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HOUSTON — A Texas inmate who is set to be put to death in less than two weeks asked that his execution be delayed so he can donate a kidney.
Ramiro Gonzales is scheduled to receive a lethal injection on July 13 for fatally shooting 18-year-old Bridget Townsend, a southwest Texas woman whose remains were found nearly two years after she vanished in 2001.
In a letter sent Wednesday, Gonzales’ lawyers, Thea Posel and Raoul Schonemann, asked Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to grant a 30-day reprieve so the inmate can be considered a living donor “to someone who is in urgent need of a kidney transplant.”
His attorneys have made a separate request to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for a 180-day reprieve related to the kidney donation.
In their request to Abbott, Gonzales’ attorneys included a letter from Cantor Michael Zoosman, an ordained Jewish clergyman from Maryland who has been corresponding with Gonzales.
“There has been no doubt in my mind that Ramiro’s desire to be an altruistic kidney donor is not motivated by a last-minute attempt to stop or delay his execution. I will go to my grave believing in my heart that this is something that Ramiro wants to do to help make his soul right with his God,” Zoosman wrote.
Gonzales’ attorneys say he’s been determined to be an “excellent candidate” for donation after being evaluated by the transplant team at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. The evaluation found Gonzales has a rare blood type, meaning his donation could benefit someone who might have difficulty finding a match.
“Virtually all that remains is the surgery to remove Ramiro’s kidney. UTMB has confirmed that the procedure could be completed within a month,” Posel and Schonemann wrote to Abbott.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice policies allow inmates to make organ and tissue donations. Agency spokeswoman Amanda Hernandez said Gonzales was deemed ineligible after making a request to be a donor earlier this year. She did not give a reason, but Gonzales' lawyers said in their letter that the agency objected because of the pending execution date.
Abbott’s office did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles is set to vote July 11 on Gonzales’ request to that agency.
Gonzales’ attorneys have made a separate request asking the board to commute his death sentence to a lesser penalty.
They also asked that his execution not proceed if his spiritual adviser isn’t allowed to both hold his hand and place another hand on his heart during his execution. A two-day federal trial on this request was set to begin Tuesday in Houston.
Gonzales’ request to delay his execution for an organ donation is rare among death row inmates in the U.S., Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, said Friday.
In 1995, condemned murderer Steven Shelton in Delaware donated a kidney to his mother.
In 2013, Ronald Phillips’ execution in Ohio was delayed so his request to donate a kidney to his mother could be reviewed. Phillips’ request was later denied and he was executed in 2017.
“Skeptics will think this is simply an attempt to delay the execution. But if that were the case, I think you’d be seeing many requests,” said Dunham, whose group takes no position on capital punishment but has criticized the way states carry out executions. “The history of executions in the United States shows that people don’t make offers of organ donations for the purpose of delaying an execution that will still take place.”
In a report, the United Network for Organ Sharing, a nonprofit that serves as the nation’s transplant system under contract with the federal government, listed various ethical concerns about organ donations from condemned prisoners. They include whether such donations could be tied to prisoners receiving preferential treatment or that such organs could be morally compromised because of their ties to the death penalty. | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/texas-inmate-ramiro-gonzales-asks-delay-execution-donate-kidney/287-609753ef-c4c9-413b-b89e-82aad20669ea | 2022-07-02T21:12:55 | 0 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/texas-inmate-ramiro-gonzales-asks-delay-execution-donate-kidney/287-609753ef-c4c9-413b-b89e-82aad20669ea |
An 18-year-old Watford City man is dead after the minivan he was driving collided head-on with a semitrailer on state Highway 23 in Mountrail County.
The minivan crossed the center line shortly after clearing the intersection with the Highway 23 bypass east of New Town and struck the semi, the Highway Patrol reported. The crash happened shortly before 6 a.m. Saturday, around sunrise.
The driver of the minivan was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The 50-year-old Kenmare woman driving the semi was not injured. Neither person's name was immediately released.
A quarter mile of Highway 23 was closed to traffic for about 5 hours while the scene was cleared. | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/watford-city-man-dies-in-head-on-crash-near-new-town/article_e49b9e1e-fa39-11ec-9d40-1f1133b1f28e.html | 2022-07-02T21:14:26 | 0 | https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/accident-and-incident/watford-city-man-dies-in-head-on-crash-near-new-town/article_e49b9e1e-fa39-11ec-9d40-1f1133b1f28e.html |
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Phoenix protesters speak out on abortion laws at Arizona state Capitol
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Phoenix police launch 'Operation Gun Crime Crackdown' | https://www.azcentral.com/videos/news/local/phoenix/2022/07/02/abortion-rights-activists-return-protest-arizona-capitol-first-friday-downtown-phoenix/7794866001/ | 2022-07-02T21:15:14 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/videos/news/local/phoenix/2022/07/02/abortion-rights-activists-return-protest-arizona-capitol-first-friday-downtown-phoenix/7794866001/ |
Abortion rights protest makes its way from Arizona Capitol to First Friday in Phoenix
A week after the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated federal abortion protections, abortion rights protesters gathered at the Arizona state Capitol Complex to reiterate their frustration.
On June 24, the high court ruled in favor of a 15-week ban on abortions in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, effectively gutting the protections afforded by Roe v. Wade and sending the decision-making authority on abortion back to the states — many of which have pre-Roe bans in place, including Arizona.
Valley residents turned out in the thousands over three days after the high court's opinion was released and continued gathering well into the next week. On Friday, abortion rights activist groups Arizonans for Reproductive Freedom, which is spearheading a ballot initiative to codify abortion protections in the state, and the Phoenix Party for Socialism and Liberation organized another large-scale protest.
Brnovich: Territorial-era ban on abortions in Arizona is the law of the land, not 15-week ban
'No girl should live like this': Protests continue after a week
Protesters gathered on the Capitol lawns, separated from the House and Senate buildings by two layers of fencing. Cement barriers blocked the entrances at either end of 17th Avenue in front of Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, across from the legislative buildings. At one point, a drone appeared, hovering near the Capitol dome. A helicopter also surveyed from above.
Several young families joined the crowds with children in tow.
Alicejane Gross, 8, picked out a special red sequined dress for the protest.
"No girl should live like this," she said, "No girl should have to listen to other people about what to do with her body."
Teen sisters Nicole and Katelyn Pender drew their signs and T-shirts by hand. Katelyn, 16, wore a shirt displaying the words, 'I'm not an incubator.' For Nicole, 14, the threat of forced pregnancies hits particularly close to home since she's known three girls in her age group who've been raped.
"I support all women's right to choose," she said, "Especially because underage children are raped."
Briana Corkill, a 30 year-old medical student, showed up right after class, still dressed in blue scrubs. She warned that many new doctors, including her, would leave Arizona if the state’s restrictions on abortion continue.
Abortions, Corkill said, are a part of standard family medicine. For some conditions, like preeclampsia and ectopic pregnancies, it’s the only solution. Placing legal caveats on abortions puts doctors in the difficult position of waiting until patients are near death before they can authorize them, she added.
“I’m sick of people without a medical background making decisions that affect us,” she said. “I’m trained to look at data and science and care for my patients – they’re making decisions because of their religious beliefs."
What to know:Most Arizona abortion providers paused services. What you should know about alternatives
U.S. Air Force veteran Dori Labastida, 58, propped her sign on her shoulder. The black lettering stated, "Military vet! I fought for freedom now I lost mine!"
Labastida has one daughter in Texas and the other in Arizona — both states with stringent abortion restrictions. The two of them have made preliminary plans to drive with each other to New Mexico if either ever needs an abortion, she said.
"They took my daughters' rights away," she said, her voice wavering.
For Brianna Crafton, an activist for Arizonans for Reproductive Freedom, a lack of access to abortions means she'll have to shelve any future dreams of growing her family for fear of death. An ex-boyfriend infected her with chlamydia, causing scarring and blockages in her fallopian tube. This led to an ectopic pregnancy and without an abortion she could've bled out internally, she said.
The risk of future ectopic pregnancies for Crafton is high, she said, and she has to weigh that danger against her hope to become a mother again.
"If I want another that's my right to try," she said. "But I'm terrified to even try; I would have to say goodbye to my three kids."
Armed with posters and chants, protesters marched down 17th Avenue onto Jefferson Street, spreading out across the road. One sign depicted an angry pink uterus in cheese dip under the words "Natcho Uterus." Another sign read, "They won't stop at Roe," and another read, "I have a heartbeat, too."
Protesters with speakerphones led the crowds through chants like, "Whose streets? Our streets!", "My body, my choice!" and "If we don't get no respect, you don't get no peace!"
A pair of drones followed above and police officers on motorcycles scouted ahead, redirecting traffic and blocking off intersections while protest organizers directed the crowds around the perimeters of the state Capitol. Fencing dissuaded them from marching around the buildings.
The march ended at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, across from the Capitol, with thousands spilling into the plaza to hear remarks from organizers.
Alexia Isais, with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, denounced the fencing around the Capitol buildings, saying taxpayers have footed the bill for them and should have access.
"Banging on the windows of a decaying state building is a wake-up call. It's not what we want, we want revolution," she announced.
Protest at the Capitol:Tear gas deployed as protesters bang on Senate doors; GOP likens event to insurrection
Isais called on protesters not to donate to Democrat fundraising efforts in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and not to give them their votes, either, since they've long promised to enact change and have failed to do so. Instead, she urged protesters to sign the ballot initiative petition sheets being touted by the Arizona Center for Reproductive Rights at various tables. The center has four days to reach over 356,000 signatures and is currently above 165,000, according to Crafton.
"We've got to do this community style because politicians failed us," Isais said.
Go deeper:These Arizona businesses are collecting signatures to put abortion rights on ballot. Here's why
'I'm fighting for her rights': Protesters occupy 3rd Street and Roosevelt
As speakers at the plaza wound down, protesters shifted back to the Capitol grounds, where they lined the gates and began shouting "F--- Doug Ducey!"
Police in riot gear could be seen pacing the House of Representatives lobby through the glass doors. A sniper on top of the building peeked over the edge.
Protesters attached hangers to the chain link fencing while waving posters. One protester warned the crowds via speakerphone to have their masks at the ready and not to run if tear gas is deployed since it worsens the effect.
Suddenly, the group decided to move away from the fences and march down to First Friday on Roosevelt Row, instead, where they could protest more freely.
The crowds remained on the sidewalks, as drones and officers on motorcycles kept pace with them. A protester with a speakerphone advised others not to jaywalk, because the police were "waiting" for any misstep on their part. During the past weekend's protests, several protesters were arrested after jaywalking.
Earlier arrests:8 of 9 people arrested at abortion rights protests at Arizona Capitol released
Sarah Salas, 26, bounced her infant daughter in her arms during a lull in the marching.
"I'm fighting for her rights," she said when asked why she joined the protest.
Around 9 p.m., protesters arrived at Roosevelt Row, where they marched down the street, posters held high and inviting bystanders and nearby business patrons to join them in their chants or offering high fives. The march then turned and made another circuit of the street, ending at Third Street and Roosevelt.
Hundreds remained seated on the asphalt, chanting and pumping their fists in the air. Police officers redirected traffic around one corner of the intersection and blocked off the rest.
Phoenix police told The Arizona Republic that there was one arrest in connection with the protest. Eric Escamilla was arrested on suspicion of obstructing or resisting police, according to Sgt. Philip Krynsky.
After more than 40 minutes spent chanting and occupying the intersection, the group rose and marched back down the road. From there, it split up into smaller groups, one of which proceeded to occupy a new intersection at Roosevelt and First on its way back to the Capitol. The demonstration lasted until the early hours of Saturday morning.
Silvia Meza, 25, held her cardboard sign from her seat on the ground. The phrase 'My body f--- you' was written in black marker onto the corrugated square. She'd walked with the group from the Capitol and planned to remain with it as long as she could.
"We have our rights and we lost them, and I'm here to get them back," she said.
Reach criminal justice reporter Gloria Rebecca Gomez at grgomez@gannett.com or on Twitter @glorihuh.
Support Local Journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/07/02/abortion-rights-protests-continue-phoenix-arizona-capitol-first-friday-roosevelt-row/7794862001/ | 2022-07-02T21:15:20 | 0 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2022/07/02/abortion-rights-protests-continue-phoenix-arizona-capitol-first-friday-roosevelt-row/7794862001/ |
(WJHL) – The Tennesee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reported a multi-vehicle crash on I-26 at mile marker 5 in Sullivan County.
According to TDOT, the crash was reported at 2:51 p.m. with the eastbound side closed. Traffic delays are to be expected.
This is a developing story, and News Channel 11 will provide updates as we receive them | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tdot-multi-vehicle-crash-i-26/ | 2022-07-02T21:15:46 | 0 | https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tdot-multi-vehicle-crash-i-26/ |
From left, Santiago Jaimes Caro, 11, Kaiden Hamilton, 9, and Jamesley Stevens, 9, launch the boat they built through the All Hands Boatworks program hosted by the Boys and Girls Club at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday.
SEAN KRAJACIC photos, Kenosha News
From left, Theodore Baldwin, 8, Taylon Cutts, 11, Barack Baldwin, 11, and Zachariah Dalton, 10, row a boat on the Kenosha Harbor at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday. The group was part of the All Hands Boatworks program hosted by the Boys and Girls Club where the students made a rowboat over a span of two weeks.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Boys and Girls Club members who participated in the All Hands Boatworks program row their handmade rowboats on the Kenosha Harbor on Saturday.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Joe Rickard, a volunteer representative for All Hands Boatworks, talks about the work students did to make a rowboat during a ceremony at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Patrick McBriarty, of All Hands Boatworks, front, helps students from the Boys and Girls Club carry their hand-built rowboat to the water at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Boys and Girls Club members from left, Santiago Jaimes Caro, 11, Kaiden Hamilton, 9, and Jamesley Stevens, 9, launch their rowboat as Patrick McBriarty, of All Hands Boatworks, looks on at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday. The students built the boat over two-weeks during the program hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha.
Seven kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha set off in rowboats at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday during the boat building camp boat launch.
The camp, which began last year, was held weekdays June 13 to June 24. Campers ranging in age from 8 to 13 built a row boat from wooden planks. The campers also painted and decorated the boat – this year’s was red and orange with Spiderman and Iron Man painted on the sides.
BGCK staff said the campers still haven’t come to a consensus about what to name the boat, with “Iron Spider” being one of the names most kids seemed to like.
The campers took off from the docks at the sailing center a little before 10 a.m. Saturday. Three campers – Santiago Jaimes Caro, 11, Kaiden Hamilton, 9 and Jamesley Stevens, 9 – went on the water in the boat they built in June. The other four – Theodore Baldwin, 8, Taylon Cutts, 11, Zachariah Dalton, 10 and Barack Baldwin, 11 – took the boat the club built last year named Rick and Morty.
A large group of parents, grandparents and BGCK staff gathered to watch the kids test out the boats. Five volunteers from the camp joined the kids on the water in their own boats to assist when necessary.
Learn by doing
Patrick McBriarty, one of the volunteers, said that while it can be hard for the adults, the best thing they can do for the kids is let them figure out the boats on their own.
“That’s the real beauty of it, if you just let them do it, and then check in on occasion,” McBriarty said. “We just put the kids in the boat, tell them a little bit about rowing and give them a shot and they figure it out. They got back to the dock safely; that in itself is an accomplishment.”
Paul Westcott, the Sailing Club’s lead instructor, said there are a lot of emotions that come with getting on the water for the first time. Westcott said their main concerns are safety and that the kids enjoy themselves.
“We don’t have to worry about proficiency, as long as they’re safe,” Westcott said.
Tara Panasewicz, BGCK’s CEO, said she was overwhelmed and happy that BGCK was able to provide the experience for Kenosha’s youth.
“They’re going to come out of this with so many skills that we’re never going to be able to take away, including using power tools and water safety,” Panasewicz said. “It’s something that I hope that we can continue to do for years to come.”
Positive experience
When it came time to launch the boats, some of the campers were a little hesitant to get on the water. However, once they took off, the seven first-time boaters rowed around the harbor for almost an hour. Some of the kids even got back on the water to test out a different boat.
Barack said he did not want to come at first, but after going on the boats, he didn’t want to leave.
“It was fun,” Barack said. “I want to go on one more ride.”
WATCH NOW: Boat building camp at the Boys and Girls Club in 2021
The state of Wisconsin has revoked the wholesale dealer license for Elkhorn car dealer, Car Rangers LLC, after the dealership was found rolling back odometers and altering titles to reflect lower mileage, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
From left, Santiago Jaimes Caro, 11, Kaiden Hamilton, 9, and Jamesley Stevens, 9, launch the boat they built through the All Hands Boatworks program hosted by the Boys and Girls Club at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday.
From left, Theodore Baldwin, 8, Taylon Cutts, 11, Barack Baldwin, 11, and Zachariah Dalton, 10, row a boat on the Kenosha Harbor at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday. The group was part of the All Hands Boatworks program hosted by the Boys and Girls Club where the students made a rowboat over a span of two weeks.
Joe Rickard, a volunteer representative for All Hands Boatworks, talks about the work students did to make a rowboat during a ceremony at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday.
Patrick McBriarty, of All Hands Boatworks, front, helps students from the Boys and Girls Club carry their hand-built rowboat to the water at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday.
Boys and Girls Club members from left, Santiago Jaimes Caro, 11, Kaiden Hamilton, 9, and Jamesley Stevens, 9, launch their rowboat as Patrick McBriarty, of All Hands Boatworks, looks on at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center on Saturday. The students built the boat over two-weeks during the program hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-boys-and-girls-club-members-launch-handmade-boat-in-kenosha-harbor/article_cd68efc2-fa2e-11ec-8f15-1319a735f5b1.html | 2022-07-02T21:16:03 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-boys-and-girls-club-members-launch-handmade-boat-in-kenosha-harbor/article_cd68efc2-fa2e-11ec-8f15-1319a735f5b1.html |
BOISE, Idaho — U.S. officials are testing a new wildfire retardant after two decades of buying millions of gallons annually from one supplier, but watchdogs say the expensive strategy is overly fixated on aerial attacks at the expense of hiring more fire-line digging ground crews.
The Forest Service used more than 50 million gallons (190 million liters) of retardant for the first time in 2020 as increasingly destructive wildfires plague the West. It exceeded 50 million gallons again last year to fight some of the largest and longest-duration wildfires in history in California and other states. The fire retardant cost those two years reached nearly $200 million.
Over the previous 10 years, the agency used 30 million gallons (115 million liters) annually.
“No two wildfires are the same, and thus it’s critical for fire managers to have different tools available to them for different circumstances a fire may present,” the Forest Service said in an email. “Fire retardant is simply one of those tools.”
The Forest Service said tests started last summer are continuing this summer with a magnesium-chloride-based retardant from Fortress.
Fortress contends its retardants are effective and better for the environment than products offered by Perimeter Solutions. That company says its ammonium-phosphate-based retardants are superior.
Fortress started in 2014 with mainly former wildland firefighters who aimed to create a more effective fire retardant that’s better for the environment. It has facilities in California, Montana and Wyoming, and describes itself as the only alternative to fertilizer-based fire retardants.
The company is headed by Chief Executive Officer Bob Burnham, who started his career as a hotshot crew member fighting wildfires and ultimately rose to become a Type 1 incident commander, directing hundreds of firefighters against some of the nation’s largest wildfires. He often called in aircraft to disperse plumes of red fire retardant, a decision he said he wonders about now after learning more about fertilizer-based retardants and developing a new retardant.
”This new fire retardant is better,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot less damaging to our sensitive planet resources, and it’s going to be a lot better fire retardant on the ground."
The main ingredient in Fortress products, magnesium chloride, is extracted from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, a method and process the company says is more environmentally friendly and less greenhouse-gas producing than mining and processing phosphate. The Forest Service last summer tested the company’s FR-100, and this summer said it will test a version called FR-200.
Perimeter Solutions, which has facilities and equipment throughout the West, has had a number of name and ownership changes over the years but has dominated the market for more than two decades. The company’s Phos-Chek LC-95A is the world’s most used fire retardant. The company is transitioning to a new retardant called Phos-Chek LCE20-Fx, which the company said is made out of food-grade ingredients, making it a cleaner product.
“We’re certain that the products that we make are the safest, most effective, most environmentally friendly products available,” said Chief Executive Officer Edward Goldberg. “We’ve spent decades in partnership with the (Forest Service)."
Phosphate is mined in multiple places. Goldberg said they get phosphate both domestically, including from Idaho, and internationally. He declined to go into detail, but said the company hasn’t relied on China or Ukraine, and has substituted other suppliers for Russia and Belarus.
The Forest Service said that tests this summer with FR-200 will be limited to single-engine airtankers flying out of an airtanker base in Ronan, Montana. That appears to be to prevent mixing the companies’ retardants.
Two Forest Service watchdog groups contend both types of retardant harm the environment, and that the agency should be spending less on retardant and more on firefighters.
Andy Stahl, executive director of the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, and Timothy Ingalsbee, executive director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology, both said that the ammonium-phosphates-based retardant is essentially a fertilizer that can boost invasive plants and is potentially responsible for some algae blooms in lakes or reservoirs when it washes downstream. They said the magnesium-chloride-based retardant is essentially a salt that will inhibit plant growth where it falls, possibly harming threatened species.
Both are concerned about direct hits to waterways with either retardant and potential harm to aquatic species. Aircraft are typically limited to giving streams a 300-foot (90-meter) buffer from retardant, but the Forest Service allows drops within the buffer under some conditions, and they sometimes happen accidentally.
“Their theory is that it’s a war, and when you’re in a war you’re going to have collateral damage,” Stahl said. “It’s the fire-industrial complex, the nexus between corporate and government agencies combined, with really no interest in ending making warfare on wildfires. It’s ever-increasing.”
Currently, much of the West is in drought. The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, is reporting that so far this year there have been more than 31,000 wildfires that have burned about 5,000 square miles (13,000 square kilometers). That's well above the 10-year average for the same period of about 24,000 wildfires and 2,000 square miles (5,000 square kilometers) burned.
Wildfire seasons have become increasingly longer as climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years, and scientists have long warned that the weather will get wilder as the world warms.
Watch more on wildfires in the West:
See all of our latest coverage in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/united-states-testing-new-fire-retardant-critics-push-other-methods/277-2ce55119-ed39-452b-8c84-2d819af3e62c | 2022-07-02T21:20:04 | 1 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/wildfire/united-states-testing-new-fire-retardant-critics-push-other-methods/277-2ce55119-ed39-452b-8c84-2d819af3e62c |
Tucson police arrested a man after he reportedly shot and killed his girlfriend following a crash on Tucson’s east side Friday afternoon.
Joseph Brandon Gourley, 45, was charged on suspicion of first degree murder and is being held in the Pima County jail, police said.
On July 1, officers arrived at the intersection of East Fifth Street and North Wilmot Road after receiving reports of a two vehicle crash involving a Dodge truck and a Kia Soul. Upon arriving, police found Jessica Garcia, 36, unresponsive in the truck with gunshot trauma.
Witnesses observed Gourley exit the truck and flee the scene, police said. Officers later found Gourley in a nearby yard and detained him.
Detectives learned that Gourley was driving the truck at the time of the collision, police said. He then reportedly exited the vehicle and shot Garcia before leaving the scene.
Garcia was pronounced dead after arriving at St. Joseph’s Hospital, police said. Two occupants of the Kia were also taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Jamie Donnelly covers breaking news for the Arizona Daily Star. Contact her via e-mail at jdonnelly@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-in-connection-to-fatal-shooting-on-tucsons-east-side/article_7f879e08-fa4b-11ec-9344-ab290ec12ab2.html | 2022-07-02T21:38:30 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/man-arrested-in-connection-to-fatal-shooting-on-tucsons-east-side/article_7f879e08-fa4b-11ec-9344-ab290ec12ab2.html |
Cerro Gordo County GOP has announce the opening of a new office in downtown Mason City.
Located across the street from the post office on the corner of Second Street Northeast and North Delaware Avenue, this new space comes after two years without an office. CGGOP Chair Julie Billings shared her excitement about the new space and officers.
"It was a total God thing, thankfully," Billings said. A prior member, who is now a volunteer, contacted Billings about the open space. Billings said the space was perfect, with an office, kitchen, meeting room and space for refreshments. Community members have also been donating items to the CGGOP for their new space.
The CGGOP has opened its doors to visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday mornings. Now that the primary elections are over, the GOP office is preparing for the Fourth of July parade in Clear Lake, where Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds is expected to take part in the CGGOP float.
"We always have the police and the fire department and the veterans first. Then it's going to be Gov. Kim Reynolds and then all the (local) candidates." Billings and her husband have opened their home to all volunteers and float participants after the events for a cookout.
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Billings is also preparing for an open house in late July, though the office has already celebrated a soft opening as they prepare for midterm lobbying in August.
Billings has taken on her new role with pride, as this is her second year as chair.
When Billings became chair in 2021, the CGGOP elected all new officers. The transition has been a struggle at times, but Billings noted a resurgence of volunteers in the area, and good energy from everybody involved in the CGGOP.
Billings connects this resurgence in activism to events happening in the nation and worldwide. She believes this has led to an increase in voter turnout, and an increase in Republican votes.
"I know at the primary, at least in Cerro Gordo County, every location ran out of Republican ballots. They had people waiting to vote. ... Our turnout was huge" Billings said of the event.
Cerro Gordo County Auditor Adam Wedmore said there was a greater voter turnout on Tuesday th…
The CGGOP office assists with voter registration, disseminating candidate information for the Republican Party, holding events for Republican candidates and teaching community members about local and state government.
Office manager Nancy Rockman believes with the current issues at hand, this election cycle will be one of the most important ones citizens will see. This feeling was echoed in the primary election with voter turnout.
"People are very interested right now. They're angry, they're confused, and hopefully we are here to answer some questions" Rockman said.
Billings hopes this trend will continue into the midterm elections this fall, but notes a sticking point for her:
"As an individual, GOP aside ... I believe we are Americans first. The Democrat versus Republican, Red against Blue, the division and the fighting. ... Why we can't come up with more common ground to build from," Billing said. "Because we are Americans first."
Rae Burnette is a GA and Crime & Courts Reporter at the Globe Gazette. You can reach her by phone at 641.421.0523 or at Rae.Burnette@GlobeGazette.com | https://globegazette.com/news/local/cerro-gordo-gop-chair-revels-in-new-offices-party-strength/article_7d04335d-616d-5cc3-b759-eac34f0e09fd.html | 2022-07-02T21:39:02 | 0 | https://globegazette.com/news/local/cerro-gordo-gop-chair-revels-in-new-offices-party-strength/article_7d04335d-616d-5cc3-b759-eac34f0e09fd.html |
STONYFORD, Calif. — A Stonyford man has been arrested on suspicion of negligently causing a fire to a structure and negligently causing a fire to the wildland during a declared state of emergency, Cal Fire's Sonoma Lake Napa Unit announced Saturday.
Karl Kristofors is suspected of burning trash in a burn pit in the backyard of his Colusa County home which allegedly led to a vegetation fire that burnt structures Thursday.
A mobile home and shed were lost to the fire and another home and shed were severely damaged, Cal Fire officials say.
The fire was reported to Cal Fire around 3:49 p.m. Thursday near Market Street in Stonyford. The fire was extinguished shortly after crews arrived, fire officials say.
Kristofors was booked into Colusa County Jail with bail set at $250,000.
Watch More fire coverage from ABC10: California Wildfires: Rices, Sandra Fire July 1 update | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/man-arrested-for-arson-vegetation-fire/103-d3c42530-1a68-4d3e-bb02-1aacf8850fad | 2022-07-02T21:46:12 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/man-arrested-for-arson-vegetation-fire/103-d3c42530-1a68-4d3e-bb02-1aacf8850fad |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — One person has been injured after a car crashed into the Sacramento Hindu Temple Saturday morning causing major damage to the building, Sacramento Fire Department officials say.
Around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, crews with the Sacramento Fire Department were called to the 7000 block of La Mancha Way in Sacramento after a car had reportedly crashed into a building.
The driver of the car was arrested by officers with the Sacramento Police Department on suspicion of felony hit and run after he or she allegedly tried to run from the scene.
Crews say they found one person inside the building who had been injured in by falling debris after the crash. The victim was taken to an area hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
According to a Tweet from the Sacramento Fire Department, the building suffered major damage. Circumstances surrounding what led up to the crash have not been released.
The Sacramento Police Department says they are investigating the crash.
Watch More from ABC10: 'Operation Dry Water' | California police looking out for boaters under the influence | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/car-crashes-into-hindu-temple/103-d0ca5cc3-8466-4da0-8115-923bd030c0c6 | 2022-07-02T21:46:13 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/car-crashes-into-hindu-temple/103-d0ca5cc3-8466-4da0-8115-923bd030c0c6 |
BOISE, Idaho — U.S. officials are testing a new wildfire retardant after two decades of buying millions of gallons annually from one supplier, but watchdogs say the expensive strategy is overly fixated on aerial attacks at the expense of hiring more fire-line digging ground crews.
The Forest Service used more than 50 million gallons (190 million liters) of retardant for the first time in 2020 as increasingly destructive wildfires plague the West. It exceeded 50 million gallons again last year to fight some of the largest and longest-duration wildfires in history in California and other states. The fire retardant cost those two years reached nearly $200 million.
Over the previous 10 years, the agency used 30 million gallons (115 million liters) annually.
“No two wildfires are the same, and thus it’s critical for fire managers to have different tools available to them for different circumstances a fire may present,” the Forest Service said in an email. “Fire retardant is simply one of those tools.”
The Forest Service said tests started last summer are continuing this summer with a magnesium-chloride-based retardant from Fortress.
Fortress contends its retardants are effective and better for the environment than products offered by Perimeter Solutions. That company says its ammonium-phosphate-based retardants are superior.
Fortress started in 2014 with mainly former wildland firefighters who aimed to create a more effective fire retardant that’s better for the environment. It has facilities in California, Montana and Wyoming, and describes itself as the only alternative to fertilizer-based fire retardants.
The company is headed by Chief Executive Officer Bob Burnham, who started his career as a hotshot crew member fighting wildfires and ultimately rose to become a Type 1 incident commander, directing hundreds of firefighters against some of the nation’s largest wildfires. He often called in aircraft to disperse plumes of red fire retardant, a decision he said he wonders about now after learning more about fertilizer-based retardants and developing a new retardant.
”This new fire retardant is better,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot less damaging to our sensitive planet resources, and it’s going to be a lot better fire retardant on the ground."
