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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/rockwall-county-woman-charged-after-police-say-she-opened-fire-in-a-nursing-home/3288125/ | 2023-07-01T00:57:27 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/rockwall-county-woman-charged-after-police-say-she-opened-fire-in-a-nursing-home/3288125/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/what-north-texas-borrowers-should-know-about-the-scotus-ruling-on-student-loan-forgiveness/3288034/ | 2023-07-01T00:57:33 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/what-north-texas-borrowers-should-know-about-the-scotus-ruling-on-student-loan-forgiveness/3288034/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/young-entrepreneurs-on-patriotic-mission-for-fourth-of-july/3288132/ | 2023-07-01T00:57:39 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/young-entrepreneurs-on-patriotic-mission-for-fourth-of-july/3288132/ |
A 5-year-old girl was rushed to a New York City hospital Friday night after she was shot in the back, police said.
The wounded child was reportedly in critical condition when first responders removed the girl from the shooting scene around 7 p.m. near White Plains Road and East 213rd Street in the Bronx.
Police officials said the girl was inside a car seat when she was struck in the back by gunfire. It was not immediately clear what prompted the shooting or who was the intended target.
Investigators are conducting a sweep of the neighborhood, looking to speak with any potential witnesses and track down video of the incident.
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This story is developing.
Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/5-year-old-girl-shot-in-the-back-while-sitting-in-car-seat-nypd/4469150/ | 2023-07-01T01:00:31 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/5-year-old-girl-shot-in-the-back-while-sitting-in-car-seat-nypd/4469150/ |
Suspect pleads in drunk driving fatal crash in Wichita Falls
A driver in a head-on collision that killed an 81-year-old Wichita Falls man pleaded guilty Friday to intoxication manslaughter.
Carson Brady Lubbess will spend 180 days in the Wichita County Jail and then 10 years on community supervision. Lubbess is wheelchair-bound and family members of the man killed in the wreck were agreeable to community service for part of his sentence.
The wreck happened about 3 a.m. Aug. 1, 2021. Witnesses told police a red four-door Honda was traveling north at a high speed in the southbound lanes of Henry S. Grace Freeway when it collided with a pickup. The driver of the pickup, Jerry Fulfer, had to be pried from the wreckage with the Jaws of Life and was pronounced dead at the scene. Lubbess was seriously injured and was taken to a Dallas hospital.
According to court documents filed in the case, Lubbess was drunk at the time of the crash. He was a resident of Georgia serving the the U.S. Army when the wreck happened. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/suspect-pleads-in-drunk-driving-fatal-crash-in-wichita-falls/70374274007/ | 2023-07-01T01:01:32 | 0 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/suspect-pleads-in-drunk-driving-fatal-crash-in-wichita-falls/70374274007/ |
West Nile virus found in Wichita Falls
The Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory has confirmed a pool of mosquitoes from Wichita Falls has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The mosquito pool that tested positive was collected in central Wichita Falls, but the city of Wichita Falls urges residents to take precautions in all locations.
The potentially fatal virus can be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. The virus can present flu-like symptoms following a mosquito bite. No positive human cases have been reported in Wichita Falls this season.
While some mosquito species are present in Wichita County can spread diseases such as West Nile Virus, most are considered merely a nuisance.
Precautions against mosquitoes include dumping or draining standing water, wearing insect repellent that contain the chemical DEET, and wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors.
Mosquitoes are most active in the mornings and evenings before the full heat of the day. | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/west-nile-virus-found-in-wichita-falls/70373915007/ | 2023-07-01T01:01:39 | 1 | https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/west-nile-virus-found-in-wichita-falls/70373915007/ |
ODESSA, Texas — Ask any city official about their opinions on saving money, and they'll all come to the same conclusion: saving money is a good thing.
They also share the same opinion about overpaying on expenses: usually it's not a good thing.
Which is why the City of Odessa was quite thankful when one eagle-eyed director spotted some potential double charges on maintenance for city vehicles.
Chris Adams is the current Director of Equipment Services for Odessa, and noticed that something was amiss when looking at his budget.
An offer to repair and maintain the city's fleet of vehicles included an upcharge of $180,000, which according to Adams, could've been up to a double to even quadruple charge.
When he presented this to city council at a June 13 workshop, the council agreed and rejected the proposal.
"As a director, I'm responsible for my budget, and using my budget to save the city as much money as possible," Adams said. "Therefore, being able to put it back into our employees pockets in the terms of wages.”
Adams' plan moving forward is keeping everything about the city vehicles in house.
That means tires, wheels, repairs, maintenance and everything else will remain in control of the city.
“We have actually converted one of our buildings here on this location into our tire shop, and we have ordered all of the equipment, which should be here in the coming weeks," Adams said. "We will be staffing the department, and we will be doing everything in house. That way we will have complete care, control and custody of all of our tires, all of our inventory, and to be able to ensure that there will be no more double billing, triple billing.”
Odessa Mayor Javier Joven is hopeful that other directors will follow Adams' footsteps and find similar savings. After making sure employees get proper wages, he already has some ideas as to where to spread any potential savings.
“Go back right into the community," Joven said. "One of the things is we want to return of investment to our taxpayers. That means the stockholders of this community, that is the people paying into city services and property taxes.”
Joven also said he wants to spread any potential savings into quality of life aspects of the city, such as better roads, improvements to the city's water and sewer system and a potential sports complex. | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/odessa-avoids-overpayments-on-vehicle-maintenance-repairs/513-779c6d51-98c6-4d2e-90ed-c4e3026ba1fc | 2023-07-01T01:02:57 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/odessa-avoids-overpayments-on-vehicle-maintenance-repairs/513-779c6d51-98c6-4d2e-90ed-c4e3026ba1fc |
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.newswest9.com/article/news/local/texas/inmates-are-dying-in-stifling-texas-prisons/503-810c66fc-2bf2-4b7c-946f-c1cbac2ad58e | 2023-07-01T01:03:03 | 1 | https://www.newswest9.com/article/news/local/texas/inmates-are-dying-in-stifling-texas-prisons/503-810c66fc-2bf2-4b7c-946f-c1cbac2ad58e |
LACEY, Wash. — A Lacey father helped police track down $8,000 worth of athletic equipment stolen from Northwest Christian School.
In May someone broke into the school’s storage shed and took nine football helmets, several pairs of cleats, balls, a volleyball net, and wireless coaching headsets.
The district contacted the police, but Dave Vahey, who has a son on the football team did some detective work of his own.
He looked for the items on online sales sites before a football helmet caught his eye on Facebook Marketplace.
”When I saw the color I knew it was ours because there’s no other team around here that’s just blue,” said Vahey, “So I actually inquired and I said, ‘I’d love to buy more if you had a couple of extra,’ and he said, ‘I’ve been looking for a guy like you.’”
Vahey was able to find out who the seller was and contacted Lacey police who obtained a search warrant for a storage unit rented out by the man.
Police have not been able to contact the man who posted the items. Detectives said they would like to speak with him.
Vahey said three helmets are still missing, but the team has enough equipment to hold contact practices again.
“We play eight-man football so when nine helmets get stolen, that’s like a big blow to your school,” said Vahey, “I’m super grateful it didn’t get scattered and sold.”
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington.
Watch KING 5's top stories playlist: | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/father-helps-police-find-school-stolen-items/281-18e26e4f-3dcd-413e-a385-af7e6de07516 | 2023-07-01T01:06:05 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/father-helps-police-find-school-stolen-items/281-18e26e4f-3dcd-413e-a385-af7e6de07516 |
SEATTLE — Fireworks over Lake Union will return this Fourth of July as part of Seafair's Summer Fourth event.
The event will feature a fully choreographed, 18-minute fireworks presentation accompanied by a musical score and many pre-show activities during the day. The fireworks show will start at 10:20 p.m.
Last year was the first year the fireworks returned to Lake Union after a three-year hiatus. According to Western Display Fireworks, the company behind the fireworks display, approximately 10,000 pounds of fireworks were ignited for last year's show.
How and where to watch
The event is free and open to the public, but tickets can be purchased ahead of time to reserve seats. Tickets can be found on Seafair's website. There are three designated in-person locations to watch the fireworks show.
Located at the north end of Lake Union, Gas Works Park will offer eye-level perspectives of the show. There will also be family activities, a beer garden, live music and food options. Parking is free and there will be a space to store bikes.
South Lake Union Park features a darker sky view facing north for the show. The South Lake Union Bar will be located at the park with beer, seltzers and cocktails.
Do you or someone you know have access to a boat? The fireworks show can be seen from various locations on Lake Union.
For those who want to skip the crowds, the full fireworks show will be aired live on KONG/KING from 9 to 11 p.m. and on KING 5+, the free streaming app for ROKU and Fire TV. The show will be hosted by KING 5's Joyce Taylor and Leah Pezzetti.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seafair-summer-fourth-fireworks-show/281-4ae0ee35-b12a-4997-99be-21646a71b201 | 2023-07-01T01:06:11 | 1 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/seafair-summer-fourth-fireworks-show/281-4ae0ee35-b12a-4997-99be-21646a71b201 |
SEATTLE — Conditions are expected to be prime for wildfires heading into the Fourth of July holiday in Washington state.
The Washington state Department of Natural Resources typically has 70-80% of firefighting personnel on call, which equates to as many as 700 firefighters. In addition, federal and local resources are on standby, according to Washington State Forester George Geissler.
Still, wildfire season is already underway with two large fires still burning as of June 30.
"So, we are clearly in the midst of fire season and expect it's only going to get more significant in the weeks and months to come," Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz said.
Between 80-85% of fires are caused by humans in Washington state, according to Franz.
"We are very much believers that Washingtonians play a big part [and ask they] be one less spark, especially this holiday weekend when they're trying to have fun," Franz added.
It's expected to be warm and dry Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2, with highs in the mid- to upper 70s, according to the KING 5 weather team.
Things will warm up on Monday, July 4, with highs in the low 80s. Additionally, there will be relatively low humidity.
Between the Fourth of July holiday and July 6, the National Weather Service warns that conditions could be "conducive to rapid fire spread." Fine fuels, such as roadside grass, may be particularly susceptible to catching fire, according to the Weather Service.
"The combination of dry and unstable conditions with the Independence Day holiday activities increases this concern from minor to moderate," the Weather Service warned on Friday, June 30. | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/wildfire/washington-dnr-wildfires-fourth-of-july/281-b5f4e0b2-5b63-4982-a2d5-0c420abab614 | 2023-07-01T01:06:17 | 0 | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/wildfire/washington-dnr-wildfires-fourth-of-july/281-b5f4e0b2-5b63-4982-a2d5-0c420abab614 |
On Thursday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1417, the Residential Tenancies bill.
It supersedes local regulations, which would impact Orange County’s Tenants Bill of Rights, which was approved by the board of county commissioners in January.
HB 1417 said for termination of tenancy, there has to be no less than 30 days’ notice.
It’s a time frame that cuts in half the time Orange County’s ordinance had in place.
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The Tenants Bill of Rights said landlords would have to give at least 60 days’ written notice to terminate a lease.
News 6 spoke with Commissioner Mayra Uribe regarding the impact, and she said it’s still unclear what it means for the county’s ordinance.
While she said it’s now no longer accurate, there may still be things they can do.
And one thing she said will remain in place is the Office of Tenant Services. Uribe said that the office will continue to help both tenants and landlords understand their rights.
News 6 reached out to Orange County for a comment on the law, and a spokesperson said they have no response to the legislation.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/01/gov-ron-desantis-signs-new-florida-tenancy-bill/ | 2023-07-01T01:09:08 | 1 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/07/01/gov-ron-desantis-signs-new-florida-tenancy-bill/ |
Man gets life plus 25 years for sexual abuse of family member under age of 9
Kenny Vansant, 39, has been sentenced to life plus 25 years of incarceration for sexual abuse of a minor, sexual offense in the second degree and related charges.
Vansant was convicted on Feb. 14, 2023, after a two-day jury trial, of two counts of sexual abuse of a minor, sexual offense in the second degree, sexual offense in the third degree, sexual offense in the fourth degree and assault in the second degree. He was later sentenced on June 30 by Karen M. Dean, associate judge of the Circuit Court for Wicomico County.
In the summer of 2016, Vansant sexually abused a family member, who was under the age of 9 at the time, the Office of the State's Attorney for Wicomico County said in a news release. During the time Vansant perpetrated these crimes, he was on parole for a prior sexual offense committed against a child who was under the age of 7.
CRIME:Hebron man sentenced to 60 years for rape, sexual abuse of three children
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“This sexual predator has altered the lives of children in unspeakable ways," said Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie L. Dykes. "The survivor in this case exhibited unparalleled courage in reporting the abuse and testifying at trial. We hope that the survivor can find peace and solace in the knowledge that the court’s sentence to the maximum term permitted by law will ensure that this defendant will remain behind bars for the remainder of his life.”
SA Dykes commended Detective M. Rockwell of the Salisbury Police Department, who was the lead investigator, and Child Protective Services for their work in the investigation. Dykes also commended Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Calabrese, who prosecuted the case.
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com. | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/06/30/man-gets-life-plus-25-years-for-sexual-abuse-of-minor-family-member/70373763007/ | 2023-07-01T01:09:13 | 0 | https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2023/06/30/man-gets-life-plus-25-years-for-sexual-abuse-of-minor-family-member/70373763007/ |
BOISE, Idaho — This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press.
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.
A full copy of the report is available online at boardofed.idaho.gov.
This article originally appeared in the Idaho Press, read more on IdahoPress.com.
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Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-press/internal-reviews-finds-small-percentage-of-empowering-parents-grant-program-purchases-ineligible/277-66c57d28-2ef5-4140-8fbb-c6d88a1c9627 | 2023-07-01T01:09:19 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/idaho-press/internal-reviews-finds-small-percentage-of-empowering-parents-grant-program-purchases-ineligible/277-66c57d28-2ef5-4140-8fbb-c6d88a1c9627 |
AUSTIN, Texas — A Hays County jury has found a 24-year-old guilty of possessing a lethal amount of fentanyl in San Marcos that resulted in the death of another person.
Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins said that police and EMS arrived to a Motel 6 in San Marcos responding to an overdose call, when they found a person unconscious. EMS attempted to revive the person, but were unsuccessful and pronounced him dead.
In the room directly above, police and EMS located 24-year-old Caden Farese unconscious. Farese was successfully revived, as police found a lethal amount of fentanyl in his room.
Farese was then charged with a count of Possession of a Controlled Substance - Fentanyl, of which he was found guilty by a Hays County jury. He was also charged with a count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, but was found not guilty.
Farese will spend 18 months in state prison.
This was the first fentanyl-related case brought before a Hays County jury.
“My office remains committed to seeking tough sentences in cases involving the deadly controlled substance Fentanyl," Higgins said in regard to the case. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/hays-county/hays-county-man-guilty-possessing-fentanyl/269-ebbc5811-0e76-4bb1-b4da-e99c15b57275 | 2023-07-01T01:16:59 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/hays-county/hays-county-man-guilty-possessing-fentanyl/269-ebbc5811-0e76-4bb1-b4da-e99c15b57275 |
Holy smokes: It's going to be a hazy shade of summer in central Pennsylvania: live updates
South-central Pennsylvania has been dealing with smoky skies and unhealthy air pollution as wildfires continue to burn in Canada.
The state Department of Environmental Protection updated its declaration on Friday afternoon, now making it a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for the entire Commonwealth, a news release states.
The air is unhealthy for sensitive people, such as the elderly, young children and those with respiratory problems, and they should avoid outdoor activities. Others should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
The department had said it would be a Code Orange Day but the smoky conditions are persisting.
York and Lebanon counties remain in the unhealthy red zone.
As of noon today, the air quality index was 171, according to AirNow. The scale runs from zero to 500, and the hazardous conditions fall into 301 to 500 range.
The air quality is expected to be moderate on Saturday, according to AirNow.
The poor air quality has prompted a concert at Lebanon Valley College to be moved indoors tonight, according to a news release. The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra now will perform in the Blair Music Center on campus.
The free patriotic-themed concert starts at 8 p.m. and is open to the public.
How to check the current air quality in your area
AirNow is run by government agencies and gives residents information on the current conditions in their area.
People can just type in their zip code or city and state to get the latest information.
Central Pa. experienced 'some of the worst ever' air quality
A few weeks ago, the region experienced hazardous air quality from the wildfires.
At that time, the air quality index for York and Lebanon counties was 457, one of the highest levels.
It isn't clear if it was the worst air quality the region has experienced historically, but it was "some of the worst ever," said Neil Shader, state DEP director of communications.
"Certainly highest in over two decades if you’re looking for a comparison point," he said in an email.
Unhealthy air quality in central Pennsylvania could last for months
Residents in south-central Pennsylvania as well as many parts of the country can expect the smoke to stick around for much of the summer.
If it isn't the smoke, it will be the heat and humidity, meteorologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Weather Prediction Center told the Associated Press. It's a result of the 235 out-of-control Canadian wildfires and a stuck weather pattern.
“Pick your poison,” said prediction center forecast operations chief Greg Carbin. “The conditions are not going to be very favorable.”
“As long as those fires keep burning up there, that’s going to be a problem for us,” he said. “As long as there’s something to burn, there will be smoke we have to deal with.”
Did you take a photo of the smoky skies?
People are sharing photographs of the disappearing skylines because of the smoky skies.
Have you taken a photograph of the skies in your community in York and Lebanon counties? You can share them by sending an email to news@ydr.com. Please include your name and location where the picture was taken.
Take these steps to protect your lungs
The American Lung Association offers tips for people to avoid lung irritation and health complications from the air pollution.
They are:
- Stay indoors. Avoid breathing smoke, ashes or other pollution.
- Protect the air in your home. Keep doors, windows, and fireplace dampers shut. If you can, keep clean air circulating through air conditioners on the recirculation setting.
- Keep an eye on symptoms. Breathing can be more difficult. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms.
- Take precautions for children. Precautions should be taken for children and teens whose lungs are still developing and breathe in more air for their size than adults.
- Ask for help. Call the association's lung helpline with questions, including how to protect yourself. It is staffed by nurses and respiratory therapists. The number is 1-800-LUNGUSA.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/smoke-from-canadian-wildfires-will-leave-hazy-skies-in-central-pa/70372365007/ | 2023-07-01T01:21:06 | 1 | https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/smoke-from-canadian-wildfires-will-leave-hazy-skies-in-central-pa/70372365007/ |
The Idaho Falls Police Department seized $900,000 worth of fentanyl pills, along with other drug paraphernalia and firearms, from Jason Hurley, 43, of Bonneville County.
This may be the largest fentanyl seizure in the state's history with the total amount of pills obtained weighing approximately 16 pounds, authorities say.
In March, a Nampa woman was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possessing, with the intent to distribute, 15 pounds of fentanyl, KTVB reported. That amount was described as one of the largest fentanyl seizures in state history. Efforts to reach the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Idaho to confirm where the Idaho Falls bust ranked were unsuccessful Friday afternoon.
Idaho Falls Police spokeswoman Jessica Clements said the sergeant leading the group of investigators thinks it is the largest amount seized in the state of Idaho.
"We see a large amount (of fentanyl pills) from time to time, but not like this," Clements said.
Officers arrested Hurley for 13 different drug and weapons offenses.
Idaho Falls Police officers pulled Hurley over on Tuesday after he was speeding and made an unnecessary stop in the middle of the road. A Bonneville County Sheriff's Office K-9 sniffed the vehicle and indicated that there were illegal substances inside the vehicle.
At the traffic stop, police officers found several bags of fentanyl pills known as "dirty thirties," methamphetamine, heroin and two other bags with different pills in them. After seizure, the pills and heroin all tested positive for fentanyl, according to a police departmentnews release.
"Officers also located several items of drug paraphernalia, materials consistent with the distribution of illegal narcotics, a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun with an additional magazine and bullets, and a fanny pack with several thousand dollars," the release said.
Later on Tuesday, local law enforcement searched Hurley's house after getting a warrant. Within the residence, officers found a Glock 22, money seemingly from drug sales, methamphetamine, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia and items commonly used for packaging and distributing drugs such as scales and bags, the release said. Officers also seized a Louis Vuitton bag and pair of shoes they believed were bought with money from illegal drug sales.
Officers seized a total of $30,013 in cash, 20 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of heroin and about 7,000 fentanyl pills from the residence Tuesday.
On Wednesday and Thursday, officers searched two storage units, one in Chubbuck and one in Idaho Falls, under Hurley's name. From the two storage units, officers obtained 66,000 fentanyl pills, 30 suboxone strips, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, drug packaging supplies and $10,559 in cash.
After the search of Hurley's car, residence and two storage units, the officers had seized a total of 73,000 fentanyl pills, also known as "dirty thirties," 20 grams of methamphetamine, 9.5 grams of marijuana, 30 suboxone strips, $40,572 in cash, five firearms, Louis Vuitton shoes and a Louis Vuitton bag, the release said.
Hurley is currently being held in Bonneville County Jail. His bond was set to $175,000 in the first case and $150,000 in the second case. The preliminary hearing is set for July 12.
If convicted, Hurley could face up to life in prison.
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Tell us your personal accounts and the history behind articles. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/ifpd-investigators-seize-900-000-worth-of-fentanyl-pills-possibly-largest-bust-in-state-history/article_b719e630-178e-11ee-8891-5b51ed074dcc.html | 2023-07-01T01:23:25 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/ifpd-investigators-seize-900-000-worth-of-fentanyl-pills-possibly-largest-bust-in-state-history/article_b719e630-178e-11ee-8891-5b51ed074dcc.html |
Five years ago,Charles Hale walked down Park Avenue, having finally mustered the courage to seek help out of homelessness.
Hale looked up and saw the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission sign. His heart beating uncontrollably. His shame hanging over his head. He couldn't carry the burden of addiction any longer.
What were the people at the Rescue Mission going to tell him? What were they going to think of him? Hale never thought he would find real help in Idaho Falls, a town full of strangers.
He took a deep breath and opened the mission's front door. He had nothing with him. Hale sat down at the front desk and explained that he needed a safe place to sleep. He didn't want to spend another night on the street. He had been without shelter for five years, spending cold nights in Phoenix, Spokane, Seattle and, now, Idaho Falls.
"You know how they say the grass isn't any greener?" Hale said. "Well the streets aren't any blacker. It didn't matter where I went."
After meeting with a volunteer at the Rescue Mission for a few minutes, Hale started to wonder if the Idaho Falls streets might be less black. He might get off of them this time around.
The volunteer asked Hale if he could pass a urinalysis, as the Rescue Mission requires their guests to be sober upon admission and throughout their stay.
Hale couldn't. He had been struggling with addiction his entire bout with homelessness. The Rescue Mission sent him to the Behavioral Health Crisis Center while he got sober.
But Hale knew he didn't want to stay at the crisis center. There was something different about the Rescue Mission. They smiled when he entered. He felt his heart beat slower. His shame lifted. The Rescue Mission would help him carry the burden.
Charles Hale, the director of operations for the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, shares his struggle with homelessness, addiction and grief.
"I had become jaded from seeing the world (on the streets)," Hale said. "My breakthrough moment was when I walked through those doors and saw someone with a smile. It broke me."
Hale never thought he would end up homeless. No one does.His family was close. They went to church every Sunday. He got a bachelor's degree in information technology and a master's degree in business.
