach and Scheel, including a vigil where thousands of people gathered to pay tribute to the two fallen officers. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/k-9-of-fallen-chetek-officer-finds-new-job/89-416c008b-8a73-4762-9c65-32640a377f35 | 2023-06-21T15:06:42 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/k-9-of-fallen-chetek-officer-finds-new-job/89-416c008b-8a73-4762-9c65-32640a377f35 |
PORTER — An 18-year-old man pulled Tuesday evening out of Lake Michigan at Porter Beach has died, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
A 14-year-old girl, pulled out of the water during the same incident, was taken for medical care and is reportedly in good condition.
Riding Shotgun with Merrillville Police Officer Amanda Earley
An official with the Porter County Coroner's Office said Tuesday morning they were waiting on information before releasing the identity of the deceased man.
The man was pulled from the water following a 20-minute search, Porter police Lt. Dan Dickey had said.
Porter Fire Department crews were called out at 6:48 p.m. Tuesday to the Indiana Dunes National Park beach for a report of a girl who had been pulled from the water by a bystander and a male still in the water. His location was unknown at the time of the call, Porter Fire Chief Jay Craig said.
"The people of Chesterton should be livid that a coward decided to vandalize town property with a call to violence and derogatory language," state Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton, said.
First responders searched for the man until he was located at 7:07 p.m. and brought to shore, Dickey said. Emergency crews administered CPR on the man and transported both individuals to Northwest Health Porter hospital.
Beachgoers in the Porter area were at moderate risk for swimming and rip current as of Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
Porter police and Indiana conservation officers are investigating.
The history behind all 63 national parks in the US
The history behind all 63 national parks in the US
People entered U.S. national parks nearly 312 million times in 2022, up by 15 million visits from the year before, according to the National Park Service. Eight of these federally-owned and protected parks garnered 26% of visits, and another 25% of visits came from the 331 least-visited parks.
President Woodrow Wilson first signed the "Organic Act" on August 25, 1916, creating the National Park Service. Since then, the service has helped safeguard so many of the nation's scenic treasures with titles as varied as parks, preserves, reservations, fossil sites, and more. Stacker zooms in on national parks, and large land or water areas, typically larger than national monuments and more general than national preserves. Stacker used publicly available data and resources from the National Park Service to compile this brief history of all 63 national parks in the U.S.
Every national park is a natural or cultural resource the federal government deemed worthy of protection. Congress typically passes a statute to create a national park. Before that, each park passed a rigorous screening process to determine whether it is worth federal conservation. Researchers with the NPS have to deem the area of national significance, in other words, it is an unspoiled example of a resource that tells the story of U.S. natural or cultural heritage and history. Many of the older parks on this list, such as Acadia National Park, started as national monuments at the beginning of the 20th century, and later became national parks.
If you're looking for your next outdoor adventure, the West Coast offers plenty of opportunities. California has nine. Arizona and Washington each have three, and Oregon adds one more to the list. But national parks are found throughout the nation and offer a wide range of sites and experiences.
anthony heflin // Shutterstock
Acadia National Park, Maine
Before Acadia became a national park, it was home to the Wabanaki people for 12,000 years. After colonization, European American settlers and tourists began to strain the infrastructure of the Maine islands that now make up the park. In 1916, wealthy landowners donated thousands of acres to the care of the government, and in 1929, the park was officially named Acadia National Park. Today, it's one of the top 10 most visited national parks. NPS calls it the "crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast.
Doug Lemke // Shutterstock
National Park of American Samoa, American Samoa
The National Park of American Samoa is the only U.S. national park south of the equator . NPS established the park in 1988 across three islands in the U.S. territory. The park intends to conserve the tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and archaeology of the islands, among other things.
Danita Delimont // Shutterstock
Arches National Park, Utah
If you've ever seen a picture of Arches National Park in Utah, it probably contained the Delicate Arch , the most popular feature of the park. There are more than 2,000 naturally-forming arches in the park, as well as balanced rocks and other unique rock formations. President Herbert Hoover first signed a proclamation to preserve the land in 1929, and the area officially became a national park in 1971.
Fotoluminate LLC // Shutterstock
Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Badlands National Park may have gotten its name from the original inhabitants of the land. The Lakota people called this part of South Dakota "mako sica ," which translates to "bad lands," likely a reference to the terrain that makes living here difficult. Today, the national park is known for its many mammal fossils and for its clear views of the Milky Way thanks to the dark sky.
Paul Brady Photography // Shutterstock
Big Bend National Park, Texas
Texas' largest national park was established in June 1944. It preserves large parts of the Chihuahuan desert, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande River.
Piotr Kalinowski Photos // Shutterstock
Biscayne National Park, Florida
Biscayne Bay, inside Biscayne National Park, is one of the top places for scuba diving in the U.S. The national park is about 30 miles south of Miami and was originally created in 1968 to protect the area's keys, coral reefs, and marine life.
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado
Colorado's Black Canyon of the Gunnison may be one of the newer national parks, having been established in 1999, but the landscape is much older. The canyon has some of the oldest exposed rocks at almost two billion years old, not to mention the 2,250-foot Painted Wall, which is more than 1,000 feet taller than the Empire State Building.
Kent Raney // Shutterstock
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
Bryce Canyon is known for its many hoodoos —columns of weathered rock with a larger top, like the shape of a mushroom. The land in Utah officially became a national park in 1928 after first being declared a national monument in 1923. It encompasses more than 35,000 acres and is less than 40 miles from another popular park, Zion.