The main ingredient in Fortress products, magnesium chloride, is extracted from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, a method and process the company says is more environmentally friendly and less greenhouse-gas producing than mining and processing phosphate. The Forest Service last summer tested the company’s FR-100, and this summer said it will test a version called FR-200.
Perimeter Solutions, which has facilities and equipment throughout the West, has had a number of name and ownership changes over the years but has dominated the market for more than two decades. The company’s Phos-Chek LC-95A is the world’s most used fire retardant. The company is transitioning to a new retardant called Phos-Chek LCE20-Fx, which the company said is made out of food-grade ingredients, making it a cleaner product.
“We’re certain that the products that we make are the safest, most effective, most environmentally friendly products available,” said Chief Executive Officer Edward Goldberg. “We’ve spent decades in partnership with the (Forest Service)."
Phosphate is mined in multiple places. Goldberg said they get phosphate both domestically, including from Idaho, and internationally. He declined to go into detail, but said the company hasn’t relied on China or Ukraine, and has substituted other suppliers for Russia and Belarus.
The Forest Service said that tests this summer with FR-200 will be limited to single-engine airtankers flying out of an airtanker base in Ronan, Montana. That appears to be to prevent mixing the companies’ retardants.
Two Forest Service watchdog groups contend both types of retardant harm the environment, and that the agency should be spending less on retardant and more on firefighters.
Andy Stahl, executive director of the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, and Timothy Ingalsbee, executive director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology, both said that the ammonium-phosphates-based retardant is essentially a fertilizer that can boost invasive plants and is potentially responsible for some algae blooms in lakes or reservoirs when it washes downstream. They said the magnesium-chloride-based retardant is essentially a salt that will inhibit plant growth where it falls, possibly harming threatened species.
Both are concerned about direct hits to waterways with either retardant and potential harm to aquatic species. Aircraft are typically limited to giving streams a 300-foot (90-meter) buffer from retardant, but the Forest Service allows drops within the buffer under some conditions, and they sometimes happen accidentally.
“Their theory is that it’s a war, and when you’re in a war you’re going to have collateral damage,” Stahl said. “It’s the fire-industrial complex, the nexus between corporate and government agencies combined, with really no interest in ending making warfare on wildfires. It’s ever-increasing.”
Currently, much of the West is in drought. The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, is reporting that so far this year there have been more than 31,000 wildfires that have burned about 5,000 square miles (13,000 square kilometers). That's well above the 10-year average for the same period of about 24,000 wildfires and 2,000 square miles (5,000 square kilometers) burned.
Wildfire seasons have become increasingly longer as climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years, and scientists have long warned that the weather will get wilder as the world warms.
Watch More from ABC10: 'Operation Dry Water' | California police looking out for boaters under the influence | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/us-testing-new-fire-retardant/103-bd231ac6-312a-4e4a-bdb0-42729fb4e5c1 | 2022-07-02T21:46:17 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/wildfire/us-testing-new-fire-retardant/103-bd231ac6-312a-4e4a-bdb0-42729fb4e5c1 |
In honor of Independence Day, The Lincoln Journal Star is providing unlimited access to all of our content from June 28th-July 4th!
Presented by
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Supporters of abortion rights are expected to spend Independence Day at the state Capitol protesting the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
The rally will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday on the north side of the Capitol.
There will be speakers from the ACLU, Lincoln Women’s March, the Democratic Party and candidates for offices in Nebraska. Speakers will begin at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m.
Organizers Mary Wistrom and Heather Bogenrief said they decided to hold the rally on Independence Day to demonstrate that women deserve control over their own reproductive health care.
“This is a chance for everyone to speak,” Wistrom said in a news release. “All people deserve access to abortion care when they need it and in the community they live in and trust.”
Abortion is still legal and accessible in Nebraska. The Supreme Court ruling may prompt a special session for the Legislature to consider banning abortion in the state. But the likelihood of it happening later this year appears to be increasingly iffy.
Gov. Pete Ricketts, who would like to see legislation enacted to prohibit most abortions in the state, referred to "the potential special session" in responding to questions at a news conference June 29.
Ricketts said he will continue to work with Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers of Lincoln to "see what more we can do to protect unborn babies."
A so-called trigger bill that would have banned all abortions in Nebraska in the wake of the anticipated decision ending abortion rights was trapped by a filibuster in the closing days of the 2022 legislative session.
Supporters fell two votes short of the 33 required to free the proposal for advancement.
That 33-vote legislative target remains the key to ending abortion rights in the state.
Evelyn Mejia is a news intern and current sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She covers breaking news and writes feature stories about her community. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/thousands-plan-to-rally-for-abortion-rights-at-nebraska-capitol/article_95a704b6-d4a1-5b82-b7ab-f303ce1fa3e2.html | 2022-07-02T21:47:40 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/thousands-plan-to-rally-for-abortion-rights-at-nebraska-capitol/article_95a704b6-d4a1-5b82-b7ab-f303ce1fa3e2.html |
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Fire crews battled a blaze that engulfed a house in Northeast Portland overnight, officials said.
In a tweet sent at 12:27 a.m. Saturday, Portland Fire & Rescue said firefighters were working to put out the fire at a home near the corner of NE Cully Boulevard and Mason Street. Crews had to fight the fire from the outside of the house.
The house was reportedly abandoned, fire officials said, later explaining to KOIN 6 News it was “in the process of being demolished.”
No injuries have been reported, and investigators are still trying to determine what caused the fire.
PF&R asked anyone with information to call 503.823.3473. | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/abandoned-house-goes-up-in-flames-in-ne-portland-fire-officials-say/ | 2022-07-02T21:54:31 | 1 | https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/abandoned-house-goes-up-in-flames-in-ne-portland-fire-officials-say/ |
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Several agencies assisted Jeffersonville Police in investigating the conditions at an Indiana funeral home Friday night.
Jeffersonville Police Maj. Isaac Parker says authorities secured Lankford Funeral Home and Family Center, located in the 3100 block of Middle Road.
According to police, investigators found 31 bodies, some of which were in the advanced stages of decomposition, as well as the cremated remains of 16 other individuals.
The Jeffersonville Police Department said its investigation is on-going and active.
WHAS11's Ford Sanders was on the scene Friday night and witnessed several people going in and out of the funeral home wearing hazmat suits.
A large semi-truck pulled up around 9:40 p.m. with what appeared to be a refrigerated truck in the back.
Police said custody of all the deceased were transferred to the Clark County Coroner's Office who is working with Jeffersonville Police Detectives to identify the remains.
Anyone who entrusted the Lankford Funeral Home with the care of a loved one and is concerned or has any information is urged to contact the Clark County Coroner at 812-285-6282.
Additionally, if anyone has an information regarding potential criminal conduct, please contact the Jeffersonville detectives at 812-285-6535.
This is a developing story. We will update here as more information becomes available.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
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INDIANAPOLIS — One person was seriously injured Saturday afternoon in a shooting on the northwest side of Indianapolis, police said.
IMPD said officers were called to the 4000 block of North High School Road, just north of 38th Street and east of Interstate 465, at around 1:30 p.m.
They arrived to find the person who had been shot and was seriously injured. That person, who police have not identified, was taken to the hospital where they're reported to be in "stable but serious condition," IMPD said.
IMPD detectives are investigating the shooting. At the time of publishing, police had not given any further information about the shooting or the suspect(s).
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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BRIDGETON — A Millville man arrested as part of a 23-person drug bust in 2016 was convicted of multiple narcotics charges Wednesday, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said.
Gerald Butler, 33, was found guilty of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, distribution of CDS and conspiracy to distribute CDS.
Butler was acquitted of possession of a firearm during a drug offense, Webb-McRae said Friday in a news release.
Butler is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 29 before Judge William Ziegler. The state will seek a term of as long as 20 years in prison, Webb-McRae said.
From April to September 2016, the county Prosecutor's Office performed a wiretap probe into a suspected drug and gun trafficking network in Millville. During the bust, authorities seized nine handguns and one rifle, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and illicit prescription drugs along with $12,428 in cash.
Butler's home was searched Sept. 28, 2016, and inside, detectives recovered two handguns, heroin and cocaine as well as wax folds, scales and various drug distribution materials, Webb-McRae said. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/millville-man-convicted-in-2016-drug-bust/article_dfaee164-f966-11ec-895a-8b9e680278a9.html | 2022-07-02T22:05:07 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/millville-man-convicted-in-2016-drug-bust/article_dfaee164-f966-11ec-895a-8b9e680278a9.html |
Texas can enforce its abortion ban from 1925, the state Supreme Court ruled late Friday evening, a decision that exposes abortion providers to lawsuits and financial penalties if they continue to perform the procedure.
The court overruled a district judge in Houston, who on Tuesday had temporarily blocked the state’s old abortion law from going into effect. That law made performing an abortion, by any method, punishable by two to 10 years in prison.
Friday’s decision does not permit prosecutors to bring criminal cases against abortion providers, but it exposes anyone who assists in the procurement of an abortion to fines and lawsuits.
The federal Supreme Court on June 24 overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case that asserted that access to abortion is protected under the constitution. The Texas Legislature last year passed a “trigger law” that would automatically ban abortion from the moment of fertilization 30 days after a judgment from the Supreme Court, which typically comes about a month after the initial opinion.
Abortion rights groups filed a lawsuit Monday in hopes of extending the period the procedure remains legal in Texas. They argued the 1925 ban was effectively repealed when the Supreme Court rendered its decision in Roe v. Wade, and thus cannot be enforced now.
“These laws are confusing, unnecessary, and cruel,” Marc Hearron, Senior Counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is not part of the lawsuit, said in a statement. “Texas’s trigger ban is not scheduled to take effect for another two months, if not longer. This law from nearly one hundred years ago is banning essential health care prematurely, despite clearly being long repealed.”
Since the Legislature never repealed its pre-Roe statute banning abortion, however, some conservative lawmakers and legal scholars argued abortion again became illegal in Texas the moment the Supreme Court announced its ruling.
“Although these statutes were unenforceable while Roe was on the books, they are still Texas law,” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said June 24. “Under these pre-Roe statutes, abortion providers could be criminally liable for providing abortions starting today.”
Texas clinics began turning away patients the day of the federal court ruling. Nonprofits that help people access and afford abortions have stopped distributing aid.
Some clinics resumed providing abortions on Tuesday, after the Houston judge temporarily halted enforcement of the pre-Roe state ban, though Paxton said he still would attempt to prosecute them if the state Supreme Court overruled that temporary restraining order, which it did Friday.
A hearing is scheduled on July 12 to decide on a more permanent restraining order. The case will eventually be heard on its merits, though effectively the trigger law set to take effect in about two months will ensure abortion is banned in Texas regardless of whether the 1925 law is enforced.
Some conservative lawmakers have said they intend to continue to legislate around abortion in the coming session, which begins in January. With abortion illegal in Texas, except in rare cases to save the life of the mother, the lawmakers said they will turn their attention on improving adoption programs and preventing pregnant Texans from leaving the state to receive the procedure.
This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-1925-abortion-ban-supreme-court-ruling/285-e7be5891-a384-4f98-ab5a-b985a036b749 | 2022-07-02T22:06:54 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texas-1925-abortion-ban-supreme-court-ruling/285-e7be5891-a384-4f98-ab5a-b985a036b749 |
In honor of Independence Day, The Times is providing unlimited access to all of our content from June 28th-July 4th!
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Dr. Bethany Cataldi’s Center for Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery
3 Floyds has been brewing some of the world's most acclaimed craft beers for decades now, amassing more awards than a trophy shop. The Munster-based craft brewery opened its long-awaited distillery a few years ago, branching into artisan spirits.
Now it's diversifying further, getting into the premium bottled cocktail game.
3 Floyds Distilling is launching Sanctus, Barnabus and Brutta, bottled cocktails that are "crafted with the highest quality and rare ingredients with a base of super-premium spirits from Three Floyds’ highly award-winning lineup."
It's distributing the mixed cocktails at retailers in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The 395ml bottles boast 19.5% ABV, pour two to three cocktails and display artwork by Jesse Draxler.
3 Floyds Distilling launched the Sanctus whiskey peach smash made with Three Floyds’ Divine Rite White Whiskey. It features bold peach candy flavor and notes of nectarine, ginger and cucumber bitters.
The Barnabus, which honors 3 Floyd Brewing's late Barnaby Struve, mixes Blanq Reavers Rum, vodka and lime into a hot pink daiquiri.
Brutta is billed as a "not normal" negroni crafted with Oude Boatface London Dry Gin, house-made aperitivo and sweet vermouth.
“Our goal was simple — create delicious cocktails that hold up with zero fuss to enjoy at home,” Vice President and Head Distiller Abby Titcomb said. “We want people to enjoy our spirits whenever and however they like — our bottled cocktails let them do just that.”
Titcomb led the charge when 3 Floyds started distilling whiskey in 2018 before opening officially in 2019. 3 Floyds Distilling has gone on to win more than 65 awards, including six triple gold medals at MicroLiquors Spirit Awards, Indiana Distillery of the Year at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition and Best in Class at the American Craft Spirit Awards.
Its premium spirits include whiskeys, gins, aquavits and rum.
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
"It is another tale in a long string of betrayals by the company, which now has permanently closed nearly two thirds of the assets it acquired from National Steel along with other acquisitions."
A Hammond Walmart associate Erika Ramirez got a big surprise when she was recently promoted on stage at the Walmart Shareholders meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas.
“Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses—from parks to streaming—not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength."
The 12/20 landscape of Dunes Highway and the largely parallel U.S. 20 highway in Gary's Miller neighborhood have been undergoing a major transformation as many decrepit old buildings get demolished.
Strack & Van Til is asking customers to round up for The Salvation Army over the next few weeks, including during the Fourth of July holiday that's typically one of the busiest grocery shopping periods of the year as people stock up for summer cookouts. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/3-floyds-branches-into-bottled-cocktails/article_27965168-bee3-5189-9a80-205cf5a9456d.html | 2022-07-02T22:08:39 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/3-floyds-branches-into-bottled-cocktails/article_27965168-bee3-5189-9a80-205cf5a9456d.html |
In honor of Independence Day, The Times is providing unlimited access to all of our content from June 28th-July 4th!
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Dr. Bethany Cataldi’s Center for Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery
Energy use rose by 5.8% last year while carbon emissions also increased, though fossil fuels continued to make up a smaller chunk of global energy use, according to BP's recently released "Statistical Review of World Energy."
Last year, energy demand across the globe exceeded the 2019 level by 1.3%, BP estimates. Fossil fuels accounted for 82% of the primary energy use, which was down from 83% in 2019 and 85% five years ago.
“As COVID-19 restrictions around much of the world are relaxed and economic activity recovers, energy consumption is expanding sharply, increasing the demands on available energy supplies, and highlighting fragilities in the system," BP Chief Economist Spencer Dale said. "In many ways, this sharp rebound in energy demand is a sign of global success, driven by a rapid recovery in economic activity as the widespread distribution of effective vaccines allowed for an easing in Covid restrictions in many parts of the world and a return to our everyday lives. But it also highlights that the pronounced dip in carbon emissions in 2020 was only temporary."
Carbon dioxide emissions from energy use, flaring, methane and industrial processes rose by 5.7% last year.
"Considerable progress has been made in sovereign pledges to achieve net zero, but in global aggregate terms those growing ambitions have yet to translate into tangible progress on the ground: carbon emissions have risen in every year since the Paris goals were agreed (other than in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic)," Dale said. "The world remains on an unsustainable path."
Oil consumption grew by 5.3 million barrels per day, including 1.5 million barrels per day in the United States. Gas consumption grew by 1.8 million barrels per day worldwide, while diesel consumption grew by 1.3 million barrels per day.
Oil prices climbed to $70.91 per barrel last year, the second highest level since 2015. They've since skyrocketed over $100 million a ton after Russia invaded Ukraine, triggering a global round of sanctions against the one of the world's largest crude oil suppliers.
"The challenges and uncertainties facing the global energy system are at their greatest for almost 50 years, at the time of the last great energy shocks of the 1970s," Dale said. "Most immediate is the impact of the terrible events taking place in Ukraine, with its tragic toll on lives and communities. The war also threatens to lead to shortages in food and energy, which could detract materially from health and wellbeing across the globe. From an energy perspective, the growing shortages and increasing prices highlight the continuing importance of energy ‘security’ and ‘affordability’ alongside ‘lower carbon’ when addressing the energy trilemma."
Greener forms of energy production continue to grow worldwide.
"Encouragingly, renewable energy, led by wind and solar power, continued to grow strongly and now accounts for 13% of total generation," Dale said. "Renewable generation, excluding hydro, increased by almost 17% in 2021 and accounted for over half of the increase in global power generation over the past two years."
NWI Business Ins and Outs: Crumbl Cookies, Southlake Mall stores and StretchLab opening; Chop House on Wicker site slated for redevelopment
Joseph S. Pete is a Lisagor Award-winning business reporter who covers steel, industry, unions, the ports, retail, banking and more. The Indiana University grad has been with The Times since 2013 and blogs about craft beer, culture and the military.
"It is another tale in a long string of betrayals by the company, which now has permanently closed nearly two thirds of the assets it acquired from National Steel along with other acquisitions."
A Hammond Walmart associate Erika Ramirez got a big surprise when she was recently promoted on stage at the Walmart Shareholders meeting in Bentonville, Arkansas.
“Disney was dealt a tough hand by the pandemic, yet with Bob at the helm, our businesses—from parks to streaming—not only weathered the storm, but emerged in a position of strength."
The 12/20 landscape of Dunes Highway and the largely parallel U.S. 20 highway in Gary's Miller neighborhood have been undergoing a major transformation as many decrepit old buildings get demolished.
Strack & Van Til is asking customers to round up for The Salvation Army over the next few weeks, including during the Fourth of July holiday that's typically one of the busiest grocery shopping periods of the year as people stock up for summer cookouts. | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/energy-demard-rose-by-5-8-and-carbon-emissions-by-5-7-last-year-bp/article_b47ebeb5-724d-5ee2-8f93-9b1366d3a12e.html | 2022-07-02T22:08:45 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/energy-demard-rose-by-5-8-and-carbon-emissions-by-5-7-last-year-bp/article_b47ebeb5-724d-5ee2-8f93-9b1366d3a12e.html |
CROWN POINT — A judge scheduled a trial for a man who was back in court Friday on attempted murder charges following a decision by the Indiana Court of Appeals to reinstate his case.
Jarod D. Johnson, 25, of Gary, was arrested Monday after failing to appear for a court hearing June 24 before Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez.
Johnson initially was charged in Lake Criminal Court in April 2019 in connection with allegations he shot woman in Gary and left her for dead after she refused to tell him, his brother and his mother where to find her relative.
Prosecutors alleged Johnson and his family were trying to find and silence the relative, who was slated to testify against Johnson about his involvement in a 2017 shooting.
The U.S. attorney's office took over prosecution in 2019 of the cases against Jarod Johnson; his brother Jaron D. Johnson, 23; and his mother, Patricia Carrington, 49.
Jaron Johnson and Carrington each pleaded guilty last year in federal court in Hammond. Carrington received 17.5-year sentence in late 2021, and Jaron Johnson received the same sentence in early June.
However, a U.S. District Court jury acquitted Jarod Johnson in March 2021 of kidnapping.
Lake County prosecutors refiled charges against him in April, but they did not include a kidnapping count. Johnson previously pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, aggravated battery, two counts of battery, and intimidation.
Vasquez dismissed the case in July 2021 after finding Indiana's double jeopardy statute barred further prosecution because the state and federal cases were based on the same conduct and circumstances.
The Court of Appeals concluded the state could prosecute Johnson because alleged acts outlined in its latest case were not the same as the alleged acts linked to the federal kidnapping charge.
"In reaching these conclusions, we observe, as did the trial court in its remarks from the bench, that there is scant Indiana case law ... ," the Court of Appeals wrote. "Although both parties cite to several Indiana state cases in support of their appellate arguments, none of the authority cited by either party involves a state prosecution following a federal acquittal on charges pertaining to conduct that occurred on the same day involving the same victim over an approximately two-hour time span."
The Lake County public defender's office asked the Indiana Supreme Court to review the Appeals Court decision, but the high court declined transfer.
Johnson's public defender, Marc Laterzo, asked Vasquez to set a hearing to review his client's bail, which was set at $150,000 surety or $15,000 cash. The judge scheduled the hearing for July 15.
Vasquez also granted Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Tara Villarreal's request to set Johnson's trial for the week of Oct. 24.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Bradley Warmac
Age : 31
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205415
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING - W/NO INTENT OF FELONY THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Timothy Watkins
Age : 26
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205422
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ronald Woods
Age : 33
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205429
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Talley
Age : 34
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205441
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nathan Thomas
Age : 32
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205424
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Randall Valle
Age : 29
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205418
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jason Mosqueda
Age : 21
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205411
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jamey Oskins
Age : 35
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205442
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Freddie Meeks III
Age : 37
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205426
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - DECEPTION - IDENTITY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kevin Haywood
Age : 45
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205423
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - OBTAINING PROPERTY - BY CREDIT CARD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dontrell Henderson Jr.
Age : 24
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205444
Arrest Date: June 24, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cortez Henley
Age : 18
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205437
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
James Kelly III
Age : 27
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205421
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POCKET-PICKING - W/PRIOR CONVICTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Alison Cook
Age : 32
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205434
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justin Davis
Age : 34
Residence: Blue Island, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205432
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Maria Dorsey
Age : 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205416
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC INDECENCY - PROMOTING PROSTITUTION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Roger Burrell
Age : 52
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205425
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY; POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Kevin Ballard
Age : 61
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205410
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicole Bottoms
Age : 45
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205428
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL; DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Thomas Mason
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205394
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lauren Milby
Age : 23
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205377
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING - ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Montgomery
Age : 40
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205400
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Paris Spencer
Age : 38
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205388
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jamale Henderson
Age : 34
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205376
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rahmere Dunn
Age : 23
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205379
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: HOMICIDE - MURDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Prince Elston II
Age : 19
Residence: Markham, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205393
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Josigha Coleman
Age : 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205399
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Corey Brewer
Age : 23
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205401
Arrest Date: June 23, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE; FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Antrell Blissett Jr.
Age : 24
Residence: Lima, OH
Booking Number(s): 2205387
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON; BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Alexis Robinson
Age : 36
Residence: Calumet City, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205347
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Stafford
Age : 46
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205371
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brian Stotts
Age : 49
Residence: New Lenox, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205364
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kyle Turnquist
Age : 28
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205374
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - POSSESSION - SCHEDULE I
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joshua Vargo
Age : 38
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205363
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE; POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Jeremiah Perez
Age : 42
Residence: Grand Rapids, MI
Booking Number(s): 2205355
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cody Qualls
Age : 33
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205360
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Paglis
Age : 40
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205373
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Desmond Lewis
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205348
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Cecilia Marines
Age : 30
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205346
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Anthony Moss
Age : 52
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205344
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750; MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Jeffrey Jackson
Age : 30
Residence: Westminster, CO
Booking Number(s): 2205350
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
James Ellis Jr.
Age : 58
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205354
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST A PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lloyd Grant III
Age : 51
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205345
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Mykia Green
Age : 26
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205358
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Isaiah Cross Sr.
Age : 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205356
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Diandre Cassidy
Age : 33
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205369
Arrest Date: June 22, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Donte Paulk
Age : 40
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205341
Arrest Date: June 21, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING - INTERFERING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT DEF. USES A VEHICLE; PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION - OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Randall Wingis
Age : 59
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205340
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Alexia Brown
Age : 26
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205333
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Elijah Dillon-Bombin
Age : 21
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205335
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION; BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Laron Major
Age : 19
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205321
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Eric Blain
Age : 27
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205334
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Toler
Age : 56
Residence: Frankfort, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205298
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Porshaue Shelley
Age : 31
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205303
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - $750 TO $50,000; FALSE IDENTIFICATION TO POLICE or FALSE INFO OF EMERGENCY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Ivan Santillan Popoca
Age : 20
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205300
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Adam Summers
Age : 37
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205314
Arrest Date: June 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth McCammon
Age : 42
Residence: Schneider, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205309
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Terry Millender
Age : 54
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205301
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- INVASION OF PRIVACY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Gerald Purkey
Age : 34
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205299
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - METHAMPHETAMINE; POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Damontae Reed
Age : 21
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205297
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Deon Hayes
Age : 30
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205312
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Gilbert Herrera
Age : 63
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205313
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jason Fisher
Age : 39
Residence: Aurora, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205304
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Danielle Vann
Age : 29
Residence: Hebron, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205275
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Carl Payne
Age : 30
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205270
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Joshua Serrano
Age : 28
Residence: South Holland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205279
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Lamont Murdaugh
Age : 22
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205272
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: 2205272
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Daron Lynch
Age : 40
Residence: Wheatfield, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205287
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Hitchcock
Age : 43
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205257
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Felix DeLeon
Age : 46
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205274
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
JeJuan Graham
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205276
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Chauncey Hackett Jr.
Age : 31
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205294
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shahid Coleman
Age : 31
Residence: Hammond, iN
Booking Number(s): 2205285
Arrest Date: June 19, 2022
Offense Description: WEAPON - USE - FIREARM - POINTING A FIREARM
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Curtis
Age : 41
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205280
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Katie Birks
Age : 27
Residence: Colbert, GA
Booking Number(s): 2205258
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Marcus Clay
Age : 34
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205264
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SIMPLE - TOUCH W/NO INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kathleen Clayton
Age : 66
Residence: Sheldon, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205282
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Richard Wisniewski Jr.
Age : 50
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205213
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Lakissa Taylor
Age : 41
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205244
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Tavarrus Wilson
Age : 44
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205227
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
William Watts III
Age : 22
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205246
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - SEXUAL BATTERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kevin Rosolowski Jr.
Age : 31
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205215
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: RAPE - INTERCOURSE; CONFINEMENT - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Eliseo Pena Jr.
Age : 42
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205219
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Sothan Pickett
Age : 48
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205238
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jose Torres Oquendo
Age : 51
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205230
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Angel Morales
Age : 41
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205217
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Darius Nelson
Age : 29
Residence: Lynwood, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205224
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FROM BUILDING - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shefiu Ogunlana
Age : 39
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205220
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A SERIOUS VIOLENT FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nathan Lunford IV
Age : 41
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205226
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Melvin Macon Jr.
Age : 32
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205218
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Deja Miller
Age : 26
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205242
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Devan Landfair
Age : 27
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205228
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD; BURGLARY
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Ronald Kelley Jr.
Age : 48
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205212
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Timothy Lane
Age : 23
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205222
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: PUBLIC INDECENCY - INDECENT EXPOSURE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Arturo Gurrola
Age : 22
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205241
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Untonise Harper
Age : 49
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205247
Arrest Date: June 18, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ruben Herrera
Age : 38
Residence: Elgin, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205245
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Demetrius Brown
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205229
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
David Coley
Age : 55
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205236
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Isaiah Escutia
Age : 23
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205232
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY RESULTING IN BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Benjamen Baso
Age : 44
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2205251
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Kewuan Allen
Age : 24
Residence: Chicago Heights, IL
Booking Number(s): 2205225
Arrest Date: June 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
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HEYWORTH — Nashville, Tennessee, songwriter Don Goodman said he’s truly doing heart-touching work for Freedom Sings USA.
On Friday, Goodman interviewed several Central Illinois veterans who met in Heyworth for a Zoom call, including Heyworth’s Paul Petry, who served in World War II, and Vietnam War vet David Henard, of Clinton. Through interviews like those, Goodman said he’s helped write 200 to 300 songs that share the stories of military service members and their families.
“It’s so cathartic,” said Goodman. “A lot of people don’t want to talk about their experience. A lot of people are suffering with PTSD and they’re still fighting that war.
“They’ll fight it the rest of their lives.”
He said the songwriting process enables veterans to say things they haven’t been able to discuss before, because they’re not just telling a story — they’re caught up in writing a song.
Later on, Goodman said he’s been told by wives and children of veterans that they were hearing some things for the first time.
“A little kid says to me, ‘wow, I think I know now why my dad cries sometimes,” he said.
Goodman added veterans have told him he’s saved their lives, or that “I had the gun in my hand. I was ready to pull the trigger.”
“More than once, coming through this program…. They just turned it around,” said Goodman. “I’ve seen it absolutely turn them around; they go from being totally reclusive to coming to shows and concerts and we’re performing their songs for them.”
He also said they’ve written for a whole class of female veterans.
Goodman said he’s been writing veterans' songs for nine years. He first got Operation Song started with Bob Regan, and that sprung into Freedom Sings USA, which is based out of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
He said they have not missed a weekly songwriting session on Wednesdays for seven years.
'Holy Huey' ride
On Friday, Goodman interviewed Henard exactly 45 years after he left the United States and went to war in Vietnam.
"That would be a damn good way to start a song," Goodman noted.
Henard, 78, flew helicopters for the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and went through flight school at Fort Wolters, Texas. He told Goodman he loved and trusted the Huey helicopter, especially the Charlie model for its wider rotor and blade.
“It just fit me like a glove,” Henard said.
When graduating from flight school, Henard recalled a speaker who said to “take your tense of humor with you (to Vietnam)…. You’re gonna need it.”
Goodman commented that’s as true as it gets.
However, there was one Huey run that would change Henard. In March 1968, during the Tet Offensive, the Army pilot took a helicopter out of maintenance. It was the only one available. He said he was flying at 1,000 feet of altitude and was five “clicks” from the station when the control stick hit him in the stomach.
Henard said the helicopter’s nose pitched up way too high, and his life flashed through his brain. He envisioned the vehicle would roll over and fall backward, hitting the ground nose first.
Instead, Henard said he felt a bright light behind him and above the helicopter, and then the control stick freed up enough so he could make a gradual descent.
Later on at base, Henard said he was drinking a beer when a maintenance officer told him he was the first crew to land after that kind of mechanical failure.
He explained that the control stick connects to a squash plate that tilts the plane of a rotor. Henard said too small of a bolt was installed in the squash plate, causing it to jam.
If the squash plate did not fail in the position that it did on the rotor, he said the incident would not have been survivable.
“I knew that God had intervened in this instance and my guardian angel gave me the external force that was needed to get that helicopter on the ground,” said Henard.
The experience later reaffirmed his faith in Christ, and Henard said he’s done his best to serve the Lord since.
For more information about Freedom Sings USA, go to www.freedomsingsusa.org.
Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/military/nashville-songwriter-sharing-stories-of-central-illinois-veterans/article_4e74a318-fa2a-11ec-ab04-9305b0521bc1.html | 2022-07-02T22:14:42 | 1 | https://pantagraph.com/news/local/military/nashville-songwriter-sharing-stories-of-central-illinois-veterans/article_4e74a318-fa2a-11ec-ab04-9305b0521bc1.html |
Detroit police on the lookout — for recruits
Detroit — With a painted face and whooshing down an inflatable slide, Jamison Lopez doesn’t look like the future of the Detroit Police Department.
But looks can be deceiving.
Jamison, 7, insists he will be a police officer one day. Unless he becomes the president of the United States.
“They help people,” he said about law enforcement. “They keep you out of trouble.”
The Detroit youngster attended a job fair held by the Detroit police Saturday and, while he’s still a few years too young, his mother isn’t. Linda Lopez said she was hoping to find some type of civilian position with the department.
The Lopezes were among several dozen people milling about the campus and parking lot of Detroit Public Safety Headquarters.
They were greeted by an equal number of police employees representing various agency departments. Among them were detectives, mounted patrol, the K-9 unit and special victims unit.
Sgt. Deanna Wilson of the harbormaster unit told visitors the stunning story of a man who tried to commit suicide by jumping off the Ambassador Bridge.
The man survived and then clambered upon a large chunk of ice floating down the Detroit River. Someone called the police and the harbormaster, who patrols the city’s waterways, retrieved the man from his floating refuge.
“I love doing it,” Wilson said about her job. “I love being on the water.”
A nearby exhibit showed some of the things plucked from the river by the police underwater search unit. They included a rifle, a pistol, an old-western six-shooter, and a knife with a six-inch blade.
The police also showed off their various vehicles including the bomb squad truck, mobile command center and special response team unit.
If visitors had a license, they were allowed to drive a police scout car and flash the emergency lights.
All of this was designed to draw recruits. Visitors signed up to take written and agility tests.
The pay begins at $20 an hour while in the police academy and grows to $30 an hour over five years, said the police.
If Jamison doesn’t become president and works for the Detroit PD, it probably won’t be in the mounted patrol.
Among the units represented Saturday was an officer with the patrol and his horse. But Jamison was leery of getting too close to them.
“They bite,” he said.
fdonnelly@detroitnews.com
313) 223-4186
Twitter: @prima_donnelly | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/07/02/detroit-police-lookout-recruits-career-fair/7795961001/ | 2022-07-02T22:25:47 | 0 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2022/07/02/detroit-police-lookout-recruits-career-fair/7795961001/ |
Described as chaotic, loud and messy by Georgina Goodlander, the ARTitorium's visual arts director, the venue provides new and exciting summer classes for children up to 12 years old.
The ARTitorium on Broadway opened August 2014. Before the ARTitorium occupied the building at 271 W. Broadway St., the Rio Theater filled the space. Under a cluster of changing names, the Rio Theater was open in downtown Idaho Falls from 1924 to 2001. After nearly 80 years of creating quiet, formal film experiences for the community, the building was donated anonymously to the Idaho Falls Arts Council with the hope that children would fill its halls with noise.
In 2013, the long-awaited construction began to fulfill that promise. Reality set in when Goodlander joined the ARTitorium team in January 2014. With a degree in illustration and visual communication, Goodlander took her 11 years of experience at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., to Idaho Falls. Upon arrival, she lent her expertise to the ARTitorium's construction team to build a colorful, imaginative space for kids to become artists.
As the ARTitorium nears its 10-year mark, it keeps adding new and innovative experiences for children and their parents. Currently the ARTitorium has art-making software, a green screen studio, stop-motion animation stations, collaborative murals, noise-making installations and a 136-seat MC theater.
Its wide variety of creative outlets make for an open, inclusive environment for all artists.
"We want to make art as accessible as possible for everyone. People think they may not be good enough at art to come here. But we work to teach that anyone can be an artist. We work to help others not be intimidated by art," Goodlander said.
The ARTitorium hopes to not only provide art classes for children up to the age of 12 but for their parents as well.
"We want to break down the idea that art is not for everyone. Our goal is to have children come in with their parents so they both can create art," Goodlander said.
The ARTitorium offers four classes this summer. These include: Silly Art, Patterns in Art, Nature Art and Textile Art. The summer classes are sold out. With increasing popularity, Goodlander said there will be five classes offered next summer, and additional classes will be added if they continue to sell out.
These coordinated, hands-on classes follow a monthly theme. Every month a local business sponsors that section's projects.
"Since we change the projects every month, we hope people will come again and again and get a different experience every time," Goodlander said.
June's theme was dairy, as it was National Dairy Month. Projects the kids and parents worked on included a milk mustache, a toilet paper goat, a cotton ball milkshake and a cow headband.
On June 10, National Dairy Day, the ARTitorium hosted an open event for the community. That month's sponsor, Unbottled, brought in an inflatable cow. There was also a bike that created spin art. The bike painted an image of spilled milk with brown, pink, and white paint splattered across a canvas.
"We can come up with projects around any theme, even dairy. We have a very creative team," Goodlander said.
July's theme is treasures of the world, sponsored by Westmark Credit Union.
Art classes are not the only opportunity to get involved with the ARTitorium. It also offers Reader's Theater camp. Inside the 136-seat MC theater, kids will have the chance to explore acting without the pressures of handling props or memorizing lines, the ARTitorium website said.
During the 2022 Reader's Theater, children will be cast in different roles and they will rehearse a play to perform at the Youth Jam Festival at the River Walk on Aug. 13. The Reader's Theater still has registration spots available. The camp runs from Aug. 1 through Aug. 13. Children ages 5-8 will attend Reader's Theater that Monday through Thursday each week from 3-4 p.m., and children ages 9-12 from 4-5 p.m. Registration is $75 for each child with a $5 discount for additional siblings that attend.
The ARTitorium is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5 to drop in and create for hours.
"My favorite thing about the ARTitorium is that we'll have kids that never want to leave. They will have been there for three hours and their parents still can't get them to leave," Goodlander said.
The ARTitorium also offers reservations for field trips, birthday parties and private events. For more information go to artitoriumonbroadway.org. | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/anyone-can-be-an-artist-artitorium-open-for-all-creators/article_bdc83865-41a4-5055-af0f-cfa5d00db445.html | 2022-07-02T22:35:15 | 0 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/anyone-can-be-an-artist-artitorium-open-for-all-creators/article_bdc83865-41a4-5055-af0f-cfa5d00db445.html |
Since the U.S. Supreme Court Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision on June 24, politicians across the country have shared their thoughts on one of court’s most impactful decisions, including local elected officials and candidates seeking to challenge them this November.
Eastern Idaho Democrats running for office gathered at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise to speak about the decision, they included Idaho Falls state representative candidate Miranda Marquit, U.S. Senate candidate David Roth and U.S. House of Representatives candidate Wendy Norman.
“This week is evidence that we are currently being governed and policy is being made by people who not only are interested in stopping progress, but in turning progress back,” Marquit said to a crowd of attendees. “I will not go back to the 1950s.”
The court’s decision overturned Roe v. Wade, which, in 1973, established a constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. Now abortion laws will be handled by state policy and Idaho is among the states that are ready to ban abortions following the decision, with exceptions for rape, incest and endangerment to the life of the mother. The state’s trigger law could go into effect as early as Aug. 18, 30 days after the court’s decision is formalized through a judgment.
Marquit said the nation has never lived up to its ideals of equality for marginalized groups and Justice Clarence Thomas’ opinion, which indicates he’d like to see the court overturn federal protection of same-sex marriage and access to contraception, demonstrates further examples of setting progress back toward the ideals of equality.
Republican State Rep. Barbara Ehardt, the incumbent being challenged by Marquit, said she was grateful for the decision and believes Roe v. Wade was an “unconstitutional injustice.”
“I believe in Idaho that one of our values in the state is that we value life. In the state of Idaho, we will support and value life.” Ehardt said. “(Abortion) was handled by the states prior to 1973 and should be handled by the states as we move forward."
Ehardt called for the Legislature during the next session to improve support for women who are pregnant. She suggested making the adoption process quicker, easier and more affordable while also potentially compensating individuals who would be financially burdened by pregnancy.
A lawsuit from Planned Parenthood challenging Idaho’s trigger law was filed on Monday, the Associated Press reported. The lawsuit says the ban violates Idaho residents’ rights to privacy and equal protection clause under the state Constitution and the law is too vague for physicians to know when they can legally help patients who are miscarrying or facing medical emergencies.
The Idaho Supreme Court has not yet made a decision to Planned Parenthood's request for an emergency ruling which blocks the trigger law from taking effect if the court has not reached a decision 30 days after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision is finalized.
Mike Simpson
U.S. Rep Mike Simpson said there is “no constitutional right to an abortion” in a statement issued about the court’s ruling.
“As we move forward from this victory, we must remain vigilant to reject extreme, anti-life legislation that will surely be introduced in the wake of this decision," Simpson said in the statement. "As a member of the House of Representatives, I will continue to guard against legislation that threatens the unborn and will use my voice to spread the pro-life message of hope that is so central to our movement.”
Simpson told the Post Register in May, after Justice Samuel Alito’s draft opinion was leaked, that he did not support a federal ban of abortions.
Norman, a Rigby teacher seeking to unseat Simpson this November, said at the courthouse that the ruling further divides members of the two parties, contrary to Alito’s opinion in which he says Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood have “enflamed debate and deepened division.”
“This means that the division in our nation between the haves and the have-nots, between the right and the left will continue to grow. (The court’s ruling) is not solving it,” Norman said.
Roth, from Idaho Falls, called for people to vote this November and be “relentless” with their civic participation during the courthouse gathering.
David Roth
“(We can’t think) that just because this is Idaho, we don’t have a chance or we don’t have a voice or we don’t have a choice because we do,” Roth said. "The votes are here for us to win these races. We simply have to get people out to vote.”
Federal elections have been dominated by Republicans in Idaho for recent history. The most recent Democrat U.S. senator was Frank Church, who served from 1957 to 1981. In the House, Democrat Walt Minnick represented Idaho from 2009 to 2011.
Mike Crapo
Roth’s opponent U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, issued the following statement after the ruling:
“My strong commitment to supporting measures that protect the rights of the unborn remains unchanged," Crapo said in his statement. "I believe abortion is wrong and should be limited to cases where the mother’s life is in imminent danger. The Court’s decision upholds states’ ability to protect the right to life.” | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/what-local-legislators-and-their-opponents-are-saying-about-overturning-roe-v-wade/article_8e97933a-beca-5ccd-954d-0e87d6b7d3e5.html | 2022-07-02T22:35:21 | 1 | https://www.postregister.com/news/local/what-local-legislators-and-their-opponents-are-saying-about-overturning-roe-v-wade/article_8e97933a-beca-5ccd-954d-0e87d6b7d3e5.html |
On Saturday, there weren’t any major cancellations or delays reported at Love Field or DFW Airport.
Inside Love Field, it was a rare sight to see during a holiday weekend.
“It was easy. It was not a big deal. It seems like this is a very easy airport to come in and out,” said traveler Jessica Aldridge.
Families arrived and departed without any travel chaos.
“I forgot it was the Fourth of July. So no, I didn’t expect it to be this empty at all,” said traveler Patrick Fuston.
He and his wife and kids are headed to a family reunion in Tennessee.
Rachelle Garner and her mom are flying home to Atlanta.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
“My family called me earlier and told me there might be some bad weather coming into Atlanta, so I’m expecting probably a delay with the airport or the travel time, and we’ll just be expecting that and pack our patience,” Garner said.
As for travelers hitting the road, Daniel Armbruster with AAA Texas said there’s some good news about gas prices.
“They continue to drop. Overnight in fact, here in DFW, we dropped about four cents on average overnight. It’s sitting at $4.48 today. But again, these are the most expensive gas prices that we’ve ever paid for Fourth of July,” said Daniel Armbruster, spokesperson for AAA Texas.
Families are on the road again, with AAA reporting that driving this holiday weekend has surpassed the record in 2019.
Experts say even with near-record gas prices, the demand for travel will likely increase, even after the holiday - all the way to Labor Day. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-travelers-brace-for-busy-holiday-weekend/3005959/ | 2022-07-02T22:36:01 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/north-texas-travelers-brace-for-busy-holiday-weekend/3005959/ |
Two people were hospitalized following a crash in Seminole County on Saturday, according to the Seminole County Fire Department.
The crash involved three vehicles, one of which was a truck carrying a trailer, and occurred on Lake Minnie Drive and US 17-92.
The crash is under investigation. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/07/02/2-hospitalized-after-crash-in-seminole-county-authorities-say/ | 2022-07-02T22:44:00 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/07/02/2-hospitalized-after-crash-in-seminole-county-authorities-say/ |
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman visited the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha last week to present a local proclamation in celebration of a national observation.
National Boys & Girls Club Week began June 25, and continued through July 1.
Locally, the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha got its start in 1992 and has since blossomed into a thriving organization that provides a wide range of programs and services for youth and families in the community.
The proclamation notes the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha serves more than 12,500 young people annually, providing a safe, supportive place for them to participate in high-quality youth development programming.
Additionally, the local club makes a positive impact in the lives of young people through its youth employment program, and it provides tens of thousands of nutritional meals each year.
In 2021, the Kenosha club provided $48,000 in scholarship funds.
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“The Boys & Girls Club is an outstanding organization that serves many important functions for the community,” Kerkman said. “Kenosha County appreciates all that it does.” | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-county-recognizes-national-boys-girls-club-week/article_4cd20576-fa2c-11ec-a3ba-27771a907414.html | 2022-07-02T22:55:53 | 0 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/kenosha-county-recognizes-national-boys-girls-club-week/article_4cd20576-fa2c-11ec-a3ba-27771a907414.html |
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday in Civic Center Park.
SEAN KRAJACIC, Kenosha News
Tayna McLean, executive director and founder of Leaders of Kenosha, speaks during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday in Civic Center Park.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Dan Seaver, president of Kenosha Pride, speaks during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday in Civic Center Park.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Kyle Johnson, of the Education Justice Coalition, during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Alyson Chavez, of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, speaks during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
SEAN KRAJACIC Kenosha News
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
Crowds of abortion rights demonstrators gathered at Civic Center Park Saturday afternoon for a rally hosted by Leaders of Kenosha and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.
Around 200 people attended the event outside of the Kenosha County Courthouse, including Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and state Reps. Tip McGuire, D-Kenosha, and Tod Ohnstad, D-Somers. The rally comes after the June 24 U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark court case that legalized abortions in 1973.
Many attendees held signs with pro-abortion rights messages, including a few groups standing by street corners displaying their signs and receiving honks from cars driving by.
LOK Executive Director and Founder Tanya McLean was the first person to speak at the rally, encouraging attendees to vote in November.
“If you’re not a part of the process, things will never change,” McLean said.
Rally attendee Kris Ziesemer said she was around when the U.S. Supreme Court made the decision on Roe v. Wade in 1973. Now, she said, reproductive rights enabled by the court case have been “stripped away” by the Supreme Court.
“It’s sad that we have to gather here today,” Ziesemer said.
‘Not just a women’s issue’
Jennifer Damrow said she attended the rally for her daughter, as well as “all the daughters that will suffer from this decision.”
“It’s not just a women’s issue,” Damrow said. “I’m terrified by what else could be overturned.”
Multiple attendees echoed Damrow in expressing concern for additional court decisions the conservative-majority Supreme Court could overturn next. McLean said other rights, including access to contraceptives and same-sex marriage, could also be targeted by the Supreme Court.
Other speakers and attendees said the Supreme Court decision will disproportionately hurt Black and brown communities. Veronica King, branch secretary and former president of the Kenosha NAACP, said African-American women are going to be severely affected by the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade.
“We need to make our elected officials know who is affected by this, how we’re affected by this, the impact of being affected by this,” King said. “We’re mad, very mad. We are going to encourage people who aren’t registered to vote or don’t regularly vote that this is our opportunity to have our voices heard.”
Justine Hammelev-Jones came to the rally from Pleasant Prairie. The idea of her and others’ rights being taken away was what pushed her to come out, she said. Jones said she never thought Roe v. Wade would be overturned.
“I was just very sad, very emotional and felt bad for people who need help and can’t get help,” Jones said. “The whole idea of women’s rights being taken away left me feeling yucky.”
Jones said she hopes the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision motivates women to vote in the fall.
“Vote and become an educated voter. See what’s going on. You have to be looking around,” Jones said.
Abby Turley, 24, of Milwaukee, also said she hopes the decision inspires young people to vote. Turley was among the attendees standing on street corners to display pro-choice signs.
“I’m here to be loud and proud. It’s really unfortunate a lot of people in America suffer from ignorance,” Turley said. “We’re out here trying to spread our message and make sure that it’s seen. We’re on the street corner so all the cars, all the traffic can see us out here.”
With Independence Day on Monday, Turley said she has nothing to celebrate except for “my rights, my body and what I believe in.”
“It’s just crazy that the Fourth of July is Independence Day but we have none,” Turley said.
Photos: Scenes of protest across America after Roe overturned
Kenosha News reporter Daniel Gaitan contributed to this article.
The state of Wisconsin has revoked the wholesale dealer license for Elkhorn car dealer, Car Rangers LLC, after the dealership was found rolling back odometers and altering titles to reflect lower mileage, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Kyle Johnson, of the Education Justice Coalition, during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
Alyson Chavez, of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, speaks during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park.
Demonstrators hold signs as they listen to speeches during a rally in response to the Roe v. Wade ruling on Saturday, July 2, 2022, in Civic Center Park. | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-abortion-rights-demonstrators-rally-at-civic-center-park-in-kenosha/article_056b5972-fa44-11ec-94bf-fff0cf1ea9f9.html | 2022-07-02T22:55:59 | 1 | https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/local/watch-now-abortion-rights-demonstrators-rally-at-civic-center-park-in-kenosha/article_056b5972-fa44-11ec-94bf-fff0cf1ea9f9.html |
Among the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent string of far-reaching decisions was a less-discussed opinion that could pave the way for religious schools to receive public funds.
In Idaho, where there’s been a recent push by some lawmakers to fund private schools through voucher or scholarship programs, this decision could create an impact if these lawmakers find success.
The case originated in Maine, and the court ruled 6-3 that if public funds are given to any private institution, then religious schools must also be considered.
“So long as the state does not provide funding to private schools, it does not have to give any funding to religious schools,” said Jim Jones, former Idaho attorney general and former state Supreme Court chief justice. “... But the argument I’ve made and the folks at Idaho Business for Education have made is that we don’t adequately fund our public schools, like our constitution requires us to, and so we have no business providing funding to private schools or church-sponsored schools.”
In May, the National Education Association ranked Idaho last in per-pupil spending for the prior school year.
In the 2022 legislative session, the House Education Committee narrowly killed a bill that would have allowed some state funds to be used for private school tuition and fees. The “Hope and Opportunity Scholarship Program” failed to go to the full House on an 8-7 vote from the committee. Its opponents questioned if it would violate the state’s constitution, which requires the Legislature to “establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.”
This bill was the first of its kind to make it so far, according to the education committee Chairman Rep. Lance Clow, R-Twin Falls. He anticipates similar legislation to be introduced when lawmakers return to the Capitol in January.
Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, sponsored a bill in 2021 that would have created the "Strong Students Grant Program." Students attending both public and private schools would have been eligible to apply for grants.
“I was watching families struggle during the pandemic, particularly families where both parents were working,” Horman said.
The importance of voucher programs to Horman is to allow parents to make the decision for their child’s education that is not just dependent on where they are located, especially as curriculums change.
“Kind of the values that are being taught in public school and how that is changing from what may have been traditionally taught,” Horman said.
She cited alleged critical race theory in classrooms as an example.
Horman believes that the federal government has been overreaching when it comes to involvement in education and that the recent Supreme Court ruling rightfully protects religious institutions from being discriminated against and excluded.
Jones said he’s noticed a stronger push in recent years to divert taxpayer money to private educational institutions, which is an issue championed by the Idaho Freedom Foundation. A June 3 post on the foundation’s Center for Education website lauded candidates who support “school choice,” and pointed to their success in May’s primary election.
It notes that a number of incumbents who opposed voucher programs, such as longtime Sen. Jim Woodward and Rep. Ryan Kerby, lost to challengers who supported using state funds for private education.
“Each of Idaho’s students is unique and deserves the ability to choose the educational environment that best serves that student’s needs, desires, and goals,” the website says. “Idaho lawmakers can move forward with confidence knowing that education choice is an issue that voters support and want to see implemented for the betterment of Idaho’s students.”
Clow said there are efforts underway to research ways to implement more school choice for the state without negatively impacting public schools.
“It would take, in my mind, more money,” Clow said. “... I’m trying to find what the best course of action would be if we move forward to not impact the funding for our traditional schools.”
Jones has also noticed that other recent Supreme Court rulings have made it easier for public funding to flow to religious institutions, such as a 2020 decision which held that a Montana scholarship program that covered private secular schools but not private religious schools was unconstitutional.
“I see a tendency in the current Supreme Court decisions to somewhat strike down the separation of church and state that we’ve been accustomed to in the U.S. for … centuries,” Jones said.
Clow said that even without the more recent ruling, the Montana decision cleared the way for religious schools to receive funding, regardless of the state's constitution.
Some Idahoans would favor state vouchers that could go toward religious schools. During hearings for Horman’s 2021 voucher legislation, residents testified in favor of the bill, citing a desire for more religious options.
“My husband and I would prefer our three children to attend a private Christian school that aligns with our values, morals and beliefs,” Mandi Guy said at the time.
While these higher court decisions may pave the way for access to religious schools to get public dollars, Jones stands by the notion that it would violate the state’s constitution if Idaho were to do so. A group of lawyers that he formed called the Committee to Protect and Preserve the Idaho Constitution would take legal action if the Legislature did enact a voucher program or something similar, he said.
Until the state fulfills previous state Supreme Court mandates to adequately fund education, both in terms of facilities and instruction, Jones said, then it cannot justify diverting funding to “competing school systems.”
Agreeing that this legislation would be a violation of the state’s constitution, IBE President and CEO Rod Gramer does not see this matter moving forward.
“If they had any courage at all and any confidence in their position, they would take it to the people,” Gramer said.
To make a change in the constitution, an amendment supporting religious funding would need to see a ballot with majority support by voters.
“I am absolutely confident that if they go to the people of Idaho, they won’t change the constitution,” Gramer said.
Gramer felt that an issue of separation of church and state is being made out to be about religious discrimination.
“Public schools have to accept all people,” Gramer said. “If anything, it’s the private schools that do screening.”
He cited sexual orientation as a factor in exclusionary practices at private institutions.
Despite the potential constitutional problems, he said, Idaho has a history of pushing for the privatization of education. He believes this is a mistake.
Regarding the potential passage of school vouchers, Gramer said, “They’re misleading people by saying this is a huge victory." | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/supreme-court-decision-may-impact-school-funding-in-idaho/article_f894bec6-b066-597b-a849-9e6a966d9041.html | 2022-07-02T22:59:50 | 0 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/supreme-court-decision-may-impact-school-funding-in-idaho/article_f894bec6-b066-597b-a849-9e6a966d9041.html |
Originally published June 28 on KTVB.COM.
Idaho women who seek abortions will soon have to travel outside of the state.
The new abortion law is expected to take effect this summer, probably in August.
Idaho's new abortion law essentially outlaws all abortions in the state, there are exceptions in cases of rape or incest that have been reported to law enforcement as well as an exception for emergency medical care, to save the life of the mother.
Steps are being taken by advocacy groups in Idaho, like Planned Parenthood, to create resources so women can travel to other states if they need an abortion.
The State of Oregon is reaching across state lines to offer assistance to Idaho women who need abortions. Unlike Idaho, Oregon’s abortion laws remain the same after the Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs vs Jackson.
Back in March, in preparation for a possible change to the Roe v Wade precedent, Oregon lawmakers approved the Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Fund to “counter attacks on abortion access,” which includes Idaho. The $15 million fund is setup to do several things, including to help cover abortion costs as well as travel and lodging for those who need it, like Idahoans whose closest abortion provider is in Oregon.
Lawmakers like Oregon Representative Andrea Valderrama pushed for Oregon to dedicate millions for the fund. KTVB spoke with Valderrama Tuesday about the fund and resources Oregon is working on. So yes, Oregon tax dollars will go towards helping Idaho women seek abortion care.
“The intention behind this fund was to close the existing gaps that we currently have in our reproductive health care network. And so, whether that means that those are for Eastern Oregonians who currently don't have any infrastructure, whether that's for a resident in a neighboring state," Valderrama said. "We believe that everyone deserves this access and care and the opportunity to plan their family and to have access to abortion. And so, we took all of that in mind to put forward something that was meeting the needs of this of this community and really of this country in this moment."
Again, a major factor in the decision to create the fund, are people living in Eastern Oregon. The closest resource for abortion care was Boise and Meridian, Idaho. Planned Parenthood recently closed down their Boise office, merging it with the Meridian office. Planned Parenthood said they are working to open a clinic in Ontario, Oregon. But, until that is setup women in eastern Oregon could have to drive hundreds of miles to get care.
The Oregon legislature setup the $15 million dollar fund, that fund is now in the care of the 501 c(3) Seeding Justice. $1 million of that $15 million was pledged to Northwest Abortion Access Fund this past week. Rep. Valderrama has this advice for Idahoans looking to connect with the resources:
"Reach out to an organization that is most accessible to them. And so if they have relationships or if they're able to get a hold of someone at the Northwest Abortion Access Fund earlier, then that's great. If they're able to find someone at Planned Parenthood or through the justice fund, then that's great. I think we want folks to be able to ultimately get those resources in the fastest way possible," Valderrama said.
Also, of note in the western region, California, Oregon and Washington have agreed to what they are calling a multi-state commitment to reproductive freedom. Points of the commitment include:
- Protect against judicial and local law enforcement cooperation with out of-state investigations, inquiries, and arrests regarding the provision of, receipt of, inquiry about, or assistance with obtaining abortion and other reproductive health care services that are legal in the states.
- Refuse non-fugitive extradition of individuals for criminal prosecution for receiving legal reproductive healthcare services in the states.
- Promote greater access to abortion care services, including by expanding access to medication abortion, removing barriers to telehealth for reproductive healthcare services, and growing the pool of qualified practitioners who may provide abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.
- Defend against false and misleading reproductive healthcare information.
In Idaho, abortion remains legal pending installment of the trigger law. That is expected to take place in August.
More from KTVB.COM: | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/western-states-coordinate-more-abortion-resources-for-idahoans/article_5a3e4374-fc83-56ed-8c44-6fa170080cad.html | 2022-07-02T22:59:57 | 1 | https://www.idahopress.com/news/local/western-states-coordinate-more-abortion-resources-for-idahoans/article_5a3e4374-fc83-56ed-8c44-6fa170080cad.html |
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Employment Commission is resuming efforts to collect what it says is nearly $860 million in overpayments that went to hundreds of thousands of out-of-work residents.
According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the VEC is now trying to collect more than $859 million in overpayments made in 366,308 cases since the start of the pandemic. Those figures don’t reflect incorrect payments due to fraud.
The VEC said customers who have been overpaid will receive an “overpayment billing statement” that will include instructions on making payments. The agency also said customers who do not enter into a repayment plan will be referred to collections.
However, if customers have a pending waiver or appeal, they will not be referred to billing and collections until “all other options have been pursued,” the news release said. | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/vec-to-resume-trying-to-collect-about-860m-in-overpayments/2022/07/02/dba4a3fe-fa53-11ec-81db-ac07a394a86b_story.html | 2022-07-02T23:05:09 | 0 | https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/vec-to-resume-trying-to-collect-about-860m-in-overpayments/2022/07/02/dba4a3fe-fa53-11ec-81db-ac07a394a86b_story.html |
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Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood. | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/evening-storms-causing-airport-troubles-at-philadelphia-international-airport/3289019/ | 2022-07-02T23:13:46 | 0 | https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/evening-storms-causing-airport-troubles-at-philadelphia-international-airport/3289019/ |
A Tucson-based company that has been working on high-power directed-energy systems for two decades has won major new funding from the Navy and Army.
Applied Energetics Inc. recently was awarded a $3.9 million, two-year grant from the Office of Naval Research to develop an optical system “capable of defeating customer-specified threats” for use on Marine Corps platforms.
And following that June 1 award announcement, Applied Energetics was awarded a $172,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract with the U.S. Army for research and development of a directed-energy system, including an ultra-broadband infrared source as a countermeasure to electro-optical sensors.
The targeted end products under those agreements are unclear, and much of the work remains secret.
But the Pentagon is investing more than $1 billion a year in directed-energy weapons, including mobile lasers to shoot down drones and other aerial threats, and has already fielded a few units for testing.
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Applied Energetics has developed an array of patented technologies for ultra-short-pulse lasers and patented “laser-guided energy” systems for military uses, as well as for commercial applications.
Company officials declined to be interviewed without preconditions, but CEO Gregory Quarles said in a prepared response that the competitive Navy grant will allow Applied Energetics to contribute to national security while helping the company to further its research.
“We are honored to have been competitively selected to receive this grant from the Office of Naval Research, which allows Applied Energetics to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps to better support and protect our deployed military personnel and our homeland from a new wave of asymmetric emerging threats,” Quarles said. “Enabling and protecting our defense and national security community is extremely important to us as a company.”
“Additionally, we expect that this program will accelerate our ability to continue making scientific advancements in optical and photonics-based ultrashort pulsed lasers and optical sources supporting the national directed energy portfolio,” Quarles said, citing the recent Army STTR contract to develop infrared-sensor countermeasures using the company’s ultra-short-pulse lasers.
The company’s aim is “to give our military a technological advantage against both improvised and emergent threats,” said Stephen McCahon, co-founder and chief scientist at Applied Energetics.
The military has already tested some laser systems against drones and other aerial threats.
A 50-kilowatt laser system made by Texas-based Raytheon Intelligence & Space and industry partner Kord Technologies and installed on an Army Stryker combat vehicle successfully shot down mortar rounds during testing this past spring.
But Applied Energetics says that the continuous-wave military lasers of up to 100 kilowatts now being tested can take anywhere from seconds to minutes to impact a target.
In contrast, the company says that it has already developed ultra-short-pulse lasers that top 5 terawatts, or trillions of watts, delivered in a pulse of less than a trillionth of a second to producing instantaneous results.
Applied Energetics also has developed a technology known as Laser Guided Energy, that uses a laser to channel a stream of electricity to a target.
The company’s laser-guided energy technologies are protected by 26 patents and 11 additional “Government Sensitive Patent Applications,” which are held under U.S. government secrecy orders and allow AE extended protection rights.
