text stringlengths 65 123k | url stringlengths 25 420 | crawl_date timestamp[us, tz=UTC]date 2022-04-01 01:00:57 2022-09-19 04:34:04 |
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Country
United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe | https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/oregon/security-guard-nabs-alleged-bank-robber/article_e8fc23d0-f1a0-5fcb-9313-e9ab7c48b8fd.html | 2022-05-05T01:11:12Z |
Country
United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary
People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe | https://www.heraldandnews.com/news/oregon/wayward-pig-rescued-from-busy-street-with-the-help-of-goldfish-crackers/article_7f085029-ccdf-5c4a-a5a2-a91d11b0ee86.html | 2022-05-05T01:11:19Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through Wednesday
afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor surges at
times.
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- All lanes on the northbound Likelike Highway are open after crews cut and removed a tree that had fallen early Wednesday afternoon.
The tree fell sometime before 1 p.m., according to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). Three vehicles were damaged but no injuries were reported.
Traffic headed toward Kaneohe was diverted for about two hours. All lanes were re-opened around 2:30 p.m.
Original:
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- A tree fell on three vehicles on the Likelike Highway, Wednesday afternoon, causing havoc for travelers heading to Kaneohe.
The tree fell somewhere on the northbound side of the Likelike Highway, near the John H. Wilson Tunnels, just before 1 p.m. Authorities tell KITV4 that although the tree fell on three vehicles, thankfully no one was injured.
Crews are working to cut three up and move it off the highway. In the mean time, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) is rerouting northbound traffic at Nalanieha.
There is no estimated time for when the highway will be reopened.
What caused the tree to fall has not yet been determined.
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/fallen-tree-damages-3-vehicles-blocks-kaneohe-bound-lanes-on-likelike-highway/article_378d02b0-cc05-11ec-9a06-e36f5dbb8117.html | 2022-05-05T01:38:28Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through Wednesday
afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor surges at
times.
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- Former Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell is ending his campaign for Hawaii governor citing a lack of funding and momentum.
In a press release sent out early Wednesday afternoon, the Caldwell campaign said that a clear lack of funding would affect operations and fail to produce the desired results and keep team morale up.
“After keeping a close watch on how the campaign was evolving, my gut, my manaʻo, was telling me this was not my time to seek the governorship,” Caldwell said.
The campaign also noted that the underdog nature of Caldwell’s candidacy for governor was not showing the momentum the former mayor had experienced in the past during his successful mayoral campaigns.
“I fully recognize that I am an underdog in this race. In the past, I’ve been the underdog in two of my campaigns for Mayor and won those races, so I’m not afraid to run from behind. However, in this race, I’m not sensing the kind of momentum I know I need in the time we have left to continue to be viable,” he said.
Caldwell served as mayor of Honolulu from 2013 to 2021. He was succeeded by current mayor Rick Blangiardi.
With Caldwell’s exit, the Democratic primary now has just three confirmed candidates as of May 4, 2022: Lt. Gov. Josh Green, former Hawaii first lady Vicky Cayetano, and Dr. Richard Kim.
There are five confirmed Republican candidates for governor and one candidate running on the Libertarian ticket.
Hawaii’s general election will be held on Nov. 8. The primary is scheduled for Aug. 13. The deadline for candidates to file to run is June 7.
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/former-honolulu-mayor-kirk-caldwell-ends-campaign-for-hawaii-governor/article_9c6ccd3c-cc00-11ec-bef8-2fad8499e62d.html | 2022-05-05T01:38:34Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through Wednesday
afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor surges at
times.
HONOLULU (KITV4) – Fire crews responded to a two-alarm warehouse fire on Kamehameha Highway just before midnight on Tuesday.
Nearly 40 firefighters responded to the scene and they were able to successfully extinguish the flames within an hour and a half.
Honolulu Police also responded to the fire for traffic control duties in the area. The road was reopened just after 2 a.m. Wednesday, when KITV4 crews arrived on the scene.
No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/hfd-extinguishes-two-story-warehouse-fire-in-kaneohe/article_851cbf90-cbf4-11ec-92b0-57937ffbc75d.html | 2022-05-05T01:38:40Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through Wednesday
afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor surges at
times.
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- Credit card fraud was the last thing Loretta Arruda of Halawa said she needed to deal with these days.
Arruda has been retired for the past three years and her husband, Cliff, was looking forward to joining her last year, until he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Amid caring for her husband everyday and waiting through hours of treatment, Arruda received mail from Hawaiian Airlines informing her that a new credit card had opened in her name.
Arruda called the company to notify them the card was fraudulent and was told her home address and phone number was changed online. Fortunately, only one charge went through. She spent hours over the phone to get to the bottom of the incident.
"Repeating myself over and over again to each person, answering all of these security questions," Arruda explained. "Why was it so hard for me to do this when it was so easy for somebody else to open up a credit card and do a change of address and a phone number? It didn't make sense to me."
Roseann Freitas of the Better Business Bureau told KITV4 some tricks scammers use to steal your information.
"Sometimes what we do see is a lot of people on social media share information, and sometimes that information that was shared can be answers to our security questions," Freitas said.
To avoid credit card fraud, the BBB suggests double checking monthly bank statements and shredding documents containing personal information.
A representative from Hawaiian Airlines said the company always encourages cardholders to be cautious with their personal information and follow best practices such as avoiding recycling passwords and using a password generator.
'A'ali'i is a reporter with KITV. He was born and raised on the island of Maui and graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/kupuna-struck-by-credit-card-fraud-hopes-her-story-will-help-others-avoid-falling-victim/article_bc1e706e-cc09-11ec-91ef-9ffc9710b63a.html | 2022-05-05T01:38:46Z |
A representative for Dave Chappelle has released a statement regarding an audience member who attacked him Tuesday night while the comedian was performing at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
"As unfortunate and unsettling as the incident was, Chappelle went on with the show," Carla Sims, Chappelle's representative, said in a statement to CNN. "Jamie Foxx and Chris Rock helped calm the crowd with humor before Chappelle introduced the last and featured musical guests for the evening."
The man who tackled Chappelle, identified as Isaiah Lee, had a knife and is in custody, Los Angeles police told CNN.
Video shows Chappelle being attacked onstage.
LAPD spokesperson Officer Lizeth Lomeli told CNN that Chappelle "had finished his act and as he was exiting the stage, a male who was part of the audience jumped on the stage and tackle(d) this celebrity to the ground."
Lee, 23, was arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon and taken to a hospital for medical treatment, Lomeli said. The victim "was not injured as a result of the crime," she said.
The weapon was a "knife blade," Lomeli said.
LAPD Officer Rosario Cervantes told CNN the suspect had a knife that was a replica handgun.
Police later released photos of the weapon, which was collected and booked as evidence, according to a release from LAPD.
Sims said Chappelle is "fully cooperating" with the police investigation of the incident.
The motive of the apparent attack remains unclear.
It also wasn't clear whether Chappelle filed an official police report.
Chappelle was performing at "Netflix is a Joke: The Festival."
"We care deeply about the safety of creators and we strongly defend the right of stand-up comedians to perform on stage without fear of violence," a Netflix spokesperson told CNN in a statement.
Jed Simon, an audience member who was at the show told CNN that Chappelle was finishing up his set and was about to introduce a musical act when a man climbed up to the stage and tackled the comedian.
Simon said he was sitting in the third row and was enjoying the show with his friends when he witnessed the incident.
"Some guy in front of us just climbed up on the stage. I was like 'what the f*** is happening? He came right from the audience." Simon told CNN. "Next thing I know he lunges at Dave and tackles him to the ground pretty aggressively. I was like what is going on?"
CNN correspondent Rachel Crane was also in the audience and described the bedlam after the attack.
According to Crane, the suspect was wearing a backpack. He was dragged stage right, where he was being subdued, when Chappelle said, "Don't do this on stage, take him off."
CNN has reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Hollywood Bowl for more information.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved. | https://www.kitv.com/news/national/dave-chappelle-releases-first-statement-about-unsettling-attack/article_c278db30-4173-5f46-a2dd-3c720a7b0626.html | 2022-05-05T01:38:52Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Weather Alert
A south swell affecting the area will have the potential to
produce large breaking waves in harbor entrances through Wednesday
afternoon. This swell may also produce some harbor surges at
times.
On Saturday, April 23, 2022, at about 9:42 a.m., a motor vehicle collision occurred in the Kalihi area involving a pedestrian.
An Infinity SUV, operated by a 51-year-old woman, was traveling westbound on Kauluwela Place when it came to a stop within the intersection with Liliha Street. As she attempted to reverse her vehicle to avoid blocking the intersection, she struck a pedestrian who was in a marked crosswalk.
She was not injured and remained at the scene.
The 66-year-old male pedestrian was taken to an area hospital in “good” condition. While at the hospital, the pedestrian’s condition worsened and he succumbed to his injuries and died.
At the time of the collision, the Vehicular Homicide Section did not respond to the scene as it was not warranted.
Speed, drugs, and alcohol did not appear to be contributing factors in the collision.
Duane Shimogawa has more than 15 years of experience in the media industry with stints as a reporter/anchor at several TV and radio stations, as well as newspapers such as Pacific Business News, Hawaii News Now, KNDU/KNDO-TV, and more. | https://www.kitv.com/news/pedestrian-struck-and-killed-by-driver-in-kalihi-area/article_4f39d3a4-cc0d-11ec-a1b3-df509540487a.html | 2022-05-05T01:38:58Z |
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LARAMIE – While people around the the globe are itchy to put the COVID-19 pandemic behind them, a group of University of Wyoming scientists is working to develop a test for the virus that is more accurate and efficient.
The testing system has the potential to streamline on-site testing in places like doctor’s offices, airports and nursing homes and takes 30 minutes to complete.
Unlike other tests, multiple samples can be tested for the virus at once, making the process more efficient. The test also uses antibody fragments, which are cheaper to produce than the whole antibodies used by some tests now on the market.
Developing this took a group of six local scientists and students, who worked with colleagues at the National University of Ireland in Galway. Before 2020, some of the researchers were working with detection technology in a more general sense. When the pandemic hit, it became clear it was time to focus on COVID-19.
“It was a really great opportunity for me,” said Moein Mohammadi, a Ph.D. student who worked on the project. “I had other projects before the pandemic. I stopped all of those projects and started working on this (one).”
Mohammadi worked with the guidance of Karen Wawrousek and Patrick Johnson, who are both professors at the university. Each week, the trio would meet with their Irish colleagues, including professor Gerard Wall.
“I think one great thing about the project is how much everyone contributed. We each had our own area of expertise that we brought,” Wawrousek said. “Without the three of us it wouldn’t have worked so well.”
All parts included, the testing equipment is compact enough to fit on a small countertop in a lab nestled in the UW College of Engineering and Applied Science building.
To conduct the test, a researcher adds a saliva sample to a solution with both magnetic particles and detector particles. The sample is then placed on a magnet, where the particles form a small pellet. If the virus is present, the detector particles sink into the pellet along with the magnetic particles and the result is positive.
Testers scan the sample using a handheld device called a Raman spectrometer to detect the positive or negative result.
The Raman spectrometer used for the test was created by Metrohm Raman, a local scientific equipment manufacturer on 2nd Street next to Bond’s Brewing Co. in Laramie.
While it’s still not as sensitive as the longer-wait time PCR test, the researchers found that it is 75-130 times more sensitive than the commercially available FlowFlex rapid antigen test.
Despite the efficacy of the test on a small scale, the researchers have a way to go before the test can be used by the public. The team will continue trying to improve the method and then must figure out a way to produce it on a large enough scale to be a candidate for Food and Drug Administration approval, Wawrousek said. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/infection-detection-university-of-wyoming-scientists-develop-new-covid-19-test/article_ab3d1e4e-a10b-51cf-97e0-ff430e397959.html | 2022-05-05T03:18:40Z |
CHEYENNE – The state of Wyoming has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Batelle Energy Alliance, the operating contractor of the Idaho National Laboratory to collaborate in the research, development, demonstration and deployment of advanced energy technologies and approaches.
The partnership will focus primarily on advanced nuclear technology; the nuclear fuel cycle; hydrogen production, transportation and consumption in industrial applications; and other advanced energy systems through a regional to global approach, according to a Wednesday news release from the governor’s office. The MOU also encourages cooperation to ensure training and education for workers in the uranium and nuclear industries.
“While the Natrium project is a great start, it is my intent that we are also able to establish a nuclear industry and a sophisticated and advanced manufacturing capacity using Wyoming uranium, Wyoming technology and Wyoming workers,” Gov. Mark Gordon said in the release. “This MOU will assist in this effort.”
INL is a longstanding national industry leader, and Wyoming has the natural resources, infrastructure and technical expertise to provide affordable and secure energy across the United States, the release said.
“This MOU formalizes and structures a relationship that has been developing over several years,” said Glen Murrell, executive director of the Wyoming Energy Authority, in the release. “The INL’s expertise and impartiality will play a critical role in the ongoing execution of Wyoming’s all-of-the-above energy strategy.”
The Idaho National Laboratory is the nation’s premier nuclear energy laboratory, and a major source of innovation and capability in national security and broader energy, energy conversion and energy utilization technologies, the release said. In operation since 1949, the INL has a focused approach to advance energy leadership on a worldwide scale by working with regional stakeholders to secure their position in advanced technology deployment and their place in regional, national and global markets. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/wyoming-to-partner-with-inl-on-advanced-energy-related-technologies/article_c998f66f-20b0-5022-a57a-9290290ee9f3.html | 2022-05-05T03:18:46Z |
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ROCK SPRINGS -- Summer is around the corner and food trucks are sprouting around Sweetwater County.
TIP’s Kitchen treats taste buds to home style cooking and they’re serious about chicken.
They prepare four or eight-piece chicken meals, chicken cordon bleu and pasta such as chicken parmesan and chicken fettuccine alfredo. They also serve various chicken sandwiches and wraps. Their fresh sides include potato logs, cauliflower nuggets, chicken strips, gizzards and wings.
Rock Springs natives Kat and Michael Tipton decided that retirement was “just too boring” and they wanted to provide something “tasty and unique” in the community.
“There just aren’t many places that serve great chicken,” said Michael. “We take pride in what we cook here.
“Cooking is my passion!”
“I do love my husband’s cooking,” Kat shared.
Kat was a school bus driver for 11 years and a paraprofessional for four years. Michael worked in the oil field.
TIPS Kitchen is usually spotted at different locations such as Johnny Mac’s Good Times Tavern, Ace Hardware, Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, Green River Chamber of Commerce and Flaming Gorge Harley-Davidson in Green River.
One of the biggest challenges, according to the couple, is “getting everything set up so that it works smoothly in a very small place.”
Another challenge, they mentioned, is the inflation in food prices.
“It’s not a cheap thing to do,” Kat pointed out. “You really have to pay attention to your food orders. What you need, what you don’t and if you can afford it.”
They laughed as they said, “’Buy a food truck,’ they said. ‘It will be fun, they said!”
The biggest advantage for them, however, is “interacting with the community and meeting new people.”
“We love people and since we’ve been here for a long time, we know many people here so that makes it more enjoyable,” Kat said.
They support other food trucks as well.
“We work well together when we’re parked together,” Michael revealed.
The Tiptons hope to keep serving from their food truck for a few more years.
“If our health holds out, we’ll be around for ten years or so,” Kat said. “If you want to start a food truck business, plan your budget and add another 10K – startup costs are high.”
In the mood for chicken? Just look for the big, purple truck. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/tips-kitchen-frying-it-up-for-sweetwater-county/article_9d91e259-4a47-58e2-9b06-509280dbd801.html | 2022-05-05T03:18:58Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
According to the FBI, 28-year-old Uatesoni Paasi has been seen in the Honolulu area as recently as April 2022.
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- A murder suspect wanted in connection with a deadly shooting in California may be hiding out in Hawaii, FBI investigators said.
According to the FBI, 28-year-old Uatesoni Paasi has been seen in the Honolulu area as recently as April 2022. Paasi is accused of shooting and killing a man in San Jose, Calif. following an argument.
The victim’s wife and child were standing nearby when the shooting occurred, investigators said.
Investigators say Paasi and the victim did not know each other, but lived in the same apartment complex in San Jose. The FBI did not say when the shooting in San Jose occurred.
Paasi is a Bay Area native and is related to and associated with suspects connected to a separate homicide there, investigators said.
Paasi is described as being 6’1” tall and weighs approximately 240 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call the FBI’s Honolulu field office at 808-566-4300.
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii. | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/fbi-california-murder-suspect-may-be-hiding-out-in-honolulu/article_74347c70-cc19-11ec-beca-ab317fd258c9.html | 2022-05-05T03:38:06Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- All lanes on the northbound Likelike Highway are open after crews cut and removed a tree that had fallen early Wednesday afternoon.
The tree fell sometime before 1 p.m., according to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD). Three vehicles were damaged but no injuries were reported.
Traffic headed toward Kaneohe was diverted for about two hours. All lanes were re-opened around 2:30 p.m.
Original:
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- A tree fell on three vehicles on the Likelike Highway, Wednesday afternoon, causing havoc for travelers heading to Kaneohe.
The tree fell somewhere on the northbound side of the Likelike Highway, near the John H. Wilson Tunnels, just before 1 p.m. Authorities tell KITV4 that although the tree fell on three vehicles, thankfully no one was injured.
Crews are working to cut three up and move it off the highway. In the mean time, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) is rerouting northbound traffic at Nalanieha.
There is no estimated time for when the highway will be reopened.
What caused the tree to fall has not yet been determined.
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii. | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/fallen-tree-damages-3-vehicles-blocks-kaneohe-bound-lanes-on-likelike-highway-update/article_378d02b0-cc05-11ec-9a06-e36f5dbb8117.html | 2022-05-05T03:38:12Z |
Government officials released statements following news of leaked documents confirming a majority draft Supreme Court opinion to overturn the landmark right to abortion decision in Roe v. Wade:
Senator Mazie Hirono expressed frustration with the Supreme Court ruling, in a statement on the Senate floor:
"Apparently, Chief Justice Roberts is going to get to the bottom of the leak, which is being characterized as the ‘stunning’ thing that is happening. Well you know what, I should think that we should be so much more stunned by the fact that the radical, right-wing Justices of the Supreme Court are prepared to eliminate a constitutional right that the women of this country have relied on for almost 50 years.
Representative Kai Kahele shared a statement on Twitter regarding the news:
An unprecedented choice by the Supreme Court that would undo almost half a century of progress in America.For the sake of my 3 daughters & all Americans who’d be stripped of their bodily autonomy, we must not be discouraged because the fight isn’t over. https://t.co/xU4GlQrMnF
— Congressman Kaiali‘i Kahele (@RepKahele) May 3, 2022
The Hawaii Women's Legislative Caucus released the following statement Tuesday:
“The Senate Women’s Legislative Caucus is appalled and deeply angered at the recent draft SCOTUS opinion regarding the historic Roe v. Wade decision that is currently circulating.
A woman’s right to choose is a fundamental right that must be protected at all costs. As a caucus, we will continue to fight at every level of government to ensure that everyone has complete autonomy over their own body.
This assault on our right to choose will not be tolerated.”
Democratic State Parties Issue Statement on Leaked Majority Opinion:
The Hawaii Republican Vice Chair Diamond Garcia issued the following statement in defense of the draft opinion:
"It's all about LIFE! The draft opinion that was leaked, shows that the majority on the US Supreme Court is standing up to protect ALL LIFE, including LIFE in the womb! I'm looking forward to the imminent day when the court will formally strike down ROE v WADE."
Governor David Ige released the following statement on his Twitter account:
Governor Ige’s statement on the leak of the Supreme Court’s draft to overturn Roe v. Wade. pic.twitter.com/wkbMI9ugN1
— Governor David Ige (@GovHawaii) May 4, 2022
President Joe Biden released a statement Tuesday morning:
My statement on the reported Supreme Court decision draft. pic.twitter.com/Kt3bP0kzqU
— President Biden (@POTUS) May 3, 2022
Former President Barack Obama released the following statement via his Instagram account:
Here’s my statement with Michelle on the draft Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. pic.twitter.com/xBJJkLYGlQ
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 3, 2022 | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/hawaii-officials-react-to-supreme-court-decision-on-roe-v-wade/article_8e16e6e4-cb4e-11ec-b583-030f85a39454.html | 2022-05-05T03:38:18Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
HONOLULU (KITV4) - A man was arrested at a Keeaumoku apartment after punching a police officer in the face.
Hawaii police had been called to the residence Monday morning after reports of a man under the influence of drugs.
When police talked with the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Samuel Skeist, allegedly punched an officer in the face, causing multiple fractures. A second officer was injured after falling against a table. Both officers required medical treatment.
Skeist was arrested for first-degree assault on law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. He remains in police custody at this time.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/man-arrested-for-assault-against-a-police-officer/article_a468b824-cab7-11ec-860c-db787e80b8a4.html | 2022-05-05T03:38:24Z |
1 in 3 new COVID cases caused by new omicron subvariant, CDC data shows
(CNN) - There is new information on a variation of omicron that is causing more COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
The omicron variant offshoot, a highly contagious spinoff of BA.2, is gaining steam in the U.S., caused more than one in three new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. last week.
That is up from one in four the week before, according to the latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We’re set up for another big wave in the summer. I think that’s quite possible,” said Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College School of Medicine.
Cases of the variant spinoff are not evenly spread through the U.S. Last week, the CDC estimated it caused around 62% of cases in the region that includes New York and New Jersey, as well as in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The CDC estimated it caused about 40% of cases in the mid-Atlantic states and more than 36% of cases in the South.
It’s least common in the Pacific Northwest.
Researchers believe several omicron subvariants have a mutation that helps the virus bind more tightly to our cells and hide from the antibodies that try to block the virus from infecting us.
“The incubation period, the period from when you become infected with the virus to when you start showing symptoms with these omicron subvariants, is pretty quick,” Hotez said. “It’s around two to four days.”
In a paper published in the medical journal JAMA, Food and Drug Administration officials say current vaccines could be updated yearly to target specific coronavirus variants going around.
They said COVID-19 shots could be administered every year and decisions will need to be made by this summer on future vaccine composition and who should be eligible for another COVID-19 shot in the fall.
The FDA officials wrote that this coming fall and winter, three factors may put the U.S. at an additional risk of COVID-19: waning immunity, seasonal waves of more coronavirus spread, and the virus further mutating and leading to new variants.
Copyright 2022 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/1-3-new-covid-cases-caused-by-new-omicron-subvariant-cdc-data-shows/ | 2022-05-05T04:51:44Z |
10-year-old sworn in as junior officer to nearly 400 law enforcement agencies
HOUSTON (Gray News) – A 10-year-old battling terminal cancer passed up the chance of going to Walt Disney World to become the youngest officer to be sworn into U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Devarjaye Daniel is now a sworn officer of nearly 400 law enforcement agencies, far surpassing his wish of being sworn into 100.
“This is right up his alley,” Theodis Daniel, Devarjaye’s father told CBP. “He turned down a trip to Disney World because law enforcement is all he wants to do.”
“It was my distinct pleasure to welcome ‘DJ’ into the CBP family,” said CBP Port Director Shawn Polley after administering the oath.
DJ went through training and was introduced to intellectual property rights violations where he questioned a fake purse.
The 10-year-old worked with K-9 teams and got to open a package of undeclared currency where he found three large stacks of bills, putting a smile on his face.
CBP said the boy’s keen eye even led to the seizure of apples from a traveler from El Salvador, as they are prohibited to prevent foreign pest and plant diseases.
DJ wrapped up his first day on the job with hugs, handshakes and spreading joy.
He has been sworn in as a junior officer 388 times.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/10-year-old-sworn-junior-officer-nearly-400-law-enforcement-agencies/ | 2022-05-05T04:51:52Z |
16 suspects arrested in Chesterfield online sex sting
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WWBT) - The Chesterfield Police Department says 16 people face 31 charges after a recent online chatting operation.
Between March 31 and April 28, Chesterfield County Police special victims detectives “intercepted suspects who believed they were soliciting sex from minors through online and social media platforms,” the police department said in a news release.