Hale climbed the corporate ladder in Phoenix for 15 years. He married a lovely woman and had three beautiful boys. And then his mental health took a turn for the worse. He lost his father and fell into a deep reliance on alcohol and drugs.
"It was three strikes," Hale said. "I lost my father, then my career and then my wife and three kids."
For five years, Hale struggled underthe weight of grief and addiction.
"It feels like you're wearing a placard around your neck saying 'addict' or 'homeless.' You don't need people to tell you that you are less than. You already feel that," Hale said.
Hale said many men find it difficult to open up about their struggles, especially when it comes to mental health.
"It feels like a badge of dishonor," Hale said.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. Men make up 50% of the United States population but 80% of the suicides.
Kade Anderson, a psychiatrist with Ascend Mental Health Center in Idaho Falls, said the reason for that is layered. Anderson said men tend to use a more "final method," such as firearms, when attempting suicide.
However, Anderson believes that the stigma surrounding men's mental health also contributes to that statistic.
"Men can be afraid to admit weakness," Anderson said. "They don't want to talk about it. They want to do it all on their own."
He said many people aren't ashamed of other health struggles they have, but when it comes to mental health, they feel less than if they admit vulnerabilities. One way Anderson tries to combat stigma surrounding men's mental health is through his own vulnerabilities.
"I tell my patients that I struggle with mental health, too." Anderson said. "I have had to ask for help. I have zero shame. I think that helps them open up."
Anderson said the best thing people can do is to be honest. Talk about wins. Talk about losses. Talk about the highs, and talk about the lows. He said the more open people are about their struggles, the more one realizes that everyone struggles with something.
Following Anderson's advice is what brought Hale out of his cycle of addiction and struggles with depression. Hale knew he had to be honest about his situation in order to overcome it.
The Rescue Mission was different from any other safe house Hale had been to, and he had been to a lot. Safe houses focused on mental, physical and emotional health. But the Rescue Mission added spiritual health into the equation.
Hale found both "law and grace" while staying at the Rescue Mission. The workers were caring and loving, but they didn't enable anyone, Hale said.
Hale joined the Rescue Mission's recovery program. The seven-month course helped him find a job and permanent housing. He also found a mentor from a local church.
Today, Hale is the mission's director of operations. He uses his story to help the men there overcome their battle with mental health.
He mentioned that over the past few months, he has seen men walk into the shelter who seemed to be struggling with their mental health, but they weren't talking about it.
"(Men) can be concerned with stigma and they can't make that connection. It's heart-breaking," Hale said. "Someone has told them they are suffering and it's too hard to accept. They think 'If I'm labeled this, how am I going to be successful?'"
Everyone struggles with something, he said, it's just whether they talk about it.
"We have all experienced a mental health crisis in our lives. Whether it's you or someone you know," Hale said.
June was Men's Mental Health Month. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, call or text 988 to reach the suicide hotline. You can also reach out to Ascend Mental Health Center at 208-419-3002 or the Behavioral Health Crisis Center at 208-522-0727.
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Tell us your personal accounts and the history behind articles. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/it-feels-like-a-badge-of-dishonor-how-to-overcome-the-stigma-surrounding-mens-mental/article_eb999c10-1767-11ee-b03c-ff100007bf93.html | 2023-07-01T01:23:31 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/it-feels-like-a-badge-of-dishonor-how-to-overcome-the-stigma-surrounding-mens-mental/article_eb999c10-1767-11ee-b03c-ff100007bf93.html |
July 4th fireworks near me: Two days to celebrate across Lakeland, Polk County
Fireworks are a key component to celebrating the 4th of July. As Independence Day falls on a Tuesday, here's a list of Polk County's celebrations and entertainment happening over a span of two days:
July 3
Frostproof — The city will hold its annual Lights on the Lake Independence Day celebration Monday, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Clinch Lake. The free event features a boat parade and free musical performance. Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. dependent on weather.
Lakeland — The T.Mims Corp. Red, White and Kaboom Independence Day Celebration will be held Monday, from 6 to 9:15 p.m. along the Frances Langford Promenade around Lake Mirror. The free festivities will feature a live concert featuring Andrew Luv & The Franchise Players performing a blend of pop, smooth jazz and hip hop. Food trucks will be available around the lake. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring at least one non-perishable food item to donate to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, or VISTE, a Lakeland-based nonprofit helping elderly individuals live independently in their homes across Polk County.
The city has asked those attending not to bring any pop-up tents, large beach umbrellas or glass containers.
Winter Haven ― The city's annual Rockin' Freedom Fest will kick off at 6 p.m. Monday at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 199 Lake Silver Drive, Winter Haven. The free event will feature a water ski show, live music by Bay Kings Band with food trucks and other vendors. Fireworks will begin at sunset.
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July 4
Auburndale — The city will celebrate July 4th with its annual free fireworks show over Lake Ariana on Tuesday at 9 p.m.
Bartow — The city will celebrate its 4th of July Bartow Extravaganza Tuesday at Mosaic Park, 2250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow. The free event kicks off with a 2:30 p.m. adult band patriotic concert at Bartow Civic Center followed by opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. at the bandshell. There will be performances by Ace Jackson and The Jump Kings at 7:15 p.m. followed by George Morris and The Lariat Band at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks are set for 9:30 p.m.
Davenport — The city will host a 4th of July Celebration starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Lewis Mathews Sports Complex, 400 E. Palm St., Davenport. The free event features food, craft vendors and more with a firework display at 9:15 p.m. No personal fireworks are allowed.
Dundee — The town will host a free 4th of July Celebration on Tuesday, from 6 to 9 p.m., at 603 Lake Marie Blvd., Dundee. Parking opens at 5 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.
Fort Meade — The city will host a July 4th fireworks display at 9 p.m. Tuesday at Patterson Park, 9th St. NE, Fort Meade.
Haines City — Thunder on the Ridge, Haines City's free signature July 4th celebration, will be held Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m. at Lake Eva Community Park, 555 Ledwith Ave., Haines City. Attendees are recommended to bring chairs or blankets to sit on.
Lakeland — The Flying Tigers will host their annual Independence Day fireworks extravaganza Tuesday after a game versus the St. Lucie Mets. The game starts at 5 p.m., with fireworks immediately after the game. Ticket costs vary depending on seats selected, available at milb.com/lakeland/tickets/promotions. Two holiday options for an all-you-can-eat-buffet include the '34 Club and Pepsi Pavilion range in price from $40 to $60 per person.
Lake Wales — The city will host its annual Rocking the Ridge Independence Day Celebration Tuesday from 3 to 9 p.m. at Lake Wailes Park, 33 N. Lake Shore Blvd, Lake Wales. The free event will feature live music, games, train rides, inflatables and face painting. Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket.
Have a July 4th event you would like to see added to this list? Email Sara-Megan Walsh at swalsh@theledger.com. Follow on Twitter @SaraWalshFL. | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/polk-countys-july-4th-guide-where-to-see-fireworks-music-and-more/70360870007/ | 2023-07-01T01:28:06 | 0 | https://www.theledger.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/polk-countys-july-4th-guide-where-to-see-fireworks-music-and-more/70360870007/ |
VIRGINIA — An Iron Range woman has admitted that she and her boyfriend sexually assaulted a child and took photographs that were distributed online.
Darla Jean Queen, 34, of Mountain Iron, pleaded guilty this week to first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of use of a minor in a pornographic work. Queen and Andrew Michael Nelson were arrested and charged in State District Court in October after authorities began investigating the source of the online images.
An agreement with the St. Louis County Attorney's Office stipulates that Queen is expected to receive a sentence of 22 ⅓ years in prison. In exchange, the U.S. Attorney's Office will not pursue a federal indictment.
Court documents state that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension first contacted the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office on Oct. 3, indicating Nelson had uploaded five photos depicting adults performing sexual acts on an infant or young child.
The charges say investigators then obtained a search warrant, seizing numerous computers, phones, tablets and electronic storage devices — some of which appeared to have been freshly damaged — from the couple's apartment.
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Nelson, 41, allegedly admitted to uploading each of the images, but denied ever engaging in sexual activity with children or taking such photographs.
While Nelson was giving the statement, Queen arrived home and subsequently spoke with officers. Authorities said she confessed to viewing child pornography with Nelson over the prior four months — "everything from little ones to teenagers and even older" — but initially denied abusing a child.
Upon further questioning, the complaints state, Queen admitted that the couple had assaulted, on two occasions in recent months, an infant who they had been babysitting. She also provided access codes to various devices.
Queen told investigators that Nelson would admit to his role, but he continued to deny the abuse when investigators brought them together in the apartment. The complaints state that he told Queen she was being "psychologically manipulated" and that she should "imagine what their life is going to be like" going forward.
Court documents indicate Queen continued to plead with Nelson to be honest, stating that there was video of them with the child on a laptop seized by police.
"But we could have gotten things in order and good attorneys and things in line," Nelson allegedly told his girlfriend, maintaining that all he knew about was child pornography.
Investigators said Nelson went on to make multiple comments regarding suicide and asked for them to "give him one day" before he was taken to jail.
Queen's anticipated sentence includes the maximum guideline term of 14 ⅓ years for the sexual assault, along with consecutive, four-year terms on each of the child pornography charges. Judge Andrew Peterson ordered an investigation of her background ahead of sentencing on Aug. 21.
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Nelson faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count each of use of a minor in a pornographic work and possession of child pornography. He has not entered a plea, as defense attorneys have filed a motion to suppress his statement to investigators and evidence seized as a result of multiple search warrants. Testimony is expected before Judge Michelle Anderson on Aug. 17.
Queen and Nelson remain at the St. Louis County Jail. | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/iron-range-woman-pleads-guilty-to-sexually-assaulting-infant | 2023-07-01T01:37:45 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/iron-range-woman-pleads-guilty-to-sexually-assaulting-infant |
HOUSTON — The video shared Wednesday by KHOU 11 News has a lot of you talking and it also caught Amazon's attention.
It shows an Amazon contract delivery driver nearly collapsing on a Cypress family’s front porch while dropping off a pile of packages in triple-digit heat.
"It kind of reminded me of me, 'cause on this past Sunday, I kind of had that feeling," another Amazon driver said when he contacted us.
He didn't want to be identified.
"I threw up a lot," he said.
He and other workers who reached out said they love a lot about their jobs but they believe Amazon should adjust what’s known as its EOC, or Engine Off Compliance, that requires engines to be shut off during delivery stops. They feel it's especially important in areas where summer is sizzling.
"Like, if we can leave the engine on to where our A/C can continuously circulate, you won’t have as many people getting hot,” a second driver said.
They said making multiple stops, often in the same neighborhoods, doesn’t give vans time to really cool down.
"And, even with hydration, you know, we’re dealing with unprecedented heatwaves, even for Texas," the second driver said.
While breaks are allowed, drivers said they may impact productivity metrics by which they are measured.
After our story aired, Amazon addressed some concerns in a new statement, saying they're making exceptions for drivers in the Lone Star State because of the dangerous heat.
"Currently in Texas, up to an additional two hours of breaks are being built into delivery routes, as drivers are being encouraged to take additional breaks to cool off and stay hydrated while working," an Amazon spokesperson wrote. "In addition, drivers are encouraged to take their breaks inside their vehicle with the air conditioning running whenever routes have been adjusted because of hot weather."
The company said idling is acceptable in some cases as long as safety measures are observed. (Scroll down for the full Amazon statement.)
Amazon is not the only delivery company that has dealt with heat-related concerns.
After a North Texas letter carrier collapsed and died in the heat, the USPS announced earlier start times. According to a recent report, some 70% of U.S. Postal Service vehicles don’t have A/C.
UPS decided just this month to equip trucks with air conditioning.
Full statement
"There’s nothing more important than the safety and health of our employees and delivery partners, especially during times of extreme temperatures, and we take a lot of precautions to minimize risk.
"All Amazon-branded vans are air-conditioned, a feature that is above industry standard. If the air conditioning isn’t working on a vehicle, that vehicle is taken out of service immediately.
"Drivers are provided with as much water and electrolyte drinks as they need, along with other cooling supplies like coolers, ice, and cooling towels/bandanas. In addition, they’re encouraged to take breaks whenever needed to cool off and break times are already built into their route each day.
"Currently in Texas, up to an additional two hours of breaks are being built into delivery routes, as drivers are being encouraged to take additional breaks to cool off and stay hydrated while working.
"In the Delivery App, drivers have access to see restaurants, gas stations, and other locations nearby to cool off.
"In addition, drivers are encouraged to take their breaks inside their vehicle with the air conditioning running whenever routes have been adjusted because of hot weather.
"It remains a safety best practice to never leave a vehicle idling without a driver in the driver’s seat, but as part of a number of heat mitigation tactics drivers can use to stay safe on high heat days, we understand the need to run the air conditioning to keep the vehicle cab cool in the hottest areas of the country.
"When drivers decide to do this, we ask that they park safely and use their parking brake." | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/amazon-hot-drivers-policy/285-995ab709-95f2-41ec-ae40-0b5ae6f3469c | 2023-07-01T01:45:53 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/amazon-hot-drivers-policy/285-995ab709-95f2-41ec-ae40-0b5ae6f3469c |
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Fireworks are a given, but so, too, could be celebratory gunfire.
That's what happened on New Year's Eve, and that gunfire killed an 11-year-old Corpus Christi girl.
"Right in front of me,” said Robert Silva, whose daughter Amethyst, was fatally shot in January. “It's something no one wants to go through."
Deonis Poindexter and Jacob Leal were arrested for Amethyst's Jan. 1 death after authorities said they believe the men shot guns while celebrating the new year, accidentally hitting her.
Six months later, they still haven't seen their day in court, but officials said there is a very good reason why.
Nueces County First Asst. District Attorney Angelica Hernandez explained to 3NEWS that they hired an expert to do an elevation study to ensure that they would be able to prove in court that Leal and Poindexter were responsible.
With this information, Hernandez said she expects the case to be ready for a grand jury in late July.
Poindexter and Leal were originally charged with deadly conduct, but the Nueces County District Attorney's Office expects those charges to be upgraded.
Meanwhile, Corpus Christi Police Department officials said if anyone plans on shooting into the air to celebrate the Fourth of July, they will be arrested.
"It's an arrestable offense -- much like any crime,” said Corpus Christi Police Department Public Information Lt. Michael Peña. “The more evidence the better. But if an officer catches somebody discharging a firearm they go to jail."
Peña said that if people see someone firing into the air, to get as much information as possible about them and call 911.
"You want to get as much information as you can, so if you're viewing someone discharging a weapon, you know -- male, female -- what kind of clothing are they wearing, what kind of weapon as much information as possible," he said. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/celebratory-gunfire-changed-one-familys-and-two-mens-lives-forever-new-years-day/503-4446663b-84d5-4e39-aff5-7fbf7ee71d3e | 2023-07-01T01:45:59 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/celebratory-gunfire-changed-one-familys-and-two-mens-lives-forever-new-years-day/503-4446663b-84d5-4e39-aff5-7fbf7ee71d3e |
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.kens5.com/article/news/local/dallas-usps-carrier-eugene-gates-disciplined-stationary-event/287-dab4f489-68bf-47d5-9552-1458816b2482 | 2023-07-01T01:46:05 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/dallas-usps-carrier-eugene-gates-disciplined-stationary-event/287-dab4f489-68bf-47d5-9552-1458816b2482 |
HOUSTON — The owners of Argo the dog are hoping he finds his way back home soon.
The German Shepherd went missing after Andrea, and his wife Fabiana, dropped it off to a trusted dog sitter before heading out of town.
“He woke up in the morning, found a broken window and the dog was nowhere to be found," Fabiana said was the message he got from the dog sitter booked through Rover.com.
Andrea and Fabiana are newlyweds and said they've had Argo for seven years.
“He was our first son, and we took care of him and he took care of us," Fabiana said.
Now all that's left of Argo are memories, an empty bowl and toys waiting to be played with.
The couple said they have more questions than answers.
“If a person was missing from your family, that’s definitely what the feeling that we have," Fabiana said.
Andrea and Fabiana are doing their part by alerting local shelters, rescues and veterinarians, hoping to get their dog back and make their family whole again.
“I know that we’re still going to have hope inside of us, he will just show up one day —popping up at the door," Andrea said.
The couple is offering a reward of up to $1,000, with no questions asked, for Argo's safe return.
Rover.com released the following statement about Argo's disappearance:
As pet parents ourselves, we know how difficult this situation is for Argo and his family, and we join them in hoping for a swift and healthy reunion. The well-being of our community, including pets, is a top priority for all of us at Rover.
Upon learning of Argo’s separation from his pet care provider, our 24/7 Trust and Safety Team immediately took action to help with the search. As part of our efforts, we sent lost pet alerts to dozens of local shelters, rescues, and veterinarians, offered a $500 reward, and paid for informational flyers. We will continue to work to support Argo’s family; so far, we have fully refunded Argo’s family for the service, and we will assist them with the Rover Guarantee when Argo is found.
Our team continues to investigate the situation and will take appropriate steps to best protect the safety of our community.
This type of experience is very rare on our platform. For additional context, over 430,000 services have been booked through the platform in the Houston area, with close to 98% of reviewed stays receiving a five-star rating. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/houston-dog-missing/285-774227c2-4ca1-4e4a-86ca-ad2331a5ff64 | 2023-07-01T01:46:12 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/houston-dog-missing/285-774227c2-4ca1-4e4a-86ca-ad2331a5ff64 |
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.kens5.com/article/news/local/us-supreme-courts-lgbtq-ruling-affects-texans/287-de9edd6e-4e99-4352-8e54-46f131c42d06 | 2023-07-01T01:46:18 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/us-supreme-courts-lgbtq-ruling-affects-texans/287-de9edd6e-4e99-4352-8e54-46f131c42d06 |
LEXINGTON, Va. – Hull’s Drive-In has new leadership starting on Saturday, July 1.
Bobbie Wagner is taking over as executive director for Lauren Summers
Wagner said she’s excited to continue summer’s work.
Hull’s Drive-In is the first nonprofit drive-in in the country and is a completely community-owned theater.
Wagner said it’s important to support local spots like Hull’s.
“It’s a unique experience – obviously streaming is a real thing – it’s not going away, but coming to the drive-in is not just about the movie ... it’s about making memories with your families. It’s about coming early, having the kids hang out and play, coming to get a corndog, and having a hot dog. We have great burgers at Hull’s... and just experience that,” Wagner said.
They say they want to do more special events, like renting out the drive-in and hosting events.
See what’s coming up at Hull’s by clicking here. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/01/new-leadership-at-hulls-drive-in-theater/ | 2023-07-01T01:50:48 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/07/01/new-leadership-at-hulls-drive-in-theater/ |
VERONA, Pa. — Verona Dental Care will offer free services on Friday, July 28.
According to a news release from the dentist’s office, the services are being offered as part of Free Dentistry Day.
The day is dedicated to providing free care to Americans without dental insurance. The release said 108 million Americans are living without dental insurance.
“We understand that many people in our community and across the nation haven’t been to the dentist for a long period of time. Some don’t understand the importance of dental health, but more often than not, they don’t have the financial means,” said Dr. Sumit Gupta. “This event is a great opportunity for us to share our time and resources with those less fortunate and give back to the community.”
Cleanings, fillings and extractions will be provided to patients on this day between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at 625 Allegheny River Boulevard in Verona.
Patients can call 412-828-1920 to schedule an appointment, or they may be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, click here.
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A couple of weeks before Acacia Colvin's 20th birthday, Luke Thomas Young "emptied the remainder of an entire clip in her," leaving her to die on the side of a highway, and her two young sons motherless.
"She was with me on her birthday, but in an urn," Colvin's mother said in Natrona County District Court.
Young was sentenced to life in prison Friday morning for shooting and killing Colvin and Kameron Young Johnson, 27, on Highway 20/26 west of Casper on the evening of Aug. 9.
The courtroom was packed, as several of the victims' family members spoke about the devastation the double murder caused them.
"Know that God will never forgive you, nor will I," Johnson's mother said. She collapsed into someone's arms after reading her statement, and her muffled sobs echoed throughout the over hour-long proceeding.
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In March, Young pleaded guilty to both first-degree murder charges as part of a deal that would require him to serve life in prison, so the state would not pursue the death penalty.
He also told officials the location of the murder weapon under the agreement.
Dylan Rosalez, Young's public defender, said "the loss of life is immeasurable," but his client's difficult, traumatic upbringing were part of why this tragedy happened.
"It's easy to be reductionist — to say he's a bad guy," Rosalez said. "It lacks a higher understanding of empathy."
Two mitigation specialists made statements on Young's behalf, discussing his tumultuous childhood, spanning from sexual and physical abuse to being passed around the Department of Family Services from the time he was 16 months old in one of the most "extreme cases" the state has ever seen, they said.
Young was placed with at least 20 families before he aged out of the system, said Kyle Earley of the Community Resources Initiative. He started a downwards spiral once he was on his own, using drugs and alcohol to cope with his trauma.
"Luke grew up differently than most of us," said Harriet Storm of the Community Resources Initiative. "He was born into circumstances that did not give him a level playing field."
Young escaped from a correctional facility in Gillette, where he was on work-release, about a week before he murdered Colvin and Johnson, court documents state.
On the evening of Aug. 9, Young and the victims were delivering fentanyl and "did a bunch of meth" on their way to Casper, Young said in court in March.
"They were whispering about me, talking up front. I asked to get out of the car. They wouldn't let me," he said.
Young pointed a gun towards the front seat, as Johnson was driving, court documents state. An autopsy found Johnson was shot six times at close range.
Colvin hopped out of the car on the side of the road and started screaming, according to Young. She was shot in her arm, bottom, chest, and hand as well as her head, the autopsy showed.
A motorcyclist saw the car Young, Johnson and Colvin were traveling in swerve and stop on the side of the highway, court documents state. The passerby saw Colvin screaming, and Johnson slumped over the center console.
Young pointed the gun at him, so he drove away, court documents state.
Young was arrested near 7 Mile and 6WN roads on Aug. 10 after a roughly 16-hour search.
"I would take it all back in a heartbeat," Young said in court Friday. " It's something I'll live with for the rest of my life." | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-courts/double-murder-life-sentence-natrona-county/article_0e0dc152-176a-11ee-9332-07242a417cde.html | 2023-07-01T02:04:47 | 1 | https://trib.com/news/local/crime-courts/double-murder-life-sentence-natrona-county/article_0e0dc152-176a-11ee-9332-07242a417cde.html |
Michigan meat processor pleads guilty to illegally employing teen who lost hand
A Saranac man has pleaded guilty to one count of employing a minor in a dangerous profession after his 17-year-old employee suffered an amputation in 2019, the Michigan Attorney General's office announced Friday.
Darin Wilbur, 55, owned US Guys Processing, an Ionia County meat pressing company on Nov. 19, 2019, when the teen worker lost his right hand, officials said in a statement.
The minor was operating the meat grinder under Wilbur's supervision, according to the release. His hand was pulled into the grinder during the course of processing.
The Michigan Wage and Hour Division received a referral about the serious injury to a minor. Upon investigation, the division determined the minor to be illegally employed under the Youth Employment Standards Act, state officials said.
Wilbur also did not ensure the teen had obtained a work permit, which is required for Michigan employees under 18. The Wage and Hour Division submitted its findings to Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Wilbur could not immediately be reached for comment. His sentencing date has not been set.
