text string | url string | crawl_date timestamp[ms] | label int64 | id string |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — On Friday, June 30th, the Cumberland County Department of Public Safety hosted its fifth 911 Summerfair after an almost 10-year hiatus.
The event brings in volunteers from local firehouse chapters, police stations, and emergency medical servicemen to a central location where residents can learn more about the work done by first responders. It’s also a chance to build trust and strengthen the Cumberland County community.
“People have questions about how their government and how our emergency services work, but they’re not exactly sure how to ask, so it’s a great way for people to talk to many folks all at one spot,” said Mike Snyder, operations manager for 911 Cumberland County.
Approximately 500 residents from around the county came out to the event, with families bringing their small children to meet first responders for the first time. Volunteers said the goal of the event was to give a face to the county’s first responders and build relationships.
“It’s public trust, and the public trust that the public gains from calling 911, you see it here because they see there is more than just a voice at that 911 center,” said Adam Roth, captain of Carlisle Fire and Rescue 45.
The event held several demonstrations for the public, including how firemen cut into a vehicle during a rescue and how a police k-9 tracks during an investigation. Smaller children were also allowed to tour several professional vehicles, including firetrucks and ambulances. Demonstrations occurred every half-hour and generally lasted 30 minutes.
“This is a good way for people to hear from the folks that are doing these jobs, exactly what the policies and procedures are to protect each other,” Snyder said.
Although there to educate visitors, volunteers like Roth hope Friday’s event will inspire the next generation of volunteers. Roth believes the current generation entering the workforce doesn’t have as much free time to volunteer, compared to previous ones. As such, volunteer numbers have steadily declined over the past several years.
“That’s what we like to see, especially with volunteerism being so hard, that is obviously an event to recruit just as much as it is to gain public trust,” Roth explained.
Snyder told FOX43 how he hopes the fair will continue annually if received well by the community. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/cumberlandcounty-summerfair-firstresponders-ems-police-firefighter-community/521-d4299381-a1cb-471f-832c-91b21df9e2b6 | 2023-06-30T22:39:06 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/cumberlandcounty-summerfair-firstresponders-ems-police-firefighter-community/521-d4299381-a1cb-471f-832c-91b21df9e2b6 |
The Lancaster County Jail is over capacity and will begin housing prisoners at the Washington County Jail, corrections officials said Friday.
In recent months, Lancaster County Corrections Director Brad Johnson has been warning of the possibility that he might need to transfer inmates to surrounding jails because of overcrowding — a practice county officials haven’t had to consider since they built a new jail a decade ago.
But now they’ve hit a breaking point.
The Lancaster County jail’s operational capacity is 665 inmates, and the operational capacity for women is 107. Friday morning, the population reached 696. Of those 133 were women.
“We’re above operational capacity in every area, really, but the women are past my bed capacity at this point,” Johnson said.
Corrections officials plan to move 13 women to Washington County’s jail, he said, and will look at the possibility of housing inmates in other counties as well.
“We are being stretched thin at this point, and we’re not far from looking to do this with the male population,” he said.
Corrections officials, in a formal statement, thanked the staff for their work to maintain a safe and secure facility, and they also thanked Washington County.
Corrections officials have been watching the numbers for months and worrying that the typical dip in cold weather months wasn’t happening — a trend that usually helps during an upswing in warmer months.
Johnson included nearly $1.1 million in his 2023-24 budget request to prepare for the possibility of moving inmates to other jails, and in May the County Board gave Johnson the go-ahead to begin work to contract for an outside assessment not just of the jail, but of the entire local justice system including law enforcement, courts, community corrections and probation.
"I’m hoping the justice system assessment we’re working on accomplishing may find other alternatives that can reduce our population to a level that out-of-county housing will no longer be necessary," he said.
He’s met with two groups who could conduct the assessment and are waiting for them to provide more information about the scope of work they’d do.
“I’m sure they’ll come up with solutions that could have a positive effect on my population,” he said. “The next issue will be in which of those (areas) can we get those implemented and how quickly can we do this.”
Before county officials built the new jail at 3801 W. O St. in 2012, jail overcrowding had been a problem for years. The county did at least two needs assessments before deciding to build the $65 million facility.
Top Journal Star photos for June 2023
Players part of the Lincoln International FC wave flags from different countries while posing for a photo on their last day of soccer practice on Wednesday at Densmore Park in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Henry Schmid builds a new robot using LEGOs and various electronics as part of a LEGO Robotics course, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at The Bay in Lincoln. Brick-by-brick, students between fourth and ninth grades worked to assemble robots they built from LEGOs. As part of the Lincoln Public Schools Summer Technology Program, kids interested in robotics worked to build and program their robots to perform various tasks.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Florida's Michael Robertson embraces Deric Fabian after their loss to LSU, during game 3 of the NCAA College World Series championship series on Monday, June 26, 2023, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Florida relief pitcher Cade Fisher delivers to the plate against LSU in the fifth inning, during game 3 of the NCAA College World Series championship series on Monday, June 26, 2023, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
LSU's Paul Skenes carries the trophy after defeating Florida in the game 3 of the College World Series championship series on Monday, June 26, 2023, at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
LSU's Brady Neal pours a sports drink on coach Jay Johnson after the Tigers defeated Florida in the College World Series championship game Monday at Charles Schwab Field.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
LSU players celebrate the victory against Florida in the College World Series championship series final on Monday at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Lincoln's Zach Keenan throws a pitch against Winnipeg on Monday at Haymarket Park.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
LSU's Alex Milazzo hurdles Florida catcher BT Riopelle to score in the fourth inning during the College World Series championship series final on Monday at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Brenda Schmidt (left) and Charles Schmidt kayak at Holmes Lake on Monday. After a sunny day reaching a high the upper 80s on Monday, Tuesday could see a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. A big warmup is in store for Wednesday, with the National Weather Service forecasting a high near 100 in Lincoln.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Florida players wait to celebrate Jac Caglianone's (14) home run during a College World Series championship series game against LSU on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Finn Nash, Jaro Lepic, Liam Demshock and Liam Etkes (top, from left) have their sports memorabilia, including a replica of Homeplate, signed by Florida's Philip Abner before Game 2 of the College World Series championship series on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Florida's Cade Fisher celebrates after closing out an inning against LSU during the NCAA College World Series championship, Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Florida warms up during the NCAA College World Series championship, Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
With $5 in hand, Lincoln City Council member Tom Beckius checks the odds on a screen before placing his bet Thursday at WarHorse Casino. While the state's gambling regulations require bets to be placed on site at the casino, gamblers can use WarHorse's app to build out their wagers, making it easier and faster to place them in person.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Alex Azevedo sits on his dad's vintage motor car before the International Speedsters Trials and Reunions road trip Thursday morning.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
David Campbell, a recent graduate from Union college's international rescue and relief program, climbs and rappels from a tree alongside Mike Mikler (not pictured) on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Holmes Lake Park in Lincoln.
The duo, who had earlier created a giant swing, said they were climbing the trees for fun and practice. The program for International rescue and relief is a bachelor of science degree designed for students who want to serve and help others in disaster and humanitarian relief.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Southeast Community College Professor Michael Mellon teaches anatomy of the human brain to his class Tuesday in Lincoln. A change to community college funding in Nebraska will result in higher property taxes to support SCC next year, but officials say a tax credit will offset those increases.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
A'rielle Harvell (bottom), 5, slides down an inflatable water slide next to her sisters, Yahkira Harvell (top), 4, and Samirah Graham, 13, on Monday in central Lincoln. The temperature in Lincoln reached 96 on Monday and was in the 90s again on Tuesday. The National Weather Service is forecasting highs in the 90s and mostly sunny conditions for at least the next week.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Crane removal equipment sits on Q St. between North 9th and 10th St. temporarily closing the section of Q until June 23rd, Monday, June 19, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Malone Ribbon Dancers, including Maisey Ratliff, 8, dance during Lincoln's Juneteenth celebration Saturday at Trago Park.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Scott Copeland (Left) and Donnette Thayer (right) play Irish folk music with friends during the Hub Farmers Market at Union Plaza park on Wednesday. The markets are Wednesdays, from 5-7 p.m., through Sept. 20.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Open Harvest employees shovel gravel at the Open Harvest ground breaking in the Telegraph District, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Dynasty Volleyball players Abigail Mullen (bottom left), Reese Messer (left), Claire Cisneros (top right), and Skyler Pierce (right) share snacks and stories with one another as they rest on the catwalk overlooking the volleyball courts ahead of their next match during the Midwest PreNationals tournament on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Sports Pavilion Lawrence in Lawrence.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fisherman Salem Alsareni, catches a 24 inch carp, weighing in at six and a half pounds at Holmes Lake, Monday, June 12, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Angela Gebhardt walks next to Star City Chorus during the Star City Pride Parade Saturday at the Nebraska state Capitol.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Foster Care Closet employee Brooke Horton lifts boxes of diapers onto the bus before departing for Norfolk on Friday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
University of Nebraska-Lincoln chancellor candidate Rodney Bennett answers questions from students and staff who are part of the College of Law on Thursday at the Office of the President.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Terrance McIntyre gets his hair cut by Treveon Phinney at 402 Fades Barber Shop on Thursday at Gateway Mall.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Eliana Athena Vargas Smith, 2, plays in the fountain at Union Plaza park on Wednesday, when temperatures reached 88 degrees in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Children extend their arms outward as they reach for bubbles to pop during a family fun night ice cream party on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Charles H. Gere Branch Library in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Harper Trumble (top right) dances with her cousin Keegan VanDeWater (right) while Alexis Arai y Su Grupo perform as part of the Jazz in June concert series on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at in the Sheldon Sculpture Garden at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln. The first performers for Jazz in June drew a sizable crowd on Tuesday. The free concert series, held each Tuesday in June, will feature two sets of music from 7-7:45 p.m. and 8-8:45 p.m. Beyond the performances, the series will include education outreach coordinated by community centers and artists. A market offered food and drinks to hungry patrons. And a bike Valet will provided free, secure parking for bicycles from 5 p.m. until the end of the performance in the market.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
The Rev. T. Michael Williams signs the petition to repeal LB753 during Support our Schools Nebraska petition drive kickoff at the state Capitol on Tuesday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Mia Masch, 5, has her hair adjusted by her father Ian while his pet parrot Mango rests atop his shoulder during an animal blessing ceremony at First-Plymouth Church.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Shriner clowns cover their hearts for the invocation before the Nebraska Shrine Bowl on Saturday at Cope Stadium in Kearney.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A rainbow is seen near Ralston High School stadium during the Nebraska High School Soccer Senior Showcase on Friday.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Grace Jacobson of Lincoln holds a rainbow umbrella over a coffin prop in front of the Governor's Mansion on Thursday, the final day of the legislative session.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nikita (black) jumps into the dog pool as Pearl chases after her at Off Leash Dog Bar on Wednesday.
HAYDEN ROONEY, Journal Star
Lincoln East’s Carter Mick (10) poses for portrait , Monday, May 29, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Rebecca Rager greets her grandfather Alfred Zieg (from left) during a celebration before his birthday on Wednesday, in the Gramercy dining room on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at The Residence at Gramercy in Lincoln. 'It has been a life for sure," Alfred Zieg said during the celebration. "And on Wednesday I get to start all over again, right?"
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Muggs, a 6 year-old chocolate lab fetches his toy from the water following his dive on Saturday at Paws 4 Fun in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fire fighters clear out hot debris pulled off of 411 Mulder Dr home after alert two back yard fire, Friday, May 26, 2023, in Lincoln.
HAYDEN ROONEY Journal Star
Contact the writer at mreist@journalstar.com or 402-473-7226. On Twitter at @LJSReist.
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://journalstar.com/news/local/government-politics/jail-overcrowding-prompts-lancaster-co-officials-to-move-some-inmates-to-washington-co/article_a4d78dbc-1787-11ee-bfed-4753857567dd.html | 2023-06-30T22:42:33 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/government-politics/jail-overcrowding-prompts-lancaster-co-officials-to-move-some-inmates-to-washington-co/article_a4d78dbc-1787-11ee-bfed-4753857567dd.html |
Knoxville police identify 82-year-old man killed in Rutledge Pike crash
The Knoxville Police Department has identified the victim of a recent fatal crash on Rutledge Pike as Allen Harper, 82, of Knoxville..
Just after 5 p.m. June 27, officers were called to the intersection of Rutledge Pike and Spring Hill Road to investigate a multi-vehicle crash, a police department spokesperson said in a press release. Harper, who was driving a white Chevrolet sedan, was pronounced dead after being transported from the scene.
The investigation determined that Harper was attempting to make a left turn onto Spring Hill Road when his car was struck in the passenger side by a Ford truck traveling southbound on Rutledge Pike. The Ford remained on scene.
Liz Kellar is a public safety reporter. Email lkellar@knoxnews.com.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/82-year-old-knoxville-man-killed-in-rutledge-pike-collision/70363801007/ | 2023-06-30T22:46:04 | 0 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/82-year-old-knoxville-man-killed-in-rutledge-pike-collision/70363801007/ |
McGhee Tyson Airport is adding more parking and fees are going up. What to know
When summer and holiday travel picks up, flying can be a headache before travelers even walk through airport doors. That happens when parking lots fill up, as they have on busy days at McGhee Tyson Airport.
The airport announced on June 29 a new overflow parking lot and plans to build a $180 million parking garage. At the same time, parking fees are increasing.
The new lot, called Economy Lot C, is the third in a series of less expensive lots placed farther away from the airport. All three economy lots are located on the other side of the Airport Hilton.
Though the new overflow lot is finished, it will be used on an as-needed basis until there is a dedicated, full-time shuttle service to the lot, which the airport hopes will happen in mid-December. At that time, the lot is expected to become a regular parking area rather than overflow.
In the meantime, a shuttle currently used for other routes will service the new lot when other lots fill up.
The airport also announced that parking fees would increase slightly as it works to finance construction projects and reach parity with peer airports in the region. The largest project on the horizon is the new parking garage, which is currently in its planning phase.
Effective July 1, daily prices for the three parking options will be:
- $22 for short-term parking, which is closest to the airport and requires only a five-minute walk. This is a $2 increase.
- $16 for long-term parking, which is a 10-minute walk from the airport. This is a $2 increase.
- $11 for economy parking, which is farther away and requires at least a 15-minute walk. This is a $1 increase.
The airport also offers hourly parking, which begins at $1 per 20 minutes, or $3 per hour. Hourly parking is available in all three parking options, but once the hourly rate meets the daily rate, the price switches over to the daily rate. For instance, a car parked for eight hours or longer in short-term parking would just pay the daily rate of $22.
Hourly rates are the same across the lots and will not increase.
Building the new TYS parking lot
The new lot adds 1,100 parking spaces and cost around $7 million to design and construct, according to data provided to Knox News by Bryan White, vice president of planning and development for the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA).
The number of spaces was calculated based on how many spaces would be unavailable during construction of the new parking garage, as well as the airport's forecast for passenger increases.
Caitlin Darras, MKAA's senior public relations specialist, said the airport's regular parking would not meet the projected increase in passengers, making an overflow lot a necessity.
"We have seen consistent growth over the past six months, three months and we're just continuing to anticipate growth here at McGhee Tyson Airport," Darras said. "These parking increases just allow us to upgrade these airport parking facilities and provide the best infrastructure for our travelers."
The airport recorded its busiest year in 2019, with 2.57 million passengers, and continues to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which grounded flight operations for a time. In 2021, the number of passengers was down to around 1.4 million, but rose to 2.3 million in 2022.
Plans for a new TYS parking garage
The new parking garage is scheduled to be completed in January 2026. It will be adjacent to the current parking garage and will not replace it. The new garage is expected to add 3,500 spaces.
Its hefty price tag is more than the $134 million runway that opened in 2021 after a decade of construction. The runway project, the largest in the airport's history, was funded through state and federal grants from public entities including the FAA, TDOT and the MKAA.
The garage project extends a season of traveler growth, even as many airports have struggled to meet demand. In a recent Forbes Advisor report, McGhee Tyson Airport ranked among the worst airports for summer travel, largely due to canceled and delayed flights.
Navigating parking differences
The airport's short-term and long-term lots both offer covered garage parking. Though the titles "short-term" and "long-term" suggest a difference in how long travelers can leave their cars in these lots, the only difference among all three parking options is their distance from the terminal and their covered or open-air status. All three kinds of lots offer accessible parking.
The Knoxville airport also provides a free parking area for those picking up a passenger. Drivers can park in the small Phone and Wait Lot adjacent to long-term parking and wait with their cars until they receive a call from a passenger to arrange a pick-up location.
Ride sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, as well as taxi services are available for travelers who do not wish to park at the airport.
How does McGhee Tyson's parking compare to peer airports?
According to Darras, the airport decided to increase parking rates after comparing McGhee Tyson to similar airports.
"These parking rates just bring us in line with market parking rates at this time," Darras said.
So, how do the new parking fees compare with other regional airports in the South? The new rates are a mixed bag when compared with other airports, and there's no clear winner for least expensive parking.
McGhee Tyson Airport offers 26 nonstop flight destinations within the U.S. and had 239,547 total passengers in June 2022, according to its reported statistics.
Asheville Regional Airport offers 26 nonstop flight destinations within the U.S. and had 181,615 total passengers in June 2022, according to its reported statistics. It also offers overflow parking. Here's how its parking rates compare:
- Hourly fee of $2 up to a maximum of four hours
- $30 daily fee at the closest lot
- $15 daily fee at garage parking
- $12 daily fee for daily lots and shuttle lots
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport offers nine nonstop flight destinations within the U.S. and had 82,783 total passengers in June 2022, according to its reported statistics. It recently opened a new parking garage. Here's how its parking rates compare:
- First 15 minutes of parking are free across lots
- Each additional 30 minutes cost $2, for an hourly fee of $4
- $20 daily fee for short-term parking
- $15 daily fee for parking garage
- $12 daily fee for long-term parking
Lexington Blue Grass Airport offers 15 nonstop flight destinations within the U.S. and had 121,761 total passengers in June 2022, according to its reported statistics. Here's how its parking rates compare:
- First 30 minutes of parking are free across lots
- $2 for first hour, $1 for each additional hour
- $16 daily fee for short-term parking
- $13 daily fee for long-term parking
Daniel Dassow is a reporting intern focusing on trending and business news. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com.
Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/mcghee-tyson-airport-raises-parking-fees-for-knoxville-travelers/70372499007/ | 2023-06-30T22:46:10 | 1 | https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/mcghee-tyson-airport-raises-parking-fees-for-knoxville-travelers/70372499007/ |
A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the killing of two people earlier this month at a hotel on Tucson's south side, police said.
Darnell Warren Jackson was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of two counts of first degree murder in the killing of Xavier Morales, 54, and Sonia Zaragoza, 35, Tucson police said in a news release. The pair had been shot and their bodies were found June 8 by staff at a hotel in the 700 block of E. Benson Highway, police said.
Jackson was in a dispute with Morales over an alleged prior assault, police said in the release.
Jackson's bond was set at $1 million. | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/murder-tucson-hotel-arrest/article_de2180ee-177f-11ee-b74b-0be95ea04d2c.html | 2023-06-30T22:47:50 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/murder-tucson-hotel-arrest/article_de2180ee-177f-11ee-b74b-0be95ea04d2c.html |
Twenty-three Stockton University men's lacrosse players were named to the inaugural Coastal Lacrosse Conference All-Academic team, which recognizes players in the league with 3.20-plus cumulative grade point averages.
The Ospreys' all-academic selections are about half of the 47-man roster.
The CLC held its first season this spring, with the Ospreys placing third in the six-team league behind Salisbury, which won the NCAA Division III national championship, and Christopher Newport, which made the Final Four.
Among the 23 honorees were four local players: Owen Haugan (Oakcrest High School), Quinn Menet (St. Augustine Prep) and Hayden Smallwood and Noam Levy-Smith (Ocean City).
Also earning the recognition: Daniel Amores, Ryan Anderson, Reegan Capozzoli, Evan Deans, Anthony Ferreira, Dan Hyland, Ben Malicki, Christian Manibo, Brenden McSorley, Robbie O'Brien, Dante Poli, John Saloom, Brendan Scanlon, Luc Swedlund, Aiden Toupet, Hunter Van Zant, Brendan Wahlers, Liam Wharton and George White.
People are also reading…
Stockton (12-6) won at least 12 games for the eighth consecutive full season under head coach Kevin Zulauf (excluding the 2020 and 2021 COVID-19-shortened seasons).
The Ospreys went 3-2 against conference opponents and led the CLC in shots (52.17 per game), shots on goal (32.33) and penalty killing percentage (.781%). Stockton finished second in assists (8.78 per game). | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/23-stockton-lacrosse-players-earn-conference-all-academic-honors/article_da9e555c-1787-11ee-a0c3-b3a45fdde59c.html | 2023-06-30T22:48:12 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/sports/local/23-stockton-lacrosse-players-earn-conference-all-academic-honors/article_da9e555c-1787-11ee-a0c3-b3a45fdde59c.html |
ATLANTIC CITY — A much-anticipated grand opening of Showboat's waterpark turned to disappointment and confusion Friday, as the park lacked needed state permits.
The Island Waterpark at Showboat had planned to open Friday morning, but the doors remained closed. Details remain uncertain, but the latest word on Friday afternoon was that the park would not open until after the July 4 holiday.
Officials said the project lacked needed permits to open, although developer Bart Blatstein, who’d built the $100 million waterpark as a complement to his Showboat Hotel, said the delays were due to his desire to be make the project perfect.
Friday afternoon, a state official confirmed the park was still in the approval and permitting process, which she said was moving ahead.
"The Island Waterpark at Showboat rides are currently in the approval process," state Department of Community Affairs spokeswoman Lis Ryan said in a statement on Friday. "DCA is working in cooperation with the waterpark owner to ensure the ride documentation submittal, review and approval process is followed and completed."
Atlantic County’s state lawmakers got involved in the issue as well, said Joe Berg, a spokesman for the 2nd Legislative District team of Sen. Vince Polistina, and Assemblyman Don Guardian and Assemblywoman Claire Swift.
Polistina said Friday afternoon that Showboat officials were hoping to have an inspector visit the waterpark on Saturday.
With such a large investment into the city, the Atlantic County Republican senator wondered why the state couldn’t do more to have the park prepared for its opening.
“I don’t know why we didn’t get that, but we’re trying to do everything we can to get it done,” he said.
Blatstein initially told a news outlet he believed the park could open by Friday afternoon. Later he told another outlet it would open Saturday.
"I want everything just right," Blatstein said. "It's going to be here for decades."
By 5 p.m. Friday, the park’s doors remained closed and Blatstein wasn’t talking to reporters.
The Showboat owner and Tower Investments CEO then sent out a press statement:
“You only have one chance to make a first impression. I've decided to open ISLAND Waterpark on July 7. This is the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark and a destination that will last many decades so I want to ensure everything is perfect. We are so looking forward to sharing this whole new realm of family entertainment on the world famous Atlantic City Boardwalk. We can’t wait for our guests-both kids and adults–to experience this paradise and enjoy it all year round.
The delay is likely a blow to Blatstein's plans to open for the July 4th holiday market for the Jersey Shore.
Mayor Marty Small Sr. and chief of staff Ernest Coursey were at the park about 20 minutes after it was supposed to open. They took a tour of the empty park, and Small expressed his excitement to go down one of the slides.
"Christmas is delayed," Small joked about the week-long delay. But his optimism remained high.
"The bottom line is this, it's here. ... It's not in construction phase, it didn't stop," Small said. "... We all deal with technicalities, and those things need to be worked through, and we're excited for the official, official opening.
Small added that it's a "complete, total gamechanger" for the city.
"This is something like no other. We've often had this waterpark conversation many, many times, and it never came to fruition," Small said. "I'm glad that I was onboard from the inception when a lot of people — political and non political — said it would never, ever, ever happen. ... Now we're standing here with a nice waterpark."
The indoor waterpark offers 120,000 square feet of water slides, pools, a roller coaster, lazy river, food and other amenities for kids and adults. The waterpark will also have a retractable roof, making it usable year-round.
"The permit application is processed and a permit to operate is issued by DCA for each ride," Ryan said. "Once a permit to operate has been issued, the ride owner must schedule a required inspection where a DCA ride inspector inspects the ride in person to ensure it is safe to operate. The ride can open upon successful completion of the onsite inspection."
Blatstein undertook the waterpark as a part of improvements he's made to the former casino hotel. The Showboat was purchased by his company, Tower Investments, from Stockton University in 2015.
City officials have hailed the waterpark as a needed investment to diversify the Jersey Shore town's offerings outside of its famed beaches and casinos.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated. Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything. Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person. Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
The indoor Showboat Island Water Park offers 103,000 square feet of water slides, pools, a roller coaster, lazy river, food and other amenities for kids and adults. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/waterpark-atlanticcity-newjersey-tourism-resort/article_1d73b10a-178e-11ee-86cd-2fe63f530588.html | 2023-06-30T22:48:24 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/waterpark-atlanticcity-newjersey-tourism-resort/article_1d73b10a-178e-11ee-86cd-2fe63f530588.html |
ROANOKE, Va. – AAA projects nearly 51 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home on Independence Day weekend, setting a new record for the holiday.
It’s expected that nationwide, more than 4 million will fly to their destination while 43.2 million are heading out of town by car. That’s an increase of 2.4% over 2022 and 4% higher than 2019.
More than 1.3 million will travel in Virginia, also setting a new state holiday record numbers are up nearly four percent compared to last year.
Almost 1.2 million will travel by car while more than 107,000 people will take to the skies.
AAA says the numbers are signs that people are feeling confident about travel.
“It feels like we are in pre-pandemic times, with things open again, a lot of the COVID restrictions have all fallen away, a lot of foreign countries are fully open again and a lot of resorts and amenities are open and full,” Morgan Dean, a AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/aaa-expects-record-number-of-people-traveling-for-fourth-of-july/ | 2023-06-30T22:48:32 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/aaa-expects-record-number-of-people-traveling-for-fourth-of-july/ |
HENRY COUNTY, Va. – The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own.
Deputy Roy Lineberry lost his battle with cancer on June 29, according to the sheriff’s office.
We’re told he passed in the comfort of his own home surrounded by family.
Even after receiving his diagnosis, Deputy Lineberry didn’t stop serving in the force.
“Deputy Lineberry was dedicated to the Henry County Community and continued serving his community even during treatment,” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said he began his career at the Henry County Sheriff’s Office as an Auxiliary Deputy from January 2017 through May 2021 before coming in full-time in June 2021.
Deputy Lineberry retired from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office in April earlier this year, the sheriff’s office said. Before working for the people of Henry County, he served the citizens of Martinsville.
He is being remembered for his long-lasting impact on the community, and above all, for being a role model for others.
“Deputy Lineberry will be remembered for his selfless service and his devotion to his fellow deputies, citizens, and inmates during his career, and will forever be a role model and example of professionalism in our agency,” the sheriff’s office said.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office asks that you keep the Lineberry family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/henry-county-sheriffs-office-deputy-passes-after-battle-with-cancer/ | 2023-06-30T22:48:38 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/henry-county-sheriffs-office-deputy-passes-after-battle-with-cancer/ |
VIRGINIA – The Supreme Court announced a much-awaited decision on Friday — rejecting President Joe Biden’s plan for student debt relief.
Student loan advocate and member of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Scott Kemp says the decision came in the final hours.
“The payment restart was going to be either when the Supreme Court decided, or June 30. Well, darned if they didn’t decide June 30,” Kemp said.
Kemp says nearly 525,000 Virginians would have benefited in part from Biden’s $400 billion forgiveness plan.
“When you look at loan balances, we’re not talking about the vast majority of people that have mass amounts of debt. We’re talking about a third of Virginians that have $10,000 or less,” Kemp said.
But he says now is the time to focus on next steps.
“Payments are going to restart. Regardless of what amount, whether it’s discharged down the road, or whatnot, they will discharge,” he said.
After nearly three years of payment pause, Kemp says to look at options like income-based repayment plans to help ease the cost burden.
“Pursue that option first instead of fighting the restart, because of the implications going into default and collection has on their overall credit history,” he said.
Kemp says overall, changes need to be made when it comes to the cost of higher education.
“If higher education was more affordable, people would have to borrow less,” he said.
But recognizes the importance of loans in giving people opportunities.
“Student loans are a tool that can be used effectively or used ineffectively and they create opportunities for so many students in which that door is not open,” Kemp said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/local-expert-weighs-in-on-scotus-student-loan-decision/ | 2023-06-30T22:48:44 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/local-expert-weighs-in-on-scotus-student-loan-decision/ |
PULASKI COUNTY, Va. – Pulaski County leaders recently approved the county’s $157 million budget.