Andriy Blokhin // Shutterstock
Canyonlands National Park, Utah
Canyonlands National Park was established in 1964 to conserve the canyons, buttes, and arches carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Canyonlands may not be as popular as other Utah national parks like Zion and Arches, but it still offers incredible views.
Kelly vanDellen // Shutterstock
Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Another one of Utah's five national parks, Capitol Reef is also more of a hidden gem. It became a national park in 1971. In 2015, it was designated an International Dark Sky Park.
LHBLLC // Shutterstock
Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico has some of the most publicly-accessible caves in the world. In order to protect the caves, timed-entry tickets must be reserved for $1 per person before getting to the park, either online or by phone (877-444-6777). Once visitors arrive during their scheduled time, they'll pay an entrance fee.
Kit Leong // Shutterstock
Channel Islands National Park, California
One of the country's least visited national parks can be found off the coast of Southern California. Five islands comprise Channel Islands National Park. Anacapa Island, which is about one square mile in total, is great for birding, and Santa Cruz is known for sea cave kayaking.
MarkinStillwater // Shutterstock
Congaree National Park, South Carolina
South Carolina's only national park is Congaree, located outside of the city of Columbia. Established in 2003 after being declared a national monument in 1976, the federally-protected land contains an old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. It is the largest intact area of this kind in existence in the southeast. It is also one of the smallest national parks when it comes to acreage.
University of College // Shutterstock
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Southern Oregon is home to Crater Lake National Park, which became a national park in 1902. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S. at 1,943 feet. It's also one of the clearest and cleanest lakes in the world.
Cat Dang Photography // Shutterstock
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley became a national park after years of pollution in the area between Cleveland and Akron spurred people into action. A fire on the Cuyahoga River in 1969 inspired Earth Day and helped launch the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Kelly vanDellen // Shutterstock
Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada
This national park along the eastern border of California and the western part of Nevada is known for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park. The area became a national monument in 1933 to protect it from mining and became a national park in 1994.
fotomak // Shutterstock
Denali National Park, Alaska
The highest mountain on the continent is found in Alaska at Denali. Denali means "the tall one" in the Koyukon language, spoken by the native Athabascan people.
Jay Yuan // Shutterstock
Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
Seven islands are the only land found in this national park near the Florida Keys, but the real gems are underwater, such as the coral reef and marine wildlife. Dry Tortugas National Park is only accessible by seaplane or boat.
Michael Gordon // Shutterstock
Everglades National Park, Florida
When visitors head back to Florida's mainland, they can find Everglades National Park on the southern tip of the peninsula. This is the largest mangrove ecosystem found in the western hemisphere and is home to several endangered and threatened animal species, such as the Loggerhead sea turtle.
JHVEPhoto // Shutterstock
Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska
NPS' second largest wilderness area is in Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle. Visitors must be ready for a rugged adventure because there are no trails , signs, or even roads into the park.
Danita Delimont // Shutterstock
Gateway Arch National Park, Missouri and Illinois
On the other hand, St. Louis' Gateway Arch National Park is full of people in and around the iconic 630-foot tall monument, the largest man-made monument in the country. The national park tells the story of the many people who called this area home and the important court case of Dred Scott , tried in St. Louis' old courthouse. Scott's case hastened the Civil War.
William Silver // Shutterstock
Glacier National Park, Montana
Montana's Rocky Mountains are home to Glacier National Park, established in 1910 to make it the country's 10th national park. One unique thing to do in the park is to drive the 50-mile Going-To-The-Sun Road , which crosses the continental divide that separates the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds , and takes riders by waterfalls and glaciers.
Robert Paulus // Shutterstock
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Not to be confused with the former park, Glacier Bay National Park is found in Alaska. Although it's possible to fly into the park, most people reach Glacier Bay National Park by boat , either on a cruise ship, a smaller boat, or even a kayak. It became a national park in 1980 and a World Heritage Site in 1992.
Wildnerdpix // Shutterstock
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
With about 4.7 million visitors in 2022 , Grand Canyon National Park is the second most visited national park. The Hualapai Tribe manages the most well-known attraction on the west side of the canyon called The Skywalk , which gives stunning views of the canyon gorge.
Fabian Van Scshepdael // Shutterstock
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park was established in 1929 to protect the Teton Range, which is part of the Rocky Mountains. It's next to the more popular Yellowstone National Park but holds its own for wildlife and mountain views.
Kelly vanDellen // Shutterstock
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
Near Nevada's border with Utah, Great Basin National Park conserves the South Snake Mountains and Lehman Caves . The Shoshone Native people have lived in this area for hundreds of years.
Kelly vanDellen // Shutterstock
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Colorado is home to the largest sand dunes in the United States, found in Great Sand Dunes National Park. Visitors can surf on the sand or float down Medano Creek to cool off.
Gary Saxe // Shutterstock
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which straddles the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is the NPS' most visited national park, averaging nearly 11.5 million visits per year since 2012. One of its most popular events is viewing the synchronous fireflies at night.
Steven Schremp // Shutterstock
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas
In 2022, Guadalupe Mountains National Park celebrated 50 years as a national park after getting the designation in 1972. It contains Guadalupe Peak, the highest peak in Texas .
Cornelio Bravo III // Shutterstock
Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
The Hawaiian island of Maui is where Haleakalā National Park is located. It helps to conserve many endangered species, such as the Maui parrotbill . Watching the sunset at the park has become a popular activity.
Frederick Millett // Shutterstock
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii
Located on the nearby big island, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park includes the bases of two of the world's most active volcanoes. Mauna Loa and Kīlauea made news recently when they erupted in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Tada Images // Shutterstock
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
The ancient thermal springs may be one of the most popular enticements to this Arkansas national park. The eight bathhouses that make up Bathhouse Row, were declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.
