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May 21, 1940 - May 25, 2022
HEBRON - Michael John "Zeke" Zaharias, Sr., 82, of Hebron, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022. He was born May 21, 1940, in Gary, IN, to John and Katherine (Coutouzis) Zaharias. Michael worked in management at U.S. Steel, retiring after 40 years of service and briefly served in the U.S. Navy. He was a highly active member of St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church, Valparaiso and AHEPA.
On September 22, 1963, Michael married Constance "Connie" Manolakis who survives along with their children: Catherine Mashburn, Christine Zaharias, and Mike Zaharias, Jr.; grandchildren: Mike (Tyler) Zaharias III, Constance Wilmoth, Eleni Zaharias, and Alexandra Mashburn; two great grandchildren: Tristan and Rose; and his sister, Kaliope Domoras. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: Mary Coros and Nick Zaharias.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 31, 2022, from 3:00-7:00 PM at MOELLER FUNERAL HOME 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a AHEPA Service at 6:00 PM and Trisagion Service at 6:30 PM. Funeral Service will be Wednesday at 10:00 AM at St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church, 36 W. 700 N., Valparaiso, with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso. Memorials may be made to St. Iakovos Greek Orthodox Church.
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-john-zaharias-sr/article_746a2cd6-6ce7-5485-a668-1038e7cf019a.html
| 2022-05-27T06:43:22
| 1
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/michael-john-zaharias-sr/article_746a2cd6-6ce7-5485-a668-1038e7cf019a.html
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DYER - Paul E. Swalwell, 75, of Dyer, formerly of Chicago, passed away May 25, 2022. Paul is preceded in death by her parents: Ervin and Clara; and his brother, Roy. He is survived by his brother, Conrad (Ann); Dearest uncle of three; and great uncle of five. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a union carpenter, working out of Local #199. Paul was active in the Chicago Southeast Lions Club, the American Legion, and the Rainbow Beach Handball Club for many years. Visitation Sunday, May 29, 2022, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th LN. (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th LN.) St. John. A private burial will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to Hospice of the Calumet Area preferred. For more information 219-365-3474 or
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/paul-e-swalwell/article_0abd56e0-6e65-57a2-8706-7b0c0d3b3748.html
| 2022-05-27T06:43:28
| 1
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/paul-e-swalwell/article_0abd56e0-6e65-57a2-8706-7b0c0d3b3748.html
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MUNSTER - Ruth F. Eggers, age 94, of Munster, IN, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2022. She is survived by her son, James S. Eggers; and brother, John W. Stephenson. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents: Otis A. and A. Fern Stephenson; husband, William "Bill" Eggers; and sons: Gerald E. Eggers and William E. Eggers.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at KISH FUNERAL HOME 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN, with Reverend Esta Rosario officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery Hammond, IN. Visitation will be on Saturday, at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the 12:00 p.m. service.
Ruth was a member of Woodmar United Methodist Church Hammond, IN. She was a retired schoolteacher. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruth's name to Woodmar United Methodist Church. www.kishfuneral home.net
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/ruth-f-eggers/article_8af06e14-3eec-5850-babb-be2fead5108a.html
| 2022-05-27T06:43:34
| 0
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/ruth-f-eggers/article_8af06e14-3eec-5850-babb-be2fead5108a.html
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EAST CHICAGO - William W. Towns, 89, of East Chicago, IN, passed away Sunday, May 15, 2022, at St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, IN. Memorial services will be held Friday, May 27, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Divinity Funeral Home 3831 Main Street in East Chicago, IN.
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/william-w-towns/article_928e31a6-6b56-52ec-bbe4-1dfaa676ae29.html
| 2022-05-27T06:43:40
| 0
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/obituaries/william-w-towns/article_928e31a6-6b56-52ec-bbe4-1dfaa676ae29.html
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The average price of gasoline in Midland remained below the state average for the second straight week.
AAA Texas reported Thursday that the average price in Midland ($4.19 a gallon) dropped not only 4 cents this week but moved to 7 cents below the average across the state. Last week was the first time in recent memory that the average in Midland fell below the state average.
Other notables about the AAA Texas price report included:
- The average in Midland remains 2 cents higher than the average in Odessa ($4.17);
- The lowest averages in Texas are north of Midland. Lubbock and Amarillo both showed averages of $3.99;
- Other averages across West Texas included $4.15 in Abilene, $4.18 in El Paso and $4.19 in San Angelo;
- The most expensive gas can be found in Texarkana ($4.35).
AAA Texas also reported that after increasing for six consecutive weeks, retail gas price averages in Texas have decreased slightly as 3.2 million Texans plan to travel over the Memorial Day weekend, with 2.8 million of them expected to drive.
That is a 5 percent increase over last year and just below record levels set in 2019. AAA Texas also noted that despite dropping from record highs, fuel prices remain elevated and will likely continue to fluctuate as crude oil remains above $110 per barrel. Texas drivers will pay 56% more for fuel, on average, this Memorial Day compared to last year, according to the report.
The average in Midland was $2.99 one year ago. The difference of $1.20 a gallon is the lowest in the state and 33 cents lower than the difference across the state ($1.53).
Prices in West Texas
Last week This week
Midland $4.23 $4.19
Odessa $4.21 $4.17
San Angelo $4.23 $4.19
El Paso $4.30 $4.18
Abilene $4.21 $4.15
Lubbock $4.04 $3.99
Amarillo $4.01 $3.99
Highest gas prices in Texas
This week
Texarkana $4.35
Dallas $4.33
Fort Worth-Arlington $4.33
College Station-Bryan $4.30
Longview $4.29
State $4.26
National $4.60
Last week
Dallas $4.40
Fort Worth-Arlington $4.40
Texarkana $4.37
Sherman-Denison $4.36
Longview $4.33
Texas $4.29
National $4.59
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https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Better-news-Midland-gas-price-stays-below-state-17201102.php
| 2022-05-27T06:47:13
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https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Better-news-Midland-gas-price-stays-below-state-17201102.php
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The Andrews Economic Development Corp. is set to receive $1.5 million for infrastructure for a business park.
The Commerce Department in Washington, D.C., reported this week that its Economic Development Administration will award the grant to the economic development corporation in Andrews to support a new business park. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan, according to a press release.
This project will provide road and water infrastructure for the Northwest Business Park, supporting business development and growth, the news release stated. This EDA grant will be matched with $2.4 million in local funds and is expected to create 50 jobs and generate $62 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
The project will be located on around 200 acres of land between Loop 1910, Highway 115 and Southwest Mustang Drive in the southwest part of the city.
“This EDA investment will provide new space for businesses to grow in West Texas, supporting a robust, diverse regional economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo in the release.
“The Economic Development Administration works closely with communities to support locally-driven economic development strategies to drive growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo in the release. “The infrastructure improvements provided through this EDA investment will create new opportunities for businesses to locate and expand in Andrews, creating good-paying jobs in the community.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is quoted in the release as saying, “Road and water infrastructure is vital to the development of our communities, and I thank the Economic Development Administration for this grant supporting the Northwest Business Park in Andrews. This investment will create more jobs and greater economic opportunities for Texans in the Permian Basin for generations to come.”
This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities.
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https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Feds-to-invest-1-5M-in-Andrews-business-park-17201909.php
| 2022-05-27T06:47:20
| 1
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https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Feds-to-invest-1-5M-in-Andrews-business-park-17201909.php
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Earlier this week, Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables (MASA) – a nonprofit that works to help provide homes to animals brought into the shelter – posted the following.
“Midland Animal Shelter is filling up every day with owner surrenders and residents bringing in strays. It is important everyone understands the shelter does euthanize. So many dogs are coming in and there is literally nowhere to put them.”
This was a plea for help. Whether it is inflation, a product of the industry where people come and go or people returning to the office and not needing a four-legged companion like they did during a pandemic, this dumping of animals at the shelter and rescues across the town has exposed a problem in Midland, according to Tracye Gearhart, president of MASA and that problem is that people are acting like they don’t care.
Gearhart provided some tips to those thinking about abandoning their pet or those who see a stray in their neighborhood.
For those who might need to abandon a dog or cat, she recommended that the person contact the shelter first or a nonprofit like Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables or Fix West Texas. Sometimes, those organizations have access to pet food when someone is in need or can provide valuable advice before someone has to make a decision.
Gearhart said when it comes to strays, the situation doesn’t start at the animal shelter but in a neighborhood where the animal was found. First, if a person finds an animal, contact the property owner. If the animal is away from its home, a person can go to a vet or PetSmart to see if the animal is microchipped which should provide an address for the animal. There shouldn’t be a charge, she said.
If that doesn’t work, Gearhart recommends going to the Next Door app. She said that is the most effective way to reunite those animals that have been lost or found and that someone who has lost a four-legged friend isn’t likely to check the pound until it is too late (if at all).
Gearhart said that animals are being brought in at a pace that when a kennel – especially for dogs – opens up there is an animal to fill it. She said even when she has “pulled” animals to move on to a foster or rescue, it doesn’t take long for the vacancies to fill up. City officials confirmed that the shelter is operating at or exceeding capacity.
Gearhart said 40 animals came in on Wednesday alone. She added that officials at Midland Animal Shelter euthanize for three reasons – a medical crisis, aggressive animals or kennel space. In the case of euthanizing for space, dogs that have been there the longest are the first ones killed.
“The community is failing their animals,” Gearhart said. “It is very frustrating.”
Gearhart acknowledged that life can provide reasons for abandoning an animal, but she just hopes that owners “would put forth more effort” to see what resources are available and more effort toward finding homes for animals. She said just because the shelter is new (the ribbon-cutting was in October), doesn’t mean an outcome changes once its population is deemed to be too high.
“The shelter needs to be last resort for people having to bring their pet,” Gearhart said.
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About Midland Animal Shelter Adoptables. MASA is a rescue that networks and pulls animals currently at animal control. It is a foster-based 501c3 non-profit organization.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MASAdoptables
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https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Midland-s-animal-shelter-exceeding-capacity-17201895.php
| 2022-05-27T06:47:26
| 1
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https://www.mrt.com/news/local/article/Midland-s-animal-shelter-exceeding-capacity-17201895.php
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City garbage, recycling
The city of Tucson’s garbage and recycling collection services Monday will be delayed by one day, as will collections the rest of the week. The Los Reales landfill will be open Monday. For information, call Environmental Services at 791-3171 or go to tucsonaz.gov/esd
County garbage, recycling
All county landfills and transfer stations are closed Monday. That includes the Ajo landfill, and the Ryan Airfield, Sahuarita and Catalina transfer stations. For information, call 623-7300. For recycling or waste collection in Pima County, call your collection company to confirm its schedule. Waste Management’s residential collections will not be collected Monday, and services will be delayed by one day for the week. Call 744-2600 for more information.
Pima County Library
Pima County public libraries are closed Monday.
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Other services
City, county, state and federal offices are closed Monday.
Bus
Sun Tran buses will operate on a Sunday schedule on Monday. The Sun Link streetcar will provide service from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Memorial Day. Express and shuttle services will not be in operation Monday. For information, call 792-9222 or go to suntran.com online.
Post offices
Closed Monday.
Banks
Most closed Monday. Call yours to confirm.
School districts
Closed Monday
University of Arizona, Pima Community College
Campuses closed Monday.
Motor Vehicle Division
Offices closed Monday.
Emissions
Test stations closed Monday.
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https://tucson.com/news/local/services-affected-by-memorial-day-holiday/article_dfd2f0d6-dbac-11ec-beb8-cb9d5aa0efb3.html
| 2022-05-27T06:53:08
| 0
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https://tucson.com/news/local/services-affected-by-memorial-day-holiday/article_dfd2f0d6-dbac-11ec-beb8-cb9d5aa0efb3.html
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gary Loesch is no longer the chief of the Sacramento Fire Department, officials said Thursday.
The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed that Gary Loesch, who had been chief since 2018, was no longer an employee with the city.
A fire department spokesperson couldn't speak as to whether Loesch was fired from the position.
Assistant City Manager Leyne Milstein was appointed as the Interim Fire Chief as the city searches for a replacement.
WATCH ALSO:
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/gary-loesch-no-longer-employed-sacramento-fire-chief/103-850c4c53-e465-4198-915f-c83bb4fd2dee
| 2022-05-27T07:09:33
| 1
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/gary-loesch-no-longer-employed-sacramento-fire-chief/103-850c4c53-e465-4198-915f-c83bb4fd2dee
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A Long Island DJ was sentenced to more than three years in prison for assaulting police officers other offenses he committed while storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, prosecutors said.
The Department of Justice announced Thursday that Greg Rubenacker, of Farmingdale, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in the Capitol Riot.
He pleaded guilty just two days after he was arrested on Feb. 9, 2021, to all 10 counts he was facing — despite previously telling the court "both of those are wrong" regarding the charges of violent entry and disorderly conduct, and telling NBC New York he was not involved in any violence at the Capitol.
According to court documents, the 25-year-old Rubenacker was involved in a number of confrontations involving Capitol police officers inside the building, after he was able to enter through the Senate wing door just after 2 p.m. Rubenacker recorded a video of himself inside, stating "This is history! We took the Capitol."
He was also part of a crowd that yelled "where are they counting the votes" and eventually chased an officer who was attempting to secure the area, court documents state. He left the building less than 10 minutes after getting inside, though returned about 20 minutes later.
After he was able to re-enter the Capitol through the Rotunda door, Rubenacker appeared to smoke from a vape as well as a joint. He recorded another video, which he later posted on social media, captioned "Smoke out the Capitol, baby."
He then shows others sitting near him and smoking in the Rotunda. One of the other individuals then says “How many joints we have?” and can be seen counting the people around him smoking, including Rubenacker who is holding his weed up in the air.
As officers tried to remove him and other protesters from the Rotunda, Rubenacker joined others in resisting, and he swung a plastic bottle at an officer's head, court documents said. He also sprayed water from at Capitol police officers who were engaging with other rioters. Eventually, officers pepper-sprayed the crowd, including Rubenacker, who left the Capitol for good around 3:20 p.m.
According to federal documents, multiple tipsters provided Snapchat videos to the FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NOTC) following the Jan. 6 violent breach of the U.S. Capitol. On Jan. 11, according to the FBI documents, a witness submitted a recording of a Snapchat story that Rubenacker allegedly posted from his account. The witness stated that Rubenacker had sent multiple Snapchat videos to the witness from inside the Capitol building on Jan. 6.
Attorney information for Rubenacker was not made available.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/long-island-dj-who-smoked-weed-while-rioting-in-capitol-sentenced-to-3-years-in-prison/3708842/
| 2022-05-27T07:37:50
| 1
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/long-island-dj-who-smoked-weed-while-rioting-in-capitol-sentenced-to-3-years-in-prison/3708842/
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Police are investigating a deadly crash in the Bronx, after a car flew off an exit ramp from the highway and very nearly slammed into a house.
A Mercedes-Benz was traveling south along I-95 in the Eastchester section Thursday when it went to take exit 14, according to police. The car then went over the offramp and fell in front of a house directly below it.
The driver, a 25-year-old man, was ejected from the car at some point. He was taken to Jacobi Hospital, where he died. A 28-year-old woman in the passenger seat was also taken to the hospital; she is expected to recover.
No one inside the home was hurt, and there was only minor damage to the property.
There was no word on how fast the vehicle was traveling at the time of the incident, or if the driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. An investigation is ongoing.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/driver-dead-after-flying-off-i-95-exit-ramp-in-bronx-nearly-crashing-into-home-police/3708896/
| 2022-05-27T07:37:57
| 0
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/driver-dead-after-flying-off-i-95-exit-ramp-in-bronx-nearly-crashing-into-home-police/3708896/
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Erosion from a late spring storm will keep some beaches at the Jersey Shore from being ready for visitors on Memorial Day weekend, but overall, the shore came through the winter in good shape.
Scientists and local officials at some shore towns say a storm earlier this month caused erosion that won't be able to be repaired in time for Memorial Day weekend crowds, but note that the vast majority of Jersey Shore beaches will be ready for holiday crowds.
Shore towns including North Wildwood and Toms River are among spots where at least some of the beaches will not be open in time for the unofficial start of the summer tourism season.
“Overall the state's beaches are in good condition,” said Jon Miller, an expert on coastal engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology. “There were some areas where we knew we would need some more sand.”
The worst culprit was the so-called “Mother's Day storm” in early May in which the storm lasted for numerous high tide cycles and ate away chunks of beaches on many shore towns. Even in towns that had wide beaches before the storm, some erosion took place, but some withstood the assault better than others.
“Critical narrow areas got some dune damage," said Stewart Farrell, director of Stockton University’s Coastal Research Center. "There were no breaches that I know of, but this was the worst event of the winter so far due to the duration of the northeast winds for four high tides at least.”
Nowhere is the damage from the early May storm more visible than in North Wildwood. It delayed the city by at least two weeks in its annual effort to truck tons of sand from a wide beach in neighboring Wildwood and dumping it onto comparatively narrow beaches in the north end of North Wildwood.
“We ran into a nor'easter that took away a good chunk of sand we had stockpiled,” said North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello. “That set us back.”
On Tuesday, a veritable armada of dump trucks was racing back and forth between North Wildwood's northern beaches and a wider beach in Wildwood where they loaded sand and dumped it on the eroded beach. Trucks were arriving and dumping sand every two minutes, and a bulldozer was spreading it out near the water.
The exact number of beaches that won't be ready for the holiday weekend remains in flux, but a posting on the city's website says the closures could range from 2nd to 20th Streets. North Wildwood expects to have them all open by mid-June, the mayor said.
About a quarter of Toms River's beaches in its Ortley Beach section won't be ready for Memorial Day due to severe erosion, Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill said. Ortley Beach is a habitual problem spot for erosion during storms and was among the hardest-hit spots in the entire Jersey Shore during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
Toms River anticipates spending between $200,000 to $250,000 on sand to place on the Ortley beaches this year.
“This summer is going to be a bit of a challenge,” Hill said, adding he hopes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will do a supplemental beach replenishment project late this year or in 2023.
Stone Harbor experienced erosion as well, but the borough is working to replace lost sand before the holiday weekend arrives. Officials did not respond to numerous requests for a status update on Wednesday.
Bay Head, which also experienced erosion that left the sand slope at some entrance points at a 45-degree angle, probably would not be able to open all its beaches had it chosen to begin staffing them for Memorial Day weekend. But Bay Head's beaches don't officially open until June 18, and they should be in good shape by then, Mayor William Curtis said.
Other erosion took place to varying degrees in Ocean City, Avalon, Harvey Cedars, Brigantine and the Strathmere section of Upper Township.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/late-spring-storm-keeping-these-nj-shore-beaches-from-opening-on-memorial-day-weekend/3708843/
| 2022-05-27T07:38:04
| 1
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/late-spring-storm-keeping-these-nj-shore-beaches-from-opening-on-memorial-day-weekend/3708843/
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Three teenagers were stabbed or slashed during a fight that broke out aboard a bus that was in motion in Manhattan, police said.
The fight started just after 2:30 p.m. on an M96 bus at East 96th Street and Third Avenue on the Upper East Side, according to police. As the brawl was ongoing, a 15-year-old was stabbed in the left leg, while two other teens, 15 and 16 years old, were also stabbed or slashed, but less was known about their injuries.
Each of the three teens is expected to recover. No arrests have yet been made, and police believe there was just one person with a knife who got off the bus immediately after the incident.
An investigation is ongoing.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/three-teens-knifed-during-fight-aboard-bus-in-manhattan-police/3708860/
| 2022-05-27T07:38:10
| 0
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/three-teens-knifed-during-fight-aboard-bus-in-manhattan-police/3708860/
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JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — The cast and crew of Jonesborough’s new community play are putting on the final touches before its premiere.
“We Did It Together” is the new original StoryTown Community play written by Jules Corriere. This play is the fourth installment in a series of original community plays at the McKinney Center written by Corriere.
The play is set in mid-twentieth century Jonesborough and features a cast of nearly forty actors. The plot features true-life stories focused on real people from the community. Many cast members are playing their own friends and relatives in the show, including Ernest (Buttons) McKinney, Jr. whose parents are both characters in the play.
Corriere has recently placed and won awards in several international film festivals, including winning first at the Hollywood Just 4 Shorts Screenplay Competition.
The show’s music was composed by Heather McCluskey, Richard Owen Greer is directing, Brett McCluskey is the music director and accompanist, and Kevin Iega Jeff choreographed the show. The set was designed by J.J. Jeffers.
Tickets for “We Did It Together” are on sale through the Historic Visitors Center at (423) 753-1010 or online at Jonesborough.com/tickets. A complete list of showtimes can also be found at the link.
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/we-did-it-together-cast-crew-prepare-for-jonesborough-play/
| 2022-05-27T08:41:49
| 1
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/we-did-it-together-cast-crew-prepare-for-jonesborough-play/
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Dozens of people were arrested after allegedly stealing from high-end stores and selling the goods in what New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City mayor Eric Adams said was a multimillion-dollar theft and crime ring — one that Adams believes may be linked to more serious crimes.
In an indictment unsealed Thursday, 41 people were accused of playing roles in the scheme that involved swiping items ranging from luxury clothing and goods to thousands of things taken from drug stores, and then selling them on eBay, the attorney general's office stated. Bloomingdale's and Duane Reade locations were some of the stores impacted by the criminal enterprise.
"Today’s takedown of this massive retail theft operation is part of our continued efforts to combat crime and restore an environment where all New Yorkers feel secure," said James. "These individuals stole millions of dollars in luxury goods and cleared the shelves of drug stores in the communities we live and resold these goods for great profit."
During the three-year operation conducted by James' Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the NYPD's Grand Larceny Division, more than $3.8 million in stolen retail items was seized from the alleged ringleader of the operation, Roni Rubinov. There were also more than 550 stolen gift cards and over $300,000 in cash, according to the attorney general's office.
Display tables at a press conference were overflowing with some of the pilfered items. Some of the items stolen as part of the theft ring allegedly included:
- Designer clothing, handbags, belts and shoes
- Cosmetics
- Over the counter medications
- Tools and electronics
- Coffee
- More than 550 gift cards from about 60 different retailers, including Amazon, Home Depot, Walgreens, Visa, iTunes, Lowe's, Kmart, American Express and more
"Today we are showing that New York City will not tolerate crime — street crime, retail crime, or organized crime," said Mayor Adams. "Public safety is the prerequisite to prosperity, and so we want to be clear that we will investigate, arrest, and prosecute criminals when they break the law. This wasn’t just shoplifting, but people going into stores and clearing off shelves as part of an organized crime ring. This massive retail-theft scheme affected every level of our economy."
News
Through surveillance and analyzing financial records, the OCTF found that Rubinov and two alleged managers directed teams of career thieves to get them specific items since 2017, and have the items brought to two locations on West 47th Street in Manhattan. Rubinov and his associates would then purchase the stolen goods at a fraction of the price, and resell them for profit online, prosecutors said.
The goods would at one point be moved to either Rubinov's home or a stash house, both located in the Fresh Meadows neighborhood of Queens, before being brought back to midtown to be shipped. In 2019, Rubinov was said to have signed a lease for a large warehouse space in Fresh Meadows, where there were plans to open a "department store"-like facility that would be filled with stolen items.
In the five years of the ring's operation, nearly $1.4 million in stolen goods were sold out of the eBay shop, according to the attorney general's office. The investigation found that about 60 percent of the money made on eBay was reinvested back into the criminal enterprise, which allowed him to pay the thieves he employed, the AG's office said.
The money was allegedly filtered through Rubinov's PayPal account and then a bank account.
Those arrested face a variety of charges including enterprise corruption, money laundering, possession of stolen property, scheme to defraud and conspiracy. Nearly all face up to 25 years in prison for their respective roles in the scheme.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/41-arrested-after-stealing-from-high-end-stores-selling-goods-online-in-4m-crime-ring/3708904/
| 2022-05-27T09:14:45
| 0
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/41-arrested-after-stealing-from-high-end-stores-selling-goods-online-in-4m-crime-ring/3708904/
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This trolley tour will show you why Providence is still the renaissance city
It’s not often one sees a didgeridoo performance and a larger-than-life Buddha in one night. But on Gallery Night, it’s just another evening.
Back from their pandemic-induced virtual tours on Facebook Live, the guided treks through Providence's art scene kicked off this month.
I joined the first trip of the season, filing into the lobby of the Graduate Providence hotel, where a cluster of tourists awaited the start of our excursion.
That’s where I met our captain, Frank Toti, who’s been at this for about five years. Ushering passengers outside and into a white trolley, he delivered his pitch: “I love food, so think of tonight as going to a tapas bar for art.”
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As I consider tapas its own food group, routinely scarfing down bar bites once a week, my interest was piqued.
At the press of a gas pedal, our chariot was off. With gusto, Toti, stationed at the head of the bus, directed the driver through downtown’s twists and turns to a series of murals hidden between buildings. Our guest guide, Rebecca Leuchak, offered a history of the city’s murals. We navigated around Gaia’s iconic “Still Here” on Custom House Street honoring indigenous history, and Shepard Fairey’s “Creativity, Equity, Justice” on Clemence Street, which marked the artist’s 100th mural.
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Fairey, a Rhode Island School of Design graduate who drew national attention with the Barack Obama campaign poster that featured the word “hope,” made his first mark on the city during the 1990 mayoral election, defacing a Buddy Cianci billboard by covering the candidate’s face with the head of André the Giant. The next day, seeing that the billboard had been fixed, Fairey went to a Kinko’s, printed out an even larger head and glued it on again.
As we meander through the city, Toti and Leuchak prompt riders to marvel at the artistry of its structures, from the Greek revival-style Arcade to the Turks Head Building, where we stopped for a look at BankRI’s small gallery of works by David Everett. The artist was on-scene to chat with visitors as a tourist snapped photos of every sight, studiously documenting our excursion.
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Then it was back onto the trolley, which climbed the East Side for our final stops, one to see the RISD Museum's massive Japanese Buddha, and another at Fox Point's Peaceable Kingdom, a gallery and gift shop that sells tribal textiles, silver snake earrings and Tibetan singing bowls, among other items.
In a back room, amid stacks of handwoven rugs, musician David Brown, sporting an all-black ensemble, played the didgeridoo.
As Toti said, when you look at it, "the city itself is art."
For a list of Gallery Night Providence's free walking and trolley tours, visit its website, www.gallerynight.org. Tours are held one night a month through November.
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https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/05/27/gallery-night-returns-providence-art-scene-amys-rhode/9853785002/
| 2022-05-27T09:48:46
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https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/05/27/gallery-night-returns-providence-art-scene-amys-rhode/9853785002/
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YORK COUNTY, Pa. — For Spring Grove High School student Valerie Alonso Rosado, her iPad is her lifeline.
That's because she has trouble communicating verbally.
Valerie is also visually impaired.
"Unfortunately because of her visual impairment, she wasn’t able to differentiate between the different keys on the iPad communication device,” said Alyssa Gausmann, Valerie's support teacher.
That's where fellow student, Alex Fiorillo, came to the rescue.
The eleventh grader, who’s also a member of the school’s rocketry team, used a 3D printer to design a raised keyboard cover for Valerie.
“It’s a wonderful feeling honestly that I helped a fellow student and that I have that sort of legacy and I almost left my mark in a way," said Fiorillo.
Alex, who hopes to one day go into aerospace engineering, was first given a template to work with, but found it was bulky and awkward for Valerie.
After a few tweaks, he created his very own prototype.
“There were some issues with the raised features with their thickness but after that it worked pretty well," said Fiorillo.
The keyboard cover separates Valerie’s screen into 84 buttons which match up with commonly-used words in both English and Spanish, helping her have a voice in school and at home.
“Navigating a traditional iPad screen requires a lot of hand over hand assistance whereas now with her communication device, she’s able to kind of navigate the keys and find things independently," said Gausmann.
After seeing Valerie’s success, Alex plans to continue creating more keyboard covers to help others who face similar challenges.
"Any other students that come through this school, or just in general wherever they are, we can 3D print something in a couple hours and have it out to them, we can mail it or deliver it or something like that," said Fiorillo.
“To explain how the 3D printing worked to us, it’s such a far-out concept to me but it was really amazing he was able to do that for her," added Gausmann.
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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/spring-grove-high-school-student-designs-ipad-keyboard-cover-alex-fiorillo-valerie-alonso-rosado/521-3a0b2b06-8289-4c34-a628-ab1e14e83860
| 2022-05-27T09:50:26
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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/spring-grove-high-school-student-designs-ipad-keyboard-cover-alex-fiorillo-valerie-alonso-rosado/521-3a0b2b06-8289-4c34-a628-ab1e14e83860
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A unique pair will be participating in this year's Stu Nevermann Memorial Run.
Judy and Dale Mills, owners of Cupola Bed and Breakfast near Nora Springs, will be debuting all four of their new knees in the four-mile run Saturday morning.
The Mills have spent the last year going through knee replacement surgery and rehabbing together. After two double-knee replacements, the two are excited to walk the annual run.
"She's walking 12.5 minute miles" Dale said of Judy. "And I can do it with no pain. It's a miracle" Judy said.
Judy and Dale have been encouraged by family, or "gently pushed," Dale joked, to show off their new knees in the Stu Nevermann Memorial Run.