The suspects - 15 of them from Virginia and one from Georgia - arranged to meet them at a location to have a sexual encounter.
“When the suspects came to the location, they were met by police and arrested,” police said.
The following suspects were arrested and charged:
- Keith P. Boyd, 47, of Ruther Glen, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- James C. Brooks, 28, of Charlottesville, was arrested on March 31 and charged with solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Edward Gerald, 27, of Columbia, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Tyreece M. Huff, 24, of Freeman, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Rory Jenkins, 65, of Henrico, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Lorenzo C. Johnson, 52, of Richmond, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Christopher Kirby, 31, of Ruther Glen, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor.
- Javier Orosco-Gonzalez, 25, of Henrico, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Cody M. Osmun, 30, of Fort Lee, was arrested on March 31 and charged with solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Deepak K. Patel, 41, of Chesterfield, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution
- Denis Rahmanovic, 18, of Chesterfield, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Erkan Sanli, 42, of Chesterfield, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Robert W. Warden Sr., 78, of Chesterfield, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Justin R. Webb, 26, of Chesterfield, was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Robert E. Whitfield Jr., 50, of Goochland, was arrested on March 31 and charged with solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
- Mack Williams, 28, of Albany, Ga., was arrested on April 28 and charged with attempted solicitation of prostitution with a minor and use of a vehicle to promote prostitution.
The suspects could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
Chesterfield Police sending an urgent message to parents to be aware of what’s happening on their child’s social media.
“Check out their phone. See who they are communicating with because the child is communicating with someone online they have no idea who it is they are talking to on the other end, and you don’t know what exactly their intention is,” Maj. Mike Louth, with the Chesterfield Police Department, said.
Louth said there are even more predators out there they were chatting with who didn’t show up at the meeting location.
Emily Mulder with the Family Online Safety Institute said real-life scenarios like these can be prevented by asking questions.
“You can ask the child who they’re talking to. If they seem to have new friends, you can ask them if they are people they know in person,” Mulder said.
Mulder said it’s not just social media platforms to be wary of. She said some gaming sites could have chat rooms.
Something else to look out for is certain changes in behavior.
“It can be hard because teenagers naturally have a certain degree of secrecy, but I think a more negative behavior - more anxiety, more isolation, you know, potentially things like that,” Mulder said.
Police and advocates are urging parents to be more involved. The Family Online Safety Institute encourages parents should ask questions and talk more about online safety.
Copyright 2022 WWBT. All rights reserved.
Want NBC12’s top stories in your inbox each morning? Subscribe here. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/16-suspects-arrested-chesterfield-online-sex-sting/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:01Z |
Amazon users can now get Smith Mountain Lake water conditions on Alexa
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Smith Mountain Lake residents and those wanting to enjoy the water have a new tool to get updates about conditions.
There is a new Amazon skill called SML water update.
The creator is a Smith Mountain Lake resident.
Users can say, “Hey, Alexa, enable SML water update” to get the skill.
Then after that, you would say, “Hey, Alexa, open SML water update” to get the current lake water conditions.
“Gives the current lake level in inches below full pond or above full pond, and then it would tell you if the lake is rising or falling, and it would tell you how many inches per hour it’s rising or falling, and then bolted on to the end of that, it gives you the current water temperature of the lake, which comes from the SML today website. So it bundles all that together,” said Randy Lowman with LakeTurn Automation.
The information updates about every hour and it’s free to use.
Copyright 2022 WDBJ. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/amazon-users-can-now-get-smith-mountain-lake-water-conditions-alexa/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:07Z |
AP sources: Donald Trump Jr. speaks with Jan. 6 committee
WASHINGTON (AP) — The oldest son of former President Donald Trump has met with the congressional committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The interview Tuesday with Donald Trump Jr. comes as the bipartisan House committee moves closer to the former president’s inner circle of family members and political advisers.
The younger Trump is of likely interest to the committee because of his proximity to his father on the day of the riot. Donald Trump Jr. was seen backstage at the rally on the White House Ellipse that took place shortly before supporters of the then-president marched to the Capitol and breached the building.
In several social media videos posted at the time of the Jan. 6 attack, Trump Jr. was seen with Kimberly Guilfoyle — then his girlfriend, now his fiancee — and other members of his family as his father prepared to make a speech that investigators believed rallied supporters to act violently that day.
The House committee has also released text messages from Jan. 6 in which Trump Jr. pleaded with the White House to get his father to forcefully condemn the riot.
“We need an Oval address. He has to lead now. It has gone too far and gotten out of hand,” Trump Jr. wrote to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
Trump Jr. is one of nearly 1,000 witnesses the committee has interviewed as it works to compile a record of the worst attack on the Capitol in more than two centuries. He is the second of Trump’s children known to speak to the committee; sister Ivanka Trump sat down with lawmakers for eight hours in early April. Her husband, Jared Kushner, has also been interviewed by the committee.
Other allies of the former president have defied subpoenas from the committee and been referred to the Justice Department for potential prosecution on contempt of Congress charges. One of them, Stephen Bannon, was indicted last year after he refused to cooperate. That case is pending.
The committee of seven Democrats and two Republicans is looking to wrap up its nearly 11-month investigation and shift into the public hearing phase. Hearings are set to begin June 9 and go on for four weeks. Lawmakers expect to bring out witnesses and present evidence in an effort to educate the public on the full scope of the attack and Donald Trump’s role in it.
Trump Jr. is no stranger to congressional investigations, having testified at least three times in House and Senate investigations of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.
The two people who confirmed Trump Jr.’s interview with the Jan. 6 committee were granted anonymity to discuss the private session, which was not announced by the committee.
____
Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/ap-sources-donald-trump-jr-speaks-with-jan-6-committee/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:13Z |
Augusta County Sheriff’s Office makes 2 arrests after vehicle pursuit
AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Shortly after 12 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, a deputy with the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office was on routine patrol, when he observed an SUV stopped in the roadway on Barterbrook Rd. with the driver appearing to be slumped over the steering wheel.
While the deputy was approaching the vehicle, the vehicle reportedly accelerated rapidly. The deputy initially just followed the vehicle, with no lights and sirens. When the deputy observed the vehicle driving recklessly by crossing the double yellow lines and swerving into the opposing lane of travel, the deputy activated his lights and siren in an attempt to initiate a traffic stop.
The driver of the vehicle, John Joseph Panzino Jr., of Callands, Va., refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued into Nelson County and then Albemarle County on Interstate 64.
A Virginia State Police Trooper, assisting with the pursuit, attempted to contain the vehicle and slow it down. The suspect vehicle continued around the trooper and rammed an Augusta County Deputy’s patrol vehicle. The suspect vehicle then reportedly crashed in the median.
Neither Panzino nor his passenger, Alexis Drew Monroe of Waynesboro, was injured in the crash. Both were taken into custody without further incident.
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Deputy charged Panzino with 1 felony count of eluding police and was also served with 2 outstanding probation violations from Staunton. Monroe was served with 2 outstanding warrants from Henrico County for petit larceny and possession of burglary tools.
Panzino is being held without bond at MRRJ. Monroe was released on bond. No law enforcement officers were injured during the course of the pursuit.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/augusta-county-sheriffs-office-makes-2-arrests-after-vehicle-pursuit/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:20Z |
Blinken tests positive for COVID, has mild symptoms
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department said Wednesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken has tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and related events over the weekend.
Spokesman Ned Price said Blinken tested positive in a PCR test on Wednesday afternoon. Price said Blinken is fully vaccinated and is experiencing only mild symptoms.
Blinken tested negative Tuesday and again earlier Wednesday morning with antigen tests but took the PCR test after devloping symptoms. Blinken has not met in person with President Joe Biden for “several days” and is not considered a close contact of the president, according to the White House and State Department.
Before testing positive, Blinken met Wednesday at the State Department with the Swedish foreign minister and on Tuesday with the Mexican foreign secretary. Price said the department is tracking all close contacts that Blinken has had over the past several days and notifying them of the situation.
Blinken had been scheduled to give a speech Thursday about the Biden administration’s China policy, but Price said that speech has been indefinitely postponed.
Price said Blinken, who attended the White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday as well as a number of receptions related to it through the weekend, would isolate at home and work virtually until the quarantine period is over.
He is the latest Biden administration figure to test positive. Vice President Kamala Harris was cleared to return to to the White House on Tuesday after testing positive last week.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/blinken-tests-positive-covid-has-mild-symptoms/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:26Z |
Bridgewater announces 2022 Football schedule
BRIDGEWATER, Va. (WHSV) - Bridgewater College has released the football schedule for 2022.
The first game is scheduled for Saturday, September 3 at 1 p.m. at Gettysburg.
The Eagles will play their first home game Saturday, September 10 against Southern Virginia. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.
The annual homecoming game is scheduled for Saturday, October 22 at 2 p.m. The Eagles will go head to head with the Averett Cougars for the first time since 2009.
“We are excited to get the 2022 season going,” said Head Coach Scott Lemn. “Coming off our first spring season since 2019, the guys are all ready to go, and we have a great group of nonconference games scheduled, including against N.C. Wesleyan who we haven’t played in five years.”
Click here to view the full schedule.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/bridgewater-announces-2022-football-schedule/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:33Z |
Bridgewater College professor weighs in on Supreme Court leak
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - The Supreme Court document leak was shocking, but they are actually more common than you think.
Bridgewater Professor of History and Political Science Dr. Jim Josefson said that government leaks happen all the time.
Josefson said this one was so significant because it came from the Supreme Court which has never happened. As to the motive behind this, there are different theories.
“One obvious reason to leak is to mobilize opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision if the Supreme Court does choose to overturn Roe versus Wade,” said Josefson.
Josefson said another reason could include conservatives getting people used to the idea to prevent any shock if the decision is made to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/bridgewater-college-professor-weighs-supreme-court-leak/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:39Z |
Dayton breaks ground on new water treatment plant
DAYTON, Va. (WHSV) - The Town of Dayton broke ground on a major infrastructure project two years in the making on Wednesday. The town is set to build a new water treatment plant.
The new plant will be built directly beside the town’s existing water treatment plant. The project was first approved in 2020 and will provide an upgrade over the existing treatment plant which has had a variety of maintenance issues.
“It really is about clean drinking water for today and into the future and for our water treatment plant operators, it makes their job a whole lot easier because they’re not gonna have those constant maintenance issues. Getting calls in at 3 o’clock in the morning because a pump quit running,” said Dayton Mayor Cary Jackson.
The new plant will be more efficient in providing clean water to the town’s 650 residential and commercial water customers and save money on maintenance costs long term.
The town used $1.6 million of its American Rescue Plan funds for the new plant’s equipment and will be able to complete the project without incurring any debt.
“What’s the most efficient, most economical cost? We could’ve done a cheaper plant and just upgraded the system we had but we really felt that for the future we needed to build the new building and new plant to have the most efficient products,” said Jackson.
Construction of the new plant is expected to be completed by early February.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/dayton-breaks-ground-new-water-treatment-plant/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:45Z |
DHS disinformation board’s work, plans remain a mystery
WASHINGTON (AP) — There is little credible information about the new Disinformation Governance Board.
And that has made it an instant target for criticism.
The board, part of the Department of Homeland Security, was announced last week. But DHS has released few details on how the board will function and what powers it will have.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was attacked again Wednesday by Republican members of Congress who have already called for the board to be disbanded. Some civil liberties advocates also worry the group could violate freedom of speech.
With disinformation campaigns working to shape opinions on everything from the war in Ukraine to the presidential election in the United States, the rocky start for the board may undermine its effectiveness and hurt the efforts to staunch the harm that false narratives can cause.
“It is just an episodic failure,” said Brian Murphy, a former director of DHS’ intelligence arm, of the board’s launch. “And it has set the true disinformation professionals, wherever they live, back.”
Testifying before Congress on Wednesday, Mayorkas said the board would examine how DHS currently counters disinformation and make sure the agency “does not infringe on freedom of speech, rights of privacy, civil rights and civil liberties.” DHS already has an office of civil rights and civil liberties.
“It is going to establish what should have been established years ago: standards, definitions, guidelines and policies,” he said.
The board’s bungled rollout could also hurt existing efforts to identify and stop foreign disinformation campaigns, which have been labeled a national security threat by both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Russia, China and other adversaries have used social media to push messages at U.S. audiences that stoke division and spread conspiracy theories or falsehoods. In recent months, Russia has waged an aggressive disinformation campaign across platforms to claim images and reports of dead bodies and attacks in Ukraine are fake.
The top Republicans on two key congressional panels wrote to the department on Friday demanding more information. Even privately, congressional staffers say they know little about the board or how it’s being funded beyond the spare public announcements made by the department’s leadership.
“Given the complete lack of information about this new initiative and the potential serious consequences of a government entity identifying and responding to ‘disinformation,’ we have serious concerns about the activities of this new Board,” wrote Reps. Mike Turner of Ohio and John Katko of New York, the top Republicans on the House Intelligence and Homeland Security committees.
DHS that same day held a call with congressional staffers and the board’s new director, Nina Jankowicz, an author and expert on Russian disinformation.
According to one person on the call, Jankowicz said there was a broad vision for what the board would do but did not offer specifics to some questions, including how her organization would work with existing anti-disinformation efforts with DHS. The department also has not provided Congress with detailed written plans beyond a summary it sent to Capitol Hill on Wednesday, the same day the department publicly announced the creation of the board.
The person was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ninety-five percent of Americans identified misinformation last year as a problem when they’re trying to access important information, according to a poll conducted by The Pearson Institute and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
But the difference between opinion and disinformation is often contested — and many argue the government shouldn’t be responsible for drawing the line.
The board’s creation spurred outrage across social media, with dozens of conservative pundits and Republican politicians dubbing it the “Ministry of Truth,” a reference to the government agency responsible for creating propaganda in George Orwell’s novel “1984.” The term “Ministry of Truth” trended on Twitter for hours.
Thousands of posts focused on Jankowicz, including past social media posts that criticized Republicans and questioned the veracity of stories about Hunter Biden, the president’s son. Other posts used anti-Semitic language to attack her and Mayorkas for their Jewish heritage.
While the board was set up in part to combat Russian disinformation, it instead fueled conspiracy theories and more stories in Russian state media. One Kremlin-backed piece carried the headline: “Biden’s ‘Ministry of Truth’ is another propaganda tool.”
Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah on Wednesday echoed that point to Mayorkas directly on Wednesday, calling the board a “terrible idea” that “communicates to the world that we’re going to be spreading propaganda in our own country.”
Homeland Security initially said the board would have the two-part mission of countering Russian disinformation activities and false narratives smugglers use to induce people in Latin America to try to reach the U.S.-Mexico border.
“For anyone who’s out there who may be concerned about the increase in migrants to the border, this is the kind of apparatus that’s working to address disinformation,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said during a briefing on Monday.
On Monday, the department also announced it would provide quarterly reports to Congress.
Trying to tamp down concerns about “thought police,” Mayorkas said in a television interview to CNN on Sunday that “we in the Department of Homeland Security don’t monitor American citizens.”
In fact, DHS does. The sprawling department, created in response to the security failures leading up to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, has broad authorities to track and collect data on American citizens. It has repeatedly been accused of misusing those powers. In a bulletin earlier this year, DHS said it was using social media to identify potential conspiracy theories that might inspire domestic violence or terrorism. In a statement on Monday, the agency also released examples of how it has responded to misinformation in the past, including during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when falsehoods spread about drinking water and shelter locations.
And organizations tracking disinformation monitor social media, where it’s sometimes impossible to determine the nationality or location of individual users. Disinformation researchers often identify popular conspiracy theories and trending falsehoods in the U.S. by monitoring public social media groups, pages and accounts.
DHS won’t have the ability to remove posts or accounts that it deems are spreading disinformation. That power still rests with the tech companies themselves, said Katie Harbath, a former public policy director for Facebook who is now the International Republican Institute’s technology and democracy director.
The new disinformation board could help the platforms spot some information operations they might be missing, she said.
“DHS is going to have to do what they normally do,” Harbath said. “If there’s a post they think should be taken down or fact-checked, they can report that to the platforms, but the platforms are going to make their own call.”
___
Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri and Ben Fox contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/dhs-disinformation-boards-work-plans-remain-mystery/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:51Z |
Fed raises key rate by a half-point in bid to tame inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve intensified its fight against the worst inflation in 40 years by raising its benchmark interest rate by a half-percentage point Wednesday — its most aggressive move since 2000 — and signaling further large rate hikes to come.
The increase in the Fed’s key short-term rate raised it to a range of 0.75% to 1%, the highest point since the pandemic struck two years ago.
The Fed also announced that it will start reducing its huge $9 trillion balance sheet, made up mainly of Treasury and mortgage bonds. Reducing those holdings will have the effect of further raising borrowing costs throughout the economy.
Speaking at a news conference after the Fed’s latest meeting, Chair Jerome Powell took the unusual step of saying the central bank’s officials understood the financial pain that high inflation is causing ordinary Americans. But Powell stressed that the Fed is sharply raising rates for that very reason — to rein in high inflation, sustain the economy’s health and ease the stress that millions of households are facing.
“Inflation is much too high,” he said, “and we understand the hardship it is causing.”
With prices for food, energy and consumer goods accelerating, the Fed’s goal is to cool spending — and economic growth — by making it more expensive for individuals and businesses to borrow. The central bank hopes that higher costs for mortgages, credit cards and auto loans will slow spending enough to tame inflation yet not so much as to cause a recession.
It will be a delicate balancing act. The Fed has endured widespread criticism that it was too slow to start tightening credit, and many economists are skeptical that it can avoid causing a recession.
At his news conference, Powell said he was confident that the economy is resilient enough to withstand higher borrowing rates. Job openings are at a record high. There are two available jobs, on average, for each unemployed person. Wages are rising at a historically rapid pace, and businesses are continuing to invest in equipment and software.
“I see a strong economy,” he said. “Nothing about it says it’s close to or vulnerable to a recession.”
Powell also made clear that further large rate hikes are coming. He said that additional half-point increases in the Fed’s key rate “should be on the table in the next couple of meetings” in June and July.
But he also sought to downplay any speculation that the Fed might be considering a rate hike as high as three-quarters of a percentage point.
“A (three-quarters of a point) hike is not something that the committee is actively considering,” he said — a remark that caused stock indexes to jump. Before he spoke, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up only modestly. By the close of trading, the Dow had soared 930 points, or 2.8% — its best single-day gain since May 2020.
In their statement, the central bank’s policymakers noted that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is worsening inflation pressures by raising oil and food prices. It added that “COVID-related lockdowns in China are likely to exacerbate supply chain disruptions,” which could further boost prices.
Inflation, according to the Fed’s preferred gauge, reached 6.6% last month, the highest in four decades. It has been accelerated by a combination of robust consumer spending, chronic supply bottlenecks and sharply higher gas and food prices.
Starting June 1, the Fed said it would allow up to $48 billion in bonds to mature without replacing them for three months, then shift to $95 billion by September. At September’s pace, its balance sheet would shrink by about $1 trillion a year. The balance sheet more than doubled after the pandemic recession hit as the Fed bought trillions in bonds to try to hold down long-term borrowing rates.
At the news conference, Powell said the Fed wants to “expeditiously” raise its key rate to a level that neither stimulates nor restrains economic growth, which the Fed has said is about 2.4%. The central bank’s policymakers have suggested that they will reach that point by year’s end.
Once the rate reaches that level, Powell said that “if we do believe that it’s appropriate” to raise their short-term rate further, to a level that would restrict growth, “we won’t hesitate.”
Economists warn that some of the factors fueling inflation — notably, shortages of supplies and workers — are outside the Fed’s ability to solve.
“The Fed can’t fix supply-side challenges with higher interest rates,’’ said Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors. “Fed tightening doesn’t re-open Chinese factories, increase grain shipments from Ukraine, re-position container ships to where they are needed or hire truckers to move goods.’’
Powell said, however, that he thinks the Fed can cool booming demand and thereby help slow inflation.
The Fed’s credit tightening is already having some effect on the economy. Sales of existing homes sank 2.7% from February to March, reflecting a surge in mortgage rates related, in part, to the Fed’s planned rate hikes. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has jumped 2 percentage points just since the start of the year, to 5.1%.
Powell has pointed to the widespread availability of jobs as evidence that the labor market is tight “to an unhealthy level” and that fuels inflation. The Fed chair is betting that higher rates can reduce those openings, which would presumably slow wage increases and ease inflationary pressures, without triggering mass layoffs.
For now, with hiring robust — the economy has added at least 400,000 jobs for 11 straight months — and employers grappling with labor shortages, wages are rising at a roughly 5% annual pace. Those pay raises are driving steady consumer spending despite spiking prices. In March, consumers increased their spending 0.2% even after adjusting for inflation.
Financial markets are pricing in a Fed rate as high as 3.6% by mid-2023, which would be the highest in 15 years. Shrinking the Fed’s balance sheet will add another layer of uncertainty surrounding how much the Fed’s actions may weaken the economy.
Complicating the Fed’s task is a slowdown in global growth. COVID-19 lockdowns in China are threatening to cause a recession in the world’s second-largest economy. And the European Union is facing higher energy prices and supply chain disruptions after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
What’s more, other central banks around the world are also raising rates, a trend that could further imperil global growth. On Thursday, the Bank of England is expected to raise its key rate for the fourth straight time. The Reserve Bank of Australia increased its rate Tuesday for the first time in 11 years.
And the European Central Bank, which is grappling with slower growth than in the United States or the United Kingdom, may raise rates in July, economists expect.
___
AP Economics Writer Paul Wiseman contributed to this report.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/fed-raises-interest-rate/ | 2022-05-05T04:52:59Z |
Intoxicated man causing disturbances attempts to hide from police under a blanket
BELFAST, Maine (Gray News) – Police in Maine did not have to use top of the line detective skills to find a suspect who was attempting to hide from them at a local inn.
The Belfast Police Department said officers were called to the Admiral Ocean Inn late Sunday night for the report of an intoxicated man causing a disturbance.
When they arrived, they met up with Philip Dulude and removed him from the property. They also told him he would be arrested if he came back.
A few hours later, a sergeant with the department was checking the parking lot of the inn, where he found someone sitting in a chair and hiding under a blanket. When the sergeant pulled the blanket off, he found Dulude hiding under it.
The department says Dulude was then taken into custody and charged with criminal trespass and violation of bail conditions.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/intoxicated-man-causing-disturbances-attempts-hide-police-under-blanket/ | 2022-05-05T04:53:06Z |
Investigation ongoing for Khaleesi Cuthriell
VERONA, Va. (WHSV) - Since September, community members and investigators have talked about a local three-year-old who went missing months before her disappearance was reported.
According to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), Khaleesi Cuthriell was last seen in January 2021, and she was reported missing in September 2021.
Eight months since that report, there’s still no update. There’s been little information released to the public since the investigation began.
The community continues to ask: Where could she be?
Khaleesi was in the care of Candi Royer, of Waynesboro, when she was last seen in early 2021. Royer was reported missing in early September, and when Amanda Arey, Khaleesi’s mother, learned Royer was missing, she had questions about where her daughter was.
Arey was at Middle River Regional Jail in September, and she brought Royer’s disappearance up to guards. After a conversation with ACSO deputies, the investigation began.
Not long after that report, on September 21, investigators announced they believe Khaleesi is dead. Still, many in the community continue to talk about the case, demanding justice for the child.
Erin Landes didn’t know Khaleesi, but when she heard her story, she couldn’t forget it. She’s part of a group in the area hosting vigils and events to honor the child, and there have been some talks of forming a search party. She said she still hopes someone will come forward with information.
“I feel like as a community, like, as a whole, we’ve all failed her. I feel like there are people, community members out there that maybe possibly do know what happened to her or where she could be, but they’re too scared to come forward,” Landes said.
WHSV reached out to ACSO to get an update on the investigation, but Sheriff Donald Smith said he won’t discuss the case publicly. Augusta County Commonwealth’s Attorney Tim Martin said in a statement to WHSV he asked investigators not to make public comment, “out of concern that it could impede my ability to hold the perpetrators responsible.”