Barbara Kalbfleisch // Shutterstock
Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
One of the nation's newest national parks is found in northern Indiana along its border with Lake Michigan. Formed in 2019, the Indiana Dunes National Park is known as the birthplace of ecology thanks to a Chicago professor who studied the area in order to preserve it.
Zack Frank // Shutterstock
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Southern California's Joshua Tree National Park only gained national park status in 1994 (it was a national monument before that) but has quickly become one of the more popular parks in the national park system. Park leadership recently signed a cooperation agreement with the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians for shared stewardship of the land.
ThroughLensPhotosNVideos // Shutterstock
Katmai National Park, Alaska
One can't think of Alaska's Katmai National Park without conjuring images of brown bears hunting for salmon, especially along the Brooks River. It became a national park in 1980.
Wirestock Creators // Shutterstock
Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
In 1980, Kenai Fjords in Alaska became a national park to protect the Harding Icefield , made of several glaciers, a coastal fjord, and nearby islands. The park also protects wildlife like seals and sea lions.
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
Kings Canyon National Park, California
Kings Canyon National Park is where you can find the biggest grove of giant sequoia trees in the world. One can also find the "Nation's Christmas Tree " inside the park. Also known as General Grant, this sequoia is estimated to be at least 2,000 years old and stands 267 feet tall.
Noah Sauve // Shutterstock
Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska
Kobuk Valley is the ancestral home of the Iñupiat indigenous Alaskans. They've been in this area for more than 10,000 years. The park in their homeland encompasses arctic sand dunes and a boreal forest in the northwestern part of Alaska.
BlueBarronPhoto // Shutterstock
Lake Clark National Park, Alaska
Alaska's Lake Clark National Park is about 100 miles outside of Anchorage. It lies in the ancestral home of the Dena'ina people and the largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world.
Danita Delimont // Shutterstock
Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Four different types of volcanoes are inside Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. It became a national park in 1916.
Sundry Photography // Shutterstock
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the longest-known cave system in the world . Visitors to the national park can walk on a path through some of the widest parts of the cave. It became a national park in 1941 and UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado preserves the Pueblo indigenous communities built into the rock cliffs of Mesa Verde. Because of this, the park is also a World Heritage site .
Jason Kolenda // Shutterstock
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The pinnacle of Mount Rainier National Park is the 14,410-foot-tall volcano from which the park gets its name. The park's Wonderland Trail loops around Mount Rainier and includes stunning nature views.
Jon Marc Lyttle // Shutterstock
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia
The country's newest national park was made official in December 2020. West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park features the New River , which paradoxically, is one of the oldest rivers on the continent.
Gestalt Imagery // Shutterstock
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Washington state is home to North Cascades National Park, established in 1968. It's home to the North Cascade Range, over 300 beautiful glaciers and lakes, waterfalls, and deep valleys. Careful: grizzly bears also call this land home .
Mason Vranish // Shutterstock
Olympic National Park, Washington
Also in Washington state, Olympic National Park is about 120 miles southwest of North Cascades. Olympic National Park differentiates itself as a more accessible and family-friendly park, with easier hikes not too far from its parking lots.
Lindsay Snow // Shutterstock
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park is home to the Navajo Nation . While the park contains petrified forests, where the trees have turned to stone, perhaps its most stunning images are from the colorful badlands, rock striped with colors. Historic Route 66 used to run through a portion of the park. It's not in use anymore, but geocaching fans can search for telephone poles and other remnants of the old highway.
Edwin Verin // Shutterstock
Pinnacles National Park, California
East of Central California's Salinas Valley is where Pinnacles National Park is found. It became a national park in 2013 and protects what's left of an ancient volcano. Today, it's abundant caves, wildflowers, and nearly 500 different species of bees.
Sundry Photography // Shutterstock
Redwood National Park, California
Northern California's Redwood National Park was established in 1968 to protect the enormous redwood trees that reach heights of 300 feet. According to the National Park Foundation, the trees inside this park are some of the oldest and tallest on Earth .
Zack Frank // Shutterstock
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
With an average of 4.5 million visits a year, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of the most popular national parks in the country, and it's easy to see why. Its mountain vistas and scenic drives are a favorite, especially with Denverites who live close by. The park was established in 1915 by President Woodrow Wilson.
Christopher Jackson // Shutterstock
Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Near Tucson, Arizona is Saguaro National Park, where visitors can find the largest cacti in the country. The average Saguaro can live 150 years . The blossoms are Arizona's state flower.
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
Sequoia National Park, California
Next to its sister national park, Kings Canyon, Sequoia National Park also features the famed sequoia trees. If viewing the majestic trees is the goal, Sequoia National Park may be at the top of the list. It has more sequoia trees than any other national park.
Kelly vanDellen // Shutterstock
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
Shenandoah National Park is found about 75 miles outside of Washington D.C. and stretches along part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of its most well-known features is Skyline Drive , a National Scenic Byway that drivers can take through the entire park.
Joseph Sohm // Shutterstock
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Theodore Roosevelt National Park was established in North Dakota decades after the president left office. It was named after Roosevelt in 1947 to honor him for establishing the U.S. Forest Service and preserving several other land masses. It is the only national park established in memoriam.
Randy Runtsch // Shutterstock
Virgin Islands National Park, Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands National Park is the only one of the 63 national parks found in the Caribbean. The park is on the U.S. territory's island of St. John. It conserves the history of the Taino Indigenous people and the enslaved Africans forced to work on sugar plantations.
Wangkun Jia // Shutterstock
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Renting a houseboat to explore and camp is likely one of the most special experiences one can have at Voyageurs National Park. The park, near Minnesota's northern border with Canada, became a national park in 1975.