The company, formerly known as Ionatron, won $50 million worth of Pentagon contracts in the 2000s to develop its laser-guided energy technology to defeat improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.
The bomb-zapping system was tested by the Marine Corps in Afghanistan, but the Corps dropped the effort in 2011 after reporting spotty results.
In 2014, Applied Energetics suspended business operations and reverted to “shell company” status, but in 2017 the company announced it was ramping up research and development operations.
In 2019, Applied Energetics acquired Applied Optical Sciences, a company founded in 2010 by McCahon.
Quarles, a physicist well-known in optics circles as former chief scientist for the Optical Society (now known as Optica), also come on board as CEO in 2019.
Last year, Applied Energetics relocated its corporate headquarters to the University of Arizona Tech Park on South Rita Road, taking up space formerly occupied by laser maker Coherent/Dilas that is compliant with international arms-control regulations and includes a 4,800-square-foot, Class 1000 clean room.
Applied Energetics also is on a firmer financial footing, though it has little or no revenue the past two years and has not been profitable since reemerging in 2017.
The company announced in November 2020 that it had repaid or converted all of its existing investor debt into common stock.
And Applied Energetics’ public stock, which is traded on the over-the-counter market, is trading at about $2.50 per share, after falling as low as 66 cents in the past year.
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-tech-applied-energetics-inks-new-deals-for-laser-weapons/article_565264b2-f633-11ec-816f-db552f2bf981.html | 2022-07-02T23:14:12 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/business/tucson-tech-applied-energetics-inks-new-deals-for-laser-weapons/article_565264b2-f633-11ec-816f-db552f2bf981.html |
The video opens with the sound of a cell phone buzzing and barely audible sirens starting to rise.
A voice leaves a halting message: "Mom. Don't worry about me. I'm fine. But something's happened to Gabby. It's bad. I have to go."
That voice belongs to Daniel Hernandez Jr., candidate for the Democratic nomination in the new Congressional District 6. And it describes the situation he is best known for, even after a decade in public office — how he helped then Rep. Gabrielle Giffords after she was shot in the head on Jan. 8 2011.
Similarly his first campaign ad, released last week, begins with Pres. Obama calling Hernandez a hero for his actions that helped save Giffords' life.
The Jan. 8 mass shooting overhangs our politics still, sometimes in ways that survivors find off-putting or triggering. And now, a new documentary on Gabby Giffords is coming out, with the usual political and emotional ramifications.
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The movie, "Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down," opens in theaters July 15. It documents her transformation from a congresswoman with big potential to the victim of an assassination attempt, through her brutal recovery and conversion into an activist for gun safety.
It's hard to know what the right way is to deal with the tragic attack that shook Tucson 11 years ago.
What's right for a political campaign may not be right for survivors.
What's right for Democrats probably isn't right for Republicans.
And the people involved, of course, have the right to their own stories.
Survivors lose favorite
But I know I find the political deployment of the mass shooting increasingly discordant. After watching Hernandez's ad and biographical video, I checked in with a handful of Jan. 8 shooting survivors to hear what they thought.
They're an interesting group, because many survivors have stuck together and tried to pivot from the shooting toward their own activism, largely focused on reducing gun violence. But they're also individuals with their own points of view.
Dr. Randy Friese had been their guy in the race for this new district, which covers much of the Tucson area and most of southeastern Arizona. Friese was the trauma surgeon who treated Giffords and nine-year-old Christina-Taylor Green after the mass shooting. He went on to serve in the Legislature.
But Friese suddenly dropped out of the race. That left them choosing in the Democratic primary between Hernandez, whom many of them worked with when he headed the Everytown for Gun Safety group in Arizona, and former state Sen. Kirsten Engel, a law professor at the UA.
Surprisingly many chose Engel. Among them was Ron Barber, who held Giffords' seat after she was forced to resign, although he too was shot on Jan. 8. So did Pam Simon and Pat Maisch, both survivors who have worked with Hernandez.
But he was endorsed by Everytown, which remains one of the country's biggest anti-gun-violence groups.
Important to remind
Among the four survivors I asked about Hernandez's ad, Barber expressed the most discomfort in how Hernandez used the Tucson mass shooting in his political videos.
"It’s his right to do that, but I just don’t think it’s a good idea. I think it’s exploitative," Barber said. "A lot of people who were survivors are concerned about any of us promoting ourselves as survivors."
Fellow survivors Simon and Maisch had conflicted feelings about Hernandez using his Jan. 8 experience to introduce himself that way.
"We all love and admire Daniel," Simon said. "I would think voters would be more interested, or should be more interested, in what his experience has been as an elected official and how he feels he’s ready to go to Congress. What he’s doing is reminding voters what he’s best known for."
Mary Reed, another survivor, told me his ads don't give her "any kind of emotional response."
"We all can identify ourselves in whatever way we choose," she said. "I choose not to introduce that when people meet me."
But of course, none of them is running in a competitive race for office, with the crying need to ensure that voters know who you are. That in essence, is why Hernandez keeps reminding people of his role on Jan. 8, 2011, even though it was eleven years ago now.
"I think it’s important for me to remind people," Hernandez told me Friday. "People remember me for that."
The idea, Hernandez said, is "lead with what people know because that’s how people first met me, then follow up with what I’ve done since."
Inspired by tragedy
As a Democrat in a Republican-controlled Legislature, though, he hasn't been able to achieve a lot. Under the administration of Gov. Jan Brewer, he said, he helped push through an improvement in the information the state puts into the federal background-check system for gun purchases, so more ineligible buyers are tagged.
On guns, though, Hernandez said, many of his achievements have been defensive, such as repeatedly stopping bills put forward to allow guns on university campuses.
"We’ve had a lot of success killing bad legislation," he said.
Hernandez isn't alone in using his Jan. 8 experience in his political introduction. Friese did it, too, when he first ran for Legislature in 2014. They eased off that in subsequent campaigns though, his former campaign manager, Cheryl Cage, told me.
"It was part of his story, but it became less and less as he did more in politics," Cage said.
And of course, there is an inevitable tie-in between Giffords' experience of being shot and miraculously surviving, and the political career of her husband, Sen. Mark Kelly. Like Hernandez and Friese, Kelly didn't become a candidate until the experience and issue of gun violence inspired them.
I was there in March 2013, at the parking lot outside the Safeway where the mass shooting took place, when Kelly first ventured out from relative political neutrality and into the issue of gun-safety laws, arguing for a bill that would establish universal background checks.
He didn't say "My wife was shot in an assassination attempt" because he didn't have to. She was there standing next to him.
Similarly, the launch this week of the new documentary doesn't serve directly as a campaign video for Kelly, who is being targeted by Republicans as a vulnerable Democratic senator this year. But the movie inevitably reminds Arizona voters of something most liked about him — his support for his wife after she was shot, and his association with her generally.
The movie itself, and the reminders from campaign ads such as Hernandez's one, can be triggering for some of the survivors here in Tucson. If you experienced it, the reminder can bring back those awful days in traumatic ways.
But politics is not about subtlety. I would love Hernandez to have something else to remind voters of who he is, something that doesn't remind people of that day. But I can grudgingly grasp why he uses the best possible example.
Contact columnist Tim Steller at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Twitter: @senyorreporter | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-political-use-of-jan-8-shooting-feels-stale-painful/article_26def05e-f97d-11ec-8ec8-a7cd8465dacd.html | 2022-07-02T23:14:18 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tim-stellers-column-political-use-of-jan-8-shooting-feels-stale-painful/article_26def05e-f97d-11ec-8ec8-a7cd8465dacd.html |
Tucson businesses and residents seeking building permits and development plans are facing long delays, as the city’s permitting agency has been overwhelmed by record-high construction activity and staffing challenges.
Help is on the way.
The City Council recently approved nearly $1.5 million in funding to help the Planning and Development Services Department add staff and upgrade systems to alleviate the permit delays now running into months.
While it will take time to hire more people and improve service, developers and other permit users are encouraged by the effort to beef up staffing and overhaul and modernize permitting systems, with a new digital permitting system set to go online in October.
As it is, high demand coupled with staffing shortages have pushed permit and plan review times for development plans to two to three times as required under city ordinances, Tim Thomure, assistant city manager overseeing the PDSD, told the council at a June 7 study session.
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“We’ve committed to a time frame of 20 days to review for most things but we’re not currently meeting that consistently,” Thomure said in an interview. “There are always instances where things take longer, a lot of projects need multiple reviews to dissect them, but typically the longest (wait) on specific projects is 90 days, and most are less than that.”
After discussing the issue on and off for months, the City Council at its June 7 meeting approved a plan to immediately fill 15 open positions in PDSD and allocate $250,000 to digitize the department’s microfiche permit records and $1.2 million annually to fund 14 new technical and professional staff positions.
Record development
In a sense, Tucson is a victim of its own success, as the city has ridden a wave of residential and commercial development since 2015, cresting just as the COVID-19 pandemic caused shutdowns and lingering worker shortages.
The value of construction projects handled by the department’s planning section rose nearly 98% from 2015 to 2021, reaching a record $848 million in 2020 before dropping to about $747 million in 2021, according to a departmental service review presented to the mayor and council.
The city issued 210 development packages in 2021, up from 116 in 2015, while rezonings processed jumped more than fourfold to 29.
The PDSD has moved to hire additional staff since 2020, though filling those posts has been a challenge, Thomure said.
The city manager authorized the addition of four new positions in fiscal 2020, eight new positions in fiscal 2021 and five new positions in fiscal 2022, supplemented by the authority the City Council gave him to “over-hire” in all PDSD positions when job candidates are successfully recruited.
PDSD since 2020 has added 32.5 full-time equivalent positions, growing its staff by 50% to 93.5, including 21.5 nonpermanent contract worker positions.
Thomure said he hopes more staff and process improvements will help the PDSD cut the typical review time significantly to perhaps 40 days by August.
Positive trajectory
The ongoing digitization of paper and microfiche records and the expected October launch of the new EnerGov Permitting System, will help PDSD get back on track toward the end of the year, Thomure said.
“We are on a much more positive trajectory,” he said.
“We’re going to be in a better place three months from now and even better than that six months from now,” said Thomure, who met with local industry leaders to discuss the changes as recently as last week.
Local developers and business leaders say they’re encouraged by the city’s moves to beef up the permitting process, amid long delays they fear could hamper economic development across Tucson.
David Godlewski, president of the Southern Arizona Association of Home Builders, said Tucson has long lagged Pima County and other local municipalities in processing development plans and building permits, but things began to get further bogged down about two years ago.
“In the last 18 to 24 months, there have been some major challenges in getting plans reviewed and approved in a reasonable time — what took days or weeks is now taking weeks or months,” said Godlewski, who has headed SAHBA for more than a decade.
Godlewski said one developer told him he just got initial comments on his development plan back from PDSD on an application submitted seven or eight months ago.
And simple building-permit applications that Pima County typically turns around in 48 hours are taking Tucson weeks to review, he said.
Thomure said more complex plans can take months if revisions are sought but he hadn’t heard of any project delays of up to seven or eight months.
Godlewski said he believes Planning and Development staff are working as hard as they can, but it’s painfully obvious that the department lacks the basic resources to process applications in a timely manner.
Other problems are structural process issues, he said, citing the city’s first-come, first-served application queue.
The system puts smaller projects behind larger ones, causing unnecessary delays, and when an applicant resubmits after adding requested information or correcting errors they end up at the back of the line, Godlewksi said.
Development drag
The CEO of the Tucson Chamber of Commerce, Michael Guymon, said the group and developer members had worked with the city to get review times for single-family home developments down to 28 days a few years ago.
But now those timeframes have tripled or even quadrupled in some cases and the city has been telling applicants more recently it will take 90 days for a review, Guymon said.
Guymon, who spent more than seven years with the local economic development group Sun Corridor Inc. before joining the chamber, said he’s concerned that Tucson could miss out on attracting significant new businesses or expansion opportunities if companies don’t think they can get their projects approved in a timely manner.
“Speed to market is critical when it comes to cities and communities to compete with each other and attract business and industry,” he said. “I get concerned when we can’t meet certain time frames companies have as they want to expand or relocate into new markets.”
Existing businesses looking to expand also need certainty that they can proceed with their development timelines without months of delays, Guymon added.
The longtime head of a local design consulting firm said he was dismayed when PDSD started telling permit and plan applicants it would take 90 days for review.
“Taking 90 days per review, and you can generally count on two reviews, if the norm had been 30 days which is kind of the standard, that’s an extra four months before it goes to construction,” said Bill Carroll, president of Tucson-based Engineering and Environmental Consultants Inc.
But Carroll said most members of the development community understand Planning and Development is working to resolve the backlog, giving Thomure high marks for working with the industry and focusing on both near- and long-term solutions.
“The attitude at the city of Tucson has swung dramatically to the positive over the last few years,” he said.
During a recent meeting, Thomure said the PDSD is working to speed projects through the review queue by assigning its two most experienced plan reviewers to make initial reviews and comments, and have other less-experienced reviewers check applications resubmitted with changes for compliance, instead of waiting for the original reviewers.
“That should really speed things up,” Carroll said.
The department also is looking deeper into the application queue to spot resubmissions with simple changes that can be approved quickly, Thomure said.
In the longer term Thomure wants to develop a tracking system to view the real-time status of all applications at a glance.
Besides upstaffing, PDSD has made some key service improvements in recent years:
The Tucson Development Center opened last year and centralized all review staff from PDSD, Tucson Water, Tucson Fire and Department of Transportation and Mobility into one customer-service facility in the Public Works Building at 201 N. Stone Ave.
The PDSD also rolled out remote video inspections prior to pandemic for some building inspections and expanded that service to all inspections during 2021.
The department began offering online permit applications and related services in 2020.
The PDSD recently began converting all permit applications into digital form for processing and is now working on converting all permit records from old microfiche to digital format.
The city partnered with Pima County and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to allow same-day permits for residential solar installations, with more than 2,000 permits expedited through that application process since its launch in 2021.
Moving ahead
Thomure said the new EnerGov Permitting System, which will be used by PDSD and other city agencies, should significantly streamline the permitting process.
The city selected the new system, made by Tyler Technologies, in 2018 but its installation was delayed partly due to COVID-19.
That was a blessing in disguise, Thomure said, as Tucson will get the recently released new version of the platform and latest software ahead of other cities.
The city has had to revise some of its procedures before switching to the new system, which will undergo testing starting this month, he said.
“We had a lot to do to modernize and streamline our processes, because you don’t want to take a bad process and put it into a new system,” Thomure said, adding that further improvements are planned once the new permitting system is in place.
Meanwhile, the project to completely digitize permit records now kept on microfiche — expected to cost $250,000 annually over four years — will provide online access to the public.
Hiring challenge
Carroll, the design consultant, said he worries that the city will be able to fill the vacancies and planned new positions at Planning and Development as employers across the city and state struggle to find qualified workers amid labor shortages blamed on COVID-19 and a booming economy.
“They’re facing the same thing everyone in Tucson is facng right now,” he said. “We turn work down on a weekly basis because we can’t find staff.”
Thomure said plans for a stepped-up recruiting effort, market-based wage offers and the willingness to train new workers will help the city fill the vacancies and new positions at PDSD.
“There’s probably a decent amount of folks in town with those skill sets, or the ability, and we’re willing to do the training is where we can better exploit the local talent by taking the long-term view,” he said, adding that Tucson also remains an attractive market for workers willing to relocate.
The PDSD has supplemented staff with contract workers, which now comprise about a quarter of the agency’s staff, but its tough to get those workers these days as well, Thomure said.
SAHBA’s Godlewski said improvements at PDSD must go far beyond upstaffing, to restructure processes like creating different queues for specific types of permits or project sizes, for example.
The city plans to do a deeper dive into process improvements once the new permitting system is in place, Thomure said.
“We’re in this first phase now, with the resources we have, and when we have the additional resources on board and trained, we can go further down the path,” he said.
Contact senior reporter David Wichner at dwichner@tucson.com or 520-573-4181. On Twitter: @dwichner. On Facebook: Facebook.com/DailyStarBiz | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tucson-to-tackle-building-permit-backlog/article_f93641cc-f326-11ec-b90b-8b528eeea051.html | 2022-07-02T23:14:25 | 0 | https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/tucson-to-tackle-building-permit-backlog/article_f93641cc-f326-11ec-b90b-8b528eeea051.html |
Filling a pair of openings on her coaching staff, Northern Arizona women's basketball coach Loree Payne announced the additions of TJ Harris and Ryan Freeman as assistant coaches to the Lumberjacks for the 2022-23 season.
The former head coach of the Northland Prep Academy Spartans boys and girls basketball teams, Harris returns to Flagstaff after spending one year with the Portland State women's basketball team.
"We are so excited to bring TJ back to Flagstaff. He is respected in the local community and has proven success in his college coaching career," Payne said. "He is familiar with the Big Sky Conference and will bring a renewed energy to the program with his passion for defense and player development. He will also serve a pivotal role in recruiting elite talent to our NAU women's basketball program."
Before moving north to Portland prior to the 2021-22 season, Harris spent a year as an assistant coach at Chandler-Gilbert Community College while teaching at Combs High School in San Tan Valley.
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A graduate of the University of Great Falls, now known as the University of Providence, Harris played for the Vikings from 2011 to 2015. Earning First Team All-Conference honors as a senior, Harris averaged 14.8 points, 4.0 assists and 1.5 steals while hitting nearly 43% from the 3-point arc. While at Providence, Harris played alongside his brother Michael after finishing his high school career at Huntley Project High School in Montana as a three-sport athlete. Named First Team All-Conference and All-State, Harris landed on the Montana All-Star team.
Harris earned a bachelor's of art in secondary education in 2016 from Providence and later added a master's of education in educational leadership from Northern Arizona in 2020.
Freeman will join Northern Arizona after four seasons on the staff for the New Mexico Lobos. In 2021-22, Freeman served as the special assistant to the head coach of the New Mexico women's basketball program after two years as the team's video coordinator and one as a graduate assistant.
"Ryan is going to be a great addition to our women's basketball program," Payne said. "He has been mentored by some of the best coaches in the women's game and has an incredible basketball mind. His experience with post player development will help to elevate our program to a new level."
In his role last season, Freeman was responsible for the Lobos' scheduling, travel, team operations and camps. Before taking on his role as video coordinator in 2019, Freeman's duties as a graduate assistant during the 2018-19 season included assisting with scouting and team workouts, cutting and editing game and practice video, and creating content for recruiting and social media purposes.
Before arriving in Albuquerque, Freeman completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Florida where he served in multiple roles for the women's basketball program. Starting out as a student video assistant, Freeman worked as a student manager for the Gators' 2017-18 season.
Along with his experience within a pair of collegiate women's basketball programs, Freeman also worked as a referee for the Mid Florida Officials Association and as a support staff member for USA Basketball in 2014.
A graduate of Florida in 2018, Freeman left Gainesville with a bachelor's degree in sports management. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-womens-basketball-adds-two-coaches-to-staff/article_64c0fbd8-fa27-11ec-9f3b-077f9e714b4c.html | 2022-07-02T23:17:14 | 1 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/nau-roundup-womens-basketball-adds-two-coaches-to-staff/article_64c0fbd8-fa27-11ec-9f3b-077f9e714b4c.html |
Have you ever bird watched? Even if you have, this may be a great activity for you.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden recently installed a “For the Birds” exhibit celebrating the interconnections of birds and plants, and can be seen until late October.
Besides the gallery exhibitions, it features music, performance, and education programming.
A study done in 2019 estimated that there has been a 30 percent decline in bird population across North America since 1970.
For the Birds is part of a larger initiative by Randall Poster, who curated a 20-album set of original recordings that are set to release this year titled “For the Birds: The Birdsong Project.”
The project includes nearly 200 original pieces of music, more than 70 poems, and 20 original album covers by more than 220 music artists, actors, literacy figures, and visual artists.
Some of the contributors are musicians Beck, Yo-Yo Ma, Michael Keaton, Natasha Lyonne and Wendell Pierce.
News
“As someone moved by and working on music all my life, I had my ears opened to the music of the birds and was moved by the beauty and variety of their song. I was not alone. I also learned that bird life was at great threat as habitats are increasingly threatened. And so, inspired by both joy and revelation, the Birdsong Project began,” said Poster.
Each birdhouse is paired with a track from “The Birdsong Project” offering a multisensory experience for visitors.
Tuesday and Thursday nights throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy the Garden after-hours with music performances, cocktails and tours centered on birds.
On select weekend days, special tours are done through the Garden to look for resident and visiting birds. It’s free with Garden admission and all ages are welcome.
For more information and touring dates, visit the For the Birds site. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/brooklyn-botanic-gardens-birdhouse-installation-attracts-more-than-just-birds/3759339/ | 2022-07-02T23:20:59 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/brooklyn-botanic-gardens-birdhouse-installation-attracts-more-than-just-birds/3759339/ |
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Chief investigative reporter Jonathan Dienst on crime, corruption and terrorism. | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/gun-violence-mars-holiday-weekend-in-new-york-city/3759858/ | 2022-07-02T23:21:05 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/gun-violence-mars-holiday-weekend-in-new-york-city/3759858/ |
A man drowned in the Harlem River on Saturday, after rescue teams pulled two from the water.
Divers from the FDNY and NYPD pulled the man from the water near University Heights around 12:30 p.m.
He was taken to Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A second man removed from the river was also removed to the hospital, but his condition wasn't immediately known by police officials.
Copyright NBC New York | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/man-dies-after-2-pulled-from-harlem-river-fdny/3759820/ | 2022-07-02T23:21:12 | 1 | https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/man-dies-after-2-pulled-from-harlem-river-fdny/3759820/ |
TONIGHT: A few isolated downpours may linger past 10 pm, but most spots dry out after sunset. Rain chances dwindle after midnight. Humid, with lows in the low to mid 70s.
SUNDAY: Hot and humid, with more numerous showers and storms. Highs around 90°, except where rain prior to 1 pm prevents temperatures from climbing that high. Some storms could produce frequent lightning and heavy rain. Most storms fizzle out by the time fireworks shows start, but an isolated downpour could linger to 1 am.
INDEPENDENCE DAY: More of the same kind of weather, although the radar may not be quite as active as it will be Sunday. Highs again climb into the low 90s, with the heat index into the triple digits. More scattered showers and storms are likely in the afternoon and early evening. Most (but not necessarily all) storms should fizzle out in time for fireworks.
TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY: An upper-air ridge builds strength across the deep south through mid-week. That will keep the heat on for us through this week. High dewpoints (in the mid to upper 70s) will lead to a heat index each afternoon climbing into the triple digits, with the actual air temperature in the low to mid 90s. That high heat and humidity will also lead to at least widely scattered showers and storms each afternoon and evening, although with the upper-level ridge nearly directly overhead, widespread storms aren’t likely mid-week. Still, with plenty of moisture in place and near stationary storms likely at times, some flooding issues can’t be ruled out.
WORLD GAMES OPENING CEREMONY: As The World Games kicks things off Thursday evening at Protective Stadium, expect things to be warm and very humid, with temperatures in the 80s through the ceremonies and a heat index in the 90s through much of it. An isolated shower or storm can’t be ruled out Thursday evening.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY: The upper-air ridge drifts westward late in the week, leading to an opening for more showers and storms Friday into the weekend. Saturday and Sunday look particularly stormy, with more widespread storms likely in the afternoon and evening over the weekend. That additional rain will drop temperatures a bit, but we don’t foresee any relief from the humidity any time soon.
GULF COAST FORECAST: Yellow and purple flags have been flying at most Alabama beaches this week. The forecast along the coast is much like here; warm and stormy at times. Highs in the upper 80s, but the heat index will be in the low 100s if you miss out on the storms. The rip current risk will be limited, but even in a limited risk, rip currents can form, particularly along jetties, inlets, and piers. Swim with caution.
Storm Team 7-Day Forecast
Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:
Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Ashley Gann, Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes and Meteorologist Alex Puckett | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/more-storms-heat-and-humidity-on-the-way/ | 2022-07-02T23:21:27 | 1 | https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/more-storms-heat-and-humidity-on-the-way/ |
ORRINGTON, Maine — More than 1,000 Mainers in Penobscot County got down and dirty Saturday morning in Orrington. The rainy and wet weather in the eastern part of the state came in clutch for all of the people participating in the sixth annual Wicked Muddy Mainer.
The 4.5-mile, 24 obstacle running race was designed by Dan Thornton, owner of Thornton Family Campground where the race is held every year.
"I woke up at 4 a.m. to a downpour and I just thought somebody was looking over my shoulder because it was wicked dusty here," Thornton said.
The race is open to anyone 13 years old or older who is up for the challenge.
"We try to add in a little bit of everything for balance, strength, endurance, and then just have some fun stuff like the upside-down goggles and just try to throw weird stuff at people," Thornton said.
The main attraction of the course is the 67-foot-long water slide, where participants take a plunge into a large mud-filled puddle.
"Sitting at the top looking down at that is pretty scary," Thornton said.
"I challenged myself and went down the big slide and zip line which I had never done before so I met my bucket list," Tamera Murphy, a participant, said.
Thornton said this year the race wasn't timed. He said he mostly just wanted to make sure people were enjoying the experience.
"You feel like a little kid like you're out playing and you get muddy and you have to like climb over stuff and you just go and have fun," Christa Brey, another participant, said.
"What we really focus on when we design the race and the obstacles is making sure everyone finishes with a smile on their face," Thornton said. | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/6th-annual-wicked-muddy-mainer-held-in-orrington-saturday-morning/97-98ade403-1e9d-4b83-abfa-2cd6d24c667c | 2022-07-02T23:26:56 | 1 | https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/6th-annual-wicked-muddy-mainer-held-in-orrington-saturday-morning/97-98ade403-1e9d-4b83-abfa-2cd6d24c667c |
QUESTION: My small company has been having quality problems. We’ve looked at some programs like Six Sigma, but they seem very complex. Is there a simple, straightforward way that we can systematically improve our quality?
ANSWER: The business world is full of quality experts and quality programs, but for most small to midsize businesses, an extensive quality program utilizing higher-level mathematics is not going to be the best solution. Rather, what’s needed is a down to earth, common sense approach to quality as outlined in the following four steps:
1. Document your processes — For small and midsized businesses to improve quality, processes must be consistent across the organization and over time. This can best be accomplished by documenting your processes and ensuring that the way the work is actually done matches the documentation. Documenting your processes is not glamorous work, but quality improvement requires that things be done consistently.
2. Identify quality issues — Employees and management must embrace quality issues as opportunities to improve. Management must take extra care not to “shoot the messenger.” No company wants to discover that quality issues exist in its processes. However, companies must view raising the issues that do exist as a positive thing. They should not sweep them under the carpet. Companies are all too often surprised when they routinely chastise people who raise quality concerns and then find that people hide these issues. Reward employees who identify quality issues, don’t punish them.
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3. Fix the problem for the customer — The owners of two very successful businesses, an auto repair shop, and a frame and body shop both observed essentially the same thing. Mistakes happen. Most people understand that. The issue is how you deal with the problem when one occurs. Handled poorly, the mistake can result in the loss of a customer. Handled well, the result can be a loyal customer who feels well cared for. The key is to accept full responsibility and ensure that you treat the customer more than fairly. When a problem occurs, resolving the issue for the customer must always be the top priority.
4. Ensure that the problem doesn’t reoccur — Having executed the three prior steps, too many companies call the issue closed. After all, the customer has been satisfied. The urgent issue is resolved, but this approach misses the opportunity to prevent future quality problems. It is imperative to ask, “What caused this problem, and what do we need to do to ensure that it never happens again?” Once you have answered these questions, you can correct the process—changing the documentation to reflect the new way things will be done. This is why having well documented processes is the first step to quality improvement. When a flaw in the process is identified, the fix can quickly be rolled out across the entire organization only if everyone is already doing things in the same way. This would not be the case if people in different parts of the organization were accomplishing the same task in different ways.
While following this course of action sounds simple, it requires a disciplined approach and getting the nuances right can be critical. But, properly executed, it will put your enterprise on the path to continuous improvement. In the long run, the rewards will be well worth the effort.
Doug and Polly White have a large ownership stake in Gather, a company that designs, builds and operates collaborative workspaces. Polly’s focus is on human resources, people management and human systems. Doug’s areas of expertise are business strategy, operations and finance. | https://richmond.com/business/local/ask-doug-polly-how-can-we-improve-our-quality/article_3dae8a2a-19f0-5811-85e1-f190b394cac7.html | 2022-07-02T23:30:50 | 0 | https://richmond.com/business/local/ask-doug-polly-how-can-we-improve-our-quality/article_3dae8a2a-19f0-5811-85e1-f190b394cac7.html |
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Willow and Rylei Bell, 4 and 2 years old, were some of the most enthusiastic Armed Forces River Parade attendees on Saturday, jumping while waving miniature U.S. flags at floats that slowly traveled by the Arneson River Theatre downtown.
The girls, decked out in matching blue dresses with red and white stars, were just a couple among hundreds of people who lined the river walk for the free event meant to honor men and women in all branches of the U.S. armed forces. They had a front row seat at the theater to the parade and to two bands — the Top Flight Air Force Band of the West and 78th Army Band — that played on the stage across the river.
Their mother, Leianna Bell, 32, shielded herself from the heat with an umbrella as she joined in her kids’ excitement, cheering as floats went by.
The three were some of the first to arrive Saturday morning since husband and father William Bell Jr., 33, was in the parade. Leianna Bell said she used some of the time to talk to her daughters about what military service is.
“They liked the music, and I thought it was a nice, cool atmosphere,” Leianna Bell said. “I let them be free-spirited. They were just jumping and having a good time.”
William Bell was on the STRAPS Grand Marshal float, which had a replica of the Liberty Bell at its center, in line with the parade theme of “Let Freedom Reign.” STRAPS, which stands for South Texas Regional Adaptive and Para Sports, is a division of Morgan’s Wonderland that runs paralympic-style sports primarily for wounded service members and veterans.
The retired Marine Corps sergeant, who plays wheelchair basketball with STRAPS, said he enjoyed being part of the festivities.
“It’s not about me,” William Bell said when asked what the parade and this 4th of July weekend mean to him. “It’s about who came before me.”
Leianna Bell and her daughters sat in front of 75 airmen and 25 Navy sailors who attended the parade in uniform.
This was the 10th Armed Forces River Parade and would have been the 11th had the pandemic not caused a cancellation in 2020, according to Maggie Thompson, director of River Walk operations for Visit San Antonio. This year’s event featured 19 floats.