In a release Friday, Nessel urged lawmakers to bolster the state's laws against employing minors without permits or in hazardous workplaces. Employing minors in hazardous occupations currently is a misdemeanor, she said.
"Our labor laws were written to protect children from dangerous workplaces; however, they lack the teeth needed to properly hold bad employers accountable for violations," Nessel said. "This case highlights the need to strengthen these protections, as well as the consequences for violations, and I look forward to working with the legislature on this critical work to protect the state's youth."
ckthompson@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/30/michigan-meat-processor-pleads-guilty-to-illegally-employing-teen-who-lost-hand/70375192007/ | 2023-07-01T02:08:58 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/30/michigan-meat-processor-pleads-guilty-to-illegally-employing-teen-who-lost-hand/70375192007/ |
Man charged for pointing laser beam at MSP helicopter
A Madison Heights man has been charged with a felony for allegedly pointing a laser at a Michigan State Police helicopter, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced Friday.
Douglas Alan Fleury, 44, was charged with one count: flying beam of light or energy aimed at a plane or train. He could serve up to five years in prison and pay up to a $10,000 fine for the May 16 incident.
"Pointing a laser at any moving vehicle is extremely dangerous," McDonald said in a release. "Criminal charges are necessary when someone recklessly endangers the lives of others."
Fleury could not immediately be reached for comment.
MSP posted a Twitter thread about the laser beam incident about an hour after it took place at 9 p.m. May 16. Troopers said they were patrolling the Metro Detroit district when they were struck by a green-colored laser.
A trooper identified the source of the laser as an address in Madison Heights and reported the incident to the Federal Aviation Administration. They also identified a male suspect in the area of Osmun Street who allegedly had a laser device.
"It is a crime, both Federal and State, to point a laser at an aircraft," First Lt. Mike Shaw, a spokesman for MSP, said in May. "We are fortunate the no one was hurt or the aircraft didn't crash in this incident."
ckthompson@detroitnews.com | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/06/30/man-charged-for-pointing-laser-beam-at-msp-helicopter/70375155007/ | 2023-07-01T02:09:04 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/oakland-county/2023/06/30/man-charged-for-pointing-laser-beam-at-msp-helicopter/70375155007/ |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Getting a phone call from the Little Rock Animal Village isn't the most uncommon thing.
But never a call like this.
"This particular tactic is new and extra bold and frustrating," Little Rock Animal Shelter Spokesperson Betsy Robb said. "It is incredibly infuriating to see people be targeted specifically because they are in an emotionally vulnerable place, and it's cruel."
Robb said someone is calling pet owners and posing as the Little Rock Animal Village, scamming people out of money.
She said it's happened at least four times now.
"They're telling these owners that they must pay the reclaim fee immediately," Robb said. "I think sometimes they've even threatened that if they don't, they will be euthanized."
Robb said she wouldn't be surprised if more people were scammed and afraid to come forward.
In addition, she's frustrated because the scam is giving false hope to owners, making them think they're being reunited with their pets.
"She stopped at PetSmart on her way, getting what she needed to bring her baby home," Robb said, talking about one of the people scammed. "Then her baby wasn't here."
According to Robb, avoiding the scam is simple, but it can be challenging due to people's emotional attachment to their pets.
She said the scammers are asking for funds through apps like Cashapp, Zelle, Venmo, or money transfer kiosks, and the easiest way to verify if a call is real is by contacting the animal village.
"Those payment systems are a favorite of scammers for a reason, and it's a common red flag for scams," Robb said. "So, just always be vigilant, protect yourself." | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/scam-affecting-pet-owners-little-rock/91-5d63aca9-8e65-41f3-bebc-7fb294f085f5 | 2023-07-01T02:10:42 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/scam-affecting-pet-owners-little-rock/91-5d63aca9-8e65-41f3-bebc-7fb294f085f5 |
ORLANDO, Fla. — A $1.25 million book deal helped drive up Gov. Ron DeSantis’ net worth in 2022, according to an annual financial-disclosure report posted Friday on the Florida Commission on Ethics website.
DeSantis listed a net worth of $1,174,331 as of Dec. 31, up from $318,986 a year earlier.
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DeSantis, who is running for president, listed $1.25 million in income last year from HarperCollins Publishers LLC and $141,400 from his salary as governor.
Before formally announcing his presidential bid, DeSantis toured the country to promote his biography, “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival.”
Read: Florida medical board sets new gender-affirming care rules, critics oppose new rules
State elected officials are required to file financial-disclosure forms that list income, assets and liabilities.
This year’s forms are due Monday. Generally, the forms show financial information from the end of the previous year.
DeSantis listed assets at the end of 2022 of $1.046 million in USAA checking and savings accounts; $91,719 in a thrift savings plan, a type of retirement savings and investment plan; and $54,720 in the Florida Retirement System.
DeSantis also continued to pay down a Sallie Mae student loan, with the balance going from $21,284 at the end of 2021 to $18,628 as of Dec. 31.
Read: Florida police officers are accused of ‘jailing’ their young son over potty training accidents
DeSantis lives in the governor’s mansion and listed no real-estate holdings.
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida medical boards on Friday approved rules related to providing treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone-replacement therapy to transgender children and adults, carrying out part of a new law championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The rules include “informed consent” forms containing language that says gender-affirming care “is purely speculative, and the possible psychological benefits may not outweigh the substantial risks of medical treatments and, in many cases, the need for lifelong medical treatments.”
The forms also say that “medical treatment of people with gender dysphoria is based on very limited, poor-quality research with only subtle improvements seen in some patient’s psychological functioning in some, but not all, research studies.”
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The advisories in the forms run counter to what most experts say about gender-affirming care and research supporting it — that treatment is medically safe, effective and can be life-saving.
The language is “inflammatory, unnecessary and not even true,” Yale University School of Medicine professor Meredithe McNamara told The News Service of Florida in a phone interview Thursday.
“It is not abnormal for youth, minors, to undergo informed-consent processes with their parents that are guided by forms that are similar in structure to the ones Florida has. But when it comes to adults, that’s not standard practice whatsoever. And what we’re finally seeing is what we feared for a long time, which is that bans on care for youth have made legal interference into totally undisputed care for adults more acceptable and more palatable,” McNamara, who specializes in adolescent medicine, added.
Read: Judge rules against Florida’s ban on transgender Medicaid coverage
Numerous speakers at a joint meeting Friday of the state Board of Medicine and the state Board of Osteopathic Medicine opposed the rules and forms, which include a laundry list of dangers associated with puberty blockers and hormone-replacement therapy.
“What you’re proposing is not informed consent. You’re going far further, essentially trying to create a new standard of care, when one already exists,” physician Michael Haller, a professor and chief of endocrinology at the University of Florida, told members of the boards. “The ongoing emphasis on the idea that there’s low-grade, low-quality evidence for gender-affirming care is extremely problematic.”
Doing nothing to treat children diagnosed with gender dysphoria can have harmful effects, Haller said.
“This is a conversation that physicians have with their patients all day every day. And so to try to put this specific language in the consent form is, again, entirely disingenuous. And you all know that, and it’s shameful. The bias that’s being represented by medical organizations …,” Haller said, before being interrupted by Board of Medicine Chairman Scot Ackerman.
Read: SpaceX set to launch telescope in orbit, will explore evolution of the dark universe
“I take offense to your comments. Don’t tell us what we know, and don’t call us shameful,” Ackerman, a Jacksonville-based oncologist, said.
Board of Medicine member Hector Vila, a Tampa physician, offered an explanation for the use of the term “poor-quality” studies.
“It’s not like an adjective. It’s not like we’re who proscribe it. That is very standard medical terminology that describes the absence of the highest quality of studies that exist, and that’s prospective, randomized, controlled studies that have large numbers of patients and follow those patients over an adequate period of time to provide good predictive value,” Vila said. “That would be good studies. So this is just a medical term, and all of us doctors are used to using it for quality studies. … It just means that they don’t meet the standard of what we in medicine refer to as high-quality studies.”
Read: Florida police officers are accused of ‘jailing’ their young son over potty training accidents
The approval of the rules and the forms helped carry out a new law, signed by DeSantis on May 17, that banned physicians from using puberty blockers or hormone-replacement therapy for children diagnosed with gender dysphoria, which the federal government defines clinically as “significant distress that a person may feel when sex or gender assigned at birth is not the same as their identity.”
The law included an exception that allows children currently receiving puberty blockers or hormone therapy to continue the treatment and required the state medical boards to establish standards of care for such children.
In addition, the law required the boards, which regulate physicians, to create informed-consent forms for transgender patients seeking gender-affirming care. Adults, children and parents of kids who receive puberty blockers or hormone therapy must sign the forms.
Doctors who violate the law could be stripped of their licenses and face felony charges.
Read: Student loan forgiveness ruling: What happens next for borrowers? What did Biden announce?
Steven Rocha was among speakers during Friday’s meeting who disputed that gender-affirming care is speculative.
Trans people “have been taking hormones for decades, and to say that only subtle improvements were seen in patients’ mental health would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous,” Rocha, a trans man who is policy director for the LGBTQ youth-advocacy group PRISM Florida. “That kind of thinking is what gets critical health care ripped away from those who need it most. Gender-affirming care helped me, and I’m nowhere near alone.”
Florida is among a number of Republican-led states that have approved measures to curb or prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender children and adults. DeSantis, who is running for president, has made the issue one of his priorities.
Read: Supreme Court rules web designer can refuse to make same-sex wedding sites
“We cannot speak something into existence that doesn’t exist. We cannot change our sex,” Rep. Ralph Massullo, a Lecanto Republican who is a dermatologist, said in May before the House gave final approval to the bill (SB 254) that included requiring the rules and forms. “And for those children that this bill addresses, they cannot change their sex, and they need to learn that fact.”
Restrictions approved by DeSantis and the GOP-controlled Legislature, however, have not fared well in federal court.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle this month blocked Florida’s ban on the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy to treat children diagnosed with gender dysphoria, calling the prohibition “an exercise in politics, not good medicine.”
“The statute and rules at issue were motivated in substantial part by the plainly illegitimate purposes of disapproving transgender status and discouraging individuals from pursuing their honest gender identities. This was purposeful discrimination against transgenders,” Hinkle wrote.
The judge on June 22 also blocked a state ban of Medicaid coverage for transgender children and adults, saying the effort was “invidious discrimination.” The state is appealing both decisions.
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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida police officers accused of twice putting their 3 1/2-year-old son in a jail cell to punish him for potty training accidents remain on the job while an investigation continues.
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Nearly nine months later, the Daytona Beach Shores Police Department is not talking about it and most records related to the investigation have been sealed by a Volusia County judge.
“The city strives to always be open and transparent, however due to the court order that was issued to the city, we are unable to comment at this time. If anything should change, we would be happy to discuss,” the city’s public information officer, Tammy Marzik, wrote in an email to The AP.
The couple said they “jailed” their son twice — on Oct. 5 and 6, 2022. They were interviewed by a state child abuse investigator, who was escorted to their home by a Volusia County Sheriff’s deputy whose body camera recorded the conversation. The video was sent to the media this week by the sheriff’s office, which later asked to recall it, citing a court order restricting the release of information about the case.
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The Associated Press is not identifying the child nor the parents — the mother is a detective and the father a lieutenant with the Daytona Beach Shores Police. Their attorney, Michael Lambert, did not respond to an email seeking comment.
During the hour-long video, the child’s mother said she didn’t believe they did anything wrong, adding that “it’s just people getting it twisted.” She also called the investigation “the definition of insanity.”
How the state learned about the boy’s treatment hasn’t been made public, but the father told the investigator “it’s just disgusting that somebody would drag our family through the mud like this.”
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He explained that their day care center requires children to stop using diapers by age 3, but the boy was still having accidents, so while the school was being lenient, they were trying everything possible to get him potty trained.
“We’ve tried books, we’ve tried run around without pants, you name it we’ve tried it,” the father told the investigator.
So they confronted the boy, he said.
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“I said you know what I do for a living,” the father explained. “I said I’m a cop. I take bad boys to the jail that don’t follow the law. So that’s what I did. I said you know you aren’t following the rules, let’s go to jail.”
The father said the cell “was nasty” so he checked it out for contraband before putting his son inside. He told investigators the boy was behind bars for about 13 minutes, and he “had eyes on him the entire time.”
“He was crying,” the father said. “I was getting the response I expected from him.”
The father said the boy’s mother had placed him in the cell the day before, for about three minutes.
The tactic worked: The child made good on his promise not to have any more accidents, the father told investigators.
What’s more, he said he did it before with his older son, about nine years ago, when that child admitted hitting a girl in preschool. He said he told his son that in his job, he puts people in jail when they hit others.
“I took him to the jail and he sat there. And I watched him ... and he was crying and everything, and to this day, if you mention, like, that incident, he’s just like, ‘I would never do that again.’ It was effective,” the father said. “So that’s why I did it with this. He didn’t hit anybody, but I figured the same thing, discipline.”
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Florida Department of Children and Families spokeswoman Tori Cuddy told The AP that the agency responds to all allegations of of abuse, neglect or abandonment, and that all information involving such cases is confidential.
It’s not clear what repercussions the couple faces, if any, but they’ve gone to court, suing the state attorney’s office in March and separately suing State Attorney R.J. Larizza in May. Those court records are marked confidential and have been sealed by a judge, the city clerk’s office said.
Lonnie Groot, a former city attorney for Daytona Beach Shores who now serves the community in more of a watchdog capacity, is looking for answers. Groot said he’s been unsuccessful in his attempts to get additional records involving the investigation.
“The City is just patently trying to hide the matter and hopes now that it will go away and they can go back to their own ways,” Groot told The AP.
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-police-officers-are-accused-jailing-their-young-son-over-potty-training-accidents/M7PNHUYRNFA6BLMK6TBW6AJQ7Q/ | 2023-07-01T02:11:48 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/florida-police-officers-are-accused-jailing-their-young-son-over-potty-training-accidents/M7PNHUYRNFA6BLMK6TBW6AJQ7Q/ |
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the European Space Agency Euclid Telescope.
The launch is scheduled for Saturday, July 1 at 11:12 a.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
Euclid is designed to explore the composition and evolution of the dark universe and will make a 3D map of the universe by observing billions of galaxies out to 10 billion light-years, across more than a third of the sky.
The telescope will be launched to an observing orbit at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, NASA officials said.
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Lagrange points are positions in space where the gravitational pull of the Sun and Earth combine and allow small objects in that region of space to have the same orbital period (length of year) as Earth.
The first stage booster previously launched Ax-2. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, in the Atlantic Ocean.
If needed, a second window is available Sunday, July 2 at the same time.
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/spacex-set-launch-telescope-orbit-will-explore-evolution-dark-universe/WPDRZTIQZ5DPBGRUNOFMRWE7JM/ | 2023-07-01T02:11:54 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/spacex-set-launch-telescope-orbit-will-explore-evolution-dark-universe/WPDRZTIQZ5DPBGRUNOFMRWE7JM/ |
Darren Drozdov, who starred on the football field before turning to pro wrestling, where his career was cut short by an in-ring accident, died Friday, according to the WWE.
Drozdov, who grew up in Mays Landing and was a standout athlete at Oakcrest High School, was 54.
In a statement released by the family through WWE, Drozdov died from natural causes.
"There are no words to convey the deep sense of loss and sadness we are feeling right now," the family wrote.
WWE is saddened to learn that Darren Drozdov passed away on Friday, June 30, at age 54.
— WWE (@WWE) June 30, 2023
WWE extends its condolences to Darren Drozdov’s family, friends and fans.https://t.co/7gDRO0tiGl pic.twitter.com/EqPtbGIPy8
Drozdov was known to pro wrestling fans by his ring names Droz and Puke. He was involved in an in-ring accident in 1999 that rendered him a quadriplegic.
"Nevertheless, Droz maintained a championship mindset and lived every day to the fullest even though he was unable to move from the neck down for the past 24 years," the family said.
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Drozdov was once quoted on how he handled adversity: “There is always another day. Just because I’m paralyzed and stuck in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean my life is over. I’ve learned to live again, and my life is far from over.”
Born April 7, 1969, Drozdov graduated from Oakcrest in 1987, where he starred on the football team and threw the shot put at the Penn Relays. At 6-foot-4, he played offensive tackle for the Falcons, who went 10-0 his senior season.
Drozdov went on to play on the defensive line for the University of Maryland from 1988-1992 and graduated with a degree in criminal justice. He spent three seasons in the NFL with the Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets before his career was cut short due to a knee injury.
After rehabilitation on his knee and a failed comeback attempt with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, Drozdov turned his attention to pro wrestling, according to a Baltimore Sun profile from 1998. He sent a tape of himself working out to the World Wrestling Federation (later WWE), and after a meeting with WWF chairman Vince McMahon, Drozdov was signed to a developmental contract.
Heartbroken to learn of the passing of Darren Drozdov aka Droz. Sweetheart of a man. Was fortunate to get know him in ECW and then WWE. All good memories! Shared lots of laughs. Rest In Peace Droz. My thoughts and heart go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/13nexou1Kh
— Brian Heffron aka The Blue Meanie (@BlueMeanieBWO) June 30, 2023
One of Drozdov's stops before WWE was with Extreme Championship Wrestling, based in Philadelphia.
"Heartbroken to learn of the passing of Darren Drozdov aka Droz," tweeted Brian Heffron, who grew up in Atlantic City and wrestled in ECW and WWE as the Blue Meanie. "Sweetheart of a man. Was fortunate to get know him in ECW and then WWE. All good memories! Shared lots of laughs. Rest In Peace Droz. My thoughts and heart go out to his family."
On Oct. 5, 1999, during a taping for a televised show in Long Island, New York, Drozdov was paralyzed from the neck down when he was involved in an in-ring accident with D-Lo Brown. Though he was confined to a wheelchair the rest of his life, he did regain movement in his arms and upper body. Drozdov maintained in interviews following the accident he held no animosity toward Brown.
Drozdov told the Baltimore Sun in 1998 that pro wrestling was a lot tougher than he expected and dismissed its reputation as “fake” for its choreography and soap opera qualities.
“Now I understand why people in the business get really upset when people say it’s fake, because it’s the farthest thing from fake in this world,” Drozdov told The Sun in 1998. “If it’s fake, I guess the two concussions, the broken ribs, the knee surgery and the stitches that I’ve had (from pro wrestling) are fake, also.”
During his days at Maryland, Drozdov often battled with members of the coaching staff over his appearance, including outlandish haircuts, tattoos and piercings. However, the team captain played through chronic back problems at Maryland and remained close with several former teammates.
“I have no complaint about his work ethic and the effort he exhibited,” Joe Krivak, Drozdov’s coach at Maryland, told The Sun. “The hairstyles and the earrings — those were all superficial. When you look at Darren’s personality below the exterior, he was a good, solid individual.”
Drozdov's family, in their statement, called him a devoted son, brother and friend.
"He was our guiding light who lit up our lives with infinite love and wonder. His smile was healing. His warmth, love and laughter were infectious. We could always turn to him for wisdom and solace and his absence feels like a giant hole in our family and our hearts.
"Everyone who knew Darren was a better person because of it. He taught everyone so much about how to look at life: how to put things in perspective, how to overcome adversity, and how to show compassion for others. He would not want anyone to be sad at this moment and would want to this to be a celebration of his life, to be remembered for all the great things that he accomplished, the fun, the laughter, the great memories he shared with everyone."
The Baltimore Sun contributed to this report. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/mays-landings-darren-drozdov-who-went-on-to-nfl-and-wwe-careers-dies/article_6af2cd56-179a-11ee-9633-ff78269f98da.html | 2023-07-01T02:12:33 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/mays-landings-darren-drozdov-who-went-on-to-nfl-and-wwe-careers-dies/article_6af2cd56-179a-11ee-9633-ff78269f98da.html |
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Local | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/volunteer-firefighter-sentenced-for-nj-crash/4469204/ | 2023-07-01T02:13:55 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/volunteer-firefighter-sentenced-for-nj-crash/4469204/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Members of the LGBTQ+ community and its supporters are worried about how Friday's Supreme Court ruling will affect them in the future, as well as what it could mean for other anti-discrimination laws.
In a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado web designer who did not want to create wedding websites for same-sex couples because it would violate her free speech rights.
"There's a level of disappointment today. I think our department had been tracking this case all year, so we weren't surprised but we're always a little bit disappointed when there's potential for our community to be discriminated against or some of our rights rolled back," said Alexis Sanchez, the Director of Advocacy and Training of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center.
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center expects the ruling to have different impacts depending on which state you're in. California, much like Colorado, has anti-discrimination laws in place.
"California, in what we call the Unruh Civil Rights Act, has 18 classifications of individuals who have protection against discrimination. Whether it's age, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status," said Chris Micheli, Adjunct Professor at the McGeorge School of Law. "[The ruling] puts into jeopardy those types of laws."
He says we don't know what the ruling means for certain, but wonders if there will be other similar lawsuits challenging other anti-discrimination laws.
"Where it is up against someone's alleged First Amendment rights, their view of the matter. Perhaps it's based upon their religious beliefs, for example. Will that in fact trump all other types of laws that are out there? In other words, does the First Amendment trump everything else?" said Micheli.
Meanwhile, lawmakers at the state capitol are vowing to continue protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
"Now there's a license to discriminate to a protected class. This is unacceptable, especially during the Pride Month celebrations, but reaffirms our commitment to social justice," said Evan Low, the former LGBTQ Caucus Chair.
The Sacramento LGBT Community Center says it understands there are a lot of questions and the ruling could cause a lot of worry. They want you to know their doors are open for people who want to feel safe and heard. They offer support groups and mental health therapy. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/lgbtq-community-concerned-after-latest-supreme-court-ruling/103-50f46570-87a0-48f0-838b-cdf3c4975cd5 | 2023-07-01T02:16:30 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/lgbtq-community-concerned-after-latest-supreme-court-ruling/103-50f46570-87a0-48f0-838b-cdf3c4975cd5 |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sierra 2 Park in the Curtis Park neighborhood of Sacramento became a popular spot at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for off-leash dogs and their owners to roam free.
But with great attendance comes great attention. Neighbors raised several concerns over the safety of children being among off-leash dogs as well as the nuisance of dogs barking.
City officials soon announced the Sierra 2 Park would require dog owners to use leashes.
A recent neighborhood survey from city officials showed a majority (53%) of nearby residents want to use the area as a dog park, while another 20% use it for the attached playground.
The survey results prompted City Parks & Community Enrichment to fence-off about one-third of the park in April specifically for off-leash dog use, meaning off-leash dogs are now separated from the outer field and the playground.
The new dog park even came installed with the necessary double-gate system required at all Sacramento dog parks.
Although the dog park's configuration is only temporary, city officials plan to gather feedback July 19 to help determine whether or not a dog park will stay at the Sierra 2 Park.
Annie Linton has lived near the park since 2017. She says large vocal support from off-leash dog users is overshadowing all other opposing views.
Along with endless barking coming from the park, she's worried it's only a matter of time before a child is injured by an off-leash dog.
She says the city-sponsored survey is not representative of American households since 75% of the surveyed residents are dog-owners. The American Pet Products Association recently reported 66% of American households own at least one pet.
"These dogs are huge that run around out there, especially relative to little kids, they can get knocked down and jumped on," said Linton. "That's been sad for us as a family, seeing that fear develop in our kids."
Should a dog park be here to stay?