The Mills' daughters have been running in the Stu Nevermann Memorial Run every year. They'll be watching their parents walk the run. Judy and Dale also have family coming up to visit from Arizona, Kansas City and North Carolina to participate in the run with them.
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"There's 10 of our immediate family that will be now either running or walking the Stu," Judy smiled.
While Judy was going through recovery, she was grateful for her grandchildren, 14 and 12, for their help and encouragement to get better. As they helped her and Dale with the Bed and Breakfast, Judy said they would like to joke around.
"They'd always reference the Peloton commercial. You know, they'd say 'come on, Grandma, you're at Peloton level five, you can do better than that,'" Judy laughed. "They were always encouraging."
Judy has been walking the track at NIACC for a while now, and has worked up to walking 10 miles a week. She feels prepared for this race, and excited to share this walk with her family.
"I've been walking four (miles) at a time up at NIACC a few times the last two weeks. And when I get done, it's like I could walk further so I'm not exhausted" Judy said.
Judy and Dale said they were incredibly thankful of all the staff that helped them through this process, both Mason City Clinic and Surgery Center and Athletico East, crediting them for their recovery.
Judy was the first to get her knees fixed, so she's had more time to recover and prepare for this race than her husband. Dale, only 90 days post-surgery, will be walking the Stu with Judy for only a little a while. After learning the hard way, Dale is careful not to push further than his body can handle.
"I think I'll walk until I feel tired and then I'll sit on the curb and clap for others as they go by" Dale laughed.
While Stu Nevermann Memorial Run is a great milestone for the couple; Dale recently accomplished his personal post-surgery milestone.
Dale has been canoeing the Winnebago River, next to his home, once a month, every month, for 19 years without fail. After his surgeries, Dale enlisted the help of friends to get him in and out of the canoe so he could continue his tradition.
"Just a couple of weeks ago, I was able to float down on my own" Dale said. He's kept his tradition alive through surgeries, and in October he will reach 20 years.
"It's been through a lot of different health issues in the last four or five years. I've still been able to maintain that record, so I can't let it go at this point." said Dale.
With these milestones, Judy and Dale celebrate free, painless movement. After years of knee problems, the two are happy to be moving around again, working their Bed and Breakfast, canoeing the river, gardening and playing with their grandkids.
And as the family gathers together to celebrate with them on Saturday, watch for a couple in purple shirts, reading "Team Four New Knees".
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
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https://globegazette.com/news/local/north-iowa-couple-will-celebrate-two-double-knee-replacements-at-the-stu/article_48e7cc7d-6020-519b-ad3e-117bdb460800.html
| 2022-05-27T10:44:12
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https://globegazette.com/news/local/north-iowa-couple-will-celebrate-two-double-knee-replacements-at-the-stu/article_48e7cc7d-6020-519b-ad3e-117bdb460800.html
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SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Police are currently of scene of a barricaded subject at the 8800 block of Topsey on the south side.
Police said shots were fired between the suspect and officers, but no one has been reportedly hit by gunfire.
Right now the suspect is alone and contained and police say they are working to get this resolved peacefully. Police Chief William McManus is on his way to the scene.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is received.
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/sapd-police-on-scene-shots-fired-between-barricaded-suspect-officers-news/273-c188c912-5f35-46ba-a581-85b046331473
| 2022-05-27T11:56:59
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/sapd-police-on-scene-shots-fired-between-barricaded-suspect-officers-news/273-c188c912-5f35-46ba-a581-85b046331473
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The National Air and Space Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will welcome a new commander next week.
Col. Ariel Batungbacal will assume command of NASIC June 2. The change of command ceremony will take place in the National Museum of the United States Air Force at 10 am that day.
Batungbacal most recently served as the commander of the Air and Cyberspace Intelligence Group at NASIC.
Relinquishing command will be Col. Maurizio Calabrese, who was recently confirmed for promotion to brigadier general. His next assignment has not been announced.
Lt. Gen. Mary O’Brien, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations, will preside over the ceremony.
The National Space Intelligence Center will begin operations at NASIC in coming weeks. The new center will borrow two squadrons from NASIC.
Based at Wright-Patterson, NASIC is the Department of Defense’s primary source for foreign air and space threat analysis. NASIC is the Air Force’s service intelligence center, the nation’s air and space intelligence center and an operational wing in the Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance work.
About the Author
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/nasic-set-to-welcome-new-commander-june-2/SNSBVC3EWNFSNLT6AIKLNL5EEY/
| 2022-05-27T12:16:39
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/nasic-set-to-welcome-new-commander-june-2/SNSBVC3EWNFSNLT6AIKLNL5EEY/
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After 22 years of silence, the bell at Bethlehem’s oldest Roman Catholic Church is ringing again.
But not everybody is happy about it.
The Holy Infancy Church on East Fourth Street in south Bethlehem was founded in 1861 and installed its bell in 1886. But by the late 1990s, the iron and wooden supports that held the bell deteriorated, making it unsafe to ring. The bell was silent for 22 years.
In late 2020, the church raised $45,000 to repair the bell, and those repairs were completed this year.
The bell now rings most days once an hour, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. It sounds on Sundays at 7 a.m., and Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. for morning Mass. At 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. the bell rings between 20 and 40 times.
Rosemary Frye, a resident of south Bethlehem who owns a salon in the neighborhood, lives a block away from the church. She has lived at her East Fourth Street home for more than 20 years and said the hourly tolling of the bells has her at her “wit’s end.”
“It comes through my house, I have to seal my windows shut,” Frye said. “We can’t sleep in this house; in the morning, I have two sound machines. My room sounds like an aircraft carrier, that’s how I sleep.”
She contacted the church in late March to complain about the noise. In response, the church stopped ringing the bells after 6 p.m., but to Frye, the noise was still extensive.
In April, she circulated a petition around the neighborhood that garnered over 30 signatures. Several neighbors who signed the petition left notes in the margins including “I don’t see the need to ring the bell every hour,” “hard on families with newborns and infants,” “too early and too loud” and “NO MORE BELL.”
Paul Wirth, director of communications at the Diocese of Allentown, said the church is unwilling to reduce the bells beyond that. He said the bell is meaningful to the church, which has already compromised by ending the sound earlier in the evening.
“The parish has been responsive to the concern,” Wirth said. “The parish believes it’s a historic bell, in a church with a rich history, in the heart of a historic city. There’s no plan to reduce the schedule.”
Though around 30 neighbors have signed the petition, not everyone nearby feels strongly about the noise. A Bethlehem resident who lives across the street from the Church declined to give his name and spoke through his daughter, who translated from Spanish, saying that he is “okay” with the bells because they do not ring at night.
Frye has appealed to the city to enforce its noise ordinance against the church, without success.
Even though Bethlehem has a noise code in place that regulates “unnecessary noise,” places of religious worship are explicitly exempt. City council would have to vote on an amendment to the code in order to enforce any kind of regulations against the church, according to Bethlehem Planning and Zoning Director Darlene Heller.
First Call
Council members hope the church and neighbors will compromise without getting them involved; they are not eager to amend the city’s zoning code.
“I still feel 40 bell rings twice a day, on top of hourly, to me does seem to be excessive,” council member Paige Van Wirt said. “I hope the church is listening when city council is saying we are concerned, and we hope they will continue to compromise.”
“I wish we could resolve this,” said council member Wandalyn Enix. “The church was there first. But I want them to come to a compromise.”
Frye still hopes to lobby the church to reduce the amount of times the bell tolls. She thinks the church should limit the bells to ring just during Mass, and should not ring more than three times on the hour.
She said she is considering seeking legal representation to try and challenge the church.
“I don’t understand how [the church] has more power than the residents,” Frye said.
Morning Call reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at 610-820-6681 and liweber@mcall.com.
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https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-holy-infancy-church-bells-bethlehem-20220527-lnpwexwp7vhrlkn5f27felwzsm-story.html
| 2022-05-27T12:22:27
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https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-holy-infancy-church-bells-bethlehem-20220527-lnpwexwp7vhrlkn5f27felwzsm-story.html
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'The Dover Detail' works to provide uniforms, medals for burials of deceased veterans
Jerry Vaughan wants every veteran to be honored, even in death.
The U.S. Navy veteran and owner of Down the Road Thrift Store in Titusville began in 2021 The Dover Detail, a nonprofit that helps provide dress uniforms for deceased veterans for burial.
At the time, a Marine with no family had passed away in a nursing home without a uniform in which to be buried. When a funeral director reached out for help, Vaughan and other veterans scrambled to organize a 21-gun salute, escort and other arrangements for him. Vaughan’s biggest concern was the uniform.
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“All (that) I could do was look at the word ‘clothing,’” he said of the note sent by the funeral director.
Vaughan discovered nurses at the nursing home where the Marine died had donated a leisure suit for his burial.
“Nobody knew where to start as far as getting a uniform together,” Vaughan said.
Over the course of about 48 hours, Vaughan worked together with other veterans and organizations, including the Veterans Memorial Complex in Merritt Island, to piece together a 1960s Marine Corps dress blue uniform.
The effort led to the development of The Dover Detail, which gets its name from the Air Force base in Delaware where those killed overseas are traditionally brought before being transferred to family.
Since September of last year, Vaughan and his partners throughout the community have helped provide 25 uniforms for burials around the state, and provided a jacket for a Marine in Houston, Texas.
It’s an effort Vaughan said he needs a community to accomplish.
He said he gets support from businesses such as Stargazers Embroidery in Sharpes, American Army Navy Store in Orlando and veterans from each branch of the military who volunteer to inspect each uniform before it’s delivered for a deceased veteran.
Last month, Indian River Colony Club Foundation — a nearly 800-home community in Viera of veterans — donated about 150 uniforms to The Dover Detail, Vaughan said.
Additionally, the Good Deeds Foundation — the nonprofit program under the Cape Canaveral chapter of Military Officers Association of America — donated $1,000, said Donn Weaver, a retired foreign service officer and volunteer with multiple Brevard veterans organizations. The money will go toward purchasing specific medals prior to veterans' burials.
Weaver, who serves as chairman at the Veterans Memorial Complex, said it’s important to many veterans that they be buried in uniform.
"Veterans want it to be proper — the right uniform that they would have worn, the right medals, the right awards and decorations, the right patches," he said. "And all those things are what Jerry does."
Vaughan echoed that sentiment, saying he feels uniforms should be held in a similar regard as American flags and that they are a way to honor veterans. That’s the goal of his work, he said.
“It is the absolute least that we owe these veterans,” he said. “It is the absolute least that you can do, and that’s what it’s all about for me.”
Vaughan has several drop-off locations for old uniforms around Brevard and neighboring counties, including:
- The Veterans Memorial Complex in Merritt Island
- Stargazers Embroidery in Sharpes
- Daddy O's Diner in Port St. John
- Gear Up Surplus in Titusville
- G.I. Jeff's in Daytona Beach
- American Army Navy Store in Orlando
Finch Walker is a Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at 321-290-4744 or fwalker@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @_finchwalker
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https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/military/2022/05/27/veterans-dovers-detail-provides-metals-uniforms-burials/9871164002/
| 2022-05-27T12:26:25
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https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/military/2022/05/27/veterans-dovers-detail-provides-metals-uniforms-burials/9871164002/
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RICHMOND, Va. — A Virginia man pleaded guilty Thursday to charges that he failed to pay $1.3 million in taxes to the IRS by withholding payroll taxes from three different companies owned by his family, a federal prosecutor said.
Court documents show Warren served as director of operations for three companies that provided group homes, home care nurses and daycare center services for mentally disabled adults in Chesterfield and Richmond.
Warren also had an obligation to file an employer’s quarterly federal tax return. He used a third-party payroll company for various payroll services, but prosecutors said he underreported the true value of the employment taxes, the documents said.
Warren used the withheld taxes to pay for things like travel to the Caribbean, golf club memberships, private basketball lessons, luxury clothing and accessories, prosecutors said.
Warren is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 13, when he faces up to five years in prison.
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-man-pleads-guilty-to-failing-to-pay-13m-in-taxes/2022/05/27/8c620faa-ddb3-11ec-bc35-a91d0a94923b_story.html
| 2022-05-27T12:38:08
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Eli Soell had planned to head to Kansas City to see his parents over Memorial Day weekend, even though he had just been there for his sister's high school graduation.
But after looking at what the drive had cost him, Soell decided to stay home.
The 23-year-old said he spent more than $120 just on gas to drive to the Kansas City area and back last weekend, and decided it wasn't worth it to do it again.
"Once I got home and looked at what it cost me to get there and back, I decided staying in Lincoln would be smarter than spending nearly $300, over two weekends in a row, in gas alone," Soell said.
As of Thursday morning, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded was just under $4.23 a gallon in Lincoln, within a penny of the city's all-time record price set Wednesday. The statewide average was only slightly lower at $4.18 a gallon, which was also a record high.
And those prices are among the lowest in the country. Entering the holiday travel weekend, only six states have lower average prices than Nebraska, according to AAA. The national average as of Thursday was $4.60 a gallon.
The high prices don't seem to be deterring everyone from traveling this weekend, however.
AAA is predicting more than 39 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home, with nearly 35 million driving, the most since the coronavirus pandemic began.
“Memorial Day is always a good predictor of what’s to come for summer travel,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a news release this month. “Based on our projections, summer travel isn’t just heating up, it will be on fire. People are overdue for a vacation and they are looking to catch up on some much-needed R&R in the coming months.”
Brian Ortner, a spokesman for AAA Nebraska, said people feel more comfortable traveling now than they did earlier in the pandemic and want to get out. That means they likely won't be deterred by high gas prices, but they may get more creative in what kinds of trips they take.
Gas prices aren't the only travel cost that is surging. Airline fares also are up considerably. A survey from CheapAir.com found the average ticket price in April was up 26% compared with a year ago. At Omaha's Eppley Airfield, that increase was even higher: 31%.
AAA said the average airline ticket price for Memorial Day is $160 more than it was last year.
"Fares in general ... are incredibly high," said David Haring, executive director of the Lincoln Airport.
Haring said that planes at the airport are usually pretty full this time of year, so it's hard to tell if there are more or fewer people planning to fly for Memorial Day.
AAA is forecasting more than 3 million will do so this weekend, which is only slightly below the number from 2019. That's despite airlines having cut their available flights by more than 10% due to a pilot shortage.
The company said people who are flying should expect large crowds and potential flight delays, especially if there are weather issues.
Speaking of the weather, those who are staying close to home for Memorial Day weekend get a forecast that's conducive to outside activities. The National Weather Service is forecasting a high near 80 in Lincoln on Friday, in the mid-80s for Saturday and the low 90s Sunday and Monday.
That could mean a rush to pools and parks, but people should be prepared for reduced hours and services.
Lincoln city pools will not open until Monday — the third time in the last four years they have opened later than normal.
In 2019, cold temperatures delayed the opening, and in 2020 pools opened late due to COVID-19. This year, the delay is due to staffing shortages, which also is leading to reduced hours and no concessions at several pools, including Star City Shores.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission also earlier this week announced reduced hours and services at Mahoney State Park and Platte River State Park because of staffing shortages and recommended people call park offices in advance for more information.
Keilan Schultz, 17, of Wymore, was pronounced dead at the scene of Saturday's crash. Billy O'Keefe Jr., 18, also of Wymore, was taken to Bryan Campus West in serious condition.
The mission to show Tom Cruise a good time as he prepared to film "Top Gun" in 1985 fell to Lt. Walter E. Carter, Jr., known to his fellow naval aviators as Slapshot, and to the Cornhusker state as University of Nebraska President Ted Carter.
Police said 45-year-old Rodney Badberg punched the man three times and kicked him once before fleeing the area on foot, leaving the man bleeding on the sidewalk.
The charge stems from April 14, when the 22-year-old reported he heard sawing noises in his driveway and saw three men underneath his car, according to police.
Lincoln resident Eli Soell had planned to spend the holiday weekend in Kansas City, but high gas prices will keep him at home. As of Thursday morning, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded was $4.23 a gallon in Lincoln, within a penny of the city's all-time record price set Wednesday.
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/will-record-gas-prices-keep-more-people-at-home-for-the-holiday-weekend/article_4d86403e-14f4-51b2-b3e9-416fed1e5729.html
| 2022-05-27T12:47:10
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URBANA — Democratic candidates for the 13th Congressional District faced off in a debate in Urbana on Thursday night, sharing their platforms on a myriad of issues including gun violence and abortion rights.
Though candidates Nikki Budzinski of Springfield and David Palmer of Champaign sought to set themselves apart for voters ahead of the June 28 primary election, the two agreed on many topics.
Following the mass shooting at a Texas elementary school on Tuesday, both Budzinski and Palmer called for federal action to curb gun violence.
“I think it's time for us to come together as Americans, you know, force these gun lobbies to bend to our will and not us bend to theirs,” Palmer said. “I think we have to come together. We have to make sure that we protect our most vulnerable, and that's our kids. We shouldn't live in a country where the number one cause for children to die (is) gun violence.”
Budzinski said President Joe Biden should introduce “real gun violence prevention programs” at the federal level. Investing in new economic opportunities is also key, she said.
“When I look into East St. Louis and their number one employer is the Casino Queen, I think East St. Louis can be doing a lot better,” Budzinski said. “We need to be investing in economic development as a tool to helping us address gun violence in this district.”
Both candidates also said Congress should continue attempts to codify Roe v. Wade.
“(Illinois) is going to see a flood of women coming into the district, coming into the entire state looking for access to health care,” Budzinski said. “I want to be their champion in Congress.”
“Roe v. Wade is settled law. We don't have to debate about that. Women deserve body autonomy,” Palmer said.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule in the coming months in a case directly challenging Roe. Justices heard arguments in December over a 2018 Mississippi law to ban most abortions after 15 weeks. The court has allowed states to regulate but not ban abortion before the point of viability, around 24 weeks.
A draft opinion leaked May 2 showed a majority of justices were ready to overturn Roe v. Wade. If the final ruling is similar, states would have wide latitude to restrict abortion.
The candidates later touched on gerrymandering, with both saying the practice should stop.
Budzinski said she would support federal legislation that would eliminate gerrymandering “in all states.”
Palmer acknowledged that Congressional candidates like gerrymandered maps that can help them win but said gerrymandering is not beneficial for average citizens.
A gerrymandered map “doesn't allow you to get a true sense of who your community is,” he said.
The newly-drawn 13th Congressional District which Budzinski and Palmer are running to represent is itself gerrymandered.
The current 13th District is represented by Republican Rep. Rodney Davis and includes many rural towns like Davis’ hometown of Taylorville.
Illinois Democrats, who controlled the post-Census redistricting process, strategically carved outthe new 13thto stretch through the more populated and Democratic-leaning urban areas in Central Illinois, from East St. Louis up to Springfield, Decatur, and ending in Champaign-Urbana.
“I would argue the 13th District is actually very competitive,” Budzinski said. “It's a district that has a slightly more Democratic lean, but it is still central and southwestern Illinois, which connects a lot of common communities.”
The winner of the Democratic nomination will face off against one of four Republican candidates come November. The Republicans vying for their party’s nomination are Regan Deering of Decatur, Matt Hausman of Pesotum, Terry Martin of Chatham and Jesse Reising of Decatur.
Illinois Public Media, WAND News, and the League of Women Voters of Champaign County will host a debate between the Republican candidates Thursday, June 2.
This story will be updated.
What a Roe v. Wade reversal could mean for abortion access across America
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Current bans limit abortion access and set precedent for more barriers
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The development agreement includes an incentive package that will allow for owners of Red Raccoon Games to remodel and move into the Main Plaza building at 301 N. Main St., which is next to the store’s current location at 309 N. Main St.
The Normal Town Council committed to supporting Connect Transit’s “one rate for all” initiative Monday night, approving a temporary annual payment of $200,000.
Resident Grant Walch has been appointed to serve as a council member of the council’s Ward 1 after approval from the Bloomington City Council on Monday.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/democrat-candidates-in-13th-congressional-district-face-off/article_290d6b3c-dd65-11ec-b3f6-5b4ccd18d12c.html
| 2022-05-27T12:57:46
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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 16-year-old boy wanted for stabbing a teenage girl with a knife died Wednesday after suffering a medical episode while being taken into custody by Daytona Beach police, according to a news release.
The Daytona Beach Police Department said it was notified by Volusia County deputies at 8:25 p.m. Tuesday of a stabbing call at a home on Imperial Drive, where officers found a 17-year-old Daytona Beach girl suffering from multiple stab wounds. The girl was hospitalized and is currently in stable condition, police said.
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A K-9 team then found the boy lying facedown in the back yard of a property on Continental Drive, according to the release. After becoming unresponsive, officers carried the boy to a front yard on the same street to meet with paramedics. In an incident report, witnesses described the boy hopping a fence into a back yard yelling “I love you” and wailing in pain before police arrived, with one witness having said they observed him “moaning and flailing his left arm” while he was lying on the ground.
The boy was revived before being taken to Halifax Health Medical Center and then to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, where police said he died early Wednesday.
A determination of the exact cause of the boy’s death is pending on an autopsy at the Orange County Medical Examiner’s office, police said.
Investigators believe the two teens knew each other.
Before the stabbing, police said the boy was actively listed as a missing juvenile with an arrest warrant out for battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and deprivation of the 911 emergency service.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is involved in the ongoing investigation, police said.
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https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/05/27/16-year-old-wanted-for-stabbing-girl-dies-in-daytona-beach-police-custody-officials-say/
| 2022-05-27T13:30:17
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Following a cruise mishap earlier Thursday morning, another cruise ship crashed into a dock in Jamaica, according to the cruise line Royal Caribbean.
The line said in a statement to News 6 that the ship, “Harmony of the Seas,” struck an extended portion of the dock while arriving at Falmouth, Jamaica.
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The line also said there were no injuries to guests or crew on board. Instead, Royal Caribbean said there was only “cosmetic damage” to the ship’s stern, and so the cruise will continue as scheduled.
That is all the information Royal Caribbean has shared with us at this time. News 6 will provide updates as more information comes in.
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https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/05/27/harmony-of-the-seas-cruise-ship-hits-dock-in-jamaica-cruise-line-says/
| 2022-05-27T13:30:23
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ORLANDO, Fla. – As the six-year anniversary of the Pulse shooting approaches, Pulse nightclub owner Barbara Poma held a vigil for the Texas shooting victims on Thursday evening.
While standing outside of Pulse, Poma told supporters that victims of the Pulse tragedy sends their support to the Texas families.
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“We want them to know we are with them, our hearts are broken for them and that the lives taken is a horrific, senseless tragedy,” Poma said.
Rev. Terri Steed-Pierce led a prayer, encouraging anyone who needs to talk to someone following a tragedy like this one to reach out for help.
“I think you (should) talk to people (who) particularly understand your situation — maybe other survivors that went through something you went though or other people that will let you feel however you feel,” Steed-Pierce said.
Steed-Pierce also said that she, too, feels an emotional reaction when hearing about the Texas tragedy.
“I immediately went from crying because it is horrendous to anger — just like that — because here we are again, and nothing has changed since Sandy Hook in 2012.”
The One Pulse Foundation is hosting their sixth annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run on June 4, 2022. You can find out how to sign up here.
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https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/05/27/pulse-nightclub-owner-holds-vigil-following-shooting-at-uvalde-elementary-school/
| 2022-05-27T13:30:29
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https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/05/27/pulse-nightclub-owner-holds-vigil-following-shooting-at-uvalde-elementary-school/
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OSTEEN, Fla. – Friends and family of a man whom troopers say died in a hit-and-run have come forward about their reactions to his death.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported 42-year-old Clint Welch was hit by a car Sunday and left for dead.
Troopers said a vehicle was traveling down Lemon Bluff Road near Osteen. The driver swerved, attempting avoid Welch who was lying in the street but instead ran over him.
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Prior to that collision, troopers said Welch was hit by another vehicle that sped away from the scene.
Welch worked in the kitchen at Gators Riverside Grill in Sanford.
His family, friends and coworkers were overcome by grief.
Jame Love, the manager at Gators Riverside Grill, said Welch was an amazing human being who did not deserve this. She said he was more than a coworker; he was family.
That family is now broken and determined to figure out who was responsible for his death.
“We’re not going to quit until we figure out what happened to our brother,” Love said.
Welch’s bike is still chained up at the grill. His coworkers said they believe he got a ride home Saturday night. Now, investigators are trying to figure out what happened afterward.
Welch’s best friend, Jon King said he found out from Welch’s father.
“He said those words that you never [want to] hear. ‘I got some bad news, I hope you’re sitting down’ and right away, I was like, ‘oh no,’” King said.
King said he was numb and in shock.
“It’s hard to think that I’ll never see him again or see his name pop up on my phone,” he said.
King has a message for the person responsible.
“You’re a coward. Turn yourself in. Face the consequences,” he said.
Love said the owners of the grill are offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest.
They are committed to getting justice for Welch.
“We are not [going to] stop until we find you. You have hurt a lot of people,” Love said.
State Troopers said this could have happened between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. They are looking for a full-size pick-up truck or van that could have been involved in the crash.
Anyone with information if urged to call FHP or the crime line.
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https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/05/27/youre-a-coward-friends-of-hit-and-run-victim-urge-driver-to-come-forward/
| 2022-05-27T13:30:36
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https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2022/05/27/youre-a-coward-friends-of-hit-and-run-victim-urge-driver-to-come-forward/
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Get ready for carnival rides, fair food and live entertainment!
Portland Rose Festival CityFair kicks off Friday at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Kohr Harlan shared a preview of what you can expect for the next few weekends in downtown Portland.
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/kohr-explores-portland-rose-festival-cityfair-kicks-off/
| 2022-05-27T13:38:18
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https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/kohr-explores-portland-rose-festival-cityfair-kicks-off/
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Howard High School of Technology's 2022 prom
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| 2022-05-27T13:43:35
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| 2022-05-27T13:43:41
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| 2022-05-27T13:43:53
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Phoenix police shooting of suspect vandalizing businesses in North PhoenixFire crews battle recycling plant fire in PhoenixDrownings at Lake Pleasant causing concerns before the holidaysVideo: Monsoon images from around Arizona
How a tribal protest 30 years ago changed Indian gamingVideo: Fourth Alarm fire at Phoenix pallet yard near 35th and Buckeye
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https://www.azcentral.com/videos/news/local/southwest-valley-education/2022/05/27/litchfield-school-board-member-jeremy-hoenack/9570698002/
| 2022-05-27T13:45:34
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Whenever I’ve discussed the topic of Digital Parenting with other moms and dads, few issues seem to generate as much concern as the rise of sexting and the sharing of nudes by underage teens.
Parents have a reason to be concerned.
According to a survey by non-profit digital safety advocate Thorn, almost 1 in 5 teens under the age of 18 say they’ve sent a nude image or video of themselves to someone else. And almost 40% of teens see the practice as normal.
It’s not hard to imagine the potential for disastrous outcomes.
“They shared a nude with their boyfriend and the boyfriend goes and shares it all over in middle school,” says Sarah Gardner, VP of External Affairs for Thorn.
But the risks don’t stop with the potential for public embarrassment. In the wrong hands, this material can be used by scammers who are looking to exploit kids.
“That’s what we call sextortion, where an individual will get a sexually explicit image of that child and then blackmail that child for either more explicit content, monetary goods, or to meet out in the real world to engage in sex,” says Callahan Walsh, Executive Director of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
The sextortion problem has grown so big it’s caught the attention of the FBI. The agency blamed the crime for one teen’s recent suicide.
To fight back, the Bureau recently launched a website and publicity campaign aimed at increasing awareness about the issue.
Tackling the problem has been difficult. For many teens in dating relationships, the commonplace sharing of nudes has replaced aspects of dating that many adults experienced during their own adolescence. But even private sharing between dating teens has some very serious implications.
“Basically when a child takes a nude photo of themselves and it’s put online and if an adult gets ahold of that photo or video, they basically are in possession of child pornography,” Fort Worth Police Detective Andrew Matthews said. “And that’s a crime. Felony crime in the state of Texas.”
It’s a serious matter with no easy solution. Increasing access to connected devices combined with the natural curiosities of youth mean parents and child advocates have to adopt a novel approach.
“With a phone in their hands, there’s sort of this collision of tech in puberty and online exploration or sexual exploration that at that age is normal,” Gardner said. “We have to remember that it’s just now we have this added factor of access to the Internet. It’s not necessarily a bad thing that they’re going through puberty and exploring it. Instead, it’s how are you preparing your kids for those worlds and building trust with them so that they’ll come to you when something goes wrong.”
Yet again, when it comes to Digital Parenting the greatest tool is conversation. Knowing your child, their online habits, and encouraging an open dialogue. Parents can’t be around their kids 24/7, but studies show that setting expectations in a healthy environment leads to kids making smarter decisions even when mom or dad isn’t around.
“We know the teen brain doesn't understand and they're not fully developed and able to see the consequences of their actions. They are risk takers and even teenagers who have a really good head on their shoulders are prone at times to making an unhealthy choice, especially when it comes to being with their peers or in a romantic relationship,” said Kim Muench, Founder of the Real Life Parent Guide. “One of the things we can do is have important and ongoing conversations about this and the impact that this does have on us.”