The event used to be held on Armed Forces Day, which falls on the third Saturday of May, but Thompson said organizers decided to change it to the Fourth of July weekend starting last year because they felt it would bring out more families to honor the military.
Though the parade also used to be televised, it now is recorded by organizers and posted online afterward.
Armed Forces Day was established under President Harry Truman and first observed in 1950. Before that, Thompson said each military branch was celebrated individually rather than collectively on one day.
It became a national holiday in 1961 to be celebrated on the third Saturday of May under President John F. Kennedy.
Tennesseans Stacy Harrell and Tim Harrell, both 37, sat on the river near Dolorosa Street with their kids Jace, 5, and Riley, 11. The group is on vacation and made Saturday’s parade a stop on their way to Crystal Beach.
“My grandmother was from this area and my grandfather was in the Air Force, so I thought this would be a special way that we could honor them,” Stacy Harrell said.
Janet Sanchez, founder and president of Esposas Militares Hispanas, danced alongside others in the organization as their float with a gold spinning globe weaved through downtown. It’s been about seven years since her organization last participated in this parade. This was the group’s third time being in the parade.
Her organization supports Hispanic military spouses by offering several services, including providing English classes.
Sanchez, who served in the military and whose husband retired from the Army, said the parade means a lot to people who serve in the military and their spouses alike.
“For us to go down the river and see all the support, it warms our hearts as a military spouse because we know we have a community that can support us in any time of need,” Sanchez said.
megan.rodriguez@express-news.net | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/armed-forces-river-parade-10-17281523.php | 2022-07-02T23:33:35 | 0 | https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/armed-forces-river-parade-10-17281523.php |
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An apparent altercation over a bicycle led up to the death of a Lincoln man on Friday evening, Lincoln police said.
Officers responding to a call found the 26-year-old stabbing victim in the alley behind a convenience store at 27th and Dudley streets just before 9 p.m. The victim, Austin Gress of Lincoln, died at the scene.
In a news release, police said a witness described seeing the victim and another man involved in an altercation over a bicycle in front of the store before the stabbing was reported.
Police said the two men knew one another, but as of late Friday evening, no arrests had been reported. Police know the identity of the suspect and are searching for him. The department said its not releasing the suspect's name yet in order to give investigators time to locate him.
Investigators worked at the scene for several hours, conducting interviews, checking available video and gathering other evidence.
It was Lincoln's fourth suspected killing of 2022, more than a month after the first three occurred in one weekend. There were eight in 2021.
Officers found the 26-year-old stabbing victim in the alley behind a convenience store at 27th and Dudley streets just before 9 p.m. The victim, Austin Gress of Lincoln, died at the scene. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-killed-in-friday-night-stabbing-identified/article_a6c1bf7f-5257-5477-bf5b-87c48b5db2ba.html | 2022-07-02T23:34:04 | 1 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/lincoln-man-killed-in-friday-night-stabbing-identified/article_a6c1bf7f-5257-5477-bf5b-87c48b5db2ba.html |
“My persuasion Can build a nation ... Who run the world? Girls.”
— Beyonce
There’s that old saying about letting sleeping dogs lie ...
What’s been amazing to me — and, by amazing I mean amazingly sickening — is the number of people who, after the Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v Wade and, essentially, outlaw abortion, have turned that bit of questionable jurisprudence (questionable because an overwhelming majority of Americans are in favor of some type of controlled abortion that takes into account outlawing such horrifying barbarism as late-term abortion on demand) into a “We won!” political rallying point.
Which, as I’ve long contended, is nothing more than old white men telling women what they can and can’t do with their bodies. (Here, I am not including such religious groups as Catholics, who have always been opposed to the procedure.)
What such people, who could not care less about the religious or cultural impact of abortion, only that they were against it and now they can claim victory, are now doing is saying, “This isn’t enough. We have to have stricter rules doing away with abortion altogether.”
What they’re calling for is a return to archaic days when men determined what women could and couldn’t do, and if they didn’t like it they could ... well, just not like it. (It’s interesting to note that most men who are leading this anti-abortion sentiment are supported by their wives, who apparently agree with that old concept of women being unable to think for themselves, especially when it comes to important issues, and thus they needed to marry a man so they could be told what to do.)
One state official said, in taking a close look at the Georgia abortion law that was passed by Brian Kemp and the state legislature in 2019 but was put on hold until after the Supreme Court ruling, that law is so poorly worded that, if enacted as is, a woman who had a miscarriage could be charged with a crime.
Think about that for a minute.
So, going back to that opening statement about sleeping dogs, what Kemp and Co. have done — and what the Supreme Court has done with its ruling — is awaken a sleeping giant. Fighting those old Republican vs. Democrat, black vs. white, conservative vs. liberal battles during election time has been tough enough in many states whose demographics inspire such. But now, there’s an added element. Women of all political, ethnical and cultural persuasions now have a cause around which to unite.
For Kemp, who amazingly thought he could kick voters off voting rolls while serving as Secretary of State and running for governor (never a thought of recusing himself from such a dramatic move), and who won the governor’s race four years ago by a handful of votes, has exuded confidence after beating Trump-backed David Perdue in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
That 2018 tight race might have been a cake-walk compared the one he could face if he falls for the nonsense of “ultraconservatives” (aka mini-Trumps) who are demanding that he call a special session so the state can make all abortions illegal, doesn’t matter if it’s rape, if the mother’s life is in jeopardy, if the fetus has no chance of survival if carried to term. These zealots are the ghouls encouraging Kemp to “strike while the iron’s hot.”
The sitting governor has proven to be a shrewd politician at times, as evidenced by his complete mauling of Perdue in the primary. But if he gives in and either pushes for or talks about enacting a stricter abortion law in the near future, he’ll lose to Stacey Abrams.
If Kemp is swayed by the state’s political ghouls on the abortion issue in the short-term — and they’re going to push for him to take drastic action — he will find that there’s not a big enough gun to point at and scare all the women who will lead the charge to make him a one-term-and-done governor. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/carlton-fletcher-whose-idea-was-it-to-let-them-vote/article_3530dd54-fa25-11ec-b0a6-77c05dfbde78.html | 2022-07-02T23:35:51 | 0 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/carlton-fletcher-whose-idea-was-it-to-let-them-vote/article_3530dd54-fa25-11ec-b0a6-77c05dfbde78.html |
Editor’s Note: As discussed in his column last Sunday, Will Thault — in celebration of “Freedom Month” — will take a look throughout the month of July at President Franklin Roosevelt’s famous “Four Freedoms” speech. For a look at Norman Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms” illustrations based on Roosevelt’s words, follow this link: Norman Rockwell Four Freedoms paintings inspired by Franklin Roosevelt.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his “Four Freedoms” speech before Congress in January 1941, at a time when the Axis Powers were steamrolling across the free world with their fascist war machines of oppression and terror. While not yet involved, our nation watched and waited. FDR saw the inevitable ahead and prepared us for our role as the last great hope for freedom-loving people everywhere.
But even then, Roosevelt was looking far beyond the war’s end, envisioning the healing of a world “founded upon four essential human freedoms.” These principles would come to define what we Americans would be fighting for during World War II and, I would argue, continue to fight for even today.
The first has been a benchmark of the American way of life ever since the Declaration of Independence, which we celebrate this weekend: Freedom of Speech. This freedom is so hard-wired into our identity, we prioritized it in the very first amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Using FDR’s “Four Freedoms” speech as a source of inspiration, famous artist and illustrator, Norman Rockwell, popularized it with a series of four paintings reproduced in “The Saturday Evening Post” over four consecutive weeks in 1943. These paintings created such a sensation that the U.S. Department of the Treasury used them to highlight a touring exhibition to sell War Bonds. The drive raised more than $132 million (over $2.6 billion in today’s dollars) toward the war effort.
“The first is freedom of speech and expression — everywhere in the world,” Roosevelt said. Rockwell titled his interpretation of that phrase as simply, “Freedom of Speech.” This iconic scene is of a town meeting where a blue-collar worker stands giving his opinion on some point under discussion, as the audience listens with full attention to his words. The inference is that his voice holds the same weight as any man or woman, whether of high or low stature, speaking their mind freely without concern for censure or reproach for holding a dissenting view.
Freedom of speech was precious then as it still is today. Due to the recent polarization of ideas in this country, though, there’s less and less tolerance for opposing views whether it be at the U.S. Capitol, in a town square, on a college campus or at the dinner table.
But there may be a glimmer of hope. A recent survey conducted by the Freedom Forum addressed the issue of freedom of speech and came back with some promising results. Of the 800 respondents ages 16+, 61% agreed that First Amendment freedoms can help bridge the country’s divisions. In fact 93% said that, “The First Amendment is vital and it doesn’t go too far in the rights it guarantees (69%).” Compared to a similar 2020 survey, those who said the First Amendment should never be changed, rose to from 68% to 75% (64% expressed this position strongly, up from 54% in 2020).
In spite of all that we’d gone through in 2020, a tenacious attitude still persisted, according to another survey conducted in the same year. “… (H)alf of respondents said their hope in America was fading, but 75% were optimistic Americans could work together despite political difference. This year (2022), in response to a new question, 61% said the first Amendment can help us bridge those divisions.”
However, the quest for freedom of speech in today’s contentious society comes with a price. The survey revealed, “More than four in 10 people (45%) say they have, at least once, not expressed an opinion for fear of punishment. Nearly half (49%) have never shared a political opinion on social media. Younger Americans are more likely to say they have self-censored. As for political correctness, 58% of people believe it goes too far in hampering free speech.”
While it may be shocking to some, more than a third (36%) of these same respondents “think colleges and universities represent a threat to the First Amendment, perhaps a reflection of efforts by students, administrators and even lawmakers to curtail speech that represents controversial perspective.” In fact, more to the point, “Most people (59%) think college campuses should foster a free expression of ideas, even if those ideas are offensive to some.”
Be passionate, but also civil and respectful of another’s right to their own opinions — especially if they’re different from yours. It’s one of the foundations of our freedom as Americans — freedom to think freely and freedom to speak our own minds without fear of retribution. | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/will-thault-freedom-month-part-1-freedom-of-speech/article_57725010-f984-11ec-8ade-93a920745722.html | 2022-07-02T23:35:57 | 1 | https://www.albanyherald.com/local/will-thault-freedom-month-part-1-freedom-of-speech/article_57725010-f984-11ec-8ade-93a920745722.html |
BOISE, Idaho — Once a week, there is a certain buzz about one of Boise's small public spaces. Despite the approaching holiday, the work doesn't stop for a group of volunteers who help keep all eight of Boise's Pollinator Gardens up and running.
Their job is vital, because those gardens help keep pollinators around. Pollinators are needed for things like fruits and vegetables, but we are losing them at an alarming rate.
Loss of habitats, use of chemicals and change in climates have all added to the decline in pollinator populations in the United States.
At the Warm Springs Pollinator Garden, volunteers are cutting back flowering plants and cutting out invasive weeds. The hardworking crew calls themselves the Pollinator Posse.
"We're protecting habitat for the very beneficial pollinators," Sherri Lechten said. "It is a lot of fun. You meet a lot of great people who put a lot of effort into maintaining this, beautifying our city."
The Warm Springs Pollinator Garden is one of eight scattered across the City of Trees, primarily preserved by a bevy of volunteers.
"We really couldn't maintain our spaces or even plant them without our volunteers," Boise Parks and Recreation Community Volunteer Specialist, Kristin Gnojewski said.
Letchen - who is a Pollinator Posse volunteer - said the "essential" operation could not happen in the heat of the summer without Boiseans lending a helping hand.
According to Connie Christofferson, another volunteer at the Warm Springs Pollinator Garden during KTVB's visit, the Posse's working is kind of a calling.
"I usually walk by here on the Greenbelt and it just looked like a good way to get involved with the Boise Parks and Rec community," Christofferson said.
When most people think about pollinators, they think of honey bees, Letchen said. In fact, bees are a very big part of pollination.
"A lot of people don't realize we have somewhere in the realm of 700 species of native bees in Idaho," Gnojewski said. "That's not pollinators, that's just species of bees."
Butterflies and other species are also assisting in the pollinating.
"A lot of beetles are pollinators, people don't realize," Gnojewski said. "There's a lot of different species of wasps that are pollinators and we also have a lot of hummingbirds that are out here. Pollinators are very diverse, it's not just bees."
Gnojewski said all of the City of Boise's Pollinator Gardens are weeded by hand, without herbicides to protect the health of the pollinators. It is a lot of work, but it is well worth it.
"I think these gardens bring a lot of joy to people and working with volunteers," Gnojewski said. "The people of this community going by on the Greenbelt are always saying thank you. It brings us so much joy."
Lechten added the work helps, "get your Vitamin D and it's digging therapy."
There is a way for you to be part of the Pollinator Posse, by visiting the City of Boise's website here.
Upcoming Pollinator Posse dates are included, where you can help maintain one of the city's eight Pollinator Gardens.
Join 'The 208' conversation:
- Text us at (208) 321-5614
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- Still reading this list? We're on YouTube, too: | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/pollinator-posse-boises-gardens-buzzing/277-a2b29749-2c38-4bc9-a22d-915d183d7c59 | 2022-07-02T23:37:55 | 0 | https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/pollinator-posse-boises-gardens-buzzing/277-a2b29749-2c38-4bc9-a22d-915d183d7c59 |
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A mother is accused of child cruelty after police said she abandoned her child on the side of the interstate.
DeKalb County Police Department officers were called to Interstate 20 Friday evening after reports of an abandoned vehicle with a child inside. Police said they arrived at the area of Wesley Chapel Road by I-20 westbound around 5:30 p.m. and found a 2-year-old child in a car seat alone in the vehicle.
The toddler didn't seem to be hurt, according to police. The child was taken to a nearby hospital for a medical evaluation before being released to the custody of the state's Division of Family and Children Services.
Officers were able to find the child's 18-year-old mother and arrested her based on evidence collected during their investigation.
The woman is now facing a second-degree child cruelty charge. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/18-year-old-mother-arrested-after-abandoning-child-near-i-20-in-dekalb/85-2be773e8-ea9f-487f-9226-f681a654451a | 2022-07-02T23:38:53 | 1 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/18-year-old-mother-arrested-after-abandoning-child-near-i-20-in-dekalb/85-2be773e8-ea9f-487f-9226-f681a654451a |
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — The City of South Fulton is trying to address community concerns over the Camelot Condominiums, but ultimately, city leaders said it is out of their hands.
Despite efforts to improve the property off Old National Highway in South Fulton, the dilapidated Camelot Condominiums have become notorious as one of metro Atlanta's most run-down housing units. Between fires and murders, people in the city have pushed leaders to tear down the complex altogether.
More recently, residents were left in the sweltering Georgia heat for weeks after Georgia Power said someone tampered with the meter conditions for several units, making conditions unsafe. The company said it received nine notices and had to disconnect power in four buildings to protect the residents.
"Our code enforcement and fire departments have worked diligently with the complex's homeowners' association to mediate code violations," the city said in a statement.
Officials furthered their statement, saying that's really all they have the power to do.
"However, the condominium development is private property owned by individual condo owners and landlords who rent units. The city has no direct involvement in the management of day-to-day operations of the complex, for which the city bears no legal or financial obligation," city leaders explained.
"The city has no current plans to intervene."
In its four-page statement, leaders addressed several frequently asked questions with officials reiterating its outside of the city's scope to address them. Leaders also clarified what the city's role is regarding Camelot, adding they can only enforce ordinances and city codes.
"Its code enforcement team and city engineer investigate complaints and possible violations and issue citations to property owners," leaders said regarding the code enforcement process.
South Fulton city leaders said its code enforcement board, made up of residents appointed by the city council, has already referred several cases to the city's municipal court. The court is scheduled to hear around 30 cases regarding the condo property on Aug. 8.
As far as the violations, the city said most of the cases involve internal problems like plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and structural issues. Other citations range from junk vehicles to lawn care issues.
As violations await to be addressed, Mayor Khalid Kamau is sorting through ways to improve the property. He moved into the condos on Jan. 2 to experience what the lifestyle is like and how to tackle the systemic issues that seem to be deeply embedded into the property.
In a previous interview with 11Alive, the mayor said he hopes to save at least half of the buildings. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/south-fulton-leaders-release-statement-on-troubled-camelot-condos/85-74198820-bae6-4a2b-8719-0ff72735bda3 | 2022-07-02T23:38:59 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/south-fulton-leaders-release-statement-on-troubled-camelot-condos/85-74198820-bae6-4a2b-8719-0ff72735bda3 |
GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Police are investigating after a mother was struck and killed while crossing a busy Gwinnett County road with her child, authorities said.
The crash happened Wednesday. According to police, the woman was leaving an Uber parked on the south shoulder of Hewatt Road in Snellville with her child. As the two went to cross the street, they walked into the path of a vehicle traveling westbound. The vehicle only struck the mother, police said.
The driver of the vehicle stayed with the mother. It was impounded to Gwinnett County Police Department headquarters as part of the investigation, a spokesperson with the agency said.
"It is unknown if speed was a factor. It does not appear intoxication was a factor in this collision," police said in a statement.
Authorities said they will continue to investigate the circumstances of the deadly crash. | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/woman-hit-killed-after-exiting-uber-gwinnett-police-say/85-e4c72103-6691-4f19-a08c-099f8a320455 | 2022-07-02T23:39:05 | 0 | https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/woman-hit-killed-after-exiting-uber-gwinnett-police-say/85-e4c72103-6691-4f19-a08c-099f8a320455 |
ATLANTIC CITY — The Police Department has opened a new substation on the Boardwalk.
The satellite headquarters, located at 1325 Boardwalk, will allow for quicker deployments to address quality-of-life issues and public safety matters in the Tourism District, police said Saturday on Facebook.
The building where the substation is located also includes the offices of the state Division of Gaming Enforcement and Casino Control Commission.
The police Tourism District Unit, which the department referred to as a partnership with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, will deploy part-time Class II special law enforcement officers on the Boardwalk.
ATLANTIC CITY — Bail reform and the COVID-19 pandemic have hampered the city’s ability to cu…
On Friday, the department held a special roll call ceremony outside the substation with the Class II officers. Interim Officer-in-Charge James Sarkos, Capt. Rudy Lushina and Lt. Alexus Zellinger addressed the officers beginning their duties during a busy holiday weekend.
Also in attendance were Citizens Advisory Board President Joyce Mollineaux and CRDA Special Improvement Division Director Rick Santoro.
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The city has made a push to step up public law enforcement efforts this summer in the runup to hosting the NAACP National Convention later this month. Officials at Tanger Outlets The Walk have asked police to staff a substation there as well.
During a meeting of city officials and other stakeholders June 17, Lushina said the department was still trying to obtain furniture and equipment to begin using the substations for processing arrests, restroom facilities and storing bikes. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-police-open-substation-on-boardwalk/article_e6596000-fa4e-11ec-87e8-f39bb81d58d5.html | 2022-07-02T23:47:20 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic-city-police-open-substation-on-boardwalk/article_e6596000-fa4e-11ec-87e8-f39bb81d58d5.html |
ABSECON — A naked city man was arrested after breaking into a car and two apartments and assaulting residents Friday night, police said.
Officers were called to the Absecon Townhomes and Clayton Mill Run Apartment Complex, police said Saturday in a news release. Responding officers learned the man, while nude, approached a vehicle in the Absecon Townhomes parking lot occupied by a juvenile driver.
The man entered the vehicle, without permission, and ordered the driver to take him to Clayton Mill Run off New Road, police said. There, he assaulted the juvenile and then fled with the juvenile's cellphone.
In the apartment complex, the suspect broke into a residence occupied by a woman and her two children, police said. The residents fled the home, unharmed, while the suspect was inside.
ABSECON — Orvis Leopardi, who led the city’s municipal government during the 1970s and ‘80s,…
The suspect left the apartment then broke into another apartment after scaling a second-story balcony, police said. A woman and her infant child were inside. The suspect began to assault the woman, but she was able to fight him off, police said. This caused the suspect to flee.
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The suspect went into hiding upon the arrival of police. An officer located the suspect, Michael Davis, 37. Davis refused to surrender and led the officer on a foot chase, police said, but the officer eventually caught Davis and took him into custody.
Davis was charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of aggravated criminal sexual contact, three counts of lewdness, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, criminal restraint, theft from a person, hindering apprehension, obstruction and resisting arrest. He was sent to the Atlantic County jail.
Galloway Township and Pleasantville police assisted. | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/naked-man-broke-into-car-homes-assaulted-residents-absecon-police-say/article_548e8d08-fa53-11ec-b5b3-53de5981bdb9.html | 2022-07-02T23:47:26 | 0 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/naked-man-broke-into-car-homes-assaulted-residents-absecon-police-say/article_548e8d08-fa53-11ec-b5b3-53de5981bdb9.html |
Some Atlantic County Democrats are criticizing a series of gun-rights resolutions that Republican-controlled local governments have considered or adopted in recent months. This anger about the resolutions follows new federal actions on the right to bear arms and comes as new state gun-control laws are poised to take effect in Trenton.
The gun-rights resolutions in question generally declare municipal or county governments’ opposition to any state or federal legislation they believe violates their residents’ rights under the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. They do not have any actual bearing on gun-law enforcement and have been regarded as entirely symbolic.
Local and state Democrats have questioned the need for such resolutions, with some expressing concern they could encourage residents to ignore or violate state gun laws.
The Atlantic County 2A Organization, an affiliate of the larger Garden State 2A Grassroots Organization, is spearheading the efforts to have counties adopt these resolutions. The self-described nonpartisan group has expressed opposition to certain gun-control measures as threats to their Second Amendment rights. Its efforts have borne fruit over the past few months, member Sandy Hickerson said, with about 70 municipalities — including 15 in Atlantic County and nine in Ocean County — having adopted a version of the group’s proposed gun-rights resolution.
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“The resolution does not change any existing laws and is not law binding,” Hickerson said in a Facebook message sent to The Press of Atlantic City on Friday. “We support the right for everyone to be able to defend themselves.”
Galloway Township Council adopted a gun-rights resolution in February. It declares that the township would oppose any legislation from Congress or the state Legislature that encroaches on Second Amendment rights.
BRIDGETON — A Millville man arrested as part of a 23-person drug bust in 2016 was convicted …
At the June 14 Galloway council meeting — the first to be held after a school shooting in Texas killed 19 children and two teachers — residents and local Democrats gathered to criticize the all-Republican council.
While they expressed support of the Second Amendment, some of the speakers that night denounced Garden State 2A as a radical organization looking to pare back state gun-control laws and proposals critical to keeping people safe. Other speakers called for a town hall in which residents, parents and township officials could voice their opinions on gun safety in Galloway.
“I support the Second Amendment, I own a firearm, but I also support commonsense firearm-safety regulations,” Galloway-Port Republic Democratic Club President Joshua Smith said at the June 14 meeting. “Prove to our community that you do not value guns over people.”
Smith mentioned a June 13 incident in which an Oakcrest High School student brought a gun magazine and bullets on a field trip as an example of why safe-storage laws are needed. He also noted the Uvalde shooting.
Galloway Mayor Tony Coppola said the resolution did not take a position on particular gun-control policy, adding the Township Council had even excised language members felt to be too partisan or inflammatory. He suggested that Galloway Democrats were trying to “exploit a tragedy for a political stunt.”
“(The resolution) was in support of the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, period, that’s it,” Coppola said.
ATLANTIC CITY — Two people, one of whom was found to have an illegal weapon, were arrested d…
Somers Point City Council was scheduled to vote on a similar resolution at its May 26 meeting, just two days after the Uvalde shooting, before it opted to pull the resolution.
“It is a meaningless and redundant statement that accomplishes nothing,” the Somers Point Democratic Club said of the proposed resolution. “Do they think if they wait a week or a month or a year, this resolution will be a good thing for our town in the future? The Republicans’ handling of this resolution is cowardly and simply poor leadership for our town. Somers Point deserves better.”
Somers Point Council President Janice Johnston declined to comment.
Democrat Tim Alexander, who is running in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District this November, against U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, expressed concern about the Galloway resolution at the June 14 meeting. Alexander, a former police officer, said he supports gun-control laws he believes keep law enforcement safe and that the township should consider different opinions on the issue.
Hickerson noted that gun-rights resolutions have found some support among Democrats. The Democrat-controlled Absecon City Council passed one of the group’s gun-rights resolutions in September 2020.
The resolutions have found countywide support as well.
ATLANTIC CITY — A boy and two men were arrested in separate incidents last week, resulting i…
The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners voted 6-2 to designate the county a “Second Amendment/Lawful Gun Owner County” in March 2020. A total of nine counties statewide, including Cape May County, have adopted similar gun-rights resolutions, Hickerson said.
Atlantic County Democratic Committee Chair Michael Suleiman has said the recently passed resolutions prove Republicans are disconnected with voters’ actual concerns, like high inflation. He argued the GOP was using vacuous symbolism to appeal to right-wing activists.
Northfield Democrats co-Chair Sandra Russo also sent an email to The Press criticizing the gun-rights resolutions. She recalled how she had spoken out against the resolution at the 2020 county meeting, emphasizing the need for red flag laws and reform to assault-weapon ownership.
“Well, here we are two years later and the horrors continue,” Russo said.
Northfield City Council passed a gun-rights resolution 4-3 in March 2021. While similar to other resolutions, the Northfield version would only oppose any “proposed legislation” that infringes on the Second Amendment, with emphasis in the resolution text — ostensibly taking pains not to express opposition to any enacted state or federal law. The meeting minutes indicate that a clause saying that irresponsible gun owners or gun manufacturers should be held liable for damage caused by a gun was excised from the resolution.
The local controversy comes amid recent mass shootings that have drawn national attention, such as the Uvalde shooting and a white-supremacist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, on May 14 that killed 10 people. It also comes in the wake of a national spike in gun violence that coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pro-choice activists feared this day for decades, and pro-life activists feared it would nev…
A May 13 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about gun violence in 2020 found that firearms were used in 79% of homicides and 53% of suicides. The CDC recorded about 19,350 homicides committed by gun in 2020, up from 14,392 in 2019. The increase meant the age-adjusted, national firearm-homicide rate increased 34.6% to 6.1 per 100,000 people — the highest level recorded in the United States since 1994.
Hickerson said that while gun deaths are tragic, the country ought to address the root causes of crime, such as mental health.
“It is not the tool being used to take the life of innocent people, but the person holding the tool,” Hickerson said.
Democrats in Galloway and Somers Point have pushed back against this notion, arguing that stronger, common-sense measures must be taken to stop gun violence.
The dispute over guns locally makes for an unusual juxtaposition with recent developments on Capitol Hill.
President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan gun-violence bill into law June 25. The first major federal gun-control law since 1993, the legislation enhances background checks for those between 18 and 21 years old; funds crisis intervention responses; helps states implement their own red flag laws; and cracks down on gun trafficking and straw purchasing. It also closed the “boyfriend loophole” and helps keep people who have domestically abused someone they were dating from buying guns. All of the Democrats in New Jersey congressional delegation voted for the law, while its two Republicans, including Van Drew, R-2nd, voted against it.
New Jersey would change the age for purchasing rifles and shotguns from 18 to 21 under legislation an Assembly committee has advanced. The Assembly Judiciary Committee passed bills Wednesday aimed at tightening the state’s already strict gun laws. The measure comes after fatal shootings in Texas and New York in which authorities identified the shooters as 18-year-olds. The fate of the age bill is uncertain because the state Senate has not so far taken up the measure. Under current law, New Jersey requires residents to be 21 to purchase a handgun. The new measure would raise the age threshold to 21 for those seeking to purchase rifles and shotguns.
Hickerson said she is committed to fighting gun-control legislation making its way through the New Jersey Legislature — although such measures are advancing rapidly.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Twitter Wednesday that he would sign recently passed bills from his Gun Safety 3.0 package into law.
The legislation requires new state residents to obtain firearm identification cards and to register their handguns in New Jersey, while mandating new training requirements to obtain an identification card. The package also creates an electronic reporting system to regulate handgun-ammunition sales; empowers the attorney general to prosecute gun sellers for “public nuisance violations” and to require microstamping on their firearms; establishes a presumption of pretrial detention for certain gun crimes; and bans certain kinds of .50 caliber rifles.
The new state and federal gun-control laws come as the courts’ major loosening of firearm regulations could impact gun-control in New Jersey and nationwide.
The Supreme Court struck down a New York concealed-carry law in a 6-3 decision June 23. The ruling said states could not require people to demonstrate a particular need to carry a gun to obtain a concealed-carry permit. New Jersey has a concealed-carry law similar to the one New York struck down. It issued another ruling Thursday asking that lower federal courts review multiple state gun-control laws, including New Jersey’s ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact Chris Doyle | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/south-jersey-democrats-lambast-local-gun-resolutions/article_143d2764-f65c-11ec-9352-675a0ec6b504.html | 2022-07-02T23:47:32 | 1 | https://pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/south-jersey-democrats-lambast-local-gun-resolutions/article_143d2764-f65c-11ec-9352-675a0ec6b504.html |
The leader of the Lake County Young Republicans was selected Saturday as the GOP nominee to compete against first-term state Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster, at the Nov. 8 general election.
Charles Kallas, of Griffith, was chosen by a caucus of Republican precinct leaders to fill the ballot vacancy for Indiana House District 12 after no Republican sought the party's nomination in the May 3 primary election.
Kallas prevailed at the caucus over Mark Leyva, of Highland, a perennial Northwest Indiana congressional candidate who was defeated in this year's GOP U.S. House primary by Jennifer-Ruth Green.
This is Kallas' second time running for the Statehouse. He was defeated in a 2018 Indiana Senate bid by former state Sen. Frank Mrvan, D-Hammond, the father of current Region Congressman Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland.
Kallas also unsuccessfully ran for Hammond Common Council in 2019. He subsequently filed numerous campaign finance complaints against top Hammond Democrats, including Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.
All of Kallas' complaints ultimately were dismissed by the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration, records show.
House District 12 consists of Munster, Highland, Griffith and northeast Schererville.