Becca in Colorado // Shutterstock
White Sands National Park, New Mexico
White Sands delivers on its name thanks to the one-of-a-kind dunes made of gypsum , the mineral providing the white color. The New Mexico park officially became a national park in 2019.
Kit Leong // Shutterstock
Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota
President Theodore Roosevelt declared South Dakota's Wind Cave a national park in 1903 . It's home to a large cave complex—not quite as vast as Mammoth Cave. It was the first park in the world to protect a cave. The atmospheric pressure between the cave and the surface is known to change the wind direction , flowing into or out of the cave.
SamanthaZurbrick // Shutterstock
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska
At more than 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias is by far the largest national park in the national park system. The south-central Alaska park was established in 1980, but it was a World Heritage site a year before that. It contains the greatest concentration of glaciers in North America.
melissamn // Shutterstock
Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
According to a report by the RV insurance company Roamly, Yellowstone National Park is the most popular for overnight stays . These overnight visitors likely want to take their time exploring the sprawling park that covers parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Old Faithful, Yellowstone's most well-known geyser, erupts on average 20 times a day . It is the first national park in the world , established by President Ulysses S. Grant in 1872.
blvdone // Shutterstock
Yosemite National Park, California
One of the country's most well-known national parks, Yosemite has sequoia trees , but it's also known for incredible views of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Established in 1890, Yosemite is the country's third oldest national park .
Katie Whit // Shutterstock
Zion National Park, Utah
Hiking through Zion Canyon may be the most popular activity in this national park, where some areas are only 20 to 30 feet wide. Visitors also love the natural arches found throughout this southwest Utah park. Zion has been a national park since 1919.
Data reporting by Dom DiFurio. Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.
Paul Brady Photography // Shutterstock
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CHESTERTON — A state senator is denouncing Tuesday's defacing of a sign at the town's municipal complex with language that called for the death of members of the LGBTQ community.
"Kill all (homophobic slur)" was found spray painted in black on one of the two sides of the sign in front of the Chesterton Municipal Complex at 1490 Broadway, according to Chesterton police.
The graffiti was discovered around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday by a street department employee arriving at work, police said.
Surveillance video partly captured a person wearing all black run up the sign around 4:02 a.m., hang out for a minute and then spray paint the sign before running off, according to the incident report.
"(The town employee) stated he was unable to get a closer look at the person's face," police said.
"The people of Chesterton should be livid that a coward decided to vandalize town property with a call to violence and derogatory language," state Sen. Rodney Pol Jr., D-Chesterton, said. "I denounce this senseless and shameful act."
Pol urged anyone with information on the offensive action to come forward.
"As a legislator and public servant, my priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of all people in my community, and this inflammatory, ignorant message absolutely cannot go unanswered," Pol said in a press release.
VALPARAISO — A 33-year-old Kouts man arrested this week on four counts of possessing child pornography reportedly told investigators he could …
"LGBTQ+ people are our family, friends, and neighbors and they undoubtedly deserve to live safely and happily in our shared community just as much as anyone else," he said.
"Chesterton is strong thanks to its diversity and its amazing residents," Pol said. "This sort of hateful rhetoric has absolutely no place here. Our focus is on building an exceptional, inclusive community with opportunities for all."
"We have no time or patience for sowing division and fear. I know the residents of Chesterton feel the same way, which is why this act was carried out under the cover of night with no witnesses. This incident is a stain on a community of otherwise upstanding, honest and compassionate citizens."
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
A state senator is denouncing this week's defacing of a sign at the town's municipal complex with language that he described as anti-LGBTQ and inciting violence. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/state-senator-denounces-anti-lgbtq-violent-graffiti-on-porter-county-town-sign/article_58e456dc-1035-11ee-afd8-273a81c71ea2.html | 2023-06-21T15:08:21 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/state-senator-denounces-anti-lgbtq-violent-graffiti-on-porter-county-town-sign/article_58e456dc-1035-11ee-afd8-273a81c71ea2.html |
VALPARAISO — Porter County police say an update is expected in the next day or two in the discovery last week of the battered and deceased body of a 35-year-old Hobart man at the Chustak Public Fishing Area in Portage Township.
"I would like to extend my condolences to the victim’s family, this was a senseless act of violence and I am pleased that the suspects accused of this heinous crime have been arrested and will be held accountable," Porter County Sheriff Jeff Balon said.
"I would like to commend all of the members of public safety who came together to bring the persons accused of this crime to justice."
The body of Derek William Hartz was found around 11 a.m. June 13 on a small trail on the edge of the public access site on a deflated air mattress, according to court documents.
He had "excessive bleeding" from his skull and was nude from the waist down, officials said.
The Porter County Coroner's Office ruled Hartz's death a homicide from blunt-force trauma to the head.
The area in question is located at 331 W. County Road 600 North and is described by police as a 76-acre public fishing area just off State Road 149.
Investigators found a Virginia identification card at the scene and learned that a cell phone and vehicle belonging to Hartz were missing.
Using state-of-the-art technology and with the assistance of Ohio law enforcement, Porter County police said they located the stolen vehicle in Ohio and two men were taken into custody.
VALPARAISO — A 33-year-old Kouts man arrested this week on four counts of possessing child pornography reportedly told investigators he could …
Jawon Martin, also known as Jada Monroe, 28, of Danville, Va., was taken into custody in Hamilton County, Ohio, on a charge of stealing the vehicle, police said.
Detectives also apprehended Martin's passenger, Domonic Weaver, 27, of Gary, who also uses Barnes and Brothers as a last name. He has warrants from Porter County and Virginia, according to court records.