Much of the conversation is focused on changing attitudes about who’s to blame when someone’s nude image gets leaked.
Recent research shows a nearly even split among teen attitudes about who’s at fault when someone’s private image gets leaked - between the victim and the person who re-shared it. Experts say that has to change.
“If kids can make it uncool to share someone else’s image … that could be a huge game changer because it happens very fast, right?” Gardner said. “One kid shares it with another and all of a sudden it’s all over school and you can’t put the genie back into the bottle. Trying to reduce the amount an image gets shared is absolutely a goal.”
Changing attitudes around shame is also key. When teens are shamed or embarrassed about a bad decision, they’re less likely to seek help they may need if they’re caught in a bad situation.
“You need to separate the behavior that they did and being unhappy about that from the essence of who they are,” Muench said. “Yelling at them, lecturing them, making them feel bad about who they are, is the last thing you want to do.”
This can be a lot to process for parents. But thankfully they’ve got plenty of help. In addition to the FBI’s anti-sextortion website, The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has created several online resources to help families navigate the threats.
And then there’s Thorn for Parents and StopSextortion.com, geared toward helping educate both parents and their kids about the risks, consequences, and steps to stay safe.
Phone makers have stepped up, too.
Apple recently introduced a new messaging safety feature using artificial intelligence to determine if a child on a family share account tries to send or receive a nude image. The image is blurred and accompanied by an explanation about why it isn’t immediately available. And then the child is given resources to message a trusted source for help if they need it.
While these efforts might not be able to stop kids from being kids, the hope is they can shift the attitudes around risks so the teens realize just what’s at stake when they share revealing images and videos. And by changing attitudes on re-sharing, the threat of humiliation – or worse – can be reduced.
The end result is hopefully kids who are safer online and parents who’ve built a positive, healthy relationship with their children that can last a lifetime.
“That’s why being actively engaged is really that dual benefit of maybe seeing what’s happening in that environment,” Gardner said. “But your kid also has the benefit of a parent who’s really interested in what they’re doing.”
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/digital-parenting-tips-how-to-keep-your-kids-safe-from-sextortion-over-text/287-ec567ba6-1006-4bb7-a1f7-97413c58d80c
| 2022-05-27T13:45:51
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/digital-parenting-tips-how-to-keep-your-kids-safe-from-sextortion-over-text/287-ec567ba6-1006-4bb7-a1f7-97413c58d80c
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UVALDE, Texas — Tragedy struck Robb Elementary in Uvalde on Tuesday.
At least 21 people, including 19 children, were killed in a shooting, according to law enforcement officials. Several others, both students and adults, are being treated for injuries.
The alleged shooter was also killed by a tactical agent responding to the scene after he exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, local police confirmed. It is believed that shooter acted alone.
Here are the victims that have been identified so far.
Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez
Annabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, 10, was a 3rd grader at Robb Elementary.
Uziyah Garcia
Manny Renfro told the Associated Press he got word Tuesday that his grandson, 8 year old Uziyah Garcia, was among those killed.
“The sweetest little boy that I’ve ever known,” Renfro said. “I’m not just saying that because he was my grandkid.”
Renfro said Uziyah last visited him in San Angelo during spring break.
“We started throwing the football together and I was teaching him pass patterns. Such a fast little boy and he could catch a ball so good,” Renfro said. “There were certain plays that I would call that he would remember and he would do it exactly like we practiced.”
Xavier James Lopez
The Associated Press spoke with Lisa Garza, 54, of Arlington, Texas, who identified her cousin, Xavier James Lopez, 10, as one of the victims.
“He was just a loving 10 year old little boy, just enjoying life, not knowing that this tragedy was going to happen today,” she said. “He was very bubbly, loved to dance with his brothers, his mom. This has just taken a toll on all of us.”
This story will be updated as more victim identifications become available.
Eva Mireles
Fourth-grade teacher Eva Mireles, 44, was remembered as a loving mother and wife.
“She was adventurous. I would definitely say those wonderful things about her. She is definitely going to be very missed,” said 34-year-old relative Amber Ybarra, of San Antonio.
Ybarra prepared to give blood for the wounded and pondered how no one noticed trouble with the shooter in time to stop him.
Eliahana Cruz Torres
Fourth grader Eliahana Cruz Torres was looking forward to her last softball game of the season on Tuesday.
"She was very excited about her softball game today. She was kind of nervous," her aunt said. "I talked to her last night and she was kind of nervous, saying that it was her last game and she didn't want softball to end. And she was excited because there were gonna, I guess, announce the ones that made it to all stars. And she was also saying like, 'what if I make it? I'm gonna be so nervous.' And I was like, 'girl you got this. You're gonna be good at it. You got this.' So she was excited."
Rogelio Torres
The father of Rogelio Torres confirmed Wednesday morning that his son was killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School.
Rogelio was 10 years old.
Nevaeh Bravo
Family members of Nevaeh Bravo said she was 10 years old and attended Robb Elementary School.
Jailah Nicole Silguero
The grandmother of Jailah Silguero confirmed Wednesday that Jailah was killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School. Jailah was 10 years old. Her family is raising money through a GoFundMe.
Irma Garcia
Irma Garcia taught at the school for 23 years, according to her school profile. In 2019, she was one of 19 San Antonio-area teachers named a finalist for a Trinity University prize that recognizes excellence in teaching. Garcia had four children and loved barbecuing with her husband and listening to music.
Jose Flores
The uncle of Jose Flores confirmed Wednesday that Jose was killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School.
His uncle, Christopher Salazar, wrote a touching Facebook tribute to the 10-year-old.
"I'm going to miss you baby Jose, i still can't believe this happened my heart is broken just hearing them tell us your gone it hurts me I love you so much and I wish you were still here. I'm going to miss you soo much rest in paradise my beautiful angel"
In another post, Salazar wrote: "I love you and I miss you."
Jose was 10 years old.
Layla Salazar
Layla Salazar loved to swim and dance to Tik Tok videos, according to the Associated Press. She won six races at the school's field day.
Layla was 10 years old.
Eliahna García
The aunt of Eliahna García confirmed Wednesday that Eliahna was killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary.
Eliahna was 10 years old.
Jayce Carmelo Luevanos
Family members of Jayce Carmelo Luevanos confirmed Wednesday that Jayce was killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School.
Jayce was 10 years old.
Jackie Cazares
The father of Jackie Cazares confirmed Wednesday that Jackie was killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary, according to the Associated Press. Her father described her as a “firecracker” and “all in all, full of love. She had a big heart,” he said.
Jackie was 9 years old.
Amerie Jo Garza
The father of Amerie Jo Garza confirmed Wednesday that Amerie was killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School.
Amerie was 10 years old.
Tess Marie Mata
Faith, Tess Marie Mata's sister, told CBS News the child was among those killed in the shooting. She also shared a Facebook post about her sister's death.
"My sweet baby sister, I would've never thought I would be typing something like this. I honestly have no words just sadness, confusion, and anger. I'm sad because we will never get to tag team on mom and dad again and tell each other how much we mean to each other, I'm confused because how can something like this happen to my sweet, caring, and beautiful sister, and I'm angry because a coward took you from us.
"Sissy I miss you so much, I just want to hold you and tell you how pretty you are, I want to take you outside and practice softball, I want to go on one last family vacation, I want to hear your contagious laugh, and I want you to hear me tell you how much I love you. Tessy mom, dad, and I won't be the same without you but we are comforted knowing you are waiting for us up in heaven and have a spot for us. We have one sassy guardian angel that I know is going to protect our family. Till we meet again Tess Marie, love your Big Sister"
Alexandria "Lexi" Aniyah Rubio
Lexi Rubi's grandmother confirmed to CBS News that she died in Tuesday's shooting. In a Facebook post, Kimberly Mata-Rubio remembered her daughter, saying her family had been with her at the school just hours before she was killed.
"My beautiful, smart, Alexandria Aniyah Rubio was recognized today for All-A honor roll," her post read. "She also received the good citizen award. We told her we loved her and would pick her up after school. We had no idea this was goodbye."
Alithia Ramirez
Family members confirmed Thursday that Alithia was killed in Tuesday's shooting at Robb Elementary School.
Maite Rodriguez
The mother of Maite Rodriguez confirmed to WFAA that she was one of the children killed Tuesday at Robb Elementary school.
Maite made the honor roll for straight As and Bs this year and was publicly recognized at an assembly on Tuesday, said Ana Rodríguez, her mother.
“She worked hard, I only encouraged her,” Rodríguez said in an interview Thursday at her dining room table, which displayed a bouquet of red roses, the honor roll certificate and photos of Maite.
Maranda Gail Mathis
A cousin of Maranda Gail Mathis confirmed to KHOU that Maranda was one of the children killed Tuesday at Robb Elementary school.
She was 11 years old.
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https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/victims-in-uvalde-elementary-school-shooting/273-8bce3515-ba33-40fc-8ad0-3ca423d1fe6f
| 2022-05-27T13:45:57
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Fontaine aims to overcome the odds and win Brockton-only House seat as an independent
BROCKTON — Fred Fontaine has worn many hats in Brockton, from bus driver to business owner and from advocate for his fellow Haitian-Americans to deputy director of the city's Emergency Management Agency.
Now he aims to represent the city on Beacon Hill in the all-Brockton 11th Plymouth district. Notably, Fontaine has chosen to run as an independent, sometimes called unenrolled. He will be on the Nov. 8 ballot, facing the Democratic nominee.
"I'm running as an independent because it's not a party who's going to change things. It's the people," Fontaine said in an interview inside one of his many businesses, The Perfect Place Function Hall.
Two city councilors are vying for the Democratic nod: Shirley Asack and Rita Mendes.
Fontaine says too many young people are leaving Brockton after high school because they can't see a future here.
"They just feel like there's nothing in Brockton," he said. "They run away."
Fontaine said he's campaigning on three main issues: Infrastructure, public safety and education.
Like almost any candidate to represent Brockton on Beacon Hill, Fontaine said he would be best at bringing home money and resources. Fontaine said he would leverage his personal relationships, built across decades of activism and entrepreneurship. And he said he'd invite power players to Brockton, show them around the city and put a face to Brockton's needs.
As an immigrant, Fontaine said he sees other immigrants comparing Brockton favorably to bad situations in their home countries, leading them to settle for the status quo instead of pushing for better services and facilities. Fontaine came to the U.S. from Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 1981. He was 22.
'I get goosebumps just talking about it':There are big plans for D.W. Field Park
Fontaine initially settled in Cambridge, but he has built up his businesses and his relationships since moving to Brockton. If you've lived in Brockton any length of time, there's a good chance you've been a customer at one of his companies. They have included Celeb's Cuts, FDJ Realty Trust, Fontaine Cleaners and perhaps most famously, The Perfect Place, a large function hall.
In March 2021, he received the Black Excellence on the Hill Award from the state's Black & Latino Legislative Caucus. He also organized what has become an annual community cleanup: Keep Brockton Beautiful, which began when Jack Yunits was mayor.
Fontaine made an unsuccessful bid for City Council in 2009, and has served in several mayoral administrations. He founded South Shore Haitians United for Progress, a youth and adult development non-profit.
What it's like being the only independent in the House?
Being an independent in the House is challenging, but can be rewarding, according to Rep. Susannah Whipps, who represents Franklin. Voters have elected her twice as a Republican, but most recently elected her twice as an independent. As of this writing, she's the only unenrolled member of the House. The chamber has 126 Democrats, 28 Republicans and five vacancies.
"After a few terms, I felt like I was evolving a bit. I didn't want to belong to a party," Whipps said in a phone interview. "I was choosing people over parties."
Brockton-area real estate report:Multiple million-plus properties sold
Not being part of either of the state's political machines comes with pros and cons, she said. On the plus side is being able to support bills from any of her House colleagues or to throw support behind any candidate, no matter their party affiliation.
"If you're a Democrat, you can get in trouble," said Whipps, who caucuses with the Democrats.
The minuses are significant.
"It's lonely sometimes," Whipps said.
But the biggest drawback is cash. With no party affiliation, there's no money from either the Democratic or Republican campaign contribution pipelines. And you have to buy your own mailing lists and voter data.
"Fundraising is a little harder," she said.
Whipps' district may be more fertile ground for independents than heavily Democratic Brockton. She represents 12 towns across 340 square miles.
"When you get out here in rural Western Massachusetts, it's not Democrat versus Republican. It's West versus East, rural versus urban."
Whipps said the Democratic establishment has not frozen her out. For instance, Dems have given her committee assignments despite being unenrolled.
"It hasn't been the kiss of death, being an independent," Whipps said.
An uphill battle?
Fontaine will face an uphill battle to win as an unenrolled candidate in Brockton, according to Brian Frederick, chair of Political Science at Bridgewater State University.
"Generally speaking, it is very difficult to win as an independent in Massachusetts politics," said Frederick. "If you're not listed as a Democrat or a Republican, the system is against you. The likelihood of emerging victorious is very, very slim."
Frederick put long odds on Fontaine prevailing in the general election against whichever Democrat emerges from the primary. He said both Democratic candidates are strong.
There's also the problem of how Fontaine would navigate Beacon Hill without belonging to either major party. If the House were more evenly divided, an independent could have more leverage. But that's not the case in Massachusetts' House right now.
"Because the Democrats don't have any threat to their majority, they'd be less likely to placate (an independent)," said Frederick.
And even should Fontaine win Brockton's 11th Plymouth seat, the partisan lean of the district might incline Democratic leadership not to play ball with him.
"They probably feel like next time a Democrat runs, they have a good chance to beat him, so why support him?" said Frederick.
None of the above challenges scare Fontaine. He has deep contacts among Democrats, and has been a Democratic delegate many times. He also courts people on both sides of the aisle. Case in point: At his function hall on Main Street, he displays not only pictures of him with Joe Biden (from when Biden was running for president), but also with local Republicans such as longtime Plymouth District Attorney Timothy Cruz and Plymouth County Sheriff Joe McDonald.
Send your news tips to reporter Chris Helms by email at CHelms@enterprisenews.com or connect on Twitter at @HelmsNews. Thank you, subscribers. You make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Brockton Enterprise.
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https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/05/27/brockton-election-fred-fontaine-runs-independent-house-seat-11-th-plymouth/7229533001/
| 2022-05-27T13:47:30
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https://www.enterprisenews.com/story/news/politics/elections/local/2022/05/27/brockton-election-fred-fontaine-runs-independent-house-seat-11-th-plymouth/7229533001/
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Community Healthcare System invites the public to take part in Memorial Day ceremonies at Edward P. Robinson Community Veterans Memorial Park in Munster.
A ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Monday at the 2.5-acre park at 9710 Calumet Ave. will honor service members who died in combat, giving special recognition to those who hailed from Munster.
Munster VFW Post 2697 and American Legion Post 16 will conduct the Memorial Day Ceremony at the memorial, which honors the sacrifices of veterans of every major war during the 20th century. A 21-gun salute will take place at noon.
The Memorial Day event is free and open to the public.
It's a continuation of the Memorial Day tradition The Grand Army of the Republic began in 1868 “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country … with services and testimonials of respect."
It will take place rain or shine at the Community Veterans Memorial across from Centennial Park, just north of Sheffield Ave. and 2.5 miles south of the Borman Expressway in Munster.
People are also reading…
The park was developed by local veterans who came together in the late 1990s to honor war heroes. The war memorial aims to remember, educate and challenge with scenes from all the 20th century's major wars, realistic sculptures and voice over narration.
It's open from dawn to dusk year-round.
For more information, visit www.CommunityVeteransMemorial.org.
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https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/memorial-day-ceremony-planned-at-edward-p-robinson-community-veterans-memorial-park/article_b27bbe2f-fce9-5db7-a921-73da0afb85cf.html
| 2022-05-27T13:48:45
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https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/memorial-day-ceremony-planned-at-edward-p-robinson-community-veterans-memorial-park/article_b27bbe2f-fce9-5db7-a921-73da0afb85cf.html
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GARY — Indiana State Police said they were responding to multiple crashes early Friday along the eastbound lanes of the Indiana Toll Road in the Gary area.
The morning's rainfall has contributed to the crashes, police said.
The area in question has three lanes, which is allowing traffic to continue passing by during the police response.
Come back to nwi.com for updates as they become available.
Gallery: Recent arrests booked into Lake County Jail
Zachary Lindahl
Age : 21
Residence: South Bend, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204040
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felonhy
Wayne Rivera
Age : 26
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204125
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Wayne Micka II
Age : 31
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204089
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Victor Ocampo-Ayala
Age : 30
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204268
Arrest Date: May 20, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Vernisha Devers
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204213
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Vaughn Baker Jr.
Age : 34
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204183
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - AGAINST A PREGNANT PERSON; OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony; Misdemeanor
Tyran Calhoun
Age : 21
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204140
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: CRIMINAL RECKLESSNESS - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON (SOCIETY IS VICTIM); BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Tonya McElvene
Age : 50
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204160
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tommy Talley Jr.
Age : 36
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204107
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tessa Baumgartner
Age : 23
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204111
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Tameko Brown
Age : 46
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204176
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Stan Guydon
Age : 72
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204082
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Shaun Ross
Age : 39
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204127
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Scott Hall
Age : 59
Residence: Huntington, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204184
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Scott Cicale
Age : 41
Residence: Cedar Lake, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204174
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Santino Garza
Age : 18
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204110
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Sabrina Krueger
Age : 22
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204205
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Ryan Vaughn
Age : 28
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204056
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ruben Flores
Age : 34
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204053
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Rosalinda Miranda
Age : 27
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204192
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING - ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Robert Armstrong
Age : 34
Residence: Rockford, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204072
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Richard Hemphill
Age : 29
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204190
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Ria Swelfer
Age : 31
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204186
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Rex Arney
Age : 26
Residence: Lake Station, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204224
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Reinaldo Rosa
Age : 42
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204199
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - CONVERSION - UNAUTHORIZED CONTROL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Randy Martin
Age : 39
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204081
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Paul Sherman
Age : 43
Residence: DeMotte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204124
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: OPERATE VEHICLE AFTER BEING HABITUAL TRAFFIC OFFENDER
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Patrick Knight
Age : 40
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204189
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Pablo Frias-Maldonado
Age : 27
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204178
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: ASSISTING A CRIMINAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Oletha White
Age : 49
Residence: Sauk Village, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204032
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $75
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nivea McDonald
Age : 20
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204041
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Nicholas Teague
Age : 36
Residence: Lafayette, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204105
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Natori Hull
Age : 24
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204153
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Murell James III
Age : 22
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204221
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/SERIOUS BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Modesto Godinez Jr.
Age : 44
Residence: Knox, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204276
Arrest Date: May 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Mitchell Wood
Age : 51
Residence: Riley, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204121
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Slavik
Age : 32
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204049
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Rodriguez
Age : 42
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204129
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Potter
Age : 55
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204206
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Miner
Age : 47
Residence: Dyer, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204248
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Age :
Residence:
Booking Number(s):
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description:
Highest Offense Class:
Michael Lynch
Age : 24
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204130
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE - PRESENCE OF CHILD < 16 YEARS OLD
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Michael Kibler II
Age : 41
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204093
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Michael Hitchcock
Age : 43
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204249
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SHOPLIFTING - < $750; CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - DEALING - SCHEDULE I, II, OR III
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Matthew Steen
Age : 38
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204091
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Mark Simcoke
Age : 35
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204080
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Marcell Pierce
Age : 33
Residence: Harvey, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204258
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Malik Gross
Age : 26
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204043
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE; BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Lisa Woods
Age : 48
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204028
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Leandrea Sanders
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204071
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kyle Davis
Age : 32
Residence: Lowell, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204052
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Krystal Brady
Age : 40
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204044
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth Davis
Age : 27
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204264
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kenneth Brown Jr.
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204070
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Keadrick Morris
Age : 19
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204134
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING - ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Kamesha Houston
Age : 26
Residence: Calumet City, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204158
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justin Zinkiewitz
Age : 34
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204273
Arrest Date: May 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Justice Ball
Age : 18
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204141
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: ROBBERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Julian Duron
Age : 29
Residence: Valparaiso, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204232
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joven Evans
Age : 27
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204271
Arrest Date: May 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jonathan Gutierrez
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204092
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joel Ridder
Age : 27
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204265
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Joel Ridder
Age : 27
Residence: St. John, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204051
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jeffrey Reeves
Age : 29
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204260
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - SIMPLE - $750 TO $50,000
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Jameka Moore
Age : 27
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204280
Arrest Date: May 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Jamale Henderson
Age : 34
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204139
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Isaiah Tate
Age : 21
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204038
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT - VEHICLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Irma Anguiano
Age : 46
Residence: Matteson, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204103
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Gregory Nash
Age : 49
Residence: Fort Wayne, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204157
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Gigi Vega
Age : 59
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204162
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Genaro Cruz
Age : 40
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204076
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Garrett Landers
Age : 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204207
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Edward Wingard
Age : 29
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204151
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Edward Bibbs II
Age : 26
Residence: Merrillville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204135
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dustin Gertz
Age : 31
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204225
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - FIREARM
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Devin Bates
Age : 27
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204269
Arrest Date: May 20, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Destiny Berrones
Age : 27
Residence: Crown Point, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204235
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Derek Gensel
Age : 32
Residence: LaPorte, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204045
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: CONFINEMENT
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Dennis Richardson
Age : 56
Residence: Westville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204175
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: INTIMIDATION
Highest Offense Class: Felonhy
Deidra Merritt
Age : 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204161
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
David Lapotka
Age : 55
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204253
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; RESISTING
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Darryl Rodriguez
Age : 33
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204188
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - STRANGULATION; RESISTING - ESCAPE
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Darean Richardson
Age : 40
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204122
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Dante Taylor
Age : 46
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204180
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - MARIJUANA
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Danny Hall
Age : 20
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204195
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - MODERATE BODILY INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Damarcus Fisher
Age : 26
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204137
Arrest Date: May 16, 2022
Offense Description: BURGLARY - PROPERTY - RESIDENTIAL ENTRY - BREAKING AND ENTERING
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Curtis Colvin
Age : 38
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204200
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: THEFT - PROPERTY - POSSESSION - STOLEN PROPERTY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Clem Laster
Age : 33
Residence: Indianapolis, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204266
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Cierra Kelly
Age : 33
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204215
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Christopher Moynihan
Age : 31
Residence: Whiting, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204068
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Christina Guzman
Age : 38
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204259
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION LEGEND DRUG OR PRECURSOR
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Charles Gregory
Age : 55
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204243
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: DEALING - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Carlos VonHatten Jr.
Age : 58
Residence: East Chicago, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204256
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/DEADLY WEAPON - FELONY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Brittany Ramirez
Age : 33
Residence: Highland, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204027
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Brian Larry
Age : 50
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204217
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Brian Hughes
Age : 41
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204263
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bradley Fastabend
Age : 34
Residence: Schererville, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204047
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG; BATTERY - SIMPLE - AGAINST A PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Bobby Jones II
Age : 36
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204242
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bo Wayne
Age : 31
Residence: Trail Creek, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204074
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION HYPODERMIC SYRINGE OR NEEDLE
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bianca Dominguez
Age : 32
Residence: Munster, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204187
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - COCAINE OR NARCOTIC DRUG
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Bennie Therrell
Age : 65
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204054
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: DOMESTIC BATTERY - SIMPLE
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Armond Gamble
Age : 19
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204042
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: COMMON NUISANCE - MAINTAINING - CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Aquantis Walker
Age : 31
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204202
Arrest Date: May 17, 2022
Offense Description: FRAUD - FORGERY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Antwan Lucious
Age : 43
Residence: Chicago, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204120
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE - DEALING - SCHEDULE I, II, OR III; MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
Highest Offense Class: Felonies
Antonyous Harris
Age : 20
Residence: Griffith, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204090
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Antonio Johnson Jr.
Age : 24
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204250
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: POSSESSION - FIREARM - BY A FELON
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Antoin Lewis
Age : 18
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204116
Arrest Date: May 15, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OR PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIAL
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Anthony Trezak
Age : 47
Residence: Hobart, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204272
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Andre Prince
Age : 49
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204229
Arrest Date: May 18, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - STRANGULATION
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Amanda Lucero
Age : 32
Residence: Portage, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204069
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Alonzo White
Age : 45
Residence: Atlanta, GA
Booking Number(s): 2204084
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
Alexis Perkins
Age : 25
Residence: Gary, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204083
Arrest Date: May 14, 2022
Offense Description: FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Alexis Duenas
Age : 31
Residence: Lansing, IL
Booking Number(s): 2204036
Arrest Date: May 13, 2022
Offense Description: BATTERY - AGGRAVATED - W/INJURY
Highest Offense Class: Felony
Akosua Arhen
Age : 23
Residence: Hammond, IN
Booking Number(s): 2204234
Arrest Date: May 19, 2022
Offense Description: OWI
Highest Offense Class: Misdemeanor
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/multiple-crashes-along-local-stretch-of-indiana-toll-road-police-say/article_5f44f62f-3d94-5a41-b28c-1fb775bd577e.html
| 2022-05-27T13:48:48
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/multiple-crashes-along-local-stretch-of-indiana-toll-road-police-say/article_5f44f62f-3d94-5a41-b28c-1fb775bd577e.html
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CEDAR LAKE — A driver was reportedly unable to see a bicyclist riding down the middle of the street Thursday night before striking him and sending him to the hospital with injuries to his upper body and head.
"(Cedar Lake Police) Chief (William) Fisher advised that this section of roadway does not have lighting and is very dark this time of night," the department said in a press release.
The crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. in the 7300 block of 145th Avenue, police said.
Police said they arrived to find the bicyclist lying injured in the roadway. The bicyclist was reportedly a juvenile.
"Cedar Lake Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and rendered aid to the bicyclist," police said. "The bicyclist was transported to Franciscan Health Center in Crown Point by the Cedar Lake Fire Department."
Police were unable to give a status on the bicyclist and said an identification is being withheld pending the investigation.
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The driver of the vehicle and passengers were uninjured, police said.
Cedar Lake police and fire were assisted by St. John police, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Lake County Sheriff’s Traffic Division.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Cedar Lake Police Officer Richard Pennington.
Check back at nwi.com for updates.
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/watch-now-driver-unable-to-see-bicyclist-before-crash-cedar-lake-police-say/article_f2f94433-c5a9-5c1d-a320-764fa86415f6.html
| 2022-05-27T13:48:51
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/watch-now-driver-unable-to-see-bicyclist-before-crash-cedar-lake-police-say/article_f2f94433-c5a9-5c1d-a320-764fa86415f6.html
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North Dakota's Board of Higher Education has voted to permanently go “test optional” for admission, meaning a student will not have to take the ACT or SAT test to be admitted to college.
The board previously adopted a temporary waiver of the requirement of standardized test scores for admission. The formal policy takes effect for the fall 2023 semester.
"Our recruitment and admissions staff are working with high school juniors, helping them in their preparations," said Lisa Johnson, vice chancellor of academic affairs for the North Dakota University System, which oversees the state's 11 public colleges and universities. "Knowing that we can solidify this as a policy aids (schools) in their work, in recruiting and retaining students in North Dakota."
The concern with standardized tests is that they might disadvantage minorities or rural students who may not have access to test centers. A number of states and individual colleges have gone test-optional, according to Johnson.
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"It's important that we remain competitive," she told Prairie Public.
Eliminating standardized tests means campuses have to find other measures for admission, and for distributing scholarships and other financial awards.
Johnson said the University System is not anti-test, and that there are places where standardized test scores will still be used.
"We use standardized test scores for placement into college-level courses in mathematics and English," she said.
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https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/education/north-dakota-board-of-higher-education-makes-test-optional-policy-permanent/article_1ecc9b4c-ddc0-11ec-b9ca-db0b2905680d.html
| 2022-05-27T13:58:14
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https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/education/north-dakota-board-of-higher-education-makes-test-optional-policy-permanent/article_1ecc9b4c-ddc0-11ec-b9ca-db0b2905680d.html
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Sarasota Memorial Hospital receives $2 million donation for Behavioral Health Pavilion
A local couple has given $2 million to the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, in support of the Cornell Family Behavioral Health Pavilion.
Gary and Barbara Rodkin have long been supporters of the Community Specialty Clinic at Sarasota Memorial. Gary's father had physical and mental challenges in his early 90s and those struggles, along with the difficulty of finding the proper blend of care, served as inspiration for the couple’s gift.
"Even for people who can be as good an advocate as we can – knowing the systems and having financial resources – even with that, it was extremely difficult and frustrating,” Gary explained.
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The behavioral health pavilion is set to open in fall 2023 on the Sarasota Memorial Hospital campus and will take the place of the Bayside Center for Behavioral Health. The pavilion will be “a modern facility that enhances, expands and centralizes care for people affected by mental and behavioral health challenges,” according to a press release.
“It gives us an opportunity to do early intervention and protection, and also to do health education, mental health education out in the community, as well as doing treatment,” said Terry Cassidy, executive director of Behavioral Health Services for SMH.
Cassidy believes that the new facility will be a significant improvement over the Bayside Center, which was formerly a nursing home in the 1970s and is marked by low ceilings, long hallways and a lack of single rooms.