Here are the new Indiana laws to know that took effect July 1
Animals
The owner of a lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, jaguar, mountain lion or bear must prevent all direct physical contact between the animal and a member of the general public, no matter the age of the animal. Violations are subject to a $1,000 fine for each person who comes into contact with the animal. (House Enrolled Act 1248 )
The owner of a lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, jaguar, mountain lion or bear must prevent all direct physical contact between the animal and a member of the general public, no matter the age of the animal. Violations are subject to a $1,000 fine for each person who comes into contact with the animal. (House Enrolled Act 1248)
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Annexation
The Aberdeen subdivision may seek to officially become part of Valparaiso, even though the neighborhood is not currently contiguous to the city. A pre-annexation financial study must be completed so Aberdeen residents know the fiscal impact of being voluntarily annexed by Valparaiso. (House Enrolled Act 1110 )
Doug Ross, file, The Times
Ag equipment
Counties, cities or towns can designate agricultural zones as Economic Revitalization Areas (ERA) on the same basis as outdated business districts or distressed residential neighborhoods. New farm equipment or new agricultural improvements located in an ERA are eligible for a property tax abatement for up to five years. The exemption does not apply to farmland. (Senate Enrolled Act 119 )
AP file photo
Bone marrow
The Indiana Department of Health is authorized to establish and promote a bone marrow donor recruitment program to find eligible Hoosiers willing to donate bone marrow to individuals fighting leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cell conditions. (Senate Enrolled Act 398 )
John Luke, file, The Times
Campus speech
State colleges and universities cannot designate outdoor areas of campus where First Amendment activities are prohibited. Higher education institutions may impose reasonable and content-neutral time, place and manner restrictions on other campus speech that's narrowly tailored to serve a significant interest of the school. (House Enrolled Act 1190 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Caregivers
An adult relative caring for a child after the child has been removed from a dangerous home situation is entitled to directly participate in court hearings concerning services needed by the child, or terminating the parent-child relationship. Previously, only state-licensed foster parents had a statutory right to intervene in legal proceedings pertaining to abused or neglected children. (Senate Enrolled Act 410 )
Times file photo
Catalytic converters
A catalytic converter is redefined as a "major component part" of a motor vehicle and only licensed automobile salvage recyclers are permitted to buy or sell used catalytic converters. Automobile salvage recyclers also must keep the same records for catalytic converters as valuable metal dealers and cash payouts for detached catalytic converters are capped at $25 per transaction per day. (Senate Enrolled Act 293 )
Jonathan Miano, file, The Times
Coerced abortion
A new crime of "coerced abortion" punishes anyone who knowingly or intentionally coerces a pregnant woman to have an abortion with up to 2 1/2 years in prison. State law already required "the voluntary and informed consent of the pregnant woman" prior to obtaining an abortion. (House Enrolled Act 1217 )
AP file photo
Data breach
Businesses, banks and similar entities that suffer a data breach must notify their customers within 45 days of the breach being discovered, instead of simply providing notification "without unreasonable delay." (House Enrolled Act 1351 )
AP file photo
Dementia training
Home health aides who provide care to individuals with symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or a similar cognitive disorder must complete at least six hours of dementia care training within 60 days of hire. Current home health aides with at least one year of experience must participate in at least three hours of dementia training. (Senate Enrolled Act 353 )
Joe Ruffalo, file, The Times
Double voting
The penalty for fraudulently casting more than one ballot in the same election is set at up to 2½ in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The penalty does not apply to individuals casting a valid replacement ballot as permitted by law. (Senate Enrolled Act 328 )
AP file photo
Expungement
Individuals charged with crimes who either are acquitted following a trial or the charges are dismissed will have their court records automatically expunged within 60 days of disposition, unless the county prosecutor requests a one-year expungement delay. Any non-prosecution of criminal charges within 180 days following an arrest must be expunged immediately. (Senate Enrolled Act 182 )
Jonathan Miano, file, The Times
Foreign land purchases
Foreign business entities are barred from purchasing Indiana agricultural or timber land, with certain exceptions. Businesses organized under Russian law or controlled by Russian nationals are prohibited from acquiring any real estate in Indiana. (Senate Enrolled Act 388 )
AP file photo
Health officers
The Indiana Department of Health no longer is entitled to remove a local health officer on the basis of intemperance. Health officers still may be removed for failing to collect vital statistics, follow rules, keep records, make reports, respond to official inquires or for neglect of official duty. (House Enrolled Act 1169 )
Provided
Handguns
Adults age 18 and up legally entitled to possess a handgun are not obligated to obtain a state permit to carry a handgun in public. Indiana carry permits remain available for out-of-state reciprocity purposes. Handguns continue to be prohibited in schools, courthouses, and any residence or business that chooses to bar handguns. (House Enrolled Act 1296 )
AP file photo
Housing shortage
A 13-member Housing Task Force is directed to study issues relating to housing and housing shortages in Indiana. The task force must submit recommendations for policy changes to the General Assembly and the governor no later than Nov. 1. (House Enrolled Act 1306 )
Tony V. Martin, file, The Times
Hunting
The holder of an archery hunting permit is allowed to use a bow and arrow or a crossbow. Previously, crossbow hunters were required to obtain a separate license. (Senate Enrolled Act 186 )
Times file photo
Inmate calls
The in-state rate for telephone calls placed by inmates at Indiana Department of Correction facilities drops to 12 cents per minute from 24 cents per minute. County jail telephone rates are capped at 21 cents per minute statewide, instead of ranging from 22 cents per minute to $4.70 per minute. (House Enrolled Act 1181 )
Times file photo
Lead testing
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, doctors must offer a blood lead screening test to the parents of children between nine months and six years old if the child has not previously been tested for lead poisoning. Parents are not required to have their children tested for lead. (House Enrolled Act 1313 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Low-level felons
Judges once again may sentence level 6 felony offenders to state prisons operated by the Indiana Department of Correction, replacing a mandate that individuals found guilty of minor felony crimes only serve their six-month to 2 1/2-year sentences in county jails. (House Enrolled Act 1004 )
Provided by Indiana State Prison
Lowell investment
The town of Lowell is authorized to segregate its recent water utility sale proceeds from other town funds, contract with an investment adviser, and deploy the funds in most kinds of investments offering higher returns than fixed-income securities, except corporate stock and other equity securities. (House Enrolled Act 1011 )
Kale Wilk, file, The Times
Medicaid
Pregnant individuals whose family incomes are less than 208% of the federal poverty level are entitled to receive low- or no-cost health coverage through Indiana Medicaid for the duration of their pregnancy, and up to 12 months after giving birth. (House Enrolled Act 1140 )
AP file photo
Nuclear power
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission is directed to adopt rules by July 1, 2023, permitting small modular nuclear reactors to be used to generate electricity in the Hoosier State. The law does not mandate any utilities switch to nuclear power but opens the door by putting in place the regulations that would guide its development and use. (Senate Enrolled Act 271 )
AP file photo
Pregnant inmates
Restraints used on a prison inmate in her second or third trimester of pregnancy need to be the least restrictive restraints necessary. A pregnant inmate must be unrestrained while in labor, delivering a baby and during the immediate post-delivery period, unless she is an immediate danger to herself or others, or a substantial flight risk. (House Enrolled Act 1294 )
Connor Burge, file, The Times
Property tax
The $3,000 property tax deduction for mortgaged property is eliminated beginning Jan. 1, 2023, and the homestead deduction is increased to $48,000 from $45,000. The senior citizen tax deduction may be claimed on homes worth up to $240,000, instead of a maximum of $200,000. (House Enrolled Act 1260 )
Photo provided
Public comment
School boards must allow any person physically present at a school board meeting to address the board if the person is interested in doing so in accordance with the board’s public comment rules, including any time limits. Boards still can take "reasonable steps to maintain order in a meeting," including "removal of any person who is willfully disruptive of the meeting." (House Enrolled Act 1130 )
Dan Carden, file, The Times
Rape
The definition of rape is expanded to include a person who disregards the other person's attempts to physically, verbally, or by other visible conduct refuse the person's sexual acts. Rape in Indiana also consists of the use of force, or imminent threat of force, to compel sexual conduct; sex with a person unaware sexual conduct is occurring; or sex with a person unable to consent to sex due to mental disability. (House Enrolled Act 1079 )
Times file photo
Semiquincentennial
A 23-member commission is established to organize events and commemorations across the state celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. (Senate Enrolled Act 12 )
Library of Congress
Simulated child porn
The production, distribution, possession or viewing of a video or image depicting obscene sexual conduct involving a person who appears to be less than 18 years old — even if the person is over 18, or doesn’t exist — is the legal equivalent of child exploitation, possession of child pornography and similar felony crimes. (House Enrolled Act 1363 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
State fossil
The mastodon is designated as the official fossil of Indiana. Dozens of mastodon fossils have been found throughout Indiana, including the bones of at least five mastodons now held by the Indiana State Museum that were discovered in 2005 by workers digging a pond in the Porter County town of Hebron. (House Enrolled Act 1013 )
Provided
Tax cuts
The utility receipts tax, a 1.46% charge paid by businesses and consumers on a portion of their electricity, natural gas, water, steam, sewage and telephone bills, is eliminated July 1. Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, the state income tax rate drops to 3.15% from 3.23%, with the possibility of future reductions to 2.9%. (House Enrolled Act 1002 )
Doug Ross, file, The Times
Tourism
The definition of "agritourism" is expanded beyond agricultural activities to include camping, canoeing, kayaking, river tubing and winter sports activities. An agritourism participant release form may be signed electronically, instead of only on paper. (Senate Enrolled Act 343 )
Connor Burge, file, The Times
Township trustees
A township trustee who fails to perform the duties of his or her office is subject to removal by court order if the removal is endorsed by the township board, county commissioners and county council, and other conditions are met. (Senate Enrolled Act 304 )
Dan Carden, The Times
Trans sports
All children assigned male at birth are barred from participating in any elementary, middle or high school athletics designated as a "girls" or "female" sport — no matter the child's gender identity or physical characteristics. (House Enrolled Act 1041 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
Tribal law enforcement
A police officer employed by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi in South Bend may exercise law enforcement authority anywhere in the state, so long as the officer meets the standards of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and the tribe consents to statewide police powers. (Senate Enrolled Act 347 )
Turn signal
A mandate that drivers signal all turns or lane changes at least 200 feet ahead of time, or 300 feet if the vehicle is traveling in excess of 50 mph, is deleted on Jan. 1, 2023, in favor of a requirement that motorists signal all turns and lane changes "a reasonable time" before completing them. (House Enrolled Act 1167 )
John J. Watkins, file, The Times
University gifts
Public and private colleges and universities in Indiana must report to the state, and disclose on their website, all gifts from foreign entities that already must be reported to the federal government upon receipt. (Senate Enrolled Act 388 )
Kale Wilk, file, The Times
Vaping taxes
A tax of 15% is imposed on the wholesale price of closed system cartridges used for vaping. Under a 2021 law, the tax rate was scheduled to be 25%. An additional tax of 40 cents per ounce is assessed on alternative nicotine products, such as electronic cigarettes. (Senate Enrolled Act 382 )
Richard Vogel, file, Associated Press
Virtual instruction
Public schools may only hold up to three student-directed virtual instruction days during the 180-day school year absent extraordinary circumstances and a waiver approved by the Indiana Department of Education. (House Enrolled Act 1093 )
John Luke, file, The Times
Youth ag
A public school or school corporation may purchase up to $10,000 in food each year from a youth agricultural program, up from the former annual maximum of $7,500. (House Enrolled Act 1320 )
AP file photo
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Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lake-county-young-republicans-leader-nominated-for-indiana-house-seat/article_454cc0cd-6f5f-5b40-9270-e7493f40c519.html | 2022-07-02T23:48:42 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lake-county-young-republicans-leader-nominated-for-indiana-house-seat/article_454cc0cd-6f5f-5b40-9270-e7493f40c519.html |
CEDAR LAKE — Jason Putman wasn't surprised when the cardboard boat he helped build sank in five seconds.
"Well it was named Yellow Submarine, so I thought it would sink," Putman said.
All wasn't lost at sea, so to speak.
The downed boat earned the family the "anchor award" for the second time in a row with last year's entry, Jaws, sinking in 40 seconds.
The anchor award is given at the Great Cardboard Boat Race to the first boat to sink, said Mary Rasmussen, a spokeswoman for the cardboard boat race committee.
Putman's daughter, Olivia Putman, 12, of Cedar Lake, and his niece, Abbie Patton, 12, of Oxford, Ohio, were the captains of the downed boat.
"We knew we were in trouble when the front end started going down," Olivia Putman said.
The Yellow Submarine was just one of 14 cardboard boat entries on Saturday in a race that included participants ages 10 to 81.
People are also reading…
The cardboard boat race followed the community's Summerfest parade held at the town's lakefront.
Age groupings included 18 and older, 13-17 and 8-12.
In addition to the anchor award, prizes were given for most people on a boat, best theme, best design and best time.
Tim Brown, a former Cedar Lake town manager, said he came up with the idea for the cardboard boat race around 1996 or 1997 after talking about the idea with other town officials for two to three years.
Brown said he even helped set up the rules for the race, which includes two laps set up between two buoys in the lake.
Rasmussen, who started each of the races and made sure everyone was lined up correctly, said she and her husband, Kenneth, took over as leaders of the boat race in 2013.
At this point, she and her husband would be happy to turn the reins over to another couple.
"I'm ready to retire," Rasmussen said.
One of the oldest competitors this year was Jimmy Smutniak, 81, of Lowell, who was captain of his all-red cardboard boat named Victory Anne.
Smutniak, who teamed up with his girlfriend, Victory Jeffers, of Chicago, said he wasn't disappointed at their first race attempt even though their boat came in last.
"We came to the race last year and thought it was a good idea to sign up," Smutniak said.
Although their boat, the Hogwarts Express, wasn't fast, it earned best theme for longtime competitors Tim and Susan Zableckis, of Cedar Lake.
Their entry was a red, black and gold copy of the train from the Harry Potter books.
Last year's entry by the Zableckis family was a cardboard copy of the Clampett's car from the TV show and movie, "The Beverly Hillbillies."
Their first entry was the Pirate in 2011.
"We're usually into movie or cartoon themes," Tim Zableckis said.
His son, Colten Zableckis, was captain of another cardboard boat named the Big Banana.
Colten Zableckis and his crew of fellow high school graduates and college students won in the most people on the boat category and best design.
Win or lose, Colten Zableckis said he enjoys the experience.
"I do it because it's fun to do new things," he said.
Katie Shepard, of Cedar Lake, said the boat she helped on was aptly named Sink or Swim.
"We did both," Shepard said.
The boat won best time in the 18-year-old and over category, besting Joe Dirt and Hogwarts Express.
"It was all for fun. We will do it again next year," she said. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/cedar-lake/watch-now-annual-great-cardboard-boat-race-makes-splash/article_fa0aab9e-3b83-5bd7-a263-16cbe5954a60.html | 2022-07-02T23:48:48 | 1 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/cedar-lake/watch-now-annual-great-cardboard-boat-race-makes-splash/article_fa0aab9e-3b83-5bd7-a263-16cbe5954a60.html |
Investigation continues into police shootout that left suspect injured in West Phoenix
Phoenix detectives are investigating a police shootout near the Camelback Ranch Baseball Facility on Thursday, according to a statement released by Phoenix Police Sergeant Vincent Cole.
Officers answered a call about a suspicious person near 106 Drive and Colter St. just after 11 p.m. on Thursday.
While talking to a man in the area, officers said they heard a gunshot nearby and found Kristopher Johnson, 40, holding a gun.
According to the statement, Johnson fired at officers after they ordered him to drop his gun, and they fired back.
Officers said they found Johnson with a gunshot wound at a nearby home after escaping the scene.
No officers or other people were injured during the shootout.
Johnson was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and was later arrested. Police booked Johnson on aggravated assault and weapons posession.
As of Saturday morning, the investigation into the assault continued, and no other details were given.
Reach breaking news reporter Miguel Torres at Miguel.Torres@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @MTorresTweet. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/07/02/west-phoenix-police-investigate-shootout-after-suspect-left-injured/7797177001/ | 2022-07-02T23:56:18 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/07/02/west-phoenix-police-investigate-shootout-after-suspect-left-injured/7797177001/ |
AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin mom wants to alert others after she was targeted in a kidnapping scam Thursday morning.
Pye Brown said the criminal went to great lengths to make her think her child was in danger.
"I felt like I was underwater. I was shaking so much because I thought that somebody had my baby," Brown said.
Her biggest fear became a reality for a few seconds.
"It was only seconds until I got confirmation that she was safe, but that everything just stood still," Brown said.
She got a call from a 512 area code. On the phone was a man who claimed to be a police officer who gave her a name and badge number. Then the caller said her child had been in a car accident, was fine and needed to be picked up.
"A child got on the phone and was crying for their mama," Brown said.
The story quickly took a turn.
"Told me that he used that story to get my attention and that my daughter was in the wrong place at the wrong time and that he had her," Brown recalled of the moment she thought her child had been kidnapped.
Her child was with a nanny, so Brown believed the kidnapping could be true.
"He claimed to be in a Mexican drug gang and that I need to listen carefully to his instructions," Brown said.
Instinct kicked in. Brown began to doubt the caller and asked for a description of her child. At the same time she texted her nanny, who sent a picture of her child and let her know everything was fine. Then the scammer hung up.
"I have to presume for my mental health that this was a fluke and that this person did not know specific details about me. But that's possible, right?," Brown said.
After getting off the phone, Brown called 911 but was told because it wasn't an emergency that she should call 311 to file a report.
"I'm relieved. I've been spooning my baby. Everything's fine. So, like, my heart feels better and I feel like my family is safe," Brown said.
The mother said she knows the likelihood of this happening to anyone else isn't that common, but she doesn't want other parents to feel the way she did when she got that call.
Austin 311 confirmed to KVUE that it got Brown's report about this incident. Brown said she hasn't heard from the City or Austin police so far.
For more information from the FBI on virtual kidnapping, click here. And for more from the National Institutes of Health, click here.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/austin-mom-kidnapping-scam/269-72b00c6f-72ea-4335-9e24-50a515428e61 | 2022-07-02T23:56:20 | 1 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/austin-mom-kidnapping-scam/269-72b00c6f-72ea-4335-9e24-50a515428e61 |
LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — The West Pittston Historical Society hosted an event in a cemetery on Saturday.
'First to Fall' honored the legacy of Benjamin and Stukley Harding; the first soldiers to be killed in the days leading up to the Battle of Wyoming in 1778.
Speakers and reenactors gathered at the Jenkins Harding Cemetery to learn more about the area's Revolutionary War history.
"We feel that so many people probably drive by this place and walk by here on a daily basis and really don't know much about this cemetery. So the purpose of our event today was to really kind of help folks to understand what happened here," said Mary Portelli, West Pittston Historical Society President.
This was the first time the historical society held this event but they are hoping to make it an annual tradition in Luzerne County.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/honoring-fallen-soldiers-in-luzerne-county-west-pittston-historical-society-mary-portelli-benjamin-and-stukley-harding/523-0b223ba7-62e2-4e35-a4cc-2cec019ae6ae | 2022-07-03T00:01:33 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/luzerne-county/honoring-fallen-soldiers-in-luzerne-county-west-pittston-historical-society-mary-portelli-benjamin-and-stukley-harding/523-0b223ba7-62e2-4e35-a4cc-2cec019ae6ae |
DANVILLE, Pa. — Tucked away in backyards and parks around Danville are gardens of all shapes and sizes. the annual Danville garden tours encourage people to stop to take in the beauty of nature.
"It's very soothing to the soul and the mind when you are sitting out here looking at the birds and looking at all of the plants," said Mary Susan Umbriac, Danville.
The garden tours typically happen during the Danville Heritage Festival in September, but this year the organizer decided to switch it up
"By September most plants are done blooming and so this year it worked out that we changed the date, as you can see most of the stuff is in full bloom right now," said Umbriac.
People spent the day taking a stroll through each garden on the list.
Bob and Mary Susan Umbriac have spent four decades creating their backyard paradise. Their landscape was a vision brought to life with lots of patience and dedication; building many elements like a covered bridge by hand.
"What's the good of having something that is beautiful and not share it? Some of the gardens on the tour are just absolutely magnificent," said Bob Umbriac.
There are 11 stops on the garden tour and people tell us it's easy to want to spend the day at just one.
"I hope to get to another one or two in during my time frame but the day goes by goes by fast, I spent way more time than I was expecting at each one because they are just so lovely," said Jane Brockman, Sunbury.
Laura Santucci-Burley is participating for the first time. She tells Newswatch 16 that she enjoys meeting other people who are as interested in gardening as a way to share new ideas.
"I hope they have ideas and inspirations and things to motivate them to do things for their own gardens. But also share knowledge and also they share knowledge with me so it is beneficial for both of us," said Burley, Northumberland.
The Danville Heritage Festival officially gets underway September 9th and runs through the 11th.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/montour-county/danville-garden-festival-tours-return-danville-heritage-festival-mary-susan-umbriac-montour-county-jane-brockman-laura-santucci-burley/523-f366ed4b-488e-4559-a31d-5d4cb137ad77 | 2022-07-03T00:01:39 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/montour-county/danville-garden-festival-tours-return-danville-heritage-festival-mary-susan-umbriac-montour-county-jane-brockman-laura-santucci-burley/523-f366ed4b-488e-4559-a31d-5d4cb137ad77 |
SARASOTA, Fla. — An ice cream brand in Sarasota has been linked to a Listeria outbreak, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday.
People who have any Big Olaf Creamery products in their home are urged by the CDC to throw them away and clean any containers, serving utensils and areas that have possibly been in contact with the company's ice cream. Businesses are also encouraged to do the same.
Big Olaf Creamery is reportedly contacting retail locations to stop selling their ice cream products until further notice.
Listeria, also known as invasive listeriosis, "is most likely to sicken pregnant people and their newborns, adults aged 65 or older and people with weakened immune systems," the CDC stated.
Pregnant people with Listeria symptoms usually experience fatigue, muscle aches and fever. In some cases, the illness may also cause miscarriage, premature delivery, life-threatening infection of the newborn or stillbirth, the CDC says.
Those who are not pregnant may have a headache, stiff neck, loss of balance, convulsions and confusion in addition to muscle aches and fever if they contract Listeria.
The CDC provided other facts about the illness below.
- Symptoms of severe illness usually start within 2 weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria, but may start as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after.
- Listeria can also cause common food poisoning symptoms, like diarrhea and fever. People who experience these symptoms usually recover without treatment.
- There have been a total of 23 reported illnesses with 22 hospitalizations and one death.
- Listeria has been found in 10 states across the country.
Big Olaf Creamery only sells its ice cream in Florida and currently has seven stores with three in Sarasota and one in Venice and Lakewood Ranch each.
For more information, click here. | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/listeria-outbreak-sarasota-ice-cream-company-cdc/67-699eb2ca-53db-4d5d-b73a-fd160115ee05 | 2022-07-03T00:01:45 | 0 | https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/sarasotacounty/listeria-outbreak-sarasota-ice-cream-company-cdc/67-699eb2ca-53db-4d5d-b73a-fd160115ee05 |
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Pa. — All packed up and ready to go, folks from far and wide headed to the beach at Lake Jean tucked inside Ricketts Glen State Park to cool off this holiday weekend.
Newswatch 16 found campers who said this setting was much more favorable to the one at their homes.
"Well for us being from Florida right now it's so hot and humid right there. We love being able to camp and not have the air conditioner on and have the windows open and enjoy outdoors," said Debbie White, Florida.
This is the first time Debbie and Doug White, and their dog Duke have ever been to northeastern Pennsylvania.
"We're traveling up to Maine and stopped in here in Pennsylvania for about five nights," said Doug White.
They'll head back to Florida in September, after traveling up and down the east coast this summer.
According to some at the state park, they found one of our region's best kept secrets.
Campers tell Newswatch 16 something they love about this place is the variety of activities they can do all in one location.
"I like fishing, I like boating. I like it's just there's a lot of things there's the beach there's a lot of things that are in when I say the beach, I mean like you know, the little sand area they have or something but there's a lot of things you can do here that you could do somewhere else, but you can't do them all in the same place," said Garrett Carson, Delaware.
Plus the DCNR sets up programs and activities for visitors throughout the holiday weekend. One thing surprising to guests was the lack of crowding.
"Now, we were surprised we're parked down there by the beach and there's hardly anybody down there. So we were kind of surprised to see that right," said Doug.
"It's one of my favorite, favorite campgrounds ever I mean I've been to like I've been all over I've been to Yellowstone and everything but this is like this is a special campground," said Carson.
If you want to learn more about activities at Ricketts Glenn State Park click here.
Check out WNEP’s YouTube channel. | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/sullivan-county/campers-cooling-off-at-ricketts-glen-state-park-debbie-white-sullivan-county-doug-white-garrett-carson/523-0c7f6f3a-3f48-4100-bceb-0d2f7445d66c | 2022-07-03T00:01:45 | 1 | https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/sullivan-county/campers-cooling-off-at-ricketts-glen-state-park-debbie-white-sullivan-county-doug-white-garrett-carson/523-0c7f6f3a-3f48-4100-bceb-0d2f7445d66c |
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google will automatically purge information about users who visit abortion clinics or other places that could trigger legal problems now that the U.S. Supreme Court has opened the door for states to ban the termination of pregnancies.
The company behind the internet's dominant internet search engine and the Android software that powers most of the world's smartphones outlined the new privacy protections in a Friday blog post.
Besides automatically deleting visits to abortion clinics, Google also cited counseling centers, fertility centers, addiction treatment facilities, weight loss clinics, and cosmetic surgery clinics as other destinations that will be erased from users' location histories. Users have always had the option edit their location histories on their own, but Google will proactively do it for them as an added level of protection.
“We’re committed to delivering robust privacy protections for people who use our products, and we will continue to look for new ways to strengthen and improve these protections," Jen Fitzpatrick, a Google senior vice president, wrote in the blog post.
The pledge comes amid escalating pressure on Google and other Big Tech companies to do more to shield the troves of sensitive personal information through their digital services and products from government authorities and other outsiders.
The calls for more stringent privacy controls were triggered by the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision overturning the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion. That reversal could make abortion illegal in more than a dozen states, raising the specter that records about people's location, texts, searches and emails could be used in prosecutions against abortion procedures or even for medical care sought in a miscarriage.
Like other technology companies, Google each year receives thousands of government demands for users' digital records as part of misconduct investigations. Google says it pushes back against search warrants and other demands that are overly broad or appear to be baseless. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/google-location-info-abortion-bans/103-684a556c-7af3-4a49-bbee-72b9ccdc4096 | 2022-07-03T00:06:02 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/california/google-location-info-abortion-bans/103-684a556c-7af3-4a49-bbee-72b9ccdc4096 |
TYLER, Texas — Among all the planes you’ll see this weekend at the Rose City Air Fest, there’s one in particular that you should look out for. CBS19 got a special tour of a B-29 Bomber which is just one of two flying in the entire world!
"We're standing in front of one of two B-29s that were built in World War II, to bomb Japan, and other bombing missions. There were 3,970 of these built and this is one of about thirty that survived," said John Schauer, flight engineer for the B-29 Bomber.
The B-29 super fortress was the plane that dropped the atomic bombs on Japan that ended the war.
This one, nicknamed Doc, was found in a scrap yard in a California desert and took about 16 years to restore. Now, it’s only one of two still flying in the entire world.
"There's probably about thirty of these left in the world, and all of them are in museums," Schauer said. "And just two of them are flying now."
John is only one of eight people who can actually fly this plane, and he’s been flying both B-29s for about 24 years now.
"It's a real privilege to fly these. Every time I fly it I think the men that have come before me…as being 18 to 25 years old and flying these in combat. That's a sobering thought," Schauer said.
Schauer gave us a personalized tour of the B29 and explained what he does before he takes off.
"Pay particular attention to the engines before flight, check for massive oil leaks [and] yes, it leaks oil but that's normal. But you're checking for massive leaks, the condition of tires inside of the wheel, and check the exhaust pipes [to] make sure there's no clamps that have come apart," Schauer said.
Schauer then took us inside of the B-29 to showed us how he flies the plane.
"It looks roomy up here. But the ones with the gun turrets you can see the circle here. Yeah, it came down to about here. And this one came up to about here so there wasn't a lot of room navigator sat here," Schauer said. "We don't have the instrument panel that he used but he had a little instrument panel with airspeed compasses and whatever."
The Rose City Air Fest runs through Sunday, so make sure to stop by and watch one of the two remaining B-29 Bombers still flying in the entire world. | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/check-out-this-tour-of-a-b-29-bomber-one-of-two-flying-in-the-entire-world/501-19929395-e643-4d02-bd8e-40483fc6161d | 2022-07-03T00:06:08 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/check-out-this-tour-of-a-b-29-bomber-one-of-two-flying-in-the-entire-world/501-19929395-e643-4d02-bd8e-40483fc6161d |
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — First responders in Placer County are investigating a possible drowning at Folsom Lake, a spokesperson for the Placer County Sheriff's Office says.
According to the South Placer Fire District, fire crews were called out Saturday to Dotons Point at Folsom Lake on reports of a possible drowning.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office said their dive team was also called out to Folsom Lake just after noon Saturday.
In a Facebook post, the South Placer Fire District said that the incident at Folsom Lake was terminated around 3:50 p.m. Saturday.
Neither the Placer County Sheriff's Office nor the South Placer Fire District has released additional details on the possible drowning.
This is a developing story, check back here for updates.
Watch More from ABC10: 'Operation Dry Water' | California police looking out for boaters under the influence | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/folsom-orangevale/possible-drowning-at-folsom-lake/103-2d8e6e32-c3f8-478c-bc84-45e38abce0e6 | 2022-07-03T00:06:14 | 1 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/folsom-orangevale/possible-drowning-at-folsom-lake/103-2d8e6e32-c3f8-478c-bc84-45e38abce0e6 |
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Several agencies assisted Jeffersonville Police in investigating the conditions at an Indiana funeral home Friday night.
Jeffersonville Police Maj. Isaac Parker says authorities secured Lankford Funeral Home and Family Center, located in the 3100 block of Middle Road.
According to police, investigators found 31 bodies, some of which were in the advanced stages of decomposition, as well as the cremated remains of 16 other individuals.
The Jeffersonville Police Department said its investigation is on-going and active.
WHAS11's Ford Sanders was on the scene Friday night and witnessed several people going in and out of the funeral home wearing hazmat suits.
A large semi-truck pulled up around 9:40 p.m. with what appeared to be a refrigerated truck in the back.
Police said custody of all the deceased were transferred to the Clark County Coroner's Office who is working with Jeffersonville Police Detectives to identify the remains.
Anyone who entrusted the Lankford Funeral Home with the care of a loved one and is concerned or has any information is urged to contact the Clark County Coroner at 812-285-6282.
Additionally, if anyone has an information regarding potential criminal conduct, please contact the Jeffersonville detectives at 812-285-6535.