Martin said he understands the curiosity in the case, but he’s chosen to keep all matters quiet.
“The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has worked tirelessly since they became aware that Khaleesi was missing. They have involved other agencies including the Virginia State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. They have utilized every resource imaginable to bring this case to a conclusion,” Martin said in the statement.
Royer is scheduled for court on May 17 for the abuse of a child resulting in serious injury, according to Virginia Court Case Information online. The charge is listed as a violation of code section 18.2-371.1, and it is listed as a class four felony.
Travis Brown, Royer’s boyfriend, also had custody of the child but doesn’t have any charges directly related to Khaleesi’s disappearance listed online. He’ll be in court May 23 for various violations of probation charges.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/investigation-ongoing-khaleesi-cuthriell/ | 2022-05-05T04:53:13Z |
Kitten recovering after being rescued from Las Vegas dumpster fire
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 4:54 PM EDT|Updated: 7 hours ago
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KVVU/Gray News) - A 4-week-old kitten was rescued from a dumpster fire in Las Vegas.
The Animal Foundation of Las Vegas is treating the kitten, which they named Savannah, in their kitten nursery. The shelter doesn’t have many details on how Savannah was caught in the fire, but she suffered burnt paws, singed fur and whiskers, KVVU reported.
Savannah is on medication to help with pain and is in an incubator to warm her up. The Animal Foundation said she will be going to a foster home to heal.
To donate to Savannah’s care, visit animalfoundation.com/savannah.
Copyright 2022 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/kitten-recovering-after-being-rescued-las-vegas-dumpster-fire/ | 2022-05-05T04:53:20Z |
Liberty University promises: Where are they six months later?
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) - It’s been six months since changes were announced for Liberty University.
During an early November convocation, President Jerry Prevo stood in front of the student body and said blue light call boxes were heading to Liberty along with a multi-million-dollar network of cameras. Additionally, a third-party audit of the university’s Title IX offices was promised on the night of November 4.
“It will be put into motion. It will be,” Prevo told WDBJ7 that night. The next day, an official announcement on the matter was made.
The promises came months after a multi-plaintiff lawsuit was filed against the university, alleging Title IX failures of Liberty.
People at LU have eagerly awaited change since the announcements were made, but if you ask students like Hailey Wilkinson, they’ve seen little to no action so far.
“We have not heard anything from the school, so as of now it just sounds like empty promises from Prevo,” said Wilkinson, who is a part of Liberty Student Against Abuse, formerly known as Justice for Janes.
Wilkinson says rumors have swirled about things happening, but she says nothing concrete has been shared with her or others from LU leaders.
“They don’t really care about our safety,” said Wilkinson. “As a female specifically, it’s very scary.”
Kendall Covington is a student representative of the organization Save71, a group advocating for reform at the university.
She says there needs to be a culture change from the top down to help women feel safe and comfortable with reporting incidents.
“That structure isn’t going to help any women unless they know that the people at the top care about them,” said Covington.
Despite their concerns, a Liberty spokesperson told WDBJ7 that everything promised before is coming along.
In an email, they said everything “is moving forward, but these processes take time to do correctly. Liberty University is still undergoing a very thorough independent review of the Title IX policies and processes that should be concluded before long. As of right now, there are no new details ready to be shared publicly. As for the independent review, once a final report has been completed, Liberty will likely share a material summary of those findings at the appropriate time.”
The university did not specify who is doing the audit and Liberty University president Jerry Prevo declined WDBJ7′s request for an on-camera interview for this story.
Throughout this process, transparency is a key point students feel is lacking.
“Seeing we have not heard anything, that’s not very transparent,” said Wilkinson.
With safety still an issue at the forefront.
“Do you feel any safer now than six months ago?” WDBJ7 asked Covington. “No,” she said.
The university is undergoing an investigation by the Department of Education, something they also experienced in 2010 before making a settlement in 2013.
The current investigation comes after additional lawsuits against the university.
Copyright 2022 WDBJ. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/liberty-university-promises-where-are-they-six-months-later/ | 2022-05-05T04:53:27Z |
Mom charged with child abuse after kindergartner mistakenly takes THC gummies to school, prosecutor says
VIENNA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WNEM/Gray News) – A Michigan mother was charged with second-degree child abuse after her 6-year-old child took a package of THC-laced gummies to school, resulting in four kindergartners being hospitalized, officials said.
According to Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, the child took the gummies to Edgerton Elementary School in Vienna Township, about 15 miles north of Flint.
Leyton said the mother, identified as Melinda Gaticia, made her own THC gummies at home and placed them in a Life Savers package. She then left them in reach of her 6-year-old child, who took them to school Friday to share with classmates, Leyton said.
“If you are gonna do edibles, eat gummies, you have to safe keep them,” Leyton said.
In the kindergarten classroom, four students fell ill from the gummies and were hospitalized. Three of the students were discharged the next day, and the fourth student was discharged after two days, according to Clio Area Schools Superintendent Fletcher Spears.
Spears said all four students are now back at school.
Gaticia was taken into custody Wednesday after turning herself in. Leyton said the second-degree child abuse charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Copyright 2022 WNEM via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/mom-charged-with-child-abuse-after-kindergartner-mistakenly-takes-thc-gummies-school-prosecutor-says/ | 2022-05-05T04:53:33Z |
Mom, grandma charged with murder after young child found dead in hotel room, police say
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WHNS/Gray News) – A mother and a grandmother are facing first-degree murder charges after a young child was found dead inside a hotel room Monday afternoon, police said.
According to the Asheville Police Department, officers responded to the Rodeway Inn and Suites for a welfare check when they found a small child lying dead on the floor inside a room. Investigators said the child appeared extremely malnourished.
Police did not disclose the age of the child.
Police said the child’s mother, 29-year-Chantarica Nasha Matthews, and the child’s grandmother, 50-year-old Inga Torrence Matthews, were inside the room with the child when officers arrived.
Following an investigation, both women were arrested and charged with first-degree murder, felony child abuse, and concealment of death. They were both booked into the Buncombe County Detention Center and are being held without bond.
Copyright 2022 WHNS via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/mom-grandma-charged-with-murder-after-young-child-found-dead-hotel-room-police-say/ | 2022-05-05T04:53:40Z |
Mother and 3-year-old child die after drowning in motel pool
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 2:19 PM EDT|Updated: 10 hours ago
GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) - A woman and her daughter drowned at a motel pool in Galveston, Texas, early Wednesday morning.
Galveston police officers were called to the Rodeway Inn around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday for a possible double drowning.
First responders began CPR and took the mother and child to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead.
Police identified the victims as 33-year-old Alissa Hunter and 3-year-old Kylie Doyle.
Investigators are still working to determine what happened.
Copyright 2022 KTRK via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/mother-3-year-old-child-die-after-drowning-motel-pool/ | 2022-05-05T04:53:47Z |
New DOT carbon-emission cutting infrastructure to fund new projects in Virginia this year
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - In April, the US Department of Transportation announced President Biden’s new infrastructure that will help fight climate change.
Virginia will receive $31.8M this fiscal year to fund projects to cut down on carbon-dioxide emissions, and a local environmental nonprofit says it’s a step in the right direction.
“Transportation is our leading source of greenhouse gases in the commonwealth and in the country and in Harrisonburg. And for us to be able to see some light at the end of the tunnel with a valued federal program like this really presents a lot of great opportunities,” VA Clean Cities Executive Director Alleyn Harned said.
Eligible projects include on and off-road trail facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians, and those that support alternative-fuel vehicles.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/new-dot-carbon-emission-cutting-infrastructure-fund-new-projects-virginia-this-year/ | 2022-05-05T04:53:53Z |
Oath Keeper from NC pleads guilty to seditious conspiracy
A North Carolina man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring with other members of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group to forcefully halt the peaceful transfer of power after President Joe Biden’s 2020 electoral victory.
William Todd Wilson, 44, of Newton Grove, North Carolina, is the third Oath Keepers member to plead guilty to a seditious conspiracy charge stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Brian Ulrich, 44, of Guyton, Georgia, pleaded guilty to the same charge last Friday. Joshua James, 34, of Arab, Alabama, was the first Oath Keepers member to plead guilty to seditious conspiracy.
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, 55, of Granbury, Texas, and eight others linked to the group have pleaded not guilty to seditious conspiracy and other charges. A trial for some of them is scheduled to start in July.
Unlike James and Ulrich, Wilson wasn’t charged in the initial January 2022 indictment for the seditious conspiracy case.
The charge is rarely employed. Before January, the last time U.S. prosecutors brought such a seditious conspiracy case was in 2010 in an alleged Michigan plot by members of the Hutaree militia to incite an uprising against the government.
Wilson was an Oath Keeper member since 2016 and a Sampson County leader of the group’s North Carolina chapter, according to a court filing. The filing describes him as a military and law enforcement veteran but doesn’t include any details of his service.
“Some members of the Oath Keepers, like Wilson, believe that the federal government has been coopted by a cabal of elites actively trying to strip American citizens of their rights,” the filing says.
Wilson brought a rifle, pistol, ammunition and other combat gear when he drove to the Washington area on Jan. 5. He left the weapons in a Virginia hotel room but was armed with a pocketknife and wearing a neck gaiter and beanie hat to mask his appearance when he and other Oath Keepers entered the Capitol on Jan. 6, prosecutors said.
Oath Keepers members dressed in paramilitary clothing stormed the Capitol in “stack” formations. Others amassed firearms on the outskirts of Washington, D.C, and were prepared to bring the weapons into the city on Jan. 6 if Rhodes or his associates believed the need arose, according to prosecutors. In the end, the group’s “quick reaction force” teams didn’t bring guns into Washington.
Before he left the Capitol, Wilson joined a mob of people trying to push open the Rotunda Doors from inside the building, according to prosecutors.
Later that afternoon, according to a court filing, Wilson joined Rhodes and others in a hotel’s private suite, where Rhodes called somebody over a speaker phone and repeatedly implored the person to tell Trump to ‘”call upon groups like the Oath Keepers to forcibly oppose the transfer of power.” The unidentified person on the phone refused to let Rhodes speak directly with Trump.
“After the call ended, Rhodes stated to the group, ‘I just want to fight,’” the filing says.
Several days after he returned home, Wilson tossed his cellphone into the Atlantic Ocean to keep its contents out of law enforcement’s hands, prosecutors said.
Wilson also pleaded guilty to a charge of obstructing an official proceeding, the joint session of Congress for certifying Biden’s victory over former President Donald Trump.
Four other people connected with the Oath Keepers have pleaded guilty to obstruction of Congress and a lesser conspiracy charge, A conviction under the seditious conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, compared with five years on the lesser conspiracy charge.
More than 780 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Jan. 6 riot. Over 270 of them have pleaded guilty, mostly to misdemeanors. More than 160 of them have been sentenced.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/oath-keeper-nc-pleads-guilty-seditious-conspiracy/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:00Z |
Officials hear concerns from sailors after multiple deaths on Navy aircraft carrier
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WTKR) – In Virginia, the U.S. Navy is relocating hundreds of sailors who had been living on an aircraft carrier after three recent suicides.
Democratic Congresswoman Elaine Luria toured the U.S.S. George Washington Tuesday to hear concerns directly from sailors and find ways to help sailors on that ship and on others.
“Every member of the ship is just like a family member,” she said. “So it’s, you know, it’s hit the crew hard. I think it’s very important to take a deep look and also a broad look into the contributing factors behind these types of incidents.”
Rear Admiral John Meier said immediate action has been taken regarding the deaths of the sailors. One investigation is looking into the three suicides from last month, while another is a broader look at command climate and culture and what he calls systemic stressors to working in a shipyard environment.
“Anytime we lose the sailor it’s gut wrenching,” he said.
Meier said there are also more training and mental health professionals added to the ship, and hundreds of sailors have been offered options to move off the ship to Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
“I think it’s important to note that we found spaces for them,” he said. “This will be at no cost to the sailors. it will increase their commuting times certainly, but it will also improve the quality of life for them continuing to look for better ways to improve quality of life here on board the ship. that includes cell phone repeaters, WIFI access on the mess decks.”
Luria said the sailors have the stress of being new to the Navy on top of difficult working and living conditions as well as whatever personal stressors they might be dealing with.
“What are the other stressors that people have in their lives, and really being able to look at removing those friction points for sailors,” Luria said.
Sailors recently voiced their concerns to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith. When asked by sailors why chaplains are being put on certain ships instead of psychiatrists, Smith said psychiatrists are harder to find.
Luria said she is looking into the Navy to see if the mental health issues are being met with psychiatric personnel on staff.
Meier said there are currently a lot of mental health resources focused on the George Washington.
“Mental health help and capacity across, really across the nation, but across the DoD and Navy is not meeting demand,” he said. “I think we all recognize that this is a national imperative.”
If you or someone you know needs help, you are asked to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Copyright 2022 WTKR via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/officials-hear-concerns-sailors-after-multiple-deaths-navy-aircraft-carrier/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:07Z |
Police: 4-month-old baby dies, parents arrested after witness spots grave in backyard
LAS VEGAS (KVVU/Gray News) - Las Vegas police are investigating a homicide where a 4-month-old baby was found dead inside a home last month.
KVVU reports Miles Stano Jr. and Lindsey Bello were arrested in connection with the death of their child on April 1.
A witness told police they thought the baby’s death was planned and they were going to bury him as a grave was spotted in their backyard a week after his death, according to a police arrest report.
Police said they were originally called on April 1 to a home, with the caller telling them an infant was found cold and not breathing.
The mother, Bello, reportedly put her baby down for a nap that morning and then found him not breathing about six hours later, the arrest report said.
The Clark County Coroner observed multiple bruises and abrasions on the baby and described the child as “emaciated.” The child also had two skull fractures. The boy’s death was ruled a homicide from blunt force trauma, the report said.
Bello told police she was in a relationship with the boy’s father, Stano Jr., for about a year. She said she believed she was “exposed” to methamphetamine and cocaine while pregnant but described the baby as healthy since being born.
The police report said when Bello was told of the injuries to her baby; she said she didn’t know how the child was injured. Bello reportedly asked Stano Jr. about the injuries, but he didn’t know where they came from either.
Bello said she never observed Stano Jr. being rough with the baby, and Stano Jr. said the same about Bello, the report said.
Police said they found the boy’s mattress in a dumpster along with a wipe with blood on it and a bloody blanket.
A witness later told police that Bello said she gave Stano Jr. “permission” to throw the child against a wall, the report said.
Police said that during a polygraph exam on April 2, Bello told them that Stano Jr. had killed the baby. When Stano Jr. did a polygraph, police said he became belligerent, incessantly chanting, “I did not hurt my son.”
A witness told police they overheard Bello saying Stano Jr. killed the baby and she was taking the blame so he could raise his other children, the report said. Other witnesses said they heard Bello say she had killed the baby.
Police said Stano Jr. later reportedly screamed and said he didn’t harm his son and that Bello had lied to him about how his son died. Bello was “calm and jovial” before she was interviewed by police, according to the arrest report, until she realized Stano Jr. was also arrested.
The couple was not granted bail in a court hearing on May 3, according to court records. Their next hearing is currently scheduled for May 10.
Copyright 2022 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/police-4-month-old-baby-dies-parents-arrested-after-witness-spots-grave-backyard/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:13Z |
Rapper Kidd Creole sentenced to 16 years for fatal stabbing
NEW YORK (AP) — Rapper Kidd Creole, who was a founding member of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, was sentenced Wednesday to 16 years in prison for stabbing a homeless man to death on a New York City street.
The 62-year-old rapper, born Nathaniel Glover, was found guilty of manslaughter last month for the death of John Jolly, who was stabbed twice in the chest with a steak knife in midtown Manhattan in August 2017.
Prosecutors accused Glover of stabbing Jolly after becoming enraged because he thought Jolly was gay and was hitting on him. After stabbing Jolly, who was 55, Glover headed to his workplace nearby, changed his clothes and washed the knife, prosecutors said. Glover was arrested the following day.
“Mr. Jolly’s death was devastating to his family and those who knew him,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a news release after the sentencing. “Every life we lose to violent crime ripples throughout our entire city, and we will continue to ensure everyone in our borough can live their lives with the sense of safety and security they deserve.”
The New York Times reports that Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Michele Rodney appeared to take issue with arguments made by Glover’s lawyer, Scottie Celestin, who said during the trial that Glover had felt threatened in part because Jolly was homeless.
“A life is a life is a life,” Rodney said, adding as she sentenced Glover that the killing was not “somehow justified because the person is homeless.”
Celestin said he would appeal the conviction.
Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five formed in the late 1970s in the Bronx. The group’s best-known song is “The Message” from 1982. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, the first rap group to be included.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/rapper-kidd-creole-sentenced-16-years-fatal-stabbing/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:20Z |
Rattlesnake handler dies after snake bite during show, family says
FREER, Texas (Gray News) - A rattlesnake handler died over the weekend in Texas while handling a snake during a show at the Freer Rattlesnake Roundup event.
Eugene Roberto DeLeon, 60, was bitten by a rattlesnake on April 30 while performing at the annual show, according to his family. DeLeon was flown to a hospital in Corpus Christi where he later died.
DeLeon was a veteran snake handler and part of the Snake Busters Snake Handlers. His sister, Monica Dimas, shared on social media that he had a passion for snake handling and died doing what he loved.
According to the Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home, DeLeon graduated from Freer High School in 1981. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Freer Fire Department and a custodian at Freer High School.
Dimas wrote for those to keep her family in prayer while she helps raise money to pay for her brother’s funeral expenses.
DeLeon was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be sadly missed by all who knew him, according to his obituary.
Services for DeLeon are scheduled to be held on May 7 at the Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home Chapel in San Diego, Texas.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/rattlesnake-handler-dies-after-snake-bite-during-show-family-says/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:27Z |
Remembering the 1990 deadly Augusta County tornado
The only deadly tornado in our local history
AUGUSTA SPRINGS, Va. (WHSV) - Official tornado records go back to 1950, however we do have newspaper reports of storm damage before that date.
Chief Meteorologist Aubrey Urbanowicz has traced Shenandoah Valley tornadoes back to at least 1847. The 1990 Augusta county tornado is the only deadly tornado in our history, that we know of.
Strong tornadoes are not common in our area but they can happen. On the evening of May 4th, 1990, Chief Wayne Martin with the Craigsville fire department responded to a call.
“The call came in, debris in the road at Augusta Springs.”
Martin says they typically respond to a lot of flooding calls so this one was different.
When Martin arrived there were, “Houses with the roofs off, a trailer upside down, trash everywhere.”
The tornado formed in western Augusta county over Big North Mountain. It came into Augusta Springs, and crossed right in between two homes. Eventually it crossed a 2,500′ ridge over Little North Mountain, and moved into Swoope where it killed two people.”
So this also busts the old myth that tornadoes don’t happen in the mountains, because they do.
Here’s the storm summary from the National Weather Service, there is a photo gallery at the bottom of this page.
Two men were killed, Ronald Patterson and Robert Strickler. Four other people that were also inside the trailer were injured, but survived.
The only two businesses in Augusta Springs were destroyed.
Martin says, “There was no warning of any kind”
Barbara Watson is Meteorologist with the National Weather Service and was out of our local Washington, D.C. office at the time. She explains how poor the radar coverage was at the time.
“We had very poor radar coverage, the radar site was all the way across the state. We were about 2-3 years away from having the doppler radar.”
She surveyed the storm damage to determine how powerful the tornado was. Watson remembers this tornado specifically because it was her first solo tornado damage survey.
“Seeing the damage of the mobile home where there were fatalities , that was tough, says Watson. I talked to some people there.
Watson said the damage was so bad, “I actually had to have some of the residents describe what had been there, what had been destroyed to make sense out of the damage.”
Ten people were injured, and two men lost their lives when the tornado destroyed their trailer.
The tornado was rated an F-2. Watson said she estimated the winds to be at their peak between 125-130 mph.
The path was 7 miles long between Augusta springs and Swoope. The width of the damage was about 25 yards.
Martin said that a lot of community members came out to help clean up the damage, and to help the victims of the storm.
The church in Augusta Springs was so badly damage it had to be destroyed. Officials were afraid that kids or other people would wander into the church, and someone would get hurt. The church was burned down to prevent that, but the bell was saved.
The bell still stands in Craigsville, as a reminder of the storm.
DAMAGE
The tornado touched down in Augusta Springs near Augusta Springs Road and Estaline Valley Road.
- Destroyed two homes and five mobile homes
- Minor to major damage to 12 additional homes
- Damaged the People’s Baptist Church so heavily and moved the foundation, it was burned down after the storm
- Destroyed the Augusta Springs Volunteer Fire Department
- General Store was also heavily damaged
- Five farms were damaged
- 6 vehicles destroyed
- 2 Deaths
- 10 injuries
Newspaper reports say that the trailer on Trimbles Mill Road was “ripped from its foundation and slammed into the ground 25 yards away.” National Weather Service Meteorologist Barbara Watson was quoted at the time and describing the damage in Augusta Springs. The tornado when it first touched down left a path a mile long and 50-100 yards wide in Augusta Springs. The tornado lifted briefly as it went over Little North Mountain at 2,500′ and then dropped again on the other side moving into the Swoope area.
Personal take: Reading the newspaper reports and some of the quotes from the National Weather Service, this was certainly an unexpected and unusual event in an area with so much terrain. There was not warning on the storm and the radar coverage was basically nothing. I think it was more unbelievable at the time that a tornado of this magnitude could happen here.
We know much more about tornadoes in an area with a lot of terrain, as our area is. We now know that rotating storms can strengthen going down a mountain, which is what this one did. The vortex can weaken going up a mountain- which is also what this tornado did. It was passed on across generations that the mountains “protect” us from tornadoes. A tornado will do what it wants to do, regardless of rivers, buildings, terrain. Mountains do not protect us. The terrain can alter the environment for strong storms and tornadoes, but we have a long history of local tornadoes. They can happen anywhere in our area.
ARCHIVE FOOTAGE
Raw footage from WHSV that aired in 1990
PHOTO GALLERY
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/remembering-1990-deadly-augusta-county-tornado/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:34Z |
Scammers taking advantage of high energy bills
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - The Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia is warning people about a home energy audit scam.
Scammers will cold call you, or come to your front door, promising they can save you money on your electricity.
The BBB warns you to not agree to anything on the spot or give out your information.
“You got to be careful, especially with the door-to-door. I’m always a little hesitant about those,” Leslie Blackwell with the BBB said. “They contacting you through text or email, phone, promising that they’re going to be able to save you some money on your energy bill. That’s a red flag.”
The BBB says if you have doubts, to always call the company and never make a quick decision to give someone your money.
Copyright 2022 WVIR. All rights reserved.
Do you have a story idea? Send us your news tip here. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/scammers-taking-advantage-high-energy-bills/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:40Z |
Sexual assault suspect arrested in Augusta County
AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - A 29-year-old man is being accused of sexually assaulting an Augusta County child numerous times from 2017 to 2020.
In March 2022, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the assaults. The offender and victim were reportedly acquaintances of one another.
As a result of this investigation, numerous charges were obtained against the offender and he was subsequently arrested on May 3, 2022.
Jose Omar Carmona was charged with the following:
18.2-67.1 – Sodomy by Force, Threat, or Intimidation – three (3) counts
18.2-67.5/18.2-61 – Attempted Rape by Force or Intimidation
18.2-61 – Rape by Force or Intimidation
18.2-67.3 – Aggravated Sexual Battery Victim < 13yrs
18.2-370.1 – Sexual Abuse by Custodian
18.2-47 – Abduction by Force
18.2-57.2 – Assault on Family/Household Member
18.2-371 – Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor
Carmona is currently being held without bond at the Middle River Regional Jail and is awaiting court related to these charges.