“It's just going to really cater to the needs of the individual patients in this new building,” Cassidy said.
Barbara Rodkin is a board member of the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and has a familiarity with SMH that made the couple comfortable offering such a large gift.
“This specific place and the people in the program, there's a trust factor there, and they’re very accountable,” said Barbara. “So it's really the way the foundation put it together that makes a difference.”
Breaking ground in March of 2023, the 95,000 square-foot pavilion will include outpatient treatment, counseling, therapy and 82 private inpatient rooms for children, adults, geriatric and acute care.
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https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2022/05/27/sarasota-memorial-hospital-behavorial-health-center-gets-donation-millions-gary-barbara-rodkin/9909925002/
| 2022-05-27T14:05:09
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https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/local/sarasota/2022/05/27/sarasota-memorial-hospital-behavorial-health-center-gets-donation-millions-gary-barbara-rodkin/9909925002/
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WEST OCEAN CITY, Md. — A woman and 6-year-old girl were taken to a hospital after they were exposed to a toxic gas while swimming at an indoor pool in West Ocean City on Thursday, officials said.
The investigation revealed that during routine maintenance, muriatic acid and chlorine were both accidentally released, forming a toxic gas that was discharged into the pool where the woman and child were swimming, the fire marshal’s office said.
The pool was closed indefinitely.
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/officials-2-swimmers-exposed-to-toxic-gas-hospitalized/2022/05/27/116cea74-ddc5-11ec-bc35-a91d0a94923b_story.html
| 2022-05-27T14:10:07
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/officials-2-swimmers-exposed-to-toxic-gas-hospitalized/2022/05/27/116cea74-ddc5-11ec-bc35-a91d0a94923b_story.html
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GRAND MOUND, Iowa — UPDATE: The Clinton County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Thursday night to approve the $250 million Hawkeye Solar Project in Grand Mound, Iowa.
Close to 150 people attended the meeting Thursday night. The meeting lasted two and a half hours as the board went through each revised point of the application and the board listened to public feedback and took questions on the project up until the vote.
Multiple times the county attorney said the board is required to uphold county law and that the solar farm application does meet what current ordinances state.
During the meeting, one of the supervisors, Tom Determan, said the board tried as hard as it could to get the best deal for everyone in the county.
"Many people thought that we could stop this, and from my perspective, is they followed our ordinance that was in place. They met every requirement that was put on them," supervisor Jim Irwin said. "Then they went above and beyond. I know many in the audience don't agree with that. But again, I'll go back to our role is to follow the laws of our land and follow our ordinances and that's what we had in place. And that's what we've worked with."
The board also agreed that it was not an easy decision to make, but one of the things that ultimately made their decision was the rights of property owners.
"Owner rights, they own the property, they make the decision of what they want to do," Irwin said. "There was just really no information that was negative about it. And we talked about health and so many different aspects of it. You could drive around the country, you can drive around Davenport to the Quad Cities, right around Clinton County, and you can see solar panels everywhere. If they were detrimental to our health, who would allow them to be on their house?"
The project's development manager with Ranger Power, Sam O'Keefe, said he was glad to finally have the board's approval.
"The county has been extremely diligent, thoughtful, very considerate. They've taken public input over the course of many months, and we've meaningfully changed the project as a result," O'Keefe said. "There's more work to do. There's a lot of coordination that goes into the start of construction, but this is a really big hurdle for us."
One of the concerns brought up over several meetings, as well as during Thursday night's meeting, was Ranger Power's commitment to hiring local labor for the construction.
It is in the rezoning application that the company will put forth a "good faith effort to hire local," but the county is not legally able to require that they do so. The Board of Supervisors has requested Ranger Power track and report annually how many local employees have been hired.
"Local hiring is a huge benefit," O'Keefe said. "We'd expect to hire almost 300 people to construct the project and a handful to operate it in the long term. If you look at our track record of other projects that we've built, they've used about 80% labor that's sourced locally. And we strive to do the same thing here."
Irwin thinks the solar farm will benefit the county.
"Companies are looking for this type of renewable energy to be able to contract with for their companies," he said. "We just had a company that contacted Clinton County Development about they want one gigabyte of our gigawatt of renewable energy... They want to move their facility to Clinton County or Scott County.
O'Keefe is hopeful construction will start in the fall. Once it begins, it will take around 12 to 18 months.
ORIGINAL: After months of public feedback and hours-long discussions, the Clinton County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on a proposed solar farm in Grand Mound, Iowa, at a meeting set for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26.
Chicago-based solar energy development company Ranger Power previously filed a zoning application to build a $250 million Hawkeye Solar Project over 1,500 acres of farmland near Grand Mound. It also includes its smaller Hatching Solar Project.
The land would be leased from 17 landowners for the Hawkeye project and another five for the Hatchling project.
Ranger Power submitted applications for the two projects to the planning and zoning commission in January. In order for the solar farm to be built, the Clinton County Board of Supervisors will have to rezone the land from what's called A-1 (Prime Agriculture) to RE (Renewable Energy Overlay).
The Clinton County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing Feb. 10 and recommended the Board of Supervisors deny the project. The Board of Supervisors get to make the final decision.
In November 2021, Sam O'Keefe, the project development manager, said the solar panels would generate enough energy to power 50,000 homes and businesses in Eastern Iowa. The panels are meant to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by hundreds of thousands of metric tons annually — the equivalent of taking around 100,000 cars off the road.
O'Keefe said the panels will rotate towards the sun and would be no taller than full-grown corn at full height.
The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing of its own March 24. During that meeting, residents spoke for and against the project.
Those against the project are worried it would take too much farmland out of production. Concerns also included damage to property value. Some neighbors just simply don't want to live near the solar panels.
The Clinton County Board of Supervisors met on April 7 to discuss Ranger Power's application at length. The board reviewed the county's ordinances point-by-point with its lawyers and engineers, asking how Ranger Power met each of those points.
"We need to make decisions on, I think, about what we would like to see with this project before we finalize any decisions," board member Daniel Srp said at the meeting on April 7.
One point of discussion, "Does the proposed site support the purpose of the solar project?" was Section 3.6.10 (A). It reads, in part, "Encourage development in line with the master plan for that area: (control urban sprawl, maintain rural character, provide more job opportunities, contribute to small communities)."
"I can't say it's gonna contribute to small communities," Irwin said. "Is it gonna contribute to Clinton County and a couple of school districts? Yes. Is it enough tax revenue to offset some of the negativity? I don't know. I'm still trying to weigh that out."
Over the 40-year lifespan of the project, it would generate $12 million in tax revenue. Half of that would go to the Central Dewitt and Calamus-Wheatland Community school districts. Another 40% would go to Clinton County for roads, infrastructure and public services, and 10% would go to local townships, area colleges, agricultural extension, assessor and the state.
The board met again on April 12 and discussed the project during multiple regular board meetings in May.
Ranger Power had previously said it would like to have a decision made by June.
The company has been working with landowners on developing this project since 2018.
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https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/clinton-county-hawkeye-solar-farm-ranger-power/526-7de5056a-0d6f-4aad-a378-b5ec087617b8
| 2022-05-27T14:16:04
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https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/clinton-county-hawkeye-solar-farm-ranger-power/526-7de5056a-0d6f-4aad-a378-b5ec087617b8
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HOUSTON — The National Rifle Association convention begins today in Houston, just days after 19 students and two adults were shot and killed inside Robb Elementary School in Uvalde.
According to Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, tens of thousands of people are expected to attend over the course of the three-day event at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
There are protests and demonstrations happening across the Houston area.
We will keep updates on this page throughout the day on the convention.
Protests planned today
There's been pressure on the NRA to cancel the convention, following the massacre in Uvalde. Groups are planning protests today, including the following:
- Discovery Green at 9:30 a.m.
- GRB Main Entrance at 10 a.m.
- Houston City Hall at 10:45 a.m.
- Rally at Discovery Green at noon
Faith leaders and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke plans to be at the rally in Discovery Green.
All events for scheduled for Saturday at Discovery Green have been canceled as a safety precaution.
Performers canceling NRA appearances
"American Pie" singer Don McLean was set to perform at the event but dropped out.
"In light of the recent events in Texas, I have decided it would be disrespectful and hurtful for me to perform for the NRA at their convention in Houston this week," he said in a statement.
"I'm sure all the folks planning to attend this event are shocked and sickened by these events as well. After all, we are all Americans," the statement continued.
McLean's statement concluded, "I share the sorrow for this terrible, cruel loss with the rest of the nation."
Lee Greenwood also announced he would not perform.
"As a father, I join the rest of America in being absolutely heartbroken by the horrific event that transpired this week in Texas. I was scheduled to perform at NRA’s private event on Saturday with my band. After thoughtful consideration, we have decided to cancel the appearance out of respect for those mourning the loss of those innocent children and teachers in Uvalde.
"During this Memorial Day Weekend, we should also remember the servicemen and women, and first responders who’ve given their lives to protect our great country. Please join me to pay our respects as we unite together as would be the most appropriate measure at this time."
Larry Gatlin won't be attending either, releasing a video message on Twitter explaining why.
Key speakers still attending
Former President Donald Trump is still scheduled to headline the event. Guns won't be allowed in the auditorium where the former president will be speaking, per the NRA, as the Secret Service handles security.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R- Texas, is also set to take the stage at the convention. Gov. Greg Abbott was scheduled to appear in-person, but will instead lead a video message. The governor will instead be in Uvalde for a news conference this afternoon.
Contributions to NRA and gun lobby
Over the course of his political career, which began in 2012, Cruz has accepted $176,284 in political donations from the NRA, according to the nonprofit group OpenSecrets..
Gov. Abbott has accepted $16,200 in political donations from the NRA and the Texas State Rifle Association over the course of his political career, which began in 2002, according to the Texas Ethics Commission
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who canceled his appearance at the NRA prior to the mass shooting in Uvalde, has received $583,816 from the NRA over his 20-year political career, according to OpenSecrets.org. U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, who also withdrew from the NRA Convention before the Uvalde mass shooting, has received $5,665 from the NRA since 2018, per OpenSecrets.org.
Open secrets also has the total for members of Congress from all gun rights during their career. Cruz is #1 in Congress, Cornyn #3 and Crenshaw #19.
Convention safety measures
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner says despite the massacre in Uvalde, he can't order the convention to be canceled since it was booked two years ago.
He expects around 80,000 people in attendance.
"For those persons who will be attending the NRA, whether we agree with the positions they take on guns, we certainly will be providing the necessary security for those who will be attending the NRA convention," said Mayor Turner Thursday.
As for calls to cancel, some visitors to the convention say it should go on.
"We will not allow our Second Amendment rights be taken away from us by a bunch of cheap politicians," said one visitor to the GRB on Thursday.
We still don’t know all street closures. The city said it would be releasing a map of them, but we still haven't seen it. We do have the parking map below.
Houston police say the protests near the convention will be confined to Discovery Green. Adding to the traffic, Ft. Bend ISD has graduation at Toyota Center tonight and tomorrow.
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/nra-convention-houston/285-17e1e531-8fa9-4583-bae6-8b0a97165774
| 2022-05-27T14:21:47
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/nra-convention-houston/285-17e1e531-8fa9-4583-bae6-8b0a97165774
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SAN ANTONIO — Several people including one baby escaped a house fire on the west side early Friday morning.
Just after 1 a.m., San Antonio Police and the San Antonio Fire Department responded to the 5300 block of Prince Valiant for a reported house fire. When officials responded, they reported seeing heavy fire coming from the garage.
Crews were able to access the garage from the side of the home and put the fire out --- another crew breached the front door to work on fire on the inside.
A battalion chief said the house was damaged, but the extent was not yet known.
Two adults and the baby were taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported, officials said.
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/several-people-including-baby-escape-house-fire-san-antonio/273-bf11b948-b93d-4043-bd39-977f59ad4ab5
| 2022-05-27T14:21:53
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https://www.kens5.com/article/news/local/several-people-including-baby-escape-house-fire-san-antonio/273-bf11b948-b93d-4043-bd39-977f59ad4ab5
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LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A semi-truck is dangling from an I-75 overpass in Lee County near Alico Road after a fiery crash Friday morning.
The semi-truck overturned and caught fire.
Traffic is currently being diverted off at exit 128.
Injuries are unknown at this time. Authorities are at the scene to divert the traffic, as well as provide aid if needed.
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/27/semi-truck-hangs-over-i-75-overpass-in-lee-county-after-fiery-crash/
| 2022-05-27T14:29:20
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https://nbc-2.com/news/local/2022/05/27/semi-truck-hangs-over-i-75-overpass-in-lee-county-after-fiery-crash/
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STEELTON, Pa. — Police in Steelton are trying to find the parents or guardians of a lost boy who was found alone in the borough Friday morning.
The child, a white or Hispanic male about 3-5 years old, was discovered near the 300 block of Lincoln Street, police say.
He is wearing blue sweatpants and a blue shirt that reads "Folly Beach, SC," according to police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Steelton Police Officer Etnoyer at aetnoyer@steeltonpa.com, Detective Dory Martin at dmartin@steeltonpa.com, or call (717) 425-0660 or (717) 558-6900.
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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/steelton-police-lost-child/521-7250806d-7f22-4bc4-8217-7a42721d856f
| 2022-05-27T14:30:41
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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/steelton-police-lost-child/521-7250806d-7f22-4bc4-8217-7a42721d856f
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FAIRFAX, Va. — A jury is scheduled to hear closing arguments Friday in Johnny Depp’s high-profile libel lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard.
Each side will have two hours to summarize their case in a trial that has stretched on for six weeks. With broadcast cameras in the courtroom, a celebrity trial that garnered intense interest from the outset has only gained momentum as fans have weighed in on social media and lined up overnight for coveted courtroom seats.
Depp is suing Heard for $50 million in Virginia’s Fairfax County Circuit Court over a December 2018 op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” His lawyers say he was defamed by the article even though it never mentioned his name.
Heard filed a $100 million counterclaim against Depp after his lawyer called her allegations a hoax.
Depp says he never struck Heard and that she concocted the abuse allegations to gain an advantage in divorce proceedings.
Heard testified about more than a dozen episodes of physical and sexual assault that she said Depp inflicted on her.
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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/virginia-johnny-depp-amber-heard-trial-closing-arguments-last-day-moments/65-758907bb-25c9-4d0e-ae78-65c98a940993
| 2022-05-27T14:30:47
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https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/virginia-johnny-depp-amber-heard-trial-closing-arguments-last-day-moments/65-758907bb-25c9-4d0e-ae78-65c98a940993
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Why Jalen Hurts is actually a reason the Eagles are going for it originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
When the Eagles traded for A.J. Brown and then gave him a $100 million contract, it was easy to find the connection with his best friend Jalen Hurts. And it seemed like that friendship might have helped the Eagles land Brown.
Hurts had a lot to do with it for a different reason.
He doesn’t get paid much.
Because Hurts is still getting paid relative peanuts on his rookie contract, it has allowed the Eagles to splash this offseason, to go “all-in” despite the unknowns about their quarterback position long-term. Heck, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman admitted as much shortly after the Brown trade.
“Obviously with all these players, contract's a big issue,” Roseman said in April. “When you have a young quarterback like we do, you can be a little bit more aggressive with contracts than maybe you can when you're paying a quarterback.”
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Remember when we heard the Titans were low-balling Brown? Well, the Titans have an established quarterback who makes a ton of money. No matter your thoughts about him as a player, Ryan Tannehill has the highest cap figure of any quarterback in the NFL in 2022.
It’s pretty clear to draw the correlation as Roseman did when he was a guest on PFTPM recently.
“I don’t want to talk for [Titans G.M. Jon Robinson],” Roseman said, “but I’m sure that was part of his thinking, like, ‘I got a quarterback that I’m paying.’”
That would make some sense. Tannehill in 2022 has a cap hit of $38.6 million — or 19.5% of the Titans’ total cap payout this season.
Hurts, meanwhile, has a cap hit of just over $1.64 million, which ranks 54th in the NFL among quarterbacks, according to OverTheCap. That ranks as the 29th-highest cap hit on the Eagles’ roster, just behind J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. And Hurts accounts for less than 1% of the Eagles’ total cap payout.
This is a pretty simple concept. Quarterback is the most important position in football and they are generally the highest paid players on their respective teams. But the rookie wage scale means that quarterbacks are cost-controlled for at least the first three years of their rookie contracts before they become eligible for extensions.
As a second-round pick in 2020, Hurts is extremely underpaid as an NFL starter. And that has allowed the Eagles to allocate that cap space to other positions.
So when the Eagles went out this offseason and signed Haason Reddick, gave Brown a mega deal, when they paid Fletcher Cox $14 million to return, brought in James Bradberry late and even when they handed out all those extensions during the season last year, it was in part because of Hurts. Not because they’re necessarily all-in on Hurts becoming the long-term franchise quarterback, but because his salary is so low it allows the Eagles to go all-in in other areas. They’re in a strike-now window.
This is the Russell Wilson plan. Not the Wilson who plays for the Broncos or the Wilson who became one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. This is about Russell Wilson, the inexpensive third-round pick in 2012 who led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl in his second NFL season and back again in his third.
Now, none of this is to compare Wilson and Hurts as football players. Wilson was a Pro Bowler in each of his first four NFL seasons and came out of the gate as a star. But their salaries are comparable. Because in 2013, when Wilson led the Seahawks to their Super Bowl victory, his cap hit was just over $681,000. In 2014, when he led them back to the Super Bowl, his salary was just over $817,00.
It’s no coincidence that the Seahawks were able to build an extremely strong team when Wilson was underpaid. It allowed them to use that cap space to bolster a roster that had five other Pro Bowlers in 2013 and 2014 and the No. 1 defense in the NFL during that two-year span.
It wasn’t until the 2015 season when Wilson got a $87.6 million contract extension that he was finally paid what he deserved. That’s when the roster construction became trickier. The Seahawks were good after that but never got past the divisional round again with Wilson as their QB.
If Hurts plays like a franchise quarterback in 2022, then the Eagles might give him a big contract extension before next season. But even then, they’d still have the ability to backload it and keep the cap figure relatively low for at least the next few years.
While Hurts was very inexpensive last year, his first as a starter in the NFL, the quarterback position wasn’t inexpensive for the Eagles. They were swallowing a then-NFL record $33.82 million in dead money for Carson Wentz, who was traded to the Colts. That accounted for over 16% of the Eagles’ adjusted cap figure. This season, the Eagles' entire quarterback room accounts for just 2.55% of their adjusted cap.
So, with Hurts and Gardner Minshew on their rookie contracts, this is really the first season the Eagles are enjoying the benefit of an inexpensive quarterback room. They’re making the most of it.
Now, this only works if Hurts is able to improve enough and play well enough to turn the Eagles into legitimate contenders. If he can, this plan would be a very worthwhile one.
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/eagles-going-for-it-while-jalen-hurts-is-still-underpaid/3253704/
| 2022-05-27T14:31:11
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/eagles-going-for-it-while-jalen-hurts-is-still-underpaid/3253704/
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As used car prices continue to rise, fueled by delayed delivery of new cars, an Arizona dealership has opened in Tucson.
Actually, Auto House sits just outside the city limits which means no city sales tax on vehicles.
The dealership is located at 5809 S. Belvedere Ave., near Interstate 10 and Valencia Road.
The family-owned Auto House started in 2002 and has locations in Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sun City.
Kevin Gordon, the general manager, said the company's approach to selling cars is no pressure.
Prices are generally what's posted on the website (autohouse.com) and one person walks the customer through the whole process.
"In and out in about an hour," Gordon said. "And, we'll do home deliveries."
He said they keep about 45 to 50 vehicles on the lot locally but customers can also view the inventory of over 600 vehicles at the other locations. Make and model vary.
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Supply comes from trade-ins and Auto House is part of the Kelly Blue Book Instant Cash Offer program, where customers can sell their car online.
The new Tucson dealership is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Used car prices have spiked 35% over last year and the average listing price is more than $28,000.
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https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/used-car-dealership-expands-into-tucson-market/article_309934c8-d624-11ec-ab95-d3ab648ce0d9.html
| 2022-05-27T14:43:55
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https://tucson.com/news/local/subscriber/used-car-dealership-expands-into-tucson-market/article_309934c8-d624-11ec-ab95-d3ab648ce0d9.html
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The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer. Nathan Davis is a Democratic candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 18:
In April, the Joint Legislative Budget Committee released a report projecting a $5.3 billion budget surplus. Since then, the Republican majority in the Arizona Legislature has mostly put forward plans to cut taxes for the rich and expand vouchers for private and religious schools.
I’d like to put forward an alternative: put it all into our public schools.
I experienced the repercussions of the decision to underfund our public schools as a teacher: students not receiving the support they need, classrooms without working A/C in August, families and educators frustrated and dejected.
While campaigning for the Arizona House of Representatives, I’ve spoken with scores of families concerned about the state of public education.
After decades of systematic underfunding, it’s time that we elect leaders who will do more than just bringing public education funding back to pre-Great Recession levels. It’s time that we push for policies that expand what we mean by public education.
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I have three proposals that I will put forward if elected to the Arizona House of Representatives.
First, universal preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old in Arizona. Child care is a significant burden for Arizona families and preschool is too often out of reach. Studies suggest that the return on investment in preschool education is roughly $10 dollars for every dollar spent. Other states and Washington, D.C., have embraced the need to provide high-quality, public preschool. It’s time that Arizona follow suit.
Second, free two-year community college for every high school graduate. Most Arizonans live within a reasonable drive from a community college. For thousands, they are a gateway for higher education and job training. Every dollar invested in community college education leads to an average return of $5.40 for the student and $2.10 for the state.
Third, we must bring the per pupil funding for public schools to at least the national median and pass additional policies to support K-12 schools, students and educators.
The voters made clear in their approval of Proposition 208 that they want the state to spend more on public education. With the budget surplus, we can fulfill the will of the voters and fund public education based on the Proposition 208 formula.
Additionally, we must fund all-day kindergarten throughout Arizona; place a cap on class sizes and allocate the funding necessary to hire additional teachers and build and supply additional classrooms; and provide additional funding to programs like Teach for Arizona and Arizona Teaching Fellow to train and attract new educators.
With the current budget surplus, Arizona has the opportunity to radically invest in the future without raising a single dime in new taxes. Let’s not waste this opportunity.
Nathan Davis is an educator, entrepreneur, and Democratic candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 18. He lives in Tucson.
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https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-lets-expand-public-education/article_7b20eb74-daa9-11ec-8749-fbad0bced23c.html
| 2022-05-27T14:44:02
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https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-lets-expand-public-education/article_7b20eb74-daa9-11ec-8749-fbad0bced23c.html
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/the-lineup/mysterious-deadly-house-explosion-in-pottstown-the-lineup/3253735/
| 2022-05-27T14:44:04
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/the-lineup/mysterious-deadly-house-explosion-in-pottstown-the-lineup/3253735/
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The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Once again, “prayers and thoughts” are with families, this time in Uvalde, Texas, whose children will not come home from Robb Elementary School after the ending school bell.
As news of the mass school shooting broke out, many of the immediate responses from people watching the news feeds centered around “it’s people, not guns at fault,” “let us arm the teachers,” “Let us send in armed guards.” America’s predictable response to violence — guns.
I had to turn off the news this afternoon. It is the same news we have heard repeatedly. I do not want it to wash over me as a predictable occurrence. I do not want to become immune to violence by watching the news, turning off the TV and then just resuming my daily activities. I want to stop … and think … and try to figure out what role I need to play to try to stop this habitual occurrence.
The Columbine shooting on April 20, 1999 shocked all of us. Google the mass shootings at schools in the last 23 years and you will find so many reports of shootings, including: West Nickel Mines School, Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois University, Sandy Hook, Northern Arizona University, Townville Elem, Aztec High, Santa Fe High School, Marjory Stone Douglas High School, Saugus High School.
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These schools might not mean anything to you unless you were the mother, father, brother, sister, spouse, teacher, or friend who suddenly found yourself in the depths of grief. What did the rest of us do after hearing the news of these shootings? We carried on with our lives while those families and schools involved in these shootings will never fully recover. How could you?
So instead of watching this devastating news, it is time to look at gun violence data. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation provides a great deal of information regarding gun violence.
In 2017, Bangladesh had an incident rate of 0.07 deaths from gun violence per 100,000 people. At the same time, the U.S. reported a rate of 4.43 deaths. Our neighboring country of Canada stands at 0.47 deaths per 100,000 people. The prosperous countries of Singapore and Japan had some of the lowest rates of gun violence and the United Kingdom and Germany were not far behind.
So, the wealth of the country does not seem to impact the actual gun violence data. However, gun laws appear to have a profound impact on gun violence.
A 2016 review in Epidemiologic Reviews of 130 studies in 10 countries found the not-so-surprising conclusion that legal restrictions on owning and purchasing guns often are followed by a drop in gun violence. Restricting gun access led to a safer society. That is data — not the emotionally charged mantra of “Don’t take my right to bear arms.”
The question really is, do we want to live and improve our lives by using our data to drive decisions, or would we rather fall back to emotionally charged “protect my family” speeches?
The mass shootings found in our schools typically showed a quiet, often “loner” type student who arrived on campus and began indiscriminately, but methodically, shooting anyone he found as a target. These individuals desperately needed mental health assistance long before the actual shooting.
Earlier this month, in a 2-1 ruling, a panel of the San Francisco-based Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals said a California ban on the sale of semi-automatic weapons to adults under the age of 21 was unconstitutional.
Judge Ryan Nelson wrote, “America would not exist without the heroism of the young adults who fought and died in our revolutionary army. Today we reaffirm that our Constitution still protects the right that enabled their sacrifice: the rights of young adults to keep and bear arms.”
During the Revolutionary War, young adults did not go into schools and randomly shoot students. Data? Or more emotionally charged speeches? If you do not agree with this ruling, then join groups who seek to change legislation and demand a safer society.
This is not about our Constitution written in 1787. This is not about the NRA. It is not about Republicans vs Democrats. It is also not about the rights of hunters and the right to defend one’s property.
It is about how to create a safe society where our children do not have to go through weekly emergency drills by hiding in closets and barricading their school doors.
It is about families feeling safe when they send their children to school. It is about trust that we have entities in our society specifically designed to keep the people in this society safe.
It is not a perfect society. But it is our society, and it is time to take ownership of this society. It is time to do whatever we can to ensure that guns stay only in the hands of those who have been trained to use them as part of their job.
Taking guns out of the hands of our children is only part of the answer. It is also time to demand more mental health resources for our children and adults in an increasingly stressful world.
Looking at the most recent Youth Risk Behaviors Survey from 2019, the American Society for Suicide Prevention found that 8.9 percent of youth in grades 9-12 reported they made at least one suicide attempt in the past 12 months. Translate that out: If your child is enrolled in a high school of 1,200 students, almost 107 of those students attempted suicide in the last 12 months. So, talk with your local school district, your school board, your state department of education and your governor.
My “prayers and thoughts” must be action-oriented. Today, I made another contribution to Gabby Giffords PAC. You can also support the Giffords Law Center. https://giffords.org. I am also educating myself on mental health needs of children in my state through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov.
Mary Grace Wendel is a retired public educator in Tucson.
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https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-prayers-and-action/article_56945140-dc40-11ec-8480-f7773a9d1104.html
| 2022-05-27T14:44:08
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https://tucson.com/opinion/local/local-opinion-prayers-and-action/article_56945140-dc40-11ec-8480-f7773a9d1104.html
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A few years back, a curious woman in Lincoln set out to find out more about the old house she loved.
Why were the walls so thick? Who were the people who’d lived in their sturdy two-story before the floors began to creak and Model Ts still roamed the streets of Lincoln? Had there ever been a garage?
Elle Stecher found answers and something better: She found Jack.
Jack Rokahr, an opera-loving World War II veteran who spoke five languages, explored the world, settled in California, loved his partner Ray and adored the house she now called home.
A house with leaded glass and pocket doors, radiator heat, built-in cabinets and basement walls as solid as a bunker. A house that had sailed past the century mark as grand as the Queen Mary.
His grandparents' house.
“It was the ‘Sunday dinner house,’” Stecher said. “He didn’t grow up here, but he loved his grandparents and he loved this house."
Stecher is the marketing manager for a tech startup. She’s a mom. A 29-year-old with an eye for style. She calls herself a “bit of a serial researcher.”
A few years after Stecher and her husband, Sam, moved into the house that Jack’s grandfather Ernest Rokahr built, she found a new research project.
She knew the builder’s name from a trove of papers left by a previous owner. She knew he’d made a name for himself building banks and courthouses. She knew he’d built his own house – now her house – for $2,500 and “old material.”
And she knew there had to be more to know, so she started poking around the internet.
A list of descendants popped up on an ancestry site. She found one Rokahr, born in 1922 without a death date. No way this guy is still alive, she thought.
But she searched the name and found it connected to a large donation at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Music Library. She rang the woman in charge, Anita Breckbill: Do you happen to know a Jack Rokahr?
Know him? How could she forget him?
“He was just an amazing person,” Breckbill said last week. “He had so many stories.”