Court records say Hartz's mother told detectives he had taken their shared car after 4:30 a.m. June 13 and left her a note that he was going to see a friend. She tried to contact him to return the car after he was deceased and continued to receive texts back.
"This case would not have ended the way it did if we didn’t have the cooperation of our local/state/and federal law enforcement partners," Porter County police said. "This was an isolated incident and there is no other concerns to the public."
Anyone in the area of the Chustak Public Fishing Area from 4 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. June 13 is encouraged contact the sheriff's department at 219-477-3140.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
Porter County police say an update is expected in the next day or two in the discovery last week of the battered and deceased body of a 35-year-old Hobart man at the Chustak Public Fishing Area in Portage Township. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/update-coming-in-porter-county-homicide-involving-hobart-man-police-say/article_802c1ec6-102d-11ee-af27-6714d9e03bf8.html | 2023-06-21T15:08:22 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-courts/update-coming-in-porter-county-homicide-involving-hobart-man-police-say/article_802c1ec6-102d-11ee-af27-6714d9e03bf8.html |
Air Quality Alert issued for Southeast Michigan Wednesday: What to know
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an air quality alert Wednesday, advising active children and people with respiratory diseases to limit prolonged outdoor exertion due to elevated levels of ozone and air pollutants.
The alert has been issued for St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne and Monroe counties. It is the eleventh air quality alert issued by the National Weather Service this year, according to Kevin Kacan, a meteorologist with the agency in White Lake Township.
Smoke from the Canadian wildfires, Kacan said, is a partial factor for the air quality. But ozone — a gas molecule that is harmful when it develops in the lower atmosphere, and which is heat and sunlight dependent — is the greater cause for the alert.
To reduce ozone formation, EGLE officials urge avoiding activities such as refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline powered lawn equipment and using charcoal lighter fluid.
"Carpool if you can, hold off mowing your lawn until near sunset and limit outside exposure for those with respiratory issues," said Alec Kownacki, a meteorologist EGLE's air quality division.
"Traditionally, we always see lower air quality right around this time of year for ozone season, which is from about March to October, but right now is like the hotspot," Kownacki said. "It usually corresponds with how long daylight is."
Kownacki said his team expects to see an increase in cloud coverage and rain into the weekend, which will decrease ozone development.
"Basically, when we get rain showers like this (during ozone), it helps to clean out the air mass as it washes out any of the ozone that's developed since it likes to hang around the air mass without strong winds or any fronts that come through," Kownacki said.
High temperatures are expected in the low 80s on Thursday with some cloud coverage. A roughly 40% chance of rain is expected for southeast Michigan on Friday. There's a 20% chance of rain Saturday, with temperatures reaching the high 80s, the weather service said.
jaimery@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @wordsbyjakkar | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/21/southeast-michigan-air-quality-alert-ozone-action-11th-time-this-year/70341361007/ | 2023-06-21T15:09:19 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/21/southeast-michigan-air-quality-alert-ozone-action-11th-time-this-year/70341361007/ |
Henrico Police are investigating a shooting early Wednesday morning that left a juvenile male in critical condition.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 4900 block of Wood Thrush Circle just after 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. When they arrived on scene, they located a juvenile male suffering "obvious signs of trauma," according to a statement from Henrico Police.
Police rendered aid at the scene until emergency responders were able to arrive and take the victim to an area hospital.
Detectives were able to identify a suspect, also a juvenile male, who has been taken into police custody. He currently faces a charge of underage possession of a firearm, though police say more charges may be forthcoming.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call Detective Seay at (804) 501-7323 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at (804) 780-1000. | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/henrico-police-wood-thrush-circle-shooting-juvenile-victim/article_91d3bef2-103e-11ee-a695-dfd339b86349.html | 2023-06-21T15:10:21 | 0 | https://richmond.com/news/local/crime-courts/henrico-police-wood-thrush-circle-shooting-juvenile-victim/article_91d3bef2-103e-11ee-a695-dfd339b86349.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Spirit AeroSystems and representatives of the Local Lodge 839 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM) reached an agreement on a new contract on Thursday, June 15.
The current contract expires June 23. The new proposed contract includes a 34% increase in pay, a continuation of current medical benefits, including enhanced medical insurance options, voluntary overtime, increased vacation time, and an increase in retirement benefits, among other changes.
The IAM has scheduled a vote on the contract for Wednesday, June 21, at Hartman Arena in Park City, 8151 N. Hartman Arena Dr. Doors open at 7 a.m., ballots are available after a 9 a.m. presentation, and polls close at 5 p.m.
In a press release, Spirit says the new contract is “…a fair and competitive contract that recognizes important contributions of the company’s factory employees and ensures that Spirit can successfully meet the increasing demand for aircraft from customers. The contract is the result of negotiations built on respect for employees and their families, their IAM representatives, and Spirit’s business.”
Spirit says that ratification of the contract will be decided by a majority of those who vote. After the ballots have been sorted through, employees will receive communication on the outcome of the vote on or before Thursday, June 22.
To view more information regarding the voting process, click here.
To view the contract, click here. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/spirit-and-iam-reach-tentative-agreement-on-a-new-contract/ | 2023-06-21T15:12:43 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/spirit-and-iam-reach-tentative-agreement-on-a-new-contract/ |
For the second consecutive year, the Frisco ISD Board of Trustees has passed what’s known as a deficit budget, meaning it plans to spend more money during the upcoming year than it expects to take in.
Board members approved the nearly $740 million 2023-2024 budget on Tuesday evening.