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force for their assistance in apprehending Carmona.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/sexual-assault-suspect-arrested-augusta-county/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:47Z |
Shenandoah County Sheriff calls for RSW Regional Jail superintendent to step down
WOODSTOCK, Va. (WHSV) - Shenandoah County Sheriff Tim Carter is calling for the superintendent of the Rappahannock-Shenandoah-Warren Regional Jail to step down due to management and security issues. Carter expressed his concerns over communication issues after two inmate deaths in a three-month span.
“Someone died and they died from someone getting access to drugs in the facility. There should be a briefing immediately with the board on that incident,” said Sherriff Carter. “Certainly when you have heroin in a facility like this that’s supposed to be under control and under surveillance and it’s supposed to be secured, there is a problem there.”
An inmate at RSW Regional Jail died of a heroin overdose in December, but the jail board was not briefed on the incident for five months.
“I’m disappointed that a board member has to ask for a briefing on death in custody regarding an overdose of heroin. It just seems like to me that just out of respect for the decedent you need to explain to everybody how this happened,” said Carter.
During a meeting of the jail board last week, Sheriff Carter made a motion to remove RSW Superintendent Russ Gilkison, but the motion was not seconded and failed. Carter said the communication of RSW leadership is a major concern.
“You can only imagine what the families of these two decedents are probably gonna have to try to figure out as far as getting information. If a board member is having this much difficulty how are they going to be treated?” said Carter.
A second non-drug-related inmate death in March furthered Carter’s concerns about the jail’s leadership.
“What was striking to me was that the same culture, the same management, the same supervision, the same things that were happening back in December, at least from my perspective were happening at the end of March,” said Carter.
Carter said a briefing from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office after its investigation into the December overdose highlighted management and security concerns like a communication system among inmates.
“Inmates were communicating 24 hours a day, seven days a week inside the facility, outside the facility, and some major security issues were being identified by that communication,” he said.
Carter said a major red flag was that the mother of the deceased inmate learned about her son’s death from other inmates, not the jail.
“The very system that was used to notify the decedent’s mother of the heroin death in custody. And it was at that point in my mind that I believed the superintendent needed to be relieved of his responsibilities,” he said.
While Carter has been alone so far in his call for the superintendent to resign, he said he has lost confidence in Gilkison’s ability to effectively manage the jail.
“The board members have to decide on their own whether or not they want to continue that relationship with that person or not. I’ve decided I don’t want to continue that relationship,” he said.
Sheriff Carter said he has an obligation to the people of Shenandoah County to bring attention to the problems at the jail and to do what he can to fix them.
“Working in Shenandoah County I think the public has an expectation of me that if I see something that’s wrong if I see something that needs to be corrected that I’m obligated to point that out,” he said.
WHSV reached out to the jail and Superintendent Gilkison for comment on Wednesday but did not hear back.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/shenandoah-county-sheriff-calls-rsw-regional-jail-superintendent-step-down/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:53Z |
Team USA honored at White House
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - The White House honored more than 600 U.S. Olympic athletes today.
Olympians and Paralympians from the 2020 and 2022 games traveled to D.C. and were welcomed by the President on the south lawn.
Washington News Bureau’s Brendan Cullerton reports, “As the White House has loosened COVID-19 restrictions, President Joe Biden has invited Team U.S.A. to the White House for the first time in his presidency.”
Hundreds of Team U.S.A. athletes were greeted with cheers from fans who attended the in-person celebration. It was a welcoming the team missed out on during the 2020 summer games in Tokyo due to the pandemic.
The 200 medalists were honored by President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
President Biden congratulated the athletes saying, “We believe in America anything is possible, and you are the explanation of what we mean.”
Elana Meyers Taylor, the most decorated black athlete in the history of the Winter Olympics, spoke on behalf of the athletes. “This team is resilient. We came together and we persevered. And we hope we’ve made this country proud.”
Cullerton spoke with some of the athletes after the ceremony. Watch their comments below.
Copyright 2022 Gray DC. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/team-usa-honored-white-house/ | 2022-05-05T04:54:59Z |
Thieves steal almost 10,000 gallons of gas as police warn about increase in thefts
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5/Gray News) - Police in Las Vegas arrested three men in connection to the theft of almost 10,000 gallons of gas. They are warning residents about an uptick in gas thieves during the summer months.
Gas prices are up more than a $1.50 from this time last year even before the summer travel rush. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said sky-high prices are motivating thieves.
At a gas station off Interstate 15 and Blue Diamond, the Chevron gas station at Windmill and Las Vegas Boulevard, police reported that a fuel theft ring stole almost 10,000 gallons of gas, KVVU reported.
An employee at another gas station near Harry Reid International Airport noticed that a significant amount of gas was missing and reviewed surveillance video.
They spotted a large white truck at a gas station. Police said Raidel Amador Blanco, Luis Gomez Medero and Javier Ramos Gomez altered the truck which was parked at the pump for two hours.
The same evening, an off-duty officer walking by the Chevron on Las Vegas Boulevard noticed a Dodge Ram that had been parked at the pump nearly four hours.
Detectives stopped the truck and found sophisticated pipes, electric pumps, hoses, and nozzles with fuel bladders hidden in cargo areas.
Thieves are also drilling into gas tanks of individual cars. There have been more than a half a dozen incidents reported in just the last few months.
The cost to fix one small hole in your gas tank can be thousands.
“As gas prices continue to rise over the summer months, thieves are going to try and steal your liquid gold,” the department said in a statement.
Police said if you notice your car won’t run, look for small holes in your gas tank made by power tools.
Also, pay attention to the smell of gas when approaching your vehicle or liquid puddles underneath.
To help prevent theft, park in a covered or well-lit area and avoid public parking for extended periods of time.
The LVMPD Financial Crime section has been investigating fuel thefts that have been occurring all around the Las Vegas valley.
Metro said these types of crimes occur around the clock and often in plain sight. Call police or advise gas station employees if you see a gas crime happening.
Copyright 2022 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/thieves-steal-almost-10000-gallons-gas-police-warn-about-increase-thefts/ | 2022-05-05T04:55:06Z |
Tractor trailer crash in Augusta County cleared
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 3:32 PM EDT|Updated: 9 hours ago
AUGUSTA COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - UPDATE: As of 6:16 p.m., this crash has been cleared.
On I-81 at mile marker 226.6 in Augusta County, motorists can expect delays due to a tractor trailer crash.
Traffic backups are approximately 7.0 miles.
This is a developing story. Stay with WHSV for the latest information.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/tractor-trailer-crash-augusta-county-causing-delays/ | 2022-05-05T04:55:13Z |
U.S. Customs seize 460 counterfeit Rolex watches from China worth $10.1 million
(Gray News) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports officers in Indianapolis seized two shipments that contained hundreds of counterfeit Rolex watches at the end of April.
Officials said the shipments contained 460 watches that were arriving from Honk Kong en route to Brooklyn, New York. Officers reported the vendor had a history of fraudulent shipments and these shipments were deemed counterfeit by their trade intelligence.
The agency said if the counterfeit watches were genuine, they would’ve been valued at $10.1 million based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.
“No one buys a luxury brand watch expecting it to fail or fall apart. As consumers increasingly purchase from online or third-party vendors, our officers are at the frontline to guard against defrauders expecting to make money selling fake merchandise,” said Chicago Director of Field Operations LaFonda D. Sutton-Burke.
During the month of April, CBP officers in Indianapolis reported they had seized three shipments of counterfeit watches that, if real, would have been worth $20 million.
“This is just another example of the work our officers do to protect consumers and the U.S. economy,” said Jeremy Brodsky of the Port Director-Indianapolis. “Our officers are at the frontline protecting the U.S. economy and guarding against criminals making money by selling fake merchandise.”
Officials said the rapid growth of e-commerce enables consumers to search for and easily purchase millions of products through online vendors. The easy access gives counterfeit and pirated goods more ways to enter the U.S. economy.
Consumers who believe they have purchased counterfeited products can submit a report here.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/us-customs-seize-460-counterfeit-rolex-watches-china-worth-101-million/ | 2022-05-05T04:55:20Z |
US quietly expands asylum limits while preparing to end them
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Biden administration has begun expelling Cubans and Nicaraguans to Mexico under pandemic-related powers to deny migrants a chance to seek asylum, expanding use of the rule even as it publicly says it has been trying to unwind it, officials said Wednesday.
The U.S. struck an agreement with Mexico to expel up to 100 Cubans and 20 Nicaraguans a day from three locations: San Diego; El Paso, Texas; and Rio Grande Valley, Texas, according to a U.S. official with direct knowledge of the effort.
The expulsions began April 27 and will end May 22, the official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been made public. They are carried out under Title 42 authority, which was named for a public health law and used to expel migrants on the grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Title 42 is due to expire May 23.
The U.S. and Mexico agreed April 26 to very limited expulsions of Cubans and Nicaraguans, according to a high-level Mexican official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. It was prompted by higher numbers of migrants from those two countries coming to the U.S. border.
Another Mexican official, also not authorized to comment publicly, confirmed that up to 100 Cubans and 20 Nicaraguans were being expelled from San Diego under Title 42 under an agreement that runs through May 22.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Until last week, Mexico only agreed to take Guatemalans, Hondurans and El Salvadorans — in addition to Mexicans — under Title 42 authority. Other nationalities are subject to Title 42 but costs, strained diplomatic ties and other considerations often make it difficult to send them back to their home countries.
It’s next to impossible for the U.S. to expel migrants to Cuba or Nicaragua due to poor relations with those governments. That has posed an acute challenge for the Biden administration as more people from those countries seek haven in the United States.
Cubans were stopped by U.S. authorities more than 32,000 times on the Mexican border in March, double the number in February and more than five times October’s count, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Nicaragua eased travel restrictions from Cuba in November, making it easier for Cubans to continue by land to the U.S. border. Most enter the U.S. in or near Yuma, Arizona, and Del Rio, Texas.
Last month, Cuba and the United States took a tentative step toward thawing relations and resuming joint efforts to address irregular migration during the highest-level talks between the two countries in four years.
There were no major breakthroughs, but the mere fact that the U.S. was holding substantive talks was a sign relations might be looking better under President Joe Biden after going into deep freeze under his predecessor, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said Friday.
“They seem committed. They ratified that they are committed to the agreements in place,” Fernandez de Cossio said. “So we have no reason to mistrust what they’re saying, but time will tell.”
Nicaraguans were stopped more than 16,000 times in March, more than double September’s level. The vast majority enter in South Texas.
Lifting Title 42 has proven controversial as midterm elections near, even for Biden’s Democratic Party, amid concerns that the U.S. is unprepared for an anticipated increase in migrants seeking asylum. Authorities stopped migrants more than 221,000 times in March, the highest mark in 22 years.
The White House and Homeland Security Department have publicly stood behind the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision to end the measure because it could no longer be justified on grounds of protecting public health.
But the practice of expelling Cubans and Nicaraguans runs counter to the administration’s public statements that it was phasing out use of the pandemic powers to prepare for May 23. The Washington Post reported earlier Wednesday that U.S. and Mexico struck an agreement to do so for Cubans and Nicaraguans.
The U.S. has expelled migrants more than 1.8 million times under Title 42 authority since March 2020, effectively overriding rights to seek asylum under U.S. law and international treaty. In doing so, migrants are not subject to immigration law, which include rights to seek protection from persecution at home.
The administration said in court filings that it began processing more Central American adults under immigration laws after the CDC’s announcement on April 1. But a federal judge in Louisiana ruled last week that it couldn’t start unwinding Title 42 while it was still in effect.
U.S. District Judge Robert Summerhays strongly criticized the CDC’s decision, suggesting he would try to keep Title 42 in effect after May 23. A hearing is scheduled May 13 for oral arguments.
Marisa Limón, senior director of advocacy and planning at the Hope Border Institute, said advocates began learning about expulsions of Cubans and Nicaraguans from El Paso on Monday and later confirmed the new practice with U.S. officials.
Limón said the administration is “trying to get every last bit out of Title 42″ before it expires. She called it “sobering” but consistent with the administration’s efforts to have other countries in the Western hemisphere take more responsibility for hosting people fleeing their homes.
___
Sherman reported from Mexico City.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/us-quietly-expands-asylum-limits-while-preparing-end-them/ | 2022-05-05T04:55:27Z |
US resumes limited visa processing in Cuba after 4 years
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 7:11 PM EDT|Updated: 5 hours ago
HAVANA (AP) — The U.S. Embassy in Havana has resumed processing visas for Cubans, though on a limited basis, more than four years after stopping consular services on the island amid a hardening of relations.
The resumption comes as the number of Cubans trying to emigrate illegally to United States surges.
A State Department official said that for the time being U.S. officials in Havana will only process visa requests from Cubans who are the parents of U.S. citizens, under a category known as IR-5, and that the Biden administration in the future will evaluate expanding the services to others.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/us-resumes-limited-visa-processing-cuba-after-4-years/ | 2022-05-05T04:55:34Z |
Valley summer camps look forward to first year back post-COVID
STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - Students will be out of school for summer break in just a few short weeks, and parents are starting to look ahead toward the summer months.
Summer camps are back up and running for many organizations in the Valley, after two years of adapting to COVID guidelines or shutting down completely. The Frontier Culture Museum offers a camp, and Associate Director of Education Rachel Sites said they’re filling up quite quickly.
“Normally, we estimate we have 60% full by the end of May. We are at that right now. That’s incredible. We’re over 70% on our younger camp, our 5-8 year old camp, which is a big switch. Usually it’s the 9-12 year old camp that fills up first,” Sites said.
Since many kids missed some in-person school in the last two years, summer camp will be a good way for them to catch up and make new friends.
“It’s great socialization, it’s outdoor play, it’s still involving a lot of learning, but it’s directly outdoor learning with kids they may not have had before,” Sites said.
Blue Ridge Community College is bringing their Learning Can Be Fun program back to campus, and Suzie Dull, Business Development Manager for BRCC, said it’s hard to imagine how it will all play out.
“Things have changed, so some families have changed what they’re looking for. I think we’ve all looked at our life a little bit different in the past two years,” Dull said.
She said many of their long-running classes are filling up, but others, like pottery, aren’t filling up as quickly.
“It’s hard to gage two totally different environments. Just coming off of 100% virtual, now back in-person, on-campus classes, but we’re very excited to have our youth back on campus,” said Dull.
You can register for the Frontier Culture Museum’s summer camp on their website.
To learn more about Learning Can Be Fun, check out Dull’s sit-down interview with Bob Grebe on “Now On 3,” or visit their website for information on registration.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/valley-summer-camps-look-forward-first-year-back-post-covid/ | 2022-05-05T04:55:40Z |
VIDEO: Deputy watches Baby Shark with toddler while waiting for family to pick her up
DELAWARE COUNTY, Ohio (Gray News) – A deputy in Ohio is getting praise for the way he comforted a toddler after her grandparents were arrested.
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office said a 16-month-old girl had to wait for her great-grandparents to pick her up after her grandparents were arrested on outstanding warrants.
While waiting for her family, Deputy Carey took the child into his patrol car and turned Baby Shark on his phone for her to watch.
Carey’s body cam video also shows him joke and play with the child and even wipe away her tears.
“The good news is that this sweet baby girl has many family members who love her,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday. “Even more endearing is that Deputy Carey is not a father (yet), but he showed extreme care and sensitivity to the child, just as any parent/guardian would have wanted.”
The sheriff’s office said Carey stayed with the child for about 20 minutes before she was picked up by her family.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/video-deputy-watches-baby-shark-with-toddler-while-waiting-family-pick-her-up/ | 2022-05-05T04:55:47Z |
VIDEO: Hundreds of homes demolished after destructive tornado sweeps through city
Published: May. 4, 2022 at 5:43 PM EDT|Updated: 7 hours ago
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH/Gray News) - A destructive tornado was caught on camera last week in Kansas.
The City of Andover shared the tornado video from April 29 as the cyclone formed in southern Sedgwick County and then moved into the city.
KWCH reports the twister destroyed hundreds of homes in Sedgwick County and the City of Andover. Officials said less than ten people were injured, but one woman remained hospitalized with a back injury.
Luckily, officials reported no immediate deaths in the area.
Copyright 2022 KWCH via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/video-hundreds-homes-demolished-after-destructive-tornado-sweeps-through-city/ | 2022-05-05T04:55:54Z |
Virginia COVID-19 cases rise by 3,187 Wednesday
13,497,790 total PCR tests have been run for the virus in Virginia, with 1,710,272 positive cases.
Due to the number of vaccinations across our region, we will no longer be updating the COVID-19 hotline.
As of Wednesday, May 4, Virginia has had 1,710,272 total cases of COVID-19, including confirmed lab tests and clinical diagnoses, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
The Virginia Department of Health reports a 10.4% 7-day positivity rate for total PCR testing encounters.
19 additional deaths were reported this Wednesday, leaving the death toll at 20,256.
For a comprehensive summary of COVID-19 cases and testing in Virginia, you can visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website and view their COVID-19 dashboard.
On Sunday, April 18, 2021, vaccine eligibility expanded to all individuals in the Commonwealth age 16 and above.
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, former Governor Northam announced an ease in some of the COVID-19 restrictions for social gatherings that began on Saturday, May 15:
- Social gatherings: The maximum number of individuals permitted in a social gathering will increase to 100 people for indoor settings and 250 people for outdoor settings. Social gatherings are currently limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
- Entertainment venues: Indoor entertainment and public amusement venues will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity or 1,000 people, up from 30 percent capacity or 500 people. Outdoor venues will be able to operate at 50 percent capacity — up from 30 percent — with no specific cap on the number of attendees.
- Recreational sporting events: The number of spectators allowed at indoor recreational sporting events will increase from 100 to 250 spectators or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less. Outdoor recreational sporting events will increase from 500 to 1,000 people or 50 percent capacity, whichever is less.
- Alcohol sales: Restaurants may return to selling alcohol after midnight, and dining room closures will no longer be required between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Thursday, May 13, 2021, vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear a mask in most circumstances. On Friday, May 14, 2021, Former governor Ralph Northam announced the mask mandate in Virginia would be lifted, and capacity and social distancing restrictions will end on May 28.
Statewide case totals and testing numbers as of May 4
By May 4, the Virginia Department of Health had received reports of 1,227,101 confirmed cases and 483,171 probable cases of COVID-19 across the commonwealth.
Those positive test results are out of 13,497,790 total PCR tests administered in Virginia.
At this point, 50,147 Virginians have been hospitalized due to the disease caused by the virus, and at least 20,256 have died of causes related to the disease.
Where are our local cases?
Here’s a breakdown of cases for our region as of 10:00 a.m. May 4.
Central Shenandoah Health District: 67,780 total cases
Beginning March 10, 2022, the Locality dashboard is no longer being published. Cases by report date and cases by date of illness can be viewed by locality on the Cases dashboard.
Total PCR tests: 432,081
Lord Fairfax Health District: 54,868 total cases
Total PCR tests: 368,260
Northwest Total Outbreaks: 1,031 reported, including 334 in long term care facilities, 100 in K-12 settings, 74 in healthcare settings, 42 in correctional facilities, 330 in congregate settings, 66 in colleges/universities, and 85 in child care settings.
Note: VDH has changed the way it tracks outbreaks. They are now grouped by regions instead of health districts.
COVID-19 Vaccine in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Health has launched a data dashboard showcasing the number of COVID-19 vaccines that have been distributed and administered throughout the commonwealth.
According to the data dashboard, as of May 4, 7,035,829 people have been vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 6,298,058 people are fully vaccinated.
19,006,425 total vaccine doses have been distributed throughout the state.
Recovery
The Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association’s online dashboard indicates that, as of May 4, at least 108,324 COVID-19 patients have been discharged from the hospital.
Unlike the VDH data that reports cumulative hospitalizations, their data on hospitalizations reflects hospitalized patients confirmed positive for COVID-19, and that number is 206.
West Virginia updates
Here at WHSV, we cover Grant County, Hardy County and Pendleton County. The below information is the most recent data from each counties’ health department. You can find West Virginia’s COVID-19 dashboard here.
There are 502,192 total cases in West Virginia as of May 4.
Grant County: 3,785 total COVID-19 cases
Hardy County: 4,192 total COVID-19 cases (+1 from Tuesday)
Pendleton County: 1,977 total COVID-19 cases (+1 from Tuesday)
For the latest factual information on COVID-19, you’re encouraged to check both the Virginia Department of Health and the CDC.
Copyright 2021 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/virginia-covid-19-cases-rise-by-3187-wednesday/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:01Z |
Virginia lawmakers could take up abortion legislation in 2023
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - The next time Virginia lawmakers could take up any potential abortion legislation is in January when the Virginia General Assembly convenes.
“The existence of abortion rights in Virginia will rest on a single vote in the state Senate,” said Larry Sabato, UVa Center for Politics.
That’s true. Republicans currently control the House. However, Democrats have a slim majority in the Senate.
“The Republicans in the house would almost certainly pass anti-abortion measures. The governor would sign if a bill got to his desk in all likelihood. The Senate probably would at least moderate whatever the House passes and maybe kill it,” said Sabato.
In Virginia, abortions are legal through the second trimester, a little over 26 weeks. And the procedure is legal in the third trimester, if it involves the life or health of the mother.
This year, a Republican-led house effort to ban abortions after 20 weeks failed to gain traction. Lawmakers eventually dropped it.
But, Sen. Joe Morrissey signaled, at the time, he would have supported it, representing a crack in the Senate’s so-called blue wall. Morrissey is not commenting on his stance today.
“Democrats have to find a way to energize their base. This will energize their base,” said Sabato.
There are other implications too, at the polls. All 100 seats in the House of Delegates, and 40 seats in the state Senate are up for election in 2023.
“This gives democrats a reason to motivate their base in a low, low turnout election, an off, off year election,” said Sabato.
NBC12 did ask the heads of both the state Republican and Democratic parties for an interview about the politics behind all this. Neither were available for comment.
Copyright 2022 WWBT. All rights reserved.
Want NBC12’s top stories in your inbox each morning? Subscribe here. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/virginia-lawmakers-could-take-up-abortion-legislation-2023/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:07Z |
What does a day of a firefighter look like?
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Wednesday is International Firefighters Day which is a day to recognize firefighters of the past and present.
So what does a day in the life of a firefighter look like?
You may think that a firefighter just puts out fires and saves people from burning buildings, but it’s more than that. Firefighters respond to traffic incidents and other things.
“We respond to EMS calls which are medical calls which can range from people having heart problems to other variety of calls. We also go and help with public service calls,” said Emily Walter, a firefighter at Harrisonburg Fire Department Station 3.
Firefighters have very long shifts.
“We work 24 hours and then have 48 hours off,” said Walter.
Firefighters do many other practical things when not responding to a call. Some of the time is spent eating or sleeping, but when an emergency happens, they have to be ready in a flash.
“You could be mid-shower and you have to dry off as quickly as you can and get out to the rig because we have an expectation to get out in a minute and 30 seconds,” Walter said.
But at the end of the day, the passion for helping people is why Walter became a firefighter.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/04/what-does-day-firefighter-look-like/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:14Z |
After some relief, gas prices back up again across Virginia
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Gas prices are back up over $4.00 across Virginia.
On May 4, the average for a gallon of gas in the commonwealth is $4.07, up $0.10 from this time last week. Morgan Dean with AAA Mid-Atlantic said consumers are seeing prices spike again due to cutting off oil from Russia, getting into the summer travel season where demand increases, and summer gasoline trends.
Meanwhile, diesel prices are the highest ever. In Virginia, the average for a gallon of diesel is $5.37, but even higher in the Valley where it is averaging $5.49 in Harrisonburg, which is $0.55 higher than a week ago.
These prices continue to fuel the inflation and supply chain issues we are already seeing.
“Ultimately, we as consumers are going to end up seeing that in prices, be it food, be it products we get from a big box store, something that gets delivered somewhere,” Dean said. “It’s all going to end up showing up in the price because they’re going to have to pass that cost on to the final person who’s buying it at some point or they can’t afford to do it anymore.”
While everyone wants to know when we could see prices go down, Dean said that is very hard to predict right now.
But are those high prices impacting travel plans?