Breckbill met the opera aficionado and Husker alum when he hauled 8,500 opera scores, posters, books and recordings worth more than a half-million dollars from his Southern California home to UNL in 2002 — filling a room at the music library, and then some.
Rokahr filled a room too, a tall man with a sleek head of white hair and a big personality.
“He was Mr. Enthusiasm,” Breckbill said. “He was always pushing me to say the collection was the largest in the world.”
He wanted it to be important, she said. And it is.
Twenty years ago, the university hosted a reception for Rokahr; his nephews and nieces traveling across the country to celebrate with him. Afterward, Uncle Jack rented a trolley to take them on a tour of places his grandfather and father had built, including a big brick house at 24th and Euclid.
The same house that filled Stecher with wonder and led her to Breckbill’s office 17 years later.
“Elle was also an amazingly enthusiastic person,” the music librarian said. “It was two enthusiastic people colliding.”
The day she called, the music librarian assured Stecher that Rokahr would be thrilled to hear from her.
The proof? That first phone call to California lasted an hour.
Stecher woke the next morning to a long email from a happy man with happy memories to share.
“This will be a nice project for both of us,” Rokahr wrote. “I am delighted with this lovely event.”
An event that began with a simple search for information and ended with a pandemic, the birth of a baby boy called Jack and the passing of his beloved namesake.
The beginning of a friendship
For the next year, the pair traded dozens of emails and phone calls.
Phone dates, Rokahr called them.
“He just had so many fun stories about his life and about the house,” Stecher said. “It was such a treat to hear them.”
She soaked up the details of Rokahr’s cosmopolitan life. Tales of his travels for two international pharmaceutical companies. His wartime service in Europe, and the fluent French that saved him from the front lines. She learned about his brief marriage to Lillian, his French bride who remained a friend.
He told her how he came to love opera by listening to the radio on Saturdays. How he dug dandelions for a nickel an hour to earn money to buy “Carmen,” his first opera score — the start of a lifetime of collecting.
He told her how he found love with Ray Myles and of their 60 years together in California.
He shared memories of his grandparents’ house. Sunday dinners with German dishes his grandfather loved. Sitting on the staircase to eavesdrop on his aunts. The button under the dining room table to call the maid. Singing around the Christmas tree.
He told her where the garage once stood. The hard turn off Euclid to park Aunt Elsie’s 1928 Buick alongside the gardening tools and mower.
She told him about the remodeled bathrooms, the new patio, their “hillbilly” stock-tank swimming pool and their 3-year-old son, Ezra.
A few months into their correspondence, Stecher made plans to visit an old friend in Burbank. She asked her new friend if he was up for a visit, too.
He would be thrilled, Rokahr said. The day came and lunch at his swanky assisted-living facility, a block from the beach, was delightful.
Rokahr was delightful, too, and Stecher posed smiling with Rokahr and Ray, looking like a granddaughter sandwiched between her two grandpas.
And that’s what Rokahr became to her, Stecher said. A grandfather she’d never known.
And Rokahr grew ever fonder of the inquisitive woman, who’d settled in the house of his childhood memories.
“Dear Friend in Lincoln,” Rokahr wrote after her visit. “We had a lovely time together and we are still talking about it three days later … Thanks for loving Grandma and Grandpa’s home and taking such good care of it. YOU made me very happy.”
Time passed, and the sendoffs on his emails illustrated his affection:
Your friend, Jack …
Love to everyone at your house as always, Jack …
Ray joins me in sending our love …
Hugs to everyone at 1743 South 24th Street …
And Stecher always answered in kind: Sam and Ezra and I send our love to you both …
A home’s living legacy
Stecher could not have found a better tour guide to the past.
When Ed Zimmer was Lincoln’s historic preservation planner, he’d get regular inquiries from owners of old houses. “Often, they’re interested in early owners, sometimes they’re hoping for photos.”
Rokahr provided so much more.
The history of a home and its first family. The white picket fence. The big garden. Family weddings in the living room. Letters from Aunt Mary and Aunt Elsie, who never married and stayed in the big house until the 1970s, career women who left their own grand legacies.
And the bonus of Rokahr’s own amazing life.
A man so connected to the opera world that sometimes proprietors let him sing on the stages of empty opera houses.
Who once played the piano for the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, the three of them belting out showtunes from “Oklahoma.”
Who peered into the windows of empty German homes after the war in search of grand pianos and sheet music.
Stecher worried what he’d think of her when he asked what kind of music she enjoyed: ’70s soft rock.
She still laughs at the look he gave her. “It was … unimpressed and slightly disappointed.”
They didn’t need music in common. He could love Puccini and she could love Creedence Clearwater Revival. They had the house. They shared a love of learning. They shared enthusiasm.
In July 2020, when Stecher told him a baby was coming — another boy — they would have something else to share. Baby Stecher would be another Jack, named in his honor.
Rokahr pooh-poohed the idea — Jack is better as a nickname, he said. But Stecher knew he was pleased.
“He said the house was built for a big family,” Stecher said. “And he was thrilled Ezra would have a sibling.”
Months passed and the pandemic took hold and refused to let go. It began to kill Americans, many of them elderly.
Rokahr and Ray were stuck in their apartment, the vaccine not yet available. Then Rokahr’s computer broke down and no one was allowed in to fix it. When Stecher would get him on the phone, he finally seemed his age.
It was hard for the gregarious man not to be able to congregate and socialize, she said.
“Sometimes, his mood was better than others, but he was just getting worn down.”
Then, on the last day of February 2021, Elle and Sam welcomed Jack Louis Stecher into the world.
When Stecher called to tell her friend the good news, the phone went to voicemail. She would later learn Rokahr was hospitalized with COVID, and Ray was stricken with the virus, too.
Ernest “Jack” Rokahr died March 5, 2021; Ray followed a few weeks later.
Rokahr’s nephew organized a small memorial service in Lincoln that spring. Stecher cried as she wrote her tribute:
“Here’s to Jack Rokahr; a dear friend to all and a guiding light … You made me feel truly worthy of your friendship and like a true member of your family.”
Her Jack is a toddler now, his tiny body full of mischief and fun, living in the Sunday Dinner House on 24th Street with his mom and dad and big brother.
They contemplated moving, Stecher says. It would be nice to have a garage, after all.
“I was so sad after Jack died, I thought ‘I have to move.’”
But now she thinks about the man she found, 98 years old, delighted to peer into the past and coax it into focus for her.
“He told us it was important for us to know that our house was always filled with love, that the history of the house and the family who was here, would set the stage for whoever landed there next.”
Two little boys running across up and down creaky wood stairs, warmed by the radiators, two loving parents, a solid foundation underfoot.
Her family.
The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraska’s first independent, nonprofit newsroom focused on investigations and feature stories that matter.
Keilan Schultz, 17, of Wymore, was pronounced dead at the scene of Saturday's crash. Billy O'Keefe Jr., 18, also of Wymore, was taken to Bryan Campus West in serious condition.
The mission to show Tom Cruise a good time as he prepared to film "Top Gun" in 1985 fell to Lt. Walter E. Carter, Jr., known to his fellow naval aviators as Slapshot, and to the Cornhusker state as University of Nebraska President Ted Carter.
Police said 45-year-old Rodney Badberg punched the man three times and kicked him once before fleeing the area on foot, leaving the man bleeding on the sidewalk.
The charge stems from April 14, when the 22-year-old reported he heard sawing noises in his driveway and saw three men underneath his car, according to police.
Elle and Sam Stecher stand with their sons Ezra, 5, and Jack, 1, in front of their historic home in Lincoln's Near South neighborhood earlier this month. Elle's curiosity about the history of the house led to a journey of discovery, a friendship and a namesake for her second son.
Elle and Sam Stecher found deliveries of oil and gas scrawled by a previous owner on a brick wall in the basement of their Near South Neighborhood home.
A photograph from the early 1920s shows Jack Rokahr in the arms of an unknown family member in front of the house his grandfather Ernest Rokahr built for $2,500 with leftover construction material from his business. Rokahr relayed stories of visits to his grandparents' home to Elle Stecher, the home's current owner.
Elle Stecher (left) and Anita Breckbill pose in "Jack's Opera Room," formally known as the Rokahr Family Archive, a collection of more than 8,500 items related to opera that were collected over Jack Rokahr's lifetime and donated to the UNL Music Library. Stecher connected with Rokahr with the help of Breckbill while she was researching the history of her historic home in Lincoln.
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/a-lincoln-woman-went-searching-for-her-old-house-s-history-she-found-jack/article_9b6c1baf-3b9d-5a61-9123-73c0de3f57f8.html
| 2022-05-27T14:46:31
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/a-lincoln-woman-went-searching-for-her-old-house-s-history-she-found-jack/article_9b6c1baf-3b9d-5a61-9123-73c0de3f57f8.html
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SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — A mother and her son who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI) could soon be homeless because they can't find a facility to properly care for him.
It has been 12 grueling years since the motorcycle crash that changed everything for Rhonda Johnson and her son Brandon.
"This was done to him," Rhonda Johnson said. "It’s not his fault."
Brandon Johnson suffered a traumatic brain injury in the wreck shortly after his 18th birthday.
He was doing ok for a while. He was even able to live on his own, but then his condition deteriorated and he turned angry.
"He would stand on his porch and yell, see people in the trees," Rhonda Johnson said. "There is paranoia and there are delusions."
Because of his outbursts and disturbing behavior, Rhonda and Brandon keep getting kicked out of wherever they live.
Brandon Johnson has also been arrested at least 40 times for minor altercations. He has a sex crime on his record for kissing a woman's hand without her consent, which makes it especially difficult to get an apartment.
They've repeatedly worked with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and tried adult family homes, assisted living facilities and subsidized apartments, none of which have worked.
Rhonda Johnson has even tried to have her son committed to a psychiatric hospital, but that didn’t work either.
"They say he doesn’t meet a threshold. He’s not a threat to himself or to others," she said. "But he is a threat to our livelihood because we can’t live anywhere. It’s, it’s absurd. It’s surreal that there is nowhere for him to go."
The state does have a Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council to assist the 145,000 people living with TBIs. It has a budget of about $3 million, but none of that money is used for housing.
According to the DSHS website, the state legislature authorized DSHS to develop Enhanced Services Facilities (ESF) around 2013. This new category of licensed residential facility will provide a community placement option for individuals whose complicated personal care and behavioral challenges do not rise to a level that requires an institutional setting.
Individuals are referred to an ESF if they are coming out of state and community psychiatric hospitals or have no other placement option due to their complex behavior, medical, chemical dependency and/or mental health needs.
"We do have one of the top long-term care systems in this country, overall," said DSHS spokesman, Chris Wright. "There are options, but in situations like this I’m sure everybody would like more."
Rhonda Johnson had to quit her job as a paralegal to care for her son.
They live on a government check and are staying in motels or with friends but those stays are always short-lived because of Brandon Johnson's issues.
Rhonda Johnson is hoping to find an affordable place somewhere in rural Snohomish County where Brandon can live without disturbing people, but that, too, is proving very difficult because of rising rents and their limited income.
For now, she’s just trying to help her son survive.
"It’s like when you try to save someone from drowning and you go down too," Rhonda said, as Brandon gave her a hug. "What can you do? But I have to try."
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/traumatic-brain-injury-mother-son-washington-homeless/281-fbce0fe5-b895-4008-96c4-4034721b9d71
| 2022-05-27T14:54:48
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https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/traumatic-brain-injury-mother-son-washington-homeless/281-fbce0fe5-b895-4008-96c4-4034721b9d71
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MASON COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – February 23, 2021, was the last time Grace Smith’s family saw her. Her sister Jodi Jones says “it’s like she just vanished.”
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office found Smith’s car parked in the TNT area with the keys on the hood and her belongings still inside. She, however, was nowhere to be found.
The investigation has been at a halt for almost three months. The sheriff’s office has also been working with the West Virginia State Police and the FBI on certain areas of the case, but they are still missing vital information that could be used to find her.
Smith’s family says they want everyone to know that they “are not giving up.” Thursday night, family and friends, including her mother and sister, held a candlelight vigil in an effort to keep hope alive, so that one day soon they’ll know exactly what happened.
While this is still an active investigation, Sheriff Corey Miller and many of Smith’s loved ones believe there is at least one person who knows what might have happened to her but is keeping it concealed.
I’m 100%, at least one of two people know, and they’re just refusing to help us for whatever reason.
Jodi Jones, Grace Smith’s sister
The reward for information leading to her location has been upped from $5,000 to $6,000. Sheriff Miller is hoping this will help push their investigation forward and is urging anyone who may know something to contact their office or their anonymous tip line.
The sheriff’s office is currently following several leads which they hope will open up more doors that will help bring Grace home.
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https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/family-of-grace-smith-still-seeking-answers-after-her-disappearance/
| 2022-05-27T14:58:35
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https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/family-of-grace-smith-still-seeking-answers-after-her-disappearance/
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HILLSBORO, Ore. — A Hillsboro man did something with his two firearms that's gaining national attention on social media — he turned them over to police to be destroyed.
“Today I'm turning in my weapons to the Hillsboro Police Department in Oregon, both my AR-15 and my nine millimeter handgun. I no longer want them,” said Ben Beers in his now viral TikTok post.
Beers said he made his decision in response to the May 24 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers.
“I was up all night, tossing and turning, crying and shaking,” Beers told KGW.
When he woke up Wednesday morning, Beers, 37, knew exactly what he wanted to do.
In just one day, close to 200,000 people had watched Beers’ TikTok video.
“Which is a good thing,” said Beers. “Hopefully soon we can all wake up and realize this needs to be done … this is an idea — guns are not as precious to us and nor are my Second Amendment rights as the lives of my children in school.”
Beers and his wife have two daughters. By the time they're grown, he said he hopes access to guns in America will look different.
“I can't even find a PlayStation 5, but I can go get a Glock, you know?” said Beers.
Beers said he also hopes the money driving the gun industry will have lost its pull.
“I'm aware that I could have made thousands of dollars off this stuff but that's the problem. [Guns] already have too much of an economic impact in this country. It's already a big moneymaker and that's the root of the problem,” he said.
In the past, Beers said he has owned and sold other guns, but said this latest mass shooting changed everything.
“I just want to turn them in, have them destroyed,” he said.
The Hillsboro Police Department contracts with a company that destroys guns that have been turned in, according to Hillsboro Police Sgt. Clint Shrz. He said they don’t offer people incentives to turn in firearms, be it money or vouchers, just a property receipt. He said most local law enforcement agencies do the same.
“It could be a death in the family and someone has left them a firearm that they don't want in the house and they decide to turn it into us,” said Shrz. “It happens about once a month.”
Beers said he hopes people will choose to turn in their firearms more often now.
“Hopefully America can wake up, because no other country has the problem we do with gun culture and ideation and gun violence like we do,” said Beers.
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/hillsboro-man-tiktok-video-guns-destroyed-turned-in/283-0b61f28b-85ad-460c-94f9-37341acdea56
| 2022-05-27T15:06:42
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/hillsboro-man-tiktok-video-guns-destroyed-turned-in/283-0b61f28b-85ad-460c-94f9-37341acdea56
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gary Loesch was let go as chief of the Sacramento Fire Department Thursday afternoon.
Loesch told ABC10 Friday morning that he was fired during a meeting at city hall. Loesch says he was given four reasons for his firing, including having a problematic working relationship with city officials.
The Sacramento Fire Department confirmed that Gary Loesch, who had been chief since 2018, was no longer an employee with the city.
A fire department spokesperson couldn't speak as to whether Loesch was fired from the position.
Assistant City Manager Leyne Milstein was appointed as the Interim Fire Chief as the city searches for a replacement.
WATCH ALSO:
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/gary-loesch/103-850c4c53-e465-4198-915f-c83bb4fd2dee
| 2022-05-27T15:06:46
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https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/gary-loesch/103-850c4c53-e465-4198-915f-c83bb4fd2dee
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A mother and sister known for baking decadent pastries. A restaurant worker buying his 3-year-old's birthday cake. A father of six who worked as a school bus aide.
These three victims of the racist attack on a Buffalo supermarket will be laid to rest Friday, in a week filled with goodbyes for family and friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for Geraldine Talley, 62, of Buffalo, Andre Mackniel, 53, of Auburn, and Margus Morrison, 52, of Buffalo.
They're among the 10 people killed and three wounded when a white gunman opened fire on afternoon shoppers and employees at a Tops Friendly Market on May 14. Authorities said he chose the grocery store because it's in a predominantly Black neighborhood.
For many Black Americans, this latest example of targeted racial violence stirred the same feelings they faced after earlier attacks.
“It’s like Groundhog’s Day. We’ve seen this over and over again,” said Mark Talley, son of Geraldine Talley, at a news conference after the shooting. “I constantly think about what could have been done.”
Friends and family of Talley say she was an expert baker who treated them to apple crisp, cakes and pastries. She was with her fiancé at Tops when the shooting started. Her fiancé was in a different aisle and made it to safety.
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“Gerri will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her dimpled smile and immense love for her family,” her online obituary said. Veteran civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton is expected to memorialize Talley on Friday.
Mackniel was picking up a birthday cake for his young son when he was killed. He was a cook and stay-at-home father to his son, his obituary said.
“He loved basketball, playing the guitar, writing poems, listening to music, but most of all Andre was a very family oriented man,” it said.
Morrison, a father of six, had worked as a security guard and was a bus aide with Buffalo Public Schools since 2019. He was buying snacks for a family movie night, his stepdaughter Cassandra Demps told WIVB.
Frederick Morrison said he’ll remember his brother who he often played basketball with as comical and full of energy.
“All his jokes weren’t good,” Frederick told The Buffalo News, laughing, “but he was funny.”
Funerals for store security guard Aaron Salter, 55, of Lockport and Pearl Young, 77, of Buffalo were held Wednesday. In previous days, 32-year-old Roberta Drury, 72-year-old Katherine Massey, 67-year-old Heyward Patterson, and 65-year-old Celestine Chaney, were also laid to rest.
A funeral for the oldest victim, 86-year-old Ruth Whitfield, will be held Saturday.
The country was still mourning the violence in Buffalo when yet another mass shooting left 19 students and two teachers dead inside an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24. Authorities say the shooters in both attacks were 18-year-old men with semi-automatic rifles.
The suspect in the Buffalo shooting was charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bail. His lawyer, at his initial court appearance, entered a plea of not guilty. In Texas, the suspected gunman was killed by law enforcement.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/3-more-funerals-for-buffalo-victims-in-week-of-goodbyes/3708830/
| 2022-05-27T15:06:46
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/3-more-funerals-for-buffalo-victims-in-week-of-goodbyes/3708830/
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A former pharmacy technician involved in the theft of more than $8.2 million worth of prescription HIV medication from a Veterans Affairs hospital in northern New Jersey has been sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison.
Lisa Hoffman, 50, of Orange, had pleaded guilty last November to theft of government property. She worked at the hospital in East Orange, where she was responsible for ordering drugs and supplies for the site’s outpatient pharmacy and maintaining its inventory.
From October 2015 through November 2019, prosecutors said Hoffman used her position to steal prescription HIV medication from the hospital. She placed large orders for the medication, purportedly on behalf of the hospital, then stole it after it was delivered.
Hospital surveillance footage captured Hoffman regularly taking dozens of bottles of HIV medications from the pharmacy shelves and eventually putting them in her bag, then leave the hospital with the stolen medication, prosecutors have said.
Hoffman would routinely meet with another conspirator and sell him the stolen medications for cash. The conspirator would then sell the medications to other people.
Hoffman received a 57-month sentence Thursday. She must pay $8.29 million in restitution and will have to forfeit of $450,000.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/ex-veterans-hospital-worker-in-nj-sentenced-for-theft-of-8-2m-worth-of-hiv-meds/3709341/
| 2022-05-27T15:06:46
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/ex-veterans-hospital-worker-in-nj-sentenced-for-theft-of-8-2m-worth-of-hiv-meds/3709341/
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SEATTLE — Washington has relatively more stringent gun laws in the state, compared to others. One expert who has decades of research in firearms safety said Texas laws could have done more.
"I wish that Gov. Abbott and the state legislators would look themselves in the mirror and realize that they could have prevented these from happening," said Dr. Frederick Rivara, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington (UW).
Rivara has done 35 years of research in the field of gun safety and serves as the founding director of UW's Harborview Injury and Research Center. He said shootings like the one in Uvalde, Texas, are preventable.
In Washington, several laws are in place to prevent gun violence. The state requires universal background checks during gun sales, a ban on high-capacity magazines and people younger than 21 are not allowed to buy semi-automatic weapons.
In 2016, Washington voters passed an initiative on "extreme risk protection orders," known as ERPOs, which allow family members and law enforcement to request a court order that prevents someone from accessing guns if they're worried the person might be at risk of harming themselves or others. There must be demonstrated evidence that the person poses a significant danger.
In King County, 70 to 80 ERPO petitions were filed each year, on average, according to a King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office spokesperson.
So far, 34 were filed in 2022. Of those, 30 were filed by law enforcement, four were filed by other non-police individuals. There were 79 ERPO petitions filed in 2020, and 67 were filed in 2019.
"We know that it has been under-utilized," Rivara said.
Rivara added, that children in Washington state should feel safe because of the gun laws that have been passed in the state.
"I think that we can reassure our children and I think that's a very important message to tell our children to reassure them that we've done everything we can to keep them safe," Rivara said.
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https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/gun-violence-control-laws-washington-state/281-a96d62ef-772f-4c1b-8393-67e0b0f989b0
| 2022-05-27T15:12:35
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https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/gun-violence-control-laws-washington-state/281-a96d62ef-772f-4c1b-8393-67e0b0f989b0
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Senior Reece Dominguez is ready to graduate after a busy four years at Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy (FALA).
In addition to his studies, Dominguez participates in advanced musical theater, jazz dancing and choir as well as student council, the National Honors Society, peer tutoring and serving as president of the Indigenous Youth Club.
“It’s an outlet, kind of a way to express myself,” he said of his interest in music. “I also just think music theory is really interesting. It’s hard and difficult to learn, [but] once you have it down it’s really really cool.”
He said he “really got into music” in sixth grade, when he joined choir and started learning about sight reading and music theory.
Dominguez sings and plays the piano, and writes his own music as a personal hobby. On his to-do list is learning how to play guitar and produce his own music.
His preferred genre when writing music is indie pop and alternative. He enjoys listening to artists such as Lana Del Rey, The Neighborhood and Hannah Montana.
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He also said he’s known around school for his love of Bridgit Mendler’s music, saying he's "been obsessed with her since ninth grade.”
FALA’s advanced musical theater class hosted a production of "Radio Gals" at the beginning of May and they had a cabaret performance last week. Dominguez performed "Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
He started both musical theater and dancing this year, and said his advice for other students was “don’t be afraid to try new things.”
“I think no matter what, you’re going to leave high school with regrets, but it’s good to leave high school with as little regrets as possible," he said. "So doing things you discover later on in high school earlier on could be really fun to do, because you don’t know if you like anything until you really try it."
He added: "Try to branch out as much as you can, try as many things as you can, so you can figure out what you like and what you don’t like.”
Dominguez said his own regret was not trying dance or musical theater earlier.
He joined the dance class after watching them perform through the window of another class, and thinking, “That’s so cool. I wish I could do that.” He and some friends were following along with the dances when someone in the class said he should join them. After speaking to the teacher, he joined the school’s advanced jazz class, which “was pretty intimidating.”
“I wish I would have done it sooner, because I really, really do love it. It’s been one of the best things I think I’ve done this year, because it’s given me that performance experience and a way to keep active. I learned how to use my body to its fullest extent,” he said. “..The biggest thing is I feel if I had started a long time ago, I could be way better than I am now.”
But he's learning from his experiences.
“I try not to look at it like that and just look at it like I have more time to try to grow and get better at the things that I enjoy,'” he said.
Though he’s only been dancing for three months, he said Jazz 3 was one of his favorite classes at FALA, alongside keyboard class.
In addition to getting to spend an hour and half playing piano, he said the teacher, Chase Coleman, was why he has enjoyed the class so much. Coleman first taught Dominguez to play the piano as a ninth-grader, and he’s been in his class ever since.
“He’s one of my favorite teachers ever, because he’s just a super good person. I really enjoy his teaching style…. Also, it’s just a nice, laid-back setting compared to more academic-oriented classes,” Dominguez said.
Dominguez plans to keep playing the piano in his free time once he heads to college and will keep singing. He hopes to join a jazz vocal group or choir.
Dominguez has been his class’s representative on the student council his sophomore and senior years, communicating what his grade needs to the student council and helping to arrange events.
“I like to be able to relay what my grade wants,” he said. “...I really like the group aspect of it, getting to know the other student council members and being in that leadership role."
As president of the Indigenous Youth Club, Dominguez said his role is mostly to facilitate meetings.
"Our mission statement is to create a cultural impact here at FALA, and to create a space for Indigenous students to come and feel safe and welcome," he said.
The club has hosted food sales and presented schoolwide assemblies on missing and murdered Indigenous women and residential schools. Dominguez also wrote a land acknowledgment that the school uses for events, including the most recent dance performance.
The peer tutoring program was started this year as another FALA student, Annabelle Folsom’s, senior project.
“I joined to support her; she’s my friend,” Dominguez said. “But, I don't know, it's also good to help the younger people.”
He was paired with a younger student who he helps with schoolwork and efficiency, as well as “helping lead them to their goals in their academic fields.”
It's been Dominguez’s first experience with teaching and he said it’s going “pretty well.”
“It was a rough learning curve, because I’ve never done that before,” he said. “So I had to figure out how to adapt to the student’s needs and how I was as a teacher. I think, throughout the year, I’ve definitely gotten better. There’s probably still things I need to improve on, but right now, we have a pretty steady flow.”
He said he’s enjoyed his time at FALA, especially in comparison to his earlier experience in public school, where students were grouped by intelligence. He spent seventh grade in an online program, due to anxiety. Once he started to recover, Dominguez wanted to return to in-person school, but not to the school he’d been in before. His sister had spent a year at FALA, so he decided to give it a try.
“I think the biggest takeaway from FALA is being able to express myself in the way that I wanted to,” he said. “Whether that’s with the way I dress, with the way I show myself to the world and my interests. It’s definitely given me that confidence to do what I want and what I like to do.”
As far as graduation, Dominguez said he’s excited and “a little nervous.”
“I’m ready for the new start, the clean slate feeling,” he said. “That’s what I’m looking for.”
The nerves come from the fact that, after he graduates, he’ll be “leaving everything that’s familiar.” He plans to study sociology as Arizona State University with the hope of one day becoming a social worker.
He said he chose the university because “it was in state, but it was far away enough for it to be new.”
He first heard about the job in sophomore year from school counselor Janine Birchard.
“I think it’d be really cool to give back to the community as much as I can and learn as much as I can,” he said.
He’s most excited to meet new people and to join higher-level groups for his extracurricular interested.
“I’m a pretty social person,” he said. “...Especially at college, there’s so many people who come in from all around the states and all around the world.”
FALA’s graduation will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at the Pepsi Amphitheater in Fort Tuthill County Park, located at 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop. More information is available at flagarts.com.
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https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/high-school-graduate-spotlight-musician-reece-dominguez-graduates-from-fala-on-a-strong-note/article_72618aec-d7b7-11ec-872f-8f960b5ffbf9.html
| 2022-05-27T15:14:07
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https://azdailysun.com/news/local/education/high-school-graduate-spotlight-musician-reece-dominguez-graduates-from-fala-on-a-strong-note/article_72618aec-d7b7-11ec-872f-8f960b5ffbf9.html
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U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore announced last week that the agency would pause all prescribed burns on National Forest System lands for 90 days because of extreme wildfire risk, with the pause being used to conduct a “review of protocols, decision support tools and practices ahead of planned operations this fall.”
Moore said in a public statement that the pause will make space for a “national review” that evaluates the prescribed fire program “from the best available science to on-the-ground implementation.”
“Lessons learned and any resulting program improvements will be in place prior to resuming prescribed burning,” Moore said.
The announcement comes on the heels of the destructive Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in New Mexico, which was in part ignited by a prescribed burn caught by extreme winds and blown out of Forest Service control.
While Moore’s statement makes no formal connection between the pause and the large fire, pausing the prescribed burn program following such an incident makes sense, said James Petit, fire staff officer for the Coconino National Forest (CNF).
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“Anytime you have an escape that turns into a wildfire, everyone's going to want to take a pause there and see what went wrong,” Petit said.
There’s always a risk to “striking a match,” Petit said, but forest managers “do a lot of risk assessment before [prescribed burns]. We've got a really high percentage of successful prescribed burning.”
According to Moore’s statement, “In 99.84% of cases, prescribed fires go as planned. In rare circumstances, conditions change, and prescribed burns move outside the planned project area and become wildfires.”
CNF usually conducts about 30 to 50 prescribed burns to treat up to 40,000 acres of forest each year.
According to Petit, prescribed burns are the Forest Service’s “best tool” for reducing forest fuels and protecting communities from catastrophic wildfire. There are also mechanical treatments -- such as forest thinning and logging to reduce fuels -- but prescribed fire most closely mimics the natural cycle of the forest and helps to recycle nutrients into the forest ecosystem.
“It’s a tool we’d like to continue to use,” said Petit.