This is a developing story. We will update here as more information becomes available.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
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- 'Absolutely inexcusable': Women claim sexual assault inside Clark Co. jail, file lawsuit against Sheriff's Office | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/jeffersonville-police-secured-funeral-home-lankford-funeral-home-family-center-indiana/417-8c65ef97-986a-4d2d-9cda-b38272fb7a13 | 2022-07-03T00:06:20 | 0 | https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/jeffersonville-police-secured-funeral-home-lankford-funeral-home-family-center-indiana/417-8c65ef97-986a-4d2d-9cda-b38272fb7a13 |
A Houston developer will build an almost $170 million apartment tower on the site of an Oak Lawn condominium community.
Hanover Co. is beginning demolition of the Turtle Creek Gardens condos at 2525 Turtle Creek Blvd. near Fairmount Street.
Built in the early 1960s, the low-rise condo community has more than 100 units.
Hanover plans to build a 509,023-square-foot residential tower and parking garage on the 4.5-acre site, according to planning documents filed with the state.
To read more, visit our partners at the Dallas Morning News. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/houston-developer-moving-ahead-with-plans-for-turtle-creek-tower/3006023/ | 2022-07-03T00:15:44 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/houston-developer-moving-ahead-with-plans-for-turtle-creek-tower/3006023/ |
Police say 1 killed in explosion during Michigan air show
Battle Creek — One person has died following an explosion during a jet-fueled semitruck performance Saturday at a southwestern Michigan air show, officials said.
Emergency crews responded after the explosion happened about 1 p.m. at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival.
The death of the driver, Chris Darnell, 40, was announced by the Battle Creek Police Department.
Police said no new information was available, but the incident remains under investigation by Battle Creek Fire, Battle Creek Police and Federal Aviation Administration officials.
The Shockwave Jet Truck was going down a runway at Battle Creek Executive Airport when the explosion occurred, air show spokeswoman Suze Gusching told the Battle Creek Enquirer.
The truck is powered by two jet engines and reached speeds topping 300 mph, according to Springfield, Missouri-based Darnell Racing Enterprises.
No other injuries were reported.
"The remaining air show performances were canceled today; the air show will return on Sunday," police said in a statement. "The remaining Saturday evening activities will continue as scheduled today, as well as all activities on the schedule for July 3 and 4."
Associated Press contributed. | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/07/02/police-say-1-killed-explosion-during-michigan-air-show/7797647001/ | 2022-07-03T00:28:00 | 1 | https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2022/07/02/police-say-1-killed-explosion-during-michigan-air-show/7797647001/ |
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The first lawsuits have been filed only days after an Amtrak train collision and derailment in rural Missouri that left four people dead and injured up to 150 others.
Amtrak and BNSF Railway Co. filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the concrete contracting company that owns the dump truck hit Monday by the passenger train, the Kansas City Star reported. That lawsuit blames MS Contracting, of Brookfield, Missouri, for the crash, saying the train was “clearly visible” and that truck driver was careless in crossing the tracks.
Phone calls to MS Contracting rang unanswered Friday morning.
The crossing where the collision occurred has no lights, signals or gates to warn of an approaching train. Before the crash, area residents had expressed concerns about the safety of the crossing, described by locals and a federal transportation safety official as very steep. Chariton County leaders have been pushing for a safety upgrade at the railroad crossing for nearly three years, presiding county commissioner Evan Emmerich said this week.
The truck driver, Billy Barton II, 54, of Brookfield, died in the collision, along with three passengers on the train. His widow, Erin Barton, also sued Thursday, filing a wrongful-death lawsuit in state court against Chariton County and a BNSF official that cited the crossing as unsafe.
Chariton County Attorney Brandon Shelton did not immediately return a phone message left Friday morning by The Associated Press seeking comment on the lawsuit.
Two train passengers — Rochelle Cook, 58, and Kim Holsapple, 56, both of DeSoto, Kansas, died at the scene. A third passenger, 82-year-old Binh Phan, of Kansas City, Missouri, died Tuesday at a hospital. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said up to 150 people also were injured.
The Southwest Chief was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago when it hit the truck near Mendon. Two locomotives and eight cars derailed. Amtrak officials said about 275 passengers and 12 crew members were aboard. The National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday that the train was going about 87 mph (140 kph), under the 90 mph (145 kph) speed limit, when the collision happened. | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/lawsuits-filed-after-deadly-missouri-amtrak-crash/63-eca93dc7-5815-4553-8515-4ae0e62ffee2 | 2022-07-03T00:35:29 | 1 | https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/lawsuits-filed-after-deadly-missouri-amtrak-crash/63-eca93dc7-5815-4553-8515-4ae0e62ffee2 |
VINTON, Va. – A piece of history in Vinton is now gone after a fire early Saturday morning destroyed four apartments and a two-story music center.
A charred smell lingers on Lee Avenue as Vinton residents stare in shock and devastation.
“Heartbreak. Its heartbreaking,” Vinton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Angie Chewning said. “Vinton is a tight community.”
Early Saturday morning, a fire engulfed a two-story music building and collapsed the roof of the Edward Jones Investment business.
Four apartments on the top floor were crushed and eight adults are now without a home.
Donnie and Rhonda, the owners of D. R. Music Center, broke out in tears as they saw what’s left of their music business after 39 years.
A $100,000 worth of instruments now destroyed.
D.R. Music Center was Tony Smith’s second home as a teenager and the spot where his son took lessons.
“Its kind of like a punch in the gut really because these people, the owners, are nice people,” Smith said. “Watch your kids grow up here.”
It’s a piece of history dated back to 1930.
The fire department says the butted multi-functional buildings will take time to clean up and will be demolished.
“This is rather unique,” Roanoke County Fire Department Brian Clingenpeel said. “Something we don’t see a lot of.”
Though a gift shop next door faced no damages, Dawn Sullivan says she feels the owners pain.
“We look out for each other and we’re a family is what I say,” Rustic Creations Owner Dawn Sullivan said. “And we all stick together and it’s a huge loss to all of us to see them go.”
Not much was salvaged from the investment building but residents were thrilled when a firefighter rescued an American flag.
A reminder that 4th of July is still around the corner.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. There were no injuries but three cats died.
Anyone traveling near downtown Vinton Saturday evening and Sunday should note the road closures on South Pollard Street and East Lee Avenue. | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/07/03/vinton-community-wipes-away-tears-after-losing-a-beloved-music-store-to-a-fire/ | 2022-07-03T00:40:42 | 0 | https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2022/07/03/vinton-community-wipes-away-tears-after-losing-a-beloved-music-store-to-a-fire/ |
The Pima County Public Library has partnered with Cox to activate 70 free hot spots across the county, the first of 120 internet access points planned to enhance connectivity across the region.
The first 70 hot spots were activated on June 27, and 50 more are set to launch by mid-July.
The new hot spots are part of the county’s digital access plan with short-term goals to provide readily-available internet service while addressing gaps in digital literacy and long-term plans to expand broadband infrastructure across the county.
The library hopes the free Wi-Fi service will decrease the digital divide by connecting people to other programs that provide more permanent internet services at home, such as the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides discounted broadband to low-income households.
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“We’re doing this to help reach those individuals that maybe don’t have a connection in their home and also don’t really know that they can come to the library and get internet,” said Michelle Simon, deputy director of support services for the county’s libraries. “The whole goal with this effort is not to give people free internet access for the rest of their lives. It is to help move them to have affordable internet access in their own homes.”
The library is paying for the program, called “Hotspots around Town,” with $720,448 to be reimbursed by the federal government’s Emergency Connectivity Fund, which came from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide subsidies to schools and libraries for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved the contract with Cox on April 5 to fund the hot spot program for three years. The first 70 hot spots already existed for Cox customers to access with their own membership log-ins. Now, anyone can access the internet access points by connecting to the library’s Wi-Fi called “PCPLonTheGo.”
The next 50 hot spots are destined for rural gathering centers such as Canoa Preserve Park in Green Valley and the Three Points Veterans Memorial Neighborhood Park.
Five Boys and Girls Club of Tucson locations will also get internet service, which CEO Denise Watters said will enhance the wide array of programs it provides to youth in addition to serving the surrounding communities.
“We love that we can provide the hot spot because our mission is to be in these neighborhoods where the kids need us the most, and the community and the families that come along with that,” Watters said. “It’s not just the club kids, it’s the families and the community around those clubs that need us as well.”
The county’s plan is to eventually conduct critical infrastructure projects backed by utilities and public safety agencies to expand broadband access across the county by 10% in each district.
For now, the library’s creating a PR campaign to alert community members to the new Wi-Fi services and eventually enable them to receive internet at home.
“(The hot spots) will lead to people engaging with the library where we can help them to connect to resources, the Affordable Connectivity Program, helping them to fill out those applications so that if they qualify for subsidies, not only do they qualify for subsidies for internet service, but potentially a device,” Simon said. “This thing is funded for three years, but we will figure out a way to make it sustainable.”
To view a map of available hot spots across the county, visit: bit.ly/3ae8iCt
Contact reporter Nicole Ludden at nludden@tucson.com | https://tucson.com/news/local/pima-county-launches-70-free-internet-hot-spots-in-tucson-area/article_ebe764ba-f8a3-11ec-b22b-6ff7ae58f99c.html | 2022-07-03T00:50:48 | 1 | https://tucson.com/news/local/pima-county-launches-70-free-internet-hot-spots-in-tucson-area/article_ebe764ba-f8a3-11ec-b22b-6ff7ae58f99c.html |
MINNEAPOLIS — Editor's note: The video above first aired on KARE 11 on March 11, 2022.
Motorsports manufacturer Yamaha is warning certain ATV owners to stop using their vehicles because of a missing "Maximum Loading Limit" label. Yamaha says without the label, riders could add too much weight to the trailer towing and hitch, which could result in a crash or injury.
The recall covers 2021 and 2022 Kodiak 700 ATVs, model number YWF700 FWB – about 3,500 total units.
The single passenger ATVs were sold nationwide between Oct. 2020 and April 2022 in green and orange, beige, green and black color combinations and have KODIAK 700 printed on the sides. The model number is located under the seat near the air cleaner.
At the time of the recall, no injuries or accidents have been reported.
ATV owners impacted by the recall should contact Yamaha to receive a trailer towing and hitch weight label or schedule a free label application at an authorized Yamaha ATV dealer.
Watch more local news:
Watch the latest local news from the Twin Cities in our YouTube playlist: | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/yamaha-atv-recall-missing-warning-label/89-92f8dd7e-5108-476a-a8ba-30ea8c3e98e2 | 2022-07-03T01:09:09 | 1 | https://www.5newsonline.com/article/news/local/yamaha-atv-recall-missing-warning-label/89-92f8dd7e-5108-476a-a8ba-30ea8c3e98e2 |
Among the biggest drivers of Lancaster County’s budget deliberations this year are salary increases for sheriff’s deputies and corrections officers, thanks in large part to steep pay raises the state gave Nebraska Department of Corrections employees to deal with a staff shortage.
Corrections officers are typically part of the hiring pool for Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies, said Sheriff Terry Wagner, and the increases in state wages, followed by increases for the county’s correctional officers, pushed salaries beyond the starting pay for deputies.
So the sheriff’s office decided it needed to be more competitive to attract quality candidates.
“We needed to get deputies’ (pay) above corrections officers," Wagner said. "... it’s an interesting domino effect that probably nobody thought about.”
In November, the state raised starting wages for correctional officers by $8 an hour, increasing the annual salary to $58,240. In February, the Lancaster County Board approved a three-year contract that raised the starting annual salary of correctional officers to $56,160 — a $26% increase. The contract includes 3% raises the following two years.
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In April, deputies got a 10% raise, which was retroactive to August 2021, bringing starting salaries to $59,502. They’ll get another 5% increase this August and 3% the following year.
Salary increases in the county are typically between 2.5%-4% a year, said Dennis Meyer, the county's budget officer.
After deputies' salaries increased, the sheriff’s office hiked the salary cap for captains from $119,600 to $137,000 to maintain a pay differential between sergeants, who are in the union and get overtime, from the higher-ranked captains, who are not union members.
Here’s what that means for the county’s budget for 2022-23: Salaries for the sheriff’s office will increase by $1.4 million; and salaries for corrections officers will go up $3.4 million, Meyer said.
Another major factor driving the budget: a significant increase in reimbursement rates judges approved for court-appointed attorneys assigned to indigent clients when there’s a conflict with the public defender’s office. Those increases will result in a $1.7 million increase for legal services in county, district and juvenile court, Meyer said.
The demand for legal services is different depending on the court, the caseloads and types of cases, which means the percent increase in legal services for the different courts' budget requests varies.
District Judge Jodi Nelson put together a committee that decided on the increases, which vary depending on the type of case. But “baseline cases” increased to $125 an hour. The district court website indicates the current rate is $75 an hour. Attorneys representing clients in homicide cases will get $175 an hour.
Nelson told the County Board that the courts were in a “crisis situation” because rates hadn’t been raised since 2014 and they are losing competent legal representation for clients.
One other factor in the budget: A $785,000 increase in a contract for medical services at the jail and youth services center resulting from the difficulty hiring and retaining medical personnel, particularly nurses, Meyer said.
The county is in the process of budget negotiations, where departments present their budget requests and county officials build a budget based on an estimated 2.5% increase in property valuations. The proposed budget must be finalized by July 31.
Property valuations — and tax levies based on those valuations set by local officials — determine the property taxes homeowners pay to help support the different political subdivisions.
The Lancaster County Assessor is not doing a complete revaluation of property this year, which means most of the increase in property valuations will be based on new homes rather than increases in existing homes.
Given those factors — and the board’s desire not to increase the number of county employees this year — the work of figuring out what to cut to create a balanced budget is ongoing.
The county board also is determined not to raise the tax rate.
“That means we’ll have to adjust in other ways, because there is not any interest on behalf of the board in increasing property taxes,” said Commissioner Deb Schorr.
The increases in salary costs are based on fully-staffed departments, but there may be some positions open that would lower that amount, and when or if those positions are filled can give the board some flexibility, Meyer said.
The county has hired a company to help it create a strategic plan Meyer said will, among other things, create performance metrics for departments, and in the future should help the commissioners decide on budget priorities by providing more data on the effectiveness of various programs.
They’ll do some of that with court-appointed attorneys, Meyer said, asking for regular feedback to see if the higher reimbursements are making a difference.
The budget process always has some challenges, and this year it’s the staffing and legal services costs, along with increases in the engineering budget because of inflation and supply chain issues, Meyer said.
“I’ve been around long enough, but there’s always new things that happen,” he said. "Back in college I don’t think they said it would ever happen like this.”
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Reach the writer at 402-473-7226 or mreist@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LJSreist | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lancaster-county-budget-sees-domino-effect-of-pay-hikes-for-correctional-officers/article_1ebd76f8-0c18-5602-99ee-f1cc029a9d72.html | 2022-07-03T01:14:13 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lancaster-county-budget-sees-domino-effect-of-pay-hikes-for-correctional-officers/article_1ebd76f8-0c18-5602-99ee-f1cc029a9d72.html |
In honor of Independence Day, The Lincoln Journal Star is providing unlimited access to all of our content from June 28th-July 4th!
Presented by
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
For students and staff at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, gone are the days of standing in long lines outside Parking and Transit Services, unpeeling sticker backs and hoping they stay stuck. Now, commuters can enjoy the luxury of virtual, sticker-free parking.
UNL Parking and Transit Services launched license plate-recognition parking software Friday, allowing students to park without a physical decal.
Students may register up to five license plates for the school year, although only one vehicle with the same permit may be on campus at one time.
The system mostly applies to commuter lots, as garages still use hang tags to open the gate arms. However, Daniel Carpenter, director of Parking and Transit Services, said it’s one step in the process to go completely virtual.
“So it's kind of an improvement system-wise in the future, but definitely an efficiency for each of the campuses,” Carpenter said.
He said the system has been in the works since 2020, and staff is excited to finally utilize the software that is already in place at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Parking prices will not change, and lots will still be closely monitored by parking staff. However, the only stickers required on UNL lots are R01 and R02 event stickers, which staff and students may purchase in addition to registering their license plate.
The system also will also catch parking violators with ease.
Annual permits through June 30 are no longer valid. Those wishing to register their vehicle may do so online or in person at the Parking and Transit office.
Carpenter is looking forward to future advancements, which will include a mobile app that will help drivers find parking spaces.
Parking updates seek to make it as convenient as possible to be a commuter student.
“This is one step on a number of technology enhancements that we plan on doing,” Carpenter said. “We hope to build upon that to make parking easier. For folks on campus, that's the ultimate goal: How can we best serve the campus community?”
Jenna Thompson is a news intern who has previous writing and editing experience with her college paper and several literary journals. She is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pursuing degrees in English and journalism.
History Nebraska gave Lincoln a $40,000 grant to develop a management plan for Robber’s Cave, digitize material, make more information available on the website and to hold lectures.
The Lincoln Police Department said Kevin Clements, 59, died when the chimney fell through his house in the Country Club Neighborhood after being struck by a tree branch.
Sunday's shooting marks the second this year at Seacrest Field, where a 17-year-old boy suffered a grazing gunshot wound in May. It's unclear if the cases are related, said the police, who offered few details on the latest shooting.
A public open house is scheduled for 5:30-7:30 Thursday night in the Lincoln Southwest High School gym to discuss a proposal to redesign the intersection of 14th Street, Old Cheney Road and Warlick Boulevard. | https://journalstar.com/news/local/university-of-nebraska-lincoln-unveils-virtual-parking-system/article_e782be67-9b3e-5a37-8531-7616778e73bd.html | 2022-07-03T01:14:20 | 0 | https://journalstar.com/news/local/university-of-nebraska-lincoln-unveils-virtual-parking-system/article_e782be67-9b3e-5a37-8531-7616778e73bd.html |
The Flagstaff Girls Softball Little League (FGSLL) 9-11 All-Stars took the long route to earn the District I championship, but finished the district tournament with a 5-3 win over Round Valley on Saturday to advance to the state tournament.
The championship game -- a rubber match between the two squads that had split a pair of games earlier -- started on Friday at Thorpe Park, but rain and lightning in the second inning suspended the game for the rest of the day. Pitcher Chloe Barton struck out 12 batters across six innings when the game resumed at Continental Park on Saturday morning and FGSLL did enough offensively to win.
“The girls came together,” manager Brandyn Tullis said. "It’s one of those things where you can’t prep for that. Especially at this age, a lot of these girls are new to the All-Stars. So that’s what I was proud of, was them bonding and getting through a lot of this experience."
He added: “I think it took those days -- them coming out and helping prepare the field after the rain -- doing something that really wasn’t even related to the game, and you see them get to know each other better as teammates and then come out and play like this.”
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Barton’s pitching was the difference in the contest. After giving up 14 and seven runs, respectively, in the two prior contests, FGSLL held Round Valley to just three runs and just two hits.
Round Valley scored two runs in the top of the second inning -- following the delay -- on a couple of fielding errors, but could not get control of the game offensively due to Barton’s play in the circle.
“I was throwing a lot of outside (pitches), they were swinging,” she said.
“When she’s on, she’s borderline unhittable,” Tullis added. “She was working the corners today, very few walks and that was the difference, because Round Valley can really hit.”
Down 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning, Barton scored on a wild pitch. In addition to her solid pitching day, she went 2 for 3 from the plate with two RBIs and a run scored. Leia Raths came in later in the frame to pinch hit and hit an RBI ground ball, scoring Amaya Taylor, to take a 3-2 lead FGSLL would never lose.
Barton gave the team a little cushion, driving in two more runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.
After Reagan Tullis caught the final out at first base, the FGSLL All-Stars piled on each other in celebration.
The girls now advance to the state tournament next week in Fountain Hills -- which means the summer season continues for a team that has enjoyed its time together.
“It means more fun, more team bonding and working together with them,” Barton said.
“We have a week to prep, and then we’re down in the heat, so that will be an adjustment for us. But the nice thing is we have another week to come together as a team,” Tullis added.
Majors win District I
The FGSLL All-Stars joined their 9-11 comrades with a District I title as well, beating Silver Creek, 12-2, in the championship Friday in Silver Creek.
Up 3-2 in a close game through four innings, FGSLL scored nine runs in the top of the fifth, held Silver Creek scoreless in the bottom of the frame and won in five innings via run rule.
The Majors state tournament will be held in Cottonwood next week. | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/fgsll-9-11-all-stars-win-district-i-title-in-defensive-battle/article_c4d171b2-fa3e-11ec-a51e-83f3719dc5ad.html | 2022-07-03T01:18:52 | 0 | https://azdailysun.com/sports/local/fgsll-9-11-all-stars-win-district-i-title-in-defensive-battle/article_c4d171b2-fa3e-11ec-a51e-83f3719dc5ad.html |
The Indiana Department of Health reported three more Hoosiers died of coronavirus over the past week.
Eleven of the state's 105 deaths over that period were likely the result of the coronavirus, according to the health department. Two of the confirmed deaths were in Clinton County, and the other was in Tipton County.
COVID-19 infections increased about 13.9% statewide last week.
Statewide, the seven-day average of coronavirus infections in Indiana was 1,418 last week, up 174 from the previous week, according to ISDH. An estimated 37,196 Hoosiers have tested positive for the virus over the past month.
An estimated 19.2% of those cases were reinfections, according to ISDH.
Thus far during the pandemic, COVID-19 caused 1,765 deaths in Lake County; 546 in Porter County; 367 in LaPorte County; 66 in Newton County; and 143 in Jasper County.
Lake County currently has a COVID-19 case count of 2,996, Porter County 1,147, LaPorte County 744, Newton County 59 and Jasper County 179, according to ISDH.
Since becoming a global pandemic in March 2020, the virus has killed more than 1 million people in the United States and more than 6.3 million globally, public health authorities estimate.
Parents can now schedule appointments for coronavirus vaccines for children through the age of 5 at ourshot.in.gov.
Parents and caretakers can make appointments for the Moderna vaccine for kids between the ages of 6 months and 5 years and for the Pfizer vaccine for kids from 6 months through 4 years.
The state recommends people make appointments instead of doing walk-ins to ensure vaccine and provider eligibility.
People can check with their child's doctor to see if they offer the vaccine or call 211 for assistance.
The state's ourshot.in.gov website provides a list of medical providers offering the vaccine to that age group.
A complete list of COVID-19 vaccine sites for all ages is also available online at ourshot.in.gov. | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/indiana-has-three-more-covid-deaths-11-more-probable/article_5dd105dd-e279-5264-b6c8-d5f1779f8e5f.html | 2022-07-03T01:28:44 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/indiana-has-three-more-covid-deaths-11-more-probable/article_5dd105dd-e279-5264-b6c8-d5f1779f8e5f.html |
PORTAGE — Councilman Ferdinand Alvarez, D-at large, enjoyed participating in the Fourth of July parade so much that he walked the entire route twice.
“It’s just a great way to see the public packing the streets with just one thought, and that’s their love of their country,” Alvarez said.
He jogged from side to side, shaking hands and meeting residents.
Plenty of red, white and blue was on display, including outfits worn by Danielle Hakes and her mother, Susan Hakes, as they sat on the sidelines, watching the parade entries float, drive or walk past.
Candy pelted the pavement in front of children, thrown out for the kids and some lucky adults.
Claudia Wininger, representing VFW Post 7760, was among the participants getting kids sugared up, “enjoying the kids, enjoying the weather, enjoying the holiday.”
Glenn Ewen, vice president of the Winamac Old Auto Club and a Portage resident, drove a vehicle he put together. “I built this thing. It was a wrecked state police truck,” he said. “It’s the best ride I’ve ever had.”
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Sarah Nesbitt, of Thornton, Illinois, stood in the shade while watching Saturday’s parade. “I want my kids to see this and see the people marching,” especially veterans and others who have done so much for their country and their community.
Levi Nesbitt, 6, also of Thornton, enjoyed the parade but was eager to see the fireworks.
Faith Kostro, of Enchanted Tales NWI, dressed as Mary Poppins “to bring inspiration and joy to kids’ lives,” she said. “The adults, too, get a kick out of it.”
Hermine Robinson, also of Enchanted Tales NWI, stopped near the end of the parade to pose for a photo with Brooklyn Wiles, 11, of Portage, who couldn’t resist a chance to see Wonder Woman.
Briar Swift, 11, wore his Scout uniform and carried a sign to let everyone know Saturday was his birthday. “It’s hot and tiring,” he said near the end of the parade route. With his Scout Troop at South Haven VFW Post 502, though, he enjoys all the activities, including camping, fishing and hiking.
After riding the parade route in a golf cart, Mayor Sue Lynch went to the sidelines to see how her residents would see the 90-minute parade, trying to decide what could be done to improve future parades. Saturday’s parade was a winner, she thought, with a large number of floats and other parade entries.
“It’s a beautiful day. You could not ask for a better day,” Lynch said. “I’m very happy. We had a great turnout.” | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/portage-marches-into-fourth-weekend/article_7aba84fc-0e80-58b7-a388-42c20c464e71.html | 2022-07-03T01:28:50 | 0 | https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/portage/portage-marches-into-fourth-weekend/article_7aba84fc-0e80-58b7-a388-42c20c464e71.html |
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area said it had to euthanize 36 animals in the past week because the organization had "no other options."
"We don't usually include this number in our updates, but we need the community to know the facts. There are too many homeless animals in our community and HSNBA has reached its breaking point," the organization said of the number of animals euthanized.
The shelter said it currently has 22 animals in popup kennels instead of regular kennels. Those pets are waiting in hallways for a kennel to open up or for a foster home or adoptive family.
A total of 35 pets were adopted over the past week, 12 were reclaimed by their owners and 16 were taken in by foster homes. The HSNBA said a total of 49 dogs and 59 cats entered the shelter in the past week.
"And please spay and neuter your pets. We cannot adopt, transfer, transport or foster our way out of this problem - we must sterilize companion animals to stop the euthanasia. This isn't the shelter's fault, it's irresponsible pet owners," the shelter said.
Those interested in adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating can visit the shelter's website.
The New Braunfels shelter is not the only one seeing an overwhelming number of pets coming in.
Five Austin area shelters held adoption events on Saturday in an effort to find forever homes for animals suffering from record-breaking heat and overcrowding. Austin Pets Alive!, the Austin Animal Center, the Austin Humane Society, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter and the Georgetown Animal Shelter participated in the area-wide adoption event.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/new-braunfels-humane-society-euthanize-36-animals/269-9e7bf37c-3204-4ebf-84f9-39989883e25b | 2022-07-03T01:30:00 | 0 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/new-braunfels-humane-society-euthanize-36-animals/269-9e7bf37c-3204-4ebf-84f9-39989883e25b |
AUSTIN, Texas — Kailee DeSpain has dreamed of becoming a mom for years.
"I was pregnant for the first time at 21 years old," she said. "I miscarried that baby at 12 weeks. The doctors just kind of assured us that'll never happen again."
However, it did happen again. When she was 23, DeSpain got her second positive pregnancy test. When she reached 16 weeks, she gave birth, but the baby didn't make it.
She got pregnant again at 28 and miscarried that baby. In late 2021, she got her fourth positive test. Baby Finley.
"With Finley, everything was fine," she added. "Nobody was really worried about anything."
DeSpain thought this would be the baby she could finally carry to full term. He had a strong heartbeat.
"We always wondered why his heart was so fast," she said. "Why his heart so strong?"
She went for her routine scan at 16 weeks, and that's when she got the news baby Finley wasn't a healthy baby.
"He didn't have heart chambers," added DeSpain. "All the blood was pooled inside of his heart, and the blood couldn't get out to know where it was supposed to go."
He had several defects. He was missing one kidney, and blood couldn’t reach the other because of his heart. His brain had split. His heart was too big, and if he made it to full term, his lungs would not be fully developed, and he'd likely die in-utero. Doctors told DeSpain that if she followed through with this pregnancy, it could be dangerous for her as well.
They suggested she get an abortion, but under Senate Bill 8, after a fetal heartbeat is detected, abortion is only allowed in cases where it would save the pregnant patient’s life or prevent “substantial impairment of major bodily function.”
Meaning, that DeSpain couldn't get an abortion as she wasn't in immediate danger. While she was at risk and it was possible complications would present themselves later on, that wasn't - and isn't - enough under Texas law.
"The very next day, I called and made an appointment in New Mexico," said added.
While she didn't want to have this abortion, she knew her baby wouldn't survive, and her life was at risk.
"We drove 10 hours out of state," she recalled."I was 19 weeks along and had an abortion in New Mexico at a clinic."
And that was baby Finley's story. The ashes were mailed back to her in Texas, and now she's unsure of what the future holds. While she has doctors who can potentially help her carry her next baby to term, knowing her options are limited in the state scares her.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/texan-woman-drives-new-mexico-abortion-senate-bill-8/269-4f1502ed-8f83-4142-85d9-acfc778189ac | 2022-07-03T01:30:06 | 1 | https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/texas/texan-woman-drives-new-mexico-abortion-senate-bill-8/269-4f1502ed-8f83-4142-85d9-acfc778189ac |
YORK COUNTY, Pa. — For over 60 years, WellSpan Health has hosted one of the largest book sales on the east coast in York County.
This year, the Book Nook Bonanza runs from July 1-3 at the York Ice Arena. On Saturday, all books were 50% off.
On Sunday, shoppers can fill a box with books for just $5.
Attendees have the opportunity to browse books of all genres, rare finds, artwork and music for sale. All books were donated by local residents of the area.
“We are lucky and fortunate that our community has donated all of these books," said Christi Brown, senior director of volunteer engagement at WellSpan Health. "All of the proceeds from this event support the WellSpan York Hospital Auxiliary and the money raised from this event actually supports the grants program. So the auxiliary will help fund patient equipment, patient programs, things like that that all support the mission of WellSpan Health.”
Almost all hardback books are priced at $2, while paperbacks cost only $1. Admission is $5 per day for adults over 18 who do not purchase a wristband. Wristbands, which are available for $25, offered early access to the sale on Friday and free entry the rest of the weekend. Admission is only $1 for students ages 13-17 and kids under 12 get in free all weekend.
This is the last year WellSpan Health will host the Book Nook Bonanza at this magnitude. Because of this, they did not accept book donations at the event.
The event continues Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/largest-books-sale-east-coast-york-county-ice-arena-wellspan-book-nook-bonanza/521-4eada6f4-890d-4c70-89fd-66b4f24bf297 | 2022-07-03T01:46:22 | 0 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/largest-books-sale-east-coast-york-county-ice-arena-wellspan-book-nook-bonanza/521-4eada6f4-890d-4c70-89fd-66b4f24bf297 |
NEW PARK, Pa. — Move over, sunflowers.