A handful of dogs and their owners lounged at the enclosed dog park Thursday morning. Curtis Park resident Michael Oates was there playing fetch with his pet.
He says for decades neighbors were allowed to unleash their dogs at the entire park before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. The hours would be reduced during soccer season when teams had reservations.
"You can be able to have other uses for the park as well," he said. "People playing sports, children playing in the playground — it's really something that historically has been used in a variety of ways across our community."
Eileen Cubanski, a resident since 2009, says her children developed a fear of dogs as toddlers because they would often jump and knock them over. It wasn't until her children got older and bigger that they got a small dog.
"I won't bring my dog to that park, it's like the Wild West of dog parks at this point," said Cubanski. "My kids used to love to climb that old oak tree out there and they just couldn't do that anymore with the dogs running around."
Linton says she's had similar experiences and that the fences separating the children's playground from the temporary dog park aren't far away enough to keep kids from climbing it.
Resident Phil Kalstrom is a regular user of the enclosed dog park and hasn't seen or heard of children climbing over the fence into the area. He was also a user of the dog park during its recent peak in popularity.
"There would be 60 to 80 dogs out here and their owners. There was a great sense of community and the dogs pick up on that," said Kalstrom. "It's unfortunate we're not able to use that bigger area anymore."
Despite off-leash dogs only being allowed in the enclosed area, Linton says information she gathered from hundreds of 311 calls show dog owners stepping out of the boundaries. She believes if dog owners aren't honoring the park rules now, they won't be able to in the future.
Councilmember Rick Jennings' office told ABC10 Friday they are working closely with community members to come to a resolution.
"Our office has been meeting with groups that have expressed a desire to meet with us to hear from them regarding the Sierra 2 Green prior to the July 19 community meeting," said office spokesperson Dennis Rogers.
Oates, Kalstrom and fellow dog owner Kirsten Smith say they'd like to continue the decades-long practice of sharing the park for all to use, including off-leash dog owners.
With a daughter who now plays competitive soccer, Cubanski says the park should be prioritized as a soccer field so it could be a draw for kids sports.
But for now until at least July 19, the fight for Sierra 2 Park continues to rile up neighbors. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/neighbors-say-sacramento-dog-park-is-dangerous/103-c9653cc6-bbd0-4af2-97c7-e75f2bb6b049 | 2023-07-01T02:16:36 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/neighbors-say-sacramento-dog-park-is-dangerous/103-c9653cc6-bbd0-4af2-97c7-e75f2bb6b049 |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/rehoboth-beach-fireworks-show-changing-location/3596375/ | 2023-07-01T02:17:42 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/rehoboth-beach-fireworks-show-changing-location/3596375/ |
Flagstaff Unified School District's (FUSD) board approved the selections of new principals at two schools in its meeting Tuesday.
Effective July 1, Trisha Eberlein will be leading Summit High School, while Katrina Collins-Hernandez will be at the helm of Thomas Elementary.
The schools are among five in the district that will be getting new principals. Thomas’s current principal, Ginni Biggs, will now be leading DeMiguel Elementary, while Summit’s Chris Koenker is headed to a principal position at Sinagua Middle School.
Several FUSD schools will be getting new principals for the 2023-2024 school year.
Both new principals are coming from other positions within the district and have earned at least one of their education degrees from Northern Arizona University.
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Eberlein has been an assistant principal at Flagstaff High School since 2020 and has previously taught at Knoles Elementary and served at Northland Preparatory Academy as a counselor and program coordinator.
“She is very passionate about connecting students and families with trauma-informed and community supports, and the use of restorative practices to cultivate inclusive learning environments,” FUSD human resources director Dawn Anderson said during Tuesday’s meeting.
Collins-Hernandez, herself a graduate of FUSD schools, has worked at Kinsey Elementary since 2007 as a first-grade teacher and instructional specialist. She’s also taught early childhood education psychology at NAU.
“It’s such an incredible honor,” she said at the meeting. “It’s really been my goal since I was a very young girl at Knoles Elementary School.”
Both Eberlein and Collins-Hernandez have been preparing for their new roles, working with their new school’s current principals and communicating with staff.
Both appointments can be reviewed in a recording on FUSD's Vimeo page, beginning about 1 hour and 45 minutes into the meeting. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/fusd-board-approves-principal-appointments-at-thomas-and-summit/article_12894580-15da-11ee-8e38-6f03e3f9c4e9.html | 2023-07-01T02:18:32 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/fusd-board-approves-principal-appointments-at-thomas-and-summit/article_12894580-15da-11ee-8e38-6f03e3f9c4e9.html |
In honor of the Fourth of July holiday, several city buildings will be closed Tuesday.
The Mountain Line bus system will also be operating on a weekend schedule, with reduced hours and frequency throughout the day. Administrative offices for the transit system will be closed.
Flagstaff City Hall and the downtown and east public libraries will also be closed, as will Hal Jensen Recreation Center and Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center.
The Aquaplex at will remain open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., as will the Jay Lively Activity Center, which will be open to 5 p.m. with a public skate available during the day.
Trash and recycling collection, along with the Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center, will be operating on a regular schedule.
The public recycling drop-off at the Flagstaff Recycling Transfer Facility located at 1800 E. Butler Ave. will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/several-city-facilities-to-be-closed-in-honor-of-fourth-of-july-buses-on-weekend/article_335b6052-15dc-11ee-90f6-dbfe72902764.html | 2023-07-01T02:18:38 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/news/local/several-city-facilities-to-be-closed-in-honor-of-fourth-of-july-buses-on-weekend/article_335b6052-15dc-11ee-90f6-dbfe72902764.html |
CEDAR HILL, Texas — Cedar Hill is growing and with growth comes economic development.
The fight to help the city prosper is being led by Cedric Brown, who grew up in southern Dallas.
He said by the grace of God he’s now opened not one or two but three businesses in the Hillside Village Shopping Center. And he did it one year.
His first business is a Floyd Mayweather boxing gym.
"What made me decide to invest in a boxing gym was my health,” said Brown.
Brown said his heart was only functioning at 10% and in 2018, he was told nothing could be done.
But after prayer and taking care of himself, his heart got better.
"So God gave me grace, so I decided then I’m going to make awareness to the public about health and wellness,” said Brown.
Joi Starr is one of the ambassadors of the Mayweather boxing gyms.
"He’s showing in real time that this can be done. You know that you can come from nothing and you can create something that is so remarkable,” said Starr.
Just around the corner, Brown opened the Turkey Leg King restaurant.
The business is designed to be fun, upbeat and different -- serving up everything turkey.
“When you can bring this type of business and it creates economic development for larger companies to come in,” said Daniel Haydin, Cedar Hill City Council.
And then came Brown’s crown jewel. He opened Hillside Prime Steakhouse in September 2022. A fine dining restaurant in Southern Dallas County.
“I call it the white house on the hill here in Cedar Hill,” said Brown.
The restaurant not only serves up prime steaks but vegan options.
"This is basically, more like a ministry to me, and I like to see people enjoy themselves and have nice places to come,” said Brown.
Brown’s success started when he was only 18 years old and built his first home. A serial entrepreneur, he’s worked in insurance, real estate, high-tech industries and now owns a company called Kingdom Concept to help others succeed.
"I guess you could say I’m going to write a book called 'From the Woods to the Hood, Now to the Good',” he said.
"It’s not just in a book. You are not reading about it in history. You’re seeing this man in real time doing it,” said Starr.
Brown said he’s had to fight to get here, but he said he doesn’t want to be called boss. Brown said he just wants to be a leader helping others achieve their dreams. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-entrepreneur-opens-fine-dining-restaurant-two-other-businesses-in-hopes-to-boost-economy-in-southern-dallas/287-7a8007cd-e7bd-4ae3-a7bb-8b7cfc5f38b8 | 2023-07-01T02:26:00 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-entrepreneur-opens-fine-dining-restaurant-two-other-businesses-in-hopes-to-boost-economy-in-southern-dallas/287-7a8007cd-e7bd-4ae3-a7bb-8b7cfc5f38b8 |
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — In Palo Pinto County, about 1,000 acres have burned in a wildfire.
As of 9 p.m., the fire was 50% contained. The Texas A&M Forest Service said it’s being called the “storage fire” because it started behind a storage unit off TX-16 in Strawn.
“We’ve ruled out any natural causes, so it is a human-caused fire,” said Adam Turner, the public information officer for Texas A&M Forest Service.
Every year, wildfires spread in Palo Pinto County. Turner said Texas A&M Forest Service are constantly preparing for it. It takes first responders and resources from in and out of the state to save people and property.
It leaves Billy Horton frustrated. His family has owned a property in the Sportsman’s World neighborhood since 1976.
“I don’t know when people are going to learn, you know, to quit doing things that start fires this time of year,” said Horton.
Someone else’s mistake leaves Horton with a destroyed barn and equipment that will cost him more than $100,000 to replace. Horton said this isn’t the first time he’s had property damaged by fire.
“It brings back memories from 2012. We had a really bad fire from 2012, and it burned a lot of this," he said.
The fire started Wednesday night. Horton saw it get worse on Thursday afternoon when the flames took over his property. He said firefighters saved his house.
“They never thought twice. We’re standing here talking right now, but yesterday, there were flames about fifty feet in the air here. It was an inferno and these guys were fighting it,” Horton said with tears in his eyes.
The Texas A&M Forest Service is warning people to prevent fires. Some advice includes not using fireworks, not dragging chains on trailers, and keeping vehicle tires fully inflated. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/possum-kingdom-storage-fire-determined-human-caused/287-8956bdd4-eb35-4103-8286-d7e0cbc221a4 | 2023-07-01T02:26:06 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/possum-kingdom-storage-fire-determined-human-caused/287-8956bdd4-eb35-4103-8286-d7e0cbc221a4 |
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.wfaa.com/article/news/local/us-supreme-courts-lgbtq-ruling-affects-texans/287-de9edd6e-4e99-4352-8e54-46f131c42d06 | 2023-07-01T02:26:12 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/us-supreme-courts-lgbtq-ruling-affects-texans/287-de9edd6e-4e99-4352-8e54-46f131c42d06 |
An Arlington fire early Friday evening injured three firefighters and displaced more than 30 residents.
The fire at the Verdanahs at Cliffside apartments in Arlington was reported just before 6 p.m. Friday, Arlington deputy chief Jon Padilla said.
When units arrived, Padilla said there was heavy smoke showing on the second floor of a building. The fire was controlled within 40 minutes, during which three firefighters sustained minor injuries.
All three firefighters were transported to the hospital in stable condition, Padilla said. He was unable to elaborate on how the firefighters were injured.
The fire was considered a two-alarm fire, Padilla said. Two ladder trucks, three engines, two chief officers, and medical supervisors were on the scene. Padilla said measures were taken to ensure crews on the scene were safe as they worked in high temperatures.
The fire impacted 24 apartment units and 38 residents.
Joseph Henry's apartment unit sustained some damage. Henry said he was home when he heard the fire alarm. He said he noticed smoke from the chimney next door before he and his roommates grabbed what they could and left.
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"Once we got out, that's when the flames started coming out of the roof right up on the top. We could feel it from further back. The heat was just radiating off the building," Henry said.
The American Red Cross was also on the scene Friday. According to Padilla, the complex's clubhouse was opened as a cooling station for residents. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arlington-apartment-fire-injures-three-firefighters-displaces-dozens-of-residents/3288163/ | 2023-07-01T02:26:53 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arlington-apartment-fire-injures-three-firefighters-displaces-dozens-of-residents/3288163/ |
A 12-year-old McKinney boy and his family received a new wheelchair-accessible van after the community and charity organizations rallied to support the effort.
On June 28, Casey and Kayleigh Carr, parents of 12-year-old Stephen McGrath-Carr, shared the news with the McKinney community: "We got our van!"
Living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Stephen is reliant on a wheelchair-accessible van to stay connected to his community.
An outpouring of generosity from the community and charity organizations made the dream come true for Stephen and his family.
In 2020, Stephen was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD leads to the progressive wearing away of muscles, which can lead to the loss of mobility over time. Stephen can no longer walk and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
Over time, Stephen became too heavy for his parents to lift him in and out of a regular vehicle safely. To maintain his access to medical appointments and community events, they needed a wheelchair-accessible van.
The family turned to the national medical fundraising charity, Help Hope Live. In one month, their community of support raised $12,000 towards the cost of an accessible van. With help from several charity grants from organizations Finn's Friends, Chari-T2000, and Walking Strong, they were able to secure a van for Stephen by June 28, 2023.
"God bless each and every one of you," said Kayleigh, Stephen's mom. "You have helped change a young boy's life more than you know."
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The latest news from around North Texas.
Stephen's family will continue to fundraise with Help Hope Live for a lifetime of out-of-pocket medical and related costs. For more information on how donations can be made, click here. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-boy-and-family-get-wheelchair-accessible-van-after-community-support/3288139/ | 2023-07-01T02:26:59 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-boy-and-family-get-wheelchair-accessible-van-after-community-support/3288139/ |
Man arrested in fatal hit-and-run in Glendale
A man was arrested after a hit-and-run that killed a 66-year-old man on Thursday night in Glendale, according to authorities.
Christopher Allan, 54, was arrested after witnesses and traffic cameras identified him as the driver who fatally hit a 66-year-old pedestrian at West Olive and North 43rd avenues, according to authorities. The car that hit the man left the area after the collision, according to a Glendale police news release.
Witnesses of the collision followed the car that initiated the collision, later identified as a white Chevrolet Malibu, where they were able to identify the driver's license plate and see the driver, according to the news release.
A witness later saw Allan exit the vehicle to view the damage to his car, according to the news release. The witness then returned to the area of the collision to speak with police, according to the news release.
Police used Glendale traffic cameras and found Allan's car at the intersection of 51st and Olive avenues when he was checking for his car's damages, a court document said. Allan then reentered his car and headed southbound on 51st Avenue, according to a court document.
Glendale traffic cameras followed Allan's car until it parked on North 59th Avenue. Glendale detectives found the Malibu at a bar and started surveilling the car. Detectives then found that the damages matched the broken car parts at the area of the collision, a court document said.
Detectives then located Allan and found that he matched the description from the witnesses at the time of the collision, according to a court document.
Allan was taken into custody without incident. Police then conducted a search and found cocaine in Allan's pocket, the police news release said.
On the way to the Glendale Police Main Station, police said Allan denied any knowledge of why he was being detained. Allan also told officers that he may have hit something on the way to work and hoped he did not hit a person, according to a court document.
Allan was booked on charges of leaving the scene of an accident involving death, possession of a narcotic drug and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the police news release. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2023/06/30/man-arrested-in-fatal-hit-and-run-in-glendale/70375117007/ | 2023-07-01T02:28:45 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/glendale/2023/06/30/man-arrested-in-fatal-hit-and-run-in-glendale/70375117007/ |
PORTLAND, Ore. — This week, Portland State University's Homelessness Research & Action Collaborative released the findings from Year 2 of the Portland Street Response program, around the same time the program director announced her resignation from the position. Plus recent developments in the program — like the directives not to hand out tents and to be present during city-ordered sweeps, call into question PSR's future role in the city.
During PSR's second year, the program expanded citywide. Program workers responded to more than 7,400 calls, compared with around 1,200 in the first year. The report show an average response time of about 30 minutes to an incident, and nearly 70% of all calls involved people living on the street.
Researchers noted some key findings: a 3.5% reduction in total calls traditionally responded to by police, and a 19% reduction in police response on non-emergency welfare checks and dispatches coded as “unwanted persons” calls. This, according to Dr. Greg Townley, remains the program's ultimate goal.
"The primary function of Portland Street Response is that first response," he said. "It's not meant to be the answer to homelessness in the city. It's not meant to be the answer to all the gaps we have in mental healthcare. It's meant to divert low level calls from other first responders to free them up to focus on higher priority issues, and make sure that community member receives the care they need."
The PSU evaluation recommended increasing hours, staff, and resources — plus renewing the focus on the original mission.
"When [staff] are asked to do things that are outside of that scope, if there is a lack of program success, it's not the result of the way the program is designed, but rather the way the program is implemented," Townley said. "This needs to be a program in which people are able to voluntarily use services in a flexible way that's designed in line with their needs.
"So when you start to talk about the team having a presence in houseless sweeps... or when you take away the critical life saving resources in terms of foods and tents and tarps and blankets and clothing items — when you take those away, you constrain the team's ability to do the work that the program was designed to have them do."
"We're not asking Portland Street Response to do sweeps," said Commissioner Rene Gonzalez. "We are asking them to respond to people in mental distress if it arises in a sweep just like they would on any other time in the city of Portland."
Gonzalez, who heads up the Fire Bureau, which houses the program said he believes two years in, there is a future role, but thinks it needs some "fine-tuning."
"It grew really fast, and so we're dealing with some of the pain points associated with that, and making sure it's focused on its core mission. But I believe strongly in the program," he said. "I mean, I think it it's going through a transition, you know, and I think that it's always going to be a part of both how we respond to the homeless population and a part of a bigger public safety and social service platform in the city and County of Multnomah."
Gonzalez said as the city revamps and changes its form of government, leaders will be looking at where it may fit best — whether that's still under the Fire Bureau, or somewhere else.
Townley said he believes the program lacks at a champion at the leadership level, a necessary part in future success of PSR.
As for the outgoing program director, Robyn Burek, she confirmed to KGW that she's leaving next week for a position in the City Auditor's office, but declined to comment further. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/reevaluating-portland-street-response-study/283-ff3d8d12-cce8-4497-86e8-a41fa631fc98 | 2023-07-01T02:29:56 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/reevaluating-portland-street-response-study/283-ff3d8d12-cce8-4497-86e8-a41fa631fc98 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — A sinkhole that opened on the edge of Mount Tabor on May 12 remains in the middle of Southeast Yamhill Street near 76th Avenue seven weeks later. It will be a while longer still as the fix is not expected until late July.
"Repair has been extended longer than expected due to the limited availability of materials required to repair a sewer of this size and age," the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services said.
The city says the delay is blamed on the supply chain and they are coordinating with multiple suppliers to get the necessary materials as soon as possible, but that is not expected until at least July 21.
"For a scheduled project, materials are lined up in advance. Since this was an unanticipated emergency project, the materials required were not on hand," the bureau said.
Southeast Yamhill Street remains closed between 74th and 76th avenues indefinitely with only local access for residents of the street.
TriMet's Line 15 bus is still detoured around the closure.
"I think the busses pounding on it didn't help," neighbor Fred Bridges told KGW.
The sidewalks remain open for pedestrian, wheelchair, and bicycle use.
When the sinkhole first appeared, neighbors put recycling bins and flags near the hole to warn drivers.
City crews arrived that afternoon to put up barricades around the hole, which still remain.
The following week, crews repaired a broken sewer lateral. In the process, they found that the sinkhole encompasses the base of a maintenance hole which requires additional repairs before backfilling and repaving. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/street-near-mount-tabor-remains-closed-sinkhole/283-3f98022d-1faa-49d8-a9ed-a1dc9732ca09 | 2023-07-01T02:30:03 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/street-near-mount-tabor-remains-closed-sinkhole/283-3f98022d-1faa-49d8-a9ed-a1dc9732ca09 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — For many Oregon students, the Supreme Court's Friday decision to strike down Biden's loan forgiveness plan came as a major disappointment.
"That sucks," said Portland State University senior Isabele Zerr.
But this decision goes beyond current students, affecting millions of Americans.
"[It] would have been a huge benefit not only for myself, but a lot of people," said James Baez, an '04 college grad.
Hundreds of thousands of Oregonians would have been eligible for student loan forgiveness.
RELATED: Biden offers alternative student debt relief plan that would remove immediate threat of default
"That impact for me would have cleared out my student debt and I would have one less bill every day which would have been fantastic," Baez said.
But not everyone is mourning this decision. Both Zerr and Baez have heard some in older generations saying the program might be unfair.
"They're maybe the older generation that is like 'I had to pay it back so why won't you also have to go through that?'" Zerr said.
Regardless, Baez said, times have changed.
"Understand that what may have been your situation 30 years ago, 20 years ago, 15 years ago, it's not the situation for other people now," he said.
Download the KGW News app: Download for iPhone here | Download for Android here
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See a typo in this article? Email web@kgw.com for corrections | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/supreme-court-student-loan-debt-forgiveness-portland-oregon/283-c96c8a11-7bb8-426d-97c6-8b8fcf435fbc | 2023-07-01T02:30:09 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/supreme-court-student-loan-debt-forgiveness-portland-oregon/283-c96c8a11-7bb8-426d-97c6-8b8fcf435fbc |
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Local | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ticks-force-popular-connecticut-beach-to-delay-opening/4469165/ | 2023-07-01T02:33:19 | 0 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ticks-force-popular-connecticut-beach-to-delay-opening/4469165/ |
Proposed Saline County 2024 budget would mark a 7.8% property tax increase
Saline County's Board of Commissioners is expected to revise and vote on a $66,124,326 spending plan for the 2024 fiscal year within the next month.
The unofficial budget marks a slight overall decrease from the 2023 budget based on lower expenditures in capital project funds. But the amount of ad valorem (property) tax necessary to support expenditures in the budget is proposed to increase by $2,022,648, or 7.8%.
Ahead of 2024, the county is seeing a higher increase in the growth and assessed valuation, increasing the anticipated mill levy by approximately 1 mill.
The mill levy increase is an increase of 0.718 mills, but according to the county clerk, pending exemptions in the amount of $6.1 million could push the valuation down and drive the mill levy up to an increase of 1.066 mills.
While this mill levy rate would be approximately the same as in 2022, the impact would still be an increase in taxes paid by the average property owner in Saline County.
"Quite a difference between the original proposal of 16.6% (increase)," said Commissioner Bob Vidricksen.
Up to this point in the budgeting process, Saline County received initial requests from county departments and outside entities, formed a first unofficial budget including the requests, held a study session for that budget and made recommendations to the county administrator.
The first unofficial budget showed that if each request was granted in full, the increase in taxes would have been around 16% — an extreme hike that none of the commissioners supported.
The county administrator's proposed budget, which was first presented to the commission June 20, differs from initial requests the commission has seen in previous budget discussions. Among other changes and recommendations, Smith-Hanes included a 4.5% increase in county employee pay, except for commissioners.
At the end of their weekly meeting June 27, Smith-Hanes asked if the commissioners had any further direction for him ahead of July study sessions.
"I think at this time, we've concluded what we've really wanted to do and go about," Commissioner Bob Vidricksen said. "Our next step is going to be when we hear from department heads as far as any objections."
Commissioners will have further opportunities to make changes to the budget on July 18 and July 25 prior to publishing a notice for a public hearing for the final budget adoption.
The 2024 fiscal year budget is anticipated to be adopted Aug. 22.
The county budget discussed on June 27 is unofficial and will likely go through additional revisions. The Salina Journal will provide updates as the budgeting process continues.
Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022, primarily covering county government and education. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on Twitter @calfee_kc. | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/saline-county-commission-to-vote-on-budget-for-2024/70363764007/ | 2023-07-01T02:44:14 | 0 | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/saline-county-commission-to-vote-on-budget-for-2024/70363764007/ |
Nearly 77,000 pounds of corn dog products are under a nationwide recall due to possible spoilage, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced Friday night.