“The county is excited to have adopted its budget,” Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet said.
Sweet said the finance department worked diligently to make sure hot ticket items like education and pay raises for staff remained a top priority.
But, he says the task wasn’t easy, since Pulaski County leaders still do not know how much money they are getting from the state.
“We put together a county budget that isn’t relying on the state,” Sweet said. “Hopefully, the state will able to come to some compromise and adopt a budget.
Virginia Tech Political Science Professor, Dr. Karen Hult says Virginia is one of the few states that operates on a biennial budget, meaning the state comes up with a budget every two years.
“We’re not in any risk of a government shut down, that’s not what going on here,” Dr. Hult said.
State leaders can amend budgets or pass legislation in a “skinny budget.”
“And that basically means that things would be going on as they were under the passed budget with some additional appropriations and some additional restrictions,” Dr. Hult said.
Experts believe party disagreements are why Virginia couldn’t move forward with a final budget.
“Governor Youngkin was strong saying he wants to see some serious tax cuts many in the Democratic Senate and some Republicans said we don’t disagree with that entirely, but we’re concerned about a recession coming and a slowdown in revenue,” she said.
While state leaders wait until finalizing a budget, local leaders are making do in the meantime.
“We shouldn’t be padding our budget based on what we think the state is going to do, we have no bloody idea,” Sweet said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/local-leaders-express-difficulty-in-finalizing-budget/ | 2023-06-30T22:48:50 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/local-leaders-express-difficulty-in-finalizing-budget/ |
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A dump truck driver is facing charges after hitting seven vehicles at an intersection in Lynchburg on Friday, according to the Lynchburg Police Department.
On Friday (June 30) at 8:35 a.m., police said they responded to a crash that involved nine vehicles at US-501 and Lakeside Drive.
The Traffic Safety Unit determined that a dump truck hit seven vehicles in the intersection and debris from the crash damaged two other vehicles.
Authorities say two people were taken to Lynchburg General Hospital by the Lynchburg Fire Department and at last report, are in stable condition.
The dump truck driver, 54-year-old James McDaniel of Concord, is being charged with the following, according to LPD:
- Six counts of felony hit-and-run
- Reckless driving
- Impaired driving of a commercial vehicle
McDaniel is currently being held in the Blue Ridge Regional Jail in Lynchburg without bond, police say. A mugshot was not available.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Officer Bauserman at 434-455-6047 as the investigation continues. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/man-facing-felony-charges-after-hitting-seven-vehicles-with-dump-truck-in-lynchburg-police-say/ | 2023-06-30T22:48:56 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/man-facing-felony-charges-after-hitting-seven-vehicles-with-dump-truck-in-lynchburg-police-say/ |
ROANOKE, Va. – The Roanoke Valley Collective Response is set to receive half a million dollars from the state to fight opioid addiction.
The funding will go towards the first year of a proposed five-year project in building and expanding a regional recovery ecosystem.
The grant will address barriers such as transportation, housing and stigma reduction.
$23 million has been distributed statewide by the Opioid Abatement Authority through the national opioid settlements. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/roanoke-organization-receives-half-a-million-dollars-for-opioid-treatment/ | 2023-06-30T22:49:02 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/roanoke-organization-receives-half-a-million-dollars-for-opioid-treatment/ |
4 places to visit this weekend in Volusia County: hit the arcade, meet marine life
With a forecast calling for sunny skies and weekend temperatures in the low-to mid-90s in the Daytona Beach area, the beaches will likely fill up fast with locals and visitors.
Vast as the sands are, sometimes you want to wait until some more space has opened up before spreading out towels and settling in and slathering on sunscreen.
Here are four beachside places worth visiting in Volusia County in the meantime:
The Boardwalk and Pier in Daytona Beach
The Boardwalk and Pier, despite losing Lisa's Gifts and Joyland arcade, still hosts a number of things to do and places to visit.
Here are a few of them:
- Pizza King
- Zeno's Boardwalk Sweet Shop
- Mardi Gras Fun Center, an old-school boardwalk arcade and snack bar
- Daytona Boardwalk Amusements, rides and games
Ponce Inlet
Within a few hundred feet of each other are the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum and the Marine Science Center.
During the summer, the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, a national historic landmark, is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; the last admission is sold at 8 p.m.
Admission rates:
- 12 and older: $6.95
- Ages 3-11: $1.95
- 2 and younger: free
The Marine Science Center's summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
The facility, where seabirds and sea turtles receive medical help, offers educational programs and daily presentations.
Admission rates
- 50 and older: $7
- Ages 13-49: $8
- Ages 3-12: $5
- 2 and younger: free
Save the Manatee Club:Leave glitter-filled floats at home and out of Florida's springs
New Smyrna Beach
At the south end of New Smyrna Beach, on the backwaters of Mosquito Lagoon, is JB's Fish Camp and Lagoon Adventures, 859 Pompano Ave.
The restaurant serves southern-style seafood and homemade pies and has indoor and outdoor seating with river views.
The Fish Camp is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; rentals must be returned by 7 p.m.
- Single kayaks: $20 per hour
- Double kayaks: $25 per hour
- Triple kayaks (two adults & toddler): $30 per hour
- Paddleboards: $20 per hour
- 24-hour rentals: $125
- Weekly rentals: $175 single or double kayak
Renters must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult and provide a valid driver's license or credit card. | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/volusia-county-things-to-do-hit-the-arcade-meet-marine-life/70372537007/ | 2023-06-30T22:49:31 | 0 | https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/volusia-county-things-to-do-hit-the-arcade-meet-marine-life/70372537007/ |
CROWN POINT — A sign outside of Cafe Fresco in Crown Point reads, “Please bring in outside food and drink. We love supporting small businesses.”
Cafe owner, Breanne Zolfo, said an aspect of community would be lost if she didn’t support other small businesses on the square.
For the past 10 years, Zolfo has wired her caffeinated community with bottomless compassion and a splash of coffee. Not to mention other beverages, everything from bubble tea to fruit smoothies.
Her cafe became a staple in Crown Point for the inspirational messages hand-written on every coffee sleeve. “Believe in yourself a little more,” is one of many messages.
“I always wanted my cafe to be a place where people feel they belong,” said Zolfo, 35, who was raised in Crown Point. “I don’t want anyone to ever feel alone.”
People are also reading…
To celebrate the cafe's 10th anniversary, Zolfo has had 10 guest baristas this week raise money for a charity of their choice with the tips they’ve made. Alan Myszkowski has a newfound respect for the coffee business industry after volunteering as a guest barista.
“It’s always fun jumping into fields you have no idea about and this was one of them,” said Myszkowski, a close friend of Zolfo. “I’m good at ordering coffee. I’m not good at making it.”
Crown Point Mayor Pete Land was another guest barista Thursday afternoon. Cafe Fresco has become a go-to spot for Land and his son. It’s hard to believe the cafe has already been open for a decade, he said.
“Breanne is just a rock star when it comes to doing community work, and giving back to Crown Point and the surrounding area,” Land said. “I’m very proud of her and her business. She’s a huge ambassador for the city of Crown Point.”
Giving back has allowed Zolfo to gain national attention through “Community Love.”
Over the past 10 years, Cafe Fresco has donated over $142,600, and helped more than 2,300 people in need through “Community Love.” A chalkboard wall inside the cafe reads, “Community Love started with the belief that we have the power to brighten someone’s day.”
This concept began as a regular tip jar. At the end of each week, whatever tips were collected from the jar were donated to someone in need in the community. This concept has allowed Zolfo to be featured on “CBS This Morning,” the nationally televised news show in New York, and the Steve Harvey show, based in Los Angeles.
“In the 10 years she’s received countless awards and countless attention that she doesn’t seek,” said friend and customer, Martin Oleksy. “She isn’t doing this to apply for this or that award. The awards find her. That’s when you know she’s doing something right.”
Receiving the Circle of Corydon Award in October 2020 from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has been one of her most significant achievements, she said. Zolfo is still shocked she’s sparked so much attention from her simple acts of kindness.
“It’s crazy how it all unraveled,” she said. “Growing up I watched my parents give back to people. To me it was just how we lived our life.”
Dale Holsti said it’s easy to support someone like Zolfo when they’re a good, kind and charitable person. Holsti recalled contacting Zolfo when he saw musical artist Flintface stuck on the side of the road because his bus broke down. The artist had performed at Holsti’s son’s school earlier in the day, educating students on mental health.
Once Zolfo heard about the situation, she loaned the artist her car and gave him gift cards so he could perform at his next show while his bus got repaired.
“He was the perfect stranger and Bree was all into helping him,” Holsti said.
Zolfo had no idea the impact she’d have on the community when purchasing the fire-damaged property at 1 N. Court St. at a sheriff’s sale in 2013. She initially wasn’t even sure what to do with it. All she knew was she wanted to have a piece of history in Crown Point.
She recalled having the “crazy” idea to open her own cafe after purchasing coffee equipment from a man retiring his coffeehouse business while she was on vacation in Florida.
Cafe Fresco has now become the greatest adventure of her life.
“This is the community I wanted to create,” she said. “It’s somewhere people know they can find a friendly face. I want people to feel like they belong.” | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/crown-point/lake-county-crown-point-cafe-fresco-anniversary-coffee-shop-community/article_b4f9142e-15f0-11ee-b2c8-1b1027d0770b.html | 2023-06-30T22:50:26 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/crown-point/lake-county-crown-point-cafe-fresco-anniversary-coffee-shop-community/article_b4f9142e-15f0-11ee-b2c8-1b1027d0770b.html |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — America’s FirstFederal Credit Union announced its annual Feeding Families Across Alabama Food Drive will start Saturday and last through all of July.
All proceeds from the food drive, which includes food items and monetary donations, will benefit the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. The month-long food drive raised more than $25,000 and 22,314 pounds of food for families in 2022.
“We are proud to again support Community Food Bank of Central Alabama’s mission to feed people in need today and foster collaborative solutions to end hunger tomorrow,” said AmFirst
President and CEO Bill Connor in a release. “We invite our employees, members and the public to join us in supporting those that need it most.”
During the food drive, nonperishable food items will be collected at AmFirst’s 21 locations. AmFirst sated the following items are needed the most:
- Canned tuna in water
- Canned chicken
- Cereal, oatmeal and grits
- Dried or canned beans
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Brown or white rice
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Macaroni and cheese
- Canned vegetables
- Canned or dried fruit
“Our success is only as impactful as the community that supports it,” said AmFirst Director of
Philanthropy and Community Engagement Jody Mattson in a release. “We hope that people across the state will support this longstanding initiative through a monetary or item donation; anything you can give will make a difference for families in need.”
More information about the food drive is available on AmFirst’s website. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/amfirsts-feeding-families-across-alabama-food-drive-starts-saturday/ | 2023-06-30T22:54:39 | 0 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/amfirsts-feeding-families-across-alabama-food-drive-starts-saturday/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A local educator is hosting an event Saturday focused on showcasing and honoring Birmingham artists.
The Harlem Art Gallery and Lounge is set to host its first “Arts & Cocktails in the City” event. It’s said to be a classy and sophisticated night of art, fashion, music and poetry. There will be live music, good food and good vibes.
The event is set to take place at POLARIS Birmingham located on First Avenue South. Doors open at 5 p.m.
For ticket information, click here. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/arts-cocktails-in-the-city-to-showcase-and-honor-birmingham-artists/ | 2023-06-30T22:54:45 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/arts-cocktails-in-the-city-to-showcase-and-honor-birmingham-artists/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Dallas Acoff said his young son Adonnis loves nothing more than being outside.
But with the extreme heat, he’s challenged with balancing playtime with safety.
”I just try to get him out early to get his play time in,” Acoff said. “I just try to touch him, keep a fan on him and just try to monitor his behavior because it’s really hard to tell the signs when a toddler gets too hot.”
Nick Miele is a skin cancer survivor, so he knows well the dangers of the sun. Keeping his crews at Wyatt Construction safe from heat issues is a priority.
”Heat exhaustion is one that’s overlooked so much because it’s blind, ” Miele said. “You don’t know when it hits until it hits and someone drops.”
Miele is also under a hard deadline to finish the Market Lofts on Third in Birmingham and get the apartment complex open. So, taking a day off or staying out of the heat isn’t an option.
That’s why having a heat safety plan and protocol in place is vital.
“Maintaining rest breaks is key, getting their body temperatures down is key and getting them hydrated,” Miele said. “We keep beaucoups of coolers of water.”
The City of Birmingham has partnered with many shelters for those who need someplace cool to escape the heat. Also, all locations of the Birmingham Public Library are handing out bottles of water. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/heat-exhaustion-major-concern-for-those-who-work-outside-in-birmingham/ | 2023-06-30T22:54:51 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/heat-exhaustion-major-concern-for-those-who-work-outside-in-birmingham/ |
WATERLOO — A Waterloo man is facing up to life in prison after a federal jury found him guilty of methamphetamine charges following trial this week.
Jurors found Jeffery Turner, 48, guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The verdict was came Wednesday following three days of testimony and an hour and a half of deliberations.
According to prosecutors, Turner sold meth out of his home and worked with others who helped him get ice methamphetamine from various sources of supply in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and California. Law enforcement also bought methamphetamine from Turner in two controlled buys.
Turner remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
People are also reading…
Fact Sheets: Drugs of Abuse
Fact Sheets on drugs of abuse from the Drug Enforcement Administration | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/waterloo-man-convicted-for-meth-charges/article_26ae7874-1764-11ee-af9d-73e4cf6051ca.html | 2023-06-30T22:55:23 | 0 | https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/waterloo-man-convicted-for-meth-charges/article_26ae7874-1764-11ee-af9d-73e4cf6051ca.html |
PITTSBURGH — College students we spoke with at the University of Pittsburgh were unhappy with the Supreme Court’s 6-3 opinion striking down the Biden Administration’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan.
“It is very upsetting,” said Daniel Huffman, a fifth-year senior.
Huffman is studying environmental engineering. He has one semester left before graduation.
He said he’s disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan.
“Personally, as someone who is relying at least partially on student loans, it is really a very monumental decision,” Huffman told Channel 11′s Andrew Havranek.
He said there are a lot of reasons why he supported the plan.
“College is so much more expensive,” Huffman said. “The cost of living has risen dramatically, conditions are plummeting. It’s just so much tougher for us to dig ourselves out of this hole. This is just another step backward.”
He’s not alone.
Incoming freshman Michaela Albers was also disappointed.
“It does make me worry sometimes because I can’t afford to go to college without a bunch of student loans, and unless I end up getting a job that pays really well, it’s going to be really hard to pay that money back,” Albers said.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are mostly split among party lines.
Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeted, “President Biden’s student loan giveaway is ruled unlawful. The 87% of Americans without student loans are no longer forced to pay for the 13% who do”
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania released a statement saying, “Our government canceled millions in pandemic loans for members of Congress. Yet SCOTUS is saying we cannot cancel some of the student loan debt for working people. This is just ridiculous.”
Friday afternoon, Biden announced a new path forward to provide student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible.
He said the new path is “grounded in the Higher Education Act,” and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has taken the first steps towards making that plan a reality, but said it will take longer.
Cardona announced his department finalized a new income-driven repayment plan called Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE.
Cardona said the plan would cut monthly payments to $0 for millions of low-income borrowers, save $1,000 a year for all other borrowers and “stop runaway interest that leaves borrowers owing more than their initial loan.”
Huffman said he holds a little hope that something can happen in Congress to give some student debt relief to borrowers.
“I try to be [optimistic] because it doesn’t really help anyone for me to not have hope, I guess I try to think of it like that,” Huffman said.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/local-college-students-react-supreme-court-decision-striking-down-student-loan-forgiveness-plan/2JDLCIKUEFG5BIDLXJLU3XCKFU/ | 2023-06-30T22:57:02 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/local-college-students-react-supreme-court-decision-striking-down-student-loan-forgiveness-plan/2JDLCIKUEFG5BIDLXJLU3XCKFU/ |
PITTSBURGH — A new state bill could allow families who attend low-performing schools to remove their students and use a state-funded voucher to pay for private schools.
While supporters said it’s a win for school choice; struggling districts said it will take more resources from the students who need them the most.
“Where is that same energy for our public schools?” said Ghadah Makoshi.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Proposed plan in Pennsylvania would shift education funding toward controversial voucher program
Makoshi is a parent of a ninth grader and a kindergartener who both attend Pittsburgh Public Schools. She said for years parents like herself have advocated for more funding and received nothing in return, and now she says this bill will take even more away.
“I hear legislators talking about how these vouchers help low-income families, but if that were the goal then these legislators would have ensured that our public schools were world-class institutions years ago,” she said.
The Lifeline Scholarship Bill would provide families from the state’s lowest-performing schools with a voucher to leave the district and attend a private or religious school.
A win for supporters who believe school choice is critical for all families
But opponents said it takes up to $170 million per year away from public education in Pennsylvania.
“This is about wealthy families getting free money to attend private or parochial under the guise of being in the interest of students they’ve never cared about,” Makoshi said.
Each year the state compiles a list of low-performing schools.
This year it overwhelmingly includes schools in our region from Pittsburgh Public Schools to Woodland Hills, Penn Hills, Sto Rox, Duquesne City, and dozens of districts that fell below average.
“I would urge the lawmakers to consider the adverse impact,” said Ira Weiss, the solicitor for Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Pittsburgh Public had several schools on the list and said decreasing enrollment numbers will cost them state funding., and divert district money to pay for transportation for students attending private schools outside of the district.
“If public education were properly and adequately, fairly funded we would better be able to address the needs of those students.”
Lawmakers have not voted on this bill even though the budget deadline is Friday.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/local-parents-react-bill-that-could-allow-controversial-school-voucher-program/ZHCGVBF3BNEPBGPYR5BULDMXKM/ | 2023-06-30T22:57:08 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/local-parents-react-bill-that-could-allow-controversial-school-voucher-program/ZHCGVBF3BNEPBGPYR5BULDMXKM/ |
SHARPSBURG, Pa. — The work to replace a natural gas pipeline in Sharpsburg has been on hold ever since crews discovered human bones there last week, but what hasn’t stopped is the work to figure out if it is in fact an indigenous burial site or something else entirely.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Crews dig up bones while working in Sharpsburg
“In my opinion this is huge,” said Miguel Sague Junior with the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center. “Because if they are indigenous bones this was not expected. This was not something that the Carnegie Museum of Natural History or any other archeological organization knew about previously. It would of course confirm our belief that this was Seneca land, indigenous territory.”
Miguel Sague Junior is with the Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center. Channel 11′s Alyssa Raymond spoke with him in Guyasuta Square in Sharpsburg.
Guyasuta was the leader of the Seneca Tribe, which settled in Sharpsburg in the 1700s. There’s also a statue of him in Duquesne Heights with George Washington.
“Nobody really knows where Guyasuta is buried,” Sague Jr. “So, it would be like freaky if these bones were the bones of Guyasuta, but I don’t know. That would be a real long shot.”
On June 21, Peoples Gas was working on replacing about 500 feet of natural gas pipeline on Short Canal Street when they made the discovery.
“They had three or four tarps laid out with a bunch of little bones,” said Ray Mistelske.
This part of the project on Short Canal Street was scheduled to be finished this week. They’re still working on other parts of the new pipeline, but this section is on hold for now until the truth is uncovered.
“We’re still waiting,” said Sague. “This was very active native settlement in this region. It wasn’t just Guyasuta, but a number of other people that were in this area.”
With the help of anthropologists and archeologists, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office is working on finding out how long these bones have been buried here.
“The indigenous people in this area had been driven out by the end of the 1700s,” said Sague. “If these bones are dated for the 1800s, then the probability of them being native bones is very low.”
Sague says the Senaca are the people most closely associated with Western Pennsylvania. Two other tribes, the Shawnee and the Lenape, were active in the area. A large Lenape village was across the river in Lawrenceville in what is now known as Arsenal Park.
If they do belong to an indigenous tribe, Sague says the site would be considered sacred and an effort would begin to return the remains to the tribe’s existing reservation. It’s a law called The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
“I’m pretty hopeful,” said Sague. “Optimistic that they’re going to be indigenous remains. My sense is that there will be an effort not only from the indigenous community but some of the archeological scholarly community as well to return them back to their people.”
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office is the lead agency. Channel 11 reached out to the ME’s office and a spokesperson said there is no further information available at this time and it will most likely be that way for several weeks.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/work-gas-pipeline-sharpsburg-hold-after-human-bones-discovered/C4MPT4IOQRHVRKRSHWEDXFH2OM/ | 2023-06-30T22:57:15 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/work-gas-pipeline-sharpsburg-hold-after-human-bones-discovered/C4MPT4IOQRHVRKRSHWEDXFH2OM/ |
Carlsbad receives $124K for airport runway engineering study
A preliminary engineering study for repairing and renumbering a section of runway at Carlsbad’s Cavern City Air Terminal should be complete by October, according to the Airport Manager Cari Pickens who said the study will begin July 1.
June 27 the Carlsbad City Council accepted an award of $124,000 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fund the study of Runway 3-21.
Here is a look at the impending study and what it could mean for Cavern City Air Terminal.
Study is one part of a larger part of the project
“The preliminary engineering report is the first step in the process. Next year we will apply for a grant for design, and then the following year we will apply for a grant for construction to begin in 2025 depending on available funding,” Pickens said.
The FAA awarded the City of Carlsbad $3.2 million on July 26, 2022 to reconstruct and repaint the runway, according to the FAA website.
More:No more flights to Dallas/Fort Worth after new airline chosen for Carlsbad Cavern airport
Pickens said a rough cost estimate of the project is $5 million and construction could last six months.
“The pavement is in good condition. However, it is approaching the end of its serviceable life,” she said.
Pickens said the project would address concerns regarding obstructions. She said the remarking and the redesign is based on changes in magnetic declination, which the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website defined as the angle between magnetic north and true north.
Pickens said once the work was complete the new runway designation would change from 3-21 to 4-24.
She said planes would be rerouted once construction starts.
Pickens said repaving work is ongoing with another runway at Cavern City Air Terminal.
Flights from Carlsbad to larger airports increase
Repaving work at Cavern City Air Terminal could be welcomed as flights aboard Boutique Air from Carlsbad to Albuquerque and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) increased during the first five months of 2023 compared to the first five months of 2024, according to Cavern City Air Terminal data.
At the end of May of this year, 4,200 people flew to New Mexico’s largest city and DFW. Through the end of May 2022. 4,000 people flew from Carlsbad to Albuquerque and DFW, according to the data.
More:Cavern City Air Terminal ends 2021 with more than 2,000 passengers taking off
City awaits word for new air provider
May 9 the Carlsbad City Council voted to change the Essential Air Service (EAS) provider from San Francisco-based Boutique Air to Hawthorne, California-based Advanced Air.
Advanced Air proposed routes from Carlsbad to Albuquerque and Carlsbad to Phoenix.
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway said the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) notified the City that Boutique Air opted out of an earlier EAS agreement.
He said the USDOT asked for new proposals for the local EAS contract, for which Boutique Air and Advanced Air submitted proposals.
The City Council voted 5-3 to go with Advanced Air. USDOT had not signed off on the new proposal, according to Kyle Marksteiner, City of Carlsbad spokesperson.
Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on Twitter.
. | https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/city-of-carlsbad-receives-124k-grant-for-runway-improvement-study-cavern-city-air-terminal-usdot-faa/70357368007/ | 2023-06-30T22:59:50 | 1 | https://www.currentargus.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/city-of-carlsbad-receives-124k-grant-for-runway-improvement-study-cavern-city-air-terminal-usdot-faa/70357368007/ |
TEXAS, USA — Editor's note: The above video is from a previous report on air conditioning in Texas prisons.
Tommy McCullough was exhausted and thirsty, living in a stifling Huntsville prison as the record-breaking and relentless heat wave bore down across Texas this month. But he got up Friday morning and set to work, mowing the sun-scorched fields outside the Goree Unit.
This article originally appeared here in The Texas Tribune.
By midday, he’d collapsed, dying of what the prison system says was cardiac arrest. He was 35.
McCullough was one of at least five prisoners since mid-June to die of a reported heart attack or cardiac arrest in uncooled prisons where the regions’ outdoor heat indices were above 100 degrees, according to a Texas Tribune analysis of prison death reports and weather data. Another man who died last week in a separate Huntsville prison was only 34.
At least four other prisoners died in hot prisons this month with undetermined causes of death.
It’s not immediately clear how much of a role, if any, the heat played in the nine deaths. Like all prison deaths, they’re being investigated, said Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesperson Amanda Hernandez.
“Labeling these as heat-related before the investigation is completed would be inaccurate,” she said.
But family members, prison rights advocates and some lawmakers blame the deaths on the brutal heat inside Texas prisons — and the state’s unwillingness to address it.
More than two-thirds of Texas’ 100 prisons don’t have air conditioning in most living areas. Every summer, as temperatures routinely soar well into triple digits, thousands of officers and tens of thousands of prisoners are cramped inside concrete and steel buildings without ventilation, save windows broken out of desperation and fans that blow the hot air. The heat has killed prisoners, likely contributed to severe staff shortages, and cost taxpayers millions of dollars in wrongful death and civil rights lawsuits over the last decade.
This year, state lawmakers chose again not to put any money directly toward installing air conditioning in the dangerously hot prisons, despite a $32.7 billion budget surplus.
McCullough’s sister, Kristie Williams, said Monday that her brother — TJ, as she called him — looked healthy when she visited him for the last time last month. But his friends inside and outside the Goree prison said that indoor temperatures in the last week hit 130 degrees, and men were often sickened from the heat. (As of Monday, TDCJ reported only five heat-related illnesses this year among prisoners.)
Williams said her brother told a friend on the phone the night before he died that officers hadn’t been bringing him water, a common complaint among Texas prisoners and their loved ones in the last several weeks as temperatures rose. When the warden called to say her younger brother, whom the warden called a model inmate, had died, Williams’ heart broke.
She blames his death on the prison’s negligence. The apparent outside temperature in the region that day reached 109 degrees, according to weather data.
“He had so much life ahead of him,” said Williams, 49, choking back tears. “There was so much he wanted to do and he was capable of doing. He just had to get this behind him.”
McCullough was serving a five-year sentence for drug possession out of Collin County, according to prison records, and was set to be released in 2026 at the latest.
State Rep. Terry Canales, an Edinburg Democrat who has tried for years to pass legislation to install air conditioning in Texas prisons, said the recent deaths during the heat wave are not a coincidence.
“There seems to be an increase in heat-related injuries or things that can be attributed to extreme heat in the summer,” he said Tuesday. “Aside from the physical danger, the mental torture … almost makes me emotional to think about.”
The science backs him up. There is an abundance of studies linking an increase in fatal heart failures to extreme heat, and scientists have found that heat is often overlooked as a cause of death. Dr. Salil Bhandari, an emergency medicine physician at UTHealth Houston and Memorial Hermann, said there is always an increase in cardiac arrests during heatwaves. Heat stroke alone can also lead to cardiac arrests, he said.
“Heat stroke essentially means [they are] to the point where they are now having some sort of organ damage,” Bhandari said. “If the heart is not getting enough blood … it can lead to cardiac arrest.”
But it can be hard to identify that a death is caused by the heat, he said, even in autopsies. It’s often impossible to decipher if the heat stopped someone’s heart or if it was spurred by long-term smoking, drugs or a number of other potential causes of heart failure.
“It’s hard to know unless they come into the ER with a very, very high temperature,” he said. “And the story matches it as well, you know, if he was outside mowing.”
Hernandez said Tuesday she did not know whether prison officials or emergency personnel checked the body temperatures of the prisoners who died of cardiac arrest this month.
In recent years, while entrenched in a yearslong civil rights lawsuit over the heat in a geriatric prison, TDCJ began to implement mitigating measures against the heat, like providing prisoners personal fans and access to ice water, cold showers and time in air-conditioned areas. Officials also began moving prisoners deemed medically sensitive, including those on certain medications or with heart problems, into air-conditioned units.
But prisoners and their supporters say such policies often aren’t followed, either due to short-staffing, indifference or both. A study by Texas Prisons Community Advocates and the Texas A&M University Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center surveyed hundreds of prisoners between 2018 and 2020 and found many reported a lack of access to relief required by TDCJ policies.
Hernandez said she was unsure if death investigations during the summer include an examination of how well heat-mitigation policies were being followed when a prisoner died, but she said the agency’s ombudsman is constantly following up on heat complaints and ensuring the agency is following protocols.