When AAA conducted a survey among Virginians last month when gas was around $4.00 a gallon, 40% of travelers said gas prices were not even considered when making plans, while 45% of people said due to those high prices, they are taking fewer or shorter trips.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/after-some-relief-gas-prices-back-up-again-across-virginia/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:21Z |
Deputies: 2 men drive body to hospital in attempt to hide marijuana grow operation
HUNTINGTON, W. Va. (WSAZ/Gray News) - Police in West Virginia are investigating an unusual situation where they say a man died at a home but was dumped at a hospital by two men trying to conceal a marijuana grow operation.
WSAZ reports Cabell County Sheriff’s deputies were notified on Tuesday of a body, later identified as Eric Williams, that was found at St. Mary’s Medical Center wrapped in a carpet.
Josh Daniel and Ryan Fitzsimmons are accused of dumping Williams’ body at the medical center, according to the sheriff’s office. The two were questioned about the body and after changing their stories they eventually told officers Williams died at home.
According to the criminal complaint, when authorities asked why they didn’t call 911 in the beginning, Daniel told them there was marijuana growth inside the house.
The sheriff’s office said Williams’ body was sent to the medical examiner’s office, which determined the cause of death was likely a heroin/fentanyl overdose.
Officers said Daniel and Fitzsimmons are facing charges of concealment of a dead body and they may end up facing further charges in connection with the marijuana grow operation
Currently, both men are being held in the Western Regional Jail on an $80,000 bond.
Copyright 2022 WSAZ via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/deputies-2-men-drive-body-hospital-attempt-hide-marijuana-grow-operation/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:27Z |
EMU baseball returns to ODAC Tournament for third straight season
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - The Eastern Mennonite University baseball team is back in the ODAC Tournament for a third straight season.
“We want to continue to elevate to that point where it becomes the new norm for EMU to be in the conference tournament,” said EMU head coach Adam Posey. “We want to feel like we play baseball at that level.”
The Royals are the No. 8 seed in the eight-team field and will play top-seeded and nationally-ranked Lynchburg in the first round. The teams are scheduled to square off in a best-of-three series in Lynchburg. Game one is set for a 3:30 p.m. first pitch on Friday.
“It just helps out that we had a lot of maturity on this team coming along and we had a lot of guys coming back,” said EMU senior outfielder Jaylon Lee, who is batting .389 with 10 home runs and 43 RBI this season.
EMU is back in the ODAC postseason tournament after qualifying in 2019 and 2021. The 2020 season was canceled early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to qualifying in 2019, the Royals had not played in the postseason since 2015.
“Coach Posey speaks about being process-oriented but at the end you want to see some results so being in the tournament is obviously a big result,” said EMU senior infielder Brett Lindsay, who is hitting .341 with five home runs and 37 RBI in 2022. “Being in it three years in a row, it means a lot to these guys.”
The Royals feature one of the top offenses in the ODAC. EMU led the conference in runs scored during league play while posting a .333 team batting average and blasting 21 home runs in ODAC contests, the Royals ranking second in both of those statistical categories.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/emu-baseball-returns-odac-tournament-third-straight-season/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:33Z |
‘Her laughter is irresistible’: Gerber announces baby Isa as 2022 Gerber Spokesbaby
(Gray News) - Gerber officially announced the winner of its 12th annual photo search for its 2022 Gerber Spokesbaby.
On Wednesday, Gerber announced Isa Slish, of Oklahoma, will fill the important and adorable honorary role on the company’s executive committee as “Chief Growing Officer.”
The early childhood nutrition company said baby Isa captivated judges with her overwhelming happiness, bright and shining personality.
“Gerber’s photo search is an opportunity to celebrate the joy that babies bring. We’re thrilled to welcome Isa to the Gerber family as this year’s Spokesbaby and Chief Growing Officer,” said Tarun Malkani, Gerber president and CEO.
As part of being the 2022 Spokesbaby, Gerber said Isa will work to help the next generation of babies grow and thrive through reviewing new baby food while giving the team “advice” when it comes to what babies need for the future.
“Isa is a strong, amazing little girl. Her smile lights up the room and her laughter is irresistible,” said Meredith Slish, Isa’s mother. “Isa was born without a femur or a fibula in her right leg. We hope Isa’s story can bring more awareness to limb differences and create greater inclusion for children like her.”
Gerber said Isa loves spending her days babbling to her older sister and enjoying the breeze outside in the evening with her dad. Her favorite foods include Gerber Sweet Potato Puffs and Gerber 1st Foods Butternut Squash.
Company representatives said Isa and her family were awarded a $25,000 cash prize, free Gerber products for up to one year and more for “winning” the role.
Gerber’s photo search was launched more than a decade ago and the company said it was inspired by the photos that were sent in by their parents with the Gerber logo.
Copyright 2022 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/her-laughter-is-irresistible-gerber-announces-baby-isa-2022-gerber-spokesbaby/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:42Z |
Man charged after trying to set 1-year-old on fire, sheriff says
SENECA COUNTY, N.Y. (WHAM/WSTM) - Authorities in New York arrested a man who allegedly attempted to set a 1-year-old child on fire. During the investigation, officers found another child injured at the scene.
Jamie Avery Jr., a 28-year-old truck driver from Florida, is charged with attempted murder, arson and more. The victims in the case are a 1-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy.
“We definitely are touched by these types of cases, and it definitely hits home for those that have children,” said Lt. Timothy Thompson of the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators say Avery and a second suspect tried to set the 1-year-old on fire Tuesday morning at a truck stop just off the thruway in Tyre, New York. They allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the child.
“Luckily, the two were unsuccessful,” said Seneca County Sheriff W. Timothy Luce.
Deputies later found the 4-year-old with head injuries in the cab of Avery’s tractor-trailer. He was taken to the hospital.
Both children are expected to make full recoveries.
A suspicious device was also discovered in a bathroom, prompting the bomb squad to respond. The device turned out to be a replica, not a real explosive.
Many questions remain in the case, including motive and the relationship between Avery and the children.
“We believe there is a parental relationship, but we haven’t fully determined that yet,” said Seneca County District Attorney Mark Sinkiewicz.
It is anticipated the second suspect will face charges in the near future. Additional charges for both suspects could come from further investigation.
Copyright 2022 WHAM, WSTM via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/man-charged-after-trying-set-1-year-old-fire-sheriff-says/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:50Z |
Passengers say more than 100 people test positive for COVID on cruise ship
SEATTLE (KING) – Passengers on a Carnival cruise ship that docked in Seattle on Tuesday say more than 100 people tested positive for COVID-19 on the ship. They also say the outbreak was mishandled.
Darren Sieferston is one passenger who contracted COVID-19 on the trip from Miami to Seattle.
“As soon as I got diagnosed with COVID, I did not feel safe,” he said. “They didn’t have enough staff to handle the emergency that was happening, period.”
Sieferston is currently at a hotel quarantining after he tested positive aboard the ship.
“I’m super tired. I’m a little bit out of breath,” he said.
Sieferston, along with numerous others, tested positive during the 16-day voyage. He said the response from Carnival was chaotic.
“They were overwhelmed, and they didn’t have a backup course in how to handle about 200 people affected with COVID,” he said.
The passengers all waited hours for meals and weren’t properly isolated.
A photo shared by a passenger shows an open door to the quarantine area, and the passengers say they couldn’t get ahold of medical staff.
“We couldn’t call anybody,” Sieferston said. “There was nobody that we could call. We basically sat in the room, you would call and it would ring, ring, ring and ring all day long.”
Sieferston took a picture of a piece of paper including the names of all of those who tested positive. He said it was hung outside the elevator on his floor for all passengers to see.
“It’s just unacceptable. The ship is so poorly managed,” he said. “I’m fearful for the people that are going up to Alaska.”
The ship deboarded Tuesday morning and is already on its next voyage.
Carnival wouldn’t comment if further protection would be taken on this cruise.
“What about the next cruise? What about people that are sick? Something needs to be done, this has to be stopped,” Sieferston said.
According to Carnival, passengers are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID and tested before trips.
The company said the cruise has no serious health issues and it’s splitting some of the hotel quarantine costs with passengers.
“Our protocols are designed to flex up as needed and additional measures were implemented during the voyage, including mask requirements for guests,” Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement. “In addition, all guests who were scheduled to continue on with the ship’s next cruise to Alaska were tested and any guests who tested positive were disembarked. Carnival provided transportation and lodging support for guests who needed to quarantine per CDC guidelines. The ship departed on its next cruise on Tuesday afternoon as scheduled.
“We are committed to protecting the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit, including preparing the ship for its next voyage with thorough and effective sanitation measures.”
Copyright 2022 KING via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/more-than-100-passengers-test-positive-covid-cruise-ship/ | 2022-05-05T04:56:56Z |
Mountain View baseball, Fort Defiance girls soccer teams pick up wins Wednesday
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Results from high school spring sports contests played on Wednesday, May 4.
Big first inning ignites Mountain View baseball
The Mountain View baseball team scored eight runs in the bottom of the first inning en route to a 13-3 victory over Clarke County at Rebel Park Wednesday evening. Lance Rhodes notched three hits and four RBI for the Generals, who improve to 10-6 overall (6-6 Bull Run District).
Shields’ first-half hat trick leads Fort Defiance to victory
Adriana Shields scored three goals in the field half, including a free kick from nearly midfield, to propel the Fort Defiance girls soccer team to a 7-1 victory at Central Wednesday evening. Fort Defiance improves to 10-2 overall while Central drops to 3-7-1 overall following Wednesday’s non-district match in Woodstock.
To see more high school spring sports scores from Wednesday night, click here.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/mountain-view-baseball-fort-defiance-girls-soccer-teams-pick-up-wins-wednesday/ | 2022-05-05T04:57:03Z |
Pepsi-Cola Student Athlete of the Week: Gage Kile
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Gage Kile is a standout senior at Broadway High School.
Kile stepped on the football field in third grade and was quickly drawn to the sport.
“You can hit people and not get in trouble for it,” he said.
Ten years later, Kile stepped off the field after making lifelong bonds with his teammates.
“They carry you when you’re down,” he said. “When you feel broken, they put you back together and make you right.”
The Gobblers had a tough year in 2019, going 1-9 on the season. Kile stayed loyal to his team and helped change the culture of the program. Two years later, the Gobblers reached the playoffs.
“I struggled with myself to find ways to step up and be that person we needed,” said Kile. “A few of us came together and became the driving force of the team.”
According to head football coach Danny Grogg, Kile helped set the tone with his discipline and knowledge of the game.
“He wasn’t always the most vocal player but leadership comes in different ways,” explained Grogg. “He led by example and served as another coach for us.”
This fall, Kile will be heading to James Madison University, where he plans to study biology and enter the medical field.
“My place is in medicine, helping people in need,” he said.
Kile is also known for his leadership in the classroom, where he excels in science and posts a 4.2 GPA.
“To put forth that energy is a big deal and shows maturity and self-respect,” said chemistry teacher Joe Ford.
Grogg emphasized Kile’s impact on the program along with the community in Broadway.
“He’s the most independent, self-motivated, and goal-oriented player I’ve ever coached,” said Grogg. “He’s changed my life. I coach because of kids like him.”
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/pepsi-cola-student-athlete-week-gage-kile/ | 2022-05-05T04:57:10Z |
Rescuers: Man pulled to safety after trapped in grain bin for hours
STURGIS, Ky. (WFIE/Gray News) - Rescuers were dealing with a person stuck in a grain bin in Kentucky for several hours on Wednesday.
WFIE reports fire officials said a man, later identified as Doug Omer, became trapped in one of his own farm bins at around noon.
Officials said he hit a hot spot, a pocket of air under the grain that can suck a person down, when he was inside.
Crews said they were initially planning to cut a hole in the bin, but instead, they used a vacuum to get the grain out from around Omer and eventually rescued him at about 4:30 p.m.
Omer’s daughter said her dad was conscious and breathing while crews worked to get him free. Omer was transported to a local hospital by a medical helicopter after the rescue.
Officials said another person was also briefly trapped up to his knees while trying to help Omer, but he had to be rescued as crews worked to get Omer.
Rescuers did not immediately share what injuries, if any, Omer suffered in Wednesday’s incident.
Copyright 2022 WFIE via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/rescuers-man-pulled-safety-after-trapped-grain-bin-hours/ | 2022-05-05T04:57:16Z |
Future of Staunton’s Equity and Diversity Commission was up in the air on Wednesday
STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - The future of Staunton’s newly-formed Equity and Diversity Commission was up in the air for a bit on Wednesday night.
At the beginning of a special meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Robertson brought up rescinding the commission as a whole. He proposed amending the agenda to include the consideration as item number two on the night’s agenda, after interviewing candidates for the position.
This comes after a local newspaper reported on the demographics of people who applied for the commission, especially focusing on those who applied versus who scored an interview.
“I just think it’s a really big mistake. It’s just going to cause a lot of commotion around something that sound be black and white,” Councilor Terry Holmes said regarding Robertson’s comments.
“If you think the paper’s bad now, just wait,” Holmes continued.
“Yeah, I understand,” Robertson said. “That’s part of the process, why I’m doing this, is the paper.”
City Attorney, John Blair, went on to explain how the night could go. He broke down their two options.
Council could have the discussion before they go into closed session or after. If they chose to have the conversation before interviews, they would cancel the interviews if the group voted to dissolve the commission.
If they chose to have interviews before the discussion, in the event they vote to dissolve the commission, the candidates would have interviewed for no reason. Councilor Carolyn Dull said since the candidates were already in attendance, they should still interview them, saying Robertson’s proposal was rude.
“When the dust settles, I’m not going to be the one that Staunton citizens are going to say was rude, racist and stupid,” Dull said.
Robertson, Councilor Steve Claffey, Mayor Andrea Oakes and Councilor Amy Darby voted in favor of adding the item to the agenda. Councilor Brenda Mead, Holmes, and Dull voted against. They went into a closed session around 5:40 and returned just before 9:00 p.m. for an open meeting.
Robertson explained he wanted to put the commission on hold after the newspaper article’s contained data which he felt was confidential as it was discussed during a closed session.
Councilor Brenda Mead said she shared the demographic data but did not believe it was controversial.
Some councilors said the leak of information has breached the trust and credibility of the newly-formed committee.
Ultimately, Robertson withdrew his request to put the committee on hold and councilors are asked to submit more names to be considered for interviews to join.
This is a developing story. Stay with WHSV for more details.
Copyright 2022 WHSV. All rights reserved. | https://www.whsv.com/2022/05/05/staunton-vice-mayor-proposes-dissolving-equity-diversity-commission/ | 2022-05-05T04:57:23Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- The Honolulu City Council has adopted a resolution that will help the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) pay for its projected shortfalls in salaries and current expenses.
The resolution, RES22-086, authorizes HPD to use $3.4 million meant for its administrative services salaries to cover salary shortages in the police chief's office, patrol, special field operations, and investigations.
"It's just the transfer of funds between one program area to another," said Honolulu City Council member Calvin Say.
In his written request to the Council, interim police chief Rade Vanic said: "During the fiscal year, there were significant lump sum payouts, overtime expended for the temporary relocation of the Central Receiving Division's operations, patrol staffing concerns that resulted in expended overtime to increase personnel, non-COVID-19 related expended overtime, and the funding of Bargaining Unit 1 cost increases.
"In addition, gasoline cost increases and unanticipated repairs to the helicopter contributed to the request of transfer funds in current expenses."
Marisa Yamane joined KITV4 in January 2022 as an anchor and executive producer. She is an award-winning veteran journalist, who’s spent most of her career in Hawaii. She’s a proud graduate of Iolani School and UCLA. | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/city-council-gives-hpd-the-green-light-to-transfer-3-4-million-to-help-pay/article_7f53ac8a-cc27-11ec-9dff-87737df90d3a.html | 2022-05-05T05:28:41Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Honolulu Police Commission meeting on April 27. 2022
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- A resolution that would amend the City and County of Honolulu's charter regarding the make up of the Honolulu Police Commission has passed second reading.
The resolution, RES22-029, would put a question on this year's general election ballot asking Oahu voters if they want the police commissioners to have specific requirements such as demonstrated empathy, integrity, and sound judgement.
It would also require the commission have some members with specific background qualifications.
"I think the commission in making its comments had concerns about putting too many boundaries in terms of how the commission is supposed to be constituted. I understand that right now there's only four out of the seven positions that are being proposed to have some sort of criteria, but I think that was the point that the commission wanted to make," Honolulu police commissioner Doug Chin told the full council.
The resolution states that the council believes a more diversified commission is in the best interest of the public, and that establishing certain qualifications for certain members will allow for more oversight and ensure accountability.
The resolution now goes back to a committee, and if passed, it would then go back to the full council for consideration.
Since it is a charter amendment proposal, it would need a six vote supermajority by the council to pass third reading.
The Honolulu Police Commission is responsible for choosing the chief of the Honolulu Police Department (HPD).
This resolution would not affect the selection of the next police chief, which is expected to happen by June, one year after former HPD chief Susan Ballard retired.
Seven candidates are still in the running. The next step of the process will be three days of testing, which starts next Monday, May 9.
Marisa Yamane joined KITV4 in January 2022 as an anchor and executive producer. She is an award-winning veteran journalist, who’s spent most of her career in Hawaii. She’s a proud graduate of Iolani School and UCLA. | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/resolution-to-establish-certain-qualifications-for-the-honolulu-police-commission-advances/article_b98ef63a-cc2b-11ec-be3b-f7e65ed58bec.html | 2022-05-05T05:28:47Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Hundreds of people were rescued over the last two days, as lifeguards expect to make many more in the largest swell in at least five years.
Tourists on a floatie told KITV4 today how they had decided to have fun in the breaking waves, but lifeguards raced to bring them them out of danger.
All hands were on deck today with 40 lifeguards staffing towers from Ala Moana to Kaimana Beach.
"Waikiki being a tourist area, we do have people that get into trouble," said Lt. Dennis Coglietta of the City & County of Honolulu's Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division. "It's usually a calm and inviting water, but now we have shore break at the pond areas where it's usually flat."
The large waves can be dangerous, even for experienced locals familiar with the surf spots.
"When you have this much energy, that set peak they're usually used to sitting at disappears and then suddenly waves are over here, waves over there, so anybody can get overwhelmed," he added.
Waikiki surfer Kai Martin said he's witnessed many close calls.
"There's definitely people struggling, like you could tell they weren't from here and they didn't know what they were doing. You could see them almost panicking," he said.
So far there've been no fatalities.
But lifeguards are warning the public that the waves can be life-threatening -- especially for people unaware of the power of the ocean.
"You can hear and see and feel the power, so you got to respect that and just wait it out, come back another day," Coglietta said.
Ocean safety officials are asking the public to heed the warnings, surf with a partner, watch your children and stay close to shore.
"It's definitely dangerous. Like, if you don't know what you're doing, you shouldn't be out there," said Waikiki surfer Kiva Wertheimer.
Kristen joined KITV4 in March 2021 after working for the past two decades as a newspaper reporter. Kristen's goal is to produce meaningful journalism that educates, enlightens and inspires to affect positive change in society. | https://www.kitv.com/news/hundreds-rescued-in-monster-south-shore-swell-on-oahu/article_d5bb94de-cc2c-11ec-8f39-af9495d62c6a.html | 2022-05-05T05:28:53Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
FILE - This March 1, 2019 file photo shows the Hawaii State Capitol in Honolulu. The state House of Representatives on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, created a commission that will recommend how to boost the effectiveness of state ethics, lobbying and campaign finance laws after two former lawmakers earlier this week pleaded guilty in connection with their acceptance of bribes. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy, File)
Robin Danner from Kauai has been waiting most of her life for a homestead lot from the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL).
A generation before, her mom and most of her aunts and uncles died on the waiting list without getting a home.
"What really hurts me more is to see kupuna, and I meet with them almost daily, in their 70s or 80s that have been on the waitlist since even before statehood," Danner says.
Currently, 28,000 eligible Native Hawaiians are still on the waiting list for DHHL land.
Now, state lawmakers are making a big investment. Amid this year's budget surplus, lawmakers approved $600 million for DHHL.
"If you show someone your budget then you show someone your value, and I think that's something that's gonna resonate coming out of this session," says Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole (D-Kaneohe / Kailua).
What will that money be used for? DHHL says it can be used to jumpstart ongoing projects and land procurement and estimates that level of funding could get 3,000 people off the waitlist.
"There are on going infrastructure projects that have sort of lingered for years because funding is always done in phases, we now have the capacity to finish those projects start to finish on the front end, so we're probably looking at a faster pipeline as well," says Tyler Gomes with DHHL.
Lawmakers also approved $328 million in state funding to settle the Kalima class action lawsuit against DHHL, which would also support people on the waiting list who were part of the suit.
Overall though, DHHL estimates it would still take another $4 to 6 billion moving forward to eliminate the rest of the waitlist.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
Tom anchors Good Morning Hawaii weekends and reports for KITV4. He comes to Hawaii after reporting in Nevada, Oklahoma and Georgia. Tom is a proud Terp, graduating from the University of Maryland in 2012. | https://www.kitv.com/news/lawmakers-invest-600-million-to-tackle-hawaiian-homes-waitlist/article_3da95c36-cc26-11ec-a0ab-d7715c4a19fa.html | 2022-05-05T05:28:59Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
HONOLULU (KITV)- The Congressional Gold Medal was awarded today to a local World War II veteran who passed away 2 years ago. He also received the bronze star for heroic achievement.
"On behalf of the US Congress, the Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to Gilbert Hong Hing Hee," said retired Major General Robert G.F. Lee. The Congressional Gold Medal has been a long time coming for Private Gilbert Hong Hing Hee.
The ceremony plans date back to August 2020, but he died the day before his Bronze Star ceremony. "The US Mint had not manufactured the Congressional Gold Medal. But his bronze star had come in. So we had planned to award his Bronze Star first, and then follow up with the Congressional Gold Medal," said Lee.
The journey toward getting the medal goes much further back for World War II Chinese-American soldiers like himself. "There was this Chinese Exclusion Act. 40% of the Chinese-Americans that served in the Armed Forces could not even become citizens because of the Chinese Exclusion Act," said Lee.
He says in 2018, restrictions changed. Japanese, Filipino, and Chinese-Americans became eligible to receive the prestigious award. "Wow. I'm so honored. I wish he were here," said Ethel Hee, widow of the awarded soldier.
Private Hong Hin Hee was only out of training a few weeks before he was in the infantry fighting for his country. "His battalion was pushed the retreating German army all the way to the Czech border. Toward the end of the war the 90th infantry and his unit 357, had taken Prague, the capitol, and came across a concentration camp," said Lee. "He wanted to remember what he had been through and what he did," said Ethel Hee.
The gold medal itself is now distinctive for the culture of the recipient, using real faces for each ethnicity. "They did the same thing for the Japanese-Americans and Filipino-Americans," said Lee. This is another example of the melting pot of cultures who have defended this country, making it what it is today.
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com | https://www.kitv.com/news/local/chinese-american-veteran-receives-bronze-star-and-prestigious-congressional-gold-medal/article_2747014c-cc34-11ec-a47d-eb00e0246902.html | 2022-05-05T07:13:37Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
High Surf Advisory | Wednesday Evening Weather Report: May 4, 2022
HONOLULU (KITV4) –Large and dangerous waves continue to threaten North, West and South Shores tonight and into Thursday. Drier weather as an upper low moves west of the state.
Tonight, some passing trade wind showers tonight. Lows in the lower 70s.
Thursday, mostly cloudy skies with passing trade wind showers in the morning hours. The highest rain chances will be for windward and mauka spots with a few showers for leeward spots. High level clouds will move over the state at times creating cloudy conditions.
Highs 79 to 85. Breezy winds out of the northeast.
Drier conditions for the weekend as winds lighten up by Mother’s Day Sunday.
High Surf Advisory for North and West shores until 6 am Thursday. High Surf Advisory for South Shores until 6 pm Thursday.