Whether natural or prescribed, fires are an important part of forest health in northern Arizona, said Amy Waltz, director of science delivery for the Ecological Restoration Institute at Northern Arizona University.
“Fire can increase grass and wildflower diversity. It creates habitat for a bunch of different animals, from insects all the way up to our large ungulates like antelope, elk, mule deer,” Waltz said.
She explained that many of the problems we have with current fires are a result of over-fighting fires in the past.
“Fire exclusion in the late 1800s and early 1900s is part of the reason why we have the current fuel load today,” Waltz said. “And of course, the fires that we see today are also due to climate change and some weather changes that we're seeing.”
Climate change also poses challenges for the use of prescribed fire. Historically reliable “burn windows” are shifting.
“What we're seeing is more of a robust monsoon or rainy summer, which pushes our fall window back a month or two,” Petit said. “And then we're having these really dry springs where historically we've made up some acreage in the springtime.”
This spring, unusually strong winds further restricted the opportunities for safe burning conditions.
“We just weren't able to burn many acres before the winds took hold,” Petit said.
Even before the pause, changing conditions caused CNF to cancel prescribed burns plans as early as April.
“During normal years, we would be finishing up spring burning right now,” Petit said.
But as it stands, for the 90 days of the pause, “we didn't have any plans to burn anyways,” Petit said.
Petit expects the pause and national review will take a “broad” view of prescribed burn policy and may be accompanied by a more localized review of individual forest activity, “which we welcome,” he said.
He does not expect that prescribed fire will be removed from the Forest Service toolkit. Moore’s statement also makes it clear that prescribed burn operations are “essential.”
“Fire has been here long before we ever got here,” Petit said. "And it'll always be here. It’s nature's way of cleaning that forest floor. ... Prescribed fire will always be a need.”
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https://azdailysun.com/news/local/prescribed-burns-put-on-pause-nationwide-due-to-extreme-fire-risk/article_c0324c74-db91-11ec-b399-af9a3c677cbd.html
| 2022-05-27T15:14:08
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https://azdailysun.com/news/local/prescribed-burns-put-on-pause-nationwide-due-to-extreme-fire-risk/article_c0324c74-db91-11ec-b399-af9a3c677cbd.html
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Ask Dean: Why did the Peoria Chiefs move downtown, and what made Bradley drop football?
Ask Dean is a Journal Star series focusing on all things Peoria: its history, mysteries, quirks, culture and new developments. Send your questions to dmuellerleile@pjstar.com.
Question: What made the Peoria Chiefs leave Meinen Field? And what made Bradley lose its football team? — Mike Patterson
Answer: The Peoria Chiefs were established as the Peoria Suns in 1983 and played their home games at Meinen Field north of Bradley University. The Suns were rechristened in 1984, and that Chiefs team was managed by future Major League Baseball manager Joe Maddon. The facility was renovated before the 1992 season and renamed Pete Vonachen Stadium at Meinen Field, a tribute to the Chiefs owner.
The team moved to the new downtown O'Brien Field in 2002. The venue was known as Chiefs Stadium from 2009–2013 and then renamed Dozer Park.
The reasons for the Chiefs' move were manifold. Meinen Field was considered outdated and lacking amenities, attendance was a concern, and downtown Peoria development was gearing up. Many minor league teams were building splashy new stadiums.
The new $16 million downtown stadium boasted improved concessions, a video board, luxury suites and, quirkily, palm trees.
An Oct. 19, 2002, Journal Star postseason review was headlined, "Big-league style ballpark a hit in Peoria: Palm trees about the only thing that didn't perform as advertised in O'Brien Field's inaugural season."
Fans clearly approved of the move. The team set a franchise attendance record of 254,407 en route to a Midwest League championship.
The palm trees did not do so well. Trucked up from southern Florida in mid-May when Peoria temperatures were hovering around the freezing mark, only three of the 20 transplanted palms survived. But for over a decade, the yearly replanting of the fair-weather flora was a Chiefs tradition. Over time, the trees became part of the Peoria landscape.
Related: If you have questions about Peoria, Ask Dean. He's worked here for a quarter-century
Bradley football
"For The Players, A Very Sad Day" read the headline of a story in the Journal Star on Dec. 17, 1970.
The day before, Bradley University had announced it was dropping its football program, citing declining interest and rising costs.
"Football at Bradley has resulted in a financial deficit for the past 10 years and, with declining support from students and fans, has resulted in increasing losses in recent years," Dr. Martin G. Abegg, the acting president of the university, said in another story that day.
The losses were not only financial. The team had gone 1-8 in both 1969 and 1970. Indeed, "Bradley had not competed for the (Missouri) Valley football championship since 1950," the story added.
That futility was quite the turnaround for a program that had gone undefeated in 1922 and repeated that feat in 1925 and 1926.
Bradley football began in 1897, the year the school was founded. The team's all-time record was 308-240-32.
Related: Bradley football alumni huddle up once more
Whether it's a person, place or a product, send your "Whatever happened to ...?" and "Wasn't there a ...?" questions, comments and suggestions to dmuellerleile@pjstar.com. Please put ASK DEAN in the subject line.
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https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/local/2022/05/27/why-peoria-chiefs-moved-locations-and-bradley-dropped-football/9801201002/
| 2022-05-27T15:25:25
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https://www.pjstar.com/story/sports/local/2022/05/27/why-peoria-chiefs-moved-locations-and-bradley-dropped-football/9801201002/
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Cornerstone Christian
BLOOMINGTON — Cornerstone Christian Academy graduation will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 28, in the gymnasium.
Janani Dharmarajan is the valedictorian.
Graduates are:
Jackson Burns, Janani Dharmarajan, Olivia Farinas, Adrienne Garey, Khel Gordhan, Anna Hancock, Sarah Hopt, Olivia Huettemann, Chet Kaufmann, Tessa Martin, Grace Miller, Jack Miller, Asher Nelson, Morgan Phillips, Zachary Radel, Alex Schippert, Emma Sorensen, Lauren Unruh, Haley Webb, Drew White and Ridge Willard.
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/cornerstone-christian-academy-2022-graduates/article_4c39845c-cd56-11ec-ab1a-67004b1fc4e3.html
| 2022-05-27T15:26:54
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/education/cornerstone-christian-academy-2022-graduates/article_4c39845c-cd56-11ec-ab1a-67004b1fc4e3.html
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — A member of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is being credited with saving a woman’s life at Panama City Beach earlier this month.
While on vacation with his wife, Deputy Tim Sanford noticed a woman struggling to pill her friend out of the water. Sanford then jumped into action and pulled the woman out of the water.
The beachgoer was unresponsive, not breathing and had no pulse, according to Sanford. He then began performing CPR on the woman until first responders arrived. Two other vacationers stepped in to help Sanford who was eventually able to get her pulse back.
“Law enforcement is a calling…no matter what situation you are in, you are trained for that,” Deputy Sanford said in a statement. “When I saw the lady in need, my training immediately kicked in.”
Sanford added he was glad to be on the beach that day to save the woman’s life. JCSO has also applauded Sanford’s actions and offered warnings to those who may be traveling to the beach for Memorial Day to stay vigilant and no their limits to avoid a disaster.
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/jefferson-county-deputy-credited-with-saving-beachgoers-life/
| 2022-05-27T15:32:36
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/jefferson-county-deputy-credited-with-saving-beachgoers-life/
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — In a series of “Peanuts” comic strips that ran in mid-April of 1956, Charlie Brown grasps the string of his kite, which was stuck in what came to be known in the long-running strip as the “kite-eating tree.”
In one episode that week, a frustrated Charlie Brown declines an offer from nemesis Lucy for her to yell at the tree.
“If I had a kite caught up in a tree, I’d yell at it,” Lucy responds in the last panel.
The simplicity of that interaction illustrates how different “Peanuts” was from comics drawn before its 1950 debut, said Lucy Shelton Caswell, founding curator of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at Ohio State University in Columbus, the world’s largest such museum.
“The idea that you could take a week to talk about this, and it didn’t have to be a gag in the sense of somebody hitting somebody else over the head with a bottle or whatever,” Caswell said. “This was really revolutionary.”
New exhibits on display at the Billy Ireland museum and at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California, are celebrating the upcoming centenary of the birth of “Peanuts” cartoonist Schulz, born in Minnesota on Nov. 26, 1922.
Schulz carried the lifelong nickname of Sparky, conferred by a relative after a horse called Sparky in an early comic strip, Barney Google.
Schulz was never a fan of the name “Peanuts,” chosen by the syndicate because his original title, “Li’l Folks,” was too similar to another strip’s name. But the Columbus exhibit makes clear through strips, memorabilia and commentary that Schulz’s creation was a juggernaut in its day.
At the time of Schulz’s retirement in 1999 following a cancer diagnosis, his creation ran in more than 2,600 newspapers, was translated into 21 languages in 75 countries and had an estimated daily readership of 355 million. Schulz personally created and drew 17,897 “Peanuts” strips, even after a tremor affected his hand.
The strip was also the subject of the frequently performed play, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” as well as “Snoopy: The Musical,” dozens of TV specials and shows, and many book collections.
Bill Watterson, creator of “Calvin and Hobbes,” described in a 2007 Wall Street Journal review of a Schultz biography the difficulty of looking at “Peanuts” with fresh eyes because of how revolutionary it was at the time.
Benjamin Clark, curator of the Schulz museum, describes that innovation as Schulz’s use of a spare line that maintains its expressiveness.
Schulz “understood technically in drawing that he could strip away what was unnecessary and still pack an emotional punch with the simplest-appearing lines,” Clark said. “But that simplicity is deceptive. There’s so much in these.”
The exhibit in Columbus displays strips featuring 12 “devices” that Schulz thought set Peanuts apart, including episodes involving the kite-eating tree, Snoopy’s doghouse, Lucy in her psychiatry booth, Linus’ obsession with the Great Pumpkin, the Beethoven-playing Schroeder, and more.
“Celebrating Sparky” also focuses on Schulz’s promotion of women’s rights through strips about Title IX, the groundbreaking law requiring parity in women’s sports; and his introduction of a character of color, Franklin, spurred by a reader’s urging following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
In addition, the display includes memorabilia, from branded paper towels to Pez dispensers, part of the massive “Peanuts” licensing world. Some fellow cartoonists disliked the way Schulz commercialized the strip.
He dismissed the criticism, arguing that comic strips had always been commercial, starting with their invention as a way to sell newspapers, Caswell said.
While 1965’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is one of the most famous cartoon TV specials of all time, the characters have also returned in dozens of animated shows and films, most recently in original shows and specials on Apple TV.
Those Apple programs introduced new viewers to the truth of what Schulz drew, his wife, Jean Schulz, told The Associated Press last year. She described that truth this way:
“A family of characters who live in a neighborhood, get along with each other, have fun with each other, have arguments sometimes with each other, but end up always in a good frame hugging each other or resolving their arguments,” she said.
Caswell, who first met Schulz in the 1980s, said one of the exhibit’s goals was to surprise people with things they didn’t know about the man. In that, “Celebrating Sparky” succeeds admirably.
Who knew, for example, that Schulz, a hockey and ice-skating lover, is in both the U.S. Figure Skating and U.S. Hockey halls of fame? (Perhaps that isn’t surprising, given multiple strips that featured a hockey-playing Snoopy or Zambonis driven by the little yellow bird, Woodstock.)
By focusing on Schulz, the exhibit also aims to show he worked hard to perfect his drawing style before “Peanuts” was launched and was intentional about what he wanted the strip to be, Caswell said.
“This was a person of genius who had a very clear, creative focus to his life, and enjoyed making people laugh,” she said.
“Celebrating Sparky: Charles M. Schulz and Peanuts” at the Billy Ireland museum runs through November and was mounted in partnership with the Charles M. Schulz Museum.
The Charles M. Schulz Museum has two exhibits commemorating Schulz’s birth: “Spark Plug to Snoopy: 100 Years of Schulz,” which explores comic strips and artists who influenced Schultz (running through Sept. 18); and “The Spark of Schulz: A Centennial Celebration,” exploring cartoonists and artists influenced by Schulz (from Sept. 25, 2022, through March 12, 2023).
___
Associated Press US Entertainment Video Editor Brooke Lefferts in New York contributed to this report.
___ This article has been corrected to show that the title of one of one of the exhibits at the Charles M. Schulz Museum is “Spark Plug to Snoopy: 100 Years of Schulz,” not “Snoopy: 100 Years of Schulz.”
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| 2022-05-27T15:35:31
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FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Johnny Depp’s lawyers asked a jury Friday “to give Mr. Depp his life back” by finding his ex-wife, Amber Heard, guilty of libel.
Heard “ruined his life by falsely telling the world she was a survivor of domestic abuse at the hands of Mr. Depp,” lawyer Camille Vasquez told the jury in closing arguments.
Depp hoped the trial would help restore his image and resurrect his career, though it has turned into a six-week spectacle of a vicious marriage that has left both actors tarred, with broadcast cameras in the courtroom capturing every twist as fans weighed in on social media and lined up overnight for coveted courtroom seats.
Depp is suing Heard for $50 million in Virginia’s Fairfax County Circuit Court over a December 2018 op-ed she wrote in The Washington Post describing herself as “a public figure representing domestic abuse.” His lawyers say he was defamed by the article even though it never mentioned his name.
Heard filed a $100 million counterclaim against Depp after his lawyer called her allegations a hoax.
Depp, in his final testimony to the jury, said he filed the suit so he could tell his side of the story — something he said he hasn’t been able to do up until now.
“I have spoken up for what I’ve been carrying on my back, reluctantly, for six years,” Depp testified Wednesday.
Heard, in her final testimony, said she’s been the victim of a smear campaign orchestrated by Depp ever since she filed for divorce, and said she just wants Depp “to leave me alone.”
Depp says he never struck Heard and that she concocted the abuse allegations to gain an advantage in divorce proceedings. He has said he was often physically attacked by Heard.
“There is an abuser in this courtroom, but it is not Mr. Depp,” Vasquez said.
Heard testified about more than a dozen episodes of physical and sexual assault that she said Depp inflicted on her.
Vasquez, in her closing, noted that Heard had to revise her testimony about the first time she said she was struck. Heard said Depp hit her after she inadvertently laughed at one of his tattoos. Heard initially said it happened in 2013 — after a fairy-tale year of romance and love — but later corrected herself to say it happened in 2012, very early in their relationship.
“Now in this courtroom she has suddenly erased an entire year of magic,” Vasquez said.
Jurors have seen multiple photos of Heard with marks and bruises on her face, but some photos show only mild redness, and others show more severe bruising.
Vasquez said evidence that Heard has embellished some of her injuries is proof that all her claims of abuse are unfounded.
“You either believe all of it, or none of it,” she said. “Either she is a victim of ugly, horrible abuse, or she is a woman who is willing to say absolutely anything.”
Each side has two hours to summarize their case in a trial that has stretched on for six weeks. Heard’s lawyers will present their closing arguments later Friday.
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https://www.cbs42.com/local/at-long-last-jury-gets-closing-arguments-in-depp-trial/
| 2022-05-27T15:35:38
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NEW YORK (AP) — Quentin Tarantino’s next book is a nonfiction dispatch from a lifelong movie fanatic.
“Cinema Speculation,” to be published Oct. 25, will center on “The Getaway” and other films from the 1970s that influenced him during childhood. The book, announced Friday by Harper, comes a year after his best-selling novelization of his movie “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Harper is calling “Cinema Speculation” a combination of “film criticism, film theory, a feat of reporting, and wonderful personal history.” Tarantino, 59, is also known for such movies as “Pulp Fiction,” “Reservoir Dogs” and “Django Unchained.” He has previously cited such ’70s films as “Jaws,” “Apocalypse Now” and “Carrie” as among his favorites.
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https://www.cbs42.com/local/quentin-tarantino-book-cinema-speculation-to-land-oct-25/
| 2022-05-27T15:35:46
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LONDON (AP) — “ABBA Voyage” is certainly a trip.
Four decades after the Swedish pop supergroup last performed live, audiences can once again see ABBA onstage in an innovative digital concert where past and future collide.
The show opens to the public in London on Friday, the day after a red-carpet premiere attended by superfans, celebrities and Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The guests of honor were pop royalty — the four members of ABBA, appearing in public together for the first time in years.
They were in the audience, though. Onstage at the specially built 3,000-seat ABBA Arena next to east London’s Olympic Park were a 10-piece live backing band and a digital ABBA, created using motion capture and other technology by Industrial Light and Magic, the special effects firm founded by “Star Wars” director George Lucas.
The voices and movements are the real Agnetha Faltskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad — choreographed by Britain’s Wayne McGregor — but the performers onstage are digital avatars, inevitably dubbed “ABBA-tars.” In unsettlingly realistic detail, they depict the band members as they looked in their 1970s heyday — beards on the men, flowing locks on the women, velour pantsuits all around.
The result is both high tech and high camp, a glittery supernova of stupefying technology, 1970s nostalgia and pop music genius.
For many in the audience, it was almost like being taken back in time to watch ABBA perform classics including “Mamma Mia,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “SOS” and “Dancing Queen.” The peppy 90-minute set also includes tracks from “Voyage,” the reunion album the band released last year.
It’s a fusion of tribute act and 3D concert movie that transcends that description. At times it was possible to forget this wasn’t a live performance, though when the backing singers stepped forward to belt out “Does Your Mother Know,” a surge of live-music energy shot through the arena.
The four band members — two married couples during ABBA’s heyday, though now long divorced — got a rapturous ovation when they took a bow at the end of Thursday’s show, 50 years after they formed ABBA, and 40 years after they stopped performing live.
Watching one’s younger self perform must be a strange sensation, but the band members, now in their 70s, said they were delighted by the show.
“I never knew I had such amazing moves,” Ulvaeus said.
Lyngstad agreed: “I thought I was quite good, but I’m even better.”
Ulvaeus said the audience reaction was the most gratifying part of the experience.
“There’s an emotional connection between the avatars and the audience,” he said. “That’s the fantastic thing.”
Producers bill the show as “revolutionary.” Time will tell. Like the first audiences to watch a talking motion picture a century ago, attendees may leave wondering whether they are watching a gimmick, or the future.
The Times of London reviewer Will Hodgkinson judged the show “essentially an ABBA singalong with added sound and light show,” though he called the effect “captivating.” Writing in The Guardian, Alexis Petridis called the concert “jaw-dropping” and said “it’s so successful that it’s hard not to imagine other artists following suit.”
Gimmick or genius, “ABBA Voyage” is booking in London until May 2023, with a world tour planned after that.
The fans who attended Thursday’s show are just delighted ABBA is back.
“I’m so excited,” said Kristina Hagman, a Swede who has been a fan since the 1970s.
“I was bullied so much because you were not allowed to like ABBA at that time, because it was so commercial,” she said. “But now we are taking revenge.”
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https://www.cbs42.com/local/stars-and-royalty-watch-abbas-return-in-digital-stage-show/
| 2022-05-27T15:35:53
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TRI-CITIES (WJHL) — Memorial Day marks a day of remembrance for U.S. soldiers who gave everything while in the line of duty. The solemn day serves as a reminder for those who lost their lives fighting for American freedom.
The holiday also marks the first unofficial day of summer.
In the Tri-Cities, organizers and city leaders have organized dozens of events to honor those who fell in the line of duty as well as weekend events the entire family can enjoy. Storm Team 11 forecasts a bright, beautiful and warm Memorial Day on Monday.
Memorial Day services/activities
What: Boys Scouts Flags
Where: Johnson City VA
When: Saturday, May 28 at 9:30 a.m.
What: Armed Forces Salute Ceremony
Where: Downtown Jonesborough
When: Saturday, May 28 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
What: Annual Memorial Day Service
Where: Veterans Memorial Park in Greeneville located at 805 Forest St.
When: Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.
What: Bristol’s Cumberland Square Park War Memorial
Where: 200 Lee St.
When: Monday, May 30 at 12 p.m.
What: Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony
Where: Mountain Home National Cemetery at 215 Heroes Drive, Johnson City
When: Monday, May 30 at 11 a.m.
What: Kingsport Memorial Day Program
Where: Kingsport Veterans Memorial at 1630 Fort Henry Drive
When: Monday, May 30 at 10:45 a.m.
What: Johnson City Doughboy Memorial Day Ceremony
Where: Spirit of the American Doughboy statue at JC Memorial Park Community Center
When: Monday, May 30 at 9 a.m.
Memorial Day weekend activities
What: Johnson City Farmers Market Festival
Where: Pavilion in Downtown Johnson City
When: Saturday, May 28
Activities: Rock painting from 9-11 a.m., strawberry dessert contest with a $20 prize with judging at 10:30 a.m., strawberry painting activity for children
What: Gathering at the Gap
Where: Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in Big Stone Gap, Virginia
When: May 28
Activities: live music, food, craft vendors, workshops
What: Wetlands opening
Where: 1523 Persimmon Ridge Road, Jonesborough
When: Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. until p.m.
What: Johnson City Adult Prom
Where: Holiday Inn at 101 W. Springbrook Drive
When: Saturday, May 28 from 7-11 p.m.
What: Plumb Alley Day
Where: Downtown Abingdon
When: Saturday, May 28 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Activities: Entertainment stage, children’s area with inflatables, live music, local vendors and food and drink
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/list-memorial-day-weekend-events-services/
| 2022-05-27T15:54:24
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The shooting at Robb Elementary School earlier this week in Uvalde, Texas, broke hearts across the country.
Parents, loved ones and even children that were in the school during the incident were able to share their thoughts and stories. At the University of Delaware, college students expressed concerns about security and safety at schools.
Robby Samataro, a junior at the school, said his family lives near Sandy Hook, Connecticut, the site of the 2012 mass shooting that left 20 elementary schoolers and six faculty members dead. His family’s proximity to Sandy Hook has allowed him to witness firsthand the grief and tragedy experienced by the victims’ families in the aftermath.
"The fact that our safety is being treated as a pawn in a political game is – it's mind-boggling. The fact that it's all talk and nobody's willing to commit – just, there's no action being taken to make sure that our safety is prioritized, and it's just incredibly disappointing,” Samataro said.
“Instead of taking real action to protect us from bad actors, we are instead having to learn how to protect ourselves if or when it happens instead of getting ahead of the curve and stopping people before it happens," he added.
Ocean Shen, another University of Delaware junior, noted how quickly the Uvalde shooting followed the mass shooting in Buffalo, New York. He called on leaders to implement both gun control measures and mental health resources.
Holly, who asked that NBC10 only use her first name while discussing the topic, said she was exasperated at the country’s inaction on guns following mass shooting after mass shooting.
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"I'm just wondering why we haven't done anything as the U.S.," Holly, a sophomore, said.
Holly noted that people in other countries struggle with mental health, yet those countries do not see mass shootings on the scale or with the frequency that the U.S. does in part due to their stricter gun policies.
Samataro, meanwhile, expressed frustration at what he feels is a growing lack of safety at schools.
"Classrooms are basically being treated like a war zone,” Samataro said. You have to know where to hide, you have to know where to get out if you have to. And the fact that we're being expected to just know that and live with that every day – the fear of knowing that ... we could be next."
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https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/like-a-warzone-u-del-students-reflect-on-uvalde-shooting/3252623/
| 2022-05-27T16:02:44
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Memorial Day weekend in Arizona: Heavy traffic expected along I-17, SR 87 as holiday kicks off
Thousands of Arizonans will likely travel during the long holiday weekend, with many opting to leave their homes to enjoy other parts of the states after being shuttered indoors for weeks by COVID-19.
Traffic along the I-17 and SR 87 is expected to be heavy over the weekend, especially by lunchtime Friday. Travelers can keep tabs on traffic and road conditions with the latest information from ADOT:
- ADOT Alerts app: Download ADOT Alerts from your app store to get real-time traffic updates and road conditions. You can opt in to receive alerts based on your location.
- Twitter: The ADOT Twitter account is managed by a 24/7 operations center that monitors conditions on Arizona state highways and interstates.
- az511: Visit https://www.az511.com for real-time updates and freeway/highway camera feeds.
According to the National Weather Service in Phoenix, the Valley will experience above-normal temperatures resulting in widespread moderate heat risk. Friday is expected to be the hottest with a high of 104 degrees, but cooler temperatures will follow over the weekend, dipping to a high of 90 degrees on Memorial Day.
If you plan on being outdoors, local authorities are reminding residents to practice water safety and take precautions when exposed to extreme heat.
Follow here for weather and traffic updates in Arizona.
Follow coverage of the Memorial Day weekend in Arizona by Republic reporters here.
7 a.m. Friday: Heavy traffic expected along I-17, SR 87 as Memorial Day Weekend kicks off
If you plan on heading out by car this weekend, be sure to plan ahead.
The Arizona Department of Transportation expects a lot of traffic on the highways to the higher elevations as people head to Flagstaff, Prescott, Payson and Show Low, as well as out of state. Drivers experienced heavy traffic on Thursday night, and will experience it once more come lunchtime on Friday as the freeways, especially Interstate 17, will be crammed with motorists.
"We’ll have our share of people using I-8 or I-10 to California and the beaches," ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said. "It’s important to avoid excessive speeding, stay focused and avoid distractions such as texting while driving."
There will be no scheduled construction work along state highways, including Phoenix-area freeways.
ADOT recommends packing the following items for safety and comfort on long drives:
- Water.
- Blankets: Can be used to sit on outside if your car breaks down, or for warmth if you get stuck somewhere cold.
- Nonperishable food.
- Fully charged mobile devices and power cables to charge your phone in your vehicle.
- Extra set of clothes and a jacket if traveling to higher elevations.
- First-aid kit.
— Shanti Lerner
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https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2022/05/27/memorial-day-arizona-things-do-travel-weather-fire-updates/9857722002/
| 2022-05-27T16:05:06
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GARY — U.S. Steel is making a major investment in its flagship Gary Works steel mill, pumping $60 million into a pig caster that will connect its legacy integrated operations along the lakeshore to its growing mini-mill division down south.
The Pittsburgh-based steelmaker is installing a new pig caster that will convert iron ore hauled by freighter across Lake Michigan into pig iron that will feed its new electric arc furnaces in Arkansas. The pig caster will be able to produce 500,000 tons of pig iron per year, also serving U.S. Steel's blast furnaces.
Construction started earlier this year.
“Mined, melted and made in America has always been important to us, and recent world events have demonstrated how critical self-reliance is,” U.S. Steel President and CEO David B. Burritt said. “This investment at Gary Works, to create the necessary material for our lower-emissions electric arc furnaces, is the perfect example of combining the best of integrated and mini-mill technologies. It’s also helping propel our transition to our ambitious best for all strategy. We’re committed to a future of driving profitable steel solutions for people and the planet.”
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It's a significant capital project for the company, which has been prospering, Burritt said.
"This last year we celebrated 120 years on the New York Stock Exchange. The symbol of X is X marks the spot," he said. "Last year was a big year for us, not just because of record profit. We had record safety, record quality and record reliability. We also were named Newsweek's most loved companies and one that we were most pleased with was we were named one of Ethisphere's Most Ethical Companies."
The company is positioning itself for the future, he said.
"We're in good shape. We expect the second quarter to be all-time records. That's a good place to be," Burritt said. "Yet this r-word keeps showing up, and it's probably going to happen. There's probably going to be a recession when the Federal Reserve chair said it's going to be a softish landing. But that's okay, we're loaded with cash and going to manage through it. We will be stronger than ever. We're not without our challenges. We're not without our mishaps. But we're investing. We're investing in our employees. We're making a difference for them with all-time record profit-sharing and we want that to continue."
U.S. Steel's new pig caster will be supplied by the ships that already ferry iron ore from U.S. Steel's mines in Minntac and Keetac in Northern Minnesota's Iron Range to Gary Works. The pig machine will make as much as 50% of the metallics needed for the steelmaker's new Big River Steel Works.
“Gary Works is U.S. Steel’s largest manufacturing plant, and its role in the company and in this community is significant,” said Daniel Killeen, vice president of Gary Works. “Knowing that the nearly 4,000 employees at Gary Works are not just contributing here, but we now get to utilize our blast furnace efficiency to contribute to the company’s new, most environmentally friendly operations at Big River Steel Works, is something we’re excited about.”
Currently, the mill at 1 N. Broadway in downtown Gary, which stretches along seven miles of Lake Michigan lakefront, makes more iron than the steel shops can take away, Killeen said. The new pig machine will let the mill cast 500,000 tons a year of pig iron into a usable form to lower costs at Big River and further optimize use of the company's mines in Minnesota.
Gary Works will move the finished product via barge and railcar to fuel electric arc furnaces in Arkansas.
Company officials, politicians and other dignitaries gathered at the Gary Works steel mill Thursday where they celebrated the capital project with a whole pig roast. The new facility is expected to add about 25 more permanent full-time jobs, as well as scores of temporary construction jobs.
It's an investment into the future of the mill, United Steelworkers Local 1014 President Gus Atsas said.
"The process of pigging iron will help secure our plant in an ever-changing global market," Atsas said. "The future of Gary Works and the United Steelworkers go hand in hand. Our families and communities depend on our success, and we are proud of the work we do every day."
U.S. Steel expects that the new pig caster will come online early next year.