Prisoner advocates and TDCJ critics also say the agency has little incentive to report prisoners dying of heat in its care, as such deaths have often landed TDCJ in court, and they accuse the agency of hiding or ignoring heat-related illnesses or deaths inside its facilities. Amite Dominick, president of TPCA, bolstered this argument by noting how the agency has reported more heat-related illnesses among staff this year (nine) than prisoners (five), even though prisoners never get to leave and they outnumber officers more than 7 to 1.
“There is no way on God’s green earth that that’s accurate,” she said. “They’re not logging them somehow.”
The prison system has not officially counted a heat-caused death since 2012, shortly after the blisteringly hot summer of 2011 in which at least 10 Texas prisoners died of heat stroke. In the more than a decade since, the agency has fought a slew of wrongful-death lawsuits, and the civil rights case filed against the Pack Unit forced TDCJ in 2018 to agree to install air conditioning inside that prison.
But there is evidence that deaths since then have been connected to the heat, even if TDCJ does not acknowledge them. For example, a medical examiner ruled Robert Robinson died of environmental hyperthermia, or heat stroke, in 2018 at the Michael Unit near Palestine. The agency has denied the death was heat related, saying the 54-year-old’s cell was air-conditioned and he had other health complications.
The next year, Seth Donnelly died at the Robertson Unit in Abilene. The 29-year-old put on padded suits to train search dogs, though it’s unclear how much of an effect heat had on his death. A medical examiner found he died from methamphetamine toxicity with hyperthermia.
This year, prisoner supporters and family members first started raising the alarm on possible heat-related deaths on June 12, when 50-year-old Luis Sanchez died in the Luther Unit in Navasota — just down the road from the Pack prison. The outside temperature in the region felt like 104 degrees that day, according to historical weather data. The heat index, or apparent temperature, measures both heat and humidity.
TDCJ’s report said Sanchez was found unresponsive after suffering from cardiac arrest. Other Luther prisoners and their loved ones called foul, saying in social media posts and in emails to reporters that the staff had not been passing out water to those begging for it leading up to his death.
About a week later, on June 20, two men died of cardiac arrest in Huntsville and Beaumont, TDCJ reported. Randy Butler, 34, lived on the Byrd Unit and reportedly died of cardiac arrest in the early morning after a day when the area heat index reached 114 degrees. Michael Dixon, 69, was found unresponsive in his Stiles Unit cell as the temperature felt about 108 degrees.
On the same day McCullough died, 73-year-old Jerry Jernigan also died of a heart attack at the Smith Unit in West Texas, the prison reported, where apparent temperatures in the area reached 102 degrees.
The deaths are likely not a final number, as TDCJ has 30 days to report in-prison deaths to the state, and reports often are filed weeks after a death occurs.
Heat anxiety always rises in the summer, Dominick said, but tensions are especially high among prisoners, prison staff and their loved ones this year after the Legislature came as close as it ever had to funding air conditioning in Texas prisons.
The House had agreed to spend $545 million to cover two phases of a four-phase plan to install air conditioning in all Texas prisons by 2031. But the Senate trashed the plans. The final budget, which goes into effect in September, will instead give TDCJ $85.7 million for “additional deferred projects,” which will likely be used to install some air conditioning.
Hernandez said the Luther Unit, where Sanchez died, was already in line to get air conditioning under the agency’s current budget.
For Williams, she has to wait to plan a funeral for her brother until TDCJ releases his body after an autopsy. She hopes the procedure will give her more information about what happened to McCullough. On Monday, she looked back at the last picture she took with him compared with a screenshot from a video visit the week before his death, when the heat wave was firmly in place.
“You can just tell he doesn’t feel good,” she said.
She didn’t excuse her brother’s criminal behavior. Before his current prison sentence, he previously had served eight-month and one-year stints for credit card abuse and theft, respectively, according to court records. But she said this time she could see real change.
He wasn’t doing drugs, she and her other sister insisted, and he was doing well in prison, having moved to the Goree Unit earlier this month as a trustee — a status reserved for prisoners who are most trusted to do jobs, like mowing outside the fence lines, with limited supervision.
“He really had become a different person and even the different officers … really had taken a liking to him because of his big heart,” Williams said. “He has a 7-year-old little girl that now has to grow up without her dad. It’s just heartbreaking.” | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas/inmates-are-dying-in-stifling-texas-prisons/503-810c66fc-2bf2-4b7c-946f-c1cbac2ad58e | 2023-06-30T23:00:49 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/texas/inmates-are-dying-in-stifling-texas-prisons/503-810c66fc-2bf2-4b7c-946f-c1cbac2ad58e |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, swimming in the pool and watching fireworks light up the night sky make up a typical Fourth of July holiday.
In West Texas, there are a number of events happening on and around Independence Day.
Here's what you need to know:
July 1
10 a.m.- July Jubilee Parade, 106 W. Main Street- BRADY
Noon- 2023 Santa Rita Star Spangled Celebration, Reagan County North Park- BIG LAKE
5:30 p.m. - 1st of July Fish Fry, Blue Agave Cattle Company, 210 W. Main St.- BLACKWELL
9:30 p.m. - Fireworks, Reagan County North Park- BIG LAKE
July 3
5 p.m. - A Star Spangled Banner Concert & Fireworks, 325 S. Oakes St.- SAN ANGELO
6 p.m.- Nasworthy Nights, Lake Nasworthy, 2680 Camper Road - SAN ANGELO
6:30 p.m.- Third of July Splash Party, Love Municipal Swimming Pool, 18 E. Avenue A - SAN ANGELO
Fifteen minutes after sundown - Concho County Hospital "Kaboom!!," Concho County Hospital, 614 Eaker St.- EDEN
July 4
10 a.m.- The Wall 4th of July Parade, downtown Wall- WALL
10 a.m.- Independence Day at Fort Concho, Fort Concho National Historic Landmark, 630 S. Oakes Street- SAN ANGELO
4 p.m.- WesTex Connect's 24th Annual Fireworks Spectacular, Abilene Zoo, 2070 Zoo Lane- ABILENE
5 p.m.- Baird Volunteer Fire Department Brisket Cook, Baird City Park, 242-118 E 10th St.- BAIRD
7 p.m.- 4th of July Outdoor Concert, Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St.- ABILENE
9:45 p.m.- 4th of July Fireworks, Eugene Bell City Park- BAIRD
Dark - Christoval Chamber Fireworks, Christoval Community Chamber, Toe Nail Trail and Christoval High School parking lots, 20454 Ranch to Market Road 2084- CHRISTOVAL | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/where-to-find-fourth-of-july-events-across-west-texas/504-f3e0ae43-7072-41d5-9735-f53818e18e43 | 2023-06-30T23:00:55 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/where-to-find-fourth-of-july-events-across-west-texas/504-f3e0ae43-7072-41d5-9735-f53818e18e43 |
DES MOINES, Iowa — After the Supreme Court ruled that President Joe Biden's proposal for student loan forgiveness was unconstitutional, borrowers in the Hawkeye State may have to pick up payments where they left off over three years ago.
According to Iowa College Aid, approximately 57% of Iowa college graduates graduate with student loan debt, averaging almost $25,800 per person.
Under Biden's plan, eligible people could have had at least $10,000 of student loan debt forgiven. For Pell Grant recipients, that number would rise to $20,000.
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird was one of six state attorneys general that signed onto the suit that the court decided on Friday, arguing that the president's plan to use the HEROES Act to waive student debt during a national emergency was an overstep of presidential power.
"The fundamental question in this case is to what extent may Congress delegate authority to others," said Brent Appel, former Iowa Supreme Court Justice and lecturer at Drake University Law School.
The court ultimately decided that student loan relief isn't a job for the president alone. In the majority decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote, "All this leads the court to conclude that the basic and consequential tradeoffs inherent in a mass debt cancellation program are ones that Congress would likely have intended for itself."
According to the White House, 26 million Americans applied for student loan relief, and 169,000 Iowans were accepted before the plan was paused.
Michael Mitchell, a Pell Grant recipient who's attending Drake University, said that losing out on the plan is a tough pill to swallow.
"I think it would have been huge for my family. $14,000 is something I didn't have to pay back in the future. That's a down payment for a house," Mitchell said.
Borrowers like Mitchell will have to start paying back their loans in October. Iowa College Aid estimates that someone paying off the state's average amount of debt over 10 years will pay around $270 a month to do so. That can be a heavy load for some, but there are options available to make it a bit more manageable.
"They can choose one of these income driven plans, and then set up payments that will be affordable for them," said Roberta Johnson, executive director of student financial aid at Iowa State University. "And for individuals who might be unemployed, they can request a deferment on their student loans."
If you need to set up one of those loan repayment plans, you can find out how to do that by going to studentaid.gov. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/student-debt-relief-supreme-court-rulings-news-iowa-student-loans-brenna-bird/524-0afd79b8-a453-4abf-8343-b881a843a4a0 | 2023-06-30T23:03:19 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/student-debt-relief-supreme-court-rulings-news-iowa-student-loans-brenna-bird/524-0afd79b8-a453-4abf-8343-b881a843a4a0 |
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Starting Saturday, Florida will open up school vouchers of up to $8,000 for students to attend any school they want.
As of July 1, parents can choose any school they want to send their child to under Florida’s family empowerment scholarship.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
For parents, income restrictions and enrollment limits are no more, and the voucher can be used to pay for private school tuition and homeschooling. The money can also be put into an education savings account to be used for school-related costs, such as internet costs. fees for standardized tests, tutoring as well as full- and part-time enrollment in college as a dual enrollment program.
But Thomas Bugos, the president of the Sea Teachers Union in Seminole County, said this bill does not change that much.
Read: Florida’s private school voucher program approves more than 150K applications
“But it does give a free coupon to anyone that’s already paid. So the millionaires and billionaires that are already putting their students in $30,000-$40,000 private schools are getting a coupon for $8,000 or more,” Bugos said.
Bugos said it’s money that will be diverted from public education, where 80% of the students currently go. He said the potential is there to lose $2 billion in the public school system.
Watch: DeSantis’ Florida school voucher program sees more parents applying for scholarships
“Which not only impacts teachers’ raises, but it’s also going to impact the students the quality of the education, they’re gonna be able to receive the materials, all the vast majority of technical classes that we have are going to take a huge impact the arts, so band, anything like that are going to lose their funding, or dramatically be reduced,” he said.
Teacher Clayton Phillips said it makes school boards the easy target for the wrath of parents.
Read: Florida schools turning to military vets to fill teaching vacancies
“The legislature always has an easy excuse. It’s not our fault. It was the school board that had to make that decision, not us, even though they’re starving the school board have the money that they need to make the decisions to make it an equitable system for everyone,” he said.
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/florida-open-up-school-vouchers-up-8k-students/WG7WKQSGDNF2VIQMICJU4TMMQA/ | 2023-06-30T23:08:36 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-open-up-school-vouchers-up-8k-students/WG7WKQSGDNF2VIQMICJU4TMMQA/ |
ORLANDO, Fla. — A Pensacola girl who is the subject of a Florida Missing Child Alert may be in the Orlando area, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
FDLE said Taj Dennis, 8, was last seen on Moreno Court in Pensacola on Sunday, June 25.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Officials said she may be with Esther Alexis, 31, and the pair may be in the Orlando area.
If you see them or know of their whereabouts, you are asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at 850-436-9620 or 911.
Read: Missing Child Alert issued for 13-year-old girl out of Volusia County
A Florida MISSING CHILD Alert has been issued for Taj Dennis, a blk fem. 8 y/o, 4'3", 70 lbs., blk hair and brn eyes, last seen on Moreno Ct, Pensacola. May be with Esther Alexis, a blk fem. 5' 6", blk hair and brn eyes in Orlando area. Call Escambia Co. SO 850-436-9620 or 911. pic.twitter.com/ENEB5zYazw
— FDLE (@fdlepio) June 30, 2023
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/missing-child-alert-issued-pensacola-girl-8-who-may-be-orlando-area/PCD4KABXJ5DMPJHSSESN7R6WR4/ | 2023-06-30T23:08:51 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/missing-child-alert-issued-pensacola-girl-8-who-may-be-orlando-area/PCD4KABXJ5DMPJHSSESN7R6WR4/ |
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A statewide mosquito-borne illness advisory is in effect after four people contracted malaria in Florida.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Mosquito control has been a concern for weeks in Seminole County with an increase in pests breeding in places where water tends to collect.
Seminole County officials have tips on how you can protect yourself.
The Department of Health said they did not have malaria cases reported in Seminole County.
Read: Mosquito season is here: How to protect yourself
Officials said stagnant water from tires, flowerpots and buckets should be drained regularly.
Sharon Wetzl, the manager of Seminole County’s Watershed Management Division, said it could be a breeding ground for disease-carrying mosquitos.
“We’ve seen an increase in container-breeding mosquitos,” Wetzl said. “These are mosquitoes that breed anything that can hold water for more than just a few days.”
Read: New mosquito species arrives in Florida bringing with it new disease concerns
She said residents could look in their yards and drain the birdbaths.
Wetzl said that because of the rain during this time of year, there are many mosquitoes.
But this year, the group has seen a 60% increase in breeding mosquitoes in the county’s urban areas.
Read: Mosquito-borne illness advisory issued by health officials in Orange County
“Our mosquito control group is out daily larviciding, which is where we focus on treating for the larva and mosquito control larva in standing waters like ditches,” Wetzl said.
She added that the team would go to neighborhoods and catch basins in streets, collecting stormwater and treating those.
The groups are fogging mosquito areas at night as more people will spend time outdoors for the Fourth of July weekend.
The county also asks people to do their part.
If you would like to request mosquito control to come out to your neighborhood, you can put in a request through the county’s website by clicking here.
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/seminole-county-officials-offer-tips-protect-against-mosquito-borne-illness/ZQD3TKNXZNEGPA3FH64Q5HQLAU/ | 2023-06-30T23:08:57 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/seminole-county-officials-offer-tips-protect-against-mosquito-borne-illness/ZQD3TKNXZNEGPA3FH64Q5HQLAU/ |
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — People in one New Smyrna Beach neighborhood say they’re upset about a large homeless camp near their homes.
They said they hear a lot of drunken parties, see people setting fires and other people getting aggressive.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
They say it’s all happening in a wooded area owned by both the city and county just off State Road 44.
Residents have reported everything from hearing people screaming in the middle of the night to fires being set.
Police say it’s a complicated issue.
Read: New Smyrna Beach proposes building restrictions in historic neighborhoods
“You obviously just can’t arrest your way out of homelessness,” Deputy Chief Christopher Kirk said. “What we do is we try to get all these people the proper resources they need, try to associate them with any institutions that can help them and then for our statutes and ordinances we hold them accountable.”
Drone 9 flew over the land and spotted several tents from above.
“We are terrified because we are not exactly sure who is back there,” one neighbor said.
Read: Deputies: Woman charged with DUI after driving her car into the water at New Smyrna Beach
But we do know how they’re getting there. Channel 9 watched several people walk or ride bikes down a path just off State Road 44, each of them carrying tons of supplies.
“It’s not that any of us want anything bad to happen to any of these folks,” neighbor Ruthie Erb said. “We just want them to get some help.”
Police said a homeless liason officer is out in the area almost daily working to help the people living in the woods.
Officers said they had meetings with the county this week to talk about ways to resolve the issues since the property is on both city and county land.
Photos: Pickup truck plows through New Smyrna Beach restaurant
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/we-are-terrified-new-smyrna-beach-neighbors-concerned-over-large-homeless-camp/MRNAVNJHCRDSJPDDMXE2W6WXGI/ | 2023-06-30T23:09:04 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/we-are-terrified-new-smyrna-beach-neighbors-concerned-over-large-homeless-camp/MRNAVNJHCRDSJPDDMXE2W6WXGI/ |
It's time for another holiday tradition: the Celebrate America! free concert in Miller Park.
Sponsored by Holiday Spectacular and Pantagraph Media, the concert will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2.
The hourlong show features Holiday Spectacular stars performing patriotic and American classics. | https://pantagraph.com/life-entertainment/local/celebrate-america-to-be-held-saturday-sunday/article_9bbc8f2a-1782-11ee-9361-a3653a9b8990.html | 2023-06-30T23:10:31 | 0 | https://pantagraph.com/life-entertainment/local/celebrate-america-to-be-held-saturday-sunday/article_9bbc8f2a-1782-11ee-9361-a3653a9b8990.html |
NORMAL — Connect Transit services will not operate on Tuesday, July 4, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
Connect Transit will resume normal operating hours on Wednesday, July 5.
For more information, visit connect-transit.com, call 309-828-9833 or email dbraun@connect-transit.com.
Who was there? Connect Transit 50th Birthday Party
Ryan Whitehouse, chairman, Connect Transit Board of Trustees; David Braun, Connect Transit GM
Ray Lai, Mike Matejka, Jeff Crabill
Andrew Hartley, Abby Wilcox
Stacie Lange, Neil Finlen
Eric, Melanie and Ethan Shellito, Kathleen Lorenz
Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille, Tony Morstatter
Matthew Boston, Conan Calhoun
Kim Schoenbein, Jolene Aldus
Janice Crago, Aubrey Staton
Terry Reid, Normal Mayor Chris Koos, Neil Finlen
Mike Fogle, Ben Jeffreys, Jolene Aldus, Kim Schoenbein
Dameca Kirkwood, Terri Cannon
Joshua Crockett, Sharon Chung
Jen Kuebrich, Christy Gordon, Pat Kuebrich
Jonell Kehias, Steve Stockton, Jenny Kehl
Janice Crago, Steve Stockton
Mandava Rao, Kathleen Lorenz, Bob Broad
Hannah Johnson, Jeremy and Nicole Wilcox
Judy Buchanan, Julie Hile
David Braun, Connect Transit GM
Ryan Whitehouse, chairman, Connect Transit Board of Trustees
Linda Foster, Shelia Harris
Amber Gruenloh, Eric Shellito
Pam and David Braun, Judy Buchanan
Shelly Perry, Kersten Wilson
Mike Gebeke, Dan Stephens, David Marx
Contact Olivia Jacobs at 309-820-3352. Follow Olivia on Twitter: @olivia___jacobs
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/no-connect-transit-service-on-4th-of-july/article_7a84355c-1790-11ee-91fb-43d95ec5eacf.html | 2023-06-30T23:10:37 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/no-connect-transit-service-on-4th-of-july/article_7a84355c-1790-11ee-91fb-43d95ec5eacf.html |
Need a break? Transport yourself to another place, time at this Hattiesburg restaurant
Imagine you're in Paris. It's 1925 and the Roaring Twenties are in full swing. You walk into a cozy restaurant with lavish decor and paintings by Henri Matisse, Claude Monet or Pablo Picasso.
You order a cocktail at the bar and nod at Douglas Fairbanks and Rudolph Valentino, who are hobnobbing with Gloria Swanson and Greta Garbo.
Josephine Baker is warming up by the piano. Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald are telling stories of their latest adventures while keeping mum on the topic of their next novels.
Step inside Buschman Street Cafe, one of Hattiesburg's newest restaurants, and you feel like you've stepped back in time to another era.
"I want people to forget they're in Hattiesburg," restaurateur Terry Jordan said. "I want them to be transported to a different place."
The menu is otherworldly, with mouthwatering dishes also reminiscent of another place and time.
Try the osso bucco with risotto, lamb chops with a mushroom and spinach pasta or the pan-seared scallops with seasonal succotash paired with a wine of choice.
After dinner, you can sip on a specialty cocktail or cognac and finish off the meal with a light and fluffy dessert.
The restaurant opened recently at the corner of Buschman Street and River Avenue.
"Wow. Wow. Wow. If you can't tell from my happy plate, I hated it," one patron said on Facebook. "Run, don't walk to Buschman Street."
"We have all missed this type of environment and service," another patron said, praising Jordan for elevating fine dining in Hattiesburg.
That's exactly what Jordan wants to hear when his customers leave the restaurant.
"I want people to relish the experience," he said.
If you go
Buschman Street Cafe is located at 209 Buschman St. in downtown Hattiesburg.
It is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended.
To make a reservation or for more information, visit buschmanstreetcafe.com or call 601-450-2270.
Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge. | https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/buschman-street-cafe-a-new-dining-experience-in-hattiesburg/70363916007/ | 2023-06-30T23:13:16 | 0 | https://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/story/news/local/2023/06/29/buschman-street-cafe-a-new-dining-experience-in-hattiesburg/70363916007/ |
DALLAS — A U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier who died earlier this month after collapsing on his route in a Dallas neighborhood during the Texas summer heat was previously penalized for "unacceptable performance – expanding street time."
Eugene Gates Jr., was disciplined on May 2 for a "stationary event," according to the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 132 President Kimetra Lewis.
A stationary event is when a letter carrier's scanner reads as idle on a tracker. In these instances, carriers are questioned about inefficiencies in their performance and potentially penalized for stopping along their route.
Lewis said USPS started monitoring stationary events in May. She described the discipline as an infraction for lack of productivity.
A letter of discipline obtained by WFAA, which was sent to Gates, stated he was issued the letter for "unacceptable performance – expanding street time." The letter states that Gates stopped by the USPS office twice – once in the morning and again in the afternoon – and also says that he stopped "so many times on [his] way back to the station, it took [him] 45 minutes" longer than it should've to return to the office at the end of his shift.
The letter says an investigative review was conducted on May 11, notes that Gates' stationary event was "in violation of postal rules and regulations," and warns that "future deficiencies will result in more severe disciplinary actions, including removal from the Postal Service."
Lewis said Gates was with USPS since November 1987 before he died while delivering mail on June 20. This was the only disciplinary letter she is aware of that he received in his 36 years with the company.
While the cause of Gates' death is still unknown, it is sparking conversations about the working conditions of USPS letter carriers.
Lewis said she received a message on Friday from a concerned employee at the Oak Lawn Post Office, who said management had sent a message to Oak Lawn letter carriers on their scanner that read: "BEAT THE HEAT!!! NO STATIONARY EVENTS; KEEP IT MOVING!"
Lewis shared the alleged photo of that scanner message with WFAA. It is below.
Lewis said she is worried that monitoring stationary events will make carriers put their health at risk in hot temperatures to avoid discipline.
"In light of everything that has happened to Eugene Gates, I find the scanner message to be a slap in the face," Lewis said in a statement to WFAA. "Letter carriers are human beings before they are postal workers. The fact that they chose a career that dictates they work outdoors does not remove the need for the Postal Service to be concerned about their safety and well-being. After reading that message and finding out about the discipline Eugene received, I questioned where is the sensitivity of the Postal Service."
Gates' wife Carla tells WFAA she was never aware of any discipline her husband received at work.
"All I know is that he was a man of dignity and often finished his routes early," Carla Gates said in a statement sent to WFAA. "I was shocked to hear of this disciplinary action; it's the first I've heard of this. It's entirely possible this may have pushed him harder in the heat. Eugene was a professional. He's not going to do anything to jeopardize his job or be written up. He was 66 — of course, he might be a little slower than others. And they tell him to pick up the pace? My God, that's an insult to him."
The USPS declined to comment when asked by WFAA about the disciplinary letter Gates received and the scanner message allegedly sent out to carriers about beating the heat.
"The Postal Service does not comment publicly on personnel matters," a spokesperson with the agency said. "We have no further information to provide at this time."
More Texas headlines: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/dallas-usps-carrier-eugene-gates-disciplined-stationary-event/287-dab4f489-68bf-47d5-9552-1458816b2482 | 2023-06-30T23:17:23 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/dallas-usps-carrier-eugene-gates-disciplined-stationary-event/287-dab4f489-68bf-47d5-9552-1458816b2482 |
In Fort Worth, the small business Choppers and More sits in the perfect spot on East Lancaster Avenue.
"The roadway is very busy,” Choppers and More owner Benjamin Mendoza said. “There's a lot of cars coming through here."
So, Mendoza is very interested to see what improvements could come from a $20 million federal grant awarded to the area.
The project is aimed at improving safety, quality of life, and transportation to an underserved community. That includes sidewalks, bicycle lanes, transit shelters and more like adding smart technology.
"Like enhanced traffic signals, and street lighting and other things like that, that make the corridor a lot safer and also an amenity for people using the corridor and as well for economic development," Fort Worth Transportation and Public Works assistant director Kelly Porter said.
Mendoza and others in the area see its benefits.
"Those are good improvements,” Mendoza said. “The area needs attention."
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
"It improves the morale overall," Fort Worth resident Felicia Moreland said. "Anything rundown that gets an upgrade or redo is always a good thing."
But Mendoza is concerned it may cost him his livelihood by affecting customers.
"Construction inhibits traffic and people just stay away from it," Mendoza said.
He also worries about his property.
"I think I'm going to lose space,” Mendoza said. “I've been told we are going to lose about six feet and that leaves less space for me here."
The city hears those concerns and wants people involved in the planning process.
"Throughout the planning process from concept to where we are now all the way through full construction to ensure that any of those issues can be mitigated," Porter said.
Mendoza remains optimistic it will benefit everyone.
"We're at least doing something instead of just sitting back and letting the area deteriorate," Mendoza said.
The North Central Texas Council of Governments and TxDOT are also partners in this project.
Fort Worth has a survey underway now to get more input from citizens on the long-term Fort Worth Eastside Transportation Plan.
To learn more and take the survey click here. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/20-million-coming-to-fort-worth-to-improve-east-lancaster-avenue/3287964/ | 2023-06-30T23:28:21 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/20-million-coming-to-fort-worth-to-improve-east-lancaster-avenue/3287964/ |
There's some serious thought going on at the Dan Dipert Career & Technology Center in the Arlington ISD.
We found three young men intently working, measuring, and buried in their devices. They're programming drones to deliver "make-believe" pizzas or packages. They're mapping out a course that could be a real-life job for these guys before long.
"I really love science, and I like robotics and want to be a robotic engineer, so all of this I find really fun because it teaches me how to use things I've never used before and how to work with them," said Westley Torres, a rising seventh grader.
It's called Camp Innovation where Arlington ISD brings out all the toys but challenges the kids in projects and obstacle courses to not just play but perfect their knowledge.
"They're still having fun like any other summer camp but they're learning at the same time. They're given the opportunity to learn how to code, problem solve, collaborate," said Stephen Hayes, Technology Director.
It's been around for almost 10 years and has already led students to careers in technology. Some are experts, and some are having their first time getting their hands dirty with all this stuff.
From working on robots to racing spheres in the water, it was all things tech, fun and educational. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/arlington-isd-camp-prepares-students-for-coding-tech-jobs/3287947/ | 2023-06-30T23:28:21 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/arlington-isd-camp-prepares-students-for-coding-tech-jobs/3287947/ |
Carter In The ClassroomFocusing on unique things school districts are doing to help children succeed. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/arlington-isds-camp-innovation-helps-students-embrace-technology/3287998/ | 2023-06-30T23:28:21 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/carter-in-the-classroom/arlington-isds-camp-innovation-helps-students-embrace-technology/3287998/ |
Both the court battle and a criminal case involving a group of Arlington nuns and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth is over.
Arlington Police told NBC 5 Friday afternoon that they did not find probable cause to pursue a criminal case after drug use was reported to be taking place inside the secluded monastery and after the nuns accused the diocese of stealing personal property.
Also on Friday, after hearing testimony earlier this week, District Court Judge Don Cosby ruled the civil court didn't have the jurisdiction to rule over a canonical dispute.
The diocese argued earlier this week that the lawsuit filed against them and Fort Worth Bishop Michael Olson by the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Arlington, including the Rev. Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, was a church matter and not for secular courts.
In their lawsuit, the nuns were seeking $1 million in damages after alleging the bishop and diocese overstepped their authority, defamed them, invaded their privacy and took Gerlach's phone and a laptop.
The diocese, meanwhile, said that was part of an investigation into Gerlach after it had been reported she violated her vow of chastity.
Matthew Bobo, who represents the nuns, said in a written statement Friday to our partners at The Dallas Morning News that “we are shocked, extremely disappointed and respectfully disagree” with the decision, and that he plans to appeal.
NUNS vs CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF FORT WORTH
Leaving court Tuesday, Olson addressed the dispute with the nuns.
"I think it's a very sad matter," Olson said. "I don't think it should have ever gone to civil court. And it's just brought a lot of disunity and dissension here, and I just ask that everybody pray for everybody involved."
Olson said Tuesday the allegations are still under investigation within the church.
"I'm not picking on her. This came to me," Olson said. "It also involves, by her allegation, another priest. So, it's not just her."