The product subject to recall is a 1.83-pound bag containing Foster Farms Mini Corn Dogs Bite-Sized Chicken Franks Dipped in Batter Honey Crunchy Flavor with lot codes 123114 and 223114. The best if used by date is 4/23/24. The project also has the establishment number “P-9136″ printed on the package.
The company received consumer complaints that the product had an odor, off appearance and unpleasant taste, according to the FSIS.
There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a health care provider.
Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to not eat them. Either throw the package away or return it to the place of purchase.
Anyone with questions about the recall can contact Dave Witter, House of Raeford corporate communications manager, at 910-282-7179 or email dave.witter@houseofraeford.com.
About the Author | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/recall-mini-chicken-corn-dogs-have-risk-of-spoilage/HN5JSHDLYNF2HNZJTPHYEFKAWI/ | 2023-07-01T02:44:14 | 1 | https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/recall-mini-chicken-corn-dogs-have-risk-of-spoilage/HN5JSHDLYNF2HNZJTPHYEFKAWI/ |
Looking to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks in Salina? Here's what to know
With Independence Day almost here, the people of Salina and Saline County have plenty of ways to spend the July 4 holiday.
In addition to official celebrations and professional fireworks displays, there are several other things people should know about fireworks and other activities in and around Salina for the Fourth of July.
SkyFire Fireworks and Entertainment show
The SkyFire Fireworks and Entertainment show's Facebook page said the event begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, with live music by the band King Midas, which bills itself as the longest-performing rock and roll band in the state of Kansas, having been around since 1965.
Those looking for a professional fireworks display are in luck if they plan to be in Salina on the Fourth.
This year's Salina SkyFire is presented by local business JRI Hospitality and is once again taking place at the Berkley Family Recreation Area, 841 Markley Road.
The fireworks display will begin around 10 p.m. or just after it gets dark.
Public parking is available beginning at 5 p.m. at the Salina Municipal Golf Course for a $20 donation to First Tee Salina. Free parking is also available in the Berkley Family Recreation Area parking lots south of the fireworks launch area.
What are the rules for fireworks in Saline County?
Firework sales to consumers began on June 27 and end on July 5 in the state of Kansas, but the rules on when the public can discharge those fireworks differs, depending on where they are in Saline County.
Within the city limits of Salina, fireworks can only be ignited or discharged between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 3 and 4.
Salina also prohibits the ignition or discharge of fireworks under the following conditions:
- While on streets, sidewalks, parks and other public property
- While on private property without the express written consent of the property owner
- Into, under or from a car or vehicle, whether moving or standing still
- Within 100 feet of any hospital, sanitarium, nursing home or assisted living facility
- Within 300 feet of any fireworks stand
Additionally, fireworks may not be thrown at people, bicycles, vehicles or buildings and may not impact another property, either directly or from residue or litter.
Smolan also restricts fireworks discharge within its city limits to July 3 and 4, but people are allowed to do so until midnight each of those days. Gypsum allows fireworks to be discharged from 8 a.m. to midnight from July 1-5.
For those outside those city limits, but still within Saline County, discharge times are from 8 a.m. to midnight from June 27 to July 5.
Some consumer fireworks are prohibited in the state of Kansas, including bottle rockets and "M-80s," while sky lanterns or luminaries are also prohibited in Saline County. | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/what-to-know-before-shooting-off-fireworks-in-saline-county-in-2023/70357769007/ | 2023-07-01T02:44:20 | 0 | https://www.salina.com/story/news/local/2023/06/30/what-to-know-before-shooting-off-fireworks-in-saline-county-in-2023/70357769007/ |
VALPARAISO — Valparaiso Police Department K-9 officer Ryker will be a little safer when out on the beat as a result a donation through the nonprofit Vested Interest in K9s , his fellow officers reported.
Ryker received donated body armor designed to protect him from bullets and stabbings, police said.
A first-of-its-kind study on anti-LGBTQ hate crimes in the United States has recorded at least 356 targeted assaults and acts of vandalism and harassment, with drag artists, educators, and medical professionals most likely to be targeted.
"K-9 Ryker's vest was sponsored by Robert and Rosann Gordon of LaPorte, IN and embroidered with the sentiment 'Honoring those who served and sacrificed'," according to the department.
Vested Interest in K9s, which was established in 2009, has a mission of providing the protective armor to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies in the United States, Valparaiso police said. The group has provided more than 5,127 vests to K-9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by private and corporate donations.
"The pistol had an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device attached to it," officials said.
There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K-9s in the United States, the group says.
Vested Interest in K9s reportedly accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $985 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1,800.
For more information, visit vik9s.org .
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into the Porter County Jail
Rajae Evans
Arrest date: June 29, 2023
Age: 27
Residence: Michigan City, IN
Booking Number: 2302698
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Jeremy King
Arrest date: June 29, 2023
Age: 46
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302701
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Rayjean Williams
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 28
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302696
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Derrick Perkins
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 44
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302684
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Marshall Ralston Jr.
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 41
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302687
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Kelsey McLeod
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 48
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2302691
Charges: OWI, felony
Robert Jackson
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 24
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302693
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Kelly Borrmann
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 54
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302680
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
John Chalabis II
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 47
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302682
Charges: Intimidation, felony
Michael Diamond
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 58
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302681
Charges: Intimidation, felony
Jarad Good
Arrest date: June 28, 2023
Age: 37
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302695
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Mark Moser
Arrest date: June 27, 2023
Age: 54
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2302671
Charges: Intimidation, felony
James Barnett
Arrest date: June 27, 2023
Age: 26
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302677
Charges: Battery, felony
John Moore
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 65
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302658
Charges: Intimidation, felony
Adri Pitts
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 47
Residence: Fort Wayne, IN
Booking Number: 2302649
Charges: Battery, felony
Barry Johnson
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 60
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302645
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Sheryl Johnson
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 60
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302646
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Raymond Escamilla IV
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 27
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302651
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Logan James
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 19
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number: 2302657
Charges: Aggravated battery, felony
Richard Bean
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 48
Residence: Alsip, IL
Booking Number: 2302666
Charges: Theft, felony
Warren Blazina
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 53
Residence: Blue Island, IL
Booking Number: 2302665
Charges: Theft, felony
Mark Bryk Jr.
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 35
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302648
Charges: OWI, felony
Guadalupe Chima
Arrest date: June 26, 2023
Age: 40
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302667
Charges: Sexual battery, felony
Max Smith Jr.
Arrest date: June 25, 2023
Age: 44
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302644
Charges: Domestic battery, misdemeanor
Brian Sardeson
Arrest date: June 25, 2023
Age: 49
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2302639
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Vincen Ritchie
Arrest date: June 25, 2023
Age: 45
Residence: Ogden Dunes, IN
Booking Number: 2302637
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Dale Ribar
Arrest date: June 25, 2023
Age: 43
Residence: Kouts, IN
Booking Number: 2302638
Charges: OWI, felony
Vanessa Ontiveros
Arrest date: June 25, 2023
Age: 32
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302641
Charges: Domestic battery, felony
Rachel Perez
Arrest date: June 25, 2023
Age: 43
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number: 2302640
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Javier Ramirez
Arrest date: June 25, 2023
Age: 46
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number: 2302635
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Floyd Gaston Jr.
Arrest date: June 25, 2023
Age: 34
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number: 2302636
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Taylor Sanford
Arrest date: June 24, 2023
Age: 34
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302625
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Kiera Wrice
Arrest date: June 24, 2023
Age: 42
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number: 2302631
Charges: Battery, felony
Marvin Roundy
Arrest date: June 24, 2023
Age: 37
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number: 2302633
Charges: Strangulation, felony
Darrin Dedelow
Arrest date: June 24, 2023
Age: 56
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number: 2302632
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Joseph Meulemans
Arrest date: June 24, 2023
Age: 32
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number: 2302630
Charges: Possession hypodermic syringe or needle, felony
Jon Aimutis
Arrest date: June 23, 2023
Age: 33
Residence: Chesterton, IN
Booking Number: 2302612
Charges: Resisting w/injury, felony
Austin Carroll
Arrest date: June 24, 2023
Age: 20
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number: 2302629
Charges: OWI, misdemeanor
Charles Costanza
Arrest date: June 23, 2023
Age: 57
Residence: Ogden Dunes, IN
Booking Number: 2302621
Charges: Intimidation, felony
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The city of Hammond did not have legal standing to file a lawsuit last year seeking to prevent the permanent closure of the downtown Franciscan Health Hammond hospital, according to the Indiana Court of Appeals.
In a 3-0 ruling, the appellate court said Friday that the potential impact on the city's business reputation or public safety costs due to the shuttering of the former St. Margaret's Hospital was an insufficient basis for Hammond to challenge Franciscan's decision to close the facility.
The appellate judges also rejected Hammond's claim that it was acting on behalf of its 80,000 residents who would suffer negative effects from the hospital shutting down.
"The city of Hammond lacks standing to bring this case because any alleged injury is speculative and not directly traceable to Franciscan's conduct," the court said.
The appeals court had cleared the way for the hospital to close at the end of 2022 by halting enforcement of a preliminary injunction issued by Lake Superior Judge Bruce Parent directing the hospital to remain open for at least the first nine months of this year.
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. sought the injunction on behalf of the city after he claimed that Franciscan reneged on a promise to maintain an emergency room and eight-bed hospital at its downtown location after Franciscan announced Nov. 3, 2022, that it instead would close entirely on New Year's Eve because of a declining patient count and high staffing costs.
Hammond still can ask the Indiana Supreme Court to reconsider the appellate ruling and reinstate the injunction.
Gallery: Get to know these new Indiana laws that take effect July 1
AirTags
The unlawful use of a remote tracking device, such as an Apple AirTag, is in most cases a felony, punishable by up to 2½ years behind bars for a repeat offense or if the person being tracked has a protective order against the tracker, or 6 years in prison if the equipment is used for stalking. Prosecutors may also seek a penalty enhancement of up to 6 additional years in prison if the person employing a remote tracking device commits another felony causing serious bodily injury while using the equipment. (Senate Enrolled Act 161 )
Business Wire via AP
Alcohol permits
The city of Valparaiso is awarded five extra alcohol-sales permits for downtown restaurants. The new permits may be deployed at properties up to 1,500 feet outside the historic district centered on the Porter County Courthouse, instead of the former 700-foot maximum distance. (House Enrolled Act 1200 )
John Luke, file, The Times
Animal facilities
All newly constructed or remodeled facilities for dogs and cats, including animal shelters, veterinary offices, pet shops and boarding centers, must have an operating fire alarm system that automatically contacts the local fire or police department, or staff present in the building any time a dog or cat is on site. The mandate follows a 2021 inferno at an Indianapolis pet shop that killed more than 100 animals. (Senate Enrolled Act 277 )
Dreamstime
Annexation
A yet to be constructed residential subdivision located south of Aberdeen, in Porter County, may also employ the voluntary annexation process created last year for the Aberdeen neighborhood to choose to be annexed by Valparaiso, despite being located well outside current city limits. (House Enrolled Act 1418 )
Jerry Davich, file, The Times
Book bans
Every public school board and charter school governing body is required to establish a procedure for the parent of any student, or any person residing in the school district, to request the removal of library materials deemed "obscene" or "harmful to minors." School districts must also post a list of the complete holdings of its school libraries on each school’s website and provide a printed copy of the library catalogue to any individual upon request. (House Enrolled Act 1447 )
AP file photo
Bullying
All Indiana school corporations must update their discipline rules to include provisions prioritizing the safety of bullying victims, as well as to ensure bullying incidents are reported to the parents of the victim and the alleged perpetrator no more than five business days following the incident. School corporations may also set guidelines for determining whether a bullying incident warrants the forced transfer of the victim or the alleged perpetrator to a different school in the district. (House Enrolled Act 1483 )
Getty Images
Charter schools
The proceeds of each new voter-approved school funding referendum in Lake County must be shared with local charter schools in proportion to the number of children living in the school district who attend charter schools. Beginning July 1, 2024, all incremental property tax revenue growth at Lake County school districts must be shared on a proportional basis with local charter schools. (Senate Enrolled Act 391 , House Enrolled Act 1001 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Child molesting
A person over age 21 who has sex with a child less than 14 years old may be sentenced to a maximum term of 50 years in prison, instead of 40. Athletic coaches and workplace supervisors in Indiana no longer are permitted to engage in sexual conduct with certain individuals between ages 16 and 18, similar to other adults in a position of authority over children. (Senate Enrolled Act 301 , House Enrolled Act 1228 )
Dreamstime
Children’s hospitals
Northwest Indiana families covered by Medicaid will continue to have access to children's hospitals in neighboring states after Hoosier lawmakers agreed to maintain Indiana's increased payment rates for services at out-of-state children's hospitals first authorized in 2021. (House Enrolled Act 1313 )
ARMANDO L. SANCHEZ, CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Domestic violence
Individuals arrested for any of 13 domestic violence-related offenses must be jailed without bail for at least 24 hours after arrest — triple the state's former eight-hour cooling-off period. The crime of invasion of privacy also is a Level 6 felony, instead of a Class A misdemeanor, if the person has a prior, unrelated conviction for stalking. (Senate Enrolled Act 158 )
Times file photo
Drinking water
Every child care center, child care home and preschool in Indiana is obligated to test its drinking water for lead at least once before Jan. 1, 2026. If the test shows a lead level higher 15 parts per billion, the person responsible for the facility or preschool must either entirely eliminate the lead in the drinking water or install a state-approved lead filtering system. (House Enrolled Act 1138 )
Richard B. Levine/Sipa USA
Electric/hybrid vehicles
The state's special annual fee imposed on owners of electric and hybrid vehicles to make up for their reduced fuel-tax payments increases approximately 44% on Jan. 1, 2024, to account for inflation since the fees first were enacted in 2017. The new rates are $214 for electric vehicles and $72 for hybrid vehicles. (House Enrolled Act 1050 )
Molly DeVore, file, The Times
Encroachment
Twenty-five feet is set as the minimum bystander distance if a police officer orders a person to stop approaching when the officer is lawfully engaged in the execution of his or her official duties. Police and firefighters may clear an area 25 feet away from any emergency incident, such as a car crash or fire, or a greater distance if the area is marked using flags, barricades or emergency tape. (House Enrolled Act 1186)
TINA SFONDELES, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES VIA AP
FAFSA
Every high school senior attending an Indiana public, charter or voucher-accepting private school is required to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before April 15 to determine their eligibility for grants and loans for postsecondary education. There are no penalties for students or families who fail to fulfill the FAFSA mandate. (Senate Enrolled Act 167 )
Getty
Financial literacy
Successful completion of a one-semester financial literacy class is a new graduation requirement at every public, charter and private high school in Indiana, beginning with the class of 2028. The course must cover basic money management principles, debt management, retirement and investment accounts, taxes, loan applications, interest rate computation, credit scores, personal insurance policies and simple contracts, among other topics. (Senate Enrolled Act 35 )
Adobe Stock
Firefighting equipment
All firefighting gear purchased in Indiana beginning July 1, 2024, must include a permanently affixed label indicating whether it contains PFAS, potentially cancer-causing substances, also known as "forever chemicals," used in firefighting equipment because they're heat- and moisture-resistant. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is directed to establish a biomonitoring pilot program to sample the blood of up to 1,000 current and retired firefighters for PFAS. (House Enrolled Act 1341 , 1219 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Food and beverage tax
The Merrillville Town Council may impose a food and beverage tax of up to 1% on all dine-in and take-home food and drinks sold at Merrillville eateries, bars and similar outlets. If adopted, the town plans to use the money to construct an 18,000-square foot expansion of the indoor recreational amenities at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center to attract more sports tournaments and out-of-town visitors to Merrillville. (House Enrolled Act 1454 )
Joe Ruffalo, file, The Times
Gender-affirming care
Indiana hospitals and medical providers cannot administer any treatment, including hormone therapy, puberty-blocking drugs or surgeries, intended to transition the gender of a person under age 18, even if the child has their parent's consent and financial support. Hoosier children currently receiving gender transition hormone therapy must end their treatment by Dec. 31 and de-transition. A federal judge concluded June 16 that most of this law likely is unconstitutional and temporarily halted its enforcement. (Senate Enrolled Act 480 )
Darron Cummings, AP file photo
Gary schools
A five-member, appointed school board is reestablished for the Gary Community School Corp. to eventually replace the Indiana Distressed Unit Appeals Board as the governing body for the formerly cash-strapped school district. Gary’s mayor and the Gary Common Council appoint one member each, and the three others are chosen by the Indiana secretary of education, including at least one Gary resident, one resident of Gary or Lake County, and a final member from anywhere. (Senate Enrolled Act 327 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Gasoline tax
Indiana's gasoline tax increases by one penny to 34 cents per gallon, and by an additional penny each July 1 through 2027 to account for inflation. The rate was just 18 cents per gallon as recently as June 30, 2017, prior to enactment of the Republican road funding plan. (House Enrolled Act 1001)
Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press
Human trafficking
First-time applicants for a commercial driver’s license must watch an instructional video on how to recognize, prevent and report human trafficking as a condition of receiving a CDL. (House Enrolled Act 1196 )
John Luke, file, The Times
Illiana Expressway
All references in state law to the never-constructed Illiana Expressway, a public-private toll road that would have connected Interstate 65 in south Lake County to Interstate 55 near Joliet, Illinois, in an effort to relieve through-truck congestion on the Borman Expressway, are deleted in the hope of ending Illiana uncertainty that has depressed property values and slowed development in south Lake County. (Senate Enrolled Act 44 )
Natalie Battaglia, file, The Times
Inmate gender
The Indiana Department of Correction cannot use any state or federal dollars to provide "sexual reassignment surgery" to state prison inmates, even if the surgery is deemed medically necessary. (House Enrolled Act 1569 )
Indiana State Prison photo
Insurance fund
The state insurance commissioner may begin the process of permanently closing the funds operated by the largely inactive Indiana Political Subdivision Risk Management Commission and returning the $5 million remaining in the commission's accounts to entities including the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and the city of Portage. (Senate Enrolled Act 353 )
Dreamstime
Juror pay
The pay for prospective jurors is doubled to $30 a day while seated jurors must be paid $80 a day for the first five days of a trial, and $90 for each trial day thereafter. Prospective and seated jurors also continue to be entitled to a daily mileage reimbursement for travel to and from the court. It's Indiana's first juror pay increase in a quarter-century. (House Enrolled Act 1466 )
Times file photo
Juveniles
Law enforcement officers no longer can intentionally lie to children under age 18 during an interrogation in an effort to secure a confession or for any other purpose. In addition, a police officer who takes a child into custody at a school, or during a school-sponsored event, must attempt to immediately notify the student's parent, guardian or emergency contact. (Senate Enrolled Act 415 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Lake County convention center
The Lake County Board of Commissioners must begin soliciting proposals to construct and operate a convention center and adjacent hotel. The Lake County Council may increase the innkeepers' tax rate on hotel stays up to 10% from 5% to partially fund the convention center. The city of Gary can obtain up to $3 million a year for blighted building demolition from the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, so long as the city puts up a matching amount. (Senate Enrolled Act 434 )
Joseph S. Pete, file, The Times
Lake County recorder
The Lake County Council is authorized to make a one-time transfer from the county's overstuffed elected officials training fund to the recorder's records perpetuation fund to help complete projects underway for the past two years aimed at improving accuracy in the county's record-keeping systems. (Senate Enrolled Act 65 )
Provided
Landlords
Utility companies may ask a judge to appoint a receiver when a multifamily residential property owner with more than four units hasn't paid a utility bill for the property for an extended period of time. If appointed, the receiver would have broad powers to operate the rental property in place of the landlord, including the authority to collect rents, pay debts and even sell the property. (Senate Enrolled Act 114 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Little Calumet River
The Little Calumet River Basin Development Commission is subject only to directives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when engaged in the removal of sediment and flood-causing debris, or when making improvements to the riverbank. It's not obligated to follow Indiana Department of Environmental Management mandates that go above and beyond federal requirements. (Senate Enrolled Act 412 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Lost farmland
The Indiana Department of Agriculture is directed to conduct an inventory of all farmland lost in the state between 2010 and 2022, and to identify the primary cause of the farmland reduction. The agency must submit a report to the General Assembly by July 1, 2024, detailing its findings and any recommendations, including potential legislation. (House Enrolled Act 1557 )
Doug Ross, file, The Times
Machine guns
The definition of machine gun is revised to include a firearm with an attached "switch," or any similar device, that enables fully automatic shooting with a single pull of the trigger. A person with a switch attached to their gun is subject to a variety of state penalty enhancements for the possession or use of a machine gun. (House Enrolled Act 1365 )
Provided by Cook County Sheriff's Department
Mail-in ballots
To receive an absentee ballot, Indiana citizens age 18 and up submitting a paper application for a mail-in ballot must now provide their driver's license number, state identification card number, or voter identification number, along with the last four digits of their Social Security number, or a photocopy of the voter's driver's license or state ID card. (House Enrolled Act 1334 )
Kale Wilk, file, The Times
Mental health
An additional $50 million is provided to expand community mental health services across the state, a toll-free help line to provide confidential emotional support and referrals is created, Indiana is authorized to participate in the national 9-8-8 suicide and crisis lifeline, and the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission is reestablished. (Senate Enrolled Act 1 )
Times file photo
Military bases
Citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia, and companies based in or controlled by individuals from those counties, are prohibited from leasing, purchasing or otherwise acquiring real property located adjacent to any military installation in Indiana. (Senate Enrolled Act 477 )
Melissa Sue Gerrits, file, Getty Images
Military pay
Military wages earned by a member of an active or reserve component of the United States armed forces or National Guard are 100% exempt from Indiana income tax. The tax exemption is expected to reduce state and local income tax receipts by $30 million to $50 million a year. (House Enrolled Act 1034 )
Joyce Russell, file, The Times
Pension investments
The $45 billion Indiana Public Retirement System is prohibited from contracting with investment managers who consider environmental, social or governance (ESG) factors — such as reducing air pollution or ensuring diverse corporate board membership — when making investment decisions, unless the INPRS board determines ESG investments are in the financial best interest of its members. INPRS also is required to divest all of its holdings that are closely associated with the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party. (House Enrolled Act 1008 , Senate Enrolled Act 268 )
Provided
Public health
More state resources are available to local public health departments to prioritize preventative health care and enact other organizational and mission-driven reforms following the COVID-19 pandemic. Altogether, $225 million is appropriated over two years to begin the work. (Senate Enrolled Act 4 )
Doug Ross, file, The Times
School board elections
The start of the 30-day school board filing period is shifted in 2024 to mid-May from late-July to give Hoosier voters more time to learn about the nonpartisan candidates running for local school boards and what they stand for. (Senate Enrolled Act 177 )
Marc Chase, file, The Times
Service animals
Only a dog or miniature horse qualifies as a service animal for individuals with disabilities in Indiana. Facilities open to the public must take reasonable steps to accommodate a disabled Hoosier assisted by a dog or miniature horse. (House Enrolled Act 1354 )
File photo
Sex education
Teachers and other school personnel are explicitly prohibited from providing instruction on "human sexuality" to students in prekindergarten through third grade. Indiana schools typically don't provide any kind of sex education until at least fifth grade, except for state-mandated programs focused on preventing child abuse and child sexual abuse, which must continue under the law. (House Enrolled Act 1608 )
iStock photo
SNAP assistance
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration is directed to simplify the process for senior citizens and disabled Hoosiers to apply for federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP. Qualified applicants automatically remain eligible for SNAP benefits for up to three years, so long as they annually certify their income remains at or below the level required to receive SNAP assistance. (Senate Enrolled Act 334 )
Tony V. Martin, file, The Times
Speed cameras
The Indiana Department of Transportation is authorized to use camera enforcement to ticket motorists exceeding the speed limit by at least 11 mph in highway work zones. Speeding motorists would get off with a warning for a first violation, a $75 fine for the second and a $150 fine for each subsequent violation. (House Enrolled Act 1015 )
Kale Wilk, file, The Times
State comptroller
The office of auditor of state is redesignated as the "state comptroller" for all public and legal purposes to better reflect its duties overseeing state accounting tasks and financial reporting, and to try to eliminate the mistaken belief that it audits the books of local governments or the tax returns of individual Hoosiers. (House Enrolled Act 1001 )
Doug Ross, file, The Times
Storage units
Storage companies are authorized to seize the storage unit of a delinquent renter just five days after a missed payment, instead of 30 days. An auction of the stored contents may be held if the rent remains unpaid after 60 days, instead of 90. (House Enrolled Act 1621 )
Photo provided
Tax sales
Individuals barred from bidding on tax sale properties, due to unpaid property taxes of their own or for any other reason, are prohibited from being assigned a tax sale certificate by another successful bidder. Lake County also may begin using other means to dispose of land parcels with unpaid property taxes that otherwise continually churn through tax sales. (Senate Enrolled Acts 156 and 157 )
Lauren Cross, file, The Times
Taxpayer receipt
The Indiana Department of Revenue must make available to each Hoosier who paid income taxes in the prior year a detailed receipt showing how the money paid by the taxpayer is being spent by the state. The receipt must be provided in an electronic format on a state website. (House Enrolled Act 1499 )
Adobe Stock
Teachers unions
School superintendents no longer have a statutory obligation to regularly meet with the union representative of school employees, outside of collective bargaining periods, to discuss various issues relating to school operations, such as curriculum, teaching materials, hiring and retention, performance evaluations, student discipline, class size, school safety and working hours. (Senate Enrolled Act 486 )
Kale Wilk, file, The Times
Throwing stars
The easily concealable, star-shaped, knife-like weapons with blades set at different angles are treated the same as other types of knives recognized by Indiana — ending a nearly four-decade state throwing star ban. Throwing stars still cannot be brought to a school, on a school bus or another student transport vehicle. (Senate Enrolled Act 77 )
Amazon.com
Transit Development District
The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) is authorized to establish a Transit Development District (TDD) centered on Valparaiso's bus station at 260 Brown St., and to sell bonds to speed construction of nearby transit-oriented residential and retail development, subject to local planning and zoning ordinances. The borrowed funds will be paid back using the captured growth of state income and local property tax revenues in the TDD. (House Enrolled Act 1046 )
Suzanne Tennant, file, The Times
21st Century Scholars
Eligible students automatically are enrolled in the state's 21st Century Scholars program that guarantees a low- or no-cost college education to individuals who comply with program guidelines. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education must inform eligible students and their families of their enrollment in the program, along with the academic requirements the student must meet to obtain and maintain a college tuition scholarship. (House Enrolled Act 1449 )
michaeljung // Shutterstock
Valparaiso lawsuit
Valparaiso's legal efforts to require video streaming services pay a franchise fee of 5% of local gross revenue for using equipment located in the public right-of-way to transmit programming, similar to cable television companies, are squelched by a retroactive law specifically exempting streaming services from the fee. (House Enrolled Act 1454 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Xylazine
Coroners in all 92 Indiana counties must test apparent opioid overdose victims for xylazine. Also known as "Tranq," xylazine is a sedative and pain reliever primarily used in veterinary medicine that's increasingly being cut into supplies of fentanyl, cocaine and heroin, putting users of those substances at higher risk of suffering fatal drug poisoning. (House Enrolled Act 1286 )
Screenshot
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Get local news delivered to your inbox! | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hammond/hammond-hospital-franciscan-health-closure-lawsuit/article_05b9871a-1793-11ee-8bca-ef6d4d6f57c0.html | 2023-07-01T02:50:27 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hammond/hammond-hospital-franciscan-health-closure-lawsuit/article_05b9871a-1793-11ee-8bca-ef6d4d6f57c0.html |
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Local | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/lawmaker-wants-to-change-nyc-noise-code-law/4462559/ | 2023-07-01T03:00:20 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/lawmaker-wants-to-change-nyc-noise-code-law/4462559/ |
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Some local Birmingham students are spending their summer break learning about the film industry and are even being featured in an upcoming film.