Thursday Surf:
North: 6-10 ft
West: 3-7 ft
South: 8-14 ft
East: 6-8 ft
Do you have a story idea? Email news tips to news@kitv.com
Chief Meteorologist Pete Caggiano forecasts for KITV4 Island News during the 5,6 and 10 p.m. newscasts Monday – Friday. He has the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association Seal of Approval. | https://www.kitv.com/weather/high-surf-advisory-wednesday-evening-weather-report-may-4-2022/article_bd66b6f2-cc3b-11ec-8852-23bcc084ed83.html | 2022-05-05T07:13:43Z |
Developers Making Progress on Clearview City Center
NEW ORLEANS — The approximately $100 million redevelopment of Clearview Mall is progressing despite the supply chain delays affecting much of the construction industry.
When all is said and done, the old shopping center at the corner of Veterans Boulevard and Clearview Parkway will become Clearview City Center, a “live, work, play” development that includes apartments, retail, a hotel, a health clinic and space for festivals and special events.
In 2019, the Richards family, led by attorney Thomas Richards, said it would reinvent the property to reflect modern shopping and and lifestyle habits. Under the new plan, the existing Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and AMC Theatres will remain while much of the remaining enclosed mall space will be demolished. New construction will complete the site.
Various components of the project are moving forward at different paces. A new Regions Bank branch on the property, for instance, is already open for business, and construction is underway on an Ochsner clinic and new 270-unit apartment building. But demolition of the existing mall won’t begin for nearly a year because of long waits for necessary equipment.
“We thought we were going to start demoing earlier but the lead time and all the mechanical and electrical equipment we need to have in place before we demo is about 45 weeks,” said Richards during a May 4 interview. “Everything’s progressing there but they don’t have all those transformers just sitting in a warehouse. They make them when you order them, so unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about it.”
Richards said his team will use the time to finalize plans.
“I wish it was a little bit sooner, but I think we’re finally at a point where we have answers to questions we didn’t have since we started this planning process,” he said. “We’re finally starting to be able to answer those questions and start doing some of the smaller shop leasing, which is going to be fun.”
Richards said Ochsner Health is targeting an October opening for a new “super clinic” that will take over the space once occupied by Sears. The 185,000 square-foot facility will offer primary and specialty care clinics, outpatient surgery, physical therapy, a drive-thru pharmacy, endoscopy suites, a “medi-spa” and more. It will also feature a 10-bed micro-hospital to accommodate overnight stays and be equipped with technology for telemedicine. An Ochsner spokesperson said it is expected to create approximately 300 new healthcare jobs once complete.
Meanwhile, the five-story, multi-family residential project, developed by Atlanta-based real estate investment and property management firm Audubon, will take longer. As will the reinvented retail space.
“To be safe, I’d say [the Audubon project] will take a year and a half to two years,” said Richards. “They’re still just driving pilings and about to start building the garage. And then in about a year is when you’ll see the old mall come down. Everything outside of the target building, Ochsner’s footprint and the AMC building is going to come down to the ground. The problem is that there are three Entergy transformers on the roof over there. So I can’t do anything until I figure out how to get power to Target and Bed Bath.”
Richards said plans are still taking shape for other outparcel projects, including a hotel.
“We’re trying to finalize a deal with the hotel developer … to do a 110-key, limited-service hotel in the back,” he said. “We’ve kind of moved it over toward the multifamily development for a couple of different reasons. There’s a little single story red brick building in the back right there that’ll probably roughly the footprint of the hotel. So I think some of the things that don’t have as much clarity and timeline, you’ll start to see in this next year or two.” | https://www.bizneworleans.com/developers-making-progress-on-clearview-city-center/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:09Z |
Ehrhardt Group Ranked No. 130 Agency in the US by PR Week
NEW ORLEANS – The Ehrhardt Group announced that it ranked No. 130 in the U.S. and No. 169 globally in PR Week’s annual Agency Business Report 2022 published this month.
“Our ranking among the top PR agencies in the U.S. is a testament to the trust and success our team has built in the Gulf South. We understand how the people of the Gulf South make decisions and take action. We have developed a sense of ownership of our region by delving into the dynamics of our communities, businesses and relationships that make us all tick,” said Marc Ehrhardt, the company’s president.
The Ehrhardt Group advises Fortune 500 corporations, local, state and regional institutions, and public entities in the critical areas of issues management, media relations, reputation management, crisis communications, social media and public affairs. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/ehrhardt-group-ranked-no-130-agency-in-the-us-by-pr-week/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:15Z |
Female Focus
This month we are focusing on women, not only in the pages of Biz New Orleans, but throughout other magazines by Renaissance Publishing.
In New Orleans Magazine this month, we honor our annual Top Female Achievers, women who are making a difference across the community in the business and nonprofit realms. I invite you to read about these 11 ladies who make up the class of 2022. Visit MyNewOrleans.com for more information.
The current issue of Acadiana Profile (our regional magazine based in Lafayette) not only published its annual trail-blazers (a section devoted to profiling individuals who are making a mark on their profession in the Acadiana region) but it also has a section spotlighting women who lead in the community and within their industry. You can read more about these five trailblazers and six women at AcadianaProfile.com.
As you continue to read through the pages of Biz New Orleans, our cover story this month highlights the women leading the region’s chamber organizations. With the leadership change at the New Orleans and Jefferson Chambers this year, the business community now has four top females in executive positions. Sandra (New Orleans) and Ruth (Jefferson) join Elizabeth (St. Bernard) and long-time executive Lacey Osborne (St. Tammany) as leaders of our region’s chamber members.
In addition to this month’s cover story, we dedicate a segment of the magazine to profiles on Women to Watch, an annual section highlighting professional women in the community.
Continuing with the focus on women, over 80% of our staff is female and their leadership throughout the company is extraordinary. They are all excellent professionals and make our business better.
Finally, this month I salute all mothers. May 8 is Mother’s Day and we should celebrate all those in our lives that encourage and help foster the next generation. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/female-focus-2/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:21Z |
International Jewelry and Merchandise Show Returns to Convention Center
NEW ORLEANS (press release) – Helen Brett’s International Jewelry and Merchandise Show will feature more than 400 booths May 12-15 at the New Orleans Convention Center.
For the first time since the COVID pandemic, capacity for the world-renowned shopping show will return to 100% with no masking or vaccination restrictions.
For the past five decades, the show has been open only to documented business owners, but the public now has access to the huge exclusive show on Saturday and Sunday.
The International Jewelry and Merchandise Show at the New Orleans Convention Center will remain open exclusively to documented business owners on Thursday and Friday with the show open to the public and gold card/non-gold card buyers on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday can be purchased at the Market Access Counter in Registration at the New Orleans Convention Center for $15 cash (free admission for ages 12-15).
“May’s International Jewelry and Merchandise Show at the New Orleans Convention Center is the perfect opportunity for shoppers to return to normalcy at our shows and get their hands on great jewelry and merchandise deals,” said Helen Brett Enterprises President Robert Kolinek. “Summer is just around the corner, and this show is an amazing opportunity to find decorations, décor and more for summer, fall and beyond.
Helen Brett trade shows attract more than 40,000 buyers and vendors to its New Orleans market shows from across the South each year.
In appreciation for those who serve our country, Helen Brett Enterprises has announced that all military and first responders will get free admission (ID holders only) to the show all day Sunday, May 15 with proper identification.
Guests must be 16 years or older to access the show floor on Thursday and Friday with required documents, and guests must be 12 years or older to access show floor on Saturday and Sunday. All minors between the ages of 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Proof of age is required at show registration with a government issued photo ID, birth certificate, or School ID. Infants must be carried in a front or back carrying pack. No wheeled carts of any kind or strollers will be allowed on the show floor. Wheelchairs, walkers and mobility scooters are permitted. The photography of any exhibit is expressly prohibited without the written consent of the exhibitor. Helen Brett Enterprises has the right to deny entrance.
For more information on the International Jewelry and Merchandise Show, visit http://helenbrettexhibits.com/. The International Jewelry and Merchandise Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 12 through Saturday May 14 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday May 15 at the New Orleans Convention Center. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/international-jewelry-and-merchandise-show-returns-to-convention-center/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:27Z |
LCMC Health Celebrates National Nurses Week and New Program
NEW ORLEANS – LCMC Health has announced plans to celebrate National Nurses Week and its Called-to-Care Scholars Program in collaboration with Chamberlain University. The New Orleans-based nonprofit health system will host a ribbon-cutting event to unveil a new headquarters for the LCMC Health Scholars Program at East Jefferson General Hospital and a pinning ceremony to recognize nursing students advancing to the next phase of clinical studies.
Last year, LCMC Health and Chamberlain University joined forces to help address the nursing shortage and nurse burnout due to the pandemic. As a result, LCMC Health established the Called-to-Care Scholars Program, an initiative designed to address demand by creating a pipeline of nurses committed to serving the community.
“Collaboration is key in healthcare and LCMC Health is proud of our alliance with Chamberlain University,” said Greg Feirn, CEO, LCMC Health, in a press release. “Nurses are the heart and soul of our hospitals, and we are excited to do our part by investing in the future of healthcare.”
LCMC Health’s Called-to-Care Scholars Program offers up to three years of full tuition coverage to eligible new students for Chamberlain’s 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program. These scholars will commit to an employment pledge to LCMC Health upon graduating and passing the NCLEX-RN. In its first year, 120 students have been accepted into the program. Applications open on Monday, May 9 for the next cohort, which starts in September.
Chamberlain University, an Adtalem Global Education institution, said it is “committed to finding solutions to the workforce challenges that employer partners are facing, while offering opportunities for academic excellence, student success and lifelong learning.”
To learn more about the LCMC Health Called-to-Care Scholars Program or to apply, visit www.lcmchealth.org/chamberlain/. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/lcmc-health-celebrates-national-nurses-week-and-new-program/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:34Z |
Longtime Louisiana Children’s Museum CEO Announces Retirement
NEW ORLEANS — Louisiana Children’s Museum Chief Executive Officer Julia Bland has announced her retirement effective June 4. The organization’s chief operating officer, Lauren Clay, will be appointed interim CEO.
“Our board of directors and the entire museum community are deeply grateful for Julia’s vision, energy and leadership over so many years,” said Colleen Levy, museum board president, in a prepared release. “During her tenure, and in concert with the board and staff, the Louisiana Children’s Museum has seen unprecedented growth, progress and stability. Julia has made a lasting mark on the museum and has helped position this flagship learning and cultural center to be an even greater contributor to the public good for many years to come.”
The board said it will conduct a national and local search for Bland’s replacement.
“My nearly 30-year involvement with the museum has given me the opportunity to be in the midst of true magic – observing young children as they think and learn and play and develop,” said Bland. “The museum has been on a very intentional journey to elevate the way our community values young children, invests in them, and then reaps rewards as we strengthen families and build a more hopeful quality of life. The numerous community partnerships that have been forged over the years, as well as the generous citizens who support our many efforts, together with passionate and talented staff have provided deep and meaningful foundational roots for our large family. My time at LCM has been filled with pride as we have made many, many joyous connections.”
Bland joined the museum in 1998 when the facility was located on Julia Street in the Warehouse District. After Hurricane Katrina, she led the facility’s relocation to its new home in City Park.
“While Julia’s impact on the museum and the larger community has taken many forms, perhaps her biggest contribution has come through her extraordinary vision and the ability to see and make real what the Louisiana Children’s Museum could become,” said former museum board member Allison Stouse. “That unique combination of long range vision and the will over so many years to make that vision a reality is what will certainly set Julia’s tenure apart.”
The museum has more than 4,700 members and expects to host over 250,000 children and their families in 2022.
During her time with the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Bland was appointed to the National Museum and Library Services Board and to the Association of Children’s Museums Board. In 2015, the museum received the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal from First Lady Michelle Obama, as well as the Colin and Alma Powell Legacy Award for the museum’s role in creating the New Orleans Kids Partnership. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/longtime-louisiana-childrens-museum-ceo-announces-retirement/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:40Z |
More Than 500 Jobs Filled at PPE Manufacturing Facility Near Lafayette
NEW ORLEANS – From Ochsner Health and SafeSource Direct:
One year ago, Gov. John Bel Edwards joined SafeSource Direct CEO Justin Hollingsworth, Ochsner Health President and CEO Warner Thomas, and other officials to announce the development of two manufacturing facilities for personal protective equipment (PPE) in Broussard, La. Today, SafeSource Direct is up and running.
“We launched SafeSource Direct just 12 short months ago amid the COVID-19 pandemic as a solution to national PPE supply chain shortages, and now, we’re producing thousands of gloves, masks, and other PPE every day; and we’re continuously expanding,” said Hollingsworth. “We’re keeping our promise to bring jobs to the Acadiana Region while helping keep our nation’s healthcare and other essential workers safe on the job.”
SafeSource Direct has filled 550 new jobs and is increasing staffing in all areas. In total, Louisiana Economic Development projects the company will create some 2,200 total new direct and indirect jobs within the next two years. To help meet this demand, SafeSource Direct will be participating in the LEDA Job Fair at the Cajundome Convention Center in Lafayette on May 10 and hosting a job fair of its own at its headquarters (200 St Nazaire Road, Broussard, LA 70518) on May 18 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Ochsner Health partnered with Trax Development on a joint venture to create SafeSource Direct, making it the only U.S. provider-owned PPE manufacturer with U.S. provider-owned quality control.
“Challenging times spark innovation. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have pushed boundaries and thought creatively about how best to deliver on our commitment to our patients and our communities. Manufacturing PPE that we depend on is a prime example,” said Thomas. “We are proud to play a leading role in ensuring a high-quality and reliable PPE supply made in America. We owe it to Ochsner’s healthcare heroes and others across the country to ensure they have everything they need to keep themselves and their patients safe – now and in the future.”
Ochsner’s stake in SafeSource Direct is managed through Ochsner Ventures, which oversees investments in companies and venture capital funds as well as other diversified businesses that offer health solutions and that create new sources of revenue and value for the health system.
“SafeSource Direct is a prime example of our work to diversify ideas, opportunities and businesses that create a sustainable future for Ochsner Health and the communities we serve,” said Aimee Quirk, CEO, Ochsner Ventures. “Our portfolio companies are creating solutions to some of the biggest problems in healthcare, including improving America’s PPE supply resiliency.”
In SafeSource Direct’s nitrile glove plant, two lines are each producing around 27,000 gloves per hour. An additional 14 lines will become operational by early 2023. At that time, SafeSource Direct will be among the largest manufacturers of nitrile gloves in America. The non-woven material “SMS” plant is currently producing Level 1 and 3 surgical ear loop and surgical tie masks, standard three-ply procedure masks, shoe covers, and will soon be making N95 respirators, hair bouffants, and isolation gowns.
“Taking care of our patients and protecting our healthcare workers is our priority at Ochsner Health. At the onset of COVID, we realized that PPE was a precious commodity and we went through great lengths to conserve it wherever possible while at the same time keeping our patients and employees safe,” said Dr. Katherine Baumgarten, Medical Director of Infection Control and Prevention at Ochsner Health. “There is now a sense of relief to know that we will have PPE available to us in our own backyard, and it’s coming from a safe, reliable source. The products have been designed to meet the high-quality standards that we require to protect those caring for our patients. I am so grateful that Ochsner Health has taken this step to ensure that healthcare workers across the country will have the protection they need, so that we can focus on giving the very best care.” | https://www.bizneworleans.com/more-than-500-jobs-filled-at-ppe-manufacturing-facility-near-lafayette/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:46Z |
New Observatory and Attraction Now Open Atop Four Seasons
NEW ORLEANS – The Vue Orleans observatory and cultural exhibit is now open at the top of the recently renovated Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences in the former World Trade Center building at the foot of Canal Street. The $30 million attraction, co-developed by Woodward Design+Build CEO Paul Flower, offers 360-degree views of the New Orleans cityscape as well as high-tech exhibits created by and featuring local culture bearers.
The first phase of the roughly $500 million renovation of the circa 1968 structure was complete in August. Four Seasons partnered with developers Carpenter & Company Inc. and Woodward Interests on the project.
At Vue Orleans, visitors will learn about contemporary local musicians — Irma Thomas and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, for instance — as well as 300 years of New Orleans history.
“For years, we’ve been gathering stories from local historians, artists, musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, chefs, business leaders and directors of second lines, intending to curate a state-of-the-art cultural experience and share the real story of New Orleans — what it was, what it is and what it all means,” said Flower in a press release. “Vue Orleans is a fresh look at one of the world’s most historic and beloved cities.”
The Vue Orleans experience begins with a street-level display that features local artwork and the opportunity to “interact” with historical figures portrayed by actors on life-sized touchscreens. A 34-floor elevator ride includes additional content that tells the story of New Orleans. Other features include the Story Café featuring PBS Chef Kevin Belton and author Poppy Tooker, a trumpet-shaped listening station, a virtual riverboat experience, a virtual “vue finder” and a short film featuring Dr. Henry Louis Gates.
Vue Orleans is located at 2 Canal Street in New Orleans. Timed tickets to are available for $30 at www.VueOrleans.com. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/new-observatory-and-attraction-now-open-atop-four-seasons/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:52Z |
Pelham Hotel Debuts Full Interior Renovation
NEW ORLEANS – The 65-room Pelham Hotel at 444 Common Street has announced the completion of an extensive interior renovation, including a redesign of the lobby, guest rooms and bathrooms, guest corridor and more. The renovation comes as a result of new ownership by AMS Hospitality, the hospitality division of southeast-focused real estate development firm Allen Morris Company and Black Salmon, the Miami-based national real estate investment and development firm. The hotel is managed by HRI Lodging with design led by Suomi Design Works.
“This renovation will provide guests with an elevated yet distinctly New Orleans experience,” said Allison Barnette, the hotel’s general manager, in a press release. “Inspired by the property’s origins, we sought to preserve the hotel’s unique character while transforming spaces with the modern-day traveler in mind. From the moment they arrive, guests will be immersed in the rich history of the city while receiving the world-class hospitality that The Pelham is known for.”
In an 1800s building, the Pelham’s design combines a European influence with the theatrical flair of New Orleans’ Golden Age of Theater and manor homes. The hotel’s furnishings, plasterwork, oversized mirrors, and artwork are complemented by leather and natural woods. The hotel features original pieces of art by Page Goss, as well as more pieces curated by Goss and designer Vanessa Watts Watts & Gray.
Redesigned guest rooms contain oversized decorative mirrors and vintage accents like Victrola radios, and a color palette composed of jewel tones mixed with high-contrast colors such as orange and green. Rooms feature 18-foot ceilings, original exposed brick and 10-foot-tall windows.
Several smaller spaces have been combined to create a larger lobby lounge with gilded shelves filled with craft liquors, wines and treats. | https://www.bizneworleans.com/pelham-hotel-debuts-full-interior-renovation/ | 2022-05-05T08:49:58Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- An anti-crime social media group is fighting back against a bill that would let people accused of non-violent crimes be released without having to post bail -- essentially a "get out of jail free" card.
"This bill will actually cause more problems than it will solve," said Stolen Stuff Hawaii founder Michael Kitchens.
The bill states that "any defendant arrested, charged, and held for a traffic offense, violation, nonviolent petty misdemeanor offense, nonviolent misdemeanor offense, or nonviolent class C felony offense shall be ordered by the court to be released on the defendant's own recognizance at arraignment and plea," with some exceptions.
"So a class C felony can be anything from car theft. It can be property theft from $750 to $20,000. It can be identify theft, fraudulent use of a credit card," Kitchens said.
It also includes promoting gambling, car break-ins, and burglary. Those are some of the crimes posted daily on Stolen Stuff Hawaii.
"We've seen a massive increase. Just this year alone has been really nuts," Kitchens said.
Those who supported the bill argued that bail unfairly affects those who can't afford to pay it, and that it increases the number of people in our jails, which taxpayers ultimately pay for.
"There's always a sentiment you know we're going to capture these guys but they're going to get released again and they're going to go and do more crime. And this is just opening that door up even wider now," Kitchens said.
State lawmakers passed House Bill 1567 on Tuesday, and sent it to Gov. Ige on Wednesday for his consideration.
"You know when it comes down to it are we for the criminals or are we for our community?" Kitchens asked.
Marisa Yamane joined KITV4 in January 2022 as an anchor and executive producer. She is an award-winning veteran journalist, who’s spent most of her career in Hawaii. She’s a proud graduate of Iolani School and UCLA. | https://www.kitv.com/news/crime/stolen-stuff-hawaii-launches-petition-urging-gov-ige-to-veto-the-bail-reform-bill/article_3dd42fe4-cc47-11ec-bf56-0b08234bece2.html | 2022-05-05T08:57:52Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Local nonprofit Mana Maoli is calling on the community to enter it's annual Mele & Moʻolelo Contest.
The song contest is open to the public. This is the first year that there's an adult and kupuna category, as well as a collaboration category that the whole family can enter.
"25 of our 75 finalists will be given a chance to do a meet and greet or a one on one lesson. They get to choose from a bunch of different Mana Maoli artists including Eli-Mac, Raiatea Helm , Irie Love, Lion Fiyah, John Cruz, and Paula Fuga," explained Li'i Sarsona, with Mana Maoli.
The deadline to submit a song is this Friday, May 6th. | https://www.kitv.com/news/two-more-days-to-enter-annual-mele-mo-olelo-contest/article_65df7b08-cc45-11ec-ade2-c3952033e341.html | 2022-05-05T08:57:58Z |
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR ALL SOUTH FACING SHORES UNTIL 6 PM HST
THURSDAY...
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH AND WEST FACING SHORES OF NIIHAU
KAUAI OAHU AND MOLOKAI AND FOR NORTH FACING SHORES OF MAUI UNTIL
6 AM HST THURSDAY...
.A large south swell will maintain advisory level surf through
Thursday, then decline Friday. A northwest swell will begin a
slow decline tonight, causing surf along affected north and west
facing shores from Kauai to Maui to fall below advisory levels by
morning.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...Surf heights of 10 to 14 feet along south facing shores.
* WHERE...South facing shores of all islands.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Moderate. Expect strong breaking waves, shore break,
and strong longshore and rip currents making swimming difficult
and dangerous.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Beachgoers, swimmers, and surfers should heed all advice given by
ocean safety officials and exercise caution.
&&
Weather Alert
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM HST THURSDAY...
* WHAT...East to northeast winds 20 to 25 kt and seas 7 to 12
feet.
* WHERE...All Hawaiian Coastal Waters.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Thursday.
* IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller
vessels, should avoid navigating in these conditions.
&&
Protesters rallied in support of abortion rights on Ala Moana boulevard.
HONOLULU-- Hundreds of people protested outside the federal courthouse on Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu.
This week's revelation that the leaked Supreme court draft opinion to overturn Roe vs. Wade is authentic, had many supporters of abortion rights despondent but determined.
"We older women are incredibly gratified that these younger women are out here. Because we remember what it was like before Roe v. Wade was decided. And they are inheriting quite possibly that horrific reality and we all have to fight against it," Elisa Johnston told KITV.
Though Hawaii's protections are robust on a state level, organizers argue all states will be effected by the inequity the decision may bring. Activists fear some states will have their health care systems stressed, or those in search of abortion care will seek out less safe options.
"Certainly women with the means and the wealth will have better advantage. The reality is the states that remain legal, won't have enough providers," Liz Rees of 'Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights' said.
"Will those health care systems then be over-burdened by the number of people coming over to receive the benefits because it's criminalized in their own state?" Emilia Oscilowicz asked KITV 4.
The crowd did encounter dissenting opinions in the form of a heckler or two. But demonstrators were undeterred with their message:
"The service is life saving and necessary to those who need it. We deserve to make safe and informed decisions about our bodies and lives," Alani Bagcal said.
Similar demonstrations have continued across the country. The Supreme Court has been fenced off, as Washington DC went into a third straight night of protests. Counter-protesters on the Pro-Life side in support of overturning Roe v. Wade have also shown up in numbers in the nation's capital.
The crowd in Honolulu did encounter dissenting opinions in the form of a heckler or two. Ultimately, supporters say they plan to continue to protest undeterred.