The paper also reported that Gerlach was dismissed from the monastery on June 1, the same day the Vatican appointed the bishop as the pope's representative in the matter giving him responsibility for the monastery. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/judge-tosses-nuns-lawsuit-against-fort-worth-diocese-arlington-police-close-investigation/3288051/ | 2023-06-30T23:28:41 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/judge-tosses-nuns-lawsuit-against-fort-worth-diocese-arlington-police-close-investigation/3288051/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Fourth of July events 🎆
Whale swims with kayaker 🐳
Fireworks safety 🎇
Palo Pinto wildfire
Watch us 24/7 📺
Sign up for Good News 😊
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/paddle-with-a-purpose-on-white-rock-lake/3288046/ | 2023-06-30T23:28:47 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/paddle-with-a-purpose-on-white-rock-lake/3288046/ |
People who rent kayaks and paddle boards at White Rock Lake are paddling with a purpose.
Dallas Paddle took over the rentals a few months ago, winning a 3-year contract with the city. The company is run by the Dallas United Crew rowing club, with the goal of making the sport more diverse and accessible.
"Rowing itself needs to be a more inclusive sport," Dallas Paddle and Dallas United Crew Executive Director Austin Brooks said. "We're trying to break down those barriers."
Some of the revenue from Dallas Paddle will go towards scholarships and outreach events in South Dallas.
Brooks says exposure to rowing helps develop teamwork skills and builds self-confidence.
"You learn academic skills in the classroom and there's things that you learn outside the classroom to help you be a more well-rounded person, and really trying to create next generational leaders," Brooks said. "And then hopefully get recruited to college and change lives impactfully for a long time."
Dallas Paddle replaces the White Rock Paddle Company, which shut down business last year.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
"When you come out here you're helping a kid in need," Brooks said. "You're helping create the next generational youth experience in Dallas."
A portion of the proceeds also goes toward Dallas city parks. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/rowing-club-takes-over-white-rock-lake-rentals-with-goal-of-helping-diversify-sport/3288010/ | 2023-06-30T23:28:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/rowing-club-takes-over-white-rock-lake-rentals-with-goal-of-helping-diversify-sport/3288010/ |
North Dakota officials are seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit from a landowner rights group over laws that relate to property use for carbon storage.
The Northwest Landowners Association argues in a lawsuit filed May 31 that the state’s legal process for securing land for carbon storage projects is an unconstitutional taking. The lawsuit is against the state, the North Dakota Industrial Commission, and each of the commission’s three members, Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.
The state denies the laws are unconstitutional and seeks dismissal of the lawsuit, along with reimbursement to the state of legal fees.
Special Assistant Attorney General Zachary Pelham argues in part that the landowner rights group has not suffered any compensable damages and lacks standing to bring the claim.
People are also reading…
The lawsuit addresses landowner rights related to pore space, or small cavities below ground where companies are proposing to store climate-warming carbon dioxide emissions. State officials in approving storage areas use a process called amalgamation, which requires pore space owners who did not accept easements to be included in a storage facility.
Under North Dakota law, at least 60% of pore space owners must agree to the use of their pore space before amalgamation can be used. The Northwest Landowners Association argues that amalgamation is a taking of land that requires an eminent domain proceeding, which doesn’t occur under the state’s current practices. Eminent domain refers to the court-ordered seizure of private property use, with compensation.
The landowner rights group also challenges North Dakota law that allows surveyors to access private land prior to it being condemned for public use.
Summit Carbon Solutions, the company proposing a regional CO2 pipeline that would pass north of Bismarck, this week filed a motion to intervene in the case. Summit's Midwest Carbon Express project aims to transport CO2 emissions from ethanol plants in five states through a 2,000-mile pipeline to Oliver County for permanent storage underground.
Summit argues it should be a defendant in the lawsuit because the laws being challenged affect its project. Summit attorney Lawrence Bender said in a court filing that the company anticipates more than 60% of landowners will consent to participate in a proposed CO2 storage area, but the company does not expect to get consent of 100%.
In addition, Summit has surveyed land for the project under North Dakota law that allows a common pipeline carrier access to survey property it is contemplating condemning, Bender said in the filing. Some North Dakota landowners refused survey access, prompting Summit to file lawsuits against the landowners. A May judgment ruled in favor of Summit in several related cases. Those cases are being appealed to the state Supreme Court.
A judge has not ruled on whether to permit Summit to intervene in the landowner lawsuit.
A scheduling conference is set for July 25. The case is filed in state court in Bottineau County. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/business/energy/north-dakota-seeks-dismissal-of-landowner-lawsuit-summit-wants-to-intervene/article_a3b0ef28-175f-11ee-9838-072ca4cff4c9.html | 2023-06-30T23:29:42 | 1 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/business/energy/north-dakota-seeks-dismissal-of-landowner-lawsuit-summit-wants-to-intervene/article_a3b0ef28-175f-11ee-9838-072ca4cff4c9.html |
A man arrested after a five-hour standoff with police at an apartment building in east Bismarck has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges in other cases.
Nicholas Wessels, 37, of Bismarck, on Friday pleaded guilty to domestic violence, reckless endangerment and driving with a suspended license. He was sentenced in those cases to serve a total of about six months in jail.
Authorities said Wessels drove on Wednesday night with a suspended license and reached speeds of 50-60 mph on residential streets. The domestic violence case arose from a June 20 incident in which his ex-girlfriend asked him to come to her apartment so she could have him served with a protection order, and he struck her face and neck after arriving, according to a police affidavit.
A judge on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for Wessels in that case. Police conducted surveillance on Wessels at a residence in the 2400 block of North Fourth Street. Officers watched him leave and drive away in a car, and followed him to an apartment building in the 3200 block of East Thayer Avenue. Witnesses there informed officers that Wessels had kicked in a door to an apartment around 2 p.m.
People are also reading…
The apartment was unoccupied, according to police Lt. Luke Gardiner. The West Dakota SWAT team and hostage negotiators were brought to the scene. The rest of the building was cleared of residents. Wessels was arrested around 7 p.m. No injuries were reported. No weapons were found, according to Gardiner. No charges were immediately filed Friday in that incident. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/suspect-in-bismarck-standoff-pleads-guilty-in-other-cases/article_8385daf0-1760-11ee-8fe9-d3a0c836e434.html | 2023-06-30T23:29:48 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/suspect-in-bismarck-standoff-pleads-guilty-in-other-cases/article_8385daf0-1760-11ee-8fe9-d3a0c836e434.html |
SAGINAW, Mich. (WRJT) - A mural was unveiled in Saginaw Friday, dedicated to civil rights activist Jim Letherer.
The mural was part of the Great Mural Project in the city.
The mural's artist Kevin Burdick commemorates Letherer's contributions to the civil rights movement.
Letherer was selected by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Letherer completed the 54-mile journey on crutches to take part in the four-day protest.
"It's very humbling that other people recognize the contribution that my uncle Jimmy made for the fight against injustices," says the niece of Letherer, Mary Kay Kartz.
The mural is part of the collection of 24 murals installed in Riverfront Saginaw under the Great Mural Project. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/mural-honoring-civil-rights-activist-unveiled-in-saginaw/article_dbab434a-177f-11ee-9bf9-7f071451712d.html | 2023-06-30T23:36:03 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/mural-honoring-civil-rights-activist-unveiled-in-saginaw/article_dbab434a-177f-11ee-9bf9-7f071451712d.html |
GENESEE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) - Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and several other police officers celebrated a 12-year-old and an eight-year-old who saved a drowning 7-year-old.
The two kids, Noah and Weston, were both given books and $100 free to buy whatever they want.
Sheriff Swanson says the 7-year-old boy fell into a pool at a Fenton Apartment complex earlier this month.
Both the boys jumped into action right away.
The boys said that they thought it was the right thing to do. They add that they didn't want someone to die.
Once the other kids pulled the child from the water, the 7-year-old's mother performed CPR until paramedics arrived.
The boy made a full recovery a day and a half later. | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/two-kids-rewarded-by-police-for-saving-a-drowning-kid/article_f9fe3a64-178e-11ee-998d-d3e26fc8d4c6.html | 2023-06-30T23:36:09 | 0 | https://www.abc12.com/news/local/two-kids-rewarded-by-police-for-saving-a-drowning-kid/article_f9fe3a64-178e-11ee-998d-d3e26fc8d4c6.html |
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man was arrested nearly a month after a fatal shooting in Oak Ridge, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday.
Christopher Sims, 30, was arrested in connection with the May 27 shooting that left 58-year-old James Cooper dead, according to deputies.
Deputies previously said they found Cooper after responding to a shooting in the 2000 block of Rivertree Circle.
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider]
Cooper was then taken to the hospital, where he died, deputies said.
Sims faces a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm.
No other information is available at this time.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/30/man-arrested-nearly-a-month-after-fatal-shooting-in-oak-ridge/ | 2023-06-30T23:37:46 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/30/man-arrested-nearly-a-month-after-fatal-shooting-in-oak-ridge/ |
OCALA, Fla. – Body-worn camera video obtained by News 6 shows the growth of complaints and issues over the course of a year that led to the shooting of an Ocala mother in June.
Susan Lorincz, 58, is charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Ajike Owens on June 2. The sheriff’s office said Lorincz shot Owens through a locked metal door and killed her after the mother went to confront her neighbor. Owens wanted to talk to Lorincz about her treatment of children who were playing in an open field near the accused killer’s home.
The sheriff’s office said it had about a dozen calls over the course of a year from Lorincz regarding the neighborhood children being loud and trespassing on her property, though deputies said the children actually were playing in the open field. Lorincz would claim the field was part of the property she rented in the complex, even though Owens and neighbors said that was not true, records show.
Throughout the videos, Lorincz complains to the deputies that she works from home and needs peace and quiet, but the children are constantly screaming and yelling.
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider]
Videos show the neighborhood has many children, not just Owens’ children, playing outside, including in the open field. The calls range in dates from February of 2022 through April 2023.
A Feb. 25, 2022, video lists a notable encounter, according to the sheriff’s office, where Lorincz accuses Owens of throwing a “no trespassing” sign at Lorincz in a confrontation about one of Owens’ children walking the family dog near Lorincz’s property.
Lorincz said the landlord bought the sign and placed it next to a tree in the communal area. Lorincz told deputies that when she pointed out the sign to Owens, the mother took the sign and threw it at Lorincz, striking her leg. Owens, however, told deputies in the video that she threw the sign, but did not know that she had hit Lorincz. Deputies told Owens that she and her children needed to stay away from Lorincz’s property.
They wrote up the incident but did not arrest Owens, something Lorincz did not appear to be happy about in the video.
In an Aug. 10, 2022, video, Lorincz claims she had bad migraines and the children screaming and yelling were causing her harm.
Lorincz said in the video the children were disrespectful.
“As long as they’re not on your property, they can pretty much play where they want to play,” the deputy said.
“I don’t want to be intimidated by them screaming and yelling at me, telling me I’m a (expletive), calling me Karen, I mean they’re calling me names,” Lorincz said.
Lorincz also said in the video it wasn’t true that the open field was not private property. However, the deputy insists if the lot is not private property, she can’t tell the children not to play there.
In a Nov. 19, 2022 video, a Marion County sheriff’s deputy takes a call from Lorincz who reports that her mail has been stolen and accuses Owens of doing it. In the video, Lorincz claims she has video of Owens going into her mailbox, though Lorincz said the video doesn’t show that Owens took any mail.
She also tells the deputy in the video the kids stole the “No Trespassing” sign, threw bottles of water against the sliding glass door and banged on the door so hard that they broke the door.
The deputy told Lorincz to get everything recorded and documented going forward, with her smartphone or outside cameras, saying otherwise it’s a “he said, she said” situation.
In the video, the deputy also suggested getting property schematics to show the boundaries of Lorincz’s property and the public area.
In a video from December 2022, Lorincz told deputies that a neighbor threatened her. When deputies talked to others in the neighborhood as part of the investigation, a neighbor recounted alarming moments with Lorincz and called her “crazy.”
A deputy also spoke to some of the children in the neighborhood, who said Lorincz called them offensive names.
Then in a video from April of this year, Lorincz called deputies to have a group of children trespassed for playing on her property, but it turned out she doesn’t own the pavement the kids were playing on.
That same day a neighbor asked to speak with deputies about Lorincz’s behavior.
“I was trying to reason with her ‘cause we were all playing over there, the kids were jumping, ‘All right let’s go,’ and she’s like, “Hey, you know what? One day you guys are gonna die” and I just went like, whoa,” the neighbor told the deputy.
The neighbor also said Lorincz thinks she owns everything and calls law enforcement officers very often.
Lorincz is still in the Marion County jail.
News 6 is still reviewing body camera videos. This story will be updated.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/30/what-body-camera-video-tells-us-about-suspect-in-ocala-mothers-shooting-death/ | 2023-06-30T23:37:52 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/06/30/what-body-camera-video-tells-us-about-suspect-in-ocala-mothers-shooting-death/ |
TELFORD, Tenn. (WJHL) — Officials say they’re waiting on one more grant to be approved before a proposed meat processing plant in Telford is fully funded.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Thursday that it has granted $2.6 million dollars towards the plant.
“We are almost completely funded now,” said Appalachian Producer’s Coalition President Mike Southerland, who is overseeing the project. “This last grant puts us almost over the top.”
Washington County commissioners voted to put $2 million towards the plant in January.
Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy said everyone will benefit from the facility.
“It helps our agricultural community, particularly the cattle folks, but it also benefits every citizen in Washington County because they’ll have the opportunity to get locally grown, fresh, naturally fed beef,” said Grandy.
Southerland said livestock owners have to wait 12-16 months for animal processing. He expects the new plant to reduce that wait time.
Beef processed at the plant will be sold in nearby stores and to restaurants, Southerland said.
“Lots of things are happening, we’re excited,” Southerland said. “Once we get fully operational, we will be hiring about 27 individuals. It will open up new job opportunities for the area.”
The facility is estimated to be approximately 15,000 square feet on 6.8 acres of land, which Southerland said will provide room to grow as well as parking availability.
Southerland said an architectural firm out of Kingsport is working on the blueprints.
“And the technology in there is just going to be the most state-of-the-art technology available, and it will be the most advanced technological facility of its kind probably in the state when it’s built,” said Grandy.
Construction is reportedly set to begin in the fall of 2023, with project completion as early as the winter of 2024. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/proposed-telford-meat-processing-plant-almost-fully-funded/ | 2023-06-30T23:38:44 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/proposed-telford-meat-processing-plant-almost-fully-funded/ |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — A new report recommends the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) study the feasibility of a potential passenger rail corridor between Chattanooga and Bristol and collaborate with Virginia officials who are working to bring Amtrak service to Bristol.
The report by the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) identifies five potential intercity passenger rail corridors across the state and encourages TDOT to seek federal grant funding for studying each.
The five potential corridors are:
- Nashville to Chattanooga to Atlanta
- Memphis to Nashville
- Chattanooga to Knoxville to Bristol
- Memphis to Carbondale, Ill. to Chicago
- Nashville to Louisville, Ky.
The corridors were grouped by priority. The Nashville-Chattanooga-Atlanta line is listed as the top priority followed by the Chattanooga-Bristol and Memphis-Nashville corridors. The other two corridors have the lowest priority.
According to the report, the Federal Railroad Administration Corridor ID program offers $500,000 grants that can be used for detailed route studies.
The Chattanooga-Knoxville-Bristol route identified in the report is 235 miles long. Like most intercity passenger rail services, passenger trains would operate on tracks owned by private freight railroads, which in this case would be Norfolk Southern for the entire route.
The report says that while expanding passenger rail service across the state could boost tourism and economic development, there would be costly but “not insurmountable” challenges to overcome. It notes that the state would likely be responsible “for a significant portion” of the up-front and ongoing costs of establishing a new passenger rail service.
That would include upgrades to existing corridors to allow for passenger service. Upgrades could include the construction of double-track so trains can pass and the elimination of grade crossing to increase train speed.
Time would also be another challenge.
“Projects will likely take a decade or more to complete and, as a result, span multiple government administrations,” the report states.
The Chattanooga-Knoxville-Bristol corridor was also identified as potentially having “low potential annual ridership” and “low recovery costs.” However, the establishment of a Chattanooga to Atlanta route and the proposed expansion of Amtrak service to Bristol could help with this, according to the report.
Efforts to extend Amtrak service to Bristol, Virginia have been underway for years. Virginia officials have indicated that extending service beyond Bristol would be important to the viability of the extension, according to the report.
“Because of this, it would likely benefit both routes if Tennessee and Virginia were to coordinate their efforts to maximize the potential of these two routes,” the report states. “Moreover, if the Chattanooga to Bristol route is explored in conjunction with a route from Nashville to Chattanooga to Atlanta, this route would also expand connectivity south to Atlanta for East Tennesseans.”
“A route from Chattanooga to Bristol could provide Tennesseans with a rail connection to Washington, DC, and the Northeast corridor if an extension in Virginia is completed.”
TACIR Report
The report recommends TDOT “identify opportunities to maximize the viability of both the Chattanooga to Bristol corridor and Virginia’s effort to connect Bristol to the Amtrak Northeast Regional passenger rail corridor.”
In March, Virginia state Sen. Todd Pillion said Virginia officials were already working with TDOT on a potential terminus beyond Bristol.
Currently, Tennessee only has one intercity passenger rail route: Amtrak’s City of New Orleans route, which travels between Chicago and New Orleans with a stop in Memphis. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/report-identifies-potential-passenger-rail-corridor-linking-chattanooga-knoxville-and-bristol/ | 2023-06-30T23:38:50 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/report-identifies-potential-passenger-rail-corridor-linking-chattanooga-knoxville-and-bristol/ |
ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) – An Erwin veteran and former mayor who served in World War II was honored Friday and posthumously awarded one of the nation’s highest accolades for military operations in conflict.
The family of Dr. Harmon L. Monroe was presented with the Silver Star Medal for his service during World War II. He passed away in 1970.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the Silver Star is awarded to those who displayed “gallantry in action” while engaged in conflict with either an enemy of the U.S. or an opposing force.
“He loved his country. He loved his family. He loved his community, and he loved to serve others,” said Carol Monroe Tilson, Dr. Monroe’s daughter. “And that was his creed.”
“Like so many returning service people, they don’t talk about the action.”
Tilson said her father did not speak much about the action he saw during the war, like several other veterans who returned home.
Dr. Monroe also served as the mayor of Erwin and was involved in the opening of the Unicoi County Memorial Hospital.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger attended the ceremony at the Erwin Town Hall.
Dr. Monroe’s family was also presented with three other World War II medals on his behalf: the World War II Victory Medal, the American Defense Service Medal and the European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/silver-star-posthumously-awarded-to-erwin-wwii-veteran/ | 2023-06-30T23:38:56 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/silver-star-posthumously-awarded-to-erwin-wwii-veteran/ |
BALTIMORE COUNTY — A single mom and her kids are in danger of being evicted from an apartment they secured through a nonprofit program.
This is all because of a billing dispute she had no control over.
Kendra Mackall lives at the Carriage Hill Apartments in Randallstown. She's a part of a program through St. Vincent De Paul of Baltimore that helps women who were victims of domestic violence, mental health issues and chronic homelessness.
She says St.Vincent was helping her with rent, while she took care of the utilities.
"Because my income is so limited, because I don't have one, I don't have to pay any of the rent. Everything else I do have to pay. The utilities to Carriage Hill, BGE, gas and electric, all of those things I have to pay," said Mackall.
However, she eventually started to receive eviction notices. She was told she had to be out by July 10. Carriage Hill is owned by Morgan Properties.
She contacted the apartment complex to get answers.
"They said it's nothing you did, but Morgan Properties decided to cancel their contract with St.Vincent and the families have to find somewhere to go," said Mackall.
We reached out to Morgan Properties. They sent us a statement,
Since 2018, Carriage Hill Apartment Homes has leased three units to St. Vincent De Paul and have worked closely with them to accommodate their unique needs. Due to unfulfilled rental payments throughout the length of their lease agreements, all of which will have expired by July 9th, we will not be renewing these rental contracts
"The leases aren't in our names, so there is only so much we can do," said Mackall.
A spokeswoman from St. Vincent De Paul of Baltimore says they are doing everything they can to help the families affected find housing.
The spokeswoman went on to say there were four families affected. She says they secured housing for one, but are working to secure housing for three others.
She sent us a statement saying:
St. Vincent De Paul of Baltimore successfully leases apartments and provides rental assistance to over 300 households affected by homelessness each month in Baltimore City and County. In this instance, due to a number of challenges with the lease arrangements—including disputes about the rental amounts that were claimed to be owed—Morgan Properties elected not to renew leases for four apartments that we have been leasing to assist families. We are in the process of relocating the four affected families into new apartments, and one family has already been placed into a new unit. We are well into the process of securing new leases for the remaining three families and anticipate being able to move them very soon. SVDP remains committed to serving Baltimore residents who are impacted by homelessness and housing insecurity. It is not always an easy process and there are times when we, unfortunately, must relocate clients to new units to assist them in remaining housed. We are very sympathetic to the stress that these four transfers may cause for the families involved and will continue to support them through the process. We will make sure each family is successfully transitioned to a new unit without an eviction taking place.
Mackall is a mother of three. Her 16-year-old daughter and her 8-year-old son who has autism live with her. She is terrified.
"My children, I'm trying to keep things hidden from them, but kids are very in tuned, so I'm telling them that everything is going to be ok. Mommy always fix it, but they pick up on my energy and it caused their health to decline," said Mackall.
Mackall is hoping she will have a place to stay in July.
She also says she will be going to eviction court on July 6 to see what can be done. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/a-randallstown-woman-is-danger-of-being-evicted-due-to-billing-dispute | 2023-06-30T23:40:06 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/a-randallstown-woman-is-danger-of-being-evicted-due-to-billing-dispute |
Avalon Healing Center opens new site in Detroit for sex assault survivors
Avalon Healing Center is a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to healing and empowering survivors of sexual assault.
On Thursday, the group opened the doors to their new facility for an open house to showcase the work they're doing and raise awareness about sexual assault.
Before moving into their new healing center located at 601 Bagley, Avalon operated out of a suite at 2727 Second.
The open house included self-guided tours of their new facility, free massages, food, drinks, live music and remarks from Kimberly Hurst, the Avalon founder and executive director, and Rodney Cole, DTE Energy’s Foundation President.
Avalon provides care and support to survivors of sexual trauma, assault, rape or incest regardless of race, age, gender, religion, or when and where the incidents occurred.
Their new healing center is intended to be a “one-stop-shop” for survivors to access free counseling, advocacy, healing and recovery, medical evaluations, and other comprehensive services, officials said.
"The reason that we want to be this one-stop-shop where everybody comes is because we work with a lot of different partners and sometimes, they don’t have spaces to work out of so we want them to be able to come here and that’s another way people can access services, " Hurst said.
The 30,000-square-foot building features a medical wing, counseling offices, massage therapy room, large training room, media room and a donation closet with clothes and a children's play area.
Since its founding in 2006, Avalon has helped serve more than 20,000 survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, officials said. The youngest the program has supported was just two weeks old and the oldest was 101 years old.
"There is no one else that does the work that we do here and that includes the acute medical care, follow up medical care, healing opportunities, community education, advocacy, outreach and policy work," Hurst said.
Currently, Michigan has the fourth highest rape rate in the U.S. according to World Population Review.
“I’m deeply troubled by the need,” DTE Energy Foundation President Rodney Cole said. "Until we can have some foundational change in our communities and in this state, the work that happens here is critical.”
All resources and services provided by Avalon Healing Center are free and confidential to all survivors.
For more information about Avalon Healing Center visit Avalon Healing Center - Sexual Assault Medical Exam Detroit MI | Acute & Non-Acute.
Their crisis hotline is available 24/7 at (313) 474-SAFE. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/avalon-healing-center-opens-new-site-in-detroit-for-sex-assault-survivors/70365667007/ | 2023-06-30T23:40:39 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/avalon-healing-center-opens-new-site-in-detroit-for-sex-assault-survivors/70365667007/ |
Charges dismissed for 2 in I-96 shooting after wounded victim doesn't show up in court
Charges against two men in a May 8 shooting on Interstate 96 in Detroit have been dismissed because a man who was wounded failed to show up to testify at the preliminary exam, according to court records.
Donyell Smith, 29, and Andre Richard-Jordan, 32, both of Detroit, faced felony charges that included assault with intent to murder, discharging a firearm from a vehicle-causing injury, assault with intent to do great bodily harm-less than murder and felonious assault.
Prosecutors have charged the case twice, and both times the victim failed to appear at the preliminary exam, according to court records. One case was dismissed May 31 and the other was dismissed Friday.
The shooting occurred on eastbound I-96's local lanes near Wyoming. Michigan State Police said the victim was driving a vehicle that had allegedly been stolen and belonged to the two suspects. The men allegedly shot at the vehicle as they followed it onto the freeway from a neighborhood, police said.
The case was dismissed without prejudice, which means charges can be reissued.
kberg@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/30/charges-dismissed-i-96-shooting-after-wounded-victim-doesnt-testify/70374456007/ | 2023-06-30T23:40:45 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/30/charges-dismissed-i-96-shooting-after-wounded-victim-doesnt-testify/70374456007/ |
Judge's ruling gives pastor temporary control of Detroit church
Detroit — A judge's ruling allows a pastor to continue holding services in a west side church while a battle over who will control the 55-year-old religious institution gets sorted out.
Wayne Circuit Judge Kathleen McCarthy Thursday granted a temporary restraining order to Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, allowing him to continue holding services at 180 Church in the 13600 block of Stansbury near Grand River. After the locks were changed earlier this month, Sewell held services in various other locations, including a methadone clinic.
McCarthy's ruling comes after her June 12 decision to grant an emergency restraining order to Sewell, who was handcuffed during a June 7 confrontation with police outside the house of worship. Sewell, who called the incident a "church-jacking," said he was illegally banned from his facility after the locks were changed by members of Stand with Evangel who want him out as pastor.
"Oh man, I'm ecstatic," Sewell said Friday. "I got my church jacked, but I got my church back. We're moving forward with our program."
Stand With Evangel member George Bogle, whose father founded Evangel Church in 1968, said in a statement: "The full merits of the case have not been reviewed."
Bogle said the judge improperly overturned a January 2020 vote by church members who ousted Sewell as pastor after the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that church members could decide internal personnel issues.
Sewell filed a complaint against the officers who handcuffed him with the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners' Office of the Chief Investigator. Rev. Jerome Warfield, the OCI chief investigator, said Friday the probe into the incident is ongoing.
Bogle said an appeals court ruling last year gave his Stand With Evangel group control over the church, following a years-long battle over whether the church's decisions can be made by its members or a board. The Michigan Court of Appeals last year upheld a Wayne County Circuit Court ruling that found the members had control over church matters.
Bogle told The News the members voted out Sewell as pastor but he refuses to leave. In a recent court filing, Sewell's attorney, Todd Perkins, argued the vote was invalid because only certain members were allowed to participate — a claim the judge upheld Friday, although Bogle said it was in error.
When George Bogle Sr. established Evangel Church in 1968, the "constitution stated that governance of the Church would be vested in the Church's members, and that the Church's leadership would be charged with carrying out the will of the members," the May 26, 2022, Michigan Court of Appeals ruling said.
The church's constitution was amended in 2011 to allow a board of elders, not members, to elect the pastor. Sewell was elected by the board in in 2018.
Then in 2019, the church's constitution and bylaws were amended again, this time "explicitly stating that the church's members had no voting power; any vote of the membership would only be advisory," according to the court ruling.
In 2020, Bogle's group sued Sewell in Wayne Circuit Court, alleging that the board of elders had adopted the 2019 amendments without church members' consent. The lawsuit asked the court to rule that the church had been established on a "membership" rather than "directorship" basis as defined by the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act. The filing argued that if the church had been established on a membership basis, it would render the 2019 bylaw amendments invalid.
Sewell's group contended that the church had changed into a directorship-based organization under the 2011 and 2019 amendments, and the court should avoid getting involved in the matter because of the "ecclesiastical abstention doctrine." The doctrine was established by a 1976 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prevents courts from adjudicating claims that a church didn't follow its own rules and internal policies.
But the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine didn't apply to the question of how Evangel Church had been set up. That question, the court ruled, was a corporate law question.
The ruling added: "Resolving the parties' dispute did not require the trial court to interpret any of the Church's religious doctrine or to pass judgment on what it believed to be the form of corporate governance most in line with the Church's discipline or values. It simply required the trial court to apply Michigan statutory law against the language of the (articles of incorporation)."