Two hundred students from four Birmingham City Schools are gaining new knowledge about the film and TV industry thanks to a summer film camp organized by Dundrill Heights Motion Pictures. The professional content creators are teaching students that they too can be a part of the film industry.
“They are a ball of energy primarily because they didn’t know these things existed” said Valton Johnson, a professional actor, writer, producer and director. “Much like adults, kids will watch television but don’t really realize that they too can be a part of the production.”
A film recently released on YouTube titled Welcome to Dundrill Heights was just picked up by Amazon Prime. Producers told CBS 42 there are several kids from West End Academy featured in the movie. | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/birmingham-city-schools-students-in-film-soon-to-be-on-amazon-prime/ | 2023-07-01T03:06:48 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/birmingham-city-schools-students-in-film-soon-to-be-on-amazon-prime/ |
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-fourth-of-july-weekend/article_5bca40ec-1787-11ee-8315-87613118890a.html | 2023-07-01T03:08:35 | 1 | https://www.foxbangor.com/news/local/traffic-uptick-during-long-fourth-of-july-weekend/article_5bca40ec-1787-11ee-8315-87613118890a.html |
AUSTIN, Texas — A Friday afternoon rollover crash on Highway 183 in North Austin has left one dead, according to the Austin Police Department (APD).
According to police, the crash occurred just after 5 p.m. in the 13000 block of N. Highway 183 Northbound. The crash involved an on-duty APD officer in a marked unit and another motorist.
EMS officials confirmed to KVUE Friday night that the civilian driver died on the scene, while the officer was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The APD Vehicular Homicide Unit is investigating the incident, and the APD Internal Affairs Unit will subsequently review the investigation.
The name of the officer and the deceased victim have not been disclosed. The crash caused all lanes of Highway 183 Northbound closed as a result of the incident. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/apd-unit-fatal-crash/269-7246d494-3ce8-4839-bbd1-bc5ff5dfc148 | 2023-07-01T03:09:10 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/apd-unit-fatal-crash/269-7246d494-3ce8-4839-bbd1-bc5ff5dfc148 |
HOUSTON — Fourth of July is almost here but for many the celebration will start this weekend and so will the fireworks.
Each year, some people end up in the ER with fireworks-related injuries.
At just 17 years old, Nate Watson had no idea his life would forever be changed by a single firework.
“If you ask him, he’s like ‘my future literally blew up in my face,'" Nate's father David Watson said.
It was the Fourth of July two years ago. Nate was popping fireworks in the front yard.
“He put the firework down a mortar shell, lit it, backed away like he’s been told and taught and seen how it’s done," David said.
He said Nate did everything right, but still, something went wrong.
“The firework never went up. It exploded in the tube. So what happened was, all the pieces went exploding. He instinctively went like this, to protect his face and his arm and wrist sustained the majority of the trauma," David said.
A paramedic at the time, David treated his son right there, on the front lawn and then rushed him to the hospital.
“The bones in his wrist were pretty much decimated. And the bones in his forearm were both broken," David said.
Today, sadly, Nate’s arm will never be the same, and David, now an adult injury prevention education coordinator at Memorial Hermann said he will never buy fireworks again.
“My advice is to leave it to professionals because you never know what could happen, even if you’re being completely 100% safe," David said.
Doctors from Memorial Hermann are hoping to help prevent injuries this year.
“Fireworks are no different than using firearms, there’s a risk associated with them that people don’t always take into account," Dr. Todd Huzar, UTHealth Houston burn surgeon with Memorial Hermann, said.
Huzar agrees the best way to prevent injury is to not use fireworks altogether, but says, if you are using them, be cautious.
“Don’t mix with alcohol because it could affect your judgment, it can affect your speed and ability to get away," Huzar said. "Keep children very far away from them."
“You always want to shoot on open level ground so that nothing falls over," spokesperson for Top Dog Fireworks Sue Davis said.
She fireworks can be done safely as long as you're smart.
“Fireworks are not toys. Every firework needs to be treated as something that you have to have a lot of respect for. You need to follow the directions, and follow all the common sense safety rules," Davis said. | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/my-future-literally-blew-up-in-my-face-defective-firework-causes-permanent-damage-to-houston-teen/503-8da97cfa-9143-46ca-865c-451f11c45bd0 | 2023-07-01T03:09:16 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/my-future-literally-blew-up-in-my-face-defective-firework-causes-permanent-damage-to-houston-teen/503-8da97cfa-9143-46ca-865c-451f11c45bd0 |
DULUTH — A long-running Northland program that helps people with disabilities enjoy an array of recreational activities has a new operator and a new name.
Duluth's Miller-Dwan Foundation has acquired the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute — Northland from Minneapolis-based Allina Health, it was announced Friday. With the changeover comes a more descriptive and simplified moniker: Northland Adaptive Recreation.
Officials indicated the transition is not expected to result in any significant changes for the program, which for more than 40 years has provided services to adults with some form of disability or loss of function — from brain injuries and strokes to vision impairments, birth defects and developmental issues.
“We are thrilled to join the Miller-Dwan Foundation team,” Eric Larson, a longtime program supervisor, said in a news release. “Both of us are committed to serving the Duluth, Superior, North Shore and Iron Range communities through innovative programs that contribute to people's health and wellness beyond hospital walls. This partnership allows us to keep our team in place and maintains our process for recruiting and keeping volunteers.”
The program can trace its roots to 1979, when some University of Minnesota Duluth students with wanted to form a local league so they didn't have to drive to the Twin Cities to play wheelchair basketball. Then operating as Courage Center Duluth, the effort began as a partnership with UMD Recreational Sports leader Dick Haney and the United Way.
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It had been under Allina's control since 2013, getting its most recent name through a merger with the health care system's Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute.
The program is known for its annual fishing "contest" that has been held on Fish Lake Reservoir north of Duluth for more than 20 years. But the goal of the nonprofit is simple and wide-ranging, as described in a 2019 News Tribune story: "improve self-confidence and encourage an active, healthy lifestyle."
Name a recreational activity in the Northland and there's a good chance the program has found a way to adapt it for participants: archery, curling, cycling, dragon boat racing, fishing, golfing, ice skating, kayaking, mountain biking, Nordic and downhill skiing, paddle boarding, rock climbing, rowing, sailing, snowboarding, soccer, swimming, water skiing and yoga.
The program is staffed by more than 300 volunteers, and Miller-Dwan Foundation officials said they'll be "preparing for more growth and flexibility."
“Northland Adaptive Recreation has been cultivating meaningful relationships in this community since it began in 1979 as the Courage Center,” President Traci Marciniak said. “It’s because of the love this program has poured into our community and the trust it has fostered that Miller-Dwan Foundation can partner with this program. We believe we can deepen those community connections and serve even more people.” | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/duluth-charity-takes-over-courage-kenny-adaptive-sports-program | 2023-07-01T03:13:27 | 0 | https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/local/duluth-charity-takes-over-courage-kenny-adaptive-sports-program |
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — East Tennessee State University announced on Monday that it would be cutting its men’s indoor track and field program to be more in compliance with Title IX.
This decision brought with it a lot of questions from not only the community but also the athletes.
Men’s track and field captain Evan Guzman said that prior to the announcement, the team was notified of the program cut through a zoom call.
“We had a meeting and then Monday just about, let’s say, 15 minutes before, we hopped on a Zoom call and then the news dropped,” Guzman said.
The announcement made by Athletic Director Richard “Doc” Sander stated that the school would make the cut to be more compliant with Title IX regulations. Title IX ensures that there is an equal opportunity for both men and women in athletics in proportion to their enrollment.
Guzman said he believes there are other options to comply with the regulations besides cutting the program.
“The point was to bring more women in and recruit more women and of course, equal opportunities are great. But this isn’t equal to cut a men’s program when there’s other solutions out there,” said Guzman. “And I’m no administration I’ll admit that. But I know that you can continue to work and think of ideas of how to bring in more women.”
Guzman said that the athletes are still able to compete in indoor track and field competitions, but they will compete unattached and will be financially responsible in order to compete.
“We can still compete indoors. But whose tab is that on? I think that’s an important question. It’s something to know is that, yes, we compete unattached. But now as student-athletes, of course, we have to take care of school housing food and now competition,” said Guzman.
Even after both the announcement and the meeting, Guzman said he still has many questions for Sander.
“I still have questions for Doc Sander, frankly, and I think we all do too. I think we need to continue asking what is truly going on,” said Guzman.
Guzman stated that he and the team will continue to use their voices to speak up against the cut and do more than sit back and act as victims.
“So, the next steps for myself in the team is to continue to represent the school and to show that we’re not just victims of this,” Guzman said. | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/etsu-mens-track-and-field-captain-speaks-about-indoor-track-program-cut/ | 2023-07-01T03:17:30 | 1 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/etsu-mens-track-and-field-captain-speaks-about-indoor-track-program-cut/ |
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 at City Hall West.
Kate Jacobson / Boise Weekly
The officer involved in the shooting was identified as Officer Chance 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-offers-updates-says-it-will-investigate-fatal-shooting/article_44e3d1a8-1774-11ee-a96c-7b30cc94d713.html | 2023-07-01T03:23:49 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/boise-police-offers-updates-says-it-will-investigate-fatal-shooting/article_44e3d1a8-1774-11ee-a96c-7b30cc94d713.html |
BOISE — On Friday, around 100 people gathered at Boise City Hall, rallying for the man who was shot by police in downtown Boise last Saturday.
“We want accountability,” a man who identified himself as Sasha said. “These police are unaccountable. The city won’t hold them accountable, and so it’s time for citizens to hold them accountable.”
The rally comes nearly one week after Payton Wasson was shot at approximately 2 a.m. on June 24, when officers were investigating a situation they believed to be gang activity or narcotics sales.
Upon attempted contact with Wasson and Mario Garza, Wasson fled on foot while carrying a gun, Police Chief Ron Winegar said at a press conference earlier Friday. Wasson was shot by a BPD officer after he ignored officers calling for him to stop, police said. He died last Sunday at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
Friday’s news conference was the first time the police department had publicly addressed the media since the shooting. A common belief among members of the crowd was that the lack of information released is an indication that the Boise Police Department is hiding something. It’s unclear if a specific organization set up the rally.
“We want them defunded,” Sasha said. “We want our money going towards solutions that actually help people: housing, health care, good paying jobs, especially mental health care...we don’t want people (expletive) murdering our communities and shooting them in the (expletive) head anymore.”
No officers were injured during the incident; the officer who shot the suspect, identified as Officer Chance Feldner, will be placed on paid administrative leave, per department policy. The Ada County Sheriff’s Office is leading the Critical Incident Task Force investigation. Boise Police are planning on releasing body camera footage when it is available for release, Winegar said.
{span id=”docs-internal-guid-a3240b11-7fff-0f6e-2a46-39f09f1dd0d6”}“Saturday’s shooting in downtown Boise was a tragedy for the Wasson family, it was a tragedy for everyone who witnessed that incident, everyone who was involved,” Winegar said at the press conference. “We are committed to investigating what happened and to ensuring that there is integrity and accountability in the process.”{/span}
The issue is one happening across the United States, Jenny Martindale said. Most people, like Martindale, heard about the rally on social media.
”The community came together because we’re sick of it,” Martindale said. “I want the entire state to be aware of what a lot of marginalized people, young people, poor people, have to deal with from the police.”
What began as a quiet rally erupted into shouting matches across Capitol Boulevard.
Toward the start of the rally, an altercation took place across the street from City Hall, where a handful of Idaho Liberty Dogs and community members stood holding police flags. The altercation began, according to the Liberty Dogs, with a woman ripping down one of their flags as she walked by. The woman, who identified herself as Korena, wasn’t comfortable giving her last name to the press.
”I was walking and they made me mad, and they called the police on me and there we go,” Korena said.
Sasha claimed the Liberty Dogs assaulted him and screamed profanity at them several times. Most people at the rally were not involved in the skirmish.
“I respect the police department,” Helen Pearce said. “I think that 99% of them are out there doing a wonderful job. I don’t even think this was the case of a bad apple or something like that, I’m sure it was an accident, and I’m sure he’ll feel bad about it for the rest of his life — but it still shouldn’t have happened.”
When manslaughter occurs in a regular situation, there’s accountability, Pearce said.
”I think we should have some accountability here,” Pearce said. “I think that the situations in which lethal force should be used are very few and far between, and this wasn’t one of those situations.”
The Boise Police Department’s Use of Force Procedure says that the criteria for using force includes the nature and extent of the threat posed by the suspect, the severity of the crime, attempts by the suspect to evade arrest by flight, and environmental considerations. Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Ada County Dispatch at 208-377-6790.
“Cops don’t have the right to play God. No matter what the circumstances are, it’s not right,” Korena said. “It’s not their job to determine whether or not that person gets to wake up at their family.”
Emily White is a reporter for the Idaho Press. She covers Boise and Ada County with an emphasis on education. Follow her on Twitter @EmilyWhite177 and email her at ewhite@idahopress.com | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/rally-attendees-demand-accountability-after-fatal-boise-police-shooting/article_72b68b78-16b8-11ee-8400-a7133192e78f.html | 2023-07-01T03:23:55 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/rally-attendees-demand-accountability-after-fatal-boise-police-shooting/article_72b68b78-16b8-11ee-8400-a7133192e78f.html |
Settling a heated pandemic-era debate between Gov. Greg Abbott and leaders of the state’s major urban areas, the Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that the governor had the legal authority to forbid local officials from requiring residents to wear masks in order to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As a contagious form of the virus raged in summer 2021 and threatened to push hospitals to the brink of their capacity limits, several local leaders put in place their own orders mandating that residents wear masks in certain public settings like businesses and schools — in defiance of Abbott’s own emergency order banning such masking rules.
City and county officials balked at Abbott using his emergency powers to block public health measures intended to respond to the emergency. But the court ruled that state law gives Abbott the authority to do just that.
“We hold that, during a declared disaster, the Governor has the lawful authority to prohibit local officials from imposing mask requirements in response to a contagious disease,” Justice Jimmy Blacklock wrote in an opinion handed down Friday morning.
The court’s ruling is largely moot given that state lawmakers banned local governments this year from requiring masks, vaccines or business shutdowns should COVID-19 flare up again. Abbott let his emergency order — thought to be the last statewide emergency order in the entire country — expire in June after legislators passed the new law, which takes effect Sept. 1. The Biden administration also declared the end to the nation’s COVID-19 emergency in April.
The ruling, however, gives Abbott a significant win in the courts amid ongoing tension between Republican leaders in Austin and cities, typically managed by Democrats.
"It is disappointing and dangerous — but not surprising — that the Texas Supreme Court yielded to the state's partisan political fight against local governments, ruling that the governor's emergency powers can be used to prevent local officials from actually dealing with emergencies," San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said.
And it answers a two-year-old debate: whether Abbott overstepped his authority by banning local leaders from enacting their own mask mandates during a public health emergency.
“The opinion is very clear that the decisions of the governor will prevail over decisions of all local authorities in any disaster,” said Doug Alexander, a lawyer representing Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins in the case.
Though the court sided with Abbott on local masking rules and his authority to override local emergency protections, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said it was some comfort that they also said the governor doesn't have "unlimited" authority to suspend laws during a disaster.
"As state officials continue to take aim at Harris County and other large urban centers, we will not back down," Menefee said in a statement. "You can rest assured that the Texas Supreme Court will have more opportunities to consider whether state officials are overreaching."
Facing pressure from his right to drop the statewide mask mandate he enacted in the early months of the pandemic, Abbott lifted the mandate in March 2021. Months later, he put another order in place that sapped cities, counties and school districts of the power to enact their own local mask rules.
But as the virus surged in the form of the contagious delta variant and threatened to push hospitals to the brink that summer — all as students too young to get vaccinated were slated to return to the classroom after more than a year of remote learning — local officials rebelled against Abbott and enacted their own masking orders.
Among them were Jenkins, Nirenberg, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, and then-Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff who each put in place their own masking rules for certain public settings and later sued Abbott and now-suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton to stop them from enforcing the rules.
Abbott’s authority under the Texas Disaster Act — which grants the governor as well as the heads of cities and counties emergency powers in case of disasters like hurricanes and pandemics — did not give him the authority to stop locals from putting their own public health measures in place, they argued.
But justices were unswayed by those arguments. In an opinion written by Blacklock, the court ruled the state has the final say in how to manage an emergency response and “the orders of local officials about contagious-disease response must yield to conflicting orders at the state level, including the Governor’s orders during a declared disaster.”
“The temptation to relinquish our enduring legacy of constitutional government is strongest in the face of life-threatening emergencies like the recent pandemic,” Blacklock wrote in the court’s ruling. “In times like these, when calls for robust, expedient government action may sound more urgent than calls for proper constitutional process, adherence to our Constitution is more necessary than ever.”
The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
>MORE TEXAS POLITICS NEWS: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/abbott-texas-covid-mask-rules-pandemic-supreme-court-ruling-republicans-democrats/273-93377b89-f9c2-4776-8583-f9da2b6dd008 | 2023-07-01T03:26:03 | 0 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/abbott-texas-covid-mask-rules-pandemic-supreme-court-ruling-republicans-democrats/273-93377b89-f9c2-4776-8583-f9da2b6dd008 |
BOISE, Idaho — The start of a new fiscal year brings new laws starting July 1. Idaho will enact more than 253 new laws to begin the month, dating back – mostly – to the 2023 legislative session.
A significant number of these bills – now turned to law – relate to funding, appropriations and budgets. However, several laws drew debate and controversy through the session.
Senate Bill 1254: This law dates back to the 2022 legislative session, removing state requirements to test car emissions.
Advocates of the law suggest newer cars are more eco-friendly and emission tests are no longer necessary. Others fear this move will negatively impact local air quality and abolish private emissions testing businesses.
House Bill 124: This law removes student identification cards from the list of acceptable ID forms for use in state voting booths. A student wanting to vote in Idaho elections must provide a different ID, which could include a state driver’s license.
"My constituents are concerns that students, maybe from a state like Washington or Oregon where they vote by mail, may come here with their ID and vote in person, then fill out a ballot from another state and vote twice," bill sponsor Rep. Tina Lambert (R - Caldwell) said.
House Bill 186: This law reinstates the firing squad as an acceptable execution method in the event the necessary drugs to perform a humane lethal injection are not available.
"That's punishment. This is the just punishments under the laws in our state," bill sponsor Rep. Bruce Skaug (R - Nampa) said.
The Idaho Department of Correction has had difficulty receiving the necessary lethal injection drugs, KTVB previously reported. The state has not carried out an execution since 2012.
House Bill 149: This law allows a non-violent and non-sexual offender to petition the state to seal their public record. The offender cannot be a felon and only one offense can be sealed. To be eligible, the offender must have a clean record for five years.
"So, to be clear, this is not for rapists and murderers. This is for the offenses like one-time, low-level marijuana possession. At most, really, some of it is like littering, passing a school bus," bill sponsor Rep. Ilana Rubel (D - Boise) said.