Lavender is taking a turn in the spotlight at Maple Lawn Farms.
The farm is hosting its first-ever lavender harvest July 2 and 3. Attendees have the chance to pick their own bundle of lavender and enjoy food, wine, ice cream and music in the picnic area.
“It’s such a beautiful festival and everybody wants to come out and get pictures," said Hugh McPherson, lavender farmer at Maple Lawn Farms. "Now, seeing people’s faces as they’re going around and picking and the little kids are here getting pictures. And then with this smell, it’s just so relaxing out here. There’s just nothing better in the world.”
Maple Lawn farmers planted nearly 2,000 lavender bulbs in preparation for the event. A variety of species are represented, allowing for a visual and aromatic blend of the flowers.
There are also several spots around the farm for photo opportunities. One such station featured a retro bicycle and basket, brought to the farm all the way from Massachusetts.
On Saturday, participants gathered by the market before catching a ride out to the lavender fields. Once there, harvesters picked their bunches of lavender and decorated it with ribbons before heading back to the market.
The Easy Pickin' Blueberry Festival is also in full swing this weekend. Blueberries are available for picking, pre-order and to be made into pies.
Later this summer, Maple Lawn Farms will host their sixth annual Sunflower Festival.
The celebration boasts eight acres of land filled with 187,000 sunflowers in bloom. This festival will take place August 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21. | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/lavender-harvest-maple-lawn-farms-pick-your-own-festival-winery/521-367a9afd-07a8-4b92-89ca-014a1d0c4cc8 | 2022-07-03T01:46:28 | 1 | https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/york-county/lavender-harvest-maple-lawn-farms-pick-your-own-festival-winery/521-367a9afd-07a8-4b92-89ca-014a1d0c4cc8 |
RIVERVIEW, Fla. — An 11-year-old boy was struck by lightning during a family fishing trip Thursday afternoon in Riverview.
The child's pastor, Daniel Butson of Fishhawk Fellowship Church, said that that lightning strike turned a day on the boat into a nightmare.
“It hit his lower back, and went through his left foot, and actually knocked him out of the boat,” Butson said. “Into the water, where he began to sink.”
Pastor Butson said 11-year-old Levi Stock's father dove into the water after him, doing everything he could to make sure he didn’t lose his son.
“Some good Samaritans who saw this happen,” he said. “They get Derek and Levi into their boat, and that’s where Derek begins to offer life-saving CPR…he was doing CPR and Derek described to me ‘Daniel, it was like it lasted an eternity. It might have been five or 10 minutes, but it felt like forever.”
Pastor Butson says emergency responders arrived at the scene, and found that Levi had a faint pulse. Butson says crews rushed Levi to the hospital while his family sent out one request for the community…“please, pray.”
“We dropped everything, we started praying,” Butson said. “We let our whole church know to start praying. The community began to pray. People at the dock were praying…I know this was a story about the power of lightning, but it really ought to be a story about the power of prayer.”
Now, Pastor Butson says we’re able to tell a story of triumph, instead of tragedy.
“Twenty-four hours later, he’s now responding to his parents,” Butson said. “He’s talking, and I just got a report a few minutes ago that the doctors think he’s going to make a complete and full recovery. Which, we just praise the Lord for.” | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/florida-boy-struck-by-lightning/67-b67e576f-728b-431a-aa09-337c8ca0fcce | 2022-07-03T01:48:04 | 1 | https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/florida-boy-struck-by-lightning/67-b67e576f-728b-431a-aa09-337c8ca0fcce |
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office is praising the help of citizens who helped in the arrest of a fleeing suspect on Friday.
Deputies took into custody Dennis King, who fled on foot from police after wrecking a motorcycle with a female passenger on the back of it.
Deputies said thanks to citizens sending Ring doorbell video of King running through a neighborhood and constantly alerting deputies of King’s whereabouts, they formed a perimeter to catch him.
King was eventually run down and arrested by a deputy, and was charged with fleeing an attempting to elude, reckless driving, driving while license suspended or revoked, and on-site violation of a felony probation charge.
“This case is another great example of what happens when citizens and law enforcement partner together to take bad guys off our streets and put them behind bars where they belong,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey in a Facebook post. | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/07/03/citizens-help-catch-fleeing-suspect-in-brevard-county/ | 2022-07-03T01:50:51 | 0 | https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/07/03/citizens-help-catch-fleeing-suspect-in-brevard-county/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On Saturday, Celebration Baptist Church in Wichita kicked off its 4th Annual Independence Day Doggie Parade.
Pups were dressed to impress for the parade. There was also a photo booth, dog and human treats, and a dog obstacle course.
“There is a need for neighborhood activities. This is a neighborhood church, this is a church buried in the neighborhood, and so we want to be a part of this neighborhood, even though a lot live elsewhere, this is the neighborhood of the church, so you start at home and branch your way out,” said Celebration Baptist Church Children’s Coordinator, Barbara Morgan.
Morgan said the neighborhood is filled with people who walk their dogs.
Prizes were also given out for the best dressed, smallest and largest dog, youngest and oldest, and best trick. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/4th-annual-independence-day-doggie-parade/ | 2022-07-03T01:54:49 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/4th-annual-independence-day-doggie-parade/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A house in northeast Wichita was destroyed by a fire on Saturday afternoon, the Wichita Fire Department (WFD) confirms.
WFD said the fire started around 4 p.m. in the 2400 block of E. Shadybrook St., which is near the intersection of 21st Street and Grove. When crews arrived, the house had flames shooting out of the windows and basement.
WFD confirmed the house is a total loss. They say a family was home when the fire started, and WFD Battalion Chief Terry Gresham said there was some concern initially that some family members were stuck inside, but all were able to flee the house and are safe.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/home-destroyed-by-fire-in-northeast-wichita/ | 2022-07-03T01:54:56 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/home-destroyed-by-fire-in-northeast-wichita/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The holiday weekend is here. More than 47 million people are expected to travel this weekend at the same time we are experiencing historically high gas prices.
AAA is estimating more than 380,000 Kansans will be traveling this weekend, just shy of numbers in 2019.
“It shouldn’t be too bad. Usually, we just stay wary about night travel and all that,” said Alex Garcia, who plans to travel this weekend.
Whether Kansans are hitting the road or taking to the sky, 4th of July travel is already underway.
“Busy, tight-scheduled, but we made it,” said Chris Bednar, who just flew into the Wichita airport.
“There’s going to be a lot of traffic this weekend. Probably one of the busiest weekends we’ll have all year long,” said Trooper Ben Gardner with the Kansas Highway Patrol.
With extra travelers comes extra law enforcement.
“They’ll be out there more so than what you would typically see for this high traffic weekend, making sure the roadways are safe as well as helping those who might be broken down,” said Gardner.
With gas prices so high, many Kansans said they are changing up their typical plans.
“Usually, if we’re going somewhere to celebrate or anything like that, we do travel a longer distance, but yeah, with these gas prices, it’s pretty insane,” said Garcia.
From Thursday to Friday, according to the spokesperson for the Eisenhower airport, more than 5,000 people will be flying to their destinations.
“Hopefully, soon, the prices will go down, and we can travel some more,” said Garcia.
Gardner said keeping everyone safe on the roads is a team effort. Asking drivers to call in people who might be driving under the influence and following the move-over law to keep everyone safe. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/many-hit-the-roads-for-4th-of-july-travel/ | 2022-07-03T01:55:02 | 1 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/many-hit-the-roads-for-4th-of-july-travel/ |
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — For many, 4th of July celebrations involve fireworks. As the holiday weekend kicks off, the Wichita Fire Department (WFD) is gearing up for a busy couple of days.
Much of the state, including Sedgwick County, has more lenient laws than the city of Wichita when it comes to setting off fireworks. Over the next few days, WFD, along with the Wichita Police Department, will be patrolling the streets enforcing the city’s firework ordinance.
“Today, the first and the second, the Wichita Fire Department will have one or two teams each day patrolling the city itself,” said José Ocadiz, Wichita Fire Battalion Chief.
On July 3 and July 4, WFD will ramp up patrol efforts and be joined by the Wichita Police Department.
“Ten teams total each day to go out. And for security purposes and safety purposes, we’ll have two police officers with one firefighter,” he continued.
Ocadiz mentioned fireworks over six feet in height, or those labeled as “shooting flaming balls,” are illegal in the Air Capital.
“We’re not out there too and want to be out there to take away your fun. We’re just out there doing what we’re required to do and enforce the city ordinance of fireworks,” added Ocadiz.
Authorities will be policing the entire city, but they do have a map of “hot spots” they will use as a reference.
“We got our coordinates from 911 Dispatch from the non-emergency line from 2021, last year. So we use in those coordinates on where the call volume occurred at where the complaints were really coming from,” concluded Ocadiz.
Last year there were over 1,139 complaint calls in reference to illegal fireworks in the city of Wichita from July 1 through July 6. | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichitas-firefighters-and-police-begin-firework-enforcement/ | 2022-07-03T01:55:08 | 0 | https://www.ksn.com/news/local/wichitas-firefighters-and-police-begin-firework-enforcement/ |
An abortion provider has ceased abortion services at its four Texas clinics after the state’s Supreme Court ruled Texas can enforce a 1925 ban on the services.
Late Friday, the Texas Supreme Court blocked a lower court order that had allowed clinics in the state to continue performing abortions even after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned its landmark 1973 ruling that confirmed a constitutional right to abortion.
The lower court order by a Houston judge on Tuesday had reassured some clinics they could temporarily resume abortions up to six weeks into pregnancy. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton quickly asked the state’s highest court to temporarily put that order on hold.
Whole Woman’s Health has four abortion clinics in Texas, including Fort Worth and McKinney. CEO Amy Hagstrom Miller said clinic staff members had “heartbreaking conversations” Saturday with patients whose appointments had to be canceled. Their clinics have started the “wind-down process”, according to Hagstrom Miller.
“The Texas Supreme Court failed to protect the health and safety of Texas families and our communities; they had the power to stop enforcement of Texas’ pre-Roe ban, but they chose instead to impose their ideologies and political agendas to block thousands of Texans who need abortion care over the next two months from getting it, With the pre-Roe ban reinstated, Whole Woman’s Health is forced to cease providing abortion in our 4 Texas clinics,” she wrote in a statement. “Today, we turn to the health and wellbeing of not only our patients but also our staff and providers who are now banned from doing the work they love; the work they are highly trained to do and have dedicated their hearts, minds and bodies to provide to Texans for decades.”
Dallas-based appellate attorney David Coale described the ongoing legal disputes over abortion access as “a game of inches”.
“It’s a situation where everybody is finding victory by a day,” Coale said. “The Supreme Court’s ruling of yesterday is an interim ruling that says while we’re focused on this question of what law’s going to be for the next six months, everybody stop it. No abortions for the next couple of weeks until we get all of the arguments to us and we can make a good decision about this.”
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The issue at hand is which law will stand for the time being until Texas’ trigger law takes effect, Coale added.
“The argument that the plaintiffs have made in Houston is, these old laws that were in effect before Roe, they’re gone. They were repealed by the Legislature. There’s nothing that can come back to life,” he explained. “Ken Paxton, on the other hand, says ‘no, they’ve been there all along and Roe, when it was overruled they just came back to life. They’re in place now and will be in place until the trigger laws replace them in a couple of months.’”
In a tweet Saturday, Paxton called the order a “pro-life victory”.
“Litigation continues, but I’ll keep winning for Texas’ unborn babies,” he tweeted.
Texas Right to Life, the state’s largest and oldest anti-abortion organization, released a statement Saturday on behalf of the organization’s president Dr. John Seago.
“Preborn children deserve justice. We are thankful the Texas Supreme Court rescinded this temporary restraining order that abortionists were using as an excuse to continue their murderous practice,” Dr. Seago said.
Dozens gathered at Main Street Garden in Dallas on Saturday to advocate for abortion rights. Logan Roy said he had attended a few other protests recently.
“I have sisters, I have nieces. I have women in my life I deeply care about. Nobody tells me what to do with my life, my body. Why should we tell anybody else what to do with theirs?” Roy told NBC 5.
Hagstrom Miller shared a message sent to Whole Woman’s Health employees on Friday night.
“The days, weeks and months ahead will have uncertainty and pain, and they will also have resistance and power. Despite the minority rule we navigate at present in our country, we stand on the right side of history. Times like this call on us to summon our deepest strengths; we will need to lean on each other and extend grace to one another to make it through. And we will,” the message read in part.
A hearing on the latest Texas Supreme Court order is scheduled for later this month. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/after-texas-supreme-court-block-abortion-provider-starts-wind-down-process/3006039/ | 2022-07-03T01:55:49 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/after-texas-supreme-court-block-abortion-provider-starts-wind-down-process/3006039/ |
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The latest news from around North Texas. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/after-texas-supreme-court-block-abortion-provider-starts-wind-down-process/3006047/ | 2022-07-03T01:55:56 | 1 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/after-texas-supreme-court-block-abortion-provider-starts-wind-down-process/3006047/ |
The Midland County Sheriff's Office reported Saturday that a missing teen has been found and is back with her family.
On Friday, the MCSO asked for the public's assistance in locating Faith Ann Morgan, 16.
She had been last seen on May 22.
The Midland County Sheriff's Office reported Saturday that a missing teen has been found and is back with her family.
On Friday, the MCSO asked for the public's assistance in locating Faith Ann Morgan, 16.
She had been last seen on May 22. | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Sheriff-Missing-teen-back-with-her-family-17281601.php | 2022-07-03T01:56:01 | 0 | https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Sheriff-Missing-teen-back-with-her-family-17281601.php |
Haltom City Police are asking residents in the Glenview and Denton Highway area to remain in their homes as they continue searching for an armed suspect after a shooting in the Diamond Oaks part of the city, the department announced on Facebook Saturday.
The armed person is described as a white male with dark hair, wearing a blue shirt and blue pants, a battle belt and is armed with a rifle. He was last seen in the area of Cedarcrest.
NBC 5 can also confirm there are multiple victims with various injury statuses at this time. No one has yet been identified.
Officers warn to call 911 if you see this individual in person and to not approach him.
This story is developing. | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/residents-urged-to-stay-home-as-haltom-city-police-search-for-armed-suspect/3006074/ | 2022-07-03T01:56:02 | 0 | https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/residents-urged-to-stay-home-as-haltom-city-police-search-for-armed-suspect/3006074/ |
EVERETT, Wash. — Betsy Alvarado’s home is full of photos of her kids, and those photos are all she has to remember 17-year-old Adriana Gil and 16-year-old Mariel Gil.
In December 2021, the two sisters and their father Manuel Gil were found dead inside a Renton apartment. Seven months later, the King County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death for all three was starvation. The manner of death for the girls is still undetermined.
“It made me very angry because to me there's no undetermined,” said Alvarado, the girls’ mother.
According to the medical examiner, all three were emaciated and there wasn't food in the home. Investigators found written materials about fasting. Their father's death was ruled a suicide.
“His death was considerably after the girls’, somewhere between five to 10 days. The idea, I think behind ruling his death a suicide is he would have known what was going to happen if he continued to not eat,” said Renton Police Detective Robert Onishi.
According to the medical examiner, the cause of death for the girls is undetermined because there isn't a way to determine the girls’ state of mind and intent
Alvarado disagrees.
“Their state of mind was fear. That was their state of mind. Do what daddy is saying we have to do to not burn in hell,” said Alvarado.
“It makes it seem like they had the decision of whether they were going to eat or not, or take their own life. They were children,” said Ron Anderson, the girls’ step-dad.
Alvarado believes Manuel Gil's extreme religious beliefs lead the girls to cut themselves off from the world. She said Gil followed a sect of the Black Hebrew Israelite faith which has been categorized as a hate group, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
“He sat in the house with them for 5 days afterward. He didn't call for help. So what's undetermined? He did this to them,” said Alvarado.
Renton police said the ruling wasn't what they wanted either.
“It doesn’t answer anything for the family. It is not an outcome that we are satisfied with, unfortunately, it is what we have at the present,” said Onishi.
Alvarado said she called Child Protective Services to report concerns regarding the girls' well-being and never heard back. KING 5 reached out to CPS for a comment but as of Friday night, have not heard back.
Alvarado wants the case to stay open. Renton police said they need people with knowledge of the two girls and their father to come forward.
“We'd be looking for somebody who had something very, very personal, very, very intimate in terms of communication with the people who were actually directly involved in this,” said Onishi.
For Alvarado, she wants answers and justice for her daughters. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/everett-mother-justice-daughters-starved-to-death-renton/281-842b123f-c28e-4b5a-bafd-b22f8787d847 | 2022-07-03T01:56:22 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/everett-mother-justice-daughters-starved-to-death-renton/281-842b123f-c28e-4b5a-bafd-b22f8787d847 |
HILLSBORO, Ore. — The 4th of July weekend is here and some officials are asking people to skip home fireworks this year. That includes the mayor of Beaverton and Tualatin firefighters.
Many people think fireworks are pretty grand — but for plenty of others, they are at best a nuisance, and at worst dangerous.
That has Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R) suggesting people in their area go see a professional show this year instead of lighting off their own.
“The first thing we're going do is avoid using fireworks if we can. They're just such a harm to everyone around, right — the dogs, the veterans, the fire risks ... there's lots of reasons to not do fireworks,” said Rio Espinosa with TVF&R.
Rio said if you insist on lighting your own, be aware and respect your neighbors and their pets by keeping it to a minimum and avoiding loud fireworks.
The pets will appreciate that, according to Stacy Beckley, Washington County Animal Services animal behavior and outreach coordinator.
Bonnie Hayes Animal Shelter in Hillsboro is preparing to help extra pets over the holiday period. But there's a lot you can do proactively to prepare.
First, make sure that your pet has identification on them, both tags and hopefully a microchip.
“The other thing they want to do now is they want to check their fences and gates and make sure the gates are latching, the doors are closing, so we can keep animals safe," said Beckley. "They also want to create a safe space in their home now so they can get used to it."
Washington County Animal Services also recommends keeping your pets inside, in a place they feel safest. Also, check in advance with your veterinarian if you feel your pet would do better with a sedative. And even for short outdoor potty breaks, keep your dog on a leash.
If they get away, look immediately and alert your neighbors. And, Beckley said, “We also really encourage you to take a look on social media and post on social media, specifically people tend to post about animals on Nextdoor and Facebook.”
Finally, check with Bonnie Hayes or your local animal shelter to report your pet lost and to see if they've been found.
Fireworks are an Independence Day tradition. But beyond pets, firefighters hope you'll consider what pyrotechnics can do when they get out of control.
“These last few weeks have really dried things out. Granted it's only been a week and a half since we had downpours, but we haven't had any rain since and it's pretty dry so there's definitely a high risk,” said Rios.
More information on fireworks safety can be found on the TVF&R website. For additional information on what to do if you lose or find a pet, visit www.WashingtonCountyPets.com and click on “Pet Lost & Found.” | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-metro-tri-county-fireworks-4th-of-july/283-7e0068bb-30ea-4259-8c2b-4fad992d0234 | 2022-07-03T01:56:28 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/portland-metro-tri-county-fireworks-4th-of-july/283-7e0068bb-30ea-4259-8c2b-4fad992d0234 |
PORTLAND, Ore. — Demonstrators who gathered at Peninsula Park in North Portland on Friday night to protest the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade were ordered to disperse after the Portland Police Bureau said officers saw signs of vandalism.
The planned protest was identified as a cause for concern this week by nearby Holy Redeemer Church, where the Catholic clergy are open about their opposition to abortion. Parishioners and staff feared that this would make the building a target of vandalism.
But on Saturday morning, Father Cameron Cortens and staffers took down boards installed the day before over the church's glass windows and doors, all of them undamaged. The church had hired private security to be on the property overnight as well.
Even though he was relieved that the church was not damaged, Father Cortens expressed concern about all the measures they had taken to protect the church.
"I certainly wish that we didn't feel that this had to be a necessity," he said.
Portland police said that demonstrators started gathering around 9 p.m. in Peninsula Park. Around 10:30 p.m., protesters took to the streets and marched along North Rosa Park Way and North Albina Avenue.
By 11 p.m., police declared an unlawful assembly after finding broken windows at a vacant former coffee shop in the 6400 block of North Albina Street.
Portland police used a loudspeaker to order protesters to disperse, which they apparently did in short order. Police didn't find any other signs of damage, but took a report from a woman who said she was assaulted while recording video of the march.
No one was arrested in either case, but police asked for anyone with information to e-mail crimetips@portlandoregon.gov and reference case number 22-175841. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/protests/peninsula-park-protest-holy-redeemer-roe-abortion-rights/283-9103dbb4-3384-4307-bf62-e4d180cd8d18 | 2022-07-03T01:56:34 | 0 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/protests/peninsula-park-protest-holy-redeemer-roe-abortion-rights/283-9103dbb4-3384-4307-bf62-e4d180cd8d18 |
BOISE, Idaho — U.S. officials are testing a new wildfire retardant after two decades of buying millions of gallons annually from one supplier, but watchdogs say the expensive strategy is overly fixated on aerial attacks at the expense of hiring more fire-line digging ground crews.
The Forest Service used more than 50 million gallons (190 million liters) of retardant for the first time in 2020 as increasingly destructive wildfires plague the West. It exceeded 50 million gallons again last year to fight some of the largest and longest-duration wildfires in history in California and other states. The fire retardant cost those two years reached nearly $200 million.
Over the previous 10 years, the agency used 30 million gallons (115 million liters) annually.
“No two wildfires are the same, and thus it’s critical for fire managers to have different tools available to them for different circumstances a fire may present,” the Forest Service said in an email. “Fire retardant is simply one of those tools.”
The Forest Service said tests started last summer are continuing this summer with a magnesium-chloride-based retardant from Fortress.
Fortress contends its retardants are effective and better for the environment than products offered by Perimeter Solutions. That company says its ammonium-phosphate-based retardants are superior.
Fortress started in 2014 with mainly former wildland firefighters who aimed to create a more effective fire retardant that’s better for the environment. It has facilities in California, Montana and Wyoming, and describes itself as the only alternative to fertilizer-based fire retardants.
The company is headed by Chief Executive Officer Bob Burnham, who started his career as a hotshot crew member fighting wildfires and ultimately rose to become a Type 1 incident commander, directing hundreds of firefighters against some of the nation’s largest wildfires. He often called in aircraft to disperse plumes of red fire retardant, a decision he said he wonders about now after learning more about fertilizer-based retardants and developing a new retardant.
”This new fire retardant is better,” he said. “It’s going to be a lot less damaging to our sensitive planet resources, and it’s going to be a lot better fire retardant on the ground."
The main ingredient in Fortress products, magnesium chloride, is extracted from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, a method and process the company says is more environmentally friendly and less greenhouse-gas producing than mining and processing phosphate. The Forest Service last summer tested the company’s FR-100, and this summer said it will test a version called FR-200.
Perimeter Solutions, which has facilities and equipment throughout the West, has had a number of name and ownership changes over the years but has dominated the market for more than two decades. The company’s Phos-Chek LC-95A is the world’s most used fire retardant. The company is transitioning to a new retardant called Phos-Chek LCE20-Fx, which the company said is made out of food-grade ingredients, making it a cleaner product.
“We’re certain that the products that we make are the safest, most effective, most environmentally friendly products available,” said Chief Executive Officer Edward Goldberg. “We’ve spent decades in partnership with the (Forest Service)."
Phosphate is mined in multiple places. Goldberg said they get phosphate both domestically, including from Idaho, and internationally. He declined to go into detail, but said the company hasn’t relied on China or Ukraine, and has substituted other suppliers for Russia and Belarus.
The Forest Service said that tests this summer with FR-200 will be limited to single-engine airtankers flying out of an airtanker base in Ronan, Montana. That appears to be to prevent mixing the companies’ retardants.
RELATED: Oregon faces shortage of wildland firefighters amid complaints of low pay and lack of benefits
Two Forest Service watchdog groups contend both types of retardant harm the environment, and that the agency should be spending less on retardant and more on firefighters.
Andy Stahl, executive director of the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, and Timothy Ingalsbee, executive director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology, both said that the ammonium-phosphates-based retardant is essentially a fertilizer that can boost invasive plants and is potentially responsible for some algae blooms in lakes or reservoirs when it washes downstream. They said the magnesium-chloride-based retardant is essentially a salt that will inhibit plant growth where it falls, possibly harming threatened species.
Both are concerned about direct hits to waterways with either retardant and potential harm to aquatic species. Aircraft are typically limited to giving streams a 300-foot (90-meter) buffer from retardant, but the Forest Service allows drops within the buffer under some conditions, and they sometimes happen accidentally.
“Their theory is that it’s a war, and when you’re in a war you’re going to have collateral damage,” Stahl said. “It’s the fire-industrial complex, the nexus between corporate and government agencies combined, with really no interest in ending making warfare on wildfires. It’s ever-increasing.”
Currently, much of the West is in drought. The National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, is reporting that so far this year there have been more than 31,000 wildfires that have burned about 5,000 square miles (13,000 square kilometers). That's well above the 10-year average for the same period of about 24,000 wildfires and 2,000 square miles (5,000 square kilometers) burned.
Wildfire seasons have become increasingly longer as climate change has made the West much warmer and drier in the past 30 years, and scientists have long warned that the weather will get wilder as the world warms. | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfire-new-retardant-tests/283-986b8c40-f60c-422c-8b4e-0e3129c95949 | 2022-07-03T01:56:40 | 1 | https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/wildfire-new-retardant-tests/283-986b8c40-f60c-422c-8b4e-0e3129c95949 |
Shooting leaves 1 dead and 2 injured in Phoenix
Miguel Torres
Arizona Republic
One person died while two others survived with injuries after a shooting in Phoenix on Saturday morning, according to Phoenix police Sgt. Philip Krynsky.
At about 6 a.m., police answered a call for a shooting near 35th and Campbell avenues, where they found three people, one woman and two men, shot.
One of the men died at the scene. Fire crews took the other man and woman to a nearby hospital with injuries that did not put their lives in immediate danger, Krynsky said.
As of Saturday evening, detectives continued their investigation at the scene. No other details were given.
Reach breaking news reporter Miguel Torres at Miguel.Torres@arizonarepublic.com or on Twitter @MTorresTweet. | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/07/02/phoenix-police-investigate-shooting-killed-1-person-injured-2/7797903001/ | 2022-07-03T02:02:31 | 1 | https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix-breaking/2022/07/02/phoenix-police-investigate-shooting-killed-1-person-injured-2/7797903001/ |
HALTOM CITY, Texas — There is a large police presence in Haltom City as authorities search for an armed suspect, according to police.
Haltom City police are asking residents in the area of Glenview Drive and Denton Highway to stay indoors as officers work an "active scene."
Police released a map of the search area here.
Police say the suspect in question is a white male with dark hair, a blue shirt, blue pants and a "battle belt." According to police, the suspect is armed with a rifle.
Further details were not released as police continue to work the scene.
Officers from Fort Worth and North Richland Hills, along with the Texas Department of Public Safety, have also been seen in the area aiding in the search.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information is released. | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/large-police-presence-haltom-city-search-armed-suspect/287-8c697e9f-d058-409a-bab4-ea39cbfa3e76 | 2022-07-03T02:08:44 | 0 | https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/large-police-presence-haltom-city-search-armed-suspect/287-8c697e9f-d058-409a-bab4-ea39cbfa3e76 |
KATY, Texas — A voluntary evacuation request from the Waller County Fire Marshal's Office and Office of Emergency Management in Katy has been lifted as of 6:46 p.m.
The evacuation request came after a chemical leak and fire at a facility on Goynes Road. Officials said the fire has been completely put out and the leak of Sodium Chlorite has been contained.
Fortunately, no employees were reported injured. Officials say there is no immediate danger to nearby residents and anyone who evacuated may return home.
The Waller County Fire Marshal's Office is conducting an investigation into what caused the fire.
Officials ask that people avoid the area while crews are still on site. | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/katy-texas-chemical-leak-goynes-raod/285-78d59e76-b1ec-4a2d-b347-1c240d2c3475 | 2022-07-03T02:09:00 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/katy-texas-chemical-leak-goynes-raod/285-78d59e76-b1ec-4a2d-b347-1c240d2c3475 |
AUSTIN, Texas — Kailee DeSpain has dreamed of becoming a mom for years.
"I was pregnant for the first time at 21 years old," she said. "I miscarried that baby at 12 weeks. The doctors just kind of assured us that'll never happen again."
However, it did happen again. When she was 23, DeSpain got her second positive pregnancy test. When she reached 16 weeks, she gave birth, but the baby didn't make it.
She got pregnant again at 28 and miscarried that baby. In late 2021, she got her fourth positive test. Baby Finley.
"With Finley, everything was fine," she added. "Nobody was really worried about anything."
DeSpain thought this would be the baby she could finally carry to full term. He had a strong heartbeat.
"We always wondered why his heart was so fast," she said. "Why his heart so strong?"
She went for her routine scan at 16 weeks, and that's when she got the news baby Finley wasn't a healthy baby.
"He didn't have heart chambers," added DeSpain. "All the blood was pooled inside of his heart, and the blood couldn't get out to know where it was supposed to go."
He had several defects. He was missing one kidney, and blood couldn’t reach the other because of his heart. His brain had split. His heart was too big, and if he made it to full term, his lungs would not be fully developed, and he'd likely die in-utero. Doctors told DeSpain that if she followed through with this pregnancy, it could be dangerous for her as well.
They suggested she get an abortion, but under Senate Bill 8, after a fetal heartbeat is detected, abortion is only allowed in cases where it would save the pregnant patient’s life or prevent “substantial impairment of major bodily function.”
Meaning, that DeSpain couldn't get an abortion as she wasn't in immediate danger. While she was at risk and it was possible complications would present themselves later on, that wasn't - and isn't - enough under Texas law.
"The very next day, I called and made an appointment in New Mexico," said added.
While she didn't want to have this abortion, she knew her baby wouldn't survive, and her life was at risk.
"We drove 10 hours out of state," she recalled."I was 19 weeks along and had an abortion in New Mexico at a clinic."
And that was baby Finley's story. The ashes were mailed back to her in Texas, and now she's unsure of what the future holds. While she has doctors who can potentially help her carry her next baby to term, knowing her options are limited in the state scares her.
PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING: | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texan-woman-drives-new-mexico-abortion-senate-bill-8/269-4f1502ed-8f83-4142-85d9-acfc778189ac | 2022-07-03T02:09:06 | 1 | https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/texas/texan-woman-drives-new-mexico-abortion-senate-bill-8/269-4f1502ed-8f83-4142-85d9-acfc778189ac |
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