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Romania: court tells president to fire anti-graft prosecutor | BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romania’s top court has told the president to fire the country’s chief anti-corruption prosecutor, widely praised for her efforts to root out high-level graft, but a thorn in the side of some politicians.
The constitutional court ruled Wednesday in a 6-3 vote that there had been an institutional conflict after President Klaus Iohannis disagreed with the justice minister’s assessment that National Anti-Corruption Directorate Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi should be dismissed on grounds of failing to do her job properly.
Kovesi’s departure would be a blow to the agency, respected by ordinary Romanians, the EU and the U.S. The court will explain its ruling later.
Justice Minister Tudorel Toader praised the ruling saying Iohannis did not have “the legal ability to evaluate the professional and management competences of high-ranking prosecutors.” | newcountry923.fm | 2018-05-30 10:01:04 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/05/30/romania-court-tells-president-to-fire-anti-graft-prosecutor/ | ||
Meek Mill back in court fighting for new trial and new judge | PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Rapper Meek Mill is back in a Philadelphia courtroom, hoping to get his appeal moved to a different judge and get a new trial.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered Mill’s release from prison last month where he was serving a two- to four-year sentence on a probation violation related to a decade-old gun and drug conviction.
A team of lawyers and public relations consultants had waged an all-out battle to get him freed on bail.
Mill’s lawyers will ask Tuesday that Judge Genece Brinkley be removed from his case. They allege she’s been waging a vendetta against the rapper, including sending him to prison for the probation violations.
She has strongly defended her impartiality.
Prosecutors say they believe Mill should get a new trial because of questions raised about the credibility of his arresting officer. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-05-30 08:55:55 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/05/30/meek-mill-back-in-court-fighting-for-new-trial-and-new-judge/ | ||
World's last male northern white rhino, Sudan, dies | NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The world’s last male northern white rhino, Sudan, has died after “age-related complications,” researchers announced Tuesday, saying he “stole the heart of many with his dignity and strength.”
A statement from the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya said the 45-year-old rhino was euthanized on Monday after his condition “worsened significantly” and he was no longer able to stand. His muscles and bones had degenerated and his skin had extensive wounds.
The rhino had been part of an ambitious effort to save the subspecies from extinction with the help of the two surviving females.
“He was a great ambassador for his species and will be remembered for the work he did to raise awareness globally of the plight facing not only rhinos, but also the many thousands of other species facing extinction as a result of unsustainable human activity,” said the conservancy’s CEO, Richard Vigne.
Sudan was something of a celebrity, attracting thousands of visitors. Last year he was listed as “The Most Eligible Bachelor in the World” on the Tinder dating app in a fundraising effort.
The last male northern white rhino had been born in Sudan, taken to a Czech zoo and then transferred to Kenya in 2009. Rangers caring for Sudan described him as gentle.
The rhino “significantly contributed to survival of his species as he sired two females,” the conservancy said. “Additionally, his genetic material was collected yesterday and provides a hope for future attempts at reproduction of northern white rhinos through advanced cellular technologies.” | newcountry923.fm | 2018-03-20 01:30:30 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/03/20/worlds-last-male-northern-white-rhino-sudan-dies/ | ||
Suicide car bomber detonates outside Somalia restaurant | MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A suicide bomber detonated an explosives-laden vehicle at the gate of a popular restaurant in Somalia’s capital, and gunmen were fighting their way inside, police said Wednesday night.
A hostage situation was under way at the Pizza House restaurant, said Capt. Mohamed Hussein. Many of the restaurant’s workers are foreigners, mostly from Ethiopia.
Hussein had no immediate information about any casualties.
The Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabab often targets high-profile areas of Mogadishu, including hotels, military checkpoints and areas near the presidential palace. It has vowed to step up attacks after the recently elected government launched a new military offensive against it.
Al-Shabab last year became the deadliest Islamic extremist group in Africa, with more than 4,200 people killed in 2016, according to the Washington-based Africa Center for Strategic Studies.
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This version corrects the name of the restaurant to Pizza House. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-06-14 12:44:58 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/06/14/suicide-car-bomber-detonates-outside-somalia-restaurant/ | ||
Burkina Faso forces end restaurant attack; 18 killed | OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso (AP) — Burkina Faso’s government spokesman says that the country’s special forces have ended an attack by suspected Islamic extremists on an upscale Turkish restaurant in this West African country’s capital, Ouagadougou.
“At this moment our forces have neutralized two terrorists and the number of casualties, still provisional, is 18 dead and several wounded,” Communications Minister and government spokesman Remy Danguinou told journalists Monday morning.
He said the dead are “mainly children and women” and the toll could rise because several people were wounded by the gunfire.
At least three members of Burkina Faso’s security forces were wounded during the assault, which lasted for nearly seven hours, said Capt. Guy Ye, spokesman of the security forces.
The assailants arrived at the restaurant on motorcycles and then began shooting randomly at the crowds dining Sunday evening, he said. Security forces arrived at the scene with armored vehicles after reports of shots fired near Aziz Istanbul.
This is the second such attack on a restaurant popular with foreigners in the last two years.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the violence, which continued throughout the early hours of Monday. Gunfire could be heard almost seven hours after the attack began.
In addition to those killed, eight others were wounded, Communications Minister Remi Dandjinou told journalists. The victims came from several different nationalities, he said. At least one of the dead was French and another was Turkish.
The attack brought back painful memories of the January 2016 attack at another cafe that left 30 people dead.
Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation in West Africa, is one of the poorest countries in the world. It shares a northern border with Mali, which has long battled Islamic extremists.
In the 2016 attack the attackers were of foreign origin, according to al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, which claimed responsibility for those killings along with the jihadist group known as Al Mourabitoun. But the terror threat in Burkina Faso is increasingly homegrown, experts say.
The northern border region is now the home of a local preacher, Ibrahim Malam Dicko, who radicalized and has claimed responsibility for recent deadly attacks against troops and civilians. His association, Ansarul Islam, is now considered a terrorist group by Burkina Faso’s government. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-08-14 05:33:01 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/08/14/18-killed-in-attack-on-restaurant-in-burkina-faso-capital/ | ||
Emboldened Xi lays out nationalistic vision for China future | BEIJING (AP) — President Xi Jinping vowed Tuesday to protect “every inch” of China’s territory while promoting “high-quality” economic growth and the resurgence of Chinese culture and creativity as he kicked off his second term, poised to rule indefinitely.
Xi, China’s most powerful leader in decades, sounded a strongly worded warning that appeared directed at anyone from advocates of independence in the southern Chinese city of Hong Kong to the government of self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory.
The Chinese people are united in their belief that “every inch of our great motherland absolutely cannot and absolutely will not be separated from China,” Xi declared in his speech before the nearly 3,000 members of the National People’s Congress.
Attempts to split the country are “doomed to failure,” he said.
Xi said the mainland would continue to promote “peaceful unification” with Taiwan. The island’s 23 million residents are strongly in favor of maintaining their de-facto independent status.
Xi is set to shape the country’s future for the coming decades after the historic legislative session that closed Tuesday abolished presidential term limits to allow him to rule for as long as he wants.
As an indication of what is to come, Xi stressed the absolute leadership of the ruling Communist Party — of which he is head — in all aspects of Chinese life. That authority is central to Xi’s vision of a confident, rising China with him at the helm to tackle thorny challenges that include slowing growth, risky excessive borrowing, a possible trade war and other challenges.
Premier Li Keqiang, in a briefing with reporters, also promised to fully open manufacturing industries to foreign competitors and said China doesn’t want to see a “trade war” with the United States. He made no mention of a possible Chinese response to any increase in U.S. import controls.
Beijing faces mounting pressure from President Donald Trump over complaints it hampers access to its markets, pressures foreign companies to hand over technology and is flooding foreign markets with unfairly low-priced steel and other goods.
The longer-than-usual, 16-day legislative session had earlier approved a range of new appointments, including that of key Xi ally Wang Qishan as vice president. New ministers were also appointed and a law passed establishing a powerful new anti-corruption body to oversee the party and civil service.
In his address, Xi said China would promote “high-quality” development that values innovation over speed of growth. Xi also invoked China’s historical achievements in governance and culture and stressed the importance of national unity as it strove to reach new goals in poverty alleviation and economic development in coming years.
“I believe that as long as the more than 1.3 billion Chinese people ceaselessly carry forward this great creative spirit, we can certainly create one miracle after another,” he said.
Xi pledged to expand the Belt and Road, his signature foreign policy initiative of building ports, bridges and railways connecting Europe with Asia — but in an apparent response to the project’s critics, said China wasn’t seeking hegemony.
“China’s development does not pose a threat to any country,” Xi said.
“Only those who habitually threaten others will look at everyone else as threats,” he added.
This year’s session has been dominated by the rubber-stamp body’s historic move on March 11 to scrap a constitutional two-term limit on the presidency dating from 1982, enabling Xi to rule indefinitely.
While delegates overwhelmingly supported the move, critics and some analysts say it raises concerns about a return to one-man-rule — and greater political repression within an already highly controlled polity.
“There is a distinct danger now that there may well be a return to the Maoist style of leadership symbolized by the dissolution of collective responsibility and the concentration of power under one person,” said Joseph Cheng, a long-time observer of Chinese politics now retired from the City University of Hong Kong.
The broad strokes of what Xi plans to do with these expanded powers were laid down over the weekend as he moved to appoint his trusted allies into key positions that appear, in part, set to further sideline Li, officially China’s No. 2 leader.
One of them is Wang, reportedly an early acquaintance of Xi’s and former anti-corruption czar who is expected to play a key role in managing trade tensions with the United States. The vice presidency is normally a ceremonial post but Wang’s real standing can be seen in official events in which he is seated in eighth place in hierarchical order after the seven-man, all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee.
Another is longtime Xi adviser Liu He, who was appointed as one of four vice premiers and is expected to oversee a broad range of economic and financial issues.
Chief among Xi’s priorities is controlling financial risk without derailing the economy. Regulators have been warning about ballooning debt that caused international ratings agencies to cut China’s credit rating last year.
“He knows that if there’s a financial crisis it will damage his credibility and legitimacy very much because he has no one else to blame,” Cheng said. “People will blame him.”
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Associated Press reporter Joe McDonald contributed to this report. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-03-20 01:46:36 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/03/20/chinas-xi-strikes-nationalistic-tone-in-parliament-address/ | ||
The Latest: Mrs. Trump wears Chanel haute couture to dinner | WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on the first state dinner of the Trump administration (all times local):
7:50 p.m.
Melania Trump has chosen Chanel for the White House state dinner honoring the French president.
The first lady wore a full-length silver gown Tuesday night as she emerged from the White House to greet the French president and his wife. The White House said it was a black Chantilly lace Chanel haute couture gown, hand-painted with silver and embroidered with crystal and sequins.
French first lady Brigitte Macron wore a cream full-length gown by Louis Vuitton with long sleeves and gold details.
President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron both wore black tuxedos.
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7:25 p.m.
President Donald Trump has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to the administration’s first state dinner.
Macron and his wife, Brigitte, arrived at the White House as a light rain fell Tuesday evening.
Trump and his wife, Melania, exchanged hugs and air kisses with the Macrons before going inside the White House for the festivities. About 130 guests have been invited.
Macron opened a three-day state visit to the U.S. on Monday.
The French leader is scheduled to deliver an address to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday.
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6:40 p.m.
Guests are arriving for the White House state dinner honoring the French president.
It’s the first state dinner of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Among those who have already arrived are Vice President Mike Pence, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Apple CEO Tim Cook and two Winter Olympians who flashed medals on their way into the pre-dinner reception Tuesday.
The 94-year-old Kissinger caused a little scare when he stumbled while walking past the media.
Several Cabinet secretaries have also arrived, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who is awaiting Senate confirmation to become Trump’s new secretary of state.
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6:30 p.m.
The White House has some extra help in the kitchen for the state dinner honoring the president of France.
Former National Security Council spokesman Michael Anton is lending his skills to the occasion Tuesday night.
Anton is known for being particularly talented in the kitchen. In fact, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders cited his “amazing chef” skills in a statement earlier this month on his departure. The White House is serving rack of lamb for the main course.
Anton resigned from the White House just before new national security adviser John Bolton came on board.
He is now a writer and lecturer at Hillsdale College.
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5:30 p.m.
Melania Trump is embracing her moment in the spotlight for the French president’s state visit.
She traded in her usual dark sunglasses for a white wide-brimmed hat that quickly became a trending topic on social media. She has thrown herself into planning the state dinner for President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte. All eyes will be on the former model again Tuesday when she steps out in a designer gown to greet the Macrons as they arrive for dinner.
Seeing the gown is typically the highlight of a state dinner. But for once, it may pale in comparison to the hat.
The hat bobbed up and down across the bottom of TV screens as the first lady took her seat for the president’s news conference with Macron. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-04-24 19:22:40 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/04/24/the-latest-guests-arriving-for-state-dinner-at-white-house/ | ||
Poll: Support for charters drops markedly over past year | WASHINGTON (AP) — Expanding charter schools around the country is losing support among Americans, even as President Donald Trump and his administration continue to push for school choice, according to a survey released Tuesday.
Trump campaigned on a promise to dramatically improve school choice — charter schools and private school voucher programs — and his Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has made it a priority. But so far the message does not appear to have hit home with the public.
About 39 percent of respondents favor opening more charters — schools that are funded by public money, but usually operated independently of school districts — according to the survey by Education Next, a journal published by Harvard’s Kennedy School and Stanford University. That’s down from 51 percent last year.
Supporters of charter schools had feared that Trump’s polarizing rhetoric could hurt the school-choice movement.
But the authors of the report say the decline in support for charters can’t be linked directly to Trump. They say support for charters slipped almost equally across party lines: by 11 percent among Democrats and by 13 percent among Republicans.
They also emphasize that private school vouchers and voucher-type programs, championed by Trump, have seen stable support and declining opposition. Finally, when respondents were told that Trump was advocating for charter schools, overall support increased by 6 percentage points.
“We can’t say definitively what is responsible for the decline,” said Martin West, associate professor of education at Harvard University and a co-author of the report. West speculated that the drop may have been caused by continued opposition from teachers unions and many Democrats plus debates over charters’ effectiveness.
“These developments may have led to a souring of the charter brand,” West said.
Meanwhile, opposition to publicly funded vouchers that help parents pay private school tuition dropped from 44 percent last year to 37 percent; 45 percent of respondents currently favor the idea. When it comes to tax credit-funded scholarships, resistance fell from 29 percent to 24 percent, while support was at 54 percent now.
Proponents of charter schools are not discouraged. Nina Rees, president of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, says the drop in popularity was due to “expensive, sustained, and coordinated campaigns to discredit charter schools, led by teachers’ unions and special interests that feel threatened by families having a choice in public school.”
Rees said that more than 300 public charter schools opened last year, with a total over 6,900 charter schools serving over 3 million students across the country.
“The opinions about charter schools that matter most are the opinions of parents and students who have chosen charter schools,” Rees said.
To others, the Trump effect is more apparent. On the campaign trail, Trump spoke of funding a $20 billion school choice program and has proposed major cuts to long-standing K-12 programs, such as teacher preparation and after-school classes, while requesting more funding for charters and vouchers. DeVos has faced criticism from the left for promoting solely school choice and paying little attention to public schools.
Robin Lake, director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education, a non-partisan research and policy organization, said the Trump administration’s rhetoric has only deepened partisan tensions around charter schools.
“I would be shocked if it were unaffected,” Lake said. “I am just hearing a lot from folks on the ground that schools have a lot of conversations with parents that they didn’t use to have about why charter schools are public and why they are not a partisan issue.”
“I am not sure it’s not the only reason, but I am pretty sure it’s a contributing factor.”
Rick Hess, director of education policy at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said Trump and DeVos may have turned school choice into a much more federal and divisive issue than it needed to be by talking about it in black-and-white terms and by being too critical of public schools.
“Sometimes the way these things get talked about, you can wind up alienating people who might be with you,” Hess said.
An April poll conducted by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, found greater levels of support for charter schools. Forty-seven percent said they favor opening more public charter schools, 23 percent were opposed, and 30 percent felt neutral about it. Meanwhile, 43 percent of respondents supported giving low-income families tuition vouchers for private schools, 35 percent were opposed and 21 percent didn’t have a strong opinion either way. The poll had a sample size of 1,036 and the margin of error was plus or minus 4.0 percentage points.
The Education Next survey was based on interviews with 4,214 adults across the country. The margin of error was 1.5 percentage points. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-08-15 02:21:37 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/08/15/poll-support-for-charters-drops-markedly-over-past-year-2/ | ||
UK police probing 6 assault claims against Kevin Spacey | LONDON (AP) — British police are investigating six claims of sexual assault or assault by Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Spacey, three more than previously disclosed.
British media reported earlier this year that London’s Metropolitan Police force was investigating allegations against the former “House of Cards” star.
Police in Britain don’t name suspects until they are charged. Asked about Spacey, the force did not identify him by name but said Wednesday that detectives were investigating allegations of sexual assault alleged to have taken place in London’s Westminster borough in 1996 and the western England city of Gloucester in 2013.
The force says three other complaints of sexual assault and one of assault by the same suspect have been made.
Spacey was artistic director of London’s Old Vic theater for 11 years until 2015. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-07-04 05:32:40 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/07/04/uk-police-probing-6-assault-claims-against-kevin-spacey/ | ||
US Interior chief 'comfortable' keeping Maine land public | STACEYVILLE, Maine (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke praised the beauty of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument on Wednesday and said he’s “comfortable” with the National Park Service property remaining in public hands.
With flies buzzing and Mount Katahdin as a backdrop, Zinke sounded optimistic about the future of special land designation granted by then-President Barack Obama last summer with a goal of giving an economic jolt to the region.
“I’m confident there’s a path forward here that will work,” Zinke said, adding that “clearly, it’s beautiful.”
President Donald Trump has ordered the review of more than two dozen national monuments, including the one in Maine, created on 87,500 acres (35,410 hectares) of privately donated land adjacent to Baxter State Park, home of Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest peak.
Zinke, a former Republican congressman from Montana, visited the Maine property just days after recommending that the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah be downsized after paying a visit to the site last month.
But Zinke said his call to reduce the size of Bears Ears doesn’t apply to the Maine land because it’s so much smaller to begin with.
“Scaling back, I don’t think makes a lot of sense here,” he told reporters. But he said he wants to ensure activities such as hunting, fishing and timber harvesting are preserved in the area. He also said he wanted to make sure that local residents had a “proper voice” in the decisions.
Zinke’s drive into the federal land passed a handful of signs saying “National Park No.” He surveyed the land and did some hiking. In the afternoon, he wrapped up his tour by canoeing on the Penobscot River’s East Branch.