“U.S. Steel and their incredible workforce, including members of the United Steelworkers, are the foundation of the Northwest Indiana economy," U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, said. "I am grateful they are making this investment in the steelmaking capabilities of our region and the ability of future workers to continue to make the most environmentally friendly and efficient steel in the world."
The construction process is well underway, with walls and foundations already completed, Killeen said. The hope is it will be up and running early in 2023.
"This pig project from conception to funding to start of construction has been a very personal journey," Killeen said. "Many folks knew how impactful it would be to this community and stakeholders in this Region. When the Gary facility roared to life in 1905, it all started with a light. That was the day the first open hearth furnace was tapped. As the furnace rotated in the night sky, it illuminated the sky with opportunity. It created an opportunity for immigrants from Europe, people from the southern states and locals from the Calumet Region to work in this modern industrial wonder of the world. Gary Works was unmatched as an industrial facility before or since."
The mill on the Lake Michigan lakeshore had an outsized impact over the years and remains relevant, he said
"It gave birth to the city of Gary and was a key foundation in the formation of United States Steel, the corporation," he said. "I'm proud to say this building will once again illuminate with light on the southernmost shores of Lake Michigan, not with the fire and fury of the open hearth but with the amber glow and hypnotic flow of iron ore. In this glow, opportunity is manifested once again. It solidifies our plant goals and our best of all strategy."
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https://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/watch-now-mined-melted-and-made-in-america-u-s-steel-investing-60-million-in/article_a70041ce-3ee8-59bb-8496-c8b33af2233f.html
| 2022-05-27T16:07:42
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HAMMOND — Under the care of his grandmother, Kaiden Ballard, 5, made good use Thursday of the re-dedicated Windrich Park at Jacobs Square.
“I enjoy it,” Detra Ballard, the grandmother, who lives across from the park, said. “It has things for kids to use it.”
Named for a local war hero killed in the Korean War, the park is located near the city’s downtown at 5553 Claude Ave., between the Second and Third council districts. Local officials are touting the park as a means of boosting the neighborhood and spurring continued area revitalization.
“We think this is a catalyst for economic development,” said Anne Anderson, the city’s director of economic development. “We see the potential for new housing in the area. This park is located right in the middle of Jacobs Square.”
The new park is located on 1.5 lots, where an old house formerly sat. The park was moved from its previous site, which is now the northwest corner of the new Hammond Central High School football field.
Jim Taillon, city parks administrator, said the $300,000 project was funded largely with federal Housing and Urban Development dollars and some park money.
The park includes a Kompan playground and a swing set, both on a cushion-like surface, along with a covered area with tables and seating.
“We know it’s going to get a lot of traffic,” Taillon said of the new park.
Phil Taillon, the city’s chief of staff, cited the planning that went into the park project, including cooperation with Hammond schools.
“This is an opportunity for in-fill housing and to bring something to the neighborhood it’s never had before,” he said. “I hope to see people using this all the time and making this a stronger neighborhood.”
Marine Staff Sgt. William G. Windrich died Dec. 1, 1950, while leading his platoon into action near Yudam-ni, Korea. Despite suffering head and leg injuries, Windrich fought and returned for the wounded. The Hammond resident received the Congressional Medal of Honor on Feb. 8, 1950, for “valiant leadership, fortitude, and courageous fighting spirit.”
Councilman Pete Torres, D-2nd, outlined the history of the area, citing the effort started in the 1990s to rid the neighborhood of drugs and gangs. Eventually, he said, the city helped the effort by removing older buildings.
“The process is on the right track,” Torres said. “It should give the neighborhood hope that the city is looking out for them and cares.”
Saying the project is a “no-brainer,” Councilman Barry Tyler Jr., D-3rd, called the park “a place where families can come.”
Tyler thanked area families for being open to the project. “I have not heard any negative feedback,” he said.
HWC Engineering of Indianapolis planned the project. General contractor was Gough Construction of Merrillville.
Catherine Puckett, a landscape architect with HWC, noted that, with the pandemic, “We need neighborhood parks more than ever.”
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Plum Creek Trail
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Gary well
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Distressed Unit Appeal Board meeting on the management of the Gary Community School Corp
Distressed Unit Appeal Board meeting on the management of the Gary Community School Corp
The defense said the evidence would show David L. Copley Jr. and someone else killed three people in 1998, but it would not be clear that that someone was the defendant James H. Higgason III.
Hammond City Councilman Pete Torres, D-2nd, cuts the ribbon Thursday during the re-dedication of Windrich Park at Jacobs Square. Joining are, from left, Jim Taillon, parks administrator; Phil Taillon, city chief of staff; Anne Anderson, city director of development; and Councilman Barry Tyler Jr., D-3rd.
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https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/hammond/neighborhood-park-seen-as-catalyst-for-future-growth/article_2e65ba37-d912-5da2-b9db-d90e44c6c7e8.html
| 2022-05-27T16:07:54
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South Side Bethlehem has seen a boom of new construction in recent years.
More building permits – 3,427 – were approved last year than ever before, many on the South Side.
Two controversial projects, both of which would demolish historic buildings to make way for high-rises, are in the city’s South Side historic district and were approved by city council last year .
Development advocates say new buildings will help meet soaring demand for housing in the Lehigh Valley, but critics argue the development will hurt the historic character of the South Side and push out lower-income residents.
But the city has four new councilmembers, sworn in this year, who now get a say on which projects get approved. All of the new councilmembers have signaled less willingness to approve landscape-altering developments and have said they disagreed with council’s OK of the controversial high-rises.
“This new council is very different from this old council,” said council member Paige Van Wirt. “[The new council is] very concerned with the impact of these buildings on the south side of Bethlehem.”
The discord over several controversial projects indicates a larger conflict with development pressure on the South Side, where land is relatively cheap, and a progressive council and city activists, who want to preserve the South Side’s historic character and affordability.
How could the new council change the future of development in the South Side?
Preserving history
For most of the 20th century, the city’s economy was dominated by one of the world’s largest steel production companies at the time, Bethlehem Steel. Immigrants from Poland, Slovakia and Hungary ushered in the city’s first major immigration wave in the 1870s, followed by an influx of Puerto Rican immigrants in the 1940s — many of whom worked for Bethlehem Steel.
South Bethlehem merged with Bethlehem in 1817, and its economy has evolved since Bethlehem Steel closed in 1995. South Bethlehem today is home to Lehigh University, arts and culture organizations like the Banana Factory and SteelStacks, a concert venue on former Steel land.
But the neighborhood’s immigrant, working-class roots remain: Its population is now 42% Hispanic, well above the city’s total Hispanic population of around 30%.
The region is at a crossroads. The Lehigh Valley is growing and demand for housing is skyrocketing, but some feel south Bethlehem’s working-class, diverse character is under siege by developers.
Don Cunningham, who oversaw the post-Bethlehem Steel revitalization of the city as mayor in the late 1990s and early 2000s, said that development interest in South Bethlehem is a sign the city is moving in the right direction. Bethlehem is seeing an influx of young residents interested in moving into the city’s downtown, he said, which is a boon to the economy and local businesses.
What city leaders should keep in mind, Cunningham said, is ensuring Bethlehem maintains a pleasing streetscape and does more than just build additional housing to make the city attractive to newcomers.
“Smart, urban growth doesn’t happen just by accident,” Cunningham said. “It happens because of wise investment and infrastructure, whether that be apartments, infrastructure and streetscapes. Bethlehem, both downtown and South Side, invested a lot . . . to make the streets look historic, have amenities, park benches, ornamental lighting, crosswalks.”
Some think that several recent developments on the South Side do not meet those standards.
City council last year overruled a recommendation from the historic commission, and approved an 8-story flatiron-style building on W. Third Street that would demolish two vacant structures in the historic district. Council also approved a building in the historic district last year that will tear down four buildings on South New Street, some of which were occupied, to build a 7-story apartment building.
Both generated outcry from the public, who showed up at council meetings to denounce the proposals.
Several of those who disapprove are current council members whoreluctantly awarded the developer approval for design elements of the building. Because the former council had already approved the building’s height and the demolition, members felt they had no choice and feared a lawsuit from the developers.
“This will be one vote I really regret,” Crampsie Smith said.
Decisions on those developments were not any easier for the South Side Historic Commission, which makes recommendations to council on whether proposed new buildings are appropriate for the surrounding neighborhood.
The district’s guidelines say that apartments significantly taller than those surrounding it will have “major impacts” on the neighborhood and urges caution when evaluating them.
“Never in my experience in this commission had I experienced being hit with buildings that are way taller than everything else around it,” said Gary Lader, historic commission chairman, who’s served on the board for 12 years.
The South Side historic district, centered around the main thoroughfares of Third and Fourth streets in South Bethlehem, encompasses a range of architectural styles spanning from the 1870s to the 1950s. Buildings include a range of styles including Victorians and late 19th and early 20th century revivals.
Lader said it’s a challenge to balance the demand for housing in Bethlehem with the commission’s priority to preserve the city’s historic architecture. Last year, city council overruled the commission on the flatiron-style building on West Third Street Street and paved the way for construction to begin.
Several current council members denounced the previous council’s decision. Two of the three current councilmembers who held office last year, Crampsie Smith and Van Wirt, voted against the development, which entailed demolishing long-vacant buildings to make way for a 90-unit apartment building.
“We have to really balance development with historic preservation,” Crampsie Smith said.
Current city councilmembers’ opposition to demolition and major high-rises downtown could signal a new direction for the South Side.
“I think the new city council is very supportive of our historic commission whereas the old city council, I think, was maybe more supportive of seeing new development,” Lader said.
A new direction
Councilmembers said they are concerned about affordable housing, pedestrian friendliness and historic preservation when voting on a development proposal.
Development like the New Street project, which involved demolishing several longstanding buildings to make way for a new apartment complex, have an outsized impact on the city’s low-income residents, councilmembers said.
Wandalyn Enix was the only councilmember to vote against the New Street certificate this year, saying at the time she fears “losing Bethlehem to developers.” Enix, appointed to council this year, was born and raised on the South Side — her grandfather, the son of enslaved people, immigrated to Bethlehem in 1920.
Though she acknowledges the city needs more housing units, Enix fears two things: longtime residents being priced out, and losing the city’s history. The 300 block of Brodhead Avenue, for example, is “very historic in Black Bethlehem,” she said and worries about losing it to expensive new apartments.
The Black Elks, at 316 Brodhead, is a historically Black fraternal organization on the block. The block was also home to a rooming house, Enix said, which was how many Black residents originally came to Bethlehem: They would rent a unit for cheap until they saved enough to rent or buy a home. One of the buildings on the block was the headquarters of the former Colored Voters Association, of which Enix’s father, Ernest “Bubbles,” was a founding member.
Enix wants to see those buildings’ history preserved.
Protecting the history of the South Side should be just as important as maintaining the North, she said; Bethlehem is seeking a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition for the North side’s Moravian Church settlement.
“I think that the South Side history needs preservation just as the Moravian community does,” Enix said. “We have a unique history over there that we can, we should, seek to preserve. I’d like to see more developers prioritize our history. We have Eastern European, Latino heritages, Black heritages that need to be preserved on the South Side.”
Councilmember Rachel Leon, a South Side resident, said all the planned and existing development on South Side’s New Street corridor is inappropriate.
“It’s my obligation to stick to what the residents of the city want. There was complete pushback there,” Leon said of the project. “And I know that the building itself had been quite neglected over the years. But that doesn’t mean that we tear it down, push out the residents, push out the people already living in affordable housing out on the guise of ‘Oh this is an old dilapidated building, let me build something nicer.’”
She said the to-be-demolished structures are “emotional buildings with a lot of connections to the city,” including the businesses below, Car Village, Pat’s Newsstand and J C Jewelry and gifts.
Developer Rafael Palomino, responsible for the New Street apartment complex, did not return messages but he has committed to setting aside 10% of the New Street units to low-income renters.
Some councilmembers are unsure where Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds will stand on some of the development projects. As a councilmember, Reynolds voted for the New Street development and the flatiron building development.
“When he was on council he always voted for development. Hopefully now that he’s mayor there will be some nuance to his decisions,” Van Wirt said.
Laura Collins, Bethlehem’s director of community and economic development, said Reynolds will evaluate development proposals on a “project-by-project” basis.
The mayor does not have a vote, but can write letters of support to council and urge them to vote a certain way. Former Mayor Bob Donchez wrote letters in favor of the flat-iron building and New Street development.
The ‘right way’ to do development
Yadira Colon-Lopez, director of Community Action Bethlehem which provides anti-poverty services across the city, said one of her goals is making sure Bethlehem residents who feel strongly about certain development projects know how to make their voices heard.
Much of the outrage over the New Street project came when it was too late, and she hopes to encourage South Siders who might have concerns about other development to get involved in the early days of projects, such as attending zoning meetings.
“It caused a lot of fuss, and I think rightfully so,” Colon-Lopez said of the New Street project. “There was just a lot of frustration in the process. But I think that’s what I’ve learned and we’re working as an organization, ensuring that people understand the best time to get involved in a project.”
On a recent proposal to demolish several houses in the historic district for a high-rise apartment building, it seems residents got involved at just the right time. After more than a dozen residents spoke out in April against the proposal, which would demolish at least 10 homes to make way for a seven-story apartment building on Fourth Street, commission members unanimously recommended against it.
City council will have the final say.
Van Wirt called the Fourth Street development proposal an “unthoughtful, non-contextualized cookie cutter development that does not even acknowledge the existence of the people that live on the South Side and turns its back to them.”
It’s a difficult balance to strike between bolstering south Bethlehem’s economy, expanding housing options ― a study by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission showed the demand for housing far outpaces its supply in the region ― and preserving Bethlehem’s historic character and affordable living.
But there’s a right way to bolster Bethlehem’s housing stock without razing historic buildings and displacing residents, councilmembers say.
For example, councilmembers unanimously approved another recent development project that Palomino is behind, an adaptive reuse of the former Holy Infancy School on 127 E. Fourth St. into a mixed-use apartment complex.
Councilmembers want to see developments that fit in with the surrounding community and provide a benefit to residents.
First Call
For example, Rachel Leon is a fan of the new apartments being built in the South Side at the former Zion First Hungarian Lutheran Church, which is not part of the historic district. The developer plans to keep the front of the church and its steeple intact, but would demolish the rear of the church to build affordable apartments. The project preserves historic architecture while also adding much-needed affordable housing to Bethlehem’s market, she said.
Van Wirt wants to see developers with a vested interest in the community who care about more than just profit. She hopes that new city leaders will usher in a new, community-conscious era of development in Bethlehem.
“I’m really optimistic that a different way of doing business in south Bethlehem is at hand which will still attract developers but also attract new families and bring their families, build businesses in Bethlehem,” Van Wirt said. “I think there’s a way to do it the right way so the developers that want to be here respect the environment, respect the pedestrian experience.”
Bethlehem community advocates are glad to see the extra scrutiny councilmembers are applying to Bethlehem developers.
“They’re not just looking at development projects or housing issues on a surface level,” Bethlehem resident and community organizer Anna Smith said. “I think that it’s easy to just show up on the night of council and take a vote that you think will look good in the newspaper, that will align with what the administration thinks. I think that the new councilmembers in particular seem much more willing to put the time outside of just two nights a month.”
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https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-development-city-council-housing-south-side-20220527-cijoxiq7dbdjxlkcqyslckw2ea-story.html
| 2022-05-27T16:07:57
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https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-development-city-council-housing-south-side-20220527-cijoxiq7dbdjxlkcqyslckw2ea-story.html
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ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — Virginia State Police (VSP) revealed the agency responded to a single-vehicle crash on I-81 North in Washington County Friday at 11:04 a.m.
The crash, which involved a motorcycle, occurred at the 19 mile marker. Police stated that the motorcycle had been traveling north when the crash took place, but what led to the incident remains under investigation.
First responders transported the motorcyclist to an area hospital to be treated for serious injuries, according to the VSP.
No further details have been released.
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/vsp-crash-on-i-81-seriously-injures-motorcyclist/
| 2022-05-27T16:18:22
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https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/vsp-crash-on-i-81-seriously-injures-motorcyclist/
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NAMPA, Idaho — Poverty is a big issue all over the world. According to a world vision report 9.2% of the world’s population is living a life of struggle and deprivation. It limits the ability to access quality education, health care, and basic needs as small as shoes.
Founder of Because International, Kenton Lee, says, “Many kids around the world. Especially those who live in a warm weather country. Many of them live in extreme poverty that shoes are not a part of their life. It's not an option for many of their families. So, it's a big deal when they can have at least one pair of shoes."
That’s where Because International comes in. Lee says their mission is to use products as solutions to help fight against poverty, like their shoes.
"A shoe that can adjust and expand in its size and we call that 'The Shoe that Grows,” said Lee.
Because International was founded in 2007 to help many kids around the world protect their feet.
“Living in Kenya in a small orphanage and seeing kids who either did not have any shoes or had shoes, but they would outgrow them." Lee says, "Shoes are a small thing that makes a big difference."
The innovative shoe expands 5 sizes to help minimize the times a child grows out off their shoe.
"They can take off this front mechanism here and it looks like the number 5. This has a little bit of hook and they can put it in one of the loops. So, they can it shorter or longer,” said Lee.
Aside from making adjustable shoes, Because International also helps other organizations like Style Her Empowered in Boise with a similar innovative approach.
Style Her Empowers Founder and CEO, Payton McGriff says, "I went through the Because Accelerator and we were developing our school uniform that actually adjust with our students. We discovered that girls were outgrowing part way through the school year and as a solution to that problem we designed a dress that expands 6 sizes and up to a foot in length."
Both non profits focus on fighting poverty on a global level, but they both say the community in Idaho makes it all happen.
"This is such a great community to be in. all of the social leaders and entrepreneurs are incredibly accessible,” said McGriff.
“It is such a great place for us to run this organization and really it's so much bigger than just us. We love that the community has helped build this and start this,” said Lee.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/shoe-that-grows-fight-against-poverty/277-b49c7f95-5c81-454d-82ac-2fb306069aef
| 2022-05-27T16:27:54
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/shoe-that-grows-fight-against-poverty/277-b49c7f95-5c81-454d-82ac-2fb306069aef
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Canton Parks and Recreation increase rental fees
CANTON – Canton Parks and Recreation is increasing the cost of shelter and facility rentals, effective July 1.
Fees will increase between $10 to $100 for the various rentals, according to the organization, which cited electrical, restroom and other upgrades in the last several years.
More:Canton park events to cost organizers more
A $100 check or cash deposit, which will be returned the following month if there's been no damage, now is required for Garaux Hall and the Canton Garden Center. The center's weekday rental hours also changed to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, according to a news release.
The new rental rates are as follows:
- Basic outdoor shelter — $50 a day for residents and $60 a day for non-residents.
- Outdoor shelter with kitchenette — $75 a day for residents and $85 a day for non-residents.
- Garaux Hall — $225 a day for residents and $275 a day for non-residents.
- Canton Garden Center — $225 for a 6-hour minimum weekday rental and $400 for a 6-hour minimum weekend rental regardless of residency.
Reservations for the remainder of 2022 booked before July 1 will be at the current rates, which can be found at cantonparksandrec.com. Canton Parks and Recreation can be contacted at 330-456-4521 or cantonparks@cantonohio.gov for more information.
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https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2022/05/27/canton-parks-and-recreation-increase-rental-fees/9940249002/
| 2022-05-27T16:36:08
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https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2022/05/27/canton-parks-and-recreation-increase-rental-fees/9940249002/
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After a two-year COVID hiatus, the annual Rummage, Plant and Book Sale is returning to the Coquille Valley Art Center. Members will be donating a large assortment of items for the two-day sale.
The sale will be held Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Organizers plan to have plants, books and assorted rummage including clothing, tools, kitchenware, collectibles and much more. Proceeds will go towards upgrading the heating system to be more energy efficient.
The historic building has depended on an oil furnace in the basement for many years.
The non-profit Art Center is located at 10144 Hwy 42, just a mile and a half southeast of Coquille. Tuesday through Friday, art opportunities are offered in painting, pottery, quilting, fiber arts and stained glass.
For information, call 541-396-3294.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/art-center-sales-returning-june-11-12/article_72378cb0-dc5d-11ec-a1ae-5b2bdd1180e2.html
| 2022-05-27T16:39:51
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/art-center-sales-returning-june-11-12/article_72378cb0-dc5d-11ec-a1ae-5b2bdd1180e2.html
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Memorial Day: A Day of Remembrance for those who have died in military service for the United States.
In April of 1866, women in Columbus, Mississippi, gathered at the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers to pay tribute by cleaning the graves and placing flowers throughout the graveyard. Within a few years, this practice of honoring the graves of fallen soldiers each spring became known as “Decoration Day,” with communities in both the North and South holding informal holidays in April and May.
In 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, General John Logan of the G.A.R., a fraternal organization for Union veterans, issued a proclamation setting May 30 as the date of Decoration Day. New York became the first state to officially honor the holiday in 1873. Sixteen years later, it was recognized by all of the northern states.
Today, Decoration Day is better known as Memorial Day, the term adopted after World War I. Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971 and is now observed on the last Monday in May.
In Coos County, dozens of service members have died while serving their country. These are three who died in World War II.
Harold C. Chaney left his home in Coos County to serve his country during World War II. Like many others, he never returned home.
Chaney was born in 1922 and enlisted in the Army when he was 20 years old. He was a platoon leader and achieved the rank of 1st lieutenant. He was killed in action on April 23, 1945 in Germany and is buried at the Netherlands American Cemetery.
Quentin H. Towne also left Coos County to fight in World War II. A first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Towne served as part of the 427th Night Fighter Squadron.
On July 29, 1945, Towne was declared missing. While his body has never been recovered, he was declared dead and he is memorialized at the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines.
Frendy D. Medlock Jr. also left Coos County to serve during World War II. A pilot in the Air Force, Medlock served with the 93rd Bombardment Squadron.
After surviving several Japanese attacks in the Philippines, Medlock and his unit surrendered to the Japanese in 1942. Medlock survived the Bataan Death March, Medlock was held as a POW at the Cabanatuan Prison Camp in Nueva Ecija Province where he died of dysentery, inanition, and malaria on July 7, 1942.
He was buried in a communal grave in the camp cemetery along with other deceased American POWs; however, his remains could not be associated with any remains recovered from Cabanatuan after the war. Sergeant Medlock is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/remembering-those-who-gave-the-ultimate-sacrifice/article_ba174fee-dc5c-11ec-bb1a-67a348a6f913.html
| 2022-05-27T16:39:58
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/remembering-those-who-gave-the-ultimate-sacrifice/article_ba174fee-dc5c-11ec-bb1a-67a348a6f913.html
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It appears a general election might be needed to choose a county commissioner for Position 3.
While incumbent Melissa Cribbins continues to hold a comfortable lead in the race, her lead has shrunk below the needed 50% to avoid a runoff in the November election.
The unofficial vote count released as of Tuesday, May 24, shows Cribbins with 8,969 votes, or 49.75% of the total cast. Bandon businessman Rod Taylor has surged in the late vote and has 7,386 votes, or 40.57%, while Chase Carlson has 1,621 votes, or 8.96%.
According to the county clerk's office, the final count was set to be released May 24. The vote will not be official until it is approved by the board of commissioners.
Cribbins, who is running for her third term in office, has been ahead since the first results were released on Election Night. But after having close to 52% of the vote, Cribbins margin has slowly slipped as the late votes were counted.
The same story held true in the race for Position 2 county commissioner and county clerk, but the Election Day margin in those races has held enough to avoid a general election runoff.
In the Position 2 commissioner's race, incumbent John Sweet continues to hold a supermajority lead with 9,077 votes, or 51.57%. Pam Lewis is in second with 6,887 votes, or 39.13%, while Cristina Bettesworth is third with 1,573 votes, or 8.94%.
In the race for county clerk, North Bend teacher Julie Brecke continues to maintain the needed majority with 9,509 votes, or 57.66%. Diane Rich is second with 4,896 votes, or 29.69%, and Matthew Borgens is third with 2,045 votes, or 12.4%.
During the election, Cribbins and Sweet campaigned as a duo, asking voters to keep the board of commissioners together. Meanwhile, Taylor, Lewis and Rich campaigned as a group, asking voters to elect new leadership in the county.
The incumbents seemed to be in good shape as the early results were released, but the challengers have made progress as the late votes were counted.
A new state law says votes postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days of the vote can be counted. Therefore a final result has been withheld as thousands of late votes have been counted.
The late votes have not changed the three tax measures on the election, although a vote for a bond for the North Bend School District remains extremely close.
In that race, 2,559 people have voted against the bond while 2,506 have voted in favor.
A measure to impose a short-term lodging tax in Charleston is passing easily with 10,458 voters in favor, accounting for 57.28% of the vote.
A proposal to pass a tax levy for a new Coos Bay library and 9-1-1 center at John Topits Park also continues to fail with 2,403 voters casting ballots against the bond with 1,588 in favor of it.
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/runoff-may-be-needed-in-position-3-commissioners-race/article_f6e6befe-dc7b-11ec-86dd-2bca294198fd.html
| 2022-05-27T16:40:00
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/runoff-may-be-needed-in-position-3-commissioners-race/article_f6e6befe-dc7b-11ec-86dd-2bca294198fd.html
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A dream changing movie, for many of my generation, was Smokey and the Bandit. It introduced us to the Pontiac Trans Am.
For over 25 years following that movie, I collected articles, pictures and books on the TA. I watched its styles and horsepower change. Finally, I found a late model in perfect shape, low miles and a great price. To everyone’s surprise, I brought it. At long last, a dream realized.
Over the years, your chamber has been the source of many dreams realized. Leadership Coos was formed to educate community members to the many facets of our area. It also had a goal to help produce the next set of community leaders.
Today you find its graduates leading local business, government and agencies. The Tourism committee began with a focus to extend the seasons people come to visit us. They also believed tourism could become a significant part of our local economy. Their success has proved them right.
The Workforce & Education Committee has a vision to build a bridge between the business and education community while engaging all students in career opportunities they need to reach and succeed in the jobs of tomorrow. In addition, their Mission is that the Chamber Workforce & Education Committee, through local business involvement, will work to enhance our community education system for students to successfully enter the workforce.
Also they celebrate outstanding “educators,” annually, at all levels of participation in the schooling process of our children. From that group, the committee selects and honors an Educator of the Year.
In 2020, Workforce & Education added a scholarship program for a students from North Bend High School, Marshfield High School and Southwestern Oregon Community College.
While funding depended on drawings and donations in part, they created an interesting “Pie in the Face” aspect of the fundraiser. The Committee is truly making the connection of education to business.
So, who will be the next “Workforce & Education Committee” or “Tourism Committee” or “Leadership Coos”, the new dream realized, of this Chamber year?
Our community has many needs and opportunities that you, as a chamber member together with likeminded folks, can make happen. Come on down and we will find the Team for you.
Remember our business is helping your Business. And like us on Facebook.
(Timm Slater is executive director of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information on your Chamber, email timmslater@oregonsbayarea.org.)
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/the-chamber-minute-making-dreams-come-true/article_76853d5e-dc5c-11ec-bfa6-ebfcaa8d8249.html
| 2022-05-27T16:40:02
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https://theworldlink.com/news/local/the-chamber-minute-making-dreams-come-true/article_76853d5e-dc5c-11ec-bfa6-ebfcaa8d8249.html
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Lincoln Journal Star
Nearly half of this year's Class Acts honorees -- 155 graduates -- indicated plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
With nearly three dozen more attending other campuses in the NU system -- University of Nebraska at Omaha (21) and University of Nebraska at Kearney (8) -- in-state schools predictably dominated students' future plans.
Students featured this weekend Sunday's edition of the Journal Star will include a special section honoring this year's Class Acts.
Students will also be featured throughout the weekend on posts to JournalStar.com .
A large group -- 11 students -- are headed to Nebraska Wesleyan University, significantly more than other private schools.
Three Class Acts students expressed plans to attend Ivy League schools -- Yale (2) and Columbia.
Several are headed to service academies -- two to the U.S. Military Academy and others to the Air Force and Naval academies. Another was accepted to the Coast Guard.
Other schools and the number of students planning to attend:
Five students : Creighton, Wayne State
Four students : Hillsdale, South Dakota, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Southeast Community College
Three students : Alabama, Kansas
Two students : Augustana, Boston U., Bryan College of Health Sciences, BYU, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado State, Northwest Missouri State, Notre Dame, Peru State, St. Olaf, Union College, Wake Forest, Wichita State.
One student : Alma, Anglo-American, Arizona, Baylor, Bellevue, Benedictine, Bowdoin, Carthage, Colorado Christian, Cottey, DePaul, Doane, Drake, Embry-Riddle, Florida, Florida Gulf Coast, Fort Hays State, Gustavus Adolphus, Hastings, Illinois State, Iowa State, Johns Hopkins, Kansas State, LeTourneau, Macalester, Marquette, Martin Luther, Michigan State, Minnesota Crookston, Morningside, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Northwestern, Occidental, Oral Roberts, Oregon, Pepperdine, Rice, Rochester, St. Thomas, San Diego State, Sydney, TCU, Texas A&M, Thomas Aquinas, UCLA, Utah State, Vanderbilt, Washington U., Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Wooster.