Bogle told The News Friday: "The judge did error by not recognizing that the same members who prevailed in both Circuit and Appellate Court were also those members who voted to terminate Mr. Sewell. The judge determined the January 12, 2020 member vote where Mr. Sewell was terminated was not a valid member vote. Interestingly, the member’s vote to terminate Sewell occurred just prior to filing the court case against him.
"The real issue impacting this case is the Ecclesiastical Abstention Doctrine," Bogle said. "The court distanced itself from weighing in on the merits of the case, stating 'they are the internal matters of the Church,' with the exception of ruling that the January 12, 2020 vote was invalid. The matter should be judged consistently; if the court is precluded from ruling on internal Church matters, than the January 2020’s vote should not have been ruled invalid, nor should Mr. Sewell be granted the injunction. This seems to be in error; a double standard that repeatedly works against the members."
While the matter of permanent control of the church gets worked out, Sewell said Friday he plans to "move forward with my program. I'm giving out six scholarships to Rochester University (Saturday)."
ghunter@detroitnews.com
(313) 222-2134
Twitter: @GeorgeHunter_DN | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/30/judges-ruling-gives-pastor-temporary-control-of-detroit-church/70373343007/ | 2023-06-30T23:40:51 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2023/06/30/judges-ruling-gives-pastor-temporary-control-of-detroit-church/70373343007/ |
ARLINGTON, Texas — The 67th District Court of Tarrant County has confirmed that the civil case against Bishop Michael Olson and the Diocese of Fort Worth by an Arlington monastery has been dismissed.
The monastery had filed a civil suit against Olson and the Diocese of Fort Worth accusing them of theft and defamation after they claim Olson took the nuns' technology and accused their head nun, Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes Gerlach, of violating her vows of chastity with a priest from outside the diocese.
Olson said he was grateful for the judge's decision.
"I still continue to hold that it's not a matter for civil court and I think the judge's decision vindicates my decision on that," Olson said.
Olson said the canonical process will continue to go forward and that Gerlach has every right to participate and hopes she does so.
"We are shocked, extremely disappointed and respectfully disagree with Judge Crosby's decision," said Matthew Bobo, the attorney for the Carmelite nuns of the Most Holy Trinity Monastery.
Bobo said he and his clients are looking forward to appealing the decision.
"This decision indicates that anyone who goes into a Catholic church in Texas can be required to turn over his mobile device, the church can make a copy of all of its contents, keep them for an indefinite period of time, trounce private citizens' constitutionally-protected civil liberties, and that the Catholic Church may do all of this without any practical justification whatsoever," Bobo said.
"And not only that," he continued, "but that a Catholic Bishop may publicly defame a Catholic to the media multiple times, and Catholic priests may freely manifest Catholics’ alleged sins to the entire world without any repercussion, either from the Vatican or the civil justice system.”
The Arlington Police Department also announced Friday that they have closed an investigation into the dispute, finding no probable cause to file criminal charges against anyone involved.
Police launched their own investigations into the monastery and the bishop in early June following weeks of civil disputes between Olson and the nuns.
Inside sources previously said they were worried Gerlach had been abusing prescribed drugs and is using marijuana, which is illegal in Texas. The diocese released two pictures that they claim appears to show marijuana and other cannabis products inside the monastery.
Those sources also said that the Mother Superior, with the help of a layperson, drove to Colorado multiple times to purchase marijuana, where doing so is legal.
"Show me the proof," Bobo said in the wake of those allegations. "You throw out any story you want to. You can throw out any allegation you want to, just show me the proof."
In audio played in court this week regarding the civil suit, Gerlach herself can allegedly be heard telling Olson that she broke her vow of chastity, that the priest she broke her vow engaged with isn't from the local diocese and that whatever happened that caused her to break her vow happened both in person and in over-the-phone interactions.
"A priest is obliged to live his promises," Olson reportedly said to Gerlach in the recording. "I need to put you on administrative leave."
In the audio, Gerlach reportedly called the incident a "horrible mistake" and apologized for it.
It is unclear if Gerlach knew she was being recorded at the time.
"I was not in my right mind and I would never do anything like this," Gerlach reportedly said in that same recording.
The suit filed by the nuns alleges that Olson took pieces of technology from the nuns without the proper authority. But Olson reportedly told Gerlach, authoritatively, that the state of the whole Carmel was at stake due to her actions.
In his own Tuesday testimony, Olson said he had ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the monastery -- something the initial lawsuit disputed -- by virtue of their constitution as well as by canon law 615.
Canon law 615 states "[a]n autonomous monastery which does not have another major superior besides its own moderator and is not associated to another institute of religious in such a way that the superior of the latter possesses true power over such a monastery as determined by the constitutions is entrusted to the special vigilance of the diocesan bishop according to the norm of law. "
According to this, Olson testified, he had authority to do canonical and ecclesiastical investigations -- a belief seemingly reinforced by an alleged papal decree shared with the media by the diocese, which Olson then used to dismiss the reverend mother from her post at the monastery earlier this month.
Michael Anderson, the attorney representing Olson, argued that the civil courts did not have jurisdiction over the case and argued the lawsuit be dismissed because the matter deals with the church and not the state of Texas.
"This thing is bound up in ecclesiastical matters," Anderson said. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/arlington-pd-case-closed-monastery-diocese-investigation/287-548ea457-d5a8-4880-8fad-2aea722cb33f | 2023-06-30T23:53:27 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/arlington-pd-case-closed-monastery-diocese-investigation/287-548ea457-d5a8-4880-8fad-2aea722cb33f |
DALLAS — Fireworks are always an essential part of 4th of July celebrations, but extreme heat combined with dry conditions could turn family gatherings into a potentially dangerous situation.
For those who choose to put on their own show of sparkly bursts, playing it safe is what can keep you safe.
WFAA caught up with James Fuller, who is a former firefighter and regulator for the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“That's an important thing. Stay legal. Make sure you're being responsible to your neighbors,” said Fuller.
He now works as a safety expert for TNT Fireworks.
“There are three real areas we want to tell consumers to be cautious about. First, if you're new to fireworks, make sure you talk to the retailer about how to properly use that firework. Second, make sure you read the instructions," Fuller said.
"And here's a user tip. Don't wait until it's dark in the night for your show to look at the product."
To make matter worse, Texas drought conditions have worsened in the last two week. Fuller says the dry and hot ground can act as a perfect host for fire.
“Make sure you pay attention to the instructions on how to use that (firework) product…secondly, you want to make sure when you're lighting that product, don't put your body over the article itself."
He also warns to never leave children unattended.
“Keep those fireworks out of the hands of young children, and if you're going to be the person putting on your show this year, stay sober until after the show.”
It may seem like a no-brainer, but we’re told many firework accidents could be avoided if users would pay closer attention to the attached instructions, and never mess with what appears to be a faulty burst.
“When you run into one of those scenarios where you have a dud product, set that product aside, leave it for later, bring it back.”
Fireworks containing explosive materials are illegal within city limits, and for those who don’t follow the law, the results can be disastrous.
“That's the devastating piece. As a former firefighter, when we arrived on the scene, we had injuries that we ran into. In almost every instance, it was misused or irresponsible use. People that were holding fireworks when they're going off, placing fireworks in the wrong location so that they might tip over.”
He says having a successful holiday is all about making the right choices.
“You can have a fun and exciting celebration without the risk of fire or injury, but it's those bad actors or it's irresponsible behavior. So stay sober, follow the instructions, and don't lean over the product when you're lighting it. Make sure you give your product a bath and let it cool before you throw it away.”
For more information on Texas firework laws, log onto Texas.gov at https://www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/documents/fmstatfireworks.pdf. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-north-texas-firefighter-urges-safety-fourth-of-july-weekend/287-8a8cf9db-61bb-49c5-ac82-1d8347c5bc89 | 2023-06-30T23:53:33 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/former-north-texas-firefighter-urges-safety-fourth-of-july-weekend/287-8a8cf9db-61bb-49c5-ac82-1d8347c5bc89 |
'Beat the heat': Salvation Army, Reliant Energy partner up to help cool down Lubbock
With the first week of summer already setting record-breaking triple digits in Lubbock, the Salvation Army and Reliant Energy have partnered up to provide a cooling station and 40 air-conditioner units to the community.
The cooling station — located at 1111 16th St. — will provide a place for people to get out of the sun and stay hydrated.
"Us coming together to form partnerships that make a difference in the lives others," said David Worthy, major of the Lubbock Salvation Army. "It may very well be that one of these units could even save a life."
This comes after the City of Lubbock announced earlier this week that the public libraries would also serve the public as cooling stations.
"Once we hit those record highs, we're also using more electricity which ultimately means electricity bills are higher which may deter us from turning on our ACs," Anna Delano said. "We don't want anyone's help to suffer."
Delano serves as the Lubbock region manager for Reliant Energy and said there are statewide resources — through the government and businesses — individuals can use to help control their energy bill.
One of them is 211. Texas residents can simply call 211 or go to 211texas.org to learn more about the resources available to help pay their energy bills.
Even though Lubbock residents can't switch their power to a new electric provider yet, Reliant has worked to integrate itself into the Lubbock Community.
"We want to make sure that we contribute to the community before we ever ask for your business," Delano said. "It's part of our DNS — we don't know any other way."
Currently, Reliant Energy sponsors the South Plains Food Bank, Los Hermanos Familia, 100 Black Men of America Inc. and many other organizations.
Delano also said there is aid that Reliant can offer the community once Lubbock switches to a deregulated market — which still has no set date in sight.
Both Mayor Tray Payne and city Councilwoman Christy Martinez-Garcia passed along their thanks to the Salvation Army and Reliant for their efforts in servicing the Lubbock community.
"This is so necessary in a time we have families that have been dealing with this heat — people that are in very poor conditions as far as they just don't have the extra cash," Martinez-Garcia said. "So we really, really appreciate it." | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/salvation-army-reliant-energy-help-lubbock-community-beat-the-heat/70373644007/ | 2023-06-30T23:59:24 | 1 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/salvation-army-reliant-energy-help-lubbock-community-beat-the-heat/70373644007/ |
The Ella residents call for landlord to fix A/C in heat wave
Some residents at The Ella apartments in south-central Lubbock are calling on their landlord to act, stating their air-conditioning units are not working amid record-breaking, triple-digit heat across the area — but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears for weeks, they said.
The concerns came up Tuesday during a regular Lubbock City Council meeting when the council considered recommending a 4% housing tax credit for The Ella's parent company. The credit would allow the company to renovate more than 150 of its units — at more than $80,000 per unit — to provide affordable housing, according to the council's adopted resolution.
More:LGBTQ group stages sit-in after Lubbock Council declines to recognize Pride Month
But before the resolution was approved, council members and speakers at a public hearing expressed perturbation over the current state of the complex.
"I know the improvements there are much needed," said Councilwoman Christy Martinez-Garcia. "I have been contacted by multiple residents living there."
Martinez-Garcia said she heard from a tenant who has a 1-year-old child with asthma but no functioning air conditioner. The councilwoman also said residents were being threatened with eviction if they spoke to the media or commented publicly on their issues.
"I, too, know some of the conditions that families have been living in, and most of them that I've been aware of have been with the structure, and the deterioration and dilapidation of some of the areas of the home," Councilwoman Shelia Patterson Harris added.
One woman living at The Ella, who declined to give her name for fear of retaliation, told the Avalanche-Journal Wednesday the air-conditioning unit in her apartment had been in a state of disrepair, blowing warm air, for upwards of six weeks. Another woman said she had no hot water in her unit.
Temperatures in the Hub City reached 109 degrees Tuesday, the hottest day of the year so far. The following days saw temperatures above 100 degrees.
More:Cooler temperatures, possible rain forecast for High Plains through next week
A handful of tenants and community activists gathered for a meeting Wednesday to explore options for fighting back, but journalists present for the meeting were asked to leave before it began.
The A-J contacted a property manager in The Ella's office Thursday morning, but the representative said she was not authorized to speak to the media. She gave the reporter an email address for a corporate media contact, but email sent to this address bounced back and subsequent attempts to contact local management were unsuccessful. The web address given showed only a static aerial shot of a mixed-use development in Ohio.
Under City of Lubbock codes, dwellings are not required to have air conditioning, but if a property owner supplies an air-conditioning unit to a tenant, they are required to keep it in working order, the city said.
Lubbockites who would like to report code violations can call code enforcement at (806) 775-2193. | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/the-ella-residents-call-for-landlord-to-fix-ac-in-heat-wave/70365267007/ | 2023-06-30T23:59:30 | 0 | https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/the-ella-residents-call-for-landlord-to-fix-ac-in-heat-wave/70365267007/ |
SAN ANTONIO — A 53-year-old female inmate has died after found unresponsive at the Bexar County Annex on Friday morning, according to BCSO.
Officials say the inmate was found in her cell unresponsive at 9:10 a.m. Friday while the unit deputy was conducting her face-to-face observation checks. The deputy immediately asked for assistance and began performing CPR.
Once emergency crews arrived they announced her dead on the scene at 9:42 a.m., according to BCSO.
Officials say it appears the inmate suffered a medical episode but cause of death is still not officially confirmed.
This is the fifth inmate death at the Bexar County Jail so far this year. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/inmate-dies-bexar-county-jail-san-antonio/273-40432eb2-f19b-4c0f-b7e7-816c5241093b | 2023-07-01T00:01:52 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/inmate-dies-bexar-county-jail-san-antonio/273-40432eb2-f19b-4c0f-b7e7-816c5241093b |
SAN ANTONIO — Texas will get connected to key funds for internet access.
This week, President Joe Biden announced Texas would be allocated $3.3 billion for internet infrastructure. Texas got the most money among any state, with California the next largest recipient with $1.8 billion.
The money to pay for infrastructure will help close the digital divide with thousands of Bexar County and San Antonio residents.
One couple who lives off Trumbo Road on the far south side says they pay more for less reliable service.
“To work on a computer is really slow,” Robert Gutierrez said. “Sometimes we don’t have any use, some days it’s just completely not working,” his fiancé Marina Bello added.
Currently the couple says they are paying over $100 a month for satellite internet and TV through Dish Network. They say the internet can cut out during inclement weather.
Bello says her mother had difficulty with telehealth video and phone calls during the pandemic, while Gutierrez had to drive to his office for a strong signal for work.
“I’ve pretty much had to drive all the way to the office to use the company Wi-Fi, I wasn’t allowed in the building but I had to get over there just so I could pick up the signal,” Gutierrez said.
The $3.3 billion is a big win for San Antonio and Bexar County according to local leaders.
“We’re getting fiber connectivity to the home, to the small business, in areas we haven’t before,” Brian Dillard, Chief Innovation Officer with the City of San Antonio told KENS 5.
Dillard says the state has 180 days to submit their proposals to the federal government. He says 20 percent of that $3.3 billion will be allocated at the end of that period.
In April, the city signed an agreement with AT&T to expand broadband access to more than 20,000 residents and businesses within City Council Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. AT&T is paying $13.3 million while the city pays $8.8 million with a mix of general funds and money from the American Rescue Plan Act. Work on that project is expected to start in the next two years.
“The digital economy is only expanding further and further and it’s leaving our residents in the dark if we don’t continue those investments,” Dillard said.
Bexar County, which approved $25 million in ARPA dollars to be allocated for broadband access, is still negotiating with Spectrum to expand services, according to a county spokesperson.
Bello and Gutierrez are waiting for affordable, reliable options to become available.
“We’re just in a bubble here and everyone around us has…high speed internet and we’re just stuck right here,” Bello said. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/internet-infrastructure-rural-san-antonians/273-3961ccd3-1c61-4ab2-a8a4-17021952ae88 | 2023-07-01T00:01:58 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/internet-infrastructure-rural-san-antonians/273-3961ccd3-1c61-4ab2-a8a4-17021952ae88 |
SAN ANTONIO — A newly filed class-action lawsuit alleges Wells Fargo discriminated against Mexican employees at a San Antonio customer service center while also directing workers "to offer predatory lending options" to the bank's Spanish-speaking customers.
The lawsuit was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in San Antonio by Lawrence Morales II, an Alamo City attorney. The plaintiffs are seeking actual, consequential and compensatory damages.
According to the complaint, Wells Fargo managers in 2022 created a program whereby bilingual customer service representatives were told to offer cash-out products to Spanish-speaking customers "without directly mentioning the substantial financial cost of the product to borrowers," effectively leaving those customers on the hook for later payments ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 that they weren't expecting to make.
Employees were even equipped with physical laminated cards reminding them to "Assume the transaction will be cash out DO NOT ask if they want cash out," the suit alleges.
The second major allegation of discrimination outlined in the suit pertains to Hispanic employees themselves, claiming they were barred from joining a pilot program that included opportunities to collect commission.
"Only members of the English-only team were permitted to join the pilot program" which launched in 2021, the suit states, adding that members of the Wells Fargo bilingual team suffered financial hardship as a result.
The plaintiffs named in the suit are all from Mexico, and claimed being denied entry into the pilot program. At least 11 members of the bilingual team have sued Wells Fargo for discrimination in connection with the class-action suit.
A Wells Fargo spokesperson said Friday evening they "don't have anything to add to the story at this time."
Just last month, the bank – which services 70 million customers in 35 countries – agreed to pay $1 billion to settle with shareholders who alleged it made misleading statements about its compliance with federal regulators. In December it agreed to pay a $3.7 billion settlement amid allegations it charged illegal fees and interest on auto loans and mortgages.
>MORE LOCAL NEWS:
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/wells-fargo-lawsuit-san-antonio-discrimination-claims-bank-texas/273-be981c03-4c82-4979-90e6-6c5051f63f98 | 2023-07-01T00:02:04 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/wells-fargo-lawsuit-san-antonio-discrimination-claims-bank-texas/273-be981c03-4c82-4979-90e6-6c5051f63f98 |
SARASOTA, Fla. — The City of Sarasota and its residents are getting ready to welcome visitors coming into town for a fun weekend of high-speed boat racing.
The 39th annual Sarasota P1 Power Boat Race kicked off with a "Pit Party" near Centennial Park which will last until 10 p.m. Friday. The two-day event showcases colorful, high tech and very fast boats that will race along Lido Beach starting Saturday afternoon.
"We are one of the largest fleets racing this weekend," Sean Conner, a driver with CMR Roofing Team, said. "We usually have really competitive class and a lot of close racing. It's a good show."
On Friday, teams spent the day bringing in their boats and setting up in the racing pit in the parking lot of the Van Wezel Hall. More than 60 boats have signed up to compete in this edition of the Powerboat P1's 700th staged race so far.
"It's teams from Australia, all over Europe, Sweden, in the UK, it's truly a world championship," Thomas Covington of Powerboat P1 USA said.
Organizers said the "Pit Party" is a family-friendly event and an avenue for interaction.
"That's where you can check out all the teams in person," Covington said.
The 6-mile-long race begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday with the main category at 10 a.m. Sunday. Spectators can watch the high-speed thrill from Lido Beach, but only a few have the best and fastest seats.
"You don't have the wind, if it is a flat water race, the boat is pretty calm. If it is a rough water race, you are going to start getting beat up," Conner said.
Teams are also using technology to deal with conditions inside the boat.
"Once the capsule heats up, it's more like a convection oven in there so we opted for cool suits, which is like a shirt and it pumps ice water through the shirt in small little tubes," another driver, Chris Grant with 54 Graydel Team from Canada said.
Participants say they keep returning, not just because of the thrill, the fans and the friendships they build, but for passion and bragging rights.
"These guys are the best, we all get along," Grant said. "We all try to mess each other up."
"Everybody's working with the same tools and it really comes down to the driver, throttle man, set up, and who's going to be better on that particular day," Conner said.
Even though the weather will be great, keep in mind that it is expected to be very hot. Emergency management officials want to remind everyone to drink plenty of water and bring things to help keep you cool like a fan and shading. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/sarasota-powerboat-grand-prix/67-b5f63fdb-20d8-4caf-8a26-c5e06d9f8024 | 2023-07-01T00:04:40 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/sarasota-powerboat-grand-prix/67-b5f63fdb-20d8-4caf-8a26-c5e06d9f8024 |
SOUTHWEST HARBOR -- Newly hired Southwest Harbor Police Officer Richard Strout had faced multiple assault and sexual assault accusations in his previous position in Machias.
As of today, he is no longer employed by the Southwest Harbor PD following major backlash from the community over his hiring, including a petition that garnered more than 1,000 signatures calling for his dismissal.
Southwest Harbor residents are sharing feelings of relief and lingering anxiety -- as the Police Department released a statement that Richard Strout has officially been released from the department.
In the statement, Southwest Harbor Police Chief John Hall said, quote: "I am writing to publicly apologize to the residents of Southwest Harbor and the greater community for damaging your trust in this department. This was never my intention..." He went on to say that he "thanks every citizen who came forward," and he hopes this can, "begin the process of regaining your trust."
Our very own Grace Blanchard reported that when Strout was let go by Machias Police in 2011, the three lawsuits filed against him were dismissed. It is still unclear if Strout was let go with or without compensation from Southwest Harbor Police Department.
We tried reaching out to Richard Strout and Chief John Hall, but they were unavailable for comment.
According to Southwest Harbor Select Board Chair Carolyn Ball, "We wanna hire the best, we want people to feel safe, so we had to address citizen concerns, and it was legitimate concerns."
A local Southwest Harbor resident spoke on the character of the people who live in Southwest Harbor, who came together when this news came out.
According to Southwest Harbor resident Rebecca B., "The people here are really amazing and supportive of each other. We look out, you know? I wish that it could kind of be an example for the greater good."
Brad Jordan, the Owner of Maine State Sea Kayak, is the man who started the petition to have Richard Strout removed from the department, and says that he was relieved when he learned that Chief Hall had fired Strout.
"I've always had a great rapport with the Southwest Harbor Police," said Jordan. "This was very shocking to me. I haven't really processed it yet, but I know we have a good Police force here, and I'm excited to see them move forward and hopefully fix some of the wrongs."
With the petition he created, also came a platform and a safe place for victims to come out and speak freely about the scars that have become fresh again.
According to Jordan, "There's people that have decades of trauma from this man, and there's people that have families that have unraveled because of this man. One of my friends is one of those people and he shared his story. The Police Chief listened and he took it to heart and he acted on it, and I think he acted in a swift and professional manner."
An open to the public town meeting will take place on July 11th at the Southwest Fire Department at 6 p.m.
The public will be allowed to ask questions about what has taken place, why this happened, what the future of the Police Departments standards for hiring will be, and what is next for everyone involved. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/southwest-harbor-police-dismiss-officer-following-public-outcry-over-sexual-abuse-allegations/article_d8ba4fea-178f-11ee-bdda-bf4aec89eba5.html | 2023-07-01T00:06:32 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/southwest-harbor-police-dismiss-officer-following-public-outcry-over-sexual-abuse-allegations/article_d8ba4fea-178f-11ee-bdda-bf4aec89eba5.html |
HOLDEN -- AAA Northern New England predicts that 2.8 million drivers in the New England area plan to hit the road during the long holiday weekend.
We spoke to the Holden police chief to learn what drivers can expect and tips to stay safe.
"Of course our goal here is to make sure everyone gets to their destination safely,” said Chief Eddie Benjamin, for the Holden Police Department.
Benjamin said since Memorial Day officers have seen an uptick in traffic and they're only expecting the roads to get busier going into the holiday.
"We expect over this weekend to have about 40,000 to 45,000 cars daily. So they have to keep in mind to slow down, put the cell phone down as well and pay attention to the road,” said Benjamin.
The manager of public affairs, for AAA Northern New England Dan Goodman, said drivers may have some pent-up demand to travel this summer especially as gas prices have taken a big dip compared to last year.
"Last year at this time we were spending and a lot of people forget that we were paying $5 in Maine at the pump. Today it's about $3.70 .. $3.80.. So, huge savings at the pump,” said Goodman.
Chief Benjamin notes he wants people to enjoy the holiday but reminds drivers never to get behind the wheel impaired. He says there is always a safe alternative to avoid driving under the influence.
"You can call a ride. You can call a friend instead of getting behind the wheel,” said Benjamin.
Chief Benjamin also wants to remind drivers to make sure their vehicle's wheels, oil, and headlights are checked out and ready to go before hitting the road. | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/traffic-uptick-during-long-4th-of-july-weekend/article_5bca40ec-1787-11ee-8315-87613118890a.html | 2023-07-01T00:06:38 | 0 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/traffic-uptick-during-long-4th-of-july-weekend/article_5bca40ec-1787-11ee-8315-87613118890a.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Officers arrested a 17-year-old boy Thursday afternoon after witnesses say he assaulted an elderly man in Northeast Salem.
Salem police reported to 3900 Sunnyview Road NE around 4:30 p.m. when witnesses reported that a teen was “physically punching and kicking” a 64-year-old man who had been walking down the street.
Police have not released the names of the suspect or the elderly man. Officers say they arrested the teen after he attempted to flee the scene, and he now faces a second-degree assault charge.
The man was transported to Salem Health with life-threatening injuries and then taken to a Portland-area hospital for further care.
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops. | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/64-year-old-man-assaulted-in-broad-daylight-teen-arrested/ | 2023-07-01T00:08:16 | 0 | https://www.koin.com/local/marion-county/64-year-old-man-assaulted-in-broad-daylight-teen-arrested/ |
A 22-year-old man who tried to flee out a window with another teen who fatally shot a Lincoln Police officer in 2020 has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for charges related to gang activity.
Senior Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Orion Ross on Friday to the prison time, followed by six years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Ross next will face up to 24 years more in state time when he's sentenced later in July for escape using deadly force and unlawful transfer of a firearm to a juvenile.
In that case, Ross pleaded no contest in a deal with prosecutors, who dismissed five other felonies, including aiding and abetting the first-degree murder of Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera.
In the federal case, he pleaded guilty to two counts of firearm conspiracy in furtherance of drug trafficking related to his involvement in the No Name Demons gang.
In the plea agreement, the U.S. Attorney's Office described messages and Snapchats in the 18 months before Herrera's shooting where Ross and others discussed guns and drugs.
On April 30, 2019, he posted photos of himself and a firearm on Snapchat and later that day was caught with two others in a traffic stop with more than a quarter pound of marijuana.
Law enforcement also had video of Ross and others in the gang handling the gun, stolen from Ross' stepfather, later used to kill Herrera on Aug. 26, 2020.
That day, Ross and Felipe Vazquez, then 17, were barricaded in a locked bedroom at 33rd and Vine streets as Lincoln police closed in around the house to arrest Vazquez.
Ross ultimately broke the window with a mug and Vazquez started firing shots as the two leaped out and ran up Vine Street. One of the shots struck Herrera, fatally wounding him.
Vazquez and Ross both were caught nearby, Ross on a school playground across the street.
Herrera, a 50-year-old father of four, succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 7, 2020.
Following his conviction at a jury trial in Columbus, Vazquez was sentenced a year ago to life in prison plus 129 years for Herrera's murder.
Photos, video: End of watch for Investigator Mario Herrera
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Two LPD officers are reflected in a marble pulpit as people pay their respects to Officer Mario Herrera during a candlelight vigil held at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Two LPD officers, who did not give their names, embrace after the motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera passes by Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Supporters and mourners line the streets during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mourners who came to pay their respects light a candle for Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera during a candlelight vigil held at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Officer Erin Spilker embraces a fellow mourner during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Watch Now: Bystander on how she is feeling
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Officers stand at attention and salute as the motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera passes by them Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Officer Erin Spilker is hugged during a motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mourners are reflected on a pulpit as they light candles during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil 9.7
A mourner lights a candle during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
A motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera comes into downtown Lincoln on Monday afternoon. Herrera, who was shot Aug. 26 while helping serve a warrant, died earlier in day at an Omaha hospital. The procession traveled down I-80 from Omaha.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A mourner who brought her own candle holds it during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A candlelight vigil was held for fallen Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A woman bows her head in prayer during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Watch Now: Procession reaches downtown Lincoln
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A woman makes her way into the church during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mourners line up and wait for their turn to light candles during a candlelight vigil held for fallen Officer Mario Herrera at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Mourners light hundreds of candles around a small shrine featuring a photo of Mario Herrera during a candlelight vigil held for the fallen police officer at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
A small shrine with a photo of Mario Herrera on it is presented during a candlelight vigil held for the fallen officer at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera vigil, 9.7
Two LPD officers pay their respects to Mario Herrera during a candlelight vigil held for the fallen officer at St. Teresa's Catholic Church on Monday. Herrera died early Monday at an Omaha hospital from injuries he suffered Aug. 26 when he was shot while helping serve a warrant.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Supporters and mourners line downtown Lincoln streets during a motorcade for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Caitlin Mace wears an honor hoodie to show her support during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star file photo
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Flowers and cards are laid on a cruiser parked in of the County-City Building to honor the fallen officer during a procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Katie Penas waits for the motorcade procession for fallen Officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star file photo
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
A badge sculpture was set up in honor of the fallen officer during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Watch Now: Bystander on why he’s there
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Caitlin Mace wipes tears from her eyes after the motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Officer Erin Spilker is hugged by a first responder during a motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Samantha Binder waits along an overpass near Waverly for the motorcade procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Flags were flown at half-staff after the death of Lincoln Police Officer Mario Herrera during a procession for Herrera on Monday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Watch Now: Procession at 10th and K beside the County-City Building
Mario Herrera procession 9.7
Gary Binder holds the stars and stripes before draping it over the 134 Street overpass over I-80 during a funeral procession for fallen officer Mario Herrera on Monday in Lincoln.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Overpass
Nearly every overpass Monday afternoon from Omaha to Lincoln had cars and people gathered to honor the processional carrying Officer Mario Herrera.