The district expects to bring in nearly $714 million in revenue, leading to a projected $24 million deficit.
In a statement posted to the district website, Frisco ISD points to two main culprits for the deficit – inflation and the Texas legislature's failure to increase the money it allocates to local school districts.
Despite the projected deficit, the 2023-2024 Frisco ISD budget does include raises for teachers and staff.
Teachers will make about 2% more this upcoming school year, on average, and staff members will make about 1.5% more, based on the approved budget. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/frisco-isd-approves-deficit-budget-for-upcoming-school-year/3281525/ | 2023-06-21T15:18:47 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/frisco-isd-approves-deficit-budget-for-upcoming-school-year/3281525/ |
Amazon’s epic 2-day sales event Prime Days is set for July 11 and 12.
But you have to have an Amazon Prime membership to take advantage of the deals.
With the all-new Invite-only deals program, Prime members can request an invitation to access exclusive Prime Day deals that are expected to sell out.
Among the invite only deals:
Amazon Fire TV 43″ Omni Series 4K UHD smart TV, hands-free with with Alexa for $99 (normally $399)
Bulova Men’s Marine Star 6-Hand Quartz Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch, Blue Dial, Tachymeter, 100M Water Resistant (Model: 96B174) for $179 (normally $450)
All-New Limited Edition, Star Wars The Mandalorian Stand for Amazon Echo Dot (4th & 5th Generation) for $29 (normally $39)
New deals will drop every 30 minutes during select periods throughout the event, with deep discounts on products from the hottest brands.
Shop now for thousands of Amazon Deals by category ahead of Prime Days. You’ll find deals on Alexa products, including a plethora of smart home devices, echo devices, Kindle readers, firesticks and more.
Check out Best Sellers from Amazon Prime Days 2022 or the explore Amazon Prime Benefits.
Stock up your college dorm room for fall classes, sign up for a Prime Student membership. Or, get ready to shop for deals, binge watch your favorite TV shows or catch the latest popular movies with a Prime membership.
Prime Student: You’ll get 6 months free trial, 6-month trial courtesy of Grubhub, for new members only. Pay $7.49/month after your trial ends. Cancel anytime. Save on flights with Student Universe and get free tutoring for 30 days.
Prime members: Try Prime free for 30 days. Enjoy free delivery, popular movies and shows, exclusive deals, and more. Only $14.99/month (plus tax) after trial. Cancel anytime. Get access to free games, RX savings, Prime Try before you Buy options.
Prime Students and Prime members enjoy the following benefits:
- Prime video top rated movies, Amazon Prime exclusives and more. Creed III, Air, Jurassic World popular TV shows and many others.
- Amazon music get access to ad free music, podcasts, recently expanded from 2 million to over 100 million songs. Enjoy mobile app on the go.
- Prime Delivery Same day to 2 day shipping and more.
©2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit mlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/amazon-prime-days-2023-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-july-shopping-event/KAMNBYONXBD5NLZTFFDYZX2MYY/ | 2023-06-21T15:19:41 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/amazon-prime-days-2023-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-july-shopping-event/KAMNBYONXBD5NLZTFFDYZX2MYY/ |
Jury selection begins for trial of man accused of murdering 17-year-old stepdaughter
Jury selection commenced on Monday for the trial of a man suspected of murdering his 17-year-old stepdaughter more than two decades ago.
Police arrested Michael Turney on Aug. 20, 2020 — 19 years after Alissa Turney of Paradise Valley disappeared on the last day of her junior year of high school. Her body was never discovered.
Alissa’s case garnered national media attention, with her sister, Sarah Turney, determined to see justice for her sister’s death.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced Michael’s arrest and that he had been charged with second-degree murder, but did not elaborate on what new information may have led to his arrest after so many years.
Sarah lauded the news of her father’s arrest on Twitter shortly after the news broke.
"I'm shaking and I'm crying. We did it you guys," she posted. "He's been arrested. Omg thank you. #justiceforalissa Never give up hope that you can get justice. It took almost 20 years but we did it."
Sister: ‘She was a survivor’
Alissa was raised in a blended family. Her mother remarried when Alissa was 3 and her stepfather adopted her. Her mother later died of cancer, before Alissa went missing.
Family members described Alissa as a good student. She had a boyfriend and worked at a Jack in the Box.
"She was a survivor," Sarah told The Arizona Republic in 2019.
According to Adel, Alissa was last seen by her boyfriend at Paradise Valley High School. She told him her stepfather was picking her up.
"Alissa's life was just beginning," Adel said. "For nearly 20 years, those who loved Alissa have longed to see her."
Stepfather previously imprisoned over possession of pipe bombs
If he’s convicted, it wouldn’t be the first time Michael was sentenced to prison.
As Phoenix police continued to investigate Alissa’s disappearance, the interviews detectives conducted indicated she wasn’t some runaway child. Police began looking into Michael more closely and later discovered he had 26 pipe bombs and three incendiary devices inside his Phoenix home.
FBI officials said Michael, who was a former electrician, had plans to blow up a union hall.
Michael ultimately pled guilty to unlawful possession of unregistered destructive devices and was sentenced to serve a maximum of 10 years in federal prison. He was released in 2017.
Republic reporter Lauren Castle contributed to this article.
Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at 602-444-2474 or perry.vandell@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @PerryVandell. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/21/jury-selection-begins-for-trial-of-man-accused-of-murdering-stepdaughter/70341018007/ | 2023-06-21T15:23:52 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/21/jury-selection-begins-for-trial-of-man-accused-of-murdering-stepdaughter/70341018007/ |
Here's how to catch the 'Drag Race México' premiere in Phoenix
Mexican American drag performer Alí L'aveau discusses the show's value
Mexican drag queens are finally stomping their heels on the "Drag Race" runway. Debuting Thursday, "Drag Race México" welcomes 11 drag performers from across Mexico vying to be this spinoff’s first-ever winner.