Prosecutors and police can still access a sealed record.
Senate Bill 1100: This law mandates Idaho public schools segregate bathrooms and locker rooms strictly on the basis of biological sex. Transgender students, for example, must use the bathroom corresponding with their biological sex.
The law is intended to protect student privacy, according to bill sponsor Rep. Ben Adam (R-Nampa).
"It's taking us back to separate but equal. That is what that feels like," Emilia Connelly told KTVB after testifying against the bill in committee. "It's like a punch in the gut. I don't say that as a figure of speech. It feels like that."
A complete list of new laws taking effect at the start of the fiscal year can be found by clicking here.
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Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download. | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/notable-idaho-laws-going-into-effect-saturday-july-1/277-c3347a73-3d3e-402a-b446-6606a270e785 | 2023-07-01T03:30:33 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/notable-idaho-laws-going-into-effect-saturday-july-1/277-c3347a73-3d3e-402a-b446-6606a270e785 |
GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Along the rolling fields of Seminary Ridge, people from across the country are taking in the sights of Gettysburg National Park.
“[We] decided we were going to take a couple days out here, and we planned it well in advance," said Vince D'Angelo, who traveled from Vermont.
“My dad took me out here when I was five years old," said Stefan Gavula, who drove up to Gettysburg from Kentucky. "Right now I’m 33 years old, so it’s the first time I’ve been out here since then."
While smoke from cannons may have filled the fields of Gettysburg 160 years ago tomorrow, Friday's haze is from a different source. Smoke from the Canadian wildfires lingers over the famous battlefield, impacting views.
“This view here, where Pickett’s Charge happened, there was not great visibility yesterday," said Gavula.
Jason Martz with the National Park Service says park officials will continue to monitor air quality levels throughout the weekend. While all weekend programming is expected to continue as scheduled, Martz said the battlefield is prepared to make adjustments.
“We’ve been dealing with these numbers and climate issues for years," said Martz. "It’s just that this has taken a different turn with all the wildfires this year.”
Battlefield walking tours will be shortened if the air quality index hovers between 150 and 200, in order to limit the exposure of people visiting the park this weekend.
However, if the air quality index climbs above 200, all outdoor programming will be canceled.
“If something needs to happen, we will make a spot decision for as long as it’s required," said Martz.
As park officials keep their eyes on the air quality, visitors are still making the most of their visit to the battlefield on a milestone anniversary.
“We’ll have a full day tomorrow to enjoy other sights of the battlefield and the reenactments," said Gavula. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/gettysburg-park-officials-keeping-eye-on-air-quality-ahead-of-anniversary-weekend-gettysburg-adams-county/521-8ec3f473-7830-468d-b606-fdcf4efc049a | 2023-07-01T03:30:42 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/gettysburg-park-officials-keeping-eye-on-air-quality-ahead-of-anniversary-weekend-gettysburg-adams-county/521-8ec3f473-7830-468d-b606-fdcf4efc049a |
PITTSBURGH — Two Pittsburgh nightclubs are locked up after investigators deemed them “nuisance bars.”
The District Attorney said Club Energy on Kelly Street and The Lobbi on Brownsville Road don’t have liquor licenses.
11 News spoke to the owner of Club Energy last weekend after a shooting injured two people outside.
“It’s a great establishment it’s just unfortunate that we have no control over what happens outside,” the owner said.
A hearing for both injunctions has been scheduled for Wednesday.
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ZELIENOPLE, Pa. — Ross Edmondson left the Zelienople Municipal Airport on May 6, 2019, on a quest to travel the world in his 1981 Cessna airplane. The trip was only supposed to take a year, but COVID thwarted that plan. Finishing on Friday was a full-circle moment for him.
“Flying into Zelienople now and seeing so many people here and even fire trucks waiting to greet me was extremely emotional,” Edmondson said.
Over 83,000 miles, 35 countries, 570 airports, and nearly 700 hours in the air have all led up to this moment for Edmondson.
“Very hard to put into words really. It’s been tiring, it’s been challenging, it’s been incredibly rewarding and exciting and I still can’t believe that I had the opportunity to do,” Edmondson said.
Before Edmondson started his journey four years ago, he’d spent over a decade planning his trip around the world. From modifying the single-engine plane to increase how far it could fly, updating instruments and even pre-planning aircraft fuel to be a certain location for his plane - it appeared Edmondson thought of everything, except for the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Edmondson added, “It was certainly not something that I had anticipated in my planning,” Edmondson added. “I tried to think of every possible eventuality, and this was not something that I had come up with.”
Suddenly, Edmondson found himself grounded in New Zealand in March 2020.
“The Pacific Islands all closed their borders and they stayed closed until late 2022,” he said.
When he was finally able to fly again - COVID still caused some hiccups along his journey.
“Restrictions did keep changing even state by state. I got hunted down by the police in Australia and thrown into quarantine because there had been a case in a city that I had visited a few days before,” Edmondson said.
Still, Edmondson persevered.
“I’d had such amazing send-off when I left here and so much support from the people here at Zelienople and a huge number of people I met on the way around who helped me that I owed it to them as much as myself to finish,” he said.
And Friday, June 30 at 5 p.m., he crossed that finish line back at the same place where he left, officially making him one of only 200 small aircraft pilots to fly across the world. He also used the flight as an opportunity to support the charity African Promise which supports primary education in Kenya.
Edmondson says he plans to fly back to his home in Texas on Sunday and after that plans to take a rest and start planning his next adventure.
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HARRISBURG, Pa. — Republicans who control Pennsylvania’s Senate passed spending legislation hours ahead of Saturday’s start of a new fiscal year, but they lacked agreement with the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives to keep state government’s full spending authority intact.
Without new spending authority in place, the state will be legally barred from making some payments, although a stalemate must typically last weeks before an effect on services is felt.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, has stayed out of sight in the Capitol and behind closed doors in his official residence, while House and Senate leaders sent rank-and-file lawmakers home Friday with no certain plans to return.
School spending was the main point of disagreement between the sides.
House and Senate leaders have maintained that they were more interested in negotiating a good budget than simply getting it done by Saturday’s start of the 2023-24 fiscal year. In his remarks during floor debate, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, acknowledged that differences remained with House Democrats.
“Our friends on the other side of the building clearly have a different point of view on where we should be at this moment in this commonwealth,” Pittman said.
The main budget bill in the Senate GOP’s $45 billion spending plan passed 29-21, a couple hours after it emerged Friday. Every Republican supported it and all but one Democrat voted against it. Shapiro’s administration declined Friday to say whether he supports the Senate GOP plan, saying only that House and Senate leaders should continue to work toward compromise.
The plan is about a 5% increase from the last approved budget, although part of it — about $600 million in aid for Penn State, Temple University and the University of Pittsburgh — is in limbo and being held up by a House Republican bloc.
The total spending figure is several hundred million less than what Shapiro proposed in March and about $1.7 billion less than what the Democratic-controlled House passed in early June.
It also carries significantly less for public schools than what Democrats wanted, but gives substantial increases for private schools.
That includes $100 million to pay for children to attend private and religious schools under a new program backed by Republican lawmakers and Shapiro, but opposed by Democratic lawmakers, and another $150 million for a tax credit program that largely benefits private schools.
Like Shapiro’s plan, the Senate GOP plan envisions no increases in income or sales taxes — the state’s two main revenue sources — and most of the new money in it would go to education, health care and social services. To balance, the plan will require about $1 billion from reserves, leaving about $13 billion in reserve.
Republicans called their budget “responsible” in the face of a potential recession.
In addition to opposing the new $100 million private school subsidy, Democratic lawmakers have pushed for far more funding for public schools in light of February’s landmark court decision that found Pennsylvania’s system of funding public schools violates the constitutional rights of students in poorer districts.
Shapiro’s plan sought another $1 billion for public schools, while House Democrats had sought about $1.7 billion. The Senate Republican plan carries about $800 million.
The state’s massive reserves — built up by inflation-juiced tax collections and federal pandemic subsidies — have eased spending decisions.
But that hasn’t meant that everyone is satisfied. A number of groups — home health care agencies, nursing home operators and agencies that deliver home care for the intellectually disabled — continue to seek higher Medicaid reimbursements, while counties have sought more money for the safety-net mental health services they administer.
For Shapiro, getting his first budget across the finish line is perhaps the biggest test yet of his political skills under the Capitol dome.
With Saturday’s start of the fiscal year, Shapiro’s signature on a new budget bill was required to maintain full spending authority.
In a budget stalemate, the state is still legally bound to make debt payments, cover Medicaid costs for millions of Pennsylvanians, issue unemployment compensation payments, keep prisons open and ensure state police are on patrol.
All state employees under Shapiro’s jurisdiction will continue to report to work and be paid as scheduled, an administration spokesperson said.
Shapiro’s administration may have to postpone payments to vendors, such as utilities, insurers, suppliers and landlords, and put off paying discretionary items, such as tax credits, grants and some public school aid.
For now, the state’s main bank account is flush with roughly $15 billion and can make its legally required payments, a Treasury Department spokesperson said.
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PETERS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The Peters Township School District is notifying people about a data breach.
According to information we received from the Maine Attorney General’s Office, nearly 13,000 people are affected, including a resident of Maine.
The district said its computer system was accessible to an unknown user from Feb. 11 to April 5 in 2022.
The names and social security numbers of the victims may have been compromised.
The district is offering credit monitoring through Equifax at no cost to those affected.
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PITTSBURGH — For the third time in the last four games, the Pittsburgh Pirates pulled off a come-from-behind victory as Carlos Santana’s walk-off homer sunk the Milwaukee Brewer 8-7 on Friday night at PNC Park.
Santana’s first-pitch homer in the bottom of the ninth inning was the first walk-off homer of his career and capped off a three-for-five night. The Pirates’ first baseman also recorded a pair of doubles.
Just as Santana did, Andrew McCutchen finished the game with three hits including a homer. McCutchen drove in three runs including one in the ninth inning on a double to set the stage for Santana.
Read the full story from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.
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MONACA, Pa. — A new study, conducted by the Ohio River Valley Institute, found the Shell Polymers plant in Monaca, Beaver County has not quite provided the economic boom that many expected.
While the plant employs around 600 people, researchers say its presence has actually cost the county jobs and economic growth.
Researchers used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2012-2022 to draw that conclusion.
“What this does is kind of pull the curtain back and say, ‘What’s behind the curtain?’ It’s actually a terrible deal for your local economy,” said lead researcher Eric de Place.
According to de Place, Beaver County has seen a decline in GDP, and a slower rebound from the pandemic, despite the state and country seeing the opposite.
“It looks a lot like Shell took Pennsylvania for a ride and got away with some huge tax subsidies without delivering any real growth at all in Beaver County,” de Place said.
Those tax subsidies from the state, according to de Place, totaled $1.6 billion, helping Shell build the 386-acre cracker plant.
But since the project was announced in 2012, de Place says Beaver County has lost jobs and businesses.
“What’s happening is not that the Shell plant has induced a lot of economic growth and activity, but, if anything, it seems to have sent people running out of Beaver County,” said de Place.
This new report refutes a Shell-commissioned study published by Robert Morris University in July of 2021, claiming the plant will generate nearly $3.7 billion annually in statewide economic activity.
Shell spokesperson Curtis Thomas pointed to that RMU report when asked about this latest finding.
In a statement he said, in part, “The most interesting stat is that Shell’s presence is expected to generate over $80 billion in revenue over 40 years. So if we’re tying Shell’s presence to an outlook, we should look at a report that actually focuses on the effects Shell will have, as opposed to a report that takes into consideration a myriad of other factors, and then try to tie those results to Shell.”
If you’d like to check out the full Ohio River Valley Institute report, click here: https://ohiorivervalleyinstitute.org/updated-a-cautionary-tale-of-petrochemicals-from-pennsylvania/
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ORLANDO, Fla. — The Supreme Court struck down President Biden’s student loan debt forgiveness plan, ruling the administration did not have the authority to wipe out student debt for millions of Americans.
On Friday, President Biden promised that his fight is far from over.
Economists said the Biden administration has been working on other types of forgiveness and payment plans for quite some time.
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People impacted by SCOTUS’ decision told Channel 9 that they’re rattled but have to move quickly to get relief.
“It did bring tears to my eyes when I first saw it. I was prepared for that, it was going to help me tremendously,” said Laura Toro. “I was wanting to go back to school to get my master’s but because of this now I have more debt than I was expecting.”
Read: Florida sports betting gets big win in court
Toro graduated in December 2022 and is among 43 million Americans who were eligible for up to $20,000 in debt relief.
Economist Jacob Channel told Channel 9 that there is not a lot of time to waste before payments and interest kick in this fall.
Read: Florida medical board sets new gender-affirming care rules, critics oppose new rules
“Get in touch with your student loan service provider or studentaid.gov as soon as possible. They might be able to give you something like a temporary forbearance or put you on an income-driven repayment plan,” Channel said.
Channel said there are certain types of forgiveness programs for teachers in low-income schools, people with permanent disabilities, and people who were defrauded in some way.
Read: SpaceX set to launch telescope into orbit, will explore evolution of the dark universe
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©2023 Cox Media Group | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/what-comes-next-borrowers-after-scotus-ruling-strikes-down-student-debt-relief/3CPU75GL7ZFHZICMQGIP4Z7F3I/ | 2023-07-01T03:43:25 | 0 | https://www.wftv.com/news/local/what-comes-next-borrowers-after-scotus-ruling-strikes-down-student-debt-relief/3CPU75GL7ZFHZICMQGIP4Z7F3I/ |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho sent a letter by email to Sacramento District 4 representative and councilmember Katie Valenzuela Friday requesting her to enforce city code and ordinance violations "consistently."
This comes just a day after a judge at the Sacramento County courthouse wrote a letter calling for more police presence around their facilities due to the homeless issue.
The letter goes on to detail some of the situations the DA's office has documented over the past year — a total of 86, according to Ho.
The instances range from allegations of assault and racial discrimination to arson, property damage and drug use.
"Unfortunately, significant public safety concerns are affecting the public, District Attorney employees, jurors called to fulfill their civic duty, defendants appearing on their cases, and victims of crime seeking justice," said Ho in the letter. "People are entitled to the fundamental right of fair and equal access to justice. But to obtain justice, members of our community require unfettered access to the Courthouse and the District Attorney's Office without threats to their safety or well-being."
Valenzuela responded to the letter saying this was the first and only time she had been asked for help dealing with public safety concerns around the DA's office building and the County Courthouse.
"[Sending this letter] is out of step with the inherent nature of collaboration outlined in the mutually agreed upon 'Homeless Services Partnership Agreement' adopted by the city and the county at the end of last year," said Valenzuela in the letter.
She goes on to detail how the homeless issue is not just something for the city to fix, but rather is a problem to be solved by working as partners.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg responded to the sitting judge Michael G. Bowman's letter about the same topic Thursday by saying the following:
"The City of Sacramento is adding more safe camping spaces at Miller Park in July and continuing to push for more. We must be able to bring people from the sidewalk into safer spaces to connect them with the services they need while providing the relief that our streets and neighborhoods deserve. Downtown and around the Court will be first in line for these new spaces and for cleaning up in the next several weeks."
WATCH MORE: Changes you’ll see as Sacramento leaders implement agreement on homelessness | To The Point | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/city-officials-letter-homeless-issue/103-24492ab4-dd50-4da1-8978-f57cfa50915f | 2023-07-01T03:56:05 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/city-officials-letter-homeless-issue/103-24492ab4-dd50-4da1-8978-f57cfa50915f |
MOAB, Utah — Police in Utah are investigating the death of an Indiana woman found dead at a national park.
The woman was reportedly unresponsive at a campground in Canyonlands National Park when callers notified the Grand County Dispatch on Wednesday.
First responders, including National Park Service rangers, responded to the Willow Flat Campground in the Island in the Sky district of the park and pronounced the woman deceased.
The identity and hometown of the 61-year-old woman has not yet been released, though her family has been notified.
An investigation into the cause and manner of the woman's death is being conducted by the National Park Service and the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/indiana-woman-dies-at-utah-canyonlands-national-park/531-4a744d96-20b8-4877-948b-a51978a75ccf | 2023-07-01T03:59:00 | 1 | https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/indiana/indiana-woman-dies-at-utah-canyonlands-national-park/531-4a744d96-20b8-4877-948b-a51978a75ccf |
EUREKA SPRINGS, Ark. — On Monday, June 26, a fire heavily damaged St. James Episcopal Church in Eureka Springs.
“It was very early in the morning, about 2:30 a.m.— apparently, someone leaving the crescent hotel saw smoke coming out of the roof,” said David Angus, a vicar for St. James’.
An electrical fire engulfed the sanctuary and left very little to be saved.
“It certainly took a while, and it was horrible to watch,” said Angus.
Even though the church is small, with about 40 members, they have almost 200 people who join them online via livestream.
“Everyone is just pulling together, people who have stopped on the side just to say, 'I'm praying for you, here's $20.' We've had lots of communication by phone and by Facebook, and some letters in the mail," said Angus.
With the overwhelming support from the community, St. James’ created a GoFundMe, and in 24 hours they’ve already raised over $2,000.
“It's been shared so many times, we are really overwhelmed by the generosity,” said Rick Delaney, Senior Warden of St. James and creator of the page.
The church has been a historical landmark in Eureka Springs since 1883 when it was the original one-room schoolhouse in the town.
“Everybody in Eureka Springs has a St. James story to tell,” said Delaney. “When you think about all the other people that have visited Eureka Springs over the years— even they've got a connection here with St. James’”
The page has seen donations from all over the country.
“This is not just locally; this is all over the United States that we're getting responses,” said Delaney.
The congregation will be held out of the building for at least a year, but that won’t stop the church from staying strong.
"We know that life can flow even out of dead spaces. This is a dead space, but I can assure you it's going to live again, and it will be beautiful” said Angus.
You can donate to St. James' GoFundMe here.
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To report a typo or grammatical error, please email KFSMDigitalTeam@tegna.com and detail which story you're referring to. | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/st-james-church-eureka-springs-receives-support-after-fire/527-455801d7-a8b9-4164-926c-0943400cc10b | 2023-07-01T04:00:51 | 0 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/st-james-church-eureka-springs-receives-support-after-fire/527-455801d7-a8b9-4164-926c-0943400cc10b |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arlington-fire-displaces-dozens-of-residents-3-firefighters-injured/3288192/ | 2023-07-01T04:01:17 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/arlington-fire-displaces-dozens-of-residents-3-firefighters-injured/3288192/ |
Nearly one week after a Plano husband reported his wife missing, police have arrested him. Karlton Dudley is charged with abuse of a corpse after his wife's body was found near Lake Lewisville.
As they wait to bring her body home to Louisiana, Sarah Dudley’s family said news of her death was a worst-case scenario they have feared for years.
Patrick Dowd and Amy Pattison said Sarah, their middle sister, was a kind and caring soul.
“People were drawn to her. You know, she was always the kind of person that you would spend just a little bit of time with her, and you’re friends with her,” said Patrick Dowd.
In recent years, the siblings said they’d grown worried about the 32-year-old’s relationship with her husband Karlton.
“Over the years, we've all noticed that he just kind of just had this controlling nature,” said Dowd.
Dowd said it wasn’t always that way. But 11 years into his sister’s marriage, the family had noticed a shift. And when they got a call Saturday that Sarah never made it to work, which was a short walk from the couple’s Plano home, they wondered if she’d chosen to leave.
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“We were all hoping that maybe she ran away to get out of the situation and she had a plan and somebody helped her,” said Dowd.
“We were going to call the bus stations hoping that maybe she was going to come to one of our houses,” said Amy Pattison.
Dowd, his wife Stephanie, and Pattison traveled from Louisiana to Plano to help search.
But then Wednesday, police confirmed the body of a woman found near Lake Lewisville belonged to Sarah and that Karlton was behind bars, for now, charged with abuse of a corpse.
Investigators said the ankle monitor Karlton was wearing for a previous crime, aggravated assault of a minor, showed him in the water around the time Sarah was presumed missing.
“You know, we were worried. It was in the back of our minds, and you try to prepare yourself for it. And when you actually hear it and try to make sense of it, you just lose sense of reality,” said Dowd.
For now, Sarah’s family said all they have are assumptions about what happened and who is responsible for their sister’s death.
Whoever it is, they said they’re hoping for a maximum sentence.
“I think it'll give us a little bit of closure to know that whoever the person was that did what they did to our sisters is getting what they deserve,” said Dowd.
As of Friday night, the medical examiner had not released Dudley’s cause of death. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/before-disappearance-family-had-been-worried-for-plano-woman-found-dead-near-lake-lewisville/3288176/ | 2023-07-01T04:01:23 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/before-disappearance-family-had-been-worried-for-plano-woman-found-dead-near-lake-lewisville/3288176/ |
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Fire near 40th Street and McDowell Road in Phoenix
31 PHOTOS | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2023/07/01/fire-near-40th-street-and-mcdowell-road-phoenix-photos/12195681002/ | 2023-07-01T04:04:52 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2023/07/01/fire-near-40th-street-and-mcdowell-road-phoenix-photos/12195681002/ |
Man shot, killed ex-roommate to get his car keys, Phoenix police say
A man was arrested in Peoria on Sunday after fatally shooting his former roommate in Phoenix, according to Phoenix police.
Authorities reported on June 22 at about 10:38 p.m., Cadence Allen, 18, illegally entered a house on West Jones Avenue and shot an unidentified man multiple times with his firearm. Allen then took the victim’s car keys and drove off from the area in the victim's car, according to court documents. As he drove off, he reportedly disassembled the firearm and threw out the pieces of the weapon from the car, according to court documents.
Soon after, police responded to reports of a shooting at the address. When officers arrived, they found a person with multiple gunshot wounds behind the front door of the house. The victim was pronounced dead not long after, according to court documents.
Both men had been living in the same transitional housing program and had an ongoing dispute over Allen owing the victim money, according to court documents.
Prior to the shooting, the power to the house was turned off when there was a knock at the front door. The victim armed himself with a kitchen knife and looked out the front window before cracking the door open.
Witnesses described that when the door opened, a person wearing a black hoodie extended a handgun through the door and fired it multiple times, striking the person who was behind the door. The black-hooded individual was overheard asking for the keys and then left the house, court documents said.
Staff members of the house reported to officers that Allen was previously kicked out for having an unauthorized party and owning firearms. The staff provided authorities with multiple phone numbers under Allen’s name, along with his last known address after being kicked out. Investigators requested and received search warrants for each phone number in order to track him, according to court documents.
The next day after the shooting, the victim's stolen vehicle was found parked at Allen’s new home address, court documents said. Undercover officers placed a GPS tracker on the car to check Allen's location, according to court documents.
After authorities tracked the stolen vehicle on Sunday, Allen was taken into custody in Peoria, court documents said.
Allen was charged with one count of first-degree murder premeditated, one count of first-degree murder during crime, one count of first-degree burglary, one count of armed robbery with a deadly weapon and one count of tampering with physical evidence-destroy/alter, according to court documents.