Nebraska State Patrol
Car
Flowers on the cruiser in front of the County-City Building Monday in honor of Officer Mario Herrera.
JoANNE YOUNG, Journal Star
Shield
Lincoln police brought out a shield Monday to display in honor of Investigator Mario Herrera.
JoANNE YOUNG, Journal Star
Mayor, council
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and City Council members wait for the procession carrying Officer Mario Herrera's body in front of the County-City Building.
JoANNE YOUNG, Journal Star
Watch Now: Vehicles lined up on overpass near Waverly
Draping
The scene Monday in front of the County-City Building.
JoANNE YOUNG, Journal Star
Cruiser
A cruiser sits in front of the County-City Building on Monday with flowers on top and flags at half staff.
Kenneth Ferriera
Procession
People watch the procession for Officer Mario Herrera from Ninth and Q streets.
PAT SANGIMINO, Journal Star
Cruiser
Flowers rest on a police cruiser Monday in honor of slain officer Mario Herrera.
Kenneth Ferriera
Omaha procession
People gather on a pedestrian bridge to watch a procession for Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Z LONG/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera is escorted on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Z LONG/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera is escorted on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Z LONG/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera is escorted on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Z LONG/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People gather before a procession for Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Z LONG/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People gather before a procession for Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera on Monday near 42nd and Grover in Omaha. Herrera passed away early Monday after being shot on duty August 26th.
Z LONG/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
An Omaha police officer salutes the law enforcement escort of the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People stand on 42nd Street north of Pacific street to watch as law enforcement officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Omaha procession
People stand out on 42nd Street north of Pacific street tow atch as Omaha police officers escort the body of Lincoln police officer Mario Herrera back to Lincoln after he died on Monday, September 07, 2020. Herrera was shot Aug. 26 while trying to serve a warrant.
CHRIS MACHIAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
Reach the writer at 402-473-7237 or lpilger@journalstar.com .
On Twitter @LJSpilger
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-man-sentenced-flee-officer-killed/article_31b2fd5a-177b-11ee-ab43-2ba3936f5254.html | 2023-07-01T00:13:45 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-courts/lincoln-man-sentenced-flee-officer-killed/article_31b2fd5a-177b-11ee-ab43-2ba3936f5254.html |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Weather
Local
Sports
Entertainment
Investigators
Videos
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Watch NBC10 24/7 on Streaming Platforms
Wawa Welcome America
Phillies baseball
I-95 reopening
Expand
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/possible-record-breaking-travel-for-4th-of-july-weekend/3596216/ | 2023-07-01T00:15:40 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/possible-record-breaking-travel-for-4th-of-july-weekend/3596216/ |
HARRISBURG, Pa. — A Florida man was stopped by TSA officers at Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) on Friday when they detected a 9mm handgun in the man's carry-on bag at the airport checkpoint.
The gun was caught as the man entered the security checkpoint. The X-ray unit alerted the TSA officer to take a closer look inside the man's carry-on bag, which was opened by police for a closer inspection.
Police cited the man on a weapons charge.
The penalty for carrying weapons through a security checkpoint can reach a maximum of $15,000.
“We are in the midst of one of the busiest travel periods of the year and this is no time to be carrying a loaded gun to our checkpoints,” said Karen Keys-Turner, the airport’s TSA’s Federal Security Director. “Airports are congested, people are eager to travel for the July 4th holiday and toting a loaded gun in such an environment is an accident waiting to happen."
"Gun owners have a responsibility to know where their firearms are at all times and know that they should not be in a carry-on bag,” Keys-Turner added. “Travelers need to come to the airport prepared to go through the security screening process and that means knowing the contents of their carry-on bags and knowing that there are no prohibited items inside.”
Passengers are only permitted to travel with firearms in checked baggage. Firearms must be unloaded then packed in a hard-sided locked case. The locked case should be taken to the airline check-in counter to be declared.
The TSA has details on how to properly travel with a firearm posted on its website.
It marked the sixth gun stopped at the security checkpoint so far this year. Nationwide, more than 3,000 guns have been stopped at airport checkpoints by TSA officers so far in 2023. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/florida-man-attempted-bring-loaded-handgun-onto-hia-flight/521-eb4cd87a-bb94-414e-b721-f437f2c35d80 | 2023-07-01T00:19:10 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/florida-man-attempted-bring-loaded-handgun-onto-hia-flight/521-eb4cd87a-bb94-414e-b721-f437f2c35d80 |
BEDFORD, Va. – Further proof that Virginia is for lovers.
On Friday morning, the Bower Center for the Arts unveiled a new mural on the side of their building in Bedford.
The giant LOVE sign was created by students at Liberty High School.
“We really wanted it to be an experience that youth could be proud of, that they could share with others in the community, that it would just be great collaborative efforts between us and the schools,” Susan Martin, Executive Director of Bowen Center for Arts said.
“We had this in our classroom two months ago, still in the process of painting it, so it’s weird that it’s on a wall and people traveling around Virginia just to come look at it,” Liberty High School student Kinzee Branham said.
There are more than 300 LOVEworks signs statewide. They’re meant to highlight Virginia’s iconic slogan which promotes travel and tourism, as well as pride in the community. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/love-sign-unveiled-at-bower-center-for-the-arts-in-bedford/ | 2023-07-01T00:19:28 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/love-sign-unveiled-at-bower-center-for-the-arts-in-bedford/ |
LEXINGTON, Va. – When tourists take in the wonder of the Natural Bridge, they may be unaware that things they can’t see are a bit different.
Because on June 15, 2023, Virginia became the official owner of the Bridge and just over 1,500 acres surrounding the park.
“Everyone that’s from the area knows the importance of the Natural Bridge,” Melissa Baker, Director of Virginia State Parks said.
Baker said the final payment of the debt was about $6.5 million. She said it does not include the nearby Natural Bridge Hotel which is under private ownership.
“This isn’t just important to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This is important to the country and recognized throughout the world and so, to know that we have that in perpetuity and that we know that is going to be available to the citizens of the Commonwealth and the visitors to the area forever is really special,” Baker said.
The words, “state park” have been a part of the title for some time now, but only recently did the state pay off the remaining debt.
“As long as it was not under state ownership, there was always a concern of some possibility that something financially would go wrong, but now it’s secure,” Sen. Emmett Hanger, a Republican representing the 24th District said.
Hanger was a key leader in helping acquire the park.
Under state ownership, the park will be eligible for state funding for projects such as a campground and updates to maintenance and infrastructure, though Baker says visible changes may be years down the road.
Baker says visitorship is already good and will only improve over time, a vision nearly two and a half centuries in the making.
“249 years ago, Thomas Jefferson bought this property, and he said he thought it would be great to be held in the public trust. And now here we are and now here we are able to fulfill that original dream from Mr. Jefferson,” Brian Fuller, Real Property Manager for DCR said. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/virginia-takes-official-ownership-of-natural-bridge/ | 2023-07-01T00:19:34 | 1 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/06/30/virginia-takes-official-ownership-of-natural-bridge/ |
Sheridan Road will be closing long term between 91st Street and the Illinois State Line next week for a resurfacing project in the Village of Pleasant Prairie.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is underway with a Sheridan Road resurfacing project, which began in early June and is scheduled for completion late this fall, depending on weather conditions.
On Wednesday, July 5, Sheridan Road is scheduled to close to traffic between 104th and 91st Streets. It will remain closed until this fall while crews work to replace the box culvert at Barnes Creek.
Throughout the project, access will be maintained for residents, businesses, school bus traffic and emergency vehicles from both the north and south ends of the hard closure area.
A detour route has been established by WisDOT utilizing other state roads. Motorists traveling north and south are encouraged to detour along 52nd Street, Green Bay Road and 104th Street.
People are also reading…
WisDOT has designed the detour to keep truck traffic off local roads and away from the construction zone to minimize disruptions and prioritize public safety.
As they approach the work zone, motorists should watch for wayfinding signage and follow the instructions provided by construction crews, exercising caution while driving in the area.
The project primarily entails resurfacing the deteriorated pavement along the three-mile construction zone, replacing the box culvert at Barnes Creek, and installing a new beam guard on Sheridan Road north of 111th Street.
In a press release, village officials advised drivers to adhere to construction signage and exercise caution, care, patience and attentiveness while work is ongoing. | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/portion-of-sheridan-road-to-close-starting-july-5/article_b5f8edd2-1752-11ee-9b66-c766f0e23cea.html | 2023-07-01T00:26:41 | 0 | https://kenoshanews.com/news/local/portion-of-sheridan-road-to-close-starting-july-5/article_b5f8edd2-1752-11ee-9b66-c766f0e23cea.html |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Independence Day fireworks can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder for those who have served our country. The Wichita Veterans Motorcycle Club is determined to provide a safe space for those veterans.
“Just having this place to just come to, it takes the stress, it takes the pain away, even if it’s just for one hour, I am pain-free, I don’t think about my financial stress, how am I going to pay for rent or food,” Spencer Balint said.
The club is not only for motorcycle enthusiasts but for veterans who want a chance to bond with individuals that understand what it means to have served.
“Just him willing to listen literally helped. It’s the difference between me standing here today and not standing here today,” said Balint.
The group is meeting Saturday at their club near 47th Street South and Seneca. Doors open at seven. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/outlet-for-veterans-motorcycle-club-open-house-saturday/ | 2023-07-01T00:27:04 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/outlet-for-veterans-motorcycle-club-open-house-saturday/ |
KIMBERLY — Joe Kenneth Sturgeon, 89, of Kimberly, passed away June 19, 2023. A memorial family reunion will be held from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 240 Glacier Meadows Way, Kimberly. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at Elmwood Cemetery, 1863 Elmwood Rd., Gooding. Memories and condolences may be shared on Joe’s memorial web page at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.
Joe Kenneth Sturgeon
Load entries
Add an entry as anonymous
Report
Watch the guestbook. Stop watching this guestbook.
(0) entries
Sign the guestbook.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article. | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/joe-kenneth-sturgeon/article_afaedd41-2ee7-5ce3-9fa5-abe533f5a96e.html | 2023-07-01T00:29:55 | 0 | https://magicvalley.com/news/local/obituaries/funeral-notices/joe-kenneth-sturgeon/article_afaedd41-2ee7-5ce3-9fa5-abe533f5a96e.html |
With more than 1,500 apartment units currently under construction in Marana, one complex developer was looking for a way to stand out.
Drawing from Tucson’s love of murals, M3 Multifamily decided to incorporate murals and lots of artwork in its new complex that is going up near Thornydale and Ina roads.
The 392-unit Solstice will have artwork throughout the property in common areas.
Local artist Vic Von S. accepted the challenge and is creating the visuals.
First task was making a 600-foot wall, which separates the future complex from a self-storage facility, visually appealing.
“The wall was so hideous,” Von S. said. “They asked if it scared me that it was so big.”
She began by sketching out a desert landscape with truck headlights shining on the wall at sundown to measure each portion of the mural so it would blend seamlessly.
People are also reading…
“I’ve enjoyed it because of the amount of creativity I’ve been allowed to have,” Von S. said.
For the complex itself, she will create two more murals at the swimming pool and in the fitness center.
Additional paintings are inspired by the project’s name, Solstice.
“The galaxy, stars and sun, there’s nothing more amazing than that imagery,” Von S. said.
The paintings depict people with celestial objects around them.
“I wasn’t trying to capture a specific person,” Von S. said. “Rather, I wanted to capture a feeling.”
The Solstice apartment complex is one of seven going up in Marana and at least three others are in the planning stages.
“We have competition,” said Jon Martin, principal with M3 Multifamily. “I love the arts and I want to support local artists and, aside from that, I wanted to set ourselves apart.”
A lack of inventory in the greater Tucson area appealed to the company.
“It was an easy investment opportunity,” Martin said. “The problem is everybody got the same idea at the same time.”
In addition to commissioning the unique artwork, Martin’s company did extensive surveys of existing tenants to determine what features would appeal to them in a new complex.
One of the surprises?
“Almost everybody said, ‘Get rid of the dining room.’” Martin said. “The don’t need a dining room, they eat around the island in the kitchen.”
There was also high interest in outdoor dining and built-in workstations and home offices.
Amenities at the smoke-free complex will include two 25-meter lap pools, community workspace and a fitness center.
The complex is being built in an 8-plex design, so every tenant has a corner unit.
Rents are expected to range from $1,500 to $2,000 a month.
The Solstice is expected to start leasing by the end of the year.
Contact reporter Gabriela Rico at grico@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/real-estate/new-marana-apartment-complex-looks-to-be-eye-catching/article_151fadd2-1780-11ee-afc1-8789ff5da7c8.html | 2023-07-01T00:30:01 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/real-estate/new-marana-apartment-complex-looks-to-be-eye-catching/article_151fadd2-1780-11ee-afc1-8789ff5da7c8.html |
PHOENIX — Public schools across Arizona will be inspected regularly to make sure they meet minimum standards to educate students under a new executive order issued by Gov. Katie Hobbs.
And in a separate order, Hobbs formed a committee to update the minimum standards to 2023 levels to, among other goals, ensure the schools have the necessary security to protect students during a campus shooting.
The state was already required to do those things after losing a series of lawsuits a couple of decades ago.
Until now, however, compliance has been spotty at best. That meant projects ranging from roof repairs to upgrading security with fences and doors that lock from the inside got done only in school districts with the resources.
Hobbs said that was unacceptable. The overall minimum standards were drafted more than 20 years ago and school inspections have been irregular, she said.
People are also reading…
"A child's ability to attend a safe and secure school should not depend on their zip code,'' she said in a written statement.
Attorney: Not enough to end lawsuit
An attorney representing school districts and education advocates said these two orders, alone, won't end the lawsuit they filed against the state in 2017 for failing to comply with a series of Arizona Supreme Court rulings that it is up to the state to provide a "general and uniform'' school system.
What that will take, said Danny Adelman of the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, is getting the Republican-controlled Legislature to allocate what he said are hundreds of millions of dollars necessary to fund both existing standards and the new ones to be crafted by the Hobbs-ordered committee.
Getting that funding is likely to take a court order as lawmakers have, for years, fought all efforts to have a court tell them what are their constitutional obligations.
Last year, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daniel Martin rejected claims that he has no right to rule on the legality of the formula legislators decide to use to finance the funding of new schools and repairs for existing ones. Martin said it clearly is within the purview of the courts to determine if the state is complying with the Arizona Constitution.
The case is now set for trial next year.
A question hanging in the balance is: What is the legally required minimum to keep students in Arizona not only safe but in conditions suitable for learning?
Lax safety cited
Some of what's at issue is basic, such as ensuring schools have the money to fix minor problems like leaky roofs before they become expensive major repairs. But Adelman said some standards that were considered acceptable 20 years ago are now outdated.
Exhibit No. 1 is the safety and security guidelines.
"After Sandy Hook, the state studied reasonable things that schools should implement to keep their kids safe,'' he said, referring to the 2012 shooting at a Connecticut elementary school that left 20 children and six adults dead before the assailant took his own life.
"It's things like single point of entry, decent fencing, cameras in some instances, a door that prevents people from outside the campus getting directly to children without having to get buzzed through,'' Adelman said.
Only thing is, Adelman said, state officials didn't put any of these in the guidelines and so, the state never funded them.
He said districts with the financial capacity to borrow money through bonds with voter approval and tax local residents did implement some of these things.
But others lack the resources. "We've got pictures of them like having to loop a chain around a door,'' Adelman said.
"They didn't even implement things like you could lock the door from the inside so a teacher doesn't have to open her door in an active shooter situation to lock it.''
History of litigation
The issue of the state's role dates back to 1994.
Under the system in place at that time, school districts raised and borrowed money for all new construction and repairs through local property taxes.
That year the high court said the system created illegal disparities between rich districts and poor ones.
"Some districts have schoolhouses that are unsafe, unhealthy and in violation of building, fire and safety codes,'' wrote Justice Frederick Martone for the high court. "There are schools without libraries, science laboratories, computer rooms, art programs, gymnasiums and auditoriums.''
At the same time, Martone said, "there are schools with indoor swimming pools, a domed stadium, science laboratories, television studios, well-stocked libraries, satellite dishes and expensive computer systems.''
The justices declared the funding system illegal and told lawmakers to come up with a fix.
In 1996, the Legislature agreed to put $100 million into a special fund that could be tapped by poor districts for construction needs. Lawmakers also agreed to provide another $30 million a year for nine more years.
The Supreme Court found that plan flawed, too, saying it did not meet the constitutional requirement for a "general and uniform'' school system.
A 1997 alteration provided more cash. But here, too, the justices said that was not enough, saying the state still wasn't meeting its constitutional obligations.
Underfunded school needs
Lawmakers eventually created the School Facilities Board, which was supposed to pick up every district's construction and repair needs.
But legislators never came up with a new source of revenue to fund the potential $300 million annual price tag, instead absorbing the cost into state government's general fund.
That worked only when the economy was good and revenues were increasing. When the Great Recession hit and state tax collections tanked, one of the casualties was money for the board.
The result has been that districts needing schools or major repairs that can't wait for a state grant once again have to turn to their local voters for bond approval. That brings the funding system back to what the Supreme Court previously found illegal.
That led to the 2017 lawsuit. Even with that pending, Adelman said, lawmakers this year provided only $200 million of the $350 million in needs identified by the School Facilities Board.
He said while safety and security are crucial issues, they're not all that schools need.
"In modern classrooms it's just different than when everybody had a little desk and the textbooks were all in the desk,'' Adelman said. That means different space requirements.
And not all of it is related to the physical layout.
The last time a committee met to look at what's needed, he said, one of the findings was there should be a computer for each student. "The problem is, they didn't provide any funding along with that,'' Adelman said.
He said that while some schools were able to use federal COVID relief dollars, "none of that is permanent.''
Lack of regular maintenance
Then there's the issue of the buildings themselves.
The current system essentially requires schools to apply for grants to fix major problems. Aside from the fact that there hasn't been enough money allocated to fulfill all those requests, Adelman said it is a short-sighted approach.
He said what's needed — and what lawmakers originally promised more than two decades ago — are regular payments to districts to use for basic maintenance on things like roofs and air conditioning systems.
"If you let school districts have some money they could use to keep their schools in good shape … then you can address things before it's an emergency,'' Adelman said. Instead, there isn't funding for regular maintenance, meaning that what started out as small problems become big ones.
"Because of the system that exists right now, we are spending at the worst possible time at the highest possible cost,'' he said.
He gave as an example the repainting of schools on a regular basis to keep them watertight.
"Right now, in order to get the state to fund money to do it, they have to show it is actively infiltrating water,'' Adelman said. "It's more expensive, it causes more damage, it's just a silly thing to do.''
Howard Fischer is a veteran journalist who has been reporting since 1970 and covering state politics and the Legislature since 1982. Follow him on Twitter at @azcapmedia or email azcapmedia@gmail.com. | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/hobbs-orders-updated-standards-regular-inspections-for-schools/article_fc15055c-1767-11ee-b9f5-ab308f164ad3.html | 2023-07-01T00:30:08 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/hobbs-orders-updated-standards-regular-inspections-for-schools/article_fc15055c-1767-11ee-b9f5-ab308f164ad3.html |
PITTSBURGH — A new inflatable sculpture took its place in the Cultural District on Friday morning.
Architects of Air is a giant “luminarium,” which is an immersive, inflatable sculpture that is half the size of a football field.
>>> PHOTOS: Architects of Air sculpture open to spectators in Cultural District
It works by having a maze of 17 different egg-shaped domes. Each one has different colors as a result of the shining sun.
Visitors are able to walk inside the sculpture. It will be on display until September.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/architects-air-new-inflatable-sculpture-now-open-spectators-cultural-district/LJO6IQJTL5HGBCMHB4QVNSYSPU/ | 2023-07-01T00:32:45 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/architects-air-new-inflatable-sculpture-now-open-spectators-cultural-district/LJO6IQJTL5HGBCMHB4QVNSYSPU/ |
PITTSBURGH — Zach Banner last played in the NFL in 2021, but the former Steelers offensive tackle is hoping that the door is not shut on an NFL return. He suffered a torn ACL during the Week 1 game in the 2020 season against the New York Giants, and never felt quite right since then.
Even after returning to the field in 2021, he was in and out of the lineup during training camp before the knee swelled up again, causing him to be placed on injured reserve before the season began. While he did return, Banner never got his starting right tackle role back, and Pittsburgh released him after the 2021 season.
Since then, Banner has yet to catch on anywhere else. But joining The Sick Podcast with Yinzer Crazy, Banner discussed his rehab process and his will to come back. Banner, 29, is not retired, and despite missing the Steelers and Pittsburgh, is looking for an opportunity in the league.
Read the full story from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/former-steelers-tackle-working-nfl-comeback/M3OZ6VZIBNHULGRLBMBUK2FSE4/ | 2023-07-01T00:32:51 | 1 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/former-steelers-tackle-working-nfl-comeback/M3OZ6VZIBNHULGRLBMBUK2FSE4/ |
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins did not extend a qualifying offer to forward Ryan Poehling, who was acquired from Montreal in the Mike Matheson-Jeff Petry trade last summer.
He will be an unrestricted free agent, eligible to sign with any team.
Forwards Drew O’Connor, Jonathan Gruden and Filip Hallander, defenseman Ty Smith and goalie Filip Lindberg did receive qualifying offers.
Read the full story from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
TRENDING NOW:
©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/penguins-give-oconnor-qualifying-offer-decline-poehling-who-becomes-ufa/Q6LBNMVOIVEG7CYJWLRYXJP2LQ/ | 2023-07-01T00:32:57 | 0 | https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/penguins-give-oconnor-qualifying-offer-decline-poehling-who-becomes-ufa/Q6LBNMVOIVEG7CYJWLRYXJP2LQ/ |
INDIANA, USA — In June, the Miss Indiana Scholarship Organization crowned its 2023 Miss Indiana and Miss Indiana's Teen.
It was the moment dreams came true for 16-year-old Keegan Connor from Westfield, giving her the chance to compete nationally in the Miss America organization.
Just days before taking the crown and center stage, Keegan was inside Peyton Manning Children's Hospital on her way into emergency surgery.
Stomach pain landed her in the emergency room. Acute appendicitis landed her on the operating table.
"I was devastated," said Keegan.
Keegan said her surgery started at the same time of the opening reception for Miss Indiana week.
"It was something that I thought, 'The whole week was over,'" said Keegan. "'It's not going to happen anymore.'"
However, the three-year local titleholder was determined to make it to the stage.
"As the day went on, as I was going into surgery," said Keegan, "I was like, 'This isn't over. I'm going to keep pushing. I didn't work this long just to let go of all of it.'"
Her surgeon, Dr. Evan Kokoska, said Keegan's surgery went off without a hitch.
"Everything went well," said Kokoska. "No unexpected findings. She did have appendicitis. We removed the appendix."
New medical advancements had Keegan in and out of Peyton Manning Children's Hospital the same day.
"We've come a long way over the last eight to 10 years," said Kokoska. "I would say, 10 years ago, we were sending everybody, after an appendectomy, home with narcotics and loading them up. We've learned that we don't need to do that, and we've changed patient expectations, in that they don't need narcotics. They can do this with Motrin and Tylenol and give them a little more freedom as far as activity goes."
Thanks to a quick, laparoscopic appendectomy, Keegan was back on the Miss Indiana stage in a matter of hours.
"I decided to go to 8 p.m. rehearsals that night," said Keegan, "because I was really determined to be with all the girls and really get this week started."
"We love patients like Keegan," said Kokoska, "because she was highly motivated to get better quicker. Patients like that fantastic. I have two daughters, and it seems like girls are tougher than boys, as a general concept, especially in the teenage years."
Keegan says the Ascension St. Vincent staff went the extra mile before, during, and after her procedure.
"For the anesthesia, they have to put a tube down my throat," said Keegan. "She was like, 'I'll make it smaller, so your voice doesn't become hoarse. You can still sing. So, even just the tiny things like that really made me feel heard and seen by all the doctors here."
Keegan is no stranger to hospitals.
In fact, Keegan was diagnosed with severe scoliosis when she was 13 years old, followed by major spinal surgery.
"It's a newer type of surgery called VBT," said Keegan, "or vertebral body tethering."
Now, Keegan competes in the Miss America organization with her community service initiative called Keegan Cares.
Through the initiative, Keegan advocates for awareness and educates Hoosiers on the signs of scoliosis. She is also working with local lawmakers to get scoliosis testing back in Indiana schools.
After her own health journey, Keegan says she appreciates the little things, like friendship and support, the most during the Miss Indiana competition.
"I wasn't able to put on my shoes the whole week," said Keegan, "It was hard for me to bend over, because of my stomach. Not only were the backstage crews so helpful, but also the girls. They were giving me hands when I needed to stand up."
Keegan added, "That's just what this organization is: girls supporting girls."
Reunited a few weeks later, Keegan thanked the hospital staff for her speedy surgery and recovery.
"The doctors were amazing at helping me get out of here," said Keegan, "still making sure that my health came first, but also that I can have my dream."
"I do have a great job," said Kokoska. "I love taking care of Hoosiers. I love working them through, sometimes, very scary and frightening times and trying to get them to the end result."
As Miss Indiana's Teen 2023, Keegan will go on to compete for the title of Miss America's Teen. The day and location of the competition are yet to be announced. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/inspiring-indiana/miss-indianas-teen-keegan-connor-appendectomy-crown/531-754fe4d1-2041-4fae-94eb-f0dc61f49263 | 2023-07-01T00:34:26 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/inspiring-indiana/miss-indianas-teen-keegan-connor-appendectomy-crown/531-754fe4d1-2041-4fae-94eb-f0dc61f49263 |
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Supreme Court ruled Friday that the state's abortion ban doesn't violate the state constitution, removing a major hurdle to enforcing the ban Republicans approved last summer.
The court’s decision overturns a county judge’s ruling that the ban likely violates the state constitution’s privacy protections, which she said are stronger than those found in the U.S. Constitution. That judge’s order has allowed abortions to continue in Indiana since September, despite the ban.
Here's how prominent organizations and lawmakers responded to the decision:
ACLU of Indiana
“We are devastated by the Indiana Supreme Court’s ruling today which will deprive more than 1.5 million people in Indiana— particularly Black, Latino, and Indigenous people, people with low incomes, and LGBTQ+ people, who already face the most challenges when seeking medical care — of life-saving, essential health care. Now, patients will be forced either to flee the state to access abortion if they have the means, seek abortion outside of the health care system, or carry pregnancies against their will with profound medical risk and life-altering consequences. Despite this setback, we’ll keep fighting to restore reproductive rights in Indiana and to help Hoosiers get access to the services they need. Today’s decision is not the end of our fight for equitable, compassionate care in Indiana, or the patients in surrounding states who rely on Indiana for access to abortion.
"The lawsuit was filed by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Lawyering Project, the ACLU of Indiana, and WilmerHale on behalf of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, Women’s Med Group Professional Corp, All-Options, Inc, and Dr. Amy Caldwell."
Indiana Right to Life
"This is big victory in the fight to protect the life of unborn babies, and to protect pregnant mothers from the often lifelong trauma of abortion. This case is also a victory in that Indiana was the first state to pass pro-life legislation since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, making it clear there was never a right to abortion established in the U.S. Constitution. Now the work ahead is to ensure that we, as loving and compassionate Hoosiers, provide the support that pregnant mothers and their babies need to thrive and succeed."