"They really grabbed the top 10 queens of Mexico," said Phoenix drag artist Alí L'aveau, who is hosting a viewing party in town. "I love it because some of these girls have come from small towns all over the country and it’s amazing."
Here’s how Phoenix Valley viewers can tune into the show’s premiere and what to expect this first season.
How to watch 'Drag Race México'
"Drag Race México" will be available at 2 a.m. Eastern Standard Time to U.S. subscribers of the streaming service WOW Presents Plus. This timing suggests Arizonans paying for the streaming service may be able to watch it at midnight Thursday. New episodes will air Thursdays.
Viewers in Mexico can watch the show at 9 p.m. Thursday on MTVLA.
L'aveau will be assuming weekly hosting duties starting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Kobalt, a 21 and up cocktail bar at Park Central on North Central Avenue near Thomas Road. Premiere night will be open seating. The event will have no cover charge.
Due to another event at Kobalt, the second episode’s screening will be postponed until July 6 when it will be coupled with the third episode. Also on July 6, Kobalt will begin taking table reservations at $5 a chair.
L'aveau said she will incorporate her theater background and Mexican American heritage into the show.
'Drag Race México' is about highlighting culture
Born and raised in Phoenix, the 43-year-old L'aveau has been doing drag for 23 years.
L'aveau said she is looking forward to “Drag Race México” because she thinks it will convey a deeper meaning than the typical competitive drag reality series fixated on gimmicks.
"Latina drag is more about showing your culture, showing you who you are as a person and your background," L’aveau said.
A pair of former "Drag Race" contestants will be the faces of this Mexican entry. Hosting the show will be Mexican American drag artist Valentina, who competed in the ninth season of "RuPaul’s Drag Race" and in the fifth season of "RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars."
"(Valentina) wanted to prove a point, to showcase that Mexico drag is at the same level as American drag, if not higher. She wanted to show that professionalism and that dedication," L'aveau said.
Valentina is joined in hosting duties by Lolita Banana, a Mexican contestant on last year’s debut season of "Drag Race France."
Lolita is openly HIV-positive. And L'aveau, who is an advocate for HIV awareness after being diagnosed about six years ago, said Lolita has been an inspiration.
"Sometimes that little piece of ray of light really helps one," L'aveau said, adding, Lolita’s example helped her "to push further and be able to communicate more and then to better my life."
The "Drag Race México" season one contestants come from different corners of Mexico, from Ciudad Juarez on the northern border to Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast to Guanajuato in the interior. Some of them have cited influences in their drag as varied as Latin American folklore, Roman Catholicism and Mexican surrealism.
The inaugural "Drag Race México" roster:
- Argennis
- Cristian Peralta
- Gala Varo
- Lady Kero
- Margaret Y Ya
- Matraka
- Miss Vallarta
- Pixie Pixie
- Regina Voce
- Serena Morena
- Vermelha Noir
How did 'Drag Race México' come about?
Drag superstar RuPaul Charles hosts and produces the Emmy-winning "RuPaul’s Drag Race," which premiered in 2009 and completed its 15th season this past spring. Charles and the show’s production company, World of Wonder, have launched multiple spin-offs in the U.S. and abroad.
"Drag Race México" will be the 13th international edition, with the franchise including Thailand, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Spain and the Philippines.
After Chile, Mexico is only the second Latin American country with a "Drag Race" spin-off. Mexico’s, however, appears closer to the original format than Chile's. The South American country's version is the international edition to have departed most from the franchise format, focusing on live singing over lip-syncs and featuring gender illusionists on par with drag artists.
A casting call searching for Mexico’s "best" drag queens was sent out in early August on social media, along with an audition announcement for drag performers in Brazil and Germany. A confirmation on spinoffs for the three countries came in December.
"Drag Race is about universal themes of love, self-expression, and acceptance – and there has never been a more important time than now for these ideas to be expressed internationally," said World of Wonder CEOs Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato in a statement at the time.
Reach breaking news reporter Jose R. Gonzalez at jose.gonzalez@gannett.com or on Twitter @jrgzztx.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/21/heres-how-to-catch-the-drag-race-mxico-premiere-in-phoenix/70340918007/ | 2023-06-21T15:23:58 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/21/heres-how-to-catch-the-drag-race-mxico-premiere-in-phoenix/70340918007/ |
Officials give an update following Friday's storm
On Tuesday the Unified Command Group released new information following the storms that impacted northwest Louisiana early Friday morning.
On July 16, northwest Louisiana was hit by a storm that had winds up to 80 miles per hour. With these high winds, the Shreveport-Bossier area experienced a large number of downed trees and powerlines.
On June 20, SWEPCO reported that 83,500 residents in Louisiana are still without power; 36,406 of those residents are in Shreveport. According to SWEPCO, 3,000-line crews will be on the ground today to continue restoration operations.
While the power remains out for some Caddo Parish residents, they are being advised they can visit these local cooling centers: Highland Center, Morning Star Baptist Church Life Center, Galilee Family Life Center, A.B. Palmer Park Community Center, Valencia Park Community Center, Southern Hills Park Community Center and Bill Cockrell Park Community Center.