Top Journal Star photos for May
Yuliia Iziumova (left) hugs her mother Oksana Iziumova Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at the Lincoln Airport. It was the first time they'd been together in more than three years. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Lincoln High's Javon Leuty celebrates his win in the Class A boys 110-meter hurdles Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Omaha Burke Stadium. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Fans run to catch a foul ball during a baseball game between Nebraska and Michigan State on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Haymarket Park. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Lincoln High's Landon Kruse competes in the wheelchair Class A boys 800-meter race at the state track and field meet Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Omaha Burke Stadium. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS Journal Star
Elkhorn North celebrates on the field after defeating Waverly in the Class B baseball championship game Friday, May 20, 2022, at Tal Anderson Field in Omaha. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Autumn LaDeaux-Baxter (left) ties poles together while saying a prayer as leaders of the Niskíthe prayer group work to assemble a tipi during a protest outside City Hall on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. The group wants legal protections of a Native sweat lodge, which is on about 2 acres of private land surrounded by Wilderness Park and across the street from the planned Wilderness Crossing development near First Street and Pioneers Boulevard. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Fremont's Braden Taylor celebrates winning the Class A boys 3,200-meter relay at the state track and field meet Wednesday, May 18, 202, at Omaha Burke Stadium. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS Journal Star
Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent Steve Joel plays a game of spike ball with eighth graders Hayden Tenopir (left) and Drew Van Dyke on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at Mickle Middle School. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Nebraska’s Jackson Brockett pitches against a Michigan State batter Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Haymarket Park. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Josh Vinson Jr. runs with a pool noodle during the second annual Josh Fight Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Bowling Lake Park. Vinson Jr. remains the reigning champion, winning the crown for a second year. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Lincoln Southwest's Jaida Rowe carries the team trophy after Southwest won the Class A girls team race at the state track and field meet Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Omaha Burke Stadium. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Millard West's Dylan Driessen collides into Millard South's Camden Kozeal while stealing second base in the first inning during the Class A championship, Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Tal Anderson Field in Omaha. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Bloomfield's Alexandra Eisenhauer (left) reacts after finishing ahead of North Platte's Hayley Miles in the Class D girls 100-meter dash at the state track and field meet on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Omaha Burke Stadium. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Teacher Maria Ramos pours milk as children aged 18 months to 3 years eat lunch at The Children's Place child care center Tuesday, May 17, 2022. According to a report from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, 87% of providers received some kind of COVID-19 relief funding in the last year. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS Journal Star
Lincoln East's Garrett Springer celebrates after hitting a double against Millard West during a Class A state baseball game Thursday, May 19, 2022, at Tal Anderson Field in Omaha. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Photographer Michael Farrell gets ready to take a group photo as members prepare to tear down the Niskíthe Prayer Camp on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Lincoln East's Belinda Rademacher reacts after defeating Lincoln Southeast's Camilla Ibrahimova (not pictured) in the No. 1 singles championship at the Class A girls state tennis meet Friday, May 20, 2022, at Koch Tennis Center in Omaha. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
The boys Class B 3,200-meter race enters its third lap at the state track and field meet Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Omaha Burke Stadium. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Bishop Neumann's Kamdyn Swartz reacts after winning the Class C boys 300-meter hurdles during the state track and field meet, Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Omaha Burke Stadium. Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Axtell's Calvin Johnson (left) looks as he passes Falls City Sacred Heart's Jakob Jordan to win the Class D boys 3,200-meter relay at the state track and field meet Friday, May 20, 2022, at Omaha Burke Stadium. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Part of Reception and Treatment Center's expansion project includes 384 new beds seen on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Lincoln Southeast’s Corynne Olsen (2) (from left) Maggie Hayes (0) and Sidney Wettlaufer (21) hold each other after placing second in the girls Class A state championship game Monday, May 16, 2022, between Lincoln Southeast and Gretna at Morrison Stadium. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Omaha Skutt Catholic celebrates their state championship win over Norris in the girls class B state championship game on Monday, May 16, 2022, at Morrison Stadium. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Nebraska softball players take a selfie during the Nebraska women’s softball watch party of the NCAA tournament selection show on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Bowlin Stadium. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Lincoln’s Hunter Clanin (14) misses the diving catch during a game on Sunday, May 15, 2022, between Sioux Falls and Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Dylan Toth (right) reacts to a Skutt goal as Waverly’s Austin Neddenriep watches the ball hit the back of the net during the Class B boys state soccer semifinals game on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Morrison Stadium. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Waverly's Eli Russell (second right) and Wyatt Fanning (second right) leap on to pitcher Payton Engle (first left) as they celebrate with their team after an upset win over Norris during a boys Class B first-round game at Warner Park on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Papillion. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Norris base runner Kale Fountain celebrates as he reaches home plate to score in the fourth inning against Waverly during a boys Class B first-round game at Warner Park on Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Papillion. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Soon-to-be graduates walk through Creighton's campus outside of a girls class A semifinal game at Morrison Stadium on Friday, May 13, 2022, in Omaha. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
A bicyclist rides toward downtown on the 13th Street bike lane on Friday, May 13, 2022. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
Goldenrod Pastries owner Angela Garbacz (left) talks with Molly Ebbers of Lincoln on Thursday, May 12, 2022. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Dee and Ronald Baddorf (from left) scratch Lucy, their mini-pig, Tuesday, May 10, 2022. The Baddorfs are hoping the Lincoln City Council will approve a waiver so they can keep Lucy at their Lincoln home. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Lincoln Southwest’s Alex Kosmicki (23) dribbles to the goal as Papillion-La Vista South’s Jenasy Schultz (1) goes for the save during the girls A-4 district championship game Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Seacrest Field. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
The Husker dugout erupts in cheers as Sydney Gray (bottom) reaches home plate after scoring the second solo home run of the fifth inning against Indiana, Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Bowlin Stadium. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Exterior of a Ford TRIPI-Motor 5-AT, seen on Thursday, May 5, 2022. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
The Omaha Bryan boys soccer team celebrates its District A-7 boys championship win over Lincoln Southeast, Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Omaha Bryan High School. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Runners make their way through the final stretch of the 2022 Lincoln Marathon Sunday, May 1, 2022. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Lincoln Southwest players celebrate the goal by Jillian Lane (third from left) with Lincoln East's Page Monson reacting in the background during the second half of a Class A girls state soccer first-round match, Monday, May 9, 2022, at Morrison Stadium in Omaha. JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Lincoln East's Jesse Chartier (left) embraces with teammate Kayma Carpenter after losing to Lincoln Southwest in a Class A girls state soccer first-round match, Monday, May 9, 2022, at Morrison Stadium in Omaha.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Supporters of Donald Trump blow kisses, give cheers and vie for position as Trump takes the stage during a Trump rally for Charles Herbster at the I-80 Speedway on Sunday, May 1, 2022, near Greenwood. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lincoln Southeast's Lilly Talley (left) and doubles partner Lily Rippeteau celebrate a point in the No. 2 doubles finals of the Heartland Athletic Conference Tournament on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at Woods Tennis Center. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS Journal Star
Lincoln East's Elijah Jobst (8) blocks a shot by Lincoln Southwest's Lane Kruse (16) during a Class A boys state soccer first-round match Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Morrison Stadium in Omaha. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS Journal Star
Juju Tyner (center, in green) holds a sign in support of Roe vs. Wade as she joined others in a pro-abortion rights rally on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, on the north steps of the Capitol. GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star
GWYNETH ROBERTS Journal Star
Midland’s Matt Ross dives but misses the ball hit by a Doane hitter during a GPAC Tournament game Friday, May 6, 2022, in Crete. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
A crowd of supporters cheer on Jim Pillen as he takes the stage during an election night party at the Embassy Suites, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Lincoln. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Tim Brox fills out his voting ballot at the Redeemer Lutheran Church offices, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, in Lincoln. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lincoln East players celebrate as they see the district championship plaque after defeating Omaha Westside during the District A-4 baseball final at Den Hartog Field, Saturday, May 7, 2022. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Lincoln East’s Paige Poppe (13) and Columbus’ Liberty Larsen battle to head the ball during the girls A-5 district championship game, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at Seacrest Field. JAIDEN TRIPI, Journal Star
JAIDEN TRIPI Journal Star
Crete players celebrate after a goal in the 20th minute by Osvin Garcia Velasquez (second from left) during the B-5 district championship Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Waverly. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/where-are-this-years-top-southeast-nebraska-high-school-graduates-headed-to-school/article_0ddb04c4-5f74-5fc2-bb74-9703f8035f30.html
| 2022-05-27T16:42:31
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https://journalstar.com/news/local/education/where-are-this-years-top-southeast-nebraska-high-school-graduates-headed-to-school/article_0ddb04c4-5f74-5fc2-bb74-9703f8035f30.html
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DALLAS (KDAF) — Memorial Day Weekend is here and on Friday, May 27, it’s National Road Trip Day!
Maybe you’re off to visit some family or taking a nice long weekend trip around Texas! However, we had a suggestion, a food-filled idea for you and your road trip buddies to try.
Take a trip around Texas and taste some of the restaurants listed in Yelp’s top 10 restaurants in the Lone Star State. Here’s a look at the top 10:
- Paper Route Bakery– Austin
- Comfort Cafe – San Antonio– San Antonio
- Manolis Ice Cream, Pastries, & Cakes– Austin
- Pontotoc Vineyard– Fredericksburg
- Robin’s Snowflake Donuts & Cafe– Spring
- Kat’s Barbecue– Santa Fe
- Gino’s Deli Stop N Buy – San Antonio
- Arctic Ape Wild Desserts– San Antonio
- Cool Cow Creamery– Kemah
- Sushi Spot– Plano
For the full list and more information, check out this story: Yelp releases 2022 Top 100 Texas Restaurants list, several DFW spots make the list
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https://cw33.com/news/local/celebrate-national-road-trip-day-by-hitting-up-the-top-10-restaurants-in-texas-according-to-yelp/
| 2022-05-27T16:44:00
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https://cw33.com/news/local/celebrate-national-road-trip-day-by-hitting-up-the-top-10-restaurants-in-texas-according-to-yelp/
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DALLAS (KDAF) — Stop what you’re doing, especially if you need a little extra cuteness in your life, and check out this baby bird perched up on a Texas Department of Transportation camera.
What looks to be some sort of hawk, seen sometimes with its parent, is absolutely chilling like a villain with a TxDOT camera there to capture it all. The camera is set up for State Highway 114 Rochelle West around Irving.
Check out the link here, https://its.txdot.gov/its/District/DAL1/cameras, to watch or simply go to the TxDOT website, click cameras and type in Rochelle West and enjoy some baby bird cuteness!
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https://cw33.com/news/local/check-this-out-txdot-camera-home-for-baby-bird-in-north-texas/
| 2022-05-27T16:44:06
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https://cw33.com/news/local/check-this-out-txdot-camera-home-for-baby-bird-in-north-texas/
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DALLAS (KDAF) — Poor air quality is expected in North Texas on Friday as the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality issued an Ozone Action Day for May 27.
NWS Fort Worth says, “Atmospheric conditions are expected to be favorable for producing high levels of ozone today, which may be unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
The graphic shared by the center depicts the Ozone Action Day mainly in the DFW area.
If possible, you’re encouraged to carpool, share a ride, walk, ride your bike, take your lunch to work and of course, keep your vehicle properly tuned.
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https://cw33.com/news/local/poor-air-quality-expected-in-dfw-on-friday-nws-fort-worth-reports-an-ozone-action-day/
| 2022-05-27T16:44:12
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https://cw33.com/news/local/poor-air-quality-expected-in-dfw-on-friday-nws-fort-worth-reports-an-ozone-action-day/
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DALLAS (KDAF) — Plenty of sunshine in the Friday North Texas forecast as the National Weather Service center in Fort Worth says the end of the work week will serve as a transition day into the summertime pattern, “…just in time for the Holiday Weekend.”
“Plenty of sunshine is in store today with highs reaching the mid 80s to mid 90s with winds less than 10 mph gradually shifting to the south.”
Expect slightly warmer temps with plenty of sun around the region along with variable and light winds becoming south later in the day.
As night falls, temps will sit around the 60s for most of the region and south winds between 5-10 mph will be present under mostly clear skies. “The return of the south winds will result in slightly warmer temperatures Friday night with lows mainly in the mid to upper 60s.”
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https://cw33.com/news/local/summertime-weather-has-arrived-in-north-texas-as-may-closes-according-to-nws-fort-worth/
| 2022-05-27T16:44:18
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https://cw33.com/news/local/summertime-weather-has-arrived-in-north-texas-as-may-closes-according-to-nws-fort-worth/
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DALLAS (KDAF) — The United States Census Bureau is confirming a fact North Texans saw first-hand: a lot of people moved here in 2021.
Census officials released its official report tracking the population growth, and in some cases decrease, in cities across the nation.
Let’s just start with the obvious, a lot of people moved to North Texas. You probably are seeing the rippling effects of that with more traffic, fewer rental opportunities and more unfamiliar faces in your grocery store trips.
So many people moved to North Texas, that some cities saw some of the biggest population growth in the entire nation. Here are those cities.
- Fort Worth
- Frisco
- Denton
- McKinney
Though much of North Texas saw new faces last year, did you know the city of Dallas specifically actually saw a decrease in its population in 2021? According to the report from 2020 to 2021, 14,777 people left Dallas.
Which makes sense. With remote work becoming more popular because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some people no longer need to live where their jobs are. So why not upgrade to more acreage for less money?
Outside of the DFW metroplex, other cities in the Lone Star State also saw massive population increases. According to the report, Georgetown had the largest population growth by percentage in the nation. From July 2020 to July 2021, its population increased by a growth of 10.5%.
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https://cw33.com/news/local/these-north-texas-cities-saw-some-of-the-largest-population-growths-in-the-country-in-2021/
| 2022-05-27T16:44:24
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https://cw33.com/news/local/these-north-texas-cities-saw-some-of-the-largest-population-growths-in-the-country-in-2021/
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ARLINGTON, Texas (KDAF) — Big things are happening in North Texas this weekend.
If you’re in the Arlington area and you want to be a part of the fun, the City of Arlington did all of the hard work for you and released a list of some suggestions.
Here is their list of things to do in Arlington this weekend:
- Big 12 Baseball Tournament at Globe Life Field
- So What?! Music Festival
- Six Flags Over Texas Memorial Day Weekend
- Free Concerts at the Levitt Pavilion
- Music at the Arlington Music Hall
- Beacon Skateboarding Clinic
- Storytime at The Parks Mall Arlington
- Mobile Pet Adoption Event
- El Tri World Cup Warm-Up Friendly at AT&T Stadium
- Elegantly Eclectic
READ: Texas bands playing at So What?! Music Festival in Arlington
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https://cw33.com/news/local/things-to-do-around-arlington-during-memorial-day-weekend/
| 2022-05-27T16:44:30
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https://cw33.com/news/local/things-to-do-around-arlington-during-memorial-day-weekend/
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DALLAS (KDAF) — It has been five months since Starbucks workers in Buffalo, New York, voted to form the first union in the company’s history and since then more locations have been following suit.
Now two Starbucks locations in North Texas have announced plans to unionize.
According to letters addressed to Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, posted to the Twitter page SBWorkersUnited, workers at the Dallas location at Mockingbird Station and the location in Addison on Belt Line Road plan to unionize.
“We feel that this company has forgotten that it is built for and by people at some point. We find it difficult to represent this company everyday at work when we do not have the resources and labor to meet business demands or the wages to meet our basic needs as human beings,” Addison workers said in a letter posted by SBWorkersUnited.
To read the letters from workers in each location, click here.
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https://cw33.com/news/local/workers-at-2-north-texas-starbucks-locations-announce-intention-to-unionize/
| 2022-05-27T16:44:36
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https://cw33.com/news/local/workers-at-2-north-texas-starbucks-locations-announce-intention-to-unionize/
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A 44-year-old woman was found stabbed to death after police responded to a call about a homicide at a New Jersey home, authorities said Friday.
Cops answering the 911 call at the Westervelt Place home in Lodi around 9:30 p.m. Thursday found the victim with multiple stab wounds, according to Bergen County prosecutors. A 49-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene.
Charges are pending against him, though no details on the circumstances of the killing or his alleged involvement were immediately available.
The relationship between him and the victim also wasn't known. Her identity has not been released.
A formal statement is expected to come later Friday, officials said.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/44-year-old-woman-stabbed-to-death-in-nj-home/3709447/
| 2022-05-27T16:44:59
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/44-year-old-woman-stabbed-to-death-in-nj-home/3709447/
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A federal judge on Friday dismissed Donald Trump’s lawsuit against New York Attorney General Letitia James, allowing her civil investigation into his business practices to continue.
In a 43-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes said she based her decision on case law that, in most cases, bars federal judges from interfering in state-level investigations.
Sannes’ ruling came a day after a New York appeals court ruled that Trump must answer questions under oath in James’ probe, upholding a lower-court ruling requiring him to sit for a deposition.
“In a big victory, a federal court has dismissed Donald Trump’s baseless lawsuit to stop my office’s investigation into his and the Trump Organization’s financial dealings,” James said in a tweet. “Frivolous lawsuits won’t stop us from completing our lawful, legitimate investigation.”
A message seeking comment was left with Trump's lawyers.
Trump sued James in December, just after she issued a subpoena for his testimony, resorting to a familiar but seldom successful strategy in an attempt to end the three-year investigation.
Through his lawyers, the Republican former president alleged that the probe was political in nature and that James, a Democrat, had violated his constitutional rights in a “thinly-veiled effort to publicly malign Trump and his associates.”
News
James responded that Trump’s lawsuit was a sudden “collateral attack” on her investigation and that there was no legal basis for it and no evidence to support his claim that the probe is purely political.
At a May 13 hearing that precipitated Sannes' ruling Friday, a lawyer for James' office said the probe is winding down and that evidence from it could support legal action against the former president, his company, or both.
The lawyer, Andrew Amer, said “there’s clearly been a substantial amount of evidence amassed that could support the filing of an enforcement proceeding,” although a final determination on filing such an action has not been made.
Amer, a special litigation counsel in James’ office, said the office is “nearing the end” of the civil investigation, which James has said uncovered evidence Trump’s company misstated the value of assets like skyscrapers and golf courses on financial statements for more than a decade.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/judge-dismisses-trumps-lawsuit-allowing-ny-probe-to-go-on/3709492/
| 2022-05-27T16:45:05
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/judge-dismisses-trumps-lawsuit-allowing-ny-probe-to-go-on/3709492/
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A Long Island teenager has been arrested for allegedly threatening to carry out a "massive" shooting at his high school.
Authorities in Suffolk County said the 16-year-old student posted to Instagram on Thursday, threatening to shoot up Bellport High School.
District Attorney Raymond Tierney said investigators were able to link the post back to the 16-year-old boy and arrest him later that day.
After interviewing the teen, officials conducted of search of the home where he lives and did not find any guns inside the home, Tierney said in a news release Friday.
The district attorney's office did not release the identity of the teen because he is a minor. The accused 16-year-old is expected to be arraigned on Friday.
County officials planned a news conference for Friday afternoon to discuss the details of the investigation and arrest.
Days earlier, an 18-year-old gunman opened fire on an elementary school in Texas, killing 19 children and two adults.
News
The massacre in Ulvade, Texas, became the deadliest school shooting since 20 children and six educators were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary.
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ny-student-16-arrested-for-threatening-mass-shooting-at-high-school-police/3709440/
| 2022-05-27T16:45:17
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https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ny-student-16-arrested-for-threatening-mass-shooting-at-high-school-police/3709440/
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HILLSBORO, Ore. — A Hillsboro man is getting national attention on social media after turning his two firearms over to police to be destroyed following the mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas.
“Today I'm turning in my weapons to the Hillsboro Police Department in Oregon, both my AR-15 and my nine millimeter handgun. I no longer want them,” said Ben Beers in his now viral TikTok post.
Beers said he made his decision in response to the May 24 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers.
“I was up all night, tossing and turning, crying and shaking,” Beers told KGW.
When he woke up Wednesday morning, Beers, 37, knew exactly what he wanted to do.
In just one day, close to 200,000 people had watched Beers’ TikTok video.
“Which is a good thing,” said Beers. “Hopefully, soon we can all wake up and realize this needs to be done… this is an idea. Guns are not as precious to us and nor are my Second Amendment rights as the lives of my children in school.”
Beers and his wife have two daughters. By the time they're grown, he said he hopes access to guns in America will look different.
“I can't even find a PlayStation 5, but I can go get a Glock, you know?” said Beers.
Beers said he also hopes the money driving the gun industry will have lost its pull.
“I'm aware that I could have made thousands of dollars off this stuff but that's the problem. [Guns] already have too much of an economic impact in this country. It's already a big moneymaker and that's the root of the problem,” he said.
In the past, Beers said he has owned and sold other guns, but said this latest mass shooting changed everything.
“I just want to turn them in, have them destroyed,” he said.
The Hillsboro Police Department contracts with a company that destroys guns that have been turned in, according to Hillsboro police Sergeant Clint Shrz. He said they don’t offer people incentives to turn in firearms, be it money or vouchers, just a property receipt. He said most local law enforcement agencies do the same.
“It could be a death in the family and someone has left them a firearm that they don't want in the house and they decide to turn it into us,” said Shrz. “It happens about once a month.”
Beers said he hopes people will choose to turn in their firearms more often now.
“Hopefully, America can wake up, because no other country has the problem we do with gun culture and ideation and gun violence like we do,” said Beers.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/hillsboro-man-tiktok-video-guns-destroyed-turned-in/283-0b61f28b-85ad-460c-94f9-37341acdea56
| 2022-05-27T16:49:55
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/hillsboro-man-tiktok-video-guns-destroyed-turned-in/283-0b61f28b-85ad-460c-94f9-37341acdea56
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CABOT, Ark. — The Cabot Police Department is searching for missing 32-year-old Ronnie Robinson.
Robinson was last seen leaving a residence on South First Street in Cabot on Saturday, May 21.
Officers said Robinson also goes by an alias on social media by the name of "Reco Cassadine."
He was last seen wearing a black shirt and khaki pants. He is described as 5 feet and 7 inches tall and weighs 158 pounds.
Based on information provided by the police, Robinson may be suicidal.
If anyone has any information on Robinson's whereabouts, please contact the Cabot Police Department at 501-843-6526.
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/cabot-police-missing-man/91-bf0b582d-4894-48b9-a435-f8a42c891128
| 2022-05-27T16:50:01
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https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/missing-persons-reports/cabot-police-missing-man/91-bf0b582d-4894-48b9-a435-f8a42c891128
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Sobriety Checkpoint will be held in Bossier Memorial Day weekend
The Bossier Sheriff's Office announced Friday morning that they will be teaming up with the Louisiana State Police Saturday, May 28, to conduct a sobriety checkpoint.
The checkpoint will begin at 10 p.m. and will continue until early Sunday morning, at an undisclosed location in Bossier Parish.
The goal of this checkpoint is to identify and remove impaired drivers from the road before they cause serious injury or death to themselves or others, and to increase public awareness of the seriousness of driving while impaired.
The sobriety checkpoint is being conducted as part of a $14,040 grant awarded to the Bossier Sheriff’s Office from the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission for DWI Enforcement.
More:Caddo Parish Grand Jury returns six indictments in multiple murder cases
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
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https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/05/27/sobriety-checkpoint-held-bossier-memorial-day-weekend/9959915002/
| 2022-05-27T16:50:51
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https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/news/local/2022/05/27/sobriety-checkpoint-held-bossier-memorial-day-weekend/9959915002/
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BLOOMINGTON —After 21 were murdered in Wednesday's school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, a Bloomington musician is asking himself how he can be a catalyst for change.
Marcos Mendez is answering that question by organizing a benefit show Thursday, June 2, at nightshop, 517 N. Main St., Bloomington. He and several others will perform for no pay during the event, with a suggested $10 donation from attendees. Funds will be sent to an account with the First State Bank of Uvalde, which has been verified by the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District.
An official account with First State Bank has been set up for donations through UCISD to assist the families of this tragedy.
— Uvalde CISD (@Uvalde_CISD) May 25, 2022
Please know that the FSB account, is the only verified location to make any monetary donations. No other source is currently recognized. pic.twitter.com/psQb6fD6Ls
Mendez, who moved 15 years ago from Three Rivers, Texas, to Normal and now resides in Bloomington, said he felt heartbreak and frustration after hearing this week's news. He said these mass shootings have happened before, and they still continue to happen.
“There are people that want change and want action, but all we really hear is folks who want to offer thoughts and prayers,” said Mendez. “That’s just not enough.”
Mendez said he saw a Facebook post by Houston musician Rich O’Tool offering to play a benefit show that would help cover funeral costs for families in Uvalde. O’Tool added in the post: “Their families have no business paying a dime.”
Mendez said he took that as a call to action to organize a fundraiser concert in Bloomington. He said he started reaching out to musicians and venues.
“It’s just been overwhelming the amount of support that people have given, not for anything other than helping these families that are impacted by the senseless act,” he said.
Mendez said he’s been performing country covers since around the time he moved here, and will play at Thursday’s show. He picks up songs from Texans like Pat Green, Cory Morrow and Robert Earl Keen.
Brittany Griffith, who played fiddle in Mendez’s former band Two Dollar Ransom, will perform, along with their bassist, Tim Burns, who will travel in from Alabama.
Other artists who will play include: V8 Vast Change, Kim Kaufman, Larry Estes, Wes Hood, Peggi Hattaway and Angie Carstens, Travis Stone, Fred Snellen, Charlie Faulkner and Chris Corkery.
Tentative performers include Mendez's daughter Adrian Mendez, and Dave Homler, who plays under the stage name Troublemaker.
Event shirts will be made on-site by Meltdown Creative Works, with proceeds after costs being sent to the Uvalde fund. Mendez's college friend Victoria Bray, who lives in Texas, designed its logo.
Mendez said while performers are given 15 to 20 minutes for a solo set, they may organically group up and jam together.
He takes the willingness of performers to join up as a good sign.
“It’s really about communing with people and bringing people together for the cause,” he said.
Coming together
Mendez said seeing pictures of the children killed in Uvalde hit him hard, because they look like he did as a kid.
“They look like my nieces and nephews,” he said.
He also said he has friends who used to live in Uvalde. One shared a social media post about someone who was impacted by the shooting.
“You never know who you’re connected to, and so you never know where this is going to happen,” he said.
“Our community isn’t immune to these types of things. We need to come together as a community to help figure it out,” he said.
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Contact Brendan Denison at (309) 820-3238. Follow Brendan Denison on Twitter: @BrendanDenison
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/benefit-show-planned-in-bloomington-to-aid-victims-families-of-texas-shooting/article_1bc7116c-ddc9-11ec-8d7a-7f4d67fc605b.html
| 2022-05-27T16:51:50
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https://pantagraph.com/news/local/benefit-show-planned-in-bloomington-to-aid-victims-families-of-texas-shooting/article_1bc7116c-ddc9-11ec-8d7a-7f4d67fc605b.html
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Cedarville Middle School’s star speller Sophia Lopez has made it into the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the third time, once again earning herself a top spot among spellers around the country and around the world.
Hosted by LeVar Burton, this year’s competition will include 234 spellers, both from the United States and internationally.
At age 14, this is the last year Sophia’s able to participate.
“It’s kind of sad, but I’m excited to move on to new things,” she said. “I hope to still be able to be involved in spelling, maybe judging a spelling bee. It’s bittersweet but it’s nice to move on to new things.”
Managing sports, school, and spelling is no easy task, but Sophia has done it all, finding time here and there during the school day to study.
“It’s crazy because you see all these people on TV and in the news, and it seems impossible to do that, but a lot of hard work has made it a reality for me,” she said. “I’m really proud that I get to represent Springfield and the Dayton area.”
Last year, most of the national bee was conducted over online videoconferencing. The preliminaries and quarterfinals went smoothly, as she spelled from her home, advancing to the top 30. But the semifinals were a technological mess, as first her Bee-issued laptop wouldn’t work, and then her internet went out. Sophia was eliminated in the top 20 spellers out of 209 contestants.
The technical difficulties “took a toll” on Sophia, both during the competition and afterwards.
“In person will be much easier,” she said. “I am really hoping to just connect with more people. I haven’t really gotten to meet other spellers that I know. I just recently started connecting with other spellers, but in the competition, I’m hoping to reach the same level as last year, hopefully higher.”
Each round of competition consists of three sets of oral competition, beginning with a round of spelling, followed by multiple-choice word meaning, and continuing with rounds of spelling competition as directed by officials.
The champion speller receives $50,000, a medal, and the Scripps cup.
The preliminaries will take place this Tuesday, beginning at 9:00 a.m., while the quarterfinals and semifinals will run all day on Wednesday, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The 2022 finals will be televised on ION and Bounce at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2.
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/cedarville-teen-heads-to-national-spelling-bee-for-a-third-time/TVWXB3DI6ZAR5EPF5JKTMNFZJU/
| 2022-05-27T16:51:49
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https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/cedarville-teen-heads-to-national-spelling-bee-for-a-third-time/TVWXB3DI6ZAR5EPF5JKTMNFZJU/
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