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita
"The Indiana Supreme Court has just upheld the abortion laws passed by the Indiana General Assembly. We celebrate this day – one long in coming, but morally justified. Thank you to all the warriors who have fought for this day that upholds LIFE."
Indiana Senator Mike Braun
“Life wins in Indiana. I’m proud that with today’s court decision, Indiana will continue to be a national leader for protecting the unborn and saving thousands of lives. I join the countless Hoosiers who helped win this victory for life in celebrating this historic day.”
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
"This ruling is a bad decision that upholds terrible policy, and Indiana women will be less safe as a result. Full access to reproductive healthcare should be a fundamental right and Hoosier women deserve the autonomy to make these personal decisions with their doctors. Just as I fought against these changes in state law, I will continue to fight at the Statehouse for the restoration of full reproductive healthcare in Indianapolis."
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears
"Indiana’s ban on abortions strips women of their bodily autonomy and needlessly criminalizes the provision of safe medical care. At a time when law enforcement should be focused on violent crime, this law - which has zero nexus to public safety - encourages unnecessary, intrusive, and unjust investigations targeting private healthcare decisions."
Indiana Democratic Party
“Today is the latest in a line of sad days for the rights of Hoosier women. Over three million women in our state have lost the fundamental right to make decisions about their own bodies and health. Polls have consistently shown that a majority of Hoosiers believe women should have the right to choose.
"The unbalanced supermajority of Republicans in the statehouse are responsible for the consequences that this law will cause. Multitudes of Hoosier women every year will be forced to travel hundreds of extra miles to other states to receive healthcare. The few exceptions provided are likely only exceptions on paper, as bans in other states have shown. Many women will be forced to carry unsafe pregnancies to term because they don’t have the resources to travel, or will be denied care (despite meeting an exception) because of the risk to hospitals facing legal action.
"This decision will not stop the resolve of Hoosier Democrats to restore full reproductive rights for all women in Indiana. In the coming months and years, Democratic legislators will continue proposals to reverse this ban, work to expand access to contraceptives, and fight against Republican attempts to criminalize doctors and women. We stand united with the majority of Hoosiers who want all women in our state to have equal rights — and the right to choose.”
House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta
"This is a tremendously sad day for Hoosiers, but House Democrats will continue to fight for the fundamental right of women and girls to control their own destinies. Throughout the course of the 2022 special session, we heard countless women testify that access to abortion allowed them to do the right thing for themselves and their families. Abortion is a serious and emotional matter, and I believe firmly that it is an issue best left to a woman and her doctor, not politicians. The Indiana Republican abortion ban won’t stop abortions, it will simply ban access to safe abortions. Hoosiers don’t want this future for Hoosier women and girls.
"While today’s decision is disheartening, the fight to secure access to safe and legal reproductive healthcare has just begun. With the Republican’s near-total abortion ban now in effect, we will soon see the full scope of the devastation it will bring to Hoosier women and families. The House Democratic Caucus will continue to fight to reinstate a woman’s right to own her own body."
State Rep. Robin Shackleford
"Today, the Indiana Supreme Court decided to affirm a near-total abortion ban that will affect all Hoosiers, especially women of color. Historically, Black women have been mistreated, abused, and ignored in the reproductive healthcare system.
The Indiana near-total abortion ban strips women of their bodily autonomy and will worsen these ongoing issues. One of my biggest struggles with this decision is very simple: the government should not be making health decisions for women. The choice to have an abortion is an extremely personal one that should be left up to a woman and her doctor. It's a well-known fact that restricting abortions is not an effective way of stopping abortions, it just stops safe abortions. Restricting access to health care poses a direct threat to Hoosier women. To the women of Indiana, I will continue to be your voice and fight for you."
State Rep. Blake Johnson
"Today, the Indiana Supreme Court had the opportunity to serve as an important check against an extreme, supermajority agenda that threatens the rights and lives of Hoosier women. They have abdicated that responsibility. My colleagues and I will continue fighting against these laws that suggest one group is guaranteed rights while others are not."
State Rep. Vanessa Summers
"I’m incredibly disappointed in the Supreme Court’s decision, which will ultimately cost Hoosier women their lives. Unfortunately, I’m not surprised. This is Indiana.
"Science and facts tell us that abortion bans don’t prevent abortions, they prevent safe abortions. Women will always seek to have control over their own bodies, regardless of any bans set in place by a government body. With this ban one step closer from taking effect, we need to be prepared to see an influx of women facing unnecessary medical complications and death from either attempting to end their pregnancies on their own, being forced to wait until they are ‘sick enough’ to warrant a life-saving abortion, or simply not being able to access abortion services."
Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray
"We set out to pass a bill in the special session that would protect life and support mothers and babies, and that's what we did. It was always our intent to draft a bill that could withstand a constitutional challenge, and I am grateful to see Indiana's Supreme Court recognize that the General Assembly has the constitutional authority to protect unborn life in the womb."
Senate Assistant Minority Leader Shelli Yoder
"I am absolutely heartbroken and furious at the ruling handed down by the Indiana Supreme Court, which upheld all of the worst parts of SB 1. Today, millions of women lost their right to self-determination and were thrust back into the 1970s, a time when they died preventable deaths, sought dangerous and unregulated care, and lacked full access to their own bodies and self-determination. Frankly, I think the Supreme Court has completely failed to contend with the realities of this case: upholding SB 1 means more dead women, more healthcare deserts and a society where women are nothing more than second-class citizens.
This ruling is a legal endorsement of inequality, of brutality and of an America that no longer holds the values of autonomy and justice dear. Quite simply, this legislation is a failure of democracy—Hoosiers want people to have access to this care, but their will was circumvented by a majority controlled by a vocal minority and special interest groups. A woman should not have to be raped or face death to control her body, to exercise her own right to autonomy. To Statehouse Republicans, I'd ask how close to death or how traumatized a woman has to be in order to access her own rights and to receive care.
Indiana and its residents deserve more than this radical legislation, which shows little regard for Hoosiers' voices or wellbeing. To Hoosier women, the fight for reproductive freedom is not over—if a vocal minority can revoke a long-held right, a vocal majority can restore it."
State Sen. J.D. Ford
"On the weekend of Independence Day, the Indiana Supreme Court robbed Hoosier women of independence, autonomy and liberty, undermining the very American ideals we should have been celebrating. Today, women across Indiana have lost the right to determine their own future, the right to privacy and the right to govern their own bodies.
"Women will not be the only ones who suffer because of shortsighted, radical laws like SEA 1—the erosion of healthcare rights for some means an erosion for all. Indiana has doomed itself to an exodus of doctors, nurses and OB-GYNs, all of whom this state needs desperately. Providers will flee Indiana—where their expertise is clearly not respected or welcomed—and all Indiana citizens and families will be left to grapple with a devastating shortage that affects their ability to get even the simplest and most necessary healthcare. Every single citizen should be furious and worried today: the majority has successfully passed legislation that means your privacy, your body is theirs to control if they wish. They’ve passed this legislation over your protests and despite Hoosiers’ wishes— SEA 1’s ramifications will be severe and long-lasting. I stand beside Hoosier women, beside healthcare providers and beside every citizen, regardless of faith or political party, who reject this law and will fight tooth and nail to overturn it.
"I remain hopeful that the RFRA lawsuit will be successful, but the fact remains that every woman should have access to this necessary care and ownership over her own body. I will always fight to ensure the liberty of our citizens."
State Sen. Andrea Hunley
"I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the Indiana Supreme Court’s ruling and the real damage that will follow the enactment of SEA 1. This abortion ban will inevitably cause damage in all Indiana communities, but the most severe consequences of this law will fall on low-income Hoosiers, Hoosiers of color and other marginalized communities. Everyone should be able to determine their own future and have access to comprehensive healthcare. The rights to life, liberty and privacy should not be bound by gender, skin color or ZIP code—they should be guaranteed to all citizens. The right to an abortion is always guaranteed to Hoosier women with the time, money and connections to seek care outside of the confines of Indiana law. There is no court, no law that can ban abortions—they can only ban the safe administration of abortions and send desperate women to unsafe, underground providers. Abortion laws simply aren’t pro-life—they are only pro-birth.
"As a Black mother, I understand the unique fear of being pregnant in Indiana, where Black women die at nearly double the already-high rate of white women. I’ve always hoped my daughters would have a better future and more rights than I do—this ruling is a major setback for that dream, for Hoosier women and for our state at large. I will fight tirelessly for every Hoosier to be guaranteed bodily autonomy and full access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare.”
State Rep. Cherrish Pryor
"Today, my heart is with the women who bravely shared their stories last summer, highlighting the crucial need for abortion access in our state, as well as every woman and girl in Indiana who have now been told that they have no authority over their own bodies. Abortion is health care, plain and simple, and this decision will cost women – disproportionally Black women, women from low-income households and women facing domestic violence – their long-term health, and in some tragic cases, their lives.
"As we take time to mourn this loss of human rights in Indiana, the House Democratic Caucus will continue to fight for women and girls in Indiana to maintain autonomy over their bodies and health care."
State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn
"As a woman who has three children, I understand the complexities of pregnancy. Many women, including myself, are familiar with the complications surrounding miscarriages and access to swift medical attention to ensure our health. The abortion ban passed into law by the Indiana General Assembly in no way reflects the totality of Hoosier's views on abortion. Without a balanced legislature, Hoosiers are subjected to one party's fringe elements and Indiana pays the price."
Indiana Black Legislative Caucus
"This is a dark day for Indiana. Last summer, we heard from countless women and health care providers about how access to safe and legal abortions saves lives, the health of women and allows countless women to remain active members of society and the workforce. With the ban now in effect, I’m terrified to think about the effect this will have on women, girls and public health outcomes in Indiana.
"We cannot forget that this near-total abortion ban will disproportionally impact African American women and women of color. Indiana already has the third highest rate of maternal mortality in the nation, and the rates for Black women are much higher than the average rate for Hoosier women overall. We simply cannot afford to do anything that will put pregnant Hoosier women at greater risk for health complications, and yet, here we are. We in the House Democratic Caucus and the IBLC will continue to do everything in our power to reinstate bodily autonomy for Hoosier women and girls."
“The right to control one’s own body is the right to control one’s own destiny,” State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the IBLC, added. “This decision from the state Supreme Court is disheartening, but I and my colleagues remain committed to helping every Hoosier –regardless of gender, race or income – access the health care that is best for themselves and their families, and to ensure that women are not second-class citizens in Indiana.” | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/organizations-lawmakers-respond-to-abortion-ruling-in-indiana/531-cd10ccbb-84da-41c9-9eda-18067ffa06b4 | 2023-07-01T00:34:32 | 0 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/organizations-lawmakers-respond-to-abortion-ruling-in-indiana/531-cd10ccbb-84da-41c9-9eda-18067ffa06b4 |
Glendale teen booked in May 2022 fatal shooting at Goodyear house party
A teenager is facing murder charges after a witness and surveillance cameras placed him at the scene of a May 2022 fatal shooting at a Goodyear house party, court documents say.
Angel Uriel Vidales Hernandez, 18, of Glendale, is charged with second-degree murder in the May 14, 2022, shooting death of Mohamed Salim Abdullah, 19, of Phoenix, according to court records and Goodyear police.
Charging documents say Hernandez was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon as a result of a yearlong investigation that started when a six-month acquaintance of the accused went to police after he saw himself in the news and said he was one of three males they were looking for.
On June 27, 2022, this person said Hernandez was the shooter at a large party at a house near Western Avenue and Litchfield Road, according to charging documents. The witness told police he knew Hernandez by first name only, signaling him as one of the other two in the male trio, court documents said. Police had released surveillance video stills of the three males, court documents note.
The witness told police that the victim, Abdullah, was "mad dogging" Hernandez, and had pulled out a gun in a threatening manner, according to court documents. Charging documents state that a surveillance camera showed Hernandez wore a mask as he watched Abdullah shortly before gunning him down.
A backyard camera captured Abdullah approaching Hernandez and saying something in the shooting suspect's ear before three gunshots were fired and the victim fell to the ground, according to court documents. It is unclear whether the gunshots were fired by Hernandez.
A police search on the witness's phone found a photo of Hernandez with a gun, charging documents show.
As of Friday afternoon, Hernandez was being held in jail custody on a $500,000 bond, according to jail and court records. Hernandez has a preliminary court hearing scheduled for July 6, according to court records. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2023/06/30/glendale-teen-booked-in-may-2022-fatal-shooting-case-out-of-goodyear/70374514007/ | 2023-07-01T00:35:06 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/southwest-valley/2023/06/30/glendale-teen-booked-in-may-2022-fatal-shooting-case-out-of-goodyear/70374514007/ |
A rendering shows the lobby of Ivy Tech East Chicago after a planned renovation project.
Ivy Tech Community College’s Lake County campus has announced plans for “extensive” renovations at its East Chicago location.
The $12 million project will take place in the main building, which houses the hospitality, welding and industrial technology programs. It will incorporate updates to equipment, building layout and technology.
In addition, the project will feature new windows, updated lighting and furnishing, realignment of the front stairway, renovated restrooms and reconstruction of the front entrance and lobby area.
“The work will transform this part of our campus, not just aesthetically but in tangible ways that will enhance both the student and employee experience,” Chancellor Louie Gonzalez said.
The exterior of Ivy Tech East Chicago after a planned renovation project is shown in this rendering.
According to the college, the renovations are designed to promote physical transparency by making it easier to view areas throughout the building.
People are also reading…
The renovations follow previous work completed at the East Chicago location in the welding lab and classrooms
The work will be financed by capital dollars from Ivy Tech statewide and through fundraising.
Construction is set to begin this August and last until August 2024.
Planned renovations on the second floor of Ivy Tech East Chicago are shown in this rendering. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/ivy-tech-announces-extensive-renovations-at-east-chicago-location/article_c85344d0-1786-11ee-beb7-b7c1b0d721ce.html | 2023-07-01T00:35:11 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/education/ivy-tech-announces-extensive-renovations-at-east-chicago-location/article_c85344d0-1786-11ee-beb7-b7c1b0d721ce.html |
GARY — Anthony Titus has worn a Gary Police Department patch for the past 31 years. Now he has a police chief's badge.
The Gary native was sworn in Friday as the city's top cop. He selected James Bond, former commander of Supportive Services, as his deputy chief of police.
"To the men and women of the Gary Police Department, 31 years I've worn the exact same patch you wear," Titus said before the swearing-in ceremony. "If there was blood to be spilled, we spilled it together, if there were tears to be cried, we cried them together. Whatever your struggle was, it was intimately intermingled with mine.
"This is our chance to stand as those who swore to serve and protect and show our community the type of leaders we can be. This is absolutely a new day for us."
Titus's appointment comes after a nine-month nationwide search, a 1½-year partnership with the Indiana State Police, and a wholistic look at how the Gary Police Department functions.
People are also reading…
The city has struggled with turnover in the chief's job. Brian Evans served as interim chief for more than two years when Richard Ligon resigned after a six-month tenure. Ligon was Gary's 11th chief since 2006.
Mayor Jerome Prince said he and Deputy Mayor Trent McCain realized that the city needed to address weaknesses within the structure of the department before appointing a new chief. They called Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter and in April 2021 announced that the agencies would be partnering.
Jerry Williams, ISP's assistant chief of staff for logistics, began working out of the Gary Police Department, reviewing standard operating procedures, internal organizational structure, investigating procedures, training, evidentiary inventory and fiscal accountability.
In January 2023, the city ended the search for a chief and announced that Williams would take over as interim chief until July. He was tasked with assessing Gary police officers to determine who his successor should be.
Williams quickly promoted Titus from lieutenant of training to commander of patrol and then to deputy chief.
"I was looking for somebody who didn't wear a watch. What I mean by that is, I wanted somebody who was committed to the process, no matter how long it took," Williams explained, adding that Titus "is that individual who will roll up his sleeves and get to work no matter who is watching."
Williams said Titus was one of the three finalists identified by the original police chief search committee. When the city launched the search last spring, it received 74 applicants.
Over the past six months, Williams said, Titus and the rest of the command staff averaged 17½-hour workdays, with no overtime.
Titus, a graduate of Roosevelt High School, joined the department in 1992. He has a bachelor's degree in public safety management and a master's in public administration. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
As a longtime member of the force, Titus said he's already seen how partnering with ISP has changed the department.
One of the most visible outcomes of the partnership came last summer when a stock of 17 ordinances went to the Gary Common Council for consideration. The ordinances update the hiring, firing, promotion and disciplinary processes within the department, as well as the duties of the police chief. After ample discussion, a few contentious meetings and some compromises, the ordinances passed, although two were combined.
Addressing the council, Williams said: "You guys challenged us, you questioned us and you made us get better throughout this process."
Many of the ordinances hoped to make the department more efficient. New officers began to be hired in March. The hiring process, which usually has lasted nine months to two years, will likely be complete around mid-July, Williams said.
Indiana State Police also helped Gary PD pursue grant funding. Over the next few weeks, the department will receive $1.5 million in new technology, including body cameras, license plate readers and laptops.
Although the formal partnership between ISP and Gary PD has ended, Carter said state police will always be a resource for the city. Two troopers will remain on the new homicide task force, which is run by the Lake County prosecutor’s office. The nine-member Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force includes officers from Gary PD, ISP and Indiana Excise Police.
Prince thanked the Lake County prosecutor's office and Gov. Eric Holcomb for supporting the "historic" partnership. He also said it will be "important to establish continuity" as the city prepares for a change in leadership.
Prince was unseated by state Sen. Eddie Melton in the May primary. Melton will compete against Republican Andrew Delano at the Nov. 7 general election. However, Gary has historically been a Democratic stronghold.
Prince said he and Melton have been in talks regarding the leadership transition and the future of the Gary PD.
Titus was joined by a team of supporters, including his parents and his 11-year-old nephew, who had the honor of pinning the chief's badge to Titus's uniform.
"To the men and women of the city of Gary, listen, I know this isn't something that's said often, but we absolutely love you," Titus said. "There is no us against them, there's only us."
Titus's command staff includes Ed Gonzalez as commander of investigations, Sam Abegg as commander of special operations, Sam Roberts as commander of supportive services, and Mark Davis as commander of uniformed services. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/a-new-day-for-gary-city-gets-new-police-chief-state-police-partnership-ends/article_dd1abf0e-175b-11ee-b193-eb5530d93516.html | 2023-07-01T00:35:17 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/gary/a-new-day-for-gary-city-gets-new-police-chief-state-police-partnership-ends/article_dd1abf0e-175b-11ee-b193-eb5530d93516.html |
Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar speaks during Friday's press conference at City Hall West regarding last weekend's officer-involved shooting that results in the death of 22-year-old Payton Wasson. Winegar was visibly emotional during the press conference and repeatedly expressed condolences to the Wasson family.
Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar speaks during Friday's press conference at City Hall West regarding last weekend's officer-involved shooting that results in the death of 22-year-old Payton Wasson. Winegar was visibly emotional during the press conference and repeatedly expressed condolences to the Wasson family.
Kate Jacobson / Boise Weekly
Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar addresses the media for the first time since the June 24 shooting on Friday art City Hall West.
Kate Jacobson / Boise Weekly
The officer involved in the shooting was identified as Officer C. Feldner, who has been with the Boise Police Department for over 8 years.
BOISE — The Boise Police Department will conduct an internal investigation following a tragic officer-involved shooting last weekend downtown that left a 22-year-old man dead.
Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar held a news conference Friday afternoon at Boise City Hall West with some updates from the incident that occurred Saturday, June 24, in which Payton Wasson, of Nampa, was shot and killed by a BPD officer just after 2 a.m. It was the first time the police department had publicly addressed the media since the shooting.
"Saturday's shooting in downtown Boise was a tragedy for the Wasson family and for everyone involved," Winegar said. "We are committed to investigating what happened and to ensuring that there is integrity and accountability in the process."
Winegar provided additional information, including the name of the officer who shot Wasson, Officer Chance Feldner, who has been with the department for just over eight years. Feldner is on paid administrative leave while the Ada County Critical Incident Task Force (CITF), led by the Ada County Sheriff's Office, investigates the incident.
BPD also released information about Mario Garza, who was with Wasson the night of the shooting. Garza's parole officer requested that BPD conduct a search of Garza's car, which was located near the corner of Fifth and Main streets downtown,at approximately 2:12 a.m that morning. BPD officers attempted to contact Garza and Wasson as they were returning to Garza's car. Garza was in possession of fentanyl pills and was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance, according to Winegar.
Wasson, however, fled on foot and was carrying a gun, Winegar said. Feldner discharged his firearm after Wasson failed to respond to commands to stop, according to Winegar. Wasson was shot in the head and immediately taken to Saint Alphonsus Medical Center where he died Sunday afternoon.
Winegar said he could not answer many of the questions directed at him during Friday's press conference, stating they will be "answered during the investigation." This included information regarding who owned the gun Wasson was found with, what type of gun it was, if Wasson threatened officers or anyone else and if all involved officers had their body cameras on.
Winegar said that there is at least some body camera footage, which will take several months to be released, but is unsure if all officers present were recording. He also said that it's far too early to know if Feldner followed procedure, but added that "anyone running from police with a gun in their hand will be a concern."
Throughout the press conference, Winegar was visibly emotional, and at least once had tears in his eyes, especially when speaking directly of Wasson and his family.
"We need to let the process take its course while at the same time recognizing that there is a family grieving," Winegar said. "We cannot bring someone back who has been killed … my heart goes out to the Wasson family."
A rally in honor of Wasson and to protest his death is being held Friday at 6 p.m. at Boise City Hall. Winegar said BPD is aware of the rally, adding that the department plans to have a police presence at the event.
"There will certainly be a police presence (at the rally) because we feel it is important to ensure people's safety as they express themselves," Winegar said. "Everyone has the constitutionally protected right to protest and have their grievances addressed … we will do everything in our power to allow everyone to exercise those rights." | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-police-hold-press-conference-to-address-last-weeks-fatal-shooting/article_44e3d1a8-1774-11ee-a96c-7b30cc94d713.html | 2023-07-01T00:39:04 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-police-hold-press-conference-to-address-last-weeks-fatal-shooting/article_44e3d1a8-1774-11ee-a96c-7b30cc94d713.html |
Originally published June 30 on IdahoCapitalSun.com.A new state budget and dozens of new state laws take effect Saturday in Idaho in connection with the beginning of the 2024 fiscal year.
Idaho’s state government runs on a fiscal year calendar that runs from July 1 to June 30 each year.
That means the 2023 fiscal year ended Friday, and the 2024 fiscal year begins Saturday.
Some major bills, like House Bill 292, the property tax law, and House Bill 242, which makes it a crime to take a minor out of state for abortion care without parental permission, have already taken effect.
Other high profile bills, like House Bill 124, which removes student ID cards as accepted form of identification for voting in Idaho, take effect Jan. 1 or on a specific upcoming date.
But most new laws take effect on Saturday, the first day of the state’s new fiscal year.
A CLOSER LOOK AT 4 NEW LAWS TAKING EFFECT
House Bill 186 reinstates the firing squad as an alternative form of execution when lethal injection is not available. Prior to this law, lethal injection was the only form of execution allowed in Idaho. But Idaho Department of Correction officials have been unable to obtain the chemicals to carry out the planned execution of Gerald Pizzuto Jr., who was convicted of murdering two people outside of McCall in 1985. The state had scheduled Pizzuto’s execution for Dec. 15 and March 23, but had to cancel the execution when correction officials could not obtain the chemical Pentobarbital, the Idaho Capital Sun and Idaho Reports have previously reported.
Since 1976, there have been three executions in the United States carried out by firing squad, all of which were in Utah, the Sun previously reported.
Although the bill takes effect Saturday, the state still has to build and pay for a facility to carry out execution by firing squad and come up with the procedures for using a firing squad.
House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, said she hopes the state succeeds at obtaining lethal injection chemicals and never has to use a firing squad.
“I thought it was an absolutely terrible idea,” Rubel said in a telephone interview. “My hope is that it never actually gets used and is just a kick in the pants to really resolve the lethal injection situation.”
House Bill 149, a bipartisan bill that is also known as the Clean Slate Act, allows people with nonviolent, nonsexual offenses to petition the state to have certain offenses shielded from public disclosure if the person has gone five years since the completion of their sentence without any subsequent offenses. Rubel worked on the bill for four years after connecting with the mother of a University of Idaho graduate who was unable to get into medical school after being convicted of a low-level marijuana possession charge several years earlier.
Rubel worked with prosecutors and teamed up with Sen. Dave Lent, R-Idaho Falls, who Rubel said enthusiastically co-sponsored the bill because he believes people deserve a second chance.
“This is a really big deal, and for people who it reaches, it will have a very transformative effect on their lives,” Rubel said.
House Bill 138 was intended to consolidate the March primary election into the May election but actually ended up eliminating the state’s presidential primary election altogether. In response, the Idaho Republican Party approved a proposal to hold a presidential caucus on the first Saturday in March if the Idaho Legislature does not reinstate the March primary election. As things stand today, Idaho voters are not sure if they will help select their party’s nominee for president in a caucus or in a primary, or on what date they will do so.
Rubel said she has not heard of any interest among Republicans in calling a special session to address the presidential primary election issue.
House Bill 213 creates the rural nursing loan repayment program. Under the new law, the state will provide up to $2.5 million over the course of five years to help up to 100 nurses working in rural or underserved areas of the state or in critical access hospitals repay their student debt.
Nurses who are accepted into the program would receive repayments from the state over a three-year period. Under the program, those nurses would receive $5,000 to repay nursing education debts after completing one continuous year of employment, $10,000 after the second continuous year and $10,000 more after the third continuous year of employment.
Rep. Dori Healey, a Republican from Boise and an advanced practice nurse, sponsored the bill in the Idaho House of Representatives in her first year as a legislator this year.
ENDING BUDGET BALANCE TO GO TOWARD PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION
Although the property tax law has already taken effect, the ending balance of the 2023 budget that closed out Friday will help determine how much of a property tax reduction Idaho homeowners see this year.
The property tax law is written so it will provide a minimum of $205 million in reductions in its first year and up to $355 million, if there is a budget surplus.
When legislators set the state budget, they planned for a $416 million ending balance to the 2023 fiscal year budget. Through May, the 11th month of the 2023 fiscal year, revenues were running $17.3 million ahead of forecasts.
When the 2023 budget year ended Friday, the first $50 million in surplus above the planned $416 million ending balance would go to the homeowner property tax account. So if revenues came in exactly on target for June, the entire $17.3 million surplus would go to property taxes.
If revenues increase even more and there is a surplus above $50 million, anything between $50 million and $150 million would be split between school district facilities and property tax reductions.
“We are hoping we could get a really big chunk, so we are all watching these last three days of June to see how that ends and how it comes in,” Sen. C. Scott Grow, R-Meridian, said in a telephone interview. Grow is the co-chairman of the Legislature’s Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and one of the sponsors of the property tax bill.
Increases in property taxes and housing affordability were a top issue for Idahoans heading into the 2023 legislative session, according to a public policy survey from Boise State University.
Grow said it was the top issue he heard from his constituents about, with homeowners saying they can’t afford to pay taxes on the home they live in and young Idahoans saying property taxes are contributing to the high cost of housing.
“Homeowners should get a big break on their property tax bill, on their notices they get this fall,” Grow said.
Grow said there should be a line on the fall property tax notice that says “tax relief appropriated by the Legislature” that lists the homeowner’s tax savings.
Grow said local governments will still be able to set their budgets as they normally would, and the Idaho Legislature will make up the savings with state funds for the homeowner.
The property tax reductions are for owner-occupied homes that receive the homestead property tax exemption. Second homes, vacation homes, rental properties and renters do not qualify.
After this first year, the state will use sales tax money to provide ongoing money for property tax reductions. The law also provides funding for school district facilities and eliminates the March election date that school districts used for bond issues and levies. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/firing-squad-clean-slate-act-these-new-laws-and-state-budget-take-effect-saturday-in/article_b51d52b0-176e-11ee-91e5-1b9d68198251.html | 2023-07-01T00:39:11 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/firing-squad-clean-slate-act-these-new-laws-and-state-budget-take-effect-saturday-in/article_b51d52b0-176e-11ee-91e5-1b9d68198251.html |
Idaho Gov. Brad Little announces the establishment of the new Parent Advisory Council for the Empowering Parents grant program Feb. 28 during a news conference in his office at the Capitol Building in Boise.