Abortion rights supporter Reyna said, "All the supreme court justices said that this was a foundational argument that they would not overturn Roe v. Wade. And they've gone back on that decision. So it seems there is no bigger power than the supreme court and if they are going to make this decision, the people run this country- and this is our opinion." | https://www.kitv.com/news/protesters-take-to-federal-court-in-honolulu-to-support-abortion-rights/article_55477022-cc4d-11ec-94cf-57f24cac998c.html | 2022-05-05T10:37:48Z |
Body found inside barrel at a Las Vegas lake may have been there for decades
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (KVVU/Gray News) – Police in Las Vegas said a body found in a barrel at Lake Mead over the weekend could have been there for several decades.
A witness said his fiance’s little cousins were around when the remains were discovered. He said it was a scary sight – not something you want young children to see.
“It just so crazy,” Daniel Ruiz told KVVU. “It started out as just a normal day at the lake, and that is just the craziest thing I have seen at Lake Mead.”
Homicide Lt. Ray Spencer said officials believe the barrel was left in the lake sometime in the 1980s based on examination and additional evidence they found.
He said the barrel was found roughly 100 feet underwater and several hundred yards from shore.
“Had the water level not receded so far, we never make the discovery,” Spencer said.
While this may be the first time they have discovered remains due to low lake levels, officials said it may not be the last as the levels may continue to drop.
Spencer said they will be reaching out to the University of Nevada at Las Vegas or scientists who can help estimate the duration of the metal and sea life on the barrel.
“The number one goal right now is to try to figure out if we can identify him because it will be a very challenging part of this investigation,” Spencer said.
Police said they started to look through missing cases dating back to the 1980s in an attempt to identify the victim.
“We will look into our missing person cases from that timeframe to see if we could get a lead even prior to the DNA,” Spencer said. “There are some items we recovered that we will look through missing person cases to see if there’s even a potential. Granted it’s a needle in a haystack, but right now we have nothing to go on.”
Spencer said it will take months to know if they will be able to extract DNA to help identify the victim.
Copyright 2022 KVVU via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/03/body-found-inside-barrel-las-vegas-lake-may-have-been-there-decades/ | 2022-05-05T13:04:19Z |
British girl Madeleine McCann still missing after 15 years
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The parents of Madeleine McCann, a British toddler who vanished from an apartment during her family’s vacation in Portugal 15 years ago and captured global interest, say they remain hopeful that efforts by police in three countries to solve the mystery will eventually bring answers.
Kate and Gerry McCann, both British doctors living in England, said in a statement to mark Tuesday’s anniversary of their daughter’s disappearance that “a truly horrific crime” was committed on May 3, 2007.
They said on the website created to help find Madeleine that “our need for answers, for the truth, is essential.”
They thanked British, Portuguese and German police who continue to work on what happened when the 3-year-old disappeared from her bed in southern Portugal’s Algarve region. She was in the same room as her 2-year-old twin brother and sister while her parents had dinner with friends at a nearby restaurant.
Last month, Portuguese prosecutors formally accused the latest suspect in the investigation.
They didn’t name the suspect, in line with Portuguese privacy laws, but said they were acting on a request by German authorities and in coordination with British investigators.
In mid-2020, Germany’s police identified Christian Brueckner, a 45-year-old German citizen who was in the Algarve in 2007, as a suspect in the case. Brueckner has denied any involvement in Madeleine’s disappearance.
The Portuguese accusation prevents the statute of limitations expiring in the case. The expiry would have occurred 15 years after the alleged crime took place, but accusing a suspect halts that count.
Madeleine’s disappearance stirred worldwide interest, with public claims of having spotted her stretching as far away as Australia, and brought the publication of books and television documentaries about the case.
Rewards for finding Madeleine reached several million dollars.
The case involved sensational developments. In one dramatic twist, Madeleine’s parents were briefly named as official suspects after police found traces of blood in their vacation rental car.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/03/british-girl-madeleine-mccann-still-missing-after-15-years/ | 2022-05-05T13:04:27Z |
Lawmakers in 19 states want legal refuge for trans youth
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Democratic lawmakers in more than a dozen states are following California’s lead in seeking to offer legal refuge to displaced transgender youth and their families.
The coordinated effort being announced Tuesday by the LGBTQ Victory Institute and other advocates comes in response to recent actions taken in conservative states. In Texas, for example, Gov. Gregg Abbott has directed state agencies to consider placing transgender children in foster care, though a judge has temporarily blocked such investigations. And multiple states have approved measures prohibiting gender-affirming health care treatments for transgender youth.
To combat such moves, lawmakers in both Minnesota and New York recently filed refuge state legislation modeled after the bill proposed in March by state Sen. Scott Wiener in California. Democrats in 16 other states plan to follow suit, though about half of their legislatures are out of session or not currently accepting new bills.
Wiener said he immediately began hearing from other states after coming forward with his bill, which would reject any out-of-state court judgments removing children from their parents’ custody because they allowed gender-affirming health care. It also would make arrest warrants based on alleged violation of another state’s law against receiving such care the lowest priority for California law enforcement.
“We’re sick of just playing defense against what these red states are doing,” Wiener said in an interview Monday. “We’re going on offense, we’re going to protect LGBTQ kids and their families and we’re going to build a rainbow wall to protect our community.”
Also joining the effort are LGBTQ lawmakers in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.
Annise Parker, president and CEO of the Victory Institute, acknowledged that the legislation likely will fail in some states but said it was time to stand against the onslaught of bills targeting the LGBTQ community.
“This is our opportunity to drive the conversation and the debate, and to call on our allies proactively to step up instead of allowing ourselves to be targeted,” said Parker, who was the first openly LGBTQ mayor of a major American city when she led Houston for six years.
“We would love to see these bills in states where there are more progressive legislatures,” she said. “But we also think it’s important that trans kids and their families out there see and hear legislators from our community standing up and defending them.”
Wiener said it is despicable that any family would have to consider moving to a new state to protect a child, but if that happens, he hopes as many states as possible will welcome them.
“When your kid is being threatened with removal from your home, families are going to consider a lot of different options, and we just want to be clear that if you decide that’s the option for you, we’re going to do everything we can do to welcome you and protect you,” he said.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/03/lawmakers-19-states-want-legal-refuge-trans-youth/ | 2022-05-05T13:04:33Z |
Pope offers to meet Putin, still waiting to hear back
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis told an Italian newspaper he had offered to travel to Moscow to meet with President Vladimir Putin to try to end Russia’s war in Ukraine and suggested the invasion might have been provoked by NATO’s eastward expansion.
Francis said he made the offer about three weeks into Russia’s invasion, via the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, but has yet to hear back.
Francis’ lengthy interview with Corriere della Sera newspaper underscored the Vatican’s complicated policy on Ukraine, where it is caught between denouncing the atrocities while not alienating Russia and its Orthodox Church.
Popes for decades have sought to visit Moscow as part of the longstanding effort to heal relations with the Russian Orthodox Church, which split with Rome more than 1,000 years ago. But an invitation has never been forthcoming.
“Of course, it would be necessary for the leader of the Kremlin to make available some window of opportunity. But we still have not had a response and we are still pushing, even if I fear that Putin cannot and does not want to have this meeting at this moment,” Francis was quoted as saying by Corriere della Sera.
Francis recalled that he spoke in March with the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, for 40 minutes by videoconference and for the first half “with paper in hand, he read all of the justifications for the war.”
“I listened and told him: ‘I don’t understand any of this. Brother, we are not clerics of the state, we cannot use language of politics, but that of Jesus. For this we need to find the paths of peace, to stop the firing of arms.’”
He added that Kirill “cannot turn into Putin’s altar boy,” a dismissive term used by a top U.S. Ukrainian Greek Catholic archbishop.
Francis has frequently denounced the weapons industry and the announced increases in defense spending by the West in recent weeks. But he has also defended the right of Ukrainians to protect their territory from the Russian invasion, in line with Catholic social doctrine. He told Corriere he felt he was too removed to judge the morality of resupplying the Ukrainian armed forces from the West.
But he also said he was trying to understand why Russia had reacted as it had. Maybe “this barking of NATO at Russia’s door” had prompted it, he was quoted as saying, “An anger that I don’t know if you can say was provoked, but maybe facilitated.”
Francis has given a handful of interviews of late to friendly media emphasizing his call for an end to the war and initiatives to provide humanitarian relief to Ukrainians. He has defended his decision to not call out Putin or Russia publicly, saying popes don’t do so. But he freely named Putin in his remarks to Corriere, and seemed to equate the carnage in Ukraine with the genocide in Rwanda a quarter-century ago.
“Such brutality, how can you not try to to stop it? Twenty-five years ago in Rwanda we saw the same thing,” he was quoted as saying.
___
Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. | https://www.wvva.com/2022/05/03/pope-offers-meet-putin-still-waiting-hear-back/ | 2022-05-05T13:04:40Z |
THURSDAY
Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia: 3 p.m., meet for coffee, pie, understanding and comradeship at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 204 S. 30th St. For more information, call 307-745-6451.
Diabetes Support Group meets: 5:30-6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Email questions@ivinsosnhospital.org for the link.
Cinco de Mayo and Business After Hours at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Horse Barn Theater at the site. Free to public. Prison also open for self-guided tours.
Stitching the Past Together creative aging class: 6:30-8 p.m., Albany County Public Library large meeting room. Students will learn memory-based storytelling through beading techniques in this free course. Register at acplwy.org or at the circulation desk.
UW Symphony presents “An American in Paris”: 7:30 p.m., Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall. For tickets call 307-766-6666, visit the UW box offices at Fine Arts or the Student Union, or visit uwyo.edu/finearts.
FRIDAY
Free stress relief clinic: Noon to 1 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
Chicken Fried Steak Dinner fundraiser: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Laramie Elks Lodge 582, 103 S. 2nd St. Cost is $16 for members and their guests. Seating is limited, so call for a reservation, 307-742-2024.
”Meet the Macbeths!” presented by Laramie Children’s Musical Theater Workshop: 7 p.m., Studio 253 in the Laramie Plains Civic Center, 710 E. Garfield St. Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for children younger than 12. Appropriate for ages 8 and older.
UW Music presents Andrew Staupe on piano: 7:30 p.m., Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets $10 general admission, $7 seniors and $6 for non-UW students. Ca307-766-6666 or visit uwyo.edu/finearts.
UW Planetarium presents “Astrology”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Look into the past at the origins of astrology and learn how it’s affected the world, along with why we don’t depend on it today. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
SATURDAY
Free stress relief clinic: 10-11 a.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Europe to the Stars”: 2 p.m., UW Planetarium. An epic journey behind the scenes at the most productive ground-based observatory in the world. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
VFW Post 2221 Commander’s Charity Dinner: 5:30-8 p.m., 2142 E. Garfield St. Tickets 412 at the door, all proceeds to benefit VFW Poppy Fund and Albany County Search and Rescue.
”Meet the Macbeths!” presented by Laramie Children’s Musical Theater Workshop: 7 p.m., Studio 253 in the Laramie Plains Civic Center, 710 E. Garfield St. Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for children younger than 12. Appropriate for ages 8 and older.
UW choirs present Brahms’ beloved “German Requiem”: 7:30 p.m., Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets, call 307-766-6666 or visit uwyo.edu/finearts.
UW Planetarium presents “Liquid Sky Indie Rock”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Enjoy a custom playlist of music from out-of-this-world artists pushing the limits of rock. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
SUNDAY
Mother’s Day Brunch fundraiser: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Laramie Elks Lodge 582, 103 S. 2nd St. Cost is $15 for members and their guests, with complimentary brunch for moms. Call 307-742-2024 for a reservation.
MONDAY
Alcoholics Anonymous meets: Daily at various times in person or on Zoom. For more information, call 307-399-0590 or visit area76aawyoming.org or aa.org.
Laramie Basin Land Coalition meet and greet: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 2229 Grand Ave.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Hospice of Laramie House, 1754 Centennial Drive.
Women for Sobriety meet: 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For meeting details, email 1093@womenforsobriety.org.
TUESDAY
Prayers & Squares Quilting Group meets: 9 a.m., Room 1 of Hunter Hall at St. Matthews Cathedral.
Free stress relief clinic: 1-2 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
Albany County Republican Party meets: 6 p.m., Albany County Public Library.
Albany County Genealogical Society meets: 7 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3311 Hayford Ave. Meetings are free to attend and open to the public. This month’s program is “Early Colonial Roads and How They Opened the West.”
WEDNESDAY
Laramie Tai Chi and tea: Meets at 1:30 p.m. at the north end of the stadium in Laramie Plainsman Park, North 15th and Reynolds. For more information, visit laramietaichiandtea.org.
Ivinson Medical Group women’s health prenatal education: 5:30 p.m., Ivinson Memorial Hospital in the Summit Conference Room. Learn more or register at ivinsonhospital.org/childbirth.
May 12
Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia: 3 p.m., meet for coffee, pie, understanding and comradeship at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 204 S. 30th St. For more information, call 307-745-6451.
Stitching the Past Together creative aging class: 6:30-8 p.m., Albany County Public Library large meeting room. Students will learn memory-based storytelling through beading techniques in this free course. Register at acplwy.org or at the circulation desk.
May 13
Free stress relief clinic: Noon to 1 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Extrasolar Planets”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Just a couple of decades ago scientists could only speculate if planets existed around the other stars of our galaxy. Today, an abundance of diverse worlds are cataloged each day. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 14
University of Wyoming graduation ceremony: 8:30 a.m., UW Arena-Auditorium, undergraduate ceremony for the colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engineering and Applied Science and School of Energy Resources.
Free stress relief clinic: 10-11 a.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
University of Wyoming graduation ceremony: 10 a.m., Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, for the College of Law.
University of Wyoming graduation ceremony: 12:15 p.m., UW Arena-Auditorium, for master’s and doctoral students from colleges of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business, Education, Engineering and Applied Science, Health Sciences and Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources.
UW Planetarium presents “Out There: Extrasolar Worlds”: 2 p.m., UW Planetarium. For thousands of years, mankind thought that the Earth was the center of the universe. Thanks to our curiosity, imagination and urge to explore, we now know that planets like ours are nothing special in the cosmos. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
University of Wyoming graduation ceremony: 3:30 p.m., UW Arena-Auditorium, for undergraduate ceremony for colleges of Arts and Sciences, Education, Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources and Office of Academic Affairs.
UW Planetarium presents “Liquid Sky Pop”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Enjoy a custom playlist of music from today’s pop artists. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 15
Walk With a Doc: 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Washington Park west shelter No. 3. Bring walking shoes and a friend. For more information, email questions@ivinsonhospital.org.
May 16
Alcoholics Anonymous meets: Daily at various times in person or on Zoom. For more information, call 307-399-0590 or visit area76aawyoming.org or aa.org.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Hospice of Laramie House, 1754 Centennial Drive.
Women for Sobriety meet: 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For meeting details, email 1093@womenforsobriety.org.
May 17
Prayers & Squares Quilting Group meets: 9 a.m., Room 1 of Hunter Hall at St. Matthews Cathedral.
Free stress relief clinic: 1-2 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Wyoming Skies”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. What’s up in the sky around Wyoming? Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 18
Laramie Tai Chi and tea: Meets at 1:30 p.m. at the north end of the stadium in Laramie Plainsman Park, North 15th and Reynolds. For more information, visit laramietaichiandtea.org.
Ivinson Medical Group women’s health prenatal education: 5:30 p.m., Ivinson Memorial Hospital in the Summit Conference Room. Learn more or register at ivinsonhospital.org/childbirth.
May 19
Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia: 3 p.m., meet for coffee, pie, understanding and comradeship at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 204 S. 30th St. For more information, call 307-745-6451.
Stitching the Past Together creative aging class: 6:30-8 p.m., Albany County Public Library large meeting room. Students will learn memory-based storytelling through beading techniques in this free course. Register at acplwy.org or at the circulation desk.
May 20
Albany County CattleWomen meet: 11:30 a.m., location tbd. Visit wyaccw.com in the week before the meeting for location and more information.
Free stress relief clinic: Noon to 1 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Science of Sci-Fi”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Everyone loves a good sci-fi movie, but how much is science and how much is fiction? Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 21
Free stress relief clinic: 10-11 a.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
UW Planetarium presents “Hot and Energetic Universe”: 2 p.m., UW Planetarium. The planetarium documentary “The Hot and Energetic Universe” presents with the use of immersive visualizations and real images the achievements of modern astronomy. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
UW Planetarium presents “Liquid Sky Throwbacks”: 8 p.m., UW Planetarium. Stranger Things meets Guardians of the Galaxy — 1980s nostalgia addicts unite! Enjoy a custom playlist of music from yesterday’s top artists. Tickets $5; $3 for UW students, staff and first responders; free for children younger than 5. Call 307-766-6506.
May 23
Alcoholics Anonymous meets: Daily at various times in person or on Zoom. For more information, call 307-399-0590 or visit area76aawyoming.org or aa.org.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Hospice of Laramie House, 1754 Centennial Drive.
Women for Sobriety meet: 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For meeting details, email 1093@womenforsobriety.org.
America Sewing Guild Laramie Chapter meets: 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 1215 E. Gibbon St. Please enter through the lower east door off the parking lot.
May 24
Prayers & Squares Quilting Group meets: 9 a.m., Room 1 of Hunter Hall at St. Matthews Cathedral.
Free stress relief clinic: 1-2 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
May 25
Laramie Tai Chi and tea: Meets at 1:30 p.m. at the north end of the stadium in Laramie Plainsman Park, North 15th and Reynolds. For more information, visit laramietaichiandtea.org.
May 26
Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s/dementia: 3 p.m., meet for coffee, pie, understanding and comradeship at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, 204 S. 30th St. For more information, call 307-745-6451.
Stitching the Past Together creative aging class: 6:30-8 p.m., Albany County Public Library large meeting room. Students will learn memory-based storytelling through beading techniques in this free course. Register at acplwy.org or at the circulation desk.
May 27
Free stress relief clinic: Noon to 1 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
May 28
Free stress relief clinic: 10-11 a.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
May 30
Alcoholics Anonymous meets: Daily at various times in person or on Zoom. For more information, call 307-399-0590 or visit area76aawyoming.org or aa.org.
Survivors of Suicide Support Group: Meets from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Hospice of Laramie House, 1754 Centennial Drive.
Women for Sobriety meet: 6:30-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For meeting details, email 1093@womenforsobriety.org.
May 31
Prayers & Squares Quilting Group meets: 9 a.m., Room 1 of Hunter Hall at St. Matthews Cathedral.
Free stress relief clinic: 1-2 p.m., Laramie Plains Civic Center Phoenix Ballroom.
June 3
Fried Shrimp Dinner fundraiser: 5:30-7:30 p.m., Laramie Elks Lodge 582, 103 S. 2nd St. Cost is $16 for members and their guests. Seating is limited, so call for a reservation, 307-742-2024.
June 5
Unexpected Company Senior Theatre presents “Three Doors to Death ... or the Choice is Yours”: 3 p.m., Alice Hardie Stevens Event Center. Tickets $12 can be bought at the Eppson Center for Seniors or Laramie Plains Museum Carriage Gift Shop.
Have an event for What’s Happening? Send it to Managing Editor Greg Johnson at gjohnson@laramieboomerang.com. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/announcements/whats-happening/article_299f800c-10eb-5996-8a99-a02b460710fe.html | 2022-05-05T13:35:46Z |
Laramie City Council has given a green light to the first of three readings of an amendment that would tweak parking regulations to mitigate danger at intersections.
Since 2010, the city has received a series of complaints from residents about intersections that are blocked or have low visibility because of vehicles parked nearby. That can lead to drivers not seeing pedestrians or posted stop signs.
To curb the problem, the council has worked with city staff to update its parking rules.
The update would make it illegal for drivers to park a vehicle, including trailers and recreational vehicles, within 20 feet of an intersection of an arterial or collector street. The 20-foot rule also will apply to Americans with Disabilities Act compliant ramps, and already is in place for crosswalks.
The amendment also would allow for the city to continue responding to recommendations from residents about where to restrict parking.
“I think it's very important to provide safety within our traffic system,” said council member Sharon Cumbie. “I have close calls within a regular basis, and I think that 20 feet is going to make a huge difference.”
If formally adopted on a final reading, the city will begin marking no parking zones on curbs this summer. The work will begin with the highest priority areas, which include arterial intersections and crosswalks. Once those are completed, the city will move on to intersections throughout the city with an expected completion date in August 2023.
Laramie resident Brett Glass raised questions about the restrictions causing a shortage of parking throughout the city, which he said is already a concern.
In the entire downtown area, only one parking space would be eliminated, said Public Works Director Brooks Webb. The city considered parking issues when outlining which areas to prioritize.
Council member Bryan Shuster said the issue of intersections has been brought up to the City Council at least three times before.
Photographs provided to the Boomerang by a Laramie resident show the result of a Feb. 20 incident where a vehicle crashed into a building on 4th Street when it collided with another vehicle. One of the vehicles failed to stop at a stop sign, which was blocked from view by a moving truck. No serious injuries were reported.
Shuster also said previous concerns raised also brought up issues other than safety, like beautification and visibility of street addresses.
A public hearing and second reading of the amendment is scheduled for May 17, with a final reading June 7. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/city-council-cites-safety-in-support-of-new-parking-regs/article_a44a8d9b-6af3-5e59-81ed-1c216e63cbb1.html | 2022-05-05T13:35:52Z |
CHEYENNE – The Laramie County District Attorney has formally objected to a disciplinary panel’s recommendation to the Wyoming Supreme Court that she be disbarred. She argued that, except in one instance, the panel did not have the “clear and convincing evidence” required to show she violated professional conduct rules for attorneys in the state.
In a document filed with the state’s high court Tuesday, DA Leigh Anne Manlove and her attorney, Stephen Melchior, asserted that, even if the court did decide she violated rules, appropriate sanctions under American Bar Association standards would be things like “private reprimand” and “public censure.” Manlove rejected an argument that disbarment would not remove her from her elected position as DA, calling it “illogical.”
“Suspending or revoking the (Laramie County District Attorney’s) license to practice law while they are in office would effectively remove them from their elected position by disabling their legal authority to act as the (district attorney),” the response said.
The state Supreme Court oversees the Wyoming State Bar and its Board of Professional Responsibility, from which a three-person disciplinary hearing panel was chosen. The BPR is the hearing body for attorney discipline in the state.
The court will ultimately decide what consequences Manlove will face. This process may take several months.
Bar Counsel Mark Gifford declined to comment on Manlove’s response.
Formal charges filed by the Office of Bar Counsel last year with the State Bar alleged Manlove had mishandled the prosecution of cases and inappropriately dismissed certain cases, and that she created a hostile work environment.
Following the conclusion of the hearing, the panel announced Feb. 11 that it would recommend Manlove be disbarred, or lose her ability to practice law in Wyoming, for violating six rules of professional conduct. It filed its formal recommendation with the Supreme Court on March 11.
These rules were found to be: Rule 1.1, duty of competence; 1.3, duty of diligence; 3.3(a), duty of candor to the tribunal; 3.4©, duty to follow rules of the tribunal; 8.1(a), material false statements in a disciplinary proceeding; and 8.4(d), which says, “It is professional misconduct for a lawyer to engage in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice.”
The report also recommended Manlove be required to pay an administrative fee of $3,000.
In her response, Manlove rebuked the choice by the BPR and Office of Bar Counsel to hold the eight-day hearing at “the lovely and luxurious” Little America Hotel & Resort in Cheyenne, accusing the BPR and OBC of “sparing no expense” on meals and beverages.
“The Office of Bar Counsel’s willingness to expend (State Bar) resources in this way is outrageous, and no doubt done with full confidence and expectation that Manlove would be reimbursing (the Bar) in the end,” the response said.
The state Supreme Court has discretion over whether Manlove is responsible for reimbursing the Bar more than $91,000 in total for costs associated with the hearing and investigation.
The largest portion by far was $64,635.75 for lodging, meals, meeting space and use of audio/visual equipment. The Wyoming Room, the ballroom in which the disciplinary hearing was held, cost $1,200 each day – except for the two Fridays the ballroom was used, when the price increased to $2,600.