Allen's next court hearing will be on July 3 at the South Court Tower in Phoenix, court documents said. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/30/man-shot-killed-former-roommate-to-get-his-car-keys-phoenix-police-say/70374704007/ | 2023-07-01T04:04:58 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2023/06/30/man-shot-killed-former-roommate-to-get-his-car-keys-phoenix-police-say/70374704007/ |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/former-president-trumps-criticized-appearance-at-moms-for-liberty-summit/3596435/ | 2023-07-01T04:11:11 | 1 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/former-president-trumps-criticized-appearance-at-moms-for-liberty-summit/3596435/ |
July 2023 Tracker: Baltimore murders and shootings
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Matt Rourke/AP
File: Crime scene tape (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Posted at 12:00 AM, Jul 01, 2023
and last updated 2023-07-01 00:00:19-04
BALTIMORE — Baltimore City recorded 22 homicides and 54 non-fatal shootings in June 2023.
READ MORE: Faces of Baltimore City's murder rate
Since September 2020, WMAR-2 News has tracked daily murders and shootings each month in the city.
Here is July 2023:
Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Sign up for the Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/july-2023-tracker-baltimore-murders-and-shootings | 2023-07-01T04:14:07 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/july-2023-tracker-baltimore-murders-and-shootings |
BALTIMORE — Summer Sounds is back at Belvedere Square, but that's only because local businesses and the community stepped up to save the event.
The concert series always required a permit from the city to happen. But the price recently went up, threatening the event's future. That's when the vendors who occupy Belvedere Square decided to all pitch in and pay for the permit together.
WMAR spoke to the assistant manager at Atwater's, who talked about the new aspects of the concert series now that it is completely vendor run.
"Mombo Combo and the Kelly Bell Band are back this year. They are two past favorites, so we are really excited that we've gotten them back for this year, as well as a DJ next month for July. We'll be doing a fund-well event. It’s something we haven't tried out before."
The layout will also look a little different.
There will be more street parking, which organizers say will make it easier for people to stop by and enjoy the music.
Concerts for the next few months are already planned and paid for, but those at Belvedere Square say they still need help funding the last few events.
You can support them by donating money online.
We will have more information on our website about how you can do that. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/local-business-and-community-members-saves-belvedere-squares-summer-sounds | 2023-07-01T04:14:13 | 1 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/local-business-and-community-members-saves-belvedere-squares-summer-sounds |
BALTIMORE — It's the big moment for the budding cannabis industry in Maryland, months in the making.
This Saturday, adult-use cannabis will be legal in the state, and those who can sell it, are in for a big weekend.
"There's this incredible buzz in the air, the anticipation," said Connor Whelton, CEO of the ReLeaf dispensary in Mount Vernon.
The dispensary sells medical cannabis in Mount Vernon - they expect a wave of new interest as adult-use becomes legal in Maryland.
"Maybe it's sleep, anxiety, they're just looking to have a good time, levity, you name it. We're going to try and match the right product to them," said Whelton.
There are, of course, rules that come with the legalization. Customers will have to use cash or bring a debit card to pay - cannabis is still federally illegal, and credit cards are a no-go. The dispensary itself can only be operational for 12 hours at a time; ReLeaf is open 10am-10pm.
And if you don't have a medical license, you can only get cannabis with ten milligrams of T-H-C.
Whelton says there will be separate lines for medical, adult-use and online orders.
All of the product on-site was grown in Maryland.
"We're not allowed to have more than 10 pounds of bulk to break down to make usable cannabis flower - and that is coming in one pound bags, five pounds per transfer. Currently we have a lot more than that on hand, that's getting grandfathered in," said Whelton.
The dispensary hired new help with the big day coming, and planned out how they can do things, regulations in mind.
Whelton expects some of the current rules not to stay the way they are.
"These are draft regulations," said Whelton. "There's a good chance that some, not all things, will be changed amended or completely taken out come this next legislative session, when final regulations go into place.
"We're ready, as we possibly can be, for what's coming, and whatever it is, we're going to roll with it," said Whelton. | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/with-adult-use-cannabis-legal-saturday-big-weekend-ahead-for-maryland-dispensaries | 2023-07-01T04:14:19 | 0 | https://www.wmar2news.com/local/with-adult-use-cannabis-legal-saturday-big-weekend-ahead-for-maryland-dispensaries |
ALTOONA, Iowa — The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is the state's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for thousands of pets each year — but summer brings a variety of challenges for the rescue organization.
"We get about an average of 50 animals per day as an organization throughout the summer. And that's our high sort of peak season," said Michael Lovien, director of shelter operations.
But recently, more unwanted pets aren't making their way to the shelter. Instead, they've been dumped in places like the Altoona Hy-Vee's parking lot.
Dalton Butrum stopped at Hy-Vee on the way home from work one day, where he found an abandoned, bloody kitten.
Butrum's friend, Devin, shared the experience on the NextDoor social media platform with an important message: "If you don't want your pets, ask people if they want a free pet or take them to an ARL."
The ARL said their organization and shelters across Iowa have the resources to make sure these animals are properly cared for and rehomed.
Lovien also emphasized that there is no shame in surrending a pet. The ARL is open seven days a week, and appointments can be made during business hours. They also have a drop-off location inside their Pet Help Center outside of those hours.
The bottom line here is, these shelters want people to utilize them, rather than leaving an animal somewhere unsafe. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/animal-rescue-league-iowa-arl-animals-dogs-cats-summer-surrenders/524-5f83ddab-5f6c-4c43-87b5-56c1ba1698b9 | 2023-07-01T04:31:04 | 0 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/animal-rescue-league-iowa-arl-animals-dogs-cats-summer-surrenders/524-5f83ddab-5f6c-4c43-87b5-56c1ba1698b9 |
CABOT, Ark. — The storms on June 25 left more than 100,000 Arkansans without power.
And as of Friday night, that number has decreased to around 1,000.
Unfortunately, some people are still cleaning up after the devastating winds downed trees and destroyed homes.
Pamela Stephenson saw on social media that the storm hit a mobile home neighborhood off Locust Street in Cabot.
Stephenson, and a couple of other women, have been spending most of their time helping them recover this week.
Stephenson showed us homes with tarps over their roofs and trees still in people's yards.
One home had a tree fall on it.
Stephenson said most of the family is ok, but one of the children is in the hospital for injuries sustained from the tree.
Power wasn't restored to the homes until June 28, meaning any refrigerated food had to be thrown out.
Stephenson has been making breakfast and dinner for the community.
"I just know these people need help," Stephenson said. "I'm not rich, but anything, trailers, food, stuff like that would help a lot."
She also said that Home Depot donated boxes of toys to kids, and iHOP donated ice to the residents.
We contacted the City of Cabot to learn about other resources available to the mobile home community. As of Friday, we have not heard back from them. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/cabot-woman-helping-neighborhood/91-dcdedbf0-605b-4628-ba05-8792855c3fe4 | 2023-07-01T04:41:43 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/cabot-woman-helping-neighborhood/91-dcdedbf0-605b-4628-ba05-8792855c3fe4 |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For nearly three decades, the River Market in Little Rock has been highlighted as one of the capital city’s main attractions.
However, the conversations surrounding downtown have recently centered around failing bars, a lack of parking, and safety concerns. So, what needs to be done to change the conversation on President Clinton Avenue?
Just feet from where the Metro streetcar runs, Sonny Williams Steakroom has been a staple since 1999. But today, owner Jimmy Young said that the tone surrounding the area where his restaurant resides has changed.
“That’s the buzz right now, so I go out and talk to tables," Young said. "Check on people, especially my regulars. They ask me how we’re doing and if we’re going to survive. Yes, we’re fine down here."
The same cannot be said, just 500 feet to the west. The Library Kitchen and Lounge closed its doors in 2022 after three years in business. Next door, Cannibal and Craft restaurant and bar turned off the lights for good last month.
Amy Counce owns Nexus Coffee and Creative next door to the vacant spaces. Unlike her neighbors, she’s succeeded in the River Market since opening in July 2017.
“All these neighborhoods around us between Argenta, Soma, and East Village are really doing some amazing things because these businesses are pouring into their neighborhoods," Counce said. "That requires the business of the River Market as well.”
So, how does the River Market reestablish itself as a go-to destination? We asked the Executive Director of Downtown Little Rock partnership Gabe Holmstrom that very question, and he's optimistic about the situation.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the River Market to take a look at itself to rebrand and rework it,” Holmstrom said.
Holmstrom believes change all starts with the Market Hall and the amphitheater.
“Right now, it’s only open for basically lunch service during the day, and it’s not open on Sundays," Holmstrom said. "Having that setup where it can be open seven days a week with publicly accessible bathrooms where families can use the restrooms. That’s a problem we need to address, and then work with our friends in the city to continue programming at the amphitheater. Those are big events that bring people downtown.”
It's an idea Young agrees with, providing additional options other than just nightlife.
“Full outdoor activity types of things besides just the bars and restaurants," Young said. "Giving people a reason to come down here and hang out with their families. Go see a show, walk around the River Market and get some ice cream.”
Another critical issue is parking, or in some people’s eyes, a lack thereof due to the 200 spaces lost due to Interstate 30 construction.
However, a study released by the Little Rock Convention and Visitor’s Bureau in December 2021 found sufficient parking to meet pre-pandemic demand.
“This re-distribution included the use of the on-street parking system [preferred location] and public parking spaces with availability," the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau said in the report. "Overall, the on-street system and the River Market garage provided enough capacity to absorb the parking demand from the I-30 lots. Essentially, the parking system would be just above the effective capacity threshold with the loss of these spaces and the full realization of pre-pandemic demand levels.”
Holmstrom doesn't see an issue with the parking in the River Market.
“Are you going to be able to park in the lobby where you want to go? Probably not," Holmstrom said. "I maintain that’s a good thing. Me having to walk a few blocks is good for me. I would encourage people to find a place to park. It doesn't have to be right next to where you’re going. Don’t worry about walking a few blocks.”
But how safe do people feel walking from their vehicles? In early June, the city board voted to expand the current curfew for juveniles to include Friday and Saturday beginning immediately. Kids and teens must be inside every night between midnight and 5 a.m.
Holmstrom thinks much of the crime talk is a perception problem not based on statistics.
“When you start digging into the data and looking into the numbers," Holmstrom said. "Downtown is one of the safest places in the city. In addition to the police presence, we are about to roll out an ambassador program later this summer. We are going to have people in brightly covered uniforms walking up and down the street.”
The River Market is facing a crossroads, but both Young and Counce remain confident in the future.
“This is our home," Young said. "We love it here. This is a local business, and we’ve thrived down here. We’ve seen it all.”
“As we say, link arm and arm with local business down here," Counce said. "Keeping that high-quality elevated experience down here, bringing in that local flavor and experience is what matters.”
One new business also believes. Holmstrom tells us a lease has also been signed for the property previously occupied by the Library Kitchen and Lounge. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/reinventing-river-market/91-849ab0f5-3aaf-43e4-8eac-5f3334c0a99d | 2023-07-01T04:41:49 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/reinventing-river-market/91-849ab0f5-3aaf-43e4-8eac-5f3334c0a99d |
OPENING
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The latest installment of the "Indiana Jones" series takes its nostalgic task of revisiting "Raiders of the Lost Ark" so seriously, it overlooks the goal of making a great adventure movie. PG-13. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe). Grade: C-
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. At times a warm and whimsical family adventure comedy, but at other times A hallucinatory fever dream, this animated film is too strange to work. PG. (Grand, Edgewood). Grade: C
Past Lives. Director Celine Song has crafted one of the year's best films with the autobiographical tale of a Korean playwright torn between a past love and her American husband. PG-13. (Grand). Grade: A
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kracken. Teenager Ruby Gillman becomes a Kraken, becoming Queen of Seas, in this animated film that was not screened in time for Ground Zero deadlines. PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe).
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The Starling Girl. Eliza Scanlen demonstrates that she is one of the best young actresses in writer-director Laurel Parmet's knowing examination of fundamentalist Christian culture. R. (Ross) Grade: A
NOW SHOWING
Asteroid City. “Asteroid City" seems like a response to critics of Wes Anderson's last two films — an earnest and self-conscious case for making art, putting on the play, telling the story and acting the part, even if you and your audience aren’t entirely sure what you’re saying. PG-13. (Grand). Grade: B+
Elemental. The visually dazzling Pixar picture is a refreshing update of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe). Grade: B
The Flash. “The Flash” has some humor and heart, plus a compelling performance from its embattled star, Ezra Miller. But the final act of this nearly 2½-hour film devolves into a generic, fairly muddled CGI battle, PG-13. (Grand, Edgewood, SouthPointe). Grade: C+
The Little Mermaid. This somewhat drab "The Little Mermaid" prioritizes nostalgia and familiarity over compelling visual storytelling. PG (Grand). Grade: C
No Hard Feelings. Jennifer Lawrence is an Uber driver paid to take a 19-year-old's virginity in this sweet, intoxicating comedy. R. (Grand, East Park). Grade: B
Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse. Miles Morales returns in this sequel to the Oscar-winning animated adventure. This time, he's transported from Brooklyn into the multiverse to join forces with Gwen Stacy and a team of Spider-People to fight the Spot. PG. (Grand, East Park, Edgewood, SouthPointe). Grade: A-
Stay Awake. This sobering, autobiographical drama looks at the impact of opioid addiction on the teenage sons of a pill-popping single mother. Unrated (Ross). Grade: B
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. The seventh installment of the "Transformers" franchise feels like a film that is at war with itself. PG-13. (Grand). Grade: C- | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/movies-tv/screenings-in-lincoln-movie-theaters-for-june-30-july-6/article_fa909570-1505-11ee-9505-d3cce0863e58.html | 2023-07-01T04:47:57 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/life-entertainment/local/movies-tv/screenings-in-lincoln-movie-theaters-for-june-30-july-6/article_fa909570-1505-11ee-9505-d3cce0863e58.html |
Jeff Whitaker, a former news anchor and radio host from Egg Harbor Township, has been named to the Board of the Angelic Health Foundation.
“I can’t say enough about the caring staff at Angelic Health,” Whitaker said in a recent news release. “When I was asked to serve on the board, I knew right away of the integrity of the Angelic team. My sister and I experienced it firsthand through the caregivers and nurses who were with us during very difficult times.”
Angelic Health provides palliative, hospice, and memory care and is based in West Atlantic City, serving New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. The Angelic Health Foundation was created to provide support to hospice patients in need.
Whitaker joins the board members in overseeing the foundation, assisting in fundraising and evaluating grant applications. Contributions to the foundation support initiatives such as supplies for the memory care program, special care kits for hospice and palliative patients, and programs for veterans.
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For more information on the Angelic Health Foundation, visit Angelic.Health. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/angelic-health-foundation-names-jeff-whitaker-new-board-member/article_b4b780c0-16a1-11ee-81c0-37fb385fa832.html | 2023-07-01T05:02:14 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/angelic-health-foundation-names-jeff-whitaker-new-board-member/article_b4b780c0-16a1-11ee-81c0-37fb385fa832.html |
Events
Saturday, July 1
AVALON HISTORICAL SOCIETY 12TH ANNUAL CLAMSHELL PITCH: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; horseshoes-like sport, historically played on Avalon's beaches; 30th Street, Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.
GARAGE SALE TO BENEFIT UKRAINE: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; hosted by the Sisterhood of Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church; monthly sale to benefit Ukraine; 77 Hogbin Road, Millville. 856-697-2255.
HOLY REDEEMER FOOD PANTRY DONATION DRIVE: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; during the month of July, drop off unexpired and unopened nonperishable food to the bin in the library porch to benefit the Holy Redeemer Food Pantry; Public Library, 235 32nd St., Avalon. 609-967-7155 or avalonfreelibrary.org.
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ZOO-TO-YOU: CAPE MAY COUNTY ZOO VISIT: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; Cape May County Zoo is coming to Ventnor library branch; Ventnor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 6500 Atlantic Ave., Ventnor; registration required. 609-823-4614 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Sunday, July 2
LIGHTHOUSE FULL MOON CLIMB: 8 to 10 p.m.; full moon climb; Cape May Lighthouse, 215 Light House Ave., Cape May; $12. 609-884-5404 or capemaymac.org.
Monday, July 3
BEACHCOMBING THE CREST: 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 28; wander the shore in search of tideline treasures; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
ESL CAREER READINESS LAB: 9:30 a.m. to noon Mondays through July 31; learn how to use the Engen Language Upskilling platform, which provides ESL classes and tutorials with a focus on job interview skills, and the food and beverage industry and hospitality industry; Public Library, 1 N. Tennessee Ave., Atlantic City. 609-345-2269 or acfpl.org.
LINE DANCING - WITH SUSAN PENNYPACKER: noon to 12:45 p.m. Mondays; no meetings Sept. 4, Oct. 9; Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
MEDITATIVE DRUM CIRCLE: 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays; bring your own instrument or borrow one; no meetings Aug. 28, Sept. 4, Oct. 9, Nov. 6, Dec. 25; Cape May Court House Branch, 30 Mechanic St., Middle Township. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
MESSY MONDAY CRAFT: 2 to 3 p.m. Mondays, July 3, Aug. 7; monthly crafts for all; start your week off with fun by getting into some glue, glitter or paint; for all ages; Pleasantville Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 33 Martin Luther King Junior Ave., Pleasantville; registration required. 609-641-1778 or atlanticlibrary.org.
For kids
Saturday, July 1
DROP-IN LEGO PLAYTIME: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
SATURDAY FAMILY STORYTIME: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays through August; Egg Harbor Township/Atlantic County Library System, 1 Swift Drive, Egg Harbor Township. 609-927-8664 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Monday, July 3
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME - ABSECON: 10 to 11 a.m. Mondays; Absecon branch/Atlantic County Library System, 305 New Jersey Ave., Absecon. 609-646-2228 or atlanticlibrary.org.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME - EGG HARBOR CITY: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays through Aug. 28; Egg Harbor City Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 134 Philadelphia Ave., Egg Harbor City. 609-804-1063 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Groups
Saturday, July 1
KNIGHTS OF THE SQUARE TABLE CHESS CLUB: 1 to 3 p.m. every other Saturday through Aug. 26; open to all ages; Absecon branch/Atlantic County Library System, 305 New Jersey Ave., Absecon; registration requested. 609-646-2228 or atlanticlibrary.org.
Monday, July 3
AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS: 11 a.m. Mondays; for those troubled by someone else's drinking; Egg Harbor City Senior Center, 351 Cincinnati Ave., Egg Harbor City. AL-ANON.org.
LONGPORT NEEDLERS: 10 a.m. to noon Mondays; bring your needle/crochet craft project and join us for a time of crafting and socializing; Longport Public Library, 2305 Atlantic Ave., Longport. 609-487-7403 or LongportPublicLibrary.org.
'MONEY TALKS' ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUP: 7 to 8 p.m. first Mondays; monthly online discussion group with thought-provoking topics related to money and wellness; virtual event hosted by the Mental Health Association New Jersey. 609-652-3800 or MHANJ.org.
Health, fitness
Saturday, July 1
MORNING RISE AND SHINE YOGA: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 1, 15, Aug. 5, 19; summer session with certified yoga instructor; Mays Landing Branch/Atlantic County Library System, 40 Farragut Ave., Hamilton; registration required. 609-625-2776 or atlanticlibrary.org.
WILLOW CREEK WINERY VINEYARD VINYASA: 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.; open-level 60-minute vinyasa yoga with Tam Turse, RYT-500 from Gemini Movement; bring your own mat and props; Willow Creek Winery & Farm, 168 Stevens St., W. Cape May; $10 suggested donation. 609-770-8782 or willowcreekwinerycapemay.com.
Sunday, July 2
MEDITATION - ONLINE GROUP: 7:15 to 8 p.m. Sundays; offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; staff offer a guided calming meditation or breathing exercise; to receive a link by email and join the group online, email btrendler@mhanj.org. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
Monday, July 3
CHAIR YOGA - WITH LYNNE CATARRO: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays; no class 9/4, 10/9, 12/25; Cape May County Library/Wildwood Crest Branch, 6300 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood Crest. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
'GOT STRESS?' ONLINE GROUP: 4 to 5:30 p.m. Mondays; online group meets to discuss daily wellness, coping strategies and tools to relieve stress and reduce anxiety; offered by The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County; free. 609-652-3800 or MHAAC.info.
YOGA WITH SUZANNE KUBIK: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through Sept. 14; no class July 6, Sept. 4; Cape May County Library/Stone Harbor Branch, 9516 Second Ave., Stone Harbor. 609-463-6350 or events.cmclibrary.org.
Music
Sunday, July 2
ABSECON CONCERTS IN THE PARK: 7 to 9 p.m. July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug. 6, 13, 20, 4 p.m. Aug. 27; bring your own chair or blanket; Heritage Park, 699 Blenheim Ave., Absecon. 609-641-0663.
Thursday, July 6
TONY MARTS PRESENTS 'ROCKIN' THE POINT' WITH THE BILLY WALTON BAND: 7 to 11 p.m. Thursdays through summer; The Point, 998 Bay Ave., Somers Point. 609-626-4693. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_eb8459f0-168f-11ee-8e05-47314d13c66c.html | 2023-07-01T05:02:20 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/community-calendar/article_eb8459f0-168f-11ee-8e05-47314d13c66c.html |
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Atlantic/Cape May was awarded the Affiliate Education Award at the NAMI NJ annual meeting June 24 in Monroe Township.
“Congratulations to the NAMI Atlantic/Cape May team for your commitments to provide excellent support to families and individuals affected by mental illness through NAMI educational programs," Beena Bhatcar, affiliate coordinator for NAMI New Jersey, said in a release.
“I could not be prouder of our affiliate and the all the work we do and continue to do for those who suffer with mental health conditions and their families," NAMI Atlantic/Cape May President Jeanmarie Mason stated. "It is wonderful to be recognized, and I thank everyone on our team for making an impact in our communities."
According to NAMI, one of every five families in the United States is dealing with a mental illness.
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Additional recognitions given to the local affiliate were the Marilyn Goldstein Family to Family Award given to Mason, assisted by Francine Bates; the number one Walk Team, the Atlantic/Cape May Boardwalkers; and the Top 4 Fundraisers in the State, given to Marc and Jeri Hurvitz, Shavonne Davis, and the Grungo Colarulo Law Firm.
For more information about NAMI Atlantic/Cape May, visit namiacm.org. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/nami-atlantic-cape-may-recognized-by-state-nami-with-affiliate-education-award/article_7057ce86-1691-11ee-b906-dfa987e20d94.html | 2023-07-01T05:02:26 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/nami-atlantic-cape-may-recognized-by-state-nami-with-affiliate-education-award/article_7057ce86-1691-11ee-b906-dfa987e20d94.html |
CLEARWATER, Fla. — A man was left with "significant injuries" to his neck after a crash involving a motor scooter and SUV, the Clearwater Police Department explains in a news release.
On Friday afternoon, a motor scooter and an SUV were both traveling northbound on Highland Avenue. The SUV stopped for traffic, but the scooter driver didn't, police explained.
The scooter ended up crashing into the back of the car, sending the 22-year-old driver into the air and into the rear windshield of the SUV.
He reportedly had "significant injuries" to his neck and was taken to Bayfront Health.
Police say the scooter driver is OK and his injuries are not life-threatening. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/clearwater-police-motor-scooter-suv-crash/67-fdb648d3-21cb-4b8a-a0e2-5717e1ef1c29 | 2023-07-01T05:18:40 | 1 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pinellascounty/clearwater-police-motor-scooter-suv-crash/67-fdb648d3-21cb-4b8a-a0e2-5717e1ef1c29 |
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