The State Board of Education’s review of an embattled educational grant program found that less than 1% of total purchases made under it were ineligible.
This internal review, released Friday afternoon, is separate from the independent review that Gov. Brad Little requested earlier this month; Little wrote to board of education leaders asking for a full financial audit of the Empowering Parents grant program over concerns that taxpayer funds may have gone to improper purchases, Kevin Richert of Idaho EdNews reported.
The program provides $1,000 grants to families of Idaho students for specified educational expenses. The internal review concluded that approximately 0.57% of grant funds spent were deemed ineligible and will need to be reimbursed to the state, according to the report. The review also found an additional 8% of purchases needed more information to make a determination.
Grants have gone out to more than 49,000 students to date, the report said.
The grants are administered and spent through an online marketplace, created and run by the vendor Odyssey. During a State Board of Education meeting June 14, staff said they were able to immediately flag some clearly inappropriate purchases, such as cleaning supplies and smart watches, during its review.
Families who improperly used the grants will be notified, removed from the program and unable to participate in the future, Jenn Thompson, chief planning and policy officer for the board, said at the time.
There are also about 6% of purchases that state board of education staff will recommend to the program’s Parent Advisory Council that they be added to the list of eligible purchases — such as camps, classes, computer cases, physical education equipment, and uniforms.
Odyssey and the state board added new procedures to help improve accountability moving forward, according to a release. State Board of Education staff will review purchases within 72 hours, Odyssey implemented a “punch out” system for some vendors that will require staff approval before the purchase is finalized, vendors must agree to make only clearly eligible products and services available on the online marketplace, and parents will be required to submit documentation and attestation of the educational purpose of all purchases.
The program, which has been among Little’s top priorities, first rolled out in 2022 using federal pandemic-relief funds to provide grants to eligible students for educational expenses, such as tutoring or technology. The Legislature made the program permanent during the 2023 session, allocating $30 million of state money toward it. Grants are $1,000 per student or up to $3,000 per family, and lower-income households are prioritized.
The launch and early implementation has faced a number of hurdles. In December 2022, many Idaho parents were frustrated by the slow pace of application reviews, the Idaho Capital Sun reported at the time.
The budget bill to make the Empowering Parents grants permanent also faced an uphill battle in the Legislature, narrowly passing the House in the final days of the session.
Legislation was also introduced, but did not pass, that would have added to the program to allow tuition grants for private schools — something Little has said he is against.
The Empowering Parents Advisory Council will discuss the review of purchases and how to move forward at its July 10 meeting in Twin Falls.
State Board of Education members and the governor have maintained strong support of the still-young program.
“The State of Idaho and our vendor for the Empowering Parents grant program, Odyssey, have successfully distributed the vast majority of these important grants to Idaho families to improve educational outcomes for our students,” State Board of Education President Linda Clark said in the release. “The state and Odyssey share a goal of working together closely to continue administering this program with integrity and transparency, and we appreciate their partnership.”
Little said in the release that the program has been “tremendously successful.” The independent audit that Little ordered will still move forward.
“The review that took place over the past several weeks led to improved procedures that minimize the potential for misuse and add greater accountability of these public funds. I look forward to the results of the outside audit to ensure the greatest level of transparency within the program,” Little said. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/internal-reviews-finds-small-percentage-of-empowering-parents-purchases-ineligible/article_4d72947e-178f-11ee-92c5-539496d275a3.html | 2023-07-01T00:39:17 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/internal-reviews-finds-small-percentage-of-empowering-parents-purchases-ineligible/article_4d72947e-178f-11ee-92c5-539496d275a3.html |
Mustang Mania has returned to Nampa ahead of Independence Day.
Known as the Mustang Mania Trainer Incentive Program (TIP) Challenge, the free event brings together youth and adults who adopted wild mustangs or burros from the Bureau of Land Management’s Bruneau, Idaho, facility in March and have been training them in a variety of skills.
The event began Friday at the Ford Idaho Horse Park (16200 N. Idaho Center Blvd) and runs through Sunday, July 2, with events starting at 7:30 a.m. each day.
The Bureau of Land Management gathers mustangs and burros from the public lands it manages in Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, and other states where the population has grown too large. Adopters start from square one to train the animal to work with humans.
The challenge showcases the trainers’ and animals’ progress, through events like conditioning and handling, in-hand trail, and freestyle, according to a press release from the Bureau of Land Management.
About 130 trainers, both youth and adults, are participating in the event, the release said. Trainers can decide if they would like to make their animals available for adoption — called “re-assignment” — after the event, and BLM staff are available to assist with that process, the release said.
“It’s a great opportunity for those who are interested in adopting a mustang or burro available for re-assignment to begin with an animal that has a few months of training to ease the transition for the new adopter,” said Raul Trevino, a wild horse and burro specialist with the Bureau of Land Management, in the release. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/nampa-welcomes-mustang-mania/article_c3f1a5a8-1790-11ee-a098-b7c71d87cb52.html | 2023-07-01T00:39:23 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/nampa-welcomes-mustang-mania/article_c3f1a5a8-1790-11ee-a098-b7c71d87cb52.html |
NEW YORK — From flinging bras to tossing flowers, concertgoers have long been a bit extra in showing adoration for their beloved artists — but a recent spate of artists being hit by weightier projectiles raises concerns about extreme fan culture and security.
Country singer Kelsea Ballerini was the latest artist to be struck by a flying object, Wednesday evening at a Boise concert. In the moment caught on video, Ballerini is playing her guitar onstage when a bracelet hits her face and she takes a step back.
Ballerini, clearly caught off guard, takes a moment before a brief intermission is called.
“Hi, i’m fine,” she later said on Instagram. “Someone threw a bracelet, it hit me in the eye and it more so just scared me than hurt me.”
Ashley Highfill, 30, was at the Idaho Botanical Garden show and said Ballerini seemed visibly upset. Highfill, who often attends concerts with her friends, said it’s become a normal occurrence to see fans throwing items onstage at concerts.
“Stuff like that can be very dangerous,” she said. “It’s disheartening to see even though there is no bad intention, people are not thinking of the consequences that these people are putting on a show.”
That same day, rapper Sexyy Red cut short her own show when fans refused to stop throwing water bottles at the stage.
Morgan Milardo, managing director of the Berklee Popular Music Institute in Boston, said some venues will have signs that say “no mosh pits” or “no crowd surfing” — but perhaps signs that explicitly say “no throwing items at the stage” now need to be added to protect artists.
“Everyone in attendance at a concert is responsible for keeping one another safe,” she said. “Concerts are supposed to offer a community where folks can come together to share in the magic of live music, not have to worry about a chicken nugget hitting them in the eyeball.”
Long gone are the days of in-person fan clubs, but social media users can join in with the Swifties or the Beyhive at any moment online or get daily updates from accounts run by or dedicated to celebrities. Social media has created a deeper sense of connection and emotional closeness for fans, said Laurel Williams, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine.
That sense of closeness played out at a recent concert where one fan tossed their mother’s ashes onto the stage as Pink was performing.
“Is this your mom?” Pink asked the fan. “I don’t know how to feel about this.”
David Schmid, a pop culture expert at the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences, said the idea of tossing items on stage historically goes back to the etymology of the word “fan.” Short for fanatic, it was a term originally associated with religious devotion. And many tend to see celebrities “as if they are gods or at least semi-divine beings,” he said.
“From that perspective you can read the stage as a kind of altar and the objects that are thrown onto the stage as devotional objects,” Schmid said.
The role of social media has also changed the nature of the items being thrown onstage. Rather than toss a note, some are hurling heavy cellphones onstage, hoping the performer will grab it and record a moment for them. In some cases, it ends up being a dangerous grab for attention.
A man was arrested after throwing a cellphone that struck pop star Bebe Rexha in the face on June 18. According to a court criminal complaint, the man later told a third party that he hit the artist because he thought “it would be funny.” After the New York concert, Rexha shared a photo of her black eye and bandaged face to Instagram, with a thumbs up.
“Im good,” she said in the post.
“Although the show ended in an unfortunate way it was still an amazing show in my hometown,” she wrote in a subsequent post.
While female artists have been the targets this month — including singer Ava Max, who was slapped at her Los Angeles show — even male performers like Harry Styles have faced projectiles heftier than underwear. At a November 2022 concert, Styles could be seen tossing his head back in pain after he was hit in the eye by a projectile.
Mid-concert provocations from fans aren’t necessarily new: Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne notoriously bit the head off a live bat after a fan tossed it to him onstage. Some punk fans might remember the days when concertgoers would spit at artists to show appreciation.
But with such behavior seemingly becoming more mainstream, venues, promoters and artists might look to reinforce security.
Paul Wertheimer, founder of Crowd Management Strategies/Crowdsafe, said artists often have security contracts with the promoter that lists out what kind of security the artist will pay for or wants at the show. Venues can also decide to limit what can be brought inside or sold at the event space.
“You need to have proper security to protect the artist,” Wertheimer said.
After the deadly 2021 Astroworld crowd surge, protocols around safety at concerts have been called into question. With recent advancements in surveillance technology, like facial recognition and crowd monitoring with artificial intelligence, fans may no longer be able to fade into the crowd after hurling a personal item at their adored artist — even if done in jest.
“The stage is an immensely powerful place on one level but it also a place where you are extremely vulnerable,” Schmid said. | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/performer-hit-in-face-during-boise-concert-part-of-national-trend/article_20471d34-178b-11ee-b13a-63c07f8663f4.html | 2023-07-01T00:39:29 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/performer-hit-in-face-during-boise-concert-part-of-national-trend/article_20471d34-178b-11ee-b13a-63c07f8663f4.html |
There's another group of 'elite' Boilermaker runners, besides those who run it in times most of us can only imagine. It's a group of seven men who have run every single Boilermaker 15k since the beginning. They're called Perennials. Runner Larry DiCesare became a Boilermaker Perennial by accident. At first.
"Happened to go to a party 1978. Didn't know anything about it. Some people were talking about it I thought, 'eh, I'll give it a try'. I went to the first one, I came home, said to my wife, 'this is gonna be big,'" says DiCesare.
But as time went on, keeping the Perennial distinction became a bit more deliberate.
"This affects everybody, when you get going that long. Vacations are postponed and things like that, but my family has always supported me and said, 'oh, we can't do anything, that's the Boilermaker, Dad's gotta run' and then they became runners and they had to run it," says DiCesare.
It was by happy chance for fellow Perennial, Joe Wilczynski, too.
"...And all of a sudden, we're at 10, we're at 15, we're at 20," says Wilczynski. "I guess it is by accident, because you can't predict tomorrow. You can't predict where you're gonna be next year."
DiCesare hasn't really had any close calls where he almost missed a race. Wilczynski has.
The closest was when I had back surgery and my doctor was here when I finished," says Wilczynski.
And this year almost wasn't a given.
"I had some medical issues, and I had some personal issues and I'm very thankful for some true friends and my wife and my child and some great support of Go the Distance and some valuable friends that got me through this ordeal that I was going through," says Wilczynski.
What keeps them coming back to the starting line, year after year, through all life throws at you? What happens between the starting line and the finish line. DiCesare calls the race a time machine.
"During what used to be an hour, now it's two hours of time that I'm out there on the course, but you do a lot of thinking a lot of memories and it's like a time machine that brings back all those memories and all those people that I'm so grateful for over the years," says DiCesare.
And what happens when a Perennial can no longer bloom?
"People have asked me, you know, they ask me about next year. I say I don't worry about next year; I worry about tomorrow or an hour from now. I always believed the man upstairs is gonna say 'hey, Joe, this is time out'. Are you gonna be upset? Yeah, I'll be upset for about five,10 minutes. How could I be upset after 45 years? We've lost friends that are younger than me. But I always will come here and support and stand on this sideline to support all the runners here," says Wilczynski.
The seven Perennials who, after next weekend, will have run all 46 Boilermaker 15Ks also include Robert Bluey, Daniel Defrees, Paul A. Huening, Edward Newman and Richard J. Watkaitys. | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/through-trials-and-challenges-boilermaker-perennials-prevail/article_1d8c16c6-178b-11ee-b436-b75b1b71b068.html | 2023-07-01T00:39:46 | 0 | https://www.wktv.com/news/local/through-trials-and-challenges-boilermaker-perennials-prevail/article_1d8c16c6-178b-11ee-b436-b75b1b71b068.html |
STOCKTON, Calif. — As people prepare to celebrate Independence Day weekend outside, officials in San Joaquin County are warning of high West Nile Virus activity in local mosquitoes.
During last week's sampling of mosquitoes, officials with the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District said 18 came back testing positive for West Nile Virus. The discovery marked the second-highest total of West Nile Virus positive samples collected for that week since 2004.
Officials say 72% of the samples testing positive for the virus were in the Tracy area.
"We've seen a higher population of mosquitoes and in that population, we're seeing a considerable amount of West Nile virus," said Mosquito and Vector Control District spokesman Aaron Devencenzi. "It's very important to protect yourself from mosquito bites."
This winter's influx of rain is partly to blame for the increase in mosquito activity. West Nile Virus is also being blamed for the death of two birds found in the county.
"We're really seeing a similar year to 2017 when we had the floods," said Devencenzi. "Right now we have a lot of water coming down from the rivers. We're seeing river seepage that produces mosquitoes, and we have a large amount of water still around people's homes."
According to Devencenzi, one bucket of standing water has the ability to hatch enough mosquitoes to infest an entire city block.
"Primarily, remember to remove any standing water. If you have a swimming pool that's green, that's dirty, report it to us," said Devencenzi. "Make sure the screens on your windows and doors are in good condition so that mosquitoes don't enter when you have the windows open."
The Mosquito and Vector Control District plans to increase its efforts to reduce the mosquito population. It can include more spraying and sampling of mosquitoes.
While 80% of people infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms, the CDC says some people can experience a high fever, headaches, neck stiffness, disorientation, muscle weakness, vision loss and more.
For people planning to celebrate the holiday outdoors, Devencenzi has a simple message.
"It's important that you use EPA-registered repellents," said Devencenzi. "Products like DEET, picaridin, a natural product oil — lemon or eucalyptus —are all things that help repel mosquitos. Read the directions on the back of the container and make sure you're protected for the amount of time you're outside."
Watch more from ABC10: West Nile Virus is here. Fight the bite. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/high-west-nile-virus-activity-in-san-joaquin-co/103-f12740fd-10bd-494d-845c-1518d295084a | 2023-07-01T00:42:07 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/high-west-nile-virus-activity-in-san-joaquin-co/103-f12740fd-10bd-494d-845c-1518d295084a |
LINDEN, Calif. — A man is dead and an 11-year-old child was injured after a crash in Linden Friday afternoon.
According to the California Highway Patrol, it happened at Duncan Road and Comstock Road around 2:30 p.m.
CHP says they were called about a two-vehicle crash. The driver of one of the vehicles was pronounced dead and his 11-year-old passenger was taken to the hospital for their injuries.
CHP says the man who died was possibly under the influence. He has not been identified yet.
No additional information is available. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/man-killed-child-hospitalized-crash-in-linden/103-fee8bc9b-404d-4f57-a676-68351b1d94b5 | 2023-07-01T00:42:13 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/man-killed-child-hospitalized-crash-in-linden/103-fee8bc9b-404d-4f57-a676-68351b1d94b5 |
Skip to main content
Home
Local
Sports
Things to Do
Nation Now
Business
Travel & Explore
Politics
Opinion
Investigations
eNewspaper
Advertise with Us
Obituaries
Archives
Weather
Crosswords
Newsletters
AZ International Auto Show & New Car Buyer's Guide 2020 Model Year
Connect With Us
For Subscribers
Contributor Content
Racers navigated curves and cones in the annual Bisbee Coaster Race 2023
56 PHOTOS | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/arizona/2023/06/30/bisbee-coaster-race-2023-photos/12169976002/ | 2023-07-01T00:48:12 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/arizona/2023/06/30/bisbee-coaster-race-2023-photos/12169976002/ |
SAN ANGELO, Texas — Firework shows are one of the most common Independence Day celebrations but what about those who are looking for something a little bit different?
This year on July 3, Fort Concho in San Angelo will be hosting a Lion's Club dinner and on the Fourth itself, there will be live artillery and blank salutes to commemorate the holiday.
From 5-7 p.m. July 3 at Fort Concho Stables, all eight groups of the San Angelo Lions Club will be grilling hamburgers with a side of chips, cookies and a water bottle.
The event will take place at night "So that you can come and eat and then go down to all the festivities at the river and be there for the fireworks," pancake breakfast/hamburger supper chairman Helen Wilde said.
This $10 first-time fundraiser dinner will support the San Angelo Lions Charities Eyeglass Recycling Center, a community charity organization.
"People take their used eyeglasses down there and then we have volunteers that clean the glasses and sort them," Wilde said. "And then we have a machine that'll read the prescription then they sort them out by the prescription."
Food will be served indoors and for those who aren't looking to stay long, dinners will also be available for pick-up on the go.
"If anything, we just need to raise the money to support the eyeglass recycling," Wilde said.
Tickets can be purchased from Lion's Club members ahead of time or directly upon entry.
The following day on the Fourth of July, the artillery salute is set for 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. as has been tradition for the past 30 years now.
"It's a holiday and we're history and this is what we do and we're happy to do it," Fort Concho site manager Robert Bluthardt said.
Cannons and blanks will be set off throughout the day as a reminder of those who have fought not only at the fort itself, but across the country.
"Well, the Fourth represents the military heritage that contributed to our independence back on July 4. San Angelo is a military town, it was founded because of Fort Concho," Bluthardt said. "It became a major city because of Goodfellow and has a longstanding relationship, a positive one with Goodfellow."
The fort hopes to continue this event for years to come as a way to honor the military town.
Go to Dynamicdowntownlions and/or fortconcho for more information. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/looking-for-a-unique-way-to-honor-independence-day-check-out-what-fort-concho-has-to-offer/504-344dc869-5c1a-47c1-9dce-ab0c4c5eed81 | 2023-07-01T00:49:42 | 1 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/looking-for-a-unique-way-to-honor-independence-day-check-out-what-fort-concho-has-to-offer/504-344dc869-5c1a-47c1-9dce-ab0c4c5eed81 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — A summer heat wave two years ago was unlike anything many Oregon residents had ever seen. Temperatures reached 116 degrees, with nearly 100 people dying over three days of record breaking heat.
Now different programs are giving away air conditioners to vulnerable communities.
One is a climate resiliency program called "Cooling Portland." On Wednesday, workers installed a couple of air conditioners, with plans to install 7,000 units across the city by the end of the year.
Cooling Portland hopes to install 15,000 AC units city-wide by the end of 2026.
One of the people who received an air conditioner Wednesday was Mama Saue, who has lived in her apartment for almost four years without a unit.
“When it’s so hot I go to my son’s,” Saue said. “I stay there all day, every time it’s so hot.”
Her son lives 10 blocks away. Saue said he checks the weather everyday during the summer to determine if he should pick up his mom and have her stay at his house for the day.
Cristofer Andrade, another 72Foster apartment resident, said he was concerned about leaving his pets alone while he went to work on hot days.
But with a new air conditioner he feels relieved.
"Pretty priceless honestly," Andrade said.
Cooling Portland has plans to install 1,800 more AC units by the end of the year.
Portland Clean Energy Fund Policy Manager Jaimes Valdez said the group focuses on providing units to people who are elderly, have medical conditions or live alone.
Valdez said those people who were heat vulnerable were most at risk during the heat wave two years ago.
He said there are also programs to install air conditioning units throughout Portland through Multnomah County programs, and through the Oregon Health Authority.
The Oregon Department of Human Services also received a shipment of air conditioners a couple of weeks ago. Officials said they plan to distribute the units if the governor declares a state of emergency.
Eligibility requirements can be found on Cooling Portland’s website. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/cooling-portland-distributed-5200-air-conditioners/283-e7a37c98-ab68-4e66-88b0-c19b9583d0d0 | 2023-07-01T00:49:54 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/cooling-portland-distributed-5200-air-conditioners/283-e7a37c98-ab68-4e66-88b0-c19b9583d0d0 |
DALLAS — The U.S. Supreme Court Friday placed a new limit on anti-discrimination laws mostly meant to protect LGBTQ+ people.
In a 6-3 decision along ideological lines, justices ruled that a business which makes or customizes things may turn down projects requiring them to create an image or message they don't want to.
“Colorado seeks to force an individual to speak in ways that align with its views but defy her conscience,” wrote Justice Neil Gorsuch.
The case centered on a Colorado law which would have forced a graphic designer there to build a website for a gay couple's wedding. It barred businesses from denying service to potential customers because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Texas does not have such a public accommodations law. But some municipalities in the Lone Star state, including Dallas and Fort Worth, have adopted similar ordinances.
"Hopefully, local governments across the state of Texas will see they have got to stand down and have to follow the Supreme Court," Texas Values president Jonathan Saenz said. "The government cannot force an individual to communicate a message they disagree with."
In a statement Friday, a Fort Worth spokesperson said the court's ruling will not invalidate the city's public accommodations ordinance.
"No changes are required, although this case my possibly arise in the context of challenges or defenses to enforcement in court," she said.
Still, people who identify as queer worry the ruling is an indication conservative justices are willing to take on bigger LGBTQ+ cases.
"We're grieving the first step to major discrimination towards other queer or LGBTQIA+ folks like me," said Puckmaren Glass, a Fort Worth resident who identifies as non-binary.
"The Supreme Court didn't have to hear this case. They chose to hear this case because they wanted to make a ruling on it... I think it can snowball pretty quickly," continued Puckmaren. | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/us-supreme-courts-lgbtq-ruling-affects-texans/287-de9edd6e-4e99-4352-8e54-46f131c42d06 | 2023-07-01T00:50:00 | 0 | https://www.myfoxzone.com/article/news/local/us-supreme-courts-lgbtq-ruling-affects-texans/287-de9edd6e-4e99-4352-8e54-46f131c42d06 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Overdoses are becoming increasingly common throughout Portland. As of Thursday, police officials said 137 people have died from overdoses in 2023.
But on Monday, Annette Johnson prevented another person from becoming a statistic. On her way to work, Johnson noticed a man hunched over in an awkward position.
"I just, I couldn't help myself,” Johnson said. “I watched a bunch of people walk by him, some staring straight at him."
Johnson said she walked over and nudged him, but there was no response.
"There was something not right. Like it's generally the sign of an overdose. Especially from what I know personally," Johnson said.
Johnson spent 11 years on the streets of Portland while dealing with her own addiction to opioids. She struggled with addiction for 24 years. Her first addiction was to meth when she was just 14 yeas old.
While she is now in recovery, more people continue to battle addictions.
"In 2022 we had 155 people whose lives, whose promise was taken from them by drugs,” Portland Police Bureau Captain Jake Jensen said. “And so far this year we're on track to far surpass that."
Johnson was close with one of the 137 people who have already died this year.
Ryan Williams was her daughter’s boyfriend. Williams died from an overdose two weeks ago. Johnson said her daughter is also addicted to fentanyl and has been using it for a year.
Johnson can relate to her daughter's struggle. Four years ago, she lost the love of her life, Jessc Parish, to an overdose. Fentanyl had been mixed with heroin.
Johnson said she wished someone had been there to help the people closest to her, who have died from overdose. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-woman-helps-save-man-overdosing/283-acc1a761-7f0b-487a-9081-39aa684fd800 | 2023-07-01T00:50:00 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-woman-helps-save-man-overdosing/283-acc1a761-7f0b-487a-9081-39aa684fd800 |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Weather
Local
Sports
Entertainment
Investigators
Videos
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Watch NBC10 24/7 on Streaming Platforms
Wawa Welcome America
Phillies baseball
I-95 reopening
Expand
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/crowds-exclaim-fierce-dissent-toward-moms-for-liberty-at-center-city-marriott/3596253/ | 2023-07-01T00:54:55 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/crowds-exclaim-fierce-dissent-toward-moms-for-liberty-at-center-city-marriott/3596253/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Weather
Local
Sports
Entertainment
Investigators
Videos
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Watch NBC10 24/7 on Streaming Platforms
Wawa Welcome America
Phillies baseball
I-95 reopening
Expand
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/families-enjoy-the-nice-weather-on-the-beach-and-boardwalk-in-ocean-city-for-holiday-weekend/3596262/ | 2023-07-01T00:55:01 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/families-enjoy-the-nice-weather-on-the-beach-and-boardwalk-in-ocean-city-for-holiday-weekend/3596262/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Fourth of July events 🎆
Whale swims with kayaker 🐳
Fireworks safety 🎇
Palo Pinto wildfire
Watch us 24/7 📺
Sign up for Good News 😊
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/20m-grant-coming-to-underserved-corner-of-fort-worth/3288120/ | 2023-07-01T00:57:08 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/20m-grant-coming-to-underserved-corner-of-fort-worth/3288120/ |
Skip to content
Main Navigation
Search
Search for:
Local
Weather
Responds
Investigations
Video
Sports
Entertainment
Newsletters
Live TV
Share
Close
Trending
Fourth of July events 🎆
Whale swims with kayaker 🐳
Fireworks safety 🎇
Palo Pinto wildfire
Watch us 24/7 📺
Sign up for Good News 😊
Expand
Local
The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/kyrie-irving-agrees-to-re-sign-with-mavericks/3288097/ | 2023-07-01T00:57:15 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/kyrie-irving-agrees-to-re-sign-with-mavericks/3288097/ |
Dallas attorney Lorraine Birabil is among an estimated 1.4 million Texans who were approved for student loan forgiveness, only to learn of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Biden administration's plan.
"My husband and I would have qualified for this relief," she said. "Although it wouldn't have erased our entire balance, it would have made a meaningful difference for us."
The Birabils have a son with special needs and must now contend with taking another approach to their finances.
"My son has a medical condition. He's immunocompromised and therefore can't be in a typical childcare environment. Are we going to have to put him in a medically precarious situation because of the decision of the court?" she asks.
The former community activist pushes back against notions of 'pulling yourself up by your bootstraps' when the nation's High Court has thrown a one-two punch this week by striking down college affirmative action programs on Thursday and striking down student loan forgiveness on Friday.
"When you're not able to access that education through admission and even if you are admitted, you're unable to pay for it because your family is not of means, then you don't have shoelaces or shoes to pull yourself up."
NBC 5 asked SMU political science professor Cal Jillson for insight on the decision and its impact affecting 43 million borrowers, including 20 million who would have their entire debt wiped with the president's plan.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
While there is a lot of disappointment among borrowers, Jillson said, the High Court's opinion that the plan was an overreach not founded in legislation is not surprising.
While the administration is already vowing to fight back and help borrowers now responsible for resuming loan payments by the fall, "that response will not be nearly the scope of the response of the program that has been struck down," Jillson said.
Some of the potential actions could focus on interest rates or how long borrowers may have to repay.
"You will hear people on both sides of this argument making all kinds of claims of the good that would have been done, the bad that will now befall us," said Jillson. "Much of that needs to be taken with a grain of salt. I think the main result here is that millions of people trying to start their lives, start families, buy homes, do those sort of things, will now be paying back their student loans and be burdened by that."
No doubt there will be political repercussions, he added.
"Not just on the Republican party," said Jillson. "There are groups that put a lot of hope in the Democrat program and now they're disappointed too."
Jillson cautions borrowers who have taken to social media vowing they will never repay the loans they took out for higher education, though he does not believe either party would take it this far.
"At some point there are legal obligations to repay those loans that can be pressed officially," he said. "That could happen certainly under a Republican administration in 2024 or later. The people who are deficient in their loans could be taken to court."
Birabils responds to critics of loan forgiveness who say borrowers knew what they 'signed up for' so pay up: "It's not just the individual responsibility argument. It's easy to say that when certain people are starting at a different standpoint."
Political organization Democrats for Education Reform Texas blasted the court's decision saying 1.4 million Texans qualified for debt relief that totals $18 billion.
Birabils says millennials like herself will continue to find themselves too burdened with loan repayments and unable to purchase a house.
The college graduate worries about her children's educational future, believing generational debt will increase due to the decision. Soon enough, everyone will end up paying the price, she warns.
"If this executive order had been upheld, it was an opportunity for people to be lifted up. But instead, we're talking about generational debt that will continue to be passed down," said Birabils. "If we are going to decide that this is the direction our country needs to go, we will have to accept the fact that we will continue to lag behind educational attainment." | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-borrowers-react-to-scotus-ruling-on-student-loan-forgiveness/3288088/ | 2023-07-01T00:57:21 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-borrowers-react-to-scotus-ruling-on-student-loan-forgiveness/3288088/ |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.