Manlove noted the “extraordinary” toll the almost year-and-a-half proceedings took on her life, and that the more than $91,000 requested for reimbursement doesn’t include more than a year of legal defense fees and costs.
Disregard of witnesses
Manlove also said the BPR panel “markedly discounted the testimony of Manlove and her witnesses,” and “gave full credence to to (Special Bar Counsel Weston W. Reeves’) witnesses but expressed distrust of Manlove and her legal assistant, Lisa Riggs.”
The DA rejected the panel finding she was “combative” and “defiant” during the hearing, as Manlove had been “under attack for more than a year by the time the hearing took place and was there to defend herself,” the response said.
Manlove added that she had taken responsibility, long before any formal charges, for failing to produce evidence in a timely manner in a 2019 case involving the defendant Rodney Law. She said this is the only allegation for which the panel has clear and convincing evidence.
“Manlove also apologized and took responsibility for her perceived harsh treatment of certain employees,” the response said.
She also reiterated arguments made in previous responses and during the hearing that she did not act improperly in her attempts to deal with proposed budget cuts by the state, or in her discretion to fire or hire certain attorneys and other staff members at the beginning of her tenure.She also asserted thatThe DA said there was no evidence to support the assertion that she’d directed cases to be dismissed because she wasn’t prepared to go to trial.
The panel discounted testimony by employees who did not support the allegation that Manlove fostered a chaotic or toxic work environment, the response said, while finding testimony that supported that allegation credible.
Contemporaneous notes by former office manager Amanda Santee were “improperly admitted,” following an objection by Melchior, Manlove’s attorney, that they only consisted of hearsay statements, according to the response.Manlove reiterated an assertion she testified to, that “she has multiple reasons to believe she is/has been the target of person animus of Mark Gifford, Bar Counsel.”
Contrary to the panel’s findings, there was “ample testimony” that a former deputy DA, Caitlin Harper, “had an interest in seeing Ms. Manlove removed from office” so she herself could take the position. Harper was the only person who spoke to a few Laramie County judges about alleged dysfunction in the DA’s office, save for a comment by former attorney Cameron Geeting that the office was “hostile and not working for me,” according to the response.
Gifford then seemed to solicit the assistance of Harper and other either former or soon-to-be-former employees to gather information on Manlove.
Manlove wrote that, rather than bring concerns she’d heard from Harper to her directly, Laramie County District Judge Catherine Rogers and other judges decided to write a letter to Gifford. He used the letter, “prepared (by the seven Laramie County judges) with the encouragement and guidance of Mr. Gifford” as the basis of a petition filed a day after with the Supreme Court to immediately suspend Manlove, the response said. The court denied that petition. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/da-manlove-objects-to-disbarment-recommendation/article_2948cf5e-ec17-5333-b0f4-b84975b16bf9.html | 2022-05-05T13:35:58Z |
JACKSON — Bill Hayes returned last week to Jackson with a light case of COVID-19 and a suitcase full of stories of resilience from his volunteer mission to Poland and Ukraine.
Like many other Americans, his first introduction to Russia’s invasion was on the news. The war had been raging for about a week. Refugees were streaming over the border.
Hayes, a retired energy consultant, thought to himself: “I can’t just sit here and watch this. I’m going to go lend a hand in some way.”
It took about a month to wrangle the logistics, but soon he was on a plane to Krakow, Poland, alongside his son Rob and an old friend from high school, also recently retired. Sarah Kraemer, a friend and travel agent, helped waive bag fees so they could fly with additional supplies.
Having met with Polish citizens over Zoom, the unlikely trio had a welcoming community when they landed. One humanitarian worker led them immediately to the railway station, where 100 Ukrainian refugees — mostly mothers and children — were picking up food. Other volunteers told Hayes they needed more fruit, meat and cheese, so his team went grocery shopping.
“That was our introduction to the system, so to speak,” Hayes told the News&Guide after returning to the U.S. “Then the next day we got in our van and drove to the border and went to a refugee center in Przemysl. I just went in and asked them what they needed, and they had a list of supplies.”
The team took a scrappy approach — partnering with a single bilingual volunteer who could translate and exhausting funds from their own online fundraiser — rather than working under an established nonprofit. Hayes said he sees benefits to both ways, but in this case working independently allowed them to work quickly.
While negotiating the Polish-Ukrainian border, Hayes befriended Jackson resident David Craig, who has been volunteering there since mid-March. Together the men packed essential supplies into sprinter vans, which can navigate Ukraine’s torn up streets better than larger trucks. Craig personally delivered one van load to its destination in Bucha.
In one center hosting about 1,500 Ukrainian refugees, Hayes volunteered alongside a Polish fireman who worked six days at the shelter and five nights at the firehouse.
“The dedication, the energy and the resilience of these volunteers was unbelievable,” he said.
Hayes plans to return to Poland for a second mission at the end of May.
Fellow Jackson resident Karen Hogan is packing her bags for Poland too. A dancer who blends movement with early childhood education, Hogan is hoping her skills will serve Ukrainian refugees in a unique way.
“I don’t want to come off as naive thinking that the kids are going to want to dance,” she said. “But if I could bring them a spark of joy, that’s the goal.”
To that end, Hogan has a suitcase full of props — scarves, rhythmic instruments, balance beams — which help beckon children from their shells.
Unlike Hayes, she decided to work under with an established organization in Poland at the recommendation of a friend in the United Nations. She will join Global Volunteers in Siedlce, Poland, in about a month. And while Hogan doesn’t speak Russian or Ukrainian she hopes the universal language of dance will help transcend barriers.
“Children’s first language is movement,” she said. “You don’t need Google Translate, they just go.”
Hogan had a similar experience as Hayes, watching the war unfold on TV with mounting shock and outrage.
“I couldn’t get over my grief,” Hogan said.
But then, one day, she did. Just like the Pink Floyd anthem “Comfortably Numb,” Hogan realized she had built up a tolerance to the atrocities overseas.
“And that freaked me out,” she said, asking herself how her compassion evaporated.
That night she talked with her husband, Jeff, who encouraged her to funnel her frustrations into action. He would stay behind to watch their 15-year-old son, Finn.
Hogan lacks any personal attachment to Ukraine, but as a mother she empathized with families in need of child care at the border. Through the American nonprofit NotMeButWe, which is operating emergency day care camps in Poland, Hogan hopes to reach mothers who need a few hours respite.
And if the movement classes take shape the way she envisions, there will be benefits for the children too: “Moments of joy where they can forget the chaos, get out of their mind, and play.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/jackson-residents-lend-aid-in-ukraine/article_761eedf9-525a-5cf7-bc21-e641ce3583c3.html | 2022-05-05T13:36:04Z |
The Legislature’s Joint Revenue Committee spent almost half of its two-day meeting in Lander last week discussing whether Wyoming’s private-trust and limited-liability-company laws are prone to abuse by bad actors — tax evasion, tax avoidance, money laundering, shielding assets from creditors and law-enforcement etc. Most — but not all — of the expert witnesses objected to that idea, telling lawmakers that Wyoming is neither a tax haven nor a harbor for illegal activity. One expert offered sharply different testimony.
“It’s apparent we have two widely different thoughts here,” Committee Chairman
Sen. Cale Case (R-Lander) said during the meeting.
Legislative leadership assigned the topic following scathing reports in the Washington Post and elsewhere. But despite the international spotlight and the lengthy discussion, the committee adjourned without giving legislative staff instructions for further action on the topic, such as research or bill drafting. Case told WyoFile, “[I] definitely don’t think we are finished with this.”
Private trusts and LLCs are both legal entities that can be used to protect and manage assets. In Wyoming, in particular, both entities — either separately, or in combination with one another — can provide a high degree, if not complete, anonymity to involved parties thanks to little regulation and strong privacy laws.
Proponents describe the status quo as a strength that, when combined with Wyoming’s lack of an income tax, makes the state an attractive jurisdiction in which to house and protect wealth. Detractors say it is indeed attractive, though not to the right people, and provides little to no benefit to Wyoming residents that are not employed in the industry.
Independent of the moral hazard question Case said Wyoming’s trusts and LLCs are potentially an untapped revenue stream at a critical time for the state, hence his request for the topic and its assignment to the committee responsible for figuring out how to fund state government.
Trust companies in Wyoming hold at least $31.5 billion worth of assets in trusts — close to the GDP for the entire state.
Wyoming provides the legal structure but may not be getting a fair return, according to Case. Because the topic is extraordinarily complex, Case said it was important for the committee to begin its work with a “primer.”
Attorney Chris Reimer was the first of about a half-a-dozen local experts to walk the revenue committee through the ins and outs of Wyoming’s statutes on April 28. This was far from Reimer’s first experience with the Legislature. He had helped to draft and revise the very laws at the center of the discussion, he said.
As a partner with Long Reimer Winegar Beppler LLP, his practice includes setting up and administering private trust companies, “usually for out-of-state and international clients,” according to the firm’s website.
Aside from legal explanation, Reimer spent much of his time in front of the committee criticizing the work of the Washington Post and objecting to the idea that Wyoming may be enabling criminal activity. That was echoed by several others, including Scott Weaver and Betty Andrikopoulos of the Wyoming Trust Association.
Reimer did not completely deny the presence of criminal activity, though he characterized it as a thing of the past. For instance, Reimer brought up concerns about registered agents, who act as a representative for a company.
LLC filings are typically public record. The identities of the LLC’s members, however, can be kept private if a business formation company is hired to act as a registered agent. Wyoming does not require any training for these individuals, such as how to vet a company before representing them — a process which is not required by Wyoming law.
It’s also not uncommon for registered agents to know very little about the companies they represent, according to the Washington Post, which also linked several registered agents in Wyoming to companies facing accusations of wrongdoing in international court cases.
The Sheridan Press reported on the potential unintended consequences of the secrecy afforded by using a registered agent.
Reimer, however, said the potential for illegitimate businesses hiding behind a registered agent in order to disguise shady operations has been voided by the federal Corporate Transparency Act which was enacted in January 2021, but hasn’t yet fully gone into effect.
“The most important thing to take away from this is that a so-called secret shell company … that is a thing of the past,” Reimer said. “It is over.”
The CTA will require some legal entities to report certain basic information about themselves, their beneficial owners and who is authorized to act on their behalf. The data collection has begun but it has yet to be determined who will have access to that information.
The CTA’s unhurried rollout is a problem, according to Ryan Gurule. He’s policy director for the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition, a non-partisan group based in D.C. working to end the use of anonymous shell companies as vehicles for illicit activity, among other things.
“Wyoming has attracted and protected capital from people who threaten our national security, and undermine the stability of our financial and main street markets, including by using complex structures to avoid taxes, launder ill-gotten monies and hide assets,” Gurule told the committee, pointing to Igor Makrov, a Russian oligarch.
“He protects portions of his immense fortune via a Wyoming trust, managed by an unregulated Wyoming private trust company,” Gurule noted, as reported by the Washington Post.
That was of particular concern for Rep. Mike Yin (D-Jackson). He repeatedly raised questions about foreign nationals using Wyoming’s legal framework to hide assets from their home countries.
“Wyoming is not in a position to regulate Russian oligarchs,” Lucas Buckley, an attorney with Hathaway and Kunz, told the committee. Buckley’s firm offers commercial registered agent services, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
Rep. Pat Sweeney (R-Casper) was more concerned with how recent reports painted Wyoming’s reputation, which he felt were unfair.
“We’re being painted with this broad brush. Basically we’re a bunch of hicks out here and we don’t know what we are doing, which I totally, fundamentally disagree with,” Sweeney said. He then asked Chris Reimer what should be done, if anything.
“From where I sit and practice, there’s no law regarding information of entities or private trust companies or trusts that needs to be implemented in Wyoming,” Reimer said.
His peers in the Wyoming Trust Association also urged the committee against any kind of tax, saying it would drive the trust industry out of the state and into competing jurisdictions, like Nevada and South Dakota.
Case was not convinced. He said he continued to circle back in his mind to one question — what does Wyoming get out of this?
In terms of static assets, he said, the business is bigger than the mining industry or the oil and gas industry.
“As Wyoming changes, we’ve got to follow the money,” Case said.
“Part of my concern with the folks that testified at the hearing was that the majority of them have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo,” Jenn Lowe with the Equality State Policy Center told WyoFile.
It’s a very complex financial system, Lowe said, and the experts present contributed to good discussion. But she’s not sure where the topic goes from here since the committee did not give staff any direction.
“There’s a lot of money to be made in the trust industry, which is not a bad thing at face value, but on the other hand, I’m not sure that the folks that live here in Wyoming are seeing a return in benefit,” Lowe said.
The Joint Revenue Committee’s next meeting is in September. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/legislators-take-no-action-on-trust-llc-laws/article_239e45de-532c-5332-991f-2bbea8f6bb97.html | 2022-05-05T13:36:11Z |
LHS student places at Academic Decathlon nationals
Laramie High School student Joshua Liu earned three medals at the United States Academic Decathlon National Competition, which was held virtually April 21-23.
Liu earned a gold medal in social science, a silver medal in science and a bronze in literature.
“This is amazing,” LHS academic decathlon coach Nichol Bondurant said of Liu's performance. “It is the first time someone from Laramie placed in the national competition.”
Applications sought for Wyoming Boys State
Local high school juniors can apply to attend Wyoming Boys State this summer with all expenses paid courtesy of American Legion Post 14 in Laramie.
Wyoming Boys State is for junior boys in high school to learn about state government structure. The week of events at the University of Wyoming, scheduled for June 12-18, emphasizes leadership, civic engagement and patriotism.
The delegates also will visit the state Capitol, including a visit to the chambers of the Wyoming Senate and House of Representatives. Plans also are to meet with Gov. Mark Gordon.
Applications will be accepted through May 13 and can be found at wyoboysstate.org. Call 307-399-1341 for more information.
Wyoming Charter School application now available
The Wyoming Legislature has amended the charter school statutes to allow for an alternative path for approval of charter schools (W.S. 21-3-301 through W.S. 21-3-314).
This change allows for charter schools to apply to either the local district or the State Loan and Investment Board and will take effect July 1.
The Wyoming Department of Education revised the Chapter 32 charter school rules to reflect these changes. Public comment was accepted between Feb. 18 and April 18. A hearing was held April 14.
Currently, the rules are awaiting approval from Gov. Mark Gordon’s office, according to a news release from the state Department of Education.
Additionally, the WDE has revised the charter school application. For charter school applications submitted in 2022, the applications may be submitted between July 15 and Aug. 15, or 30 days after these rules become effective, whichever is later. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/local_news/worth-noting/article_bba5a5b0-d75f-5dfd-bef8-7dcdd13491df.html | 2022-05-05T13:36:17Z |
Area law enforcement agencies have been working with the FBI to investigate a sexual extortion case involving teens on Snapchat and Instagram, the Laramie Police Department reports.
More than 150 victims nationwide have so far been identified, including students in Albany County and elsewhere in Wyoming. The suspects target teens in the middle and high school age range with no preference on gender, said LPD spokesperson Steve Morgan.
The Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation and Laramie police have been working with the federal agency since being notified of the alleged "sextortion" earlier this year. The case involves multiple suspects blackmailing juvenile students into sending sexually explicit photos and videos.
The suspect will send photos or videos from a previous victim and threaten to release the contents unless the new target sends photos and videos of him or herself, the press release says.
The suspects target people between the middle school to high school age range with no preference on gender, said police department spokesperson Steve Morgan.
“The suspect demands videos and images over a multi-day period and claims that if the the victim complies and the suspect will delete the files. This is not true,” the press release said. “The suspect forces (under threat of exposure) the child victim to conduct video calls which show the victim’s face, while the suspect keeps (their) own face hidden. This is done so the suspect can further exploit the child victim.”
The suspect also will force victims to share their friends or followers lists.
“Although the suspect(s) remain unidentified, Wyoming DCI and LPD continue to actively investigate this case and work with the FBI in an effort to put a stop to this ongoing exploitation,” the press release says.
Anyone who receives a message of this nature should report it to the police department non-emergency dispatch number at 307-721-2526 or to Wyoming DCI at 307-777-7181.
Do not respond to the messages or view any content sent, but do save the messages for reporting purposes, Morgan advised. People also should not accept friend requests from accounts they don’t know or share others’ information.
“The suspect depends on victims feeling ashamed or guilty to continue to exploit them. Remember, it is not your fault,” the press release says. “Regardless of what the suspect says, (they) will not stop the exploitation regardless of how many images or videos a victim sends.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/lpd-fbi-warn-of-social-media-sextortion-of-teens/article_a1510d9c-3e6a-57a5-9932-6db1088c2a96.html | 2022-05-05T13:36:23Z |
CHEYENNE — Wyoming National Guard leaders expressed concerns to state legislators Tuesday about declining candidate recruitment and retention.
Since fiscal year 2020, the Wyoming Army National Guard reported a drop from 102% to 97% in strength, and the Wyoming Air National Guard fell more than 2 percentage points in the past year. Military officials said they anticipate a continued decline in the number of members enlisted by the end of fiscal 2022, which they attribute, in part, to the negative impact of COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Wyoming National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Greg Porter said this isn’t just a Wyoming issue, but rather a nationwide dilemma.
“It’s a fairly significant problem that I’m losing sleep about,” he told members of the Wyoming Legislature’s Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee.
They met Tuesday to listen to military leaders discuss one of their interim priorities, which is finding ways to provide state support for recruitment and retention. The presentation to lawmakers stated that each year, recruiters are expected to replace every outgoing soldier or airman, at a minimum. When the Guard is not already 100% staffed, replacing outgoing Guard members is just the start.
The current average annual loss rates are 10.9% for the Wyoming Air Guard and 11.9% for the Army Guard. While the Air Guard gained 169 total new accessions after losing 116 last fiscal year, the Army Guard only added 231 members after losing 259.
“It’s becoming harder and harder to recruit right now,” Porter said. “And we’re spending a lot of time, effort and energy on it.”
Although fiscal 2022 is not over, and the data cannot be drawn directly from the vaccine mandate yet, there are still associated losses. The adjutant general said at least 41 individuals opted not to join the Air Guard due to the requirement, more than 64 are seeking exemptions, and 11 were honorably discharged. The Army Guard also had 19 soldiers who did not want to join, 76 refusing who are currently members, and only 75% are fully vaccinated.
He also cited societal changes. Porter said that currently only 14% of men and around 5% of women express interest in joining the military, half of America’s parents discourage their family members from joining, and the competitive advantage of providing financial support and an education has deteriorated. Since companies such as Starbucks, Walmart and McDonald’s are in search of staff, they’re offering scholarships and encroaching on the GI Bill benefits.
Another obstacle discussed by Major Karen Hinkle was more unique to the state.
“One of the challenges in Wyoming, and particularly for the National Guard, is that our state population is very small in contrast to every other state,” she said. “And that has made it challenging for us to recruit in accordance with the model that seems to be successful in surrounding states.”
She mentioned solutions that include the fact that the single best source of new recruits is current airmen and soldiers. Wyoming Guard leadership suggested the Legislature fund a $500 bonus for Guard members that successfully refer individuals. This is based on referral incentives in Alabama and Vermont.
Options include providing a cash bonus for any referral of a new member to the Wyoming National Guard or referral of enlisted members.
The easiest plan to administer is for a financial incentive for any new member, and it is the costliest plan. The total projected cost per biennium for new member referrals would be $440,000, assuming 440 individuals signed with the Guard per year. While the projected cost per biennium for referring enlisted members would be $368,000, with an assumption of 368 accessions each year, it does not incentivize the referrals of skilled professionals.
Hinkle clarified since the estimate is $500 for each referral per year, the biennium cost would be double.
Legislators did not vote on the action to draft a bill, nor did they take public comment on the recommendation. They said they will continue to consider such recruitment and retention efforts.
“What we find more and more is the military’s becoming a family business,” Porter said. “Almost every enlistee that we have has some sort of relationship, familial relationship or friend relationship with somebody in the military. That tends to be that connection now.” | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/national-guard-recruitment-retention-falls/article_62a6e5f6-7829-5951-a982-a5c9adb1bb8a.html | 2022-05-05T13:36:29Z |
In another step in a yearslong battle over the proposed Rail Tie Wind Project, some area residents are making their case the Wyoming Supreme Court.
The Albany County District Court upheld an Albany County Commission on March 30 decision to grant a permit to ConnectGen, the company leading the project.
Known as a Wind Energy Conservation System (WECS) permit, the decision gives ConnectGen the go-ahead to move forward with its wind farm project, which is in planning and permitting stages with construction slated to begin in spring 2023.
About 45 people with interests against the wind farm have signed onto a second appeals process filed last week to the Wyoming Supreme Court. Monaghan Farms Inc. also filed its own separate appeal.
The 500-megawatt project calls for up to 149 turbines on 26,000 acres of public and private land south of Laramie near Tie Siding. It will tie into the Ault-Craig 345-kilovolt transmission line, which runs through the southern part of the project area.
Noise, light pollution and impacts to wildlife and the natural beauty of the area are among the concerns brought by opponents, many of whom own property near the proposed area for the wind farm, which will be located on private and state lands along Highway 287 south of Laramie near Tie Siding.
“Albany County residents felt strongly that their (county commissioners') decision was not based on protecting county residents or Albany County’s natural resources, but were rather motivated by quick tax revenue and political motives,” said Paul Montoya, who is part of the appeals process. “We feel confident the Wyoming Supreme Court will see the errors in the county's decision-making process and uphold our appeal."
The WECS permit includes nine conditions that are meant to address concerns for residents surrounding the wind farm, said Amanda Flores, manager for the project for ConnectGen. These include installing fire suppression systems on the turbines; increasing the distance between turbines, residences and public roads; and installing an aircraft detection lighting system to reduce light pollution.
The project has already received necessary state permits and has completed an environmental impact statement. Final engineering and pre-construction planning will continue throughout this year, with construction set to begin next spring. According to the schedule, the wind farm would be fully operational by the end of 2024.
The objections
“This isn’t about ‘not in our backyard,’ it's about respecting the safety of local residents,” said Tie Siding homeowner Andrew Grant. “We’re here, we’re paying our taxes. We expect to be looked after.”
Grant said that while he supports green energy, he has many concerns about the location of the wind project being in such close proximity to people who live nearby.
Living in the forest, Grant and other residents voiced concerns about increased fire danger and lighting strikes with the roughly 600-foot-tall turbines. While the turbines won’t be visible from many houses in the area, residents will be forced to drive past them along Cherokee Park Road, the main route in and out of the area.
“What they are trying to do is turn our trip to the grocery store into a game of Russian roulette, as far as we’re concerned,” Grant said of the risk of ice shards falling from turbines.
Modern wind turbines are equipped with an ice detection system that causes the turbines to stop spinning if ice build-up is detected on the blades, according to the ConnectGen website.
In addition to quality-of-life concerns, some residents cited concerns with what they considered to be an insufficient public input process from the Albany County Commission.
“It's been a frustrating experience to be given three minutes to verbally address something that’s a complicated process, and then have not any questions asked back,” said Al Minier, who owns a second home 8 miles south of Tie Siding. “Part of this fight is based on the fact that I think the scrutiny given to wind projects is really not adequate.”
Mitchell Edwards of Nicholas & Tangeman LLC is representing the opponents. He claims the county failed to follow its own regulations in gathering information on the Rail Tie project and didn't give adequate public notice before meetings in which the project was discussed.
“I can’t think of any point in this process where anyone from the project has reached out to me and asked for my concerns,” Minier said.
The Albany County Attorney’s Office did not respond to a request for comment on the appeal by press time.
“We believe the District Court correctly concluded that the Albany County Commissioners properly granted the WECS permit in accordance with the applicable regulations and hope the Wyoming Supreme Court will reach the same conclusion,” Flores said.
The court will have 120-180 days to issue a written decision on the appeal after undergoing a multi-step process of hearing arguments from both sides. Typically, the appeals process takes between a year and 18 months, Edwards said. | https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/turbine-turbulence-residents-continue-legal-battle-against-rail-tie-wind-project/article_613d7369-4022-5655-a11b-468eb8ab24b9.html | 2022-05-05T13:36:35Z |
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