Governor issues a State of Emergency after Northwest Louisiana tornado
During the meeting Tuesday, Caddo Parish officials stated that there is still a partial boil advisory in the parish. Here are the systems impacted:
- Deepwoods Water System
- Bella Vista Water System
- Blanchard Water System
- Simpson Water System
- Oil City Water System
- Big Oaks Water System
- Barron Ridge Water System
- Linda Lane Water System
- Lakeview Water System
- Pinehill Waterworks District
- Colworth Place Water System
- Evergreen Estates Water System
- Keithville School Water System
- Springlake Mobile Home Park Water System
- Lake Shreve Water System
- Hillside Mobile Home Park Water System
The Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office is still urging anyone who received damage to their property to report it to the Sheriff’s Homeland Security Division at 318-675-2255 or at damage.LA.GOV.
When hiring contractors think about these tips
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com. | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/officials-give-an-update-following-fridays-storm/70339899007/ | 2023-06-21T15:27:24 | 0 | https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2023/06/21/officials-give-an-update-following-fridays-storm/70339899007/ |
When the University of Nebraska Board of Regents meets to consider approving a new chancellor for the state's flagship campus, it could also give the administrator a big pay bump over his predecessor.
An amendment to the Board of Regents' agenda for Thursday's meeting includes ratifying the appointment of Rodney D. Bennett to the position of chancellor of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
He was previously the president of the University of Southern Mississippi for nearly a decade and also worked at the University of Georgia.
With his hire, regents could agree to pay the new leader a base salary of $720,000 -- a 37% increase over the salary paid to Chancellor Ronnie Green, who will retire at the end of the month.
Green's 2023 salary is $525,300, according to NU budget documents.
Bennett, who will also be appointed as a vice president of the NU system -- a title given to all four campus chancellors -- will also receive a deferred compensation package equal to 11.5% of his annual salary that has become a standard perk for NU administrators.
A university spokeswoman said Bennett will also receive a membership to a country club.
Thursday's vote to approve Bennett's hiring follows a state-mandated 30-day vetting process required for NU's top administrators.
Earlier this month, Bennett attended more than 20 public forums with some 1,400 UNL students, faculty, staff, and community leaders to outline his experiences and his vision for the university.
In a statement, Carter said Bennett has a deep appreciation for the land grant university mission and is a champion for student access and success.
"The same qualities that I've seen in Dr. Rodney Bennett have resonated with Nebraskans -- that he is a proven leader and skilled relationship-builder with a bold vision to move our university forward," Carter said. "He is the right person to lead UNL at this pivotal moment for higher education."
University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor candidate Rodney Bennett answers questions from students and staff who are part of the College of Law on June 8 at the Office of the President. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/nu-regents-to-vote-on-unl-chancellor-salary-thats-37-higher-than-predecessors/article_ef3941b0-103a-11ee-b1ad-37e79e93d21b.html | 2023-06-21T15:27:40 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/nu-regents-to-vote-on-unl-chancellor-salary-thats-37-higher-than-predecessors/article_ef3941b0-103a-11ee-b1ad-37e79e93d21b.html |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Pepsi/Food City Independence Day Fireworks organizers announced more event details during a Wednesday press conference.
The 36th Annual Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks Celebration presented by Food City will take place at the Freedom Hall grounds on Monday, July 3.
In addition to performers, the event will feature several upgrades from last year, including an outdoor beer garden, more food trucks and games for kids.
Live music will start at 6 p.m. followed by a prize drawing from 9:20 p.m. to 9:35 p.m. The fireworks show will begin at 9:55 p.m. with more live music once the fireworks conclude.
News Channel 11 will broadcast and stream the firework presentation live. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-independence-day-fireworks-press-conference/ | 2023-06-21T15:35:25 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/johnson-city-independence-day-fireworks-press-conference/ |
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — An assistant women’s bowling coach at Stephen F. Austin is out after the university discovered he cheated on his wife, who is the team’s head coach, with a student-athlete.
SFA assistant Steve Lemke opted to resign rather than be fired after the school learned of the affair, which led to a split with his wife, the Lufkin Daily News reported Tuesday.
“He’s not working here anymore,” SFA athletic director Ryan Ivey said. “From a departmental standpoint, he had a choice, and he chose to resign.”
The 38-year-old Lemke, who is married to head coach Amber Lemke, helped coach the team to two national titles and two second-place finishes before resigning April 10. The couple has since filed for divorce, according to court records.
The newspaper did not identify the student-athlete involved, but reported that she was a member of the bowling team.
Ivey said that although the relationship was consensual, Lemke and the student violated the university’s relationship rules.
Steve Lemke said his wife learned of the relationship when she saw text messages from the woman on his phone.
“I knew it was kind of a no-no, but there’s not a rule saying it can’t happen,” Steve Lemke said. “There’s not a law saying I’m going to go to jail for doing something like this. There’s nothing in stone. I guess it’s just an ethics code, like we frown upon it, but there’s no rule, there’s no law broken.”
The student involved in the affair is no longer on the team after exhausting her eligibility.
“As soon as we found out, we went through the process,” Ivey said. “We support our student-athletes and obviously Amber, with what was going on.”
The team won NCAA titles in 2016 and 2019 and finished second in 2015 and last year.
Amber Lemke has coached the team since the 2011-12 school year. Steve Lemke worked as a volunteer with the team until he was hired as an assistant in 2019.
Amber Lemke, who remains the coach, did not respond to a request for comment from the newspaper. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/coach-and-husband-of-sfas-womens-bowling-head-coach-quits-after-his-affair-with-student-athlete/501-828a5d00-863f-4072-a494-e735fe20d7ad | 2023-06-21T15:36:19 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/coach-and-husband-of-sfas-womens-bowling-head-coach-quits-after-his-affair-with-student-athlete/501-828a5d00-863f-4072-a494-e735fe20d7ad |
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