He began his “learning trip” after meeting the night before with Republican Gov. Paul LePage, who’s opposed to the designation by Obama.
LePage has been a vocal critic of the monument and testified against its creation before Congress last month. LePage contends federal ownership of the land would stymie economic development and he also pointed to a National Park Service maintenance backlog. LePage even criticized the beauty of the land and described the region as a “mosquito area.”
But supporters say the special land designation could provide an economic boost by drawing visitors to a region that’s struggling after the closing of a pair of paper mills.
Lucas St. Clair, whose family donated the land and created an endowment to support it, said the governor’s criticism and refusal to allow road signs directing motorists to the site is backfiring by driving attention to it.
He said some folks have begun wearing “Exit 264” signs to inform people of how to get to the monument, since there’s no sign on Interstate 95, he said.
Democratic Attorney General Janet Mills said this week that she would challenge attempts by Trump’s administration to abolish it.
Mills said Zinke’s Interior Department should instead “terminate its review of the Katahdin Woods and Waters designation and reaffirm the agency’s commitment to making the monument work well for all people, particularly the residents of the Katahdin region who are now counting on it for their economic future.”
Zinke was unmoved by Mills’ promise to sue and said it won’t affect his decisions. He said LePage is “rightly concerned about jobs” and that he doesn’t consider the governor and himself that far apart on the monument’s future.
Trump has made the review of federal monuments a priority early in his first year in office. He has accused previous administrations of using the federal Antiquities Act to facilitate a “massive federal land grab” by creating monuments.
During the visit, Zinke noted that he’s been to Maine before. The former Navy SEAL attended the Navy’s survival school in western Maine.
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This story has been corrected to show that Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke visited the Bears Ears National Monument in May, not on Monday. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-06-14 16:57:30 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/06/14/us-interior-chief-to-visit-maine-monument-under-review/ | ||
Germany's Siemens to build 2 power plants in Libya | BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s Siemens says it has signed contracts worth some 700 million euros ($824 million) to build two gas-powered electricity plants in Libya.
The Munich-based industrial conglomerate said Monday that the plants will be built in Misrata and Tripoli and that the value of the contracts with the state-owned General Electricity Company of Libya includes long-term service agreements.
It said the deal will expand Libya’s power generation capacity by about 1.3 gigawatts, but didn’t specify in a statement when the new plants will start operation.
The deal comes weeks after Siemens AG announced plans to cut about 6,900 jobs worldwide at its power, gas and drives divisions, half of them in Germany. It pointed to a sharp decline in earnings amid increasing pressure from renewable energy sources. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-12-11 05:17:55 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/12/11/germanys-siemens-to-build-2-power-plants-in-libya/ | ||
Merck, Under Armour CEOs resign from Trump business panel | TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The CEOs of athletic wear manufacturer Under Armour and pharmaceutical company Merck resigned Monday from the White House’s American Manufacturing Council — with the Merck withdrawal drawing a quick and angry Twitter outburst from President Donald Trump.
Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier cited the president’s failure to explicitly rebuke the white nationalists who marched in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the weekend. He wrote on Twitter Monday that “America’s leaders must honor our fundamental values by clearly rejecting expressions of hatred, bigotry and group supremacy, which runs counter to the American ideal that all people are created equal.”
Frazier is one of the few African-Americans to head a Fortune 500 company.
Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank resigned from the panel later Monday, saying his company “engages in innovation and sports, not politics.”
Trump was under increasing pressure to call out the white supremacist groups involved in the Charlottesville demonstration. He lashed out almost immediately at Frazier, saying on Twitter that he will now “have more time to LOWER RIPOFF DRUG PRICES!”
The president followed up later in the day, tweeting that Merck “is a leader in higher & higher drug prices while at the same time taking jobs out of the U.S. Bring jobs back & LOWER PRICES!”
Drugmakers have come under withering criticism for soaring prices in the U.S., including by Trump, though he has yet to act on a promise to contain them.
With the barbs, Trump appeared to attack an industry executive who has tried to make drug pricing somewhat more transparent by revealing his company’s overall drug price changes.
In January, Merck reported that its average net prices — the amount the company receives after discounts and other rebates — increased in the years since 2010 in a range between 3.4 percent and 6.2 percent per year. That’s about half as large as the increase in its retail prices. Much of the furor over drug prices recently has been over increases that have been far bigger and come one after another for drugs that have been on the market for years.
The exchange lit up social media early Monday, with many people lauding Frazier and blasting the president. Trump eventually made a statement condemning bigotry Monday afternoon at a press conference.
Meanwhile, other executives stated their support for Frazier.
Unilever CEO Paul Polman wrote on Twitter, “Thanks @Merck Ken Frazier for strong leadership to stand up for the moral values that made this country what it is.”
Frazier, who grew up in a poor neighborhood in Philadelphia, resigned from the manufacturing advisory council days after one person was killed and others wounded in violent clashes between white supremacists and protesters.
Frazier and his siblings were raised by their janitor father after their mother died when they were very young. He has earned a reputation as a risk taker in the drug industry, pouring money into daunting research areas, particularly trying to develop a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Frazier is not the first executive to resign from advisory councils serving Trump.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk resigned from the manufacturing council in June, and two other advisory groups to the president, after the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement. Walt Disney Co. Chairman and CEO Bob Iger resigned for the same reason from the President’s Strategic and Policy Forum, which Trump established to advise him on how government policy impacts economic growth and job creation.
The manufacturing jobs council had 28 members initially, but it has shrunk since it was formed earlier this year as executives retire, are replaced, or, as with Frazier and Musk, resign.
William Galston, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said he couldn’t “think of a parallel example” of any president responding as viciously as Trump to a CEO departing an advisory council.
“Usually, certain niceties are observed to smooth over a rupture,” said Galston, who served as a domestic policy aide in the Clinton administration.
“We’ve learned that as president, Mr. Trump is behaving exactly as he did as a candidate,” Galston said. “He knows only one mode: When attacked, hit back harder.”
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AP Economics Writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this story.
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Follow Linda A. Johnson at https://twitter.com/LindaJ_onPharma | newcountry923.fm | 2017-08-14 20:49:52 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/08/14/merck-under-armour-ceos-resign-from-trump-business-panel/ | ||
NYPD: Responding to report of Times Square area explosion | NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Police Department says it is responding to a report of an explosion near Times Square.
The response is centered in the area of the Port Authority bus terminal.
It’s led to delays along some of the subway lines that pass beneath the bus terminal.
Some passengers have been evacuated as a precaution.
There were no immediate reports of injuries. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-12-11 06:59:48 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/12/11/nypd-responding-to-report-of-times-square-area-explosion/ | ||
Back-door ban: States fight Trump drill plan with local bans | ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Some coastal states opposed to President Donald Trump’s plan to allow oil and gas drilling off most of the nation’s coastline are fighting back with state laws designed to thwart the proposal.
They’ve come up with what amounts to a back-door ban on drilling by making it difficult, if not impossible, to bring oil and gas ashore.
Although the drilling would take place in federal waters, states control the 3 miles of ocean extending from the shore.
States including New Jersey, New York, California, South Carolina and Rhode Island have introduced bills prohibiting any infrastructure related to offshore oil or gas production from being built in or crossing their state waters.
The petroleum industry says offshore drilling provides revenue that can help states fund essential needs, including schools and hospitals. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-03-19 14:36:26 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/03/19/back-door-ban-states-fight-trump-drill-plan-with-local-bans/ | ||
Miki Sudo downs 37 dogs to win fifth women's title | NEW YORK (AP) — Miki Sudo (MIHK’-ee SOO’-doh) downed 37 franks to win her fifth straight title in the women’s competition of the annual Nathan’s Famous July Fourth hot dog eating contest.
The Las Vegas competitor fell short of the 41 hot dogs she consumed last year but still beat out second-place finisher Michelle Lesco, of Tucson, Arizona. Lesco chowed down 28 wieners and buns.
Thousands of attendees braved 83-degree temperatures and a heat index of 91 degrees to witness the annual July Fourth competition on the Coney Island boardwalk.
Ten-time winner Joey “Jaws” Chestnut will confront 20 other men during the men’s competition later Wednesday for the coveted Mustard Belt.
Sudo was a fan favorite, drawing big cheers from the crowd during her performance, which was slightly delayed after she requested new water to soak her buns. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-07-04 10:44:49 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/07/04/get-ready-to-gobble-eating-titans-take-on-hot-dog-contest/ | ||
Senate panel meets with special counsel in Russia probe | WASHINGTON (AP) — The special counsel appointed to investigate Russian influence in the 2016 presidential campaign has met with a Senate committee probing the same matter.
The leaders of the Senate intelligence committee say In a statement issued Wednesday that they “look forward to future engagements” with Robert Mueller.
North Carolina Republican Richard Burr and Virginia Democrat Mark Warner aren’t providing any other details regarding the meeting.
It comes a day after lawmakers questioned Justice Department officials about the probe and Mueller’s independence.
Those questions were prompted after a friend of President Donald Trump said the White House was considering firing Mueller.
But Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller last month, testified Tuesday he has seen no evidence of good cause to fire Mueller. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-06-14 15:19:11 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/06/14/senate-panel-meets-with-special-counsel-in-russia-probe/ | ||
US arrests Mexican immigrant 'dreamer' in Seattle | SEATTLE (AP) — A man who was brought to the U.S. illegally as a child but was protected from deportation by President Barack Obama’s administration has been taken into custody in the Seattle area in what could be the first case of its kind in the country.
Daniel Ramirez Medina, 23, was arrested Friday by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who went to the suburban Seattle home to arrest the man’s father. ICE spokeswoman Rose Richeson said in a statement that agents were there targeting a “prior-deported felon.”
Ramirez, however, was brought to the U.S. from Mexico when he was 7 and has a work permit under Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. He also has a job, a young son and no criminal record, Northwest Immigrants Rights Project Legal Director Matt Adams said. Ramirez is being held in Tacoma.
Richeson said Ramirez told agents he was a gang member and based on those statements and being a “risk to public safety,” he was taken into custody.
But Mark Rosenbaum, one of Ramirez’s lawyers, responded later Tuesday that Ramirez “unequivocally denies being in a gang” and that the statement from Richeson is inaccurate.
“While in custody, he was repeatedly pressured by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to falsely admit affiliation,” Rosenbaum said.
Adams said Ramirez is the first person he knows of with DACA status who has been detained.
“This appears to be a complete one-off. We certainly haven’t seen this with our other hundreds of clients who have DACA status as well.”
Attorneys for Ramirez challenged his detention in federal court in Seattle Monday, arguing the arrest violates his constitutional rights to live and work in this country without the fear of arrest and deportation so long as he satisfies DACA requirements.
“Trust in our government depends upon the Executive Branch keeping its word,” Rosenbaum, director of Public Counsel’s Opportunity Under Law Project, said in a statement. “Bait and switch sullies the integrity of our nation’s core values.”
Emily Langlie, a spokeswoman for the US attorney’s office in Seattle, said Tuesday afternoon it would be premature to comment on the lawsuit.
Recent sweeps by U.S. immigration agents across multiple states have netted some immigrants with no criminal records, a departure from enforcement actions in the last decade. Under the Obama administration, agents focused more narrowly on individuals who posed a security or public safety threat.
President Donald Trump made illegal immigration a cornerstone of his campaign, saying he will build a wall along the Mexican border and deport millions of people, although actual plans have yet to be revealed. He has said he wants to focus on people who have committed crimes.
During an interview with Time magazine late last year, Trump expressed sympathy for the more than 740,000 people in the DACA program, which started in 2012.
“We’re going to work something out that’s going to make people happy and proud,” he told the magazine.
Trump can withdraw the promised protection right away through an “operational memo” because Obama implemented it through one, William Stock, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said previously.
Adams said he believes Ramirez was apprehended by mistake.
“I don’t think this has to do with any change in policy; I just think it was an enforcement procedure gone wrong,” Adams said. “Hopefully they’re going to come to their senses.”
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This story has been changed to reflect the correct spelling of Emily Langlie’s last name. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-02-15 00:01:55 | http://newcountry923.fm/2017/02/15/us-arrests-mexican-immigrant-dreamer-in-seattle/ | http://newcountry923.fm/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/NC_512x512.png |
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Seahawks' Bennett plans to continue national anthem protest | CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett said Sunday he will sit during the national anthem this season to protest social injustice and segregation.
Bennett sat on the visiting bench during “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Seahawks’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, a decision he made prior to protests by white supremacists at the University of Virginia over the weekend. But what happened in Charlottesville, Virginia, including the death of a young woman when she was struck by a car deliberately driven into a group of counter-protesters on Saturday, solidified Bennett’s decision.
“With everything that’s been going on the last couple of months and especially after the last couple of days, seeing everything in Virginia, seeing what’s going on out there earlier today in Seattle, I just wanted to be able to use my platform to be able to continue to speak over injustice,” Bennett said.
“First of all, I want people to understand I love the military. My father was in the military. I love hot dogs like any other American. I love football like any other American, but I don’t love segregation. I don’t love riots. I don’t love oppression. I don’t love gender slander. I just want to see people have the equality that they deserve, and I want to be able to use this platform to continuously push the message of that, you know, and keep journeying out and keep finding out how unselfish can we be as a society.”
Bennett was at least the third prominent NFL player to protest during the anthem in the first full week of preseason games. Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch, a former teammate of Bennett’s in Seattle, also sat during the anthem. Los Angeles Rams defensive end Robert Quinn raised his right fist, continuing his approach from last season following then-San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the anthem.
Kaepernick is a free agent, and the controversy over his decision to protest the anthem and the form he used has not quelled, even as he remains unsigned.
Bennett said he is willing to deal with similar fallout.
“Of course I’m going to face backlash,” Bennett said. “This is bigger than me. This is bigger than football. This is bigger than anything that we have. This is about people. This is about bringing opportunities to people, giving people equality. This is bigger than a sport.”
Bennett said he had spoken to several other NFL players about possible protests, but had not talked with Lynch yet. While he acknowledged the possibility of more widespread and formally organized protests happening later, Bennett wanted to express himself.
“I think everybody has a time where they feel like they need to be who they are and stand up for what they believe in,” Bennett said.
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll did not have a response to Bennett’s actions, saying he only became aware of it after the game.
Bennett said the aim of his protest is to make people uncomfortable. In the process, he hopes to spur greater communication, understanding and involvement across racial, gender and socio-economic lines.
“Everyone is in their comfort zone right now,” Bennett said. “Get out there and become uncomfortable. Go out there and see what it’s like out there in society right now.” | newcountry923.fm | 2017-08-14 00:31:51 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/08/14/seahawks-bennett-plans-to-continue-national-anthem-protest/ | ||
Kluber gets eighth win, Indians roll White Sox 9-1 | CLEVELAND (AP) — Corey Kluber pitched six shutout innings and reached eight victories before any AL pitcher as the Cleveland Indians rolled to their fifth straight win, 9-1 Wednesday over the sagging Chicago White Sox to complete a series sweep.
Spotted a nine-run cushion after four innings, Kluber (8-2) had little trouble with baseball’s worst team.
The defending Cy Young Award winner allowed three hits, struck out 10 and improved to 4-0 with a 0.33 ERA in four starts against Central Division teams this season.
Melky Cabrera drove in three runs off Reynaldo Lopez (1-4) and Michael Brantley extended his MLB-high hitting streak to 19 games for Cleveland, which used the series to gain some confidence and momentum. The Indians have scored 43 runs during their win streak.
Jose Ramirez and Edwin Encarnacion connected for back-to-back homers in the fourth off Chris Volstad as the Indians opened a 9-0 lead.
The White Sox committed two more errors, dropped their fourth in a row and fell to 16-37. Chicago had five errors in the three-game series.
Yolmer Sanchez homered leading off the ninth as the White Sox avoided a shutout.
Kluber is tough to deal with under normal circumstances, but with a big lead and pitching at home, he’s nearly unbeatable. The right-hander is 5-0 with a 1.26 ERA at Progressive Field, and he didn’t walk a batter for the fourth straight start.
Chicago’s Yoan Mocada led off the first with a single off Kluber, who then struck out eight of the next 12 and spent the rest of the day fine-tuning his already fine-tuned collection of pitches.
Cabrera’s two-run double highlighted a five-run third for the Indians. They had Lopez in trouble in the first inning, but let the right-hander escaped by giving up only two runs.
Brantley singled in the first when the Indians took a 2-0 lead against Lopez, whose wild pitch brought in Greg Allen with Cleveland’s first run before Cabrera delivered a one-out sacrifice fly.
Since moving into the No. 2 spot in Cleveland’s order, Brantley is batting .368 (29 of 79) with six homers, 18 RBIs and 20 runs scored.
MANAGING MILLER
The Indians are still working out a treatment plan for All-Star reliever Andrew Miller, who has been on the disabled list three times in the past year with a right knee issue.
Miller has not been effective since returning from a hamstring injury on May 11. He visited a specialist in New York on Wednesday, and manager Terry Francona said the tests and examination gave Miller “some peace of mind.”
The 33-year-old is not expected to need surgery at this time. Francona said the team will likely have more information Thursday in Minnesota on the next course of action for Miller, who is 1-3 with a 4.40 ERA in 17 appearances.
TRAINER’S ROOM
White Sox: INF Matt Davidson (back spasms) will be re-evaluated when the team returns home for a weekend series against Milwaukee. Davidson, tied for the club lead with 11 home runs, was placed on the DL on Monday.
Indians: Injured OFs Bradley Zimmer (bruised left rib), Lonnie Chisenhall (strained right calf) and Brandon Guyer (strained neck) are all making progress. Francona said Zimmer is the closest to being activated.
UP NEXT
White Sox: LHP Hector Santiago starts against Milwaukee in the opener of a three-game series Friday. He picked up his first win of the season on May 26, allowing one run in five innings against Detroit.
Indians: Rookie Shane Bieber will make his major league debut — on his 23rd birthday — in the opener of a four-game series at Minnesota. A fourth-round pick in 2016, Bieber has quickly risen through Cleveland’s system. He pitched a rain-shortened, seven-inning no-hitter for Triple-A Columbus last week. He’s is the first pitcher in Cleveland history to debut on his birthday.
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More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbasebal | newcountry923.fm | 2018-05-30 15:28:11 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/05/30/kluber-gets-eighth-win-indians-roll-white-sox-9-1/ | ||
Greece hoping to finally secure long-term debt relief deal | LUXEMBOURG (AP) — Greece is hoping to secure more bailout funds to meet a summer debt repayment hump as well as a debt relief deal at a meeting of finance ministers from the 19-country eurozone.
The country, which has been promised help on its mountain of debt once its bailout ends next year, is again the main topic of discussion at a meeting of the so-called eurogroup Thursday.
The main obstacle to an agreement is a difference of opinion between the eurozone and the International Monetary Fund over Greece’s long-term debt outlook.
The expectation is Greece will get the roughly 7 billion euros ($7.8 billion) due, but will struggle to clinch the outlines of a debt relief deal that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras thinks is crucial for the country’s economy in the long-term. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-06-15 04:32:49 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/06/15/greece-hoping-to-finally-secure-long-term-debt-relief-deal/ | ||
Rifle-wielding attacker wounds GOP leader, killed by police | ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A rifle-wielding attacker opened fire on Republican lawmakers as they practiced for a charity baseball game Wednesday, critically wounding House GOP Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and hitting aides and Capitol police as congressmen and others dove for cover. The assailant, who had nursed grievances against President Donald Trump and the GOP, fought a gun battle with police before he, too, was shot and later died.
Colleagues said Scalise had been fielding balls at second base at a local park in Alexandria, just across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital, as the Republicans practiced for their annual game with Democrats. He dragged himself away from the infield leaving a trail of blood before fellow lawmakers could rush to his assistance. He was listed in critical condition Wednesday night at a Washington hospital, which said he will require several more operations.
The shooter was identified as James T. Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old home inspector from Illinois who had several minor run-ins with the law in recent years and belonged to a Facebook group called “Terminate the Republican Party.” He had been living out of his van in the Alexandria area in recent months, the FBI said.
Capitol Police officers who were in Scalise’s security detail wounded the shooter. He later died of his injuries, Trump told the nation from the White House.
“Everyone on that field is a public servant,” Trump said, his tone somber, America’s acrimonious politics set aside for the moment. “Their sacrifice makes democracy possible.”
Lawmakers noted their good fortune in having armed protectors on hand — “Thank God,” they exclaimed over and over — and said otherwise the shooter would have been able to take a huge deadly toll.
The events left the capital horrified and stunned, and prompted immediate reflection on the current hostility and vitriol in American politics. Lawmakers called for a new dialogue on lowering the partisan temperature, and Trump urged Americans to come together as he assumed the role of national unifier for one of the first times in his presidency.
Trump later visited the hospital where Scalise was recovering. The president then tweeted: “Rep. Steve Scalise, one of the truly great people, is in very tough shape – but he is a real fighter. Pray for Steve!”
Proceedings were canceled for the day in the House, and instead Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California issued their own calls for unity. “An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us,” Ryan said, to prolonged applause.
Shortly after the shooting, Bernie Sanders, the former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, said on the Senate floor that the shooter apparently was a volunteer for his campaign last year. Sanders said he denounced the violence “in the strongest possible terms.”
Scalise, 51, the No. 3 House Republican leader, was first elected in 2008. The popular and gregarious lawmaker is known for his love of baseball and handed out commemorative bats when he secured the job of House whip several years ago.
Texas Rep. Roger Williams said that one of his aides, Zack Barth, was shot but was doing well and expected to fully recover. Two Capitol Police officers sustained relatively minor injuries. A former congressional aide was hospitalized.
The shooting occurred at a popular park and baseball complex where Republican lawmakers and others were gathered for a morning practice about 7 a.m. They were in good spirits despite the heat and humidity as they prepared for the annual congressional baseball match that pits Republicans against Democrats. The popular annual face-off, which raises money for charity, is scheduled for Thursday evening at Nationals Park across the Potomac River in Washington, and will go forward as planned.
Hodgkinson has been in the area since March, living out of his van, said Washington FBI Special Agent In Charge Tim Slater. Democratic former Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille said he had spoken often with the man on recent mornings at the nearby YMCA.
Hodgkinson’s apparent Facebook page included strong criticism of Republicans and the Trump administration. But Slater said authorities were still working to determine a motive and had no indication Hodgkinson knew about the baseball practice ahead of time.
The GOP lawmakers’ team was taking batting practice when gunshots rang out and chaos erupted.
After Scalise was hit, said Rep. Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, the congressman “crawled into the outfield, leaving a trail of blood.”
“We started giving him the liquids, I put pressure on his wound in his hip,” Brooks said.
The gunman had a rifle and “a lot of ammo,” said Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, who was at the practice.
Texas Rep. Joe Barton, still in his baseball uniform, told reporters that Scalise’s security detail, Capitol Hill police and then Alexandria police returned fire in a battle that lasted as long as 10 minutes and included dozens of shots.
“The security detail saved a lot of lives,” he said. “It was scary.”
Lawmakers took cover in the dugout. Barton said his son, Jack, got under an SUV.
Texas Rep. Mike Conaway described what sounded like an explosion, then lawmakers scattering off the field as police roamed in search of the gunman and engaged him.
“The guy’s down to a handgun, he dropped his rifle, they shoot him, I go over there, they put him in handcuffs,” Conaway said, adding that if the shooter had “gotten inside the fence, where a bunch of guys were holed up in the dugout, it would have been like shooting fish in a barrel.”
Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina said he had just left the practice and encountered the apparent gunman in the parking lot before the shooting. The man calmly asked which party’s lawmakers were practicing and Duncan told him they were the Republicans. The man thanked him.
The wounded Capitol Police officers were identified as David Bailey, who was treated for a minor injury, and Crystal Griner, who was shot in the ankle. Also wounded was former congressional aide Matt Mika, who now works for Tyson Foods in its Washington office. Mika’s family said the lobbyist was shot multiple times and was in critical condition following surgery.
The event raised questions about the security of members of Congress. While the top lawmakers, including Scalise, have security details, others do not and regularly appear in public without protection. The last time a lawmaker was shot was when Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords of Arizona was hit in the head and grievously injured while meeting with constituents at a supermarket parking lot in 2011.
Following the Giffords shooting, lawmakers have held fewer open town halls and have been advised to increase security at such events.
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Associated Press reporters Eric Tucker, Matt Barakat, Meghan Hoyer, Sarah Brumfield, Michael Biesecker, Mary Clare Jalonick, Ken Thomas, Vivian Salama, Stephen Ohlemacher, Alan Fram and Andrew Taylor in Washington and Alexandria and Ed White in Detroit contributed to this report. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-06-15 00:11:00 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/06/15/house-majority-white-shot-at-congressional-baseball-practice/ | ||
New York state factories expand at fastest pace in 2 years | WASHINGTON (AP) — Manufacturing in New York state expanded at the fastest pace in more than two years as factories received more new orders and stepped up hiring.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York said that its Empire State manufacturing index in February rose to 18.7 from 6.5, reaching the highest level since 2014. Any reading above zero indicates expansion.
The survey adds to recent evidence that the U.S. manufacturing sector is recovering after nearly two years of mostly flat output. Businesses are spending more on machinery and other big-ticket factory goods, and overseas economies have stabilized.
A measure of new orders jumped to 13.5 from 3.1 and a measure of unfilled orders rose for the first time since 2011. Both gauges point to much stronger demand for factory goods. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-02-15 07:42:24 | http://newcountry923.fm/2017/02/15/new-york-state-factories-expand-at-fastest-pace-in-2-years/ | http://newcountry923.fm/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/NC_512x512.png |
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Simone Askew is first black woman to lead West Point cadets | WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — Simone Askew is making history as the first black woman to lead the Long Grey Line at the U.S. Military Academy.
The 20-year-old international history major from Fairfax, Virginia, assumed duties Monday as first captain of the 4,400-member Corps of Cadets. That’s the highest position in the cadet chain of command at West Point.
After a 12-mile march Monday morning with 1,200 new cadets she led in basic training, Askew said it’s humbling but exciting to step into a new opportunity to lead the corps to greatness along with her team.
Her advice to other young women aspiring to leadership roles is to seek mentorship and make themselves “vessels to be poured into.”
Pat Locke, one of two black women in the first class of women to graduate from West Point in 1980, says Askew is a terrific role model.
Pam Askew adds that her daughter is a natural leader. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-08-14 12:18:07 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/08/14/simone-askew-is-first-black-woman-to-lead-west-point-cadets/ | ||
Joint World Cup bidders: Trump hasn't sparked voter concerns | Organizers of the North American bid to host the 2026 World Cup insist FIFA members have not expressed concern about President Donald Trump’s harsh words about foreigners or the U.S. Justice Department prosecuting corrupt soccer officials.
“Look, this is not geopolitics,” new U.S. Soccer Federation President Carlos Cordeiro said Monday during a conference call. “We’re talking about football and what fundamentally at the end of the day, what’s the best interests of football and our footballing community, and we’ve had no backlash. We’re very focused on the merits of our bid.”
A joint bid by the United States, Mexico and Canada was submitted to FIFA on Friday along with a proposal by Morocco. The 207 other members of the international soccer governing body will vote on June 13 in Moscow.
Cordeiro, Mexican Football Federation President Decio de Maria and Canadian Soccer Association President Steven Reed spoke from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they were meeting with members of the Association of South East Asian Nations, a subset of the Asian Football Confederation.
A solo bid by the U.S. for the 2022 World Cup was favored going into the 2010 vote but lost to Qatar. FIFA then changed the vote rules to give the decision back to the entire membership, which chose hosts prior to 1986, when the choice started being made by the roughly two dozen members of its executive committee.
“We believe that the member associations are going to judge us on the quality of the bids, on the merits of our bid, and that’s it,” Reed said. “We’re very confident about what we’re putting forward, and I don’t think that we’re concerned about politics.”
Sixty games would be played in the U.S. under the bid plan, including all from the quarterfinals on. Three cities were included from Mexico and Canada, and both of those nations would host 10 games.
Holding a tournament in the U.S. would subject many of the documents generated to subpoena by U.S. federal prosecutors, who have secured numerous guilty pleas to corruption charges from soccer officials since 2015 and obtained convictions at trial last year against Juan Angel Napout, the former president of South American soccer’s governing body, and Jose Maria Marin, the former president of Brazil’s soccer federation.
“We haven’t had any of those concerns raised by any of the members that we’ve met so far,” Cordeiro said. “The reforms that FIFA undertook some years ago I think were spot on and we feel very confident that ultimately the right decision will be made.”
Morocco’s bid envisions spending almost $16 billion, including $3 billion to construct nine new stadiums, refurbish five others and build or renovate 130 training grounds.
The North American bid proposed venues be selected from among 23 stadiums that exist or already are under construction, including three each in Mexico and Canada. Sixteen of the U.S. stadiums are sites of NFL teams.
“The split of matches that we have proposed to FIFA frankly reflects the resources of the three countries,” Cordeiro said. “We in the United States are blessed with some very substantial resources in terms of stadium infrastructure, of cities and so on, and that reflects the 60 matches that we have on the table. But at the end of the day there is a reason why FIFA have asked for or have encouraged joint bids and we do think that our joint bids taken together provide for a vastly superior bid than our competition.”
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AP Sports Writer Rob Harris contributed to this report. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-03-19 16:44:32 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/03/19/joint-world-cup-bidders-trump-hasnt-sparked-voter-concerns/ | ||
CBS' O'Donnell reports on sexual misconduct at Air Force | NEW YORK (AP) — One reason for the steeliness in Norah O’Donnell’s demeanor the morning after the sexual misconduct accusations against former “CBS This Morning” co-anchor Charlie Rose were revealed became apparent on Monday.
O’Donnell was working on a six-month investigation into sexual assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the first report on what was found aired Monday on “CBS This Morning.” CBS said more than a dozen current and former cadets at the Air Force believe their cases had been mishandled and that they faced retaliation.
She said that her statement on the morning of Nov. 21 that women cannot achieve full equality in the workplace until there is a reckoning on sexual misconduct was affected by what she learned talking to the Air Force cadets. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-12-11 07:01:31 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/12/11/cbs-odonnell-reports-on-sexual-misconduct-at-air-force/ | ||
Darren Baker, Dusty's son, plucked by Nats on draft's Day 3 | NEW YORK (AP) — Darren Baker got scooped up by dad’s team again.
The son of Washington manager Dusty Baker was drafted by the Nationals in the 27th round of the Major League Baseball draft Wednesday — 15 years after he first made headlines on the baseball diamond.
The younger Baker, now an 18-year-old shortstop at Jesuit High School in California, was just 3 when he was a bat boy for the San Francisco Giants, managed by his father, in the 2002 World Series. During Game 5 against the Angels, Darren Baker had run to the plate to pick up a bat when J.T. Snow scored — and David Bell was flying down the third-base line and heading home.
Snow quickly plucked Baker out of the way , a moment that instantly became a part of World Series lore.
The three-day draft concludes Wednesday night. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-06-14 16:48:33 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/06/14/darren-baker-dustys-son-plucked-by-nats-on-drafts-day-3/ | ||
Willie Nelson cuts show short, cites Utah's high altitude | SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Willie Nelson is blaming Utah’s high altitude for forcing him to cut a performance near Salt Lake City short.
Nelson ended his show early at the USANA Amphitheatre in suburban West Valley City on Sunday night.
He later apologized in a statement posted to his Twitter and Facebook accounts. The 84-year-old country music legend explained: “The altitude got to me. I am feeling better now and headed for lower ground.”
Nelson’s publicist didn’t immediately respond to a request for further comment Monday.
Nelson was forced to cancel several concerts earlier this year because of what his publicist said was a bad cold. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-08-14 05:11:12 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/08/14/willie-nelson-cuts-show-short-cites-utahs-high-altitude/ | ||
Fears remain after evacuation lifted for 200K Californians | OROVILLE, Calif. (AP) — The stress of evacuation and an uncertain future were enough for Donald Azevedo and his family to opt to stay a few more nights in an emergency shelter rather than risk having to do it all again.
The family was among the nearly 200,000 Californians who live downstream from the country’s tallest dam who were told they could return home but warned they may have to flee again if repairs made to the battered Oroville Dam spillways don’t hold.
The fixes could be put to their first test later this week with the first of a series of small storms forecast for the region expected to reach the area Wednesday night.
“There is the prospect that we could issue another evacuation order if the situation changes and the risk increases,” Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said Tuesday, telling residents they could return home but to remain vigilant.
That’s why Azevedo wasn’t budging yet.
“My plan is to stay here,” said Azevedo, who evacuated from Marysville with his wife, Tasha, their four Chihuahuas and more than 30 relatives. They spent two nights at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, Calif. and he planned to wait out this week’s upcoming storm before returning home. Many at the shelter said a drive that should have taken one hour took six hours on Sunday.
“I’m not trying to risk traffic, being stuck in floods. I’m safe where I’m at,” Azevedo said.
Many other evacuees, such as Oroville resident Margaret Johnston, couldn’t wait to get back home.
“You don’t appreciate home until it’s taken away from you,” said Johnston, 69, who spent the last two nights sheltering at a church in Chico, California. As she packed the blankets, pillows and clothing she had hastily thrown into a black garbage bag, she reflected on the mad rush to leave, the chaos, confusion and bottleneck traffic on the drive out. “It was just frustrating. Very frustrating.”
Residents living below the Oroville Dam were suddenly ordered to evacuate Sunday afternoon after authorities had assured them for nearly a week that the dam was sound despite a gaping and growing hole found in the structure’s main spillway. The order came after authorities feared an earthen emergency spillway used when the lake behind the dam overflows its capacity appeared ready to fail Sunday because of erosion.
Two days after issuing the evacuation order, officials lifted it Tuesday but uncertainty remained.
Over the weekend, the swollen lake spilled down the unpaved emergency spillway for nearly 40 hours, leaving it badly eroded. The problem occurred six days after engineers discovered a growing hole in the dam’s main concrete spillway.
State and federal officials ignored calls in 2005 from environmental groups to armor the earthen spillway in concrete to prevent erosion. Federal regulators concluded the earthen spillway could handle a large amount of overflow after water agencies that would have had to pay for the upgrade argued it was unnecessary.
Others fear the real test is still to come in the weeks ahead when a record amount of snowfall melts in nearby mountains.
The California Department of Water Resources said Tuesday night the Oroville Dam’s water levels continued to decrease but it didn’t say by how much.
State water officials said earlier Tuesday the reservoir’s water level had been reduced 15 feet by Tuesday afternoon. Officials hope to continue using a damaged main spillway to drain the lake another 37 feet in preparation for coming rain. They say they have drained enough water that the emergency spillway will not be needed to handle runoff from the approaching storm.
Forecasts call for 2-4 inches of rain and snow in the foothills and mountains starting Wednesday night. But the storm was looking colder than initially projected, meaning less rain and less runoff than last week’s storms.
Dozens of construction crews were working around the clock dropping 1,200 tons of material on the earthen emergency spillway per hour using heavy equipment and helicopters and the area is being continually monitored with the help of drones carrying cameras, the state water agency said.
Preliminary estimates say permanently fixing the hole in the main spillway could cost $100 million to $200 million, Croyle said. Experts are drawing up plans for repairs that will begin after the spring runoff season ends.
Gov. Jerry Brown said late Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved his request for federal assistance with the Oroville dam situation.
State officials clearly were on the defensive about their decision to call for mass evacuations Sunday, just a few hours after saying the situation was stable, forcing families to rush to pack up and get out.
Honea, the county sheriff, said Tuesday that the call to order nearly 200,000 people to higher ground protected lives and bought time for water experts to address the problems.
But after two days away from home, tens of thousands of evacuees were growing weary. They welcomed the news they could return home but vowed to heed the sheriff’s warning to remain vigilant.
Rod Remocal said he and his wife would now be ready to leave their Biggs home near the dam at a moment’s notice after fleeing in a rush Sunday.
“We’re all coming back and pack and be ready this time,” Remocal said. “This time we’re going to be on call like they said.”
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Elias reported from San Francisco.
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Contributing to this report were Jocelyn Gecker, Olga R. Rodriguez and Kristin Bender in San Francisco; Don Thompson in Sacramento; Terry Chea in Grass Valley, California; Ellen Knickmeyer in Sonoma, California; and John Antczak and Justin Pritchard in Los Angeles. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-02-15 02:32:20 | http://newcountry923.fm/2017/02/15/fears-remain-after-evacuation-lifted-for-200k-californians/ | http://newcountry923.fm/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/APTOPIX_Damaged_Dam_96478-995x498.jpg |
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First lady to hold first public event on cyberbullying | WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump is hosting executives from major online and social media companies to discuss cyberbullying and internet safety, more than a year after saying that would be her issue as first lady.
The meeting Tuesday marks her first public event on the topic, a choice some observers have questioned given that her husband often berates people on Twitter.
Amazon, Snap, Facebook, Google and Twitter are among the companies that are expected to attend the meeting. The Internet Association said it will also be represented.
All the major technology companies have strict policies prohibiting harassment and other bullying behavior on their services, but primarily rely on users to report abuses and weed them out. They try to clearly spell out the kinds of remarks and other posts that won’t be tolerated in special sections such as one Facebook, the largest online social network, has set up. Instagram, a popular service among kids and young adults for sharing photos and videos, provides links to the U.S. government’s anti-bullying site and tips from a cyberbullying research center on one of its help pages.
But the efforts so far have fallen short, leading to rampant abuses that even some of the companies acknowledge have driven away or tormented portions of their audience.
It got so bad on Twitter, which has 68 million U.S. users, that the San Francisco company vowed last fall to crack down on hateful tweets. Among other things, Twitter adopted new policies aimed at protecting women who unknowingly or unwillingly had nude pictures of themselves distributed online — a common bullying tactic.
Yik Yak, another messaging app once popular among high school and college students, shut down last year partly because schools banned it following complaints about bullying and harassment.
Online bullying takes many shapes, but some of the most common tactics include posting embarrassing or salacious photos, making demeaning or cruel remarks under a photo or in a general post about someone, and sharing screenshots of what at least one person thought was a private text.
Harassment is widespread and extends beyond teenagers. A Pew Research Center poll last year found 41 percent of U.S. adults believed they had been harassed online.
The popularity of and volume of content on major social media sites presents a huge challenge in policing what is being shared. Facebook, for instance, has 2.1 billion worldwide users who collectively share billions of posts on their pages daily. More than 300 hours of video is uploaded to Google’s YouTube site every minute.
The companies are also constantly struggling to balance the desire to prevent harassment and other abuses and maintain a commitment to freedom of expression.
In some cases, they see harassment and still look the other way. For instance, some of President Trump’s more vitriolic tweets have openly mocked and denigrated people, prompting calls for Twitter to shut down his account and ban him from its service. But Twitter has declined, maintaining the news value of the president’s tweets eclipse complaints about him being a bully.
There is no federal law that applies to bullying. State laws vary, ranging from requiring public schools to have a bullying policy to requiring anonymous reporting systems, said Sameer Hinduja, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center and professor of criminology at Florida Atlantic University. The federal government can best help by giving schools more tools and money to provide programs, Hinduja said.
Mrs. Trump announced in a speech near the end of the 2016 presidential campaign that her priority as first lady would be to fight cyberbullying. A native of Slovenia, she at the time lamented a U.S. culture that she said had grown “too mean and too rough.” It was a curious speech for a woman whose husband uses Twitter to dismiss people as losers and taunt them with unflattering nicknames.
The mother of a 12-year-old son, the first lady has made child well-being her focus in the White House, including an unexpected interest in how the opioid crisis is affecting youngsters.
She has visited hospitals and care centers to see the effects first hand, and has embraced parents whose children died from drug overdoses. She accompanied the president to New Hampshire on Monday as he discussed a three-pronged effort to combat drug addiction, including applying the death penalty against those caught trafficking highly addictive substances.
Mrs. Trump recently asked the spouses of U.S. governors to help promote values such as encouragement, kindness, compassion and respect in children. She has also spoken about limiting the amount of time children spend online, and helping them understand the content they are exposed to.
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AP Business Writer Michael Liedtke in San Francisco contributed to this report.
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Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap | newcountry923.fm | 2018-03-19 23:45:25 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/03/19/first-lady-to-hold-first-public-event-on-cyberbullying/ | ||
Fed finds nationwide pickup in manufacturing activity | WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve’s latest survey of business conditions found manufacturing activity accelerating in many parts of the country in late April and early May, even as some businesses expressed concern about uncertainty caused by rising trade tensions.
The Fed said Wednesday that its survey described the economy as expanding at a moderate pace with more than half of the central bank’s 12 regions reporting a pickup in industrial activity and a third of those districts describing manufacturing conditions as “strong.”
The survey was taken after the Trump administration announced plans to institute tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminum, actions designed to boost domestic producers.
It will inform discussions when the central bank meets next month, when it is expected to raise rates. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-05-30 15:22:43 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/05/30/fed-finds-nationwide-pickup-in-manufacturing-activity/ | ||
US stocks tumble, erasing an early gain; bond yields climb | NEW YORK (AP) — Major U.S. stock indexes have surrendered an early gain and are falling sharply Tuesday as investors sell technology, industrial and retail stocks. Bond yields continue to rise and the 10-year Treasury note reached 3 percent for the first time in more than four years. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, is one of the biggest losers after it reported greater revenue but also an increase in spending.
KEEPING SCORE: The S&P 500 index sank 28 points, or 1.1 percent, to 2,642 as of 1 p.m. Eastern time. It was up as much as 13 points earlier.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 380 points, or 1.6 percent, to 24,059. The Nasdaq composite dropped 111 points, or 1.6 percent, to 7,018.
Small-company stocks held up better than the rest of the market. The Russell 2000 index declined 7 points, or 0.5 percent, to 1,554.
MISPRINT: Alphabet slid 4.76 percent to $1,024.07 after the company said ad revenue climbed, but expenses also rose. Google’s parent company benefited from strong digital ad sales as well as an accounting change.
Facebook fell 3.5 percent to $160.10 and Microsoft skidded 1.8 percent to $93.65. Another market favorite, Amazon, shed 3.7 percent to $1,461.77.
INDUSTRIAL WEAKNESS: 3M, which makes Post-it notes and industrial coatings and ceramics, shed 8.3 percent to $197.92 after it cut its annual forecast. Defense contractor Lockheed Martin sank 5.9 percent to $337.49 and Boeing lost 2.3 percent to $330.91.
Appliance maker Whirlpool also surpassed expectations and rose 5.5 percent to $158.45 and it helped lead an early rally in the sector. Caterpillar said the strong global economy helped its sales of construction and energy industry machinery and it raised its forecasts for the year. It jumped in early trading but later fell 4.1 percent to $147.70.
BONDS: Bond prices were little changed after an early dip. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note stayed at 2.98 percent, matching Monday’s close. Earlier it peaked at 3 percent for the first time since January 2014. Low interest rates have played an important role in the economic recovery of the last decade by making it cheap for people and companies to borrow money.
The yield on the 10-year note is a benchmark for many kinds of interest rates including mortgages, and it’s been climbing because investors expect greater economic growth and faster inflation.
Since the global financial crisis in 2008-09, a combination of low inflation expectations and a bond-buying program by the Federal Reserve have helped keep bond yields low, but they have climbed this year as inflation has picked up.
SHIRE’S WILD RIDE: Drugmaker Shire rallied again as the company said it is considering a new offer from Japanese rival Takeda. Bloomberg News reported that the companies are close to a deal and the shares rose 2.2 percent to $163.53.
Shire has rallied in the wake of Takeda’s earlier offers, which Shire said weren’t good enough. Shire briefly made big gains last week after Botox maker Allergan said it was considering making its own bid, but the stock dipped again after Allergan decided not to make an offer.
SMALL GOES BIG: American consumers got more confident in the economy in April, according to a survey by the Conference Board. Its consumer confidence index is near 18-year highs. Meanwhile the Commerce Department said sales of new home jumped in March. That helped smaller company stocks, which rose early on and later took smaller losses than their larger peers.
Among smaller banks, Simmons First National rose 4.1 percent to $30.15 and Banner gained 3.9 percent to $58.01. In the technology industry, electronics manufacturer Sanmina-ICU jumped 18.1 percent to $32.70.
CURRENCIES: The dollar rose to 108.85 yen from 108.65 yen. The euro rose to $1.2229 from $1.2205.
ENERGY: Benchmark U.S. crude oil added 1 cent to $68.65 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, used to price international oils, gained 11 cents to $74.82 per barrel in London.
OVERSEAS: Germany’s DAX lost 0.2 percent while the French CAC 40 added 0.1 percent. Britain’s FTSE 100 rose 0.4 percent. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 0.9 percent, helped by the weaker yen. The Kospi in South Korea lost 0.4 percent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 1.4 percent.
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AP Markets Writer Marley Jay can be reached at http://twitter.com/MarleyJayAP . His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/marley%20jay | newcountry923.fm | 2018-04-24 12:06:28 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/04/24/earnings-reports-lift-stocks-10-year-yield-hits-3-percent/ | ||
Authorities appear no closer to finding Austin bomber | AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Four explosions have rocked Texas’ capital in less than three weeks and authorities say a serial bomber is likely to blame. But they don’t appear closer to making any arrests.
Three package bombs left on doorsteps over 10 days starting on March 2 killed two people and injured two others. Then, on Sunday night, an explosive triggered by a nearly invisible tripwire wire injured two more.
Police originally pointed to possible hate crimes, but the victims have now been black, Hispanic and white and from different parts of the increasingly diverse city.
They looked for common threads among those hurt and killed, but now concede that a tripwire means who gets hit could be totally random.
Investigators have been left with more questions than answers, as fear spreads through Austin. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-03-20 00:00:54 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/03/20/authorities-appear-no-closer-to-finding-austin-bomber/ | ||
Did a South Korean news report doom Kim Jong Un's brother? | SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Intelligence officials believe North Korean agents assassinated leader Kim Jong Un’s exiled half brother, but if the whodunit seems settled, a very big question still looms: Why now?
Kim Jong Nam, reportedly killed by two female agents in a cloak-and-dagger operation in a Malaysian airport, had long been an embarrassment to North Korea’s government — humiliated during a failed attempt to sneak into Japan to visit Disneyland and outspoken in opposing the rise to power of his brother, who had his uncle executed after taking over.
But the overweight gambler and fading playboy had kept his head down in recent years from his base in Macau. Kim Jong Nam was seen by many outsiders as only a minor distraction for North Korea’s leaders, and certainly not an existential threat worth the risk of a potentially embarrassing assassination caper on foreign soil.
The spotty South Korean intelligence community ascribed the North’s motivation in killing Kim Jong Nam, without any elaboration, simply to Kim Jong Un’s “paranoia.” There is a more intriguing possibility floating around Seoul, however: The tipping point in North Korea’s bloody calculations may have been a largely ignored South Korean news story from last week.
A national daily, the Kyunghyang Shinmun, reported that Kim Jong Nam tried to defect to South Korea several years ago and had served, in the 2000s, as a middleman between disgraced current South Korean President Park Geun-hye and officials in North Korea.
Kim Jong Un may have clenched his teeth and carried on when he heard reports of his half brother’s exploits in Macau casinos, and even when Kim Jong Nam, often photographed in an expensive, untucked, button-down shirt and newsboy cap, questioned in 2010 the need for a third generation of the Kim family to rule in Pyongyang.
But public reports in rival South Korea of alleged close dealings between a direct relative of North Korea’s ruling dynasty and high officials in Seoul — and possible attempts to defect to the South — could have represented a serious challenge to a leader who portrays his family as the only legitimate power on the Korean Peninsula.
If a person with the blood of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung flowing in his veins was considering defecting to prosperous, democratic South Korea, what message did that send to North Korea’s elite, or to the millions of poor and dissatisfied?
South Korea’s spy agency, the National Intelligence Service, which has a spotty record in reading the goings-on in North Korea and often tries to paint the leadership as unbalanced, denied any defection attempt by Kim Jong Nam.
But Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at South Korea’s Sejong Institute, raised the possibility that the assassination was linked to the newspaper report, which cites interviews with anonymous officials from the Europe-Korea Foundation, where Park served as a board member for a decade before stepping down ahead of the presidential election in late 2012, and computer files and emails that showed exchanges between Kim Jong Nam and the foundation’s officials.
The newspaper reported that Kim Jong Nam, who was then living in Beijing, delivered a letter that Park wrote to Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s second leader and Kim Jong Un’s father, in 2005. The letter, according to the newspaper, showed Park requesting help on cultural exchange programs pushed by the foundation.
Jeong Joon-Hee, the spokesman of South Korea’s Unification Ministry, previously said the government doesn’t believe such a letter from Park, who has been impeached over a corruption scandal, was delivered to North Korea.
The newspaper also cited anonymous sources to report that Kim Jong Nam explored the possibility of defecting to South Korea, and also to the United States and Europe, in 2012 before giving up. The sources said Kim’s talks with South Korea and the United States eventually fell through because of his excessive demands.
While the South Korean news report is a fascinating potential explanation for Kim Jong Nam’s death, there are other possibilities — including that Monday’s killing was the culmination of years of effort by North Korea.
Seoul’s spy service told lawmakers Wednesday that North Korea had for five years tried to kill Kim Jong Nam, who had kept a low profile since his uncle and former protector, the North’s former No. 2, Jang Song Thaek, was executed by Kim Jong Un in 2013.
The NIS, according to lawmakers, cited a “genuine” attempt by North Korea to kill Kim Jong Nam in 2012, but didn’t elaborate. The lawmakers said the NIS told them Kim Jong Nam sent a letter to Kim Jong Un in April 2012, after the assassination attempt, begging for the lives of himself and his family. The letter said, “I hope you cancel the order for the punishment of me and my family. We have nowhere to go, nowhere to hide, and we know that the only way to escape is committing suicide.”
Kim Jong Nam’s links with China may have also played a role.
Beijing had long protected Kim Jong Nam, according to South Korea’s intelligence service. China may have been interested in propping up Kim Jong Nam as a future North Korean leader should the current government in Pyongyang collapse.
Kim Jong Un would not have been pleased by knowledge that his brother was being used by Beijing as a pawn and potential replacement. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-02-15 06:55:26 | http://newcountry923.fm/2017/02/15/did-a-south-korean-news-report-doom-kim-jong-uns-brother/ | http://newcountry923.fm/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Malaysia_North_Korea_15685-995x498.jpg |
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Correction: Congress-Trump Taxes story | WASHINGTON (AP) — In a story Feb. 14 about House Democrats’ efforts to obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns from the IRS, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Rep. Joseph Crowley of New York is a Republican. He is a Democrat.
A corrected version of the story is below:
Republicans block Dem effort to get Trump’s tax returns
House Republicans have blocked an attempt by Democrats to use an obscure law to obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns from the IRS
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans on Tuesday blocked an attempt by Democrats to use an obscure law to obtain President Donald Trump’s tax returns from the IRS.
Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee tried to frame the issue as a matter of national security. They questioned whether Trump has any investments in Russia.
Trump has said he has no investments in Russia, and Democrats acknowledged that have no evidence otherwise. That’s why they want Trump’s returns, said Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y.
The move came a day after Trump’s national security adviser, Michael Flynn, was forced to resign over conversations he had with Russian officials before Trump took office.
“People are concerned about Michael Flynn putting himself in a position to be blackmailed. What position is the president in?” asked Crowley. “Our national security is at risk.”
The Ways and Means Committee has legal authority to obtain confidential tax records. The committee could then vote to make them public.
On Tuesday, committee Democrats tried to amend a routine annual oversight plan to insert a provision that called for obtaining Trump’s tax returns. Republicans blocked it on a straight party-line vote, 23-15.
Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said the panel should only use its power to ensure that tax laws are being administered properly — not to investigate the president.
“As chairman of this committee I will not allow Washington to return to the bad old days when government officials used their powers to intimidate, harass and destroy their political enemies,” Brady said. “If Congress uses its power to rummage around the president’s tax returns for political purposes, what’s prevents it from doing the same to average Americans?”
Most famously, former President Richard Nixon was accused in his articles of impeachment of illegally obtaining tax records of his political enemies, and of ordering audits. Since then, federal law was changed so that neither the president nor the IRS commissioner can single out an individual for an audit.
Shunning decades of tradition, Trump has steadfastly refused to release his tax returns or to divest from his business. Instead, Trump said he has turned operation of his business over to his sons, while still retaining his stake.
Democrats tried to make Trump’s taxes an issue during the presidential election, questioning his wealth and whether he generously donates to charity, as he claims. After the election, the head of the Office of Government Ethics scolded Trump for not divesting from his business, saying it is the only way to avoid conflicts of interest.
Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway has said people don’t care about the president’s taxes.
Trump’s tax returns would reveal a trove of information about his business dealings and his sources of income. They wouldn’t show his overall net worth. But they would show his annual income and where it came from.
“No one on this committee can say for sure that Trump doesn’t have investments in Russia,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-N.J. “We don’t know.”
Pascrell promised to raise the issue “over and over and over again.”
“I’m good at that,” he said.
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Follow Stephen Ohlemacher on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephenatap | newcountry923.fm | 2017-02-15 10:07:51 | http://newcountry923.fm/2017/02/15/correction-congress-trump-taxes-story/ | http://newcountry923.fm/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/NC_512x512.png |
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Holtby spectacular as Caps beat Knights to even Cup Final | LAS VEGAS (AP) — Alex Tuch collected the skittering puck with absolutely nothing between him and the tying goal with two minutes left in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Braden Holtby reacted with pure instinct.
Washington’s goalie stretched back and lunged to his right with his stick, thrusting the paddle into the exact 4-inch slot of air through which Tuch’s shot was headed for the net.
“Luckily it hit me,” Holtby said with a shrug.
The Washington goalie’s coaches and teammates weren’t quite so calm about a save that will go down in Capitals history as the key to a 3-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night, evening the series at one game apiece.
The win was the Caps’ first-ever Stanley Cup Final victory — and the save might be a catalyst to even bigger things.
“To me, it was the hockey gods,” Washington coach Barry Trotz said. “They evened it up from the last game. Great save. You could see the emotion on our bench. Once he made that save, I knew we were going to win the game.”
Holtby made 37 saves, but he got help from earthly sources as well. Alex Ovechkin scored a power-play goal, his first in a Final, Brooks Orpik ended a personal 220-game goal drought with the eventual winner, and Lars Eller added a goal and two assists.
“We refocus and pick each other up and that’s a sign of a good team,” Holtby said. “That’s one of our strengths.”
Game 3 is Saturday night in Washington. The Caps are just 4-5 at home in the postseason, but they’ll ride a wave of momentum after going into the Golden Knights’ daunting home arena and taking away home-ice advantage in Washington’s first Stanley Cup Final in 20 years.
After getting battered in the Knights’ 6-4 series-opening win, Holtby made several big saves throughout Game 2, coming up particularly big while Washington killed a 5-on-3 disadvantage for 1:09 earlier in the third period. He capped his energetic performance with that jaw-dropping stick save on Tuch with 1:59 to play.
“Holts just makes the save of the year,” Washington forward Jay Beagle said. “Maybe the save of a lifetime. It’s unreal.”
The T-Mobile Arena crowd was stunned, but after several months of watching this expansion team push through every obstacle, the Knights couldn’t get around Holtby’s stick.
“Thank God he’s our goalie,” Ovechkin said. “He’s over there when we need him, and it was probably the save of the year for sure.”
Washington overcame another big blow when it lost leading scorer Evgeny Kuznetsov to an upper-body injury in the first period after a big hit from Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb, but the Caps avoided any hotheaded retaliation and concentrated on a gritty effort that was enough to even the series.
James Neal and Shea Theodore scored and Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 23 shots for the upstart Knights, who couldn’t summon their usual clutch magic, even with lengthy man advantages. Thanks to Holtby’s 15 saves, Vegas finally went scoreless in the third for the first time in six periods in this series.
Washington handed the Golden Knights only their second home defeat — the first in regulation — in Vegas’ nine postseason games.
“I think it’s really important that we take a step back and take a deep breath and know that you’re not going to win this series in two games,” Vegas defenseman Nate Schmidt said. “We’re a special group. We can go out and win games on the road. We’ve done it all playoffs.”
So have the Capitals, who improved to 9-3 on the road after two games in this frequently chaotic series.
The Caps have made the playoffs in 13 of 19 seasons since their only other trip to the Final in 1998, but hadn’t managed to get their fans back to the final round until this year. Capital One Arena in downtown Washington was packed with red-clad fans watching Game 2 on the videoboards.
The temperature on the Las Vegas Strip spiked to triple digits in the hours before Game 2, likely making it the hottest Final game in NHL history. But the heat didn’t fry the spirits of the fans who filled the plaza next to the arena to capacity before the puck dropped, continuing this gambling mecca’s fanatical support of its first major pro sports team.
Shortly after Neal opened the scoring for Vegas in Game 2, Kuznetsov went straight to the dressing room after absorbing a high check from McNabb. The game immediately took on a nastier tone, and the teams played 4-on-4 hockey moments later after a prolonged scrum led to two penalties.
Trotz gave no postgame update on Kuznetsov’s condition.
“(That hit) galvanized us as a group,” Trotz said. “This group has learned so much. They’ve gotten so resilient. This group has had everything thrown at them, and they just say, ‘You know what? We’re going to push on.'”
Washington attacked and evened it shortly afterward with a goal from Eller, who had failed to hit an open net on a rushed play for a potential tying goal late in Game 1.
Washington’s excellent power play finally got a chance early in the second period, and Ovechkin scored a vintage goal with his powerful shot from a sharp angle. The Russian superstar led the NHL with 49 goals in the regular season and added 12 more in the Eastern Conference playoffs before scoring the first Stanley Cup Final goal of his 13-year, 1,121-game NHL career.
The Caps then got a thoroughly unlikely contribution from Orpik, whose deflected shot bounced fortuitously off the ice and beat Fleury. The grinding veteran forward with a 2009 Stanley Cup ring from Pittsburgh hadn’t scored since Feb. 26, 2016, adding up to the longest active goal-scoring drought in the NHL.
The persistent Knights earned a power play and cut the Caps’ lead to 3-2 late in the second on Theodore’s shot through traffic.
NOTES: The first two games of the Final were split for only the third time in the last 13 editions. … The Golden Knights have scored the opening goal in the first period of all nine of their postseason home games. … Washington needs three more wins to become the second team in NHL history to win a Cup after trailing in all four postseason rounds, joining Pittsburgh in 1991. … T-Mobile Arena reported 18,702 fans in the sold-out building, setting a franchise record for attendance.
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More Stanley Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/StanleyCupFinals | newcountry923.fm | 2018-05-31 00:30:21 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/05/31/game-2-in-stanley-cup-final-has-tough-act-to-follow-on-strip/ | ||
US official: Trump pressed aides about Venezuela invasion | BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — As a meeting last August in the Oval Office to discuss sanctions on Venezuela was concluding, President Donald Trump turned to his top aides and asked an unsettling question: With a fast unraveling Venezuela threatening regional security, why can’t the U.S. just simply invade the troubled country?
The suggestion stunned those present at the meeting, including U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and national security adviser H.R. McMaster, both of whom have since left the administration. This account of the previously undisclosed conversation comes from a senior administration official familiar with what was said.
In an exchange that lasted around five minutes, McMaster and others took turns explaining to Trump how military action could backfire and risk losing hard-won support among Latin American governments to punish President Nicolas Maduro for taking Venezuela down the path of dictatorship, according to the official. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussions.
But Trump pushed back. Although he gave no indication he was about to order up military plans, he pointed to what he considered past cases of successful gunboat diplomacy in the region, according to the official, like the invasions of Panama and Grenada in the 1980s.
The idea, despite his aides’ best attempts to shoot it down, would nonetheless persist in the president’s head.
The next day, Aug. 11, Trump alarmed friends and foes alike with talk of a “military option” to remove Maduro from power. The public remarks were initially dismissed in U.S. policy circles as the sort of martial bluster people have come to expect from the reality TV star turned commander in chief.
But shortly afterward, he raised the issue with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, according to the U.S. official. Two high-ranking Colombian officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid antagonizing Trump confirmed the report.
Then in September, on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Trump discussed it again, this time at greater length, in a private dinner with leaders from four Latin American allies that included Santos, the same three people said and Politico reported in February.
The U.S. official said Trump was specifically briefed not to raise the issue and told it wouldn’t play well, but the first thing the president said at the dinner was, “My staff told me not to say this.” Trump then went around asking each leader if they were sure they didn’t want a military solution, according to the official, who added that each leader told Trump in clear terms they were sure.
Eventually, McMaster would pull aside the president and walk him through the dangers of an invasion, the official said.
Taken together, the behind-the-scenes talks, the extent and details of which have not been previously reported, highlight how Venezuela’s political and economic crisis has received top attention under Trump in a way that was unimaginable in the Obama administration. But critics say it also underscores how his “America First” foreign policy at times can seem outright reckless, providing ammunition to America’s adversaries.
The White House declined to comment on the private conversations. But a National Security Council spokesman reiterated that the U.S. will consider all options at its disposal to help restore Venezuela’s democracy and bring stability. Under Trump’s leadership, the U.S., Canada and European Union have levied sanctions on dozens of top Venezuelan officials, including Maduro himself, over allegations of corruption, drug trafficking and human rights abuses. The U.S. has also distributed more than $30 million to help Venezuela’s neighbors absorb an influx of more than 1 million migrants who have fled the country.
For Maduro, who has long claimed that the U.S. has military designs on Venezuela and its vast oil reserves, Trump’s bellicose talk provided the unpopular leader with an immediate if short-lived boost as he was trying to escape blame for widespread food shortages and hyperinflation. Within days of the president’s talk of a military option, Maduro filled the streets of Caracas with loyalists to condemn “Emperor” Trump’s belligerence, ordered up nationwide military exercises and threatened with arrest opponents he said were plotting his overthrow with the U.S.
“Mind your own business and solve your own problems, Mr. Trump!” thundered Nicolas Maduro, the president’s son, at the government-stacked constituent assembly. “If Venezuela were attacked, the rifles will arrive in New York, Mr. Trump,” the younger Maduro said. “We will take the White House.”
Even some of the staunchest U.S. allies were begrudgingly forced to side with Maduro in condemning Trump’s saber rattling. Santos, a big backer of U.S. attempts to isolate Maduro, said an invasion would have zero support in the region. The Mercosur trade bloc, which includes Brazil and Argentina, issued a statement saying “the only acceptable means of promoting democracy are dialogue and diplomacy” and repudiating “any option that implies the use of force.”
But among Venezuela’s beleaguered opposition movement, hostility to the idea of a military intervention has slowly eased.
A few weeks after Trump’s public comments, Harvard economics professor Ricardo Hausmann, a former Venezuelan planning minister, wrote a syndicated column titled “D Day Venezuela,” in which he called for a “coalition of the willing” made up of regional powers and the U.S. to step in and support militarily a government appointed by the opposition-led national assembly.
Mark Feierstein, who oversaw Latin America on the National Security Council during the Obama administration, said that strident U.S. action on Venezuela, however commendable, won’t loosen Maduro’s grip on power if it’s not accompanied by pressure from the streets. However, he thinks Venezuelans have largely been demoralized after a crackdown on protests last year triggered dozens of deaths, and the threat of more repression has forced dozens of opposition leaders into exile.
“People inside and outside the administration know they can ignore plenty of what Trump says,” Feierstein, who is now a senior adviser at the Albright Stonebridge Group, said of Trump’s talk of military invasion of Venezuela. “The concern is that it raised expectations among Venezuelans, many of whom are waiting for an external actor to save them.”
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Associated Press writer Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report.
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Follow Goodman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APjoshgoodman | newcountry923.fm | 2018-07-04 04:36:19 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/07/04/us-official-trump-pressed-aides-about-venezuela-invasion/ | ||
Traffic 'nightmare' for New York-bound motorists, but when? | WEEHAWKEN, N.J. (AP) — With a lengthy highway construction project looming that could turn one of the Northeast’s worst traffic bottlenecks into the stuff of post-apocalyptic fiction, local officials whose towns could be overrun by frustrated motorists say they’re still in the dark on some aspects of the plan.
When lanes will be closed on the busy Route 495 viaduct connecting the New Jersey Turnpike to the Lincoln Tunnel is one unanswered question. In recent weeks the state Department of Transportation has said its $90 million project to rebuild the bridge and roadway will require closing a lane in each direction beginning in “mid-summer.”
On Tuesday, a department of transportation spokesman said it would be “later this summer.” Several local officials involved with discussions with the department said community outreach efforts are still underway and questions linger about handling traffic overflow, an indication the start could be some time away.
The pothole-ridden 80-year-old viaduct cuts through parts of Secaucus, North Bergen, Union City and Weehawken and accommodates more than 150,000 motorists daily. Local officials acknowledged the need to replace the bridge structure, which is considered structurally deficient and functionally obsolete. But some expressed concerns about logistics.
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, whose town squats over the entrance to the tunnel, said he hasn’t been given a firm starting date for the lane closures, and has yet to meet with top state transportation officials about the project, though he expects that will happen soon.
“We’re very concerned about the impact on traffic, and the resulting traffic jams on our local streets,” Turner said. “We are extremely concerned about emergency vehicles getting through.”
Turner noted that on a Saturday last month, a delay on Route 495 leaving New York left traffic at a standstill and forced many motorists onto the cramped streets of his town and others. That doesn’t bode well for traffic during the bridge reconstruction, when the lanes will be closed 24/7, he said.
“I can’t imagine what is going to happen on a weekday,” Turner said.
According to the department’s website, the work can’t be performed solely during nighttime hours because the nature of the bridge work makes it impossible to replace portions each night and then allow traffic back on it during the daytime.
The department’s plan includes detours for cars and trucks using Routes 1 and 9 northbound and southbound, where ramps from 495 will be closed off. That is likely to clog streets in Secaucus in a part of town that is home to outlets and big-box stores.
Turner and Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli both said the state hasn’t committed to reimbursing their towns for police overtime that likely will be required for traffic management.
Gonnelli said the traffic overload has the potential to be “a nightmare either way.”
“We’re downstream from where this is happening, but we are affected anytime something happens, and we’re affected badly,” he said. “I try to take my wife out to eat on a Friday night, and you can’t get out of town.” | newcountry923.fm | 2018-07-04 08:22:22 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/07/04/traffic-nightmare-for-new-york-bound-motorists-but-when/ | ||
Easy entry into Oregon's legal pot market means huge surplus | PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — When Oregon lawmakers created the state’s legal marijuana program, they had one goal in mind above all else: to convince illicit pot growers to leave the black market.
That meant low barriers to entry that also targeted long-standing medical marijuana growers, whose product is not taxed. As a result, weed production boomed — with a bitter consequence.
Now, marijuana prices here are in freefall, and the craft cannabis farmers who put Oregon on the map decades before broad legalization say they are in peril of losing their now-legal businesses as the market adjusts.
Oregon regulators on Wednesday announced they will stop processing new applications for marijuana licenses in two weeks to address a severe backlog and ask state lawmakers to take up the issue next year.
Experts say the dizzying evolution of Oregon’s marijuana industry may well be a cautionary tale for California, where a similar regulatory structure could mean an oversupply on a much larger scale.
“For the way the program is set up, the state just wants to get as many people in as possible, and they make no bones about it,” Hilary Bricken, a Los Angeles-based attorney specializing in marijuana business law, said of California. “Most of these companies will fail as a result of oversaturation.”
Oregon has nearly 1 million pounds (453,600 kilograms) of marijuana flower — commonly called bud — in its inventory, a staggering amount for a state with about 4 million people. Producers told The Associated Press wholesale prices fell more than 50 percent in the past year; a study by the state’s Office of Economic Analysis found the retail cost of a gram of marijuana fell from $14 in 2015 to $7 in 2017.
The oversupply can be traced largely to state lawmakers’ and regulators’ earliest decisions to shape the industry.
They were acutely aware of Oregon’s entrenched history of providing top-drawer pot to the black market nationwide, as well as a concentration of small farmers who had years of cultivation experience in the legal, but largely unregulated, medical pot program.
Getting those growers into the system was critical if a legitimate industry was to flourish, said Sen. Ginny Burdick, a Portland Democrat who co-chaired a committee created to implement the voter-approved legalization measure.
Lawmakers decided not to cap licenses; to allow businesses to apply for multiple licenses; and to implement relatively inexpensive licensing fees.
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which issues licenses, announced Wednesday it will put aside applications for new licenses received after June 15 until a backlog of pending applications is cleared out. The decision comes after U.S. Attorney Billy Williams challenged state officials to address Oregon’s oversupply problem.
“In my view, and frankly in the view of those in the industry that I’ve heard from, it’s a failing of the state for not stepping back and taking a look at where this industry is at following legalization,” Williams told the AP in a phone interview.
But those in the industry supported the initial decisions that led to the oversupply, Burdick said.
“We really tried to focus on policies that would rein in the medical industry and snuff out the black market as much as possible,” Burdick said.
Lawmakers also quickly backtracked on a rule requiring marijuana businesses have a majority ownership by someone with Oregon residency after entrepreneurs complained it was hard to secure startup money. That change opened the door to out-of-state companies with deep pockets that could begin consolidating the industry.
The state has granted 1,001 producer licenses and has another 950 in process as of last week. State officials worry if they cut off licensing entirely or turn away those already in the application process, they’ll get sued or encourage illegal trade.
Some of the same parameters are taking shape in California, equally known for black-market pot from its Emerald Triangle region.
The rules now in effect there place caps only on certain, medium-sized growing licenses. In some cases, companies have acquired dozens of growing licenses, which can be operated on the same or adjoining parcels. The growers association is suing to block those rules, fearing they will open the way for vast farms that will drive out smaller cultivators.
Beau Whitney, senior economist at national cannabis analytics firm New Frontier Data, said he’s seeing California prices fall.
In contrast, Washington knew oversupply could draw federal attention and was more conservative about licensing. As the market matured, its regulators eased growing limits, but the state never experienced an oversupply crisis.
Colorado has no caps on licenses, but strict rules designed to limit oversupply allow the state to curtail a growers’ farm size based on past crop yields, existing inventory, sales deals and other factors.
In Oregon, cannabis retail chains are emerging to take advantage of the shake-up.
A company called Nectar has 13 stores around the state — with three more on tap — and says on its website it is buying up for-sale dispensaries too. Canada-based Golden Leaf Holdings bought the successful Oregon startup Chalice and has six stores around Portland, with another slated to open.
William Simpson, Chalice’s founder and Golden Leaf Holdings CEO, is expanding into Northern California, Nevada and Canada. Simpson welcomes criticism that he’s dumbing down cannabis the same way Starbucks brought coffee to a mass market.
“If you take Chalice like Starbucks, it’s a known quantity, it’s a brand that people know and trust,” he said.
Amy Margolis, executive director of the Oregon Cannabis Association, says that capping licenses would only spur even more consolidation in the long-term. The state is currently working on a study that should provide data and more insight into what lies ahead.
“I don’t think that everything in this state is motivated by struggle and failure,” she said. “I’m very interested to see … how this market settles itself and (in) being able to do that from a little less of a reactionary place.”
For now, Oregon’s smaller marijuana businesses are trying to stay afloat.
A newly formed group will launch an ad campaign this fall to tell Oregonians why they should pay more for mom-and-pop cannabis. Adam Smith, who founded the Oregon Craft Cannabis Alliance, believes 70 percent of Oregon’s small growers and retailers will go out of business if consumers don’t respond.
“We could turn around in three to four years and realize that 10 to 12 major companies own a majority of the Oregon industry and that none of it is really based here anymore,” he said. “The Oregon brand is really all about authenticity. It’s about people with their hands in the dirt, making something they love as well as they can. How do we save that?”
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Associated Press writers Gene Johnson in Seattle, Michael R. Blood in Los Angeles and Kathleen Foody in Denver contributed to this report.
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Flaccus is a member of the AP’s marijuana beat team. Follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/gflaccus. Follow complete AP marijuana coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/LegalMarijuana | newcountry923.fm | 2018-05-31 01:27:42 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/05/31/easy-entry-into-oregons-legal-pot-market-means-huge-surplus/ | ||
A morning's baseball drill becomes an assault on Republicans | ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — First came the ping of bats, a familiar sound of the leafy neighborhood’s morning. Then the crack of gunfire, which isn’t.
It started with a single pop, which for a split second was not alarming to the Republican members of Congress who had gathered for a final practice before a charity baseball game with Democrats this week. As one lawmaker would later note, it could have been a car backfiring.
Then, after a pause, the gunshots came in quick succession and the horror unfolded in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, home to many federal workers, lawyers and lobbyists who commute across the river to Washington.
A congressman, two Capitol police officers, a lobbyist and a legislative aide were wounded as lawmakers, some fighting back tears, sought to understand what had happened and why. In a hail of bullets, police killed the gunman.
“You never expect a baseball field in America to feel like being back in a combat zone in Iraq,” said Ohio Rep. Brad Wenstrup, an Army reservist who served as a combat surgeon in Iraq and was on the field Wednesday when the shooting began. “But this morning it did.”
They had gathered on this muggy morning, trading suits and ties for sneakers and baseball caps, to practice for Thursday’s annual left-right match-up, a friendly Democratic-Republican rivalry for charity in a capital otherwise poisonous in its partisanship. Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks had bicycled nine miles to make the 6:30 a.m. start.
The baseball park, home to the T.C. Williams High School Titans, sits in a lively part of Alexandria. On weekdays, locals head off to work and school. People come and go at the nearby YMCA. Homeowners stroll the sidewalks, walking their dogs.
So it hardly seemed unusual when a man approached Rep. Jeff Duncan of South Carolina in the baseball field parking lot.
His question was pointed: “‘Excuse me sir, who’s practicing today? Democrats or Republicans?'” Duncan recalled. “And I said it’s the Republican team. He said, ‘OK, thanks’ and turned around.” Duncan then left, saying later, “It was the guy they’ve identified as the shooter.”
Rep. Steve Pearce of New Mexico was taking swings in the batting cage along the first base side when he noticed a bystander near the third base dugout. Within seconds, as Pearce left the batting cage and headed toward the dugout, the shooting started. “I saw the shooter clearly with his rifle, aimed and shooting around one corner of a building,” he said in a video statement.
Chaos ensued. Lawmakers dove for cover. Gravel bounced as shots hit the ground.
From inside Swing’s coffee shop directly across from the field, manager Jon “Scott” Mosel described the popping of gunfire. “Then a wave of players frantically running. It was absolutely frantic. We didn’t know if they were being chased.” The players ran from the first base side of the field across a basketball court and either jumped a fence into a nearby dog park or ran up the hill and crossed the street toward the coffee shop, he said.
Brooks hit the ground with a few others behind the batting cage, but quickly realized that didn’t provide much cover. The gunman wasn’t spraying bullets but rather taking aim, so there was a “little bit of time between shots.”
Rep. Steve Scalise of Louisiana, the third-ranking Republican in the House, was fielding balls on second base when a gunshot crumpled him, Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake said. The 51-year-old Scalise, serving his fifth congressional term, dragged himself 10 to 15 yards into the outfield to try to get away, Flake said, leaving a bloody trail.
Marty LaVor, a retired Capitol Hill worker, was taking pictures by first base when he saw a man holding a rifle behind a chain-link fence by third base. LaVor saw Scalise go down, then a Capitol police officer.
“Almost within an instant, and I don’t remember the time, somebody saidm ‘Get in the dugout.’ And they said it with such authority. You remember when you were a kid, and your parents said something? This was that sound.”
LaVor got in the dugout.
The 911 call went out at 7:09 a.m. To those in the line of fire, it seemed an eternity before city police arrived, but in reality it took just three minutes. Brooks said the Capitol officers were armed only with pistols, and “taking on a guy with a rifle from 90-120 feet away. It wasn’t a fair fight.”
When Capitol police began firing, Brooks said, they were so close that he initially feared a second shooter was involved. Congress members helped apply a tourniquet to the injured leg of Zachary Barth, legislative correspondent for Rep. Roger Williams of Texas, as the shooting continued. Scalise, too, was attended to by his colleagues on the field.
Katie Filous, an attorney who was walking her dogs near the field, dropped to the ground when she heard “a lot of shots.” A uniformed officer got out of a car, drew a handgun and shouted something to the assailant, she said. She saw the officer get hit with a bullet, and later evacuated by helicopter.
Three hours after the attack, Brooks still wore a batting glove, with dirt from lying face first in the dugout still smeared across his navy blue T-shirt, as he and other lawmakers at the scene described the attack to the AP.
Falisa Peoples, who teaches an exercise class at the YMCA, was walking to her car when she saw a man in shorts and a T-shirt firing. She thought, at first, it was a drill or a paintball game.
“He was very calm,” she said. “He was just walking and shooting as if it was just like he was practicing.” She recalled no other noise until she heard a police officer command, “Get down!” Peoples dropped her belongings and ran back to the Y, banging on the side door until someone let her in.
Rep. Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee passed the shooter on his way into the dugout to hide. “He decided not to shoot me,” he would later tell CNN. “The fear factor was horrific. There was blood all over, it was horrible.” He said if the gunman had come after them in the dugout, “we would have been sitting ducks.”
It was over in a matter of minutes. Members of Congress credited the Capitol police officers with shooting the gunman, though authorities did not immediately confirm who shot him. He died in the hospital.
Scalise underwent surgery for a wound to the hip, and was in critical condition. Matt Mika, the lobbyist and a former congressional aide, was also in critical condition, with multiple wounds. Special Agents David Bailey and Crystal Griner of the U.S. Capitol Police, as well as Barth, were expected to recover fully.
The attacker was identified as James T. Hodgkinson of Illinois. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said on the Senate floor that Hodgkinson apparently was a volunteer for his campaign last year. Police are investigating the attacker’s motive, his associates and his social media posts.
Hours later, surrounded by crime scene tape, the field was still set for batting practice. A mobile backstop curved behind home plate, near metal bats. A crate full of baseballs sat near the pitcher’s mound, and balls were scattered on the field among medical bags and supplies. Behind first base, next to a large medical bag, sat a single baseball shoe.
Off the field on the first base side, a medical gurney.
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Associated Press writers Chad Day, Matthew Barakat, Kevin Freking, Michael Biesecker, Ben Finley and Erica Werner contributed to this report. Woodward reported from Washington. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-06-14 15:49:26 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/06/14/a-mornings-baseball-drill-becomes-an-assault-on-republicans/ | ||
Victim of Toronto van incident include professional, student | TORONTO (AP) — The first victim publicly identified after a van plowed down a Toronto sidewalk and killed 10 people worked at an investment management firm and enjoyed sports and volunteering.
Other victims included a Seneca College student, a citizen of Jordan and two Korean nationals, though the names of most of the victims were not immediately released.
Anne Marie D’Amico, 30, worked at Invesco, which is near the scene of Monday’s incident. Toronto City Councilor Cesar Palacio said D’Amico was a friend of his daughter, and he remembers her as “a brilliant young girl” who was interested in improving society.
On Tuesday he spoke with her parents, who live in his ward. “You can imagine the nightmare, the living nightmare they’re going through at this moment,” he said.
D’Amico volunteered at a Canada-based international humanitarian charity called Live Different. She helped build houses in the Dominican Republic in 2015 and 2017, according to Dave Hamilton, the charity’s manager of school partnerships. He remembered her as “super-positive, always smiling, a funny person, always up for a challenge, and really wanted to help people out.”
D’Amico also volunteered with the nonprofit Tennis Canada association, working at the Rogers Cup tournament since the age of 12. She started out as a ball girl and worked her way up to be an “integral” part of the volunteer team, most recently leading a committee on stadium control, the association said. She was voted volunteer of the year in 2016.
“Anne Marie lived for working at Rogers Cup and seeing her fellow volunteers each summer,” said Gavin Ziv, the association’s vice president of professional events. “The tournament was such a large part of her life, and we were so lucky to have her on our team each summer.”
Others killed included Munair Najjar, a citizen of Jordan who was in Toronto visiting family, according to state-run news agency Petra. Jordan’s embassy in Ottawa is in contact with Najjar’s family, the agency said. No other information about Najjar was released.
Seneca College said one of its students was killed, but declined to identify her, citing privacy reasons. President David Agnew confirmed the death in an email to students and staff in which he said two other students suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization.
“Along with the rest of the city, and world, we were stunned by yesterday’s news,” Agnew said.
Two South Koreans were among the dead, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing government officials. A third South Korean national was injured. The Korean consulate general office in Toronto declined to confirm the report. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-04-24 15:05:22 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/04/24/victim-of-toronto-van-incident-include-professional-student/ | ||
US stocks jump as tensions with North Korea appear to ease | NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are rallying Monday morning as the tensions between the U.S. and North Korea that flared last week appeared to ease. Technology companies and banks are making some of the largest gains as stocks bounce back from their losses with some of the biggest gains the market has seen this year. All 11 industrial groups in the Standard & Poor’s 500 index are moving higher.
KEEPING SCORE: The S&P 500 jumped 24 points, or 1 percent, to 2,466 as of 11:15 a.m. Eastern time. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 147 points, or 0.7 percent, to 22,005. The Nasdaq composite added 73 points, or 1.2 percent, to 6,329. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies climbed 14 points, or 1.1 percent, to 1,388.
Last week was the worst for stocks since late March, as the S&P 500 fell more than 1.4 percent. Rising tensions between the U.S. and North Korea startled investors out of the complacency that has weighed on the stock market for most of this year. That eased Monday after officials said fighting is not imminent. The top U.S. military officer said the country wants to resolve the standoff peacefully.
Thursday was the worst day for stocks since mid-May, and Monday is shaping up to be the best day since late April.
LEADERS: Technology stocks rose in early trading. Apple added $1.88, or 1.2 percent, to $159.36 and Microsoft picked up $1.07, or 1.5 percent, to $73.57. Western Digital advanced $2.77, or 3.5 percent, to $82.67.
Chipmaker Nvidia rebounded after two days of sharp losses. It rose $6.32, or 4.1 percent, to $162.28. Competitors like Micron Technology and Analog Devices also rose.
NEW BUYER NETS NEFF: Equipment rental company Neff said it received a buyout offer worth $25 per share, or $596 million. It did not say who made the offer, but Neff said its board has decided the new offer is superior to a bid from H&E Equipment Services that the company accepted last month. H&E Equipment has the right to match the new offer and is entitled to a breakup payment if Neff it acquired by another company. Neff climbed $3.85, or 17.6 percent, to $25.70. H&E’s offer valued Neff at $21.07 a share.
H&E Equipment lost 48 cents, or 2.2 percent, to $21.11.
FRIENDLY NABORS: Drilling technology developer Tesco said it will be acquired by drilling contractor Nabors Industries in an all-stock deal. The companies said Tesco is being valued at $4.62 a share. Tesco added 43 cents, or 10.9 percent, to $4.33. Nabors lost 33 cents, or 4.8 percent, to $6.48.
STICKER SHOCK? Fiat Chrysler climbed after Automotive News reported that a Chinese car maker offered to buy the company. It did not identify that company and said Fiat Chrysler rejected the offer because it wasn’t high enough, but investors hoped another bid would come. Fiat Chrysler stock gained 88 cents, or 7.6 percent, to $12.50.
RHIMES AND REASON: Netflix signed a deal with Shonda Rhimes, the creator of popular television series such as “Scandal” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” She will leave ABC and make shows for Netflix, although those shows will remain on ABC. Financial terms were not disclosed, but recently Netflix has started shelling out more money to try to get own and develop shows that more people will watch. Its stock dipped 23 cents to $171.17 Monday.
ENERGY: U.S. crude oil rose 18 cents to $49 a barrel in New York. Brent crude, the international standard, picked up 11 cents to $52.21 a barrel in London.
BONDS: Bond prices turned lower. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 2.21 percent from 2.19 percent late Friday. That helped banks, as higher bond yields mean higher interest rates and greater profits on mortgages and other loans.
Bank of America climbed 48 cents, or 2 percent, to $24.35 and JPMorgan Chase gained $1.21, or 1.3 percent, to $92.63.
CURRENCIES: The dollar rose to 109.45 yen from 109.04 yen. The euro fell to $1.1785 from $1.1824.
OVERSEAS: Germany’s DAX jumped 1.4 percent, as did the CAC 40 in France. In Britain, the FTSE 100 index added 0.8 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index jumped 1.4 percent and the South Korean Kospi rose 0.6 percent. Japanese stocks fell sharply as investors played catch-up after an extended holiday weekend. The Nikkei ended 1 percent lower.
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AP Markets Writer Marley Jay can be reached at http://twitter.com/MarleyJayAP His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/marley%20jay | newcountry923.fm | 2017-08-14 10:20:53 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/08/14/us-stocks-jump-as-tensions-with-north-korea-appear-to-ease/ | ||
Steelers wrap up AFC North title, set up showdown with Pats | PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger’s record-setting day finished with a carry just as valuable as any of the franchise-record 66 passes he threw.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers poured onto the Heinz Field turf to celebrate a frantic 39-38 victory over Baltimore that wrapped up their third AFC North title in four years, Roethlisberger grabbed the familiar No. 50 jersey of injured linebacker Ryan Shazier and joined in the party.
An emotionally draining week for the Steelers ended with Shazier recovering from spinal surgery in a nearby hospital but still very much in the middle of things. Just like always.
“We love our brother,” Roethlisberger said. “We wanted to get this one for him, and I’m glad we did.”
Barely.
The Steelers (11-2) blew an early 14-point lead and found themselves trailing by 11 going into the fourth before exploding for 19 points over the final 15 minutes, the last three coming on Chris Boswell’s 46-yard field goal with 42 seconds left.
“I think championship teams find ways to win,” Roethlisberger said.
Having an offense that is starting to peak after a sleepy start certainly helps. Roethlisberger threw for 506 yards and two scores to become the first player in NFL history to go over 500 yards passing three times in his career. Antonio Brown caught 11 passes for 213 yards to fuel an MVP candidacy that no longer feels so far-fetched, including gains of 57 and 34 yards in the fourth to spark Pittsburgh’s comeback and running back Le’Veon Bell finished with 125 total yards and three scores.
“It’s an amazing feeling, especially for Ryan Shazier,” Brown said. “One of our brothers couldn’t be out here today. Obviously, he is watching.”
Shazier suffered his injury in the first quarter of a victory over Cincinnati last Monday. He underwent surgery on Wednesday and Roethlisberger visited him on Thursday.
“When you walk in and see him and see the smile and give him a huge, it really has taken that weight off and let us breathe a little easier,” Roethlisberger said.
The Steelers have done their best to let Shazier know is very much a part of their run. Linebacker James Harrison borrowed a page from Shazier’s pregame routine and warmed up shirtless even with the temperature hovering around freezing. Shazier’s helmet and jersey spent the game on the bench and several Steelers wore cleats with a special design featuring Shazier’s face and the popular #Shalieve hashtag.
“It was very emotional,” linebacker Arthur Moats said. “Any time you can bring something to him that brings him some type of joy, some type of happiness, that’s good. At the end of the day we’re just trying to make sure he’s good.”
RAVENS ROCKED
Baltimore (7-6) meanwhile, saw its surge back to contention blunted after its defense spent the fourth quarter fruitlessly chasing Brown from one side of the field to the other.
“This is going to sting for a while,” Ravens safety Eric Weddle said. “Especially the guys on defense because we care so much and we hold ourselves to a high standard.”
The Ravens certainly didn’t meet it after giving up 545 yards to the Steelers. Pittsburgh scored on its last four possessions. It’s not like the Steelers were taking advantage of a short field. All eight of their scoring drives went at least 50 yards, including two of 80 or more.
“I think in the fourth quarter the defense dropped the ball tonight,” linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “That’s kind of been our thing all year, consistency.”
SUPER SHOWDOWN
The win sets up the AFC game of the year next Sunday when Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots visit. New England beat the Steelers twice last season, including a lopsided 36-17 blowout in the AFC title game.
“We’re going to give respect where respect is due now,” Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey said. “But they’re not Superman. They lost this season, right?”
ALL-AROUND EFFORT
Brown, Bell and Roethlisberger hardly did it alone. Boswell has hit four game-winning field goals in the final minute in four of Pittsburgh’s past five games. Tight ends Jessie James and Vance McDonald combined for 14 receptions for 149 yards. Even fullback Roosevelt Nix got in on the act, scoring his first career touchdown on a 1-yard reception in which he basically pulled the ball off Baltimore safety Tony Jefferson’s chest as they tussled in the end zone.
“AB is gonna do what he do, I’m going to do what I do, Ben’s gonna do what he do,” Bell said. “But it’s the guys who don’t get the credit always that are the ones making the plays.”
UP NEXT
Baltimore: Needs to win out if it wants to reach the postseason. The good news? Their final three opponents are a combined 8-34, including the 0-13 Cleveland Browns, who the Ravens visit next Sunday.
Pittsburgh: The Steelers have beaten Brady at Heinz Field just once in his career, a victory in the 2011 regular season.
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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL | newcountry923.fm | 2017-12-11 02:00:53 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/12/11/steelers-wrap-up-afc-north-title-set-up-showdown-with-pats/ | ||
Woman gets prison for using someone else's tainted urine | ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio woman might want to ask some questions if she tries to borrow someone’s urine again to pass a drug test.
WTOV-TV reports 24-year-old Kiana Wallace was sentenced to 18 months in prison Monday, in eastern Ohio’s Belmont County, after submitting a borrowed urine sample that tested positive for drugs. Wallace pleaded guilty earlier this month to attempted tampering with evidence.
Judge Frank Fregiato called the failed urine swap “bizarre” and told Wallace he wouldn’t allow her to make a mockery of the drug and alcohol testing system.
Records show Wallace was sentenced to six months in jail followed by probation in January 2017 for drug possession.
Wallace’s public defender declined to comment Tuesday. | newcountry923.fm | 2018-04-24 10:13:17 | https://newcountry923.fm/2018/04/24/woman-gets-prison-for-using-someone-elses-tainted-urine/ | ||
UK leader says there's new optimism in Brexit talks | LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Theresa May says there is a new sense of optimism in the talks to secure Britain’s departure from the European Union.
May is set to address the House of Commons on Monday, updating lawmakers on the negotiations just days after hammering out a deal with the EU on the so-called divorce issues, including the Irish border and Britain’s financial obligations. Brexit talks are now expected to move onto trade and security cooperation.
But Britain’s argument that nothing is settled until all is agreed upon is causing unease among other countries involved in the decision. Irish officials have rejected assertions that the deal is merely a “statement of intent” rather than legally binding.
The Irish government branded the view “bizarre” and insisted that an agreement is binding. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-12-11 03:54:43 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/12/11/uk-leader-says-theres-new-optimism-in-brexit-talks/ | ||
Rumors highlight the hidden lives of North Korean leaders | PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) — The alleged murder of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s estranged half-brother could be the best cloak-and-dagger thriller North Koreans will never get to hear. And if they did, they’d likely need some plot explainers — few know Kim Jong Un even had a half-brother.
While no country in the world has a cult of personality surrounding its leaders as intensive as North Korea’s, the narrative is carefully groomed and highly selective, leaving even some of the most basic details unknown to the general public. Predictably enough, the existence of an elder half-brother — and particularly a somewhat rebellious, free-wheeling one — has never been part of the North’s official leader narrative.
It is simpler to keep the line of succession and power as clear and direct as possible. For the most part, that means grandfather, father and son.
Ironically, or perhaps not, the swirling reports of the hit on half-brother Kim Jong Nam at a Malaysian airport come as the nation is gearing up for one of the biggest leader-reverence events of the year.
It’s called the “Day of the Shining Star,” the birth anniversary of the late leader Kim Jong Il, who was Kim Jong Un and Kim Jong Nam’s father, though they had a different mother.
The only holiday that is more important is the “Day of the Sun,” which marks the birthday of Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, North Korea’s founder and “eternal president” Kim Il Sung.
The barrage of Kim adulation in North Korea is constant. There are even flower festivals held each year that feature begonias and orchids named “Kimilsungia” and “Kimjongilia.” On Wednesday, with no mention whatsoever of Kim Jong Nam’s death in Malaysia in the state media, figure skating and synchronized swimming exhibitions were being held in the capital to mark the day.
Beyond their frequent “on the spot guidance” trips and attendance at official events, details of the actual lives of North Korea’s leaders are generally scant. Other members of the Kim family tree are rarely if ever mentioned.
Kim Jong Un’s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, is a powerful member of the ruling elite, but that would also come as a surprise to many people here. Her name does appear from time to time on official guest lists or party positions, but without further elaboration. His other half-brother, Kim Jong Chul, and older half-sister, Kim Sul Song, are believed to be party members in good standing.
Kim Jong Nam had long been much more problematic.
Before Kim Jong Un emerged as the clear heir to his father, Kim Jong Nam had been seen by some outside observers as the country’s likely next generation leader.
Others thought he was not in line, but anyways he is believed to have fallen out of favor after he was caught at a Japanese airport in 2001 trying to go to Tokyo Disneyland. He had lived outside of the North for years and has a son who studied in France, though little solid facts are available.
He had, however, made some sporadic comments in public suggesting that the North needed to reform in order to survive and questioning its hereditary rule, but also indicating he had no desire to switch places with his younger half-brother.
If he was killed, the motive is as yet just another of many, many mysteries.
And, of course, Kim Jong Un himself remains one of them.
Five years into his reign, he is firmly established a daily fixture on the front pages of the state-run newspapers, a constant presence on the television news and the object of tremendous praise on countless billboards and propaganda posters across the country. In something of a break with past practice, his wife has been often seen with him in public — though less so recently.
But to outsiders, it can be surprising how narrow the official narrative is.
Purges, not surprisingly, aren’t normally reported, though the brief trial and execution of Kim Jong Un’s powerful uncle was prominently broadcast and signaled to many experts Kim Jong Un’s effort to solidify his powerbase. On a more mundane level, it has never been confirmed if Kim Jong Un has children (he is believed to have at least one daughter), what his age is (probably 32 or 33) or many other basic biographical details.
When asked about the gaps, officials regularly explain that it is because the still young Kim is too humble to want such attention for himself.
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Talmadge has been the AP’s Pyongyang bureau chief since 2013. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-02-14 22:06:02 | http://newcountry923.fm/2017/02/14/rumors-highlight-the-hidden-lives-of-north-korean-leaders/ | http://newcountry923.fm/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/NC_512x512.png |
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Official: More than 200 dead after Sierra Leone floods | FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — A morgue official in Sierra Leone’s capital says more than 200 bodies have been brought in following heavy flooding and mudslides.
Sinneh Kamara, a coroner technician at the Connaught Hospital mortuary, told the national broadcaster early Monday that the number of corpses brought in has overwhelmed the facility.
He told the Sierra Leone National Broadcasting Corp. that bodies were on the floor of the morgue. Kamara also called on the health department to deploy more ambulances, saying his mortuary only has four.
Footage on television showed family members digging through mud in a desperate bid to free their loved ones.
Many of the impoverished areas of Sierra Leone’s capital are close to sea level and have poor drainage systems, exacerbating flooding during this West African country’s rainy season. | newcountry923.fm | 2017-08-14 07:53:18 | https://newcountry923.fm/2017/08/14/official-more-than-200-dead-after-sierra-leone-floods/ | ||
New chief foresees ‘crossroads’ as force awaits funding | The new chief of Lincolnshire Police has described the force as coming to a ‘crossroads’ as it awaits a Government announcement over funding.
Chief Constable Bill Skelly, who officially took on his role on February 1, said the Government’s decision over funding will create two options for police bosses.
He said: “We will know a lot more as to what the impact of that will be towards the end of spring/start of summer.
“That will be a crossroads because either it will allow us to continue to have the resources that we have in terms of people and blue lights or we will need to have a review of where we are in the next three-four years.”
He said, however, that he would be looking to maintain officer numbers.
Mr Skelly joined the force from Devon and Cornwall Police, where he had been Deputy Chief Constable since December 2013.
He said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. The last seven days have been a really warm welcome and it’s been really good to meet some of the partners as well.
“It was also an amazing start as we had Princess Anne visit headquarters on the same day.”
Mr Skelly has started exploring his new territory and has already met with officers in the custody suite at Boston.
“I’m still in the process of exploring the area and getting out within towns and local villages,” he said.
“I’m very much at the start of the process.”
Mr Skelly thanked the Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones, who has recently agreed to a 1.9 per cent increase in the police precept, and his predecessor Neil Rhodes.
He said he was privileged to have joined ‘at this time’.
Recent HMIC inspections have gone ‘very well’ he observed and he said he would be looking at a number of issues - guided by the public.
“I’d be very keen to hear from members of the public and our partners as I go around the county on how we can work together to reduce those issues,” he said.
He added: “Many of these issues are long standing and won’t necessarily cease to be or dealt with overnight.”
He doesn’t feel that having a uniform on the street is necessarily the best way to increase visibility - with other methods such as social media being used instead.
He said: “Visibility is an important element to the service in Lincolnshire that can take many forms, not just someone in a florescent jacket walking down the street.
“It’s not necessarily the best use of resource to reduce crime or harm.
“It’s a conversation I’m expecting to have and will welcome having to reassure communities the service is looking to be more visible but that doesn’t necessarily mean people walking round in visible jackets.”
Mr Skelly acknowledged that many issues faced around the county are also faced in other parts of the country, for example by farming communities.
He added: “Hare coursing is an area of priority concern.”
He also said the force would be looking at how they can better work with partner organisations to intervene in some issues, such as those involving alcohol.
Mr Skelly praised a downward trend in crime figures nationally, and said Lincolnshire was doing ‘fantastically well as a force area’.
He said a rise in recorded violent crime was impacted by offences such as bullying and harassment, which are now classed as violent crimes. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-02-15 06:30:00 | Get the latest breaking news from the Louth Leader - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/new-chief-foresees-crossroads-as-force-awaits-funding-1-7821756 | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.louthleader.co.uk/webimage/1.7821755.1487091283!/image/image.jpg |
Lincolnshire deputy PCC leads fight against scams and fraudsters in county | Lincolnshire’s deputy Police and Crime Commssioner has taken on a role in a national campaign fighting to prevent vulnerable people falling prey to scams.
Deputy PCC Stuart Tweedale has taken on a role in the Friends Against Scams campaign as one of only 45 SCAMbassadors across the UK.
Friends Against Scams aims to inspire action, highlight the scale of the problem, change the perceptions of why people fall victim to scams and make scams a local, regional and national topic.
The role of SCAMbassadors, is to use their influence to raise the profile of this problem amongst agencies and the local residents in a drive to prevent people falling victim.
Each year cons cause cost UK residents between £5bn and £10bn. In addition to the financial impact, scams can have a severe emotional and psychological impact on victims.
Mr Tweedale will be touring the East Linsdsey area with PCSO Nigel Wass and Principle Trading Standards Officer Emma Milligan on Tuesday August 22 to warn local communities about the dangers and methods of these tricksters.
“I am honoured to have been selected to take on this role. I have been passionate about tackling the dangers of scams for years and delighted I can now play a role in this campaign,” said Mr Tweedale.
“The people who are behind these cons are despicable. They deliberately prey on the most vulnerable in society and those that become victims are less able to cope with both the financial and emotional damage caused.
“It is a problem that we must stamp out and I will be doing everything in my power to inform people, influence agencies and support those tackling the issue to eradicate it from society.”
Louise Baxter, Team Manager, National Trading Standards Scams Team said: “The tactics used by scammers leave victims socially isolated and ashamed of telling their friends and families what’s really going on behind closed doors.
“It is fantastic to have such an influential figure in the community to help us tackle this problem on a local, regional and national level and I would encourage all those that are interested in showing their support to join the campaign and be part of our growing SCAMbassador network.” | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-14 14:46:52 | Lincolnshire’s deputy Police and Crime Commssioner has taken on a role in a national campaign fighting to prevent vulnerable people falling prey to scams. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/crime/lincolnshire-deputy-pcc-leads-fight-against-scams-and-fraudsters-in-county-1-8102374 | |
Psychic Sally Morgan at Lincoln | Psychic Sally Morgan is on the road for a record-breaking tenth consecutive year to bring amazing moments and spooky insights to audiences, including Lincoln on Tuesday, November 14.
Sally Morgan’s 2017 tour, “Kisses to Heaven”, builds on her years of experience as the UK’s most popular touring medium.
She is back for her tenth year in front of live audiences sharing her remarkable gift in a show which is unique to every venue, bringing her trademark sense of fun and intrigue in an interactive stage show that will leave New Theatre Royal Lincoln audiences gobsmacked.
Sally said: “Be ready for tears, laughter and a journey into the unknown.
“I am so looking forward to seeing my fans at Lincoln for what will be an unforgettable evening for all.”
Sally’s emotional sell out theatre shows were the subject of Sky LIVING’s hugely popular television series Psychic Sally: On The Road, which followed her gruelling tour schedule showcasing her phenomenal ability to speak with people beyond the grave. She was also the star of ITV’s Star Psychic and has written several best-selling books, including the latest instalment of her amazing life story Call Me Psychic. Her straight-talking, down-to-earth style and bubbly personality demystifies the world of spirit and she is credited with bringing mediumship into the 21st Century.
Sally had her first psychic experience at the age of four when she saw her first ghost and has grown up with the ability to receive messages from spirit world.
It is well-known that she read for Princess Diana for over four years and she has given readings for countless celebrities and public figures.
She has been linked with stars such as George Michael, Katie Price and Helen Flanagan.
She has appeared on television shows such as Loose Woman, Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, Celebrity Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Juice.
“My Ability” Sally explained “Allows me to harness the energy around individuals in the audience and pass on messages from their loved ones who have passed with incredible accuracy.
“I call every message validated a wonder moment. So take your seats relax, be open minded and ready to come forward if you think the message is for you.
“Sometimes messages are shocking, sometimes they are heart-breaking and sometimes they are just plain bizarre, but they are always entertaining and ultimately hopefully the audience will be uplifted and leave full of hope.”
To buy tickets, priced at £25, visit www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk or call 01522 519999. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-11-11 13:04:41 | Psychic Sally Morgan is on the road for a record-breaking tenth consecutive year to bring amazing moments and spooky insights to audiences, including Lincoln on Tuesday, November 14. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/whats-on/psychic-sally-morgan-at-lincoln-1-8239411 | |
Ice and snow warning further extended across eastern counties by Met Office today | The Met Office is warning there may be more snow on the way in eastern and south Midland areas today and have extended the area and timeframe where it may fall.
A spokesman for the Met office said: "With cold conditions and some snow lying over parts of England, as well as further rain pushing in from the southeast during the second half of the night, icy stretches have formed on untreated surfaces.
"At the same time some snow will fall over parts of southeast England this morning and early afternoon as well as over parts of East Anglia in the afternoon. However, most accumulations here should be above about 100 m.
"This is only a low impact warning with impacts much less widespread and less significant than across parts of England and Wales on Sunday.
"This is an update to extend the warning into Monday afternoon, pull this a little southwards and to make this a combined snow and ice warning." | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-12-11 10:16:13 | The Met Office is warning there may be more snow on the way in eastern and south Midland areas today and have extended the area and timeframe where it may fall. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/ice-and-snow-warning-further-extended-across-eastern-counties-by-met-office-today-1-8285044 | |
Rural crime cost Lincolnshire a staggering £2.5m last year | Rural crime cost Lincolnshire a staggering £2.5m in 2016, up five per cent from £2.4m in 2015.
The figures form part of NFU Mutual’s annual Rural Crime Report, published today, revealing that despite the UK seeing a 4 per cent drop last year, the cost of rural theft has risen sharply in the first half of 2017.
According to NFU Mutual’s 2017 Rural Crime Report, early theft claims statistics for the first half of this year show a sharp rise of over 20 per cent nationally, raising concerns that a new wave of rural crime is hitting the countryside.
The items most commonly targeted by thieves across Lincolnshire over the last 12 months were ATV (all terrain vehicles) and quad bikes, tools and 4x4s.
Sue Green, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in Lincolnshire, said: “Although the figures for rural crime in Lincolnshire are down, countryside criminals continue to become more brazen and farmers are now having to continually increase security and adopt new ways of protecting their equipment.
“In some parts of the county, farmers are having to turn their farmyards into fortresses to protect themselves from repeated thieves who are targeting quads, tractors and power tools. They are using tracking devices on tractors, video and infra-red surveillance in their farm yards and even DNA markers to protect sheep from rustlers.”
The report reveals that being ‘staked out’ is the biggest worry for country people, followed closely by longer police response times in rural areas, according to the leading rural insurer. Criminals continue to target Land Rover Defenders, quad bikes, tractors, tools and livestock despite increased security on farms.
Sue added: “The threat of becoming a victim of rural crime, and regular reports of suspicious characters watching farms is causing high levels of anxiety amongst farmers who know their rural location makes them vulnerable to attacks.
“Our advice to people living and working in the countryside is to regularly evaluate your current security measures making improvements where necessary, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police.”
• For more information and advice on how to beat rural crime in your area, view and download the report at www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-14 06:30:34 | Rural crime cost Lincolnshire a staggering £2.5m in 2016, up five per cent from £2.4m in 2015. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/rural-crime-cost-lincolnshire-a-staggering-2-5m-last-year-1-8098901 | |
Legal expert warns of ‘tidal storm’ | One of the region’s leading property lawyers, Wilkin Chapman Solicitors, has warned of a ‘tidal storm’, which is set to hit the buy-to-let market.
Reports suggest that the number of landlords planning to reduce their property portfolios has hit a 10-year high – a trend which the National Landlords Association attributes to tax changes.
The changes include the withdrawal of mortgage interest relief for high and additional tax payers, a three per cent surcharge on purchases of additional property, and the introduction of a ban on up-front letting fees for tenants.
Before April 2017, landlords could deduct their mortgage interest costs from their income when calculating their tax bill. And up until now, tenants have tended to foot the bill for tenancy agreements, referencing and credit checks.
But under the announced changes, these costs will be passed on to landlords, explains Jonathan West, a Partner and specialist in property related litigation at Wilkin Chapman solicitors.
“Many landlords have taken advantage of low interest rates over the last 12 years and have bought buy to let properties with the benefit of a mortgage.
“The return on investment was worthwhile when interest payments could be offset for tax purposes.
“The changes mean some landlords could actually be losing money now.
“There are options to restructure a property portfolio for example setting up a company if you a landlord with a number of properties rented out.”
These changes come on top of landlords’ fears over the implications of the Universal Credit roll-out.
Mr West said: “The well-documented concern for all landlords is that these changes could result in an increase in the number of possession claims for ‘rent arrears’.”
He explained how landlords may well look at other legal measures open to them to manage tenants who build up arrears.
These options include the serving of a ‘Section 8 Notice’, which allows for swifter eviction of tenants if they have accrued arrears over a two month/eight-week period.
Mr West said: “Many landlords are aware of their right to claim possession of a property using the Section 21 Notice - giving a tenant two months’ notice to leave.
“However, when a tenant is in arrears it would be understandable for any landlord to consider how, giving them at least a further two months in the property, will only serve to increase the losses, and this is where the Section 8 Notice comes in.
“Overall, there are certainly some challenges faced by this sector, which – combined with a relatively fragile housing market and continuing uncertainty over Brexit – could prove too many waves for a number of landlords to be able to ride it out.
“Seek out good professional advice - to look at options to safeguard businesses in the future.
“As a nation, it must be ensured that good quality provision is offered in the rental property sector.” | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-02-03 06:00:00 | One of the region’s leading property lawyers, Wilkin Chapman Solicitors, has warned of a ‘tidal storm’, which is set to hit the buy-to-let market. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/business/legal-expert-warns-of-tidal-storm-1-8359948 | |
Lincolnshire Police rated as 'Good' by inspectorate but still 'requires improvement in the way it treats its own staff | Lincolnshire Police has been assessed overall as ‘Good’ in the latest HMICFRS report on police legitimacy published today, Tuesday.
The inspection of the force by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services took place earlier in 2017 and examined three core elements within the overall context of legitimacy.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate said Lincolnshire Police was ‘Good’ at keeping people safe and reducing crime; ‘Good’ at understanding the need to treat people with fairness and respect but needed ‘improvement’ in treating its workforce with fairness and respect – although it noted that the force had made good progress in some areas.
Welcoming the latest report, Deputy Chief Constable Craig Naylor said he was pleased that Her Majesty’s Inspectorate recognised the work the force had done since the last similar inspection in 2015.
It notes that the force is now fully compliant with all aspects of the Best Use of Stop and Search (BUSS) something that had been lacking two years ago.
“The report acknowledges that we record the views of all people who have been stopped and searched and then publish the details on our website and it recognises the establishment of the stop and search panel which meets quarterly to review body worn video footage," said Mr Naylor.
"In its overall assessment of ‘Good’ the report comments that leaders clearly understood the need to treat people with fairness and respect. It noted that ethics and values are well established in the force which was also good at providing complainants with clear and relevant information throughout the reporting and investigative process. "
The report also covers the force’s approach to the wellbeing of its officers and staff and says that in this area that it still ‘requires improvement’.
“Wellbeing has been a major priority of Chief Constable Bill Skelly since his appointment in January 2017 and since the inspection numerous wellbeing initiatives have been undertaken and continue to be introduced,” said Mr Naylor.
The report acknowledges that the force has ‘… made good progress in some areas … and has some very good schemes to promote a preventative approach to the wellbeing of the workforce …’
The report says that the concept of legitimacy is well established in UK policing and is crucial in a democratic society. ‘The police have powers to act in ways that would be considered illegal by any other member of the public … and it is vital that they use the powers fairly and treat people with respect …’ it says. ‘Police actions perceived as unfair or disrespectful can seriously undermine the legitimacy of the police in the eyes of the public.’ The 2017 inspection also assessed the role that the force’s leaders play as ethical role models and the way the force identifies and selects it leaders. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-12-12 07:57:37 | Lincolnshire Police has been assessed overall as ‘Good’ in the latest HMICFRS report on police legitimacy published today, Tuesday. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/crime/lincolnshire-police-rated-as-good-by-inspectorate-but-still-requires-improvement-in-the-way-it-treats-its-own-staff-1-8286631 | |
Research reveals what Brits would do if they won the lottery | According to latest research, in the event of a lottery win, 61% of Brits say they would hide the news from friends and family in a bid to keep the winnings for themselves.
Generation Z prove to be the most secretive, with two-thirds (64%) of 18-24-year olds choosing to keep parents, partners and friends in the dark, not wanting the ‘millionaire’ status that comes with a lottery win.
This is according to research conducted by online lottery platform that asked how much money Brits would have to win in order to hide the life-changing news from those closest to us.
On average, Brits would keep the money under wraps upon winning a jackpot of £22.5M or more.
Generation Z however, are much more reserved and would conceal the win for a tenth of that - £266,050.
Figures also reveal that almost a third of married Brits (29%) said that no amount could make them hide the win from their partner, and it seems women are more inclined to share news of their good fortune with their other halves than men – 48% and 41% respectively.
Regionally, the Welsh are the keenest to share news of their winnings (32% would not hide for any amount) – in direct contrast to the 84% of Londoners who have a specific figure in mind.
One quarter (26%) of Brits admit they would always be honest about a jackpot.
With the majority of the nation putting a number on keeping the win to themselves, the expectation is that they are also keeping the money to themselves – and they have grand plans for what they would do with their winnings.
Brits revealed they would need to win a minimum of £23M in order to retire early – with women proving to be a lot more cautious on this front than men (£31M versus £14M).
The research, conducted to celebrate the launch of Jackpot.com’s lottery subscription programme, showed that people would unleash their inner entrepreneur and start their own business if they won £15M; 20% would take a gap year and go travelling if they were to win £38M, and for just a slightly bigger prize pot (£41M) they would relocate and move abroad for good.
When it comes to extravagant purchases, it appears Brits have been inspired by multi-millionaires such as Roman Abramovich and Sir Richard Branson, listing buying a football club or a private island as their ultimate dream and would do this if their lottery winnings were £74M and £80M respectively.
Pablo Grunbaum, COO of Jackpot.com said: “Lotteries all over the world have the power to change lives for lucky winners.
“We know from first-hand experience that many people’s first thought after a win is how they can improve the lives of loved ones.
“However, our latest research clearly shows that this isn’t the case for all.
“It’s interesting to see that many have loftier ambitions and would rather set up a dream business or relocate than share with family members.
“Our new subscription model allows lottery players to never miss a draw, meaning that their dreams of travelling the world or owning their own football club won’t be dashed by forgetting to enter.”
Jackpot.com currently provides users the chance to bet on the outcome of 19 of the biggest and most popular lottos from around the world, including US Powerball, EuroMillions, US Megamillions, German Lotto, Irish Lotto and more.
For more, visit uk.jackpot.com | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-02-03 10:00:00 | According to latest research, in the event of a lottery win, 61% of Brits say they would hide the news from friends and family in a bid to keep the winnings for themselves. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/research-reveals-what-brits-would-do-if-they-won-the-lottery-1-8359951 | |
B&M launch new budget friendly wedding range | Weddings can be expensive affairs but high street retailer B&M has released a new selection of wedding accessories to make your big day that bit more affordable with prices starting at just one pound.
The new wedding range includes items to take shoppers from the hen do to the ceremony with novelty selfie wedding props (£1.49) and wooden ‘love’ confetti (£1.49) all included.
The range also includes white rose button (two pack) for £2.49 and even a wedding bouquet for just £1.00.
The discount retailer is also selling ‘Happily Ever After’ wedding flutes for £5.99 so couples can raise a toast to celebrate their nuptials.
The latest bridal accessories comes after its competitor Poundland launched a wedding range last year. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-02-04 06:00:00 | Weddings can be expensive affairs but high street retailer B&M has released a new selection of wedding accessories to make your big day that bit more affordable with prices starting at just one pound. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/b-m-launch-new-budget-friendly-wedding-range-1-8358502 | |
Console Corner: South Park The Fractured But Whole review | You’re going to have yourself a time.
There have been plenty of games in the past which have merely piggybacked on the name of a TV show or movie.
The role play element allows lots of depth with you levelling up powers and gaining team mates along the way to help you take on enemies like the Sixth Graders. Damien Lucas, gaming columnist
Some of them have been epic - think Die Hard - others epic fails - think E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (one for the 80s gamers out there).
I can happily report that South Park: The Fractured But Whole sits comfortably in the former.
Having not read much on the new South Park game in the build up to its release and not being a die hard fan of South Park - although I loved it as a teenager - I wasn’t sure what to expect from the game.
But from the off the toilet humour jokes and sketches hit the spot and the graphics were as good as the cartoon series.
You take the role of the new kid thrust into a neighbourhood battle of monumental proportions.
With an entire town of people to meet for selfies to increase your status and a costume wardrobe bigger than a Lady Gaga concert, South Park has lots to offer.
The role play element allows lots of depth with you levelling up powers and gaining team mates along the way to help you take on enemies like the Sixth Graders.
There are plenty of places to search for collectibles to help you craft items which aid in your battles and boost your power.
There are also secret locations to find for items and of course the obligatory quest items to collect.
If all of this isn’t enough then you can always visit various locations to use their toilets to do a number two using a combination of stick movements and button taps (yes seriously).
Overall South Park The Fractured But Whole is a South Park fans’ dream. There are plenty of jokes along the way and the actual gameplay mechanics and combat system holds up against some of the top games in the class with some amazing super powers to behold. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-11-12 06:00:00 | You’re going to have yourself a time. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/lifestyle/console-corner-south-park-the-fractured-but-whole-review-1-8235036 | |
Tribute to Pink Floyd at Lincoln theatre | A tribute band to Pink Floyd are coming to Lincoln, the former home of keyboardist in the band.
What The Floyd will be at New Theatre Royal Lincoln this Sunday, November 19, at 7.30pm.
The band are the brainchild of Australian guitarist and Pink Floyd authority Daniel Bowles.
What the Floyd will have audiences rocking out to classic hits from the iconic progressive rock group, Pink Floyd.
They have been playing to packed houses across the UK and this is their first trip to Lincoln, however Richard who plays the Keyboard in the band has lived in Lincoln so is very excited to be returning with his band.
The band has a reputation for a uniquely energetic and accurate recreation of the Floyd sound.
Using high technology and a fantastic light show, their set features all the hits, and a few rarities, including Another Brick in the Wall, Money, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Wish You Were Here and Comfortably Numb.
What the Floyd’s mission is to capture the true sonic experience of an original Pink Floyd concert and prides itself on meticulous attention to sonic detail and breath-taking, energetic performances.
Escape the machine and take a trip back in musical time and space with this fantastic show at New Theatre Royal Lincoln.
To buy tickets, priced at £18, visit www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk or 01522 519999.
Alternatively you can visit the box office at the theatre in Clasketgate to book. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-11-15 18:30:00 | A tribute band to Pink Floyd are coming to Lincoln, the former home of keyboardist in the band. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/whats-on/tribute-to-pink-floyd-at-lincoln-theatre-1-8246037 | |
The Prince of Wales visits Tattershall | HRH The Prince of Wales was greeted with smiles and flags on his visit to Tattershall Castle and the neighbouring Holy Trinity Church this afternoon (Monday).
Prince Charles first enjoyed a tour of the castle, where he admired historic graffiti scratched into the stonework and viewed tapestries.
HRH Prince Charles in Tattershall.
Prince Charles then climbed to the very top of the castle to take in the majestic views of Coningsby and Tattershall itself.
Maggie Everington, the visitor experience and volunteering manager at Tattershall Castle, said: “It is brilliant to have him here but also, as he is the president of the National Trust, it’s even more important that he has come to see what is a very important site and part of our portfolio.
“It’s been great to have him here as support for us and so we can tell him all the fantastic things we have been doing.”
On his arrival, Prince Charles was greeted by pupils from Highlees Academy, in Peterborough, who donned homemade crowns for the occasion.
HRH Prince Charles in Tattershall.
One pupil said: “We gave him our letters, we wrote questions about what it is like to be a King and what it is like in Buckingham Palace.”
Another said: “It was amazing (to meet Prince Charles).”
Following his tour of the castle, Prince Charles visited the nearby Holy Trinity Church.
He met school children from Tattershall and members of the Bain Valley Group.
HRH Prince Charles in Tattershall.
The Rev Sue Allison accompanied Prince Charles during his tour of the historic church.
Rev Allison said: “It was an absolute honour and pleasure to meet him and show him our wonderful church.
“It is a real honour to think he would want to come to our beautiful church.”
Pupils from Tattershall Primary presented Prince Charles with a homemade ‘bat box’ - paying homage to the hundreds of bats which call Holy Trinity Church their home.
HRH Prince Charles in Tattershall.
Catherine Richardson, deputy head teacher at the school, said: “The children are very excited about meeting Prince Charles.”
• See more in this week’s Horncastle News. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-03-19 16:29:56 | HRH The Prince of Wales was greeted with smiles and flags on his visit to Tattershall Castle and the neighbouring Holy Trinity Church this afternoon (Monday). | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/the-prince-of-wales-visits-tattershall-1-8422054 | |
’Reveal health plans’ - county council leader demands openness from NHS bosses | Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill has again called on health bosses to reveal their plans for the future of services in the county in more detail following Tuesday’s CQC report.
ULHT was rated as ‘requiring improvement’ overall following inspections which took place earlier this year.
It actually received ‘good’ ratings in 72% of the inspection areas, but this was not enough to move the trust up more than a notch.
The report has seen the trust say it is ‘moving in the right direction’, however it remains in special measures.
Speaking on Tuesday, County Council leader Martin Hill praised the good news, however, he said the report demonstrated “what we already know about our hospitals in Lincolnshire.”
He said it was ‘encouraging’ to see the trust progressing.
However, he said: “I think there still remains a concern particularly at Boston around children’s services and indeed some issues at Lincoln.
“It is good that there’s good progress, and they are beginning to get themselves into a better place.”
He added recruitment was still the major problem the trust has, but repeated that it was ‘imperative, now more than ever’ that future plans for services were revealed.
The Sustainability and Trasformation Plan (STP) process started in 2016, but health bosses said it won’t be ready until 2019, despite £1.2 million being spent on it already.
Martin Hill said: “If you want to sort out recruitment and give confidence to the public and to employees, please come out with your plans for the future so there is confidence that there is a good NHS services in the future.
“I do get get frustrated that nationally the NHS takes some time to bring forward plans. Things will be different, but if you’re going to have to change, be open about it and come forward as soon as possible with what you’re planning to do.”
In the CQC report Lincoln County Hospital was rated overall as ‘requires improvement, and Boston as ‘inadequate’, while Grantham and Louth were both rated as ‘good’.
The comments follow a letter sent by Councillor Hill and leader of South Kesteven District Council Councillor Matthew Lee on Monday asking them to reveal their plans for the future of Grantham A&E, which remains closed at night due to staffing shortages. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-04 12:31:40 | Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill has again called on health bosses to reveal their plans for the future of services in the county in more detail following Tuesday’s CQC report. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/health/reveal-health-plans-county-council-leader-demands-openness-from-nhs-bosses-1-8555622 | |
Investigation launched after taxi driver assaulted in Mablethorpe | Lincolnshire Police have launched an investigation after three people wearing masks assaulted a taxi driver in Mablethorpe.
Police say the incident happened at around 11.45pm on Monday, July 2, at the entrance to Mablethorpe Caravan and Chalet Park, in Links Avenue.
According to Lincolnshire Police, the driver was in his vehicle when three people, all wearing black hoodies and masks, ran towards it.
They then smashed the driver side window and windscreen of the taxi, with the weapon believed to be a baseball bat.
The men then used the same weapon to hit the driver on the head several times before running off.
Police say the driver sustained bruising, swelling and cuts to the side of his face.
Lincolnshire Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or saw three people in the area before or after the attack to email force.control@lincspolice.pnn.police.uk with incident number 553 of July 2 in the subject line.
You can also call 101 quoting the above incident number, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-04 14:08:01 | Lincolnshire Police have launched an investigation after three people wearing masks assaulted a taxi driver in Mablethorpe. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/investigation-launched-after-taxi-driver-assaulted-in-mablethorpe-1-8555835 | |
Road deaths in Lincolnshire for 2016 at highest for a decade | Almost a dozen deaths on roads in south-east Lincolnshire have contributed to the highest number of fatalities in the county for a decade, new figures have shown.
The number of people killed on the county’s roads during 2016 were 59, according to figures from Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership.
It represents the worst death toll since 2007 when 79 people died, but falls well short of the 2003 total when 104 people were killed.
Chief Inspector Phil Vickers, Operational Lead for Roads Policing at the East Midlands Operational Support Service which serves Lincolnshire, said: “It’s been a particularly bad year on the roads in Lincolnshire during 2016.
“Although the number of people seriously injured has fallen, the number of fatalities has gone up and, individually, each one of these is a tragedy for the families concerned.
“There is no single cause that we can put our fingers on but when we do investigate collisions, there are usually two or more factors that have come together, including an element of inattention or a fault on the part of the driver.
There is no single cause that we can put our fingers on but when we do investigate collisions, there are usually two or more factors that have come together Chief Inspector Phil Vickers, Operational Lead for Roads Policing at the East Midlands Operational Support Service
“In the majority of cases, it’s the driver who makes an error and we do see that older road users, pedal cyclists and motor cyclists are over-represented in road traffic collisions.
“But equally, the younger, more inexperienced road user is someone we need to be renewing our efforts to educate.”
Coun Richard Davies, executive member for highways at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “All deaths on the roads are tragic and our thoughts are with those who have lost someone.
“We take road safety extremely seriously and spend millions of pounds each year on keeping our highways in good condition.
“After any serious accident, we carry out an investigation with the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP) to see whether anything can be done to prevent future ones.
“However, this year we haven’t really found any common factors between the accidents we have seen and although there has been a rise in fatalities this year, we are still well below the 80 to 100 deaths we were seeing annually at the start of the millennium.
“However, we will be working with our colleagues at the LRSP to ensure that the downward trend continues.” | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-01-02 14:55:14 | Visit now for the latest crime news - direct from the Louth Leader | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/crime/road-deaths-in-lincolnshire-for-2016-at-highest-for-a-decade-1-7754844 | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.louthleader.co.uk/webimage/1.7754843.1483377282!/image/image.jpg |
In-form Hicky sweeps the board | Louth motorcycle racer Peter Hickman maintained his stunning form by cleaning up at Ulster GP with four wins and a second place.
Following from his British Superbikes victory at Thruxton by claiming with the Man of the Meeting award for the second weekend running aboard the Smiths Racing BMW at the high-profile international road race meeting.
Hickman said: “A massive thanks to the team as everything’s been spot on throughout.
“I’m obviously over the moon with a hat-trick of wins in what were extremely tough, close races and that’s always the case at the Ulster GP.
“To win a race here, you know you’ll have to fight all the way to the end and getting a break is near impossible.”
He took a lights to flag victory in the Dundrod 150 Superbike race on Thursday and became the world’s fastest road racer when he set a new outright lap record of 134.210mph.
Next up was the six-lap Superstock race where he got away quickly with Dean Harrison.
The Lincolnshire rider pulled clear from Harrison and brought the Smiths Racing BMW home for his second win of the weekend.
In the first of two Supersport races, Bruce Anstey was quicker out of the blocks but Hicky, on the Smith’s Racing Iron Maiden Trooper Beer Triumph, took the lead halfway around the first lap.
The pair pulled away from the pack and places were frequently exchanged until the final lap when Hicky went ahead at Deer’s Leap and held his line at Lindsay hairpin to win by just a 10th of a second.
The day’s big race was the Superbike race and Hicky got the hole shot from Conor Cummins, Bruce Anstey, Dean Harrison and Dan Kneen in a five-man break.
Cummins took the lead and then Anstey before Hicky took over in a close and exciting race. But Anstey just staved off a last corner attack from Hickman to take the win by two 10ths of a second.
The second Supersport race was just as close as the first with Hickman leading from Michael Dunlop and Anstey.
A red flag halted the race and at the restart Dunlop hit the front, but Hicky snatched the lead away mid-lap.
He led throughout, but was chased all the way by Harrison, Anstey and Lee Johnston with just half-a-second separating the four riders.
But Hickman held off the challenge to cross the finish line just 0.3secs ahead of Anstey, with Harrison following in third.
The final race of the day didn’t go to plan when Hickman got the hole shot and built a small lead, but the BMW engine let go and he was forced to pull in.
Hickman returns to domestic duty this weekend in the MCE British Superbikes at his home track of Cadwell Park.
Timetable: Friday - free practice one 10.15am, free practice two 3.15pm; Saturday – free practice three 10.05am, qualifying 4.02pm; Sunday – warm-up 9.40am, race one over 18 laps 1.30pm, race two 4.30pm. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-14 13:00:53 | Louth motorcycle racer Peter Hickman maintained his stunning form by cleaning up at Ulster GP with four wins and a second place. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/more-sport/in-form-hicky-sweeps-the-board-1-8101824 | |
Mablethorpe man banned after drug-driving | Have your say
Seumus Sheldon, 20, of Emma Jayne Way in Mablethorpe, has been disqualified from driving after he pleaded guilty to driving with drugs in his system.
Sheldon appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court on August 2, where he pleaded guilty to driving a car in Kent Avenue, Mablethorpe, while he had 2.4 micrograms of a controlled drug, namely delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, in his blood.
He was fined £100 and given a 12 month driving ban.
He was also ordered to pay a further £85 in court costs, and a £30 victim surcharge. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-15 08:45:34 | Seumus Sheldon, 20, of Emma Jayne Way in Mablethorpe, has been disqualified from driving after he pleaded guilty to driving with drugs in his system. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/mablethorpe-man-banned-after-drug-driving-1-8099276 | |
Nuisance Neighbours: Messy front lawns, stolen bin space and late night music revealed as biggest annoyances | New research has investigated the most common reasons that Britons are annoyed by their neighbours, with more than one fifth of respondents admitting they’d contemplated moving out of their homes due to the distress caused by them.
More than two-thirds of Britons who have gotten into neighbourhood quarrels have done so over messy front lawns or driveways, having precious bin space stolen, or loud music or TV being played late into the night.
Furthermore, just over 1 in 10 have previously lived near a neighbour who engaged in noisy love-making sessions, according to research.
The survey was carried out by www.web-blinds.com as part of an ongoing study into the home lives and habits of Britons.
Over 2,800 UK adults aged 18 and over, all of whom rented or owned their own homes, were quizzed about their relationships and opinions of their current and previous neighbours.
All participants were initially asked if they’d ever been disgruntled with their current or previous neighbours over their behaviour, either in or around their homes, with the vast majority (88%) admitting they had been.
These relevant individuals were then given a list of potential answers, and asked to specify the reason(s) they’d been annoyed by their neighbours. The top 10 answers emerged as follows:
• Messy front lawn/driveways – 68%
• Stolen bin space – 52%
• Loud music/TV late at night – 50%
• Inconsiderate parking -47%
• Screaming/noisy babies or children – 45%
• Loud DIY home improvements – 37%
• Throwing parties with lots of friends – 31%
• Asking overly friendly/nosy questions – 26%
• Not returning borrowed items – 17%
• Loud love-making sessions – 11%
When asked if they’d been annoyed enough to confront their neighbours regarding their issue with them, just over half (52%) of relevant participants admitted they’d done so. Of these, just under a third (32%) stated that it made a difference to the situation going forward, with two fifths of these (41%) admitting it worsened the situation and made neighbourhood relations more strained.
Finally, all Britons were then asked if they’d ever contemplated moving out of their property as a result of nuisance neighbours, with just over one fifth (21%) disclosing that they had, and 4% confessing that they’d actually made the move.
Melissa Benedict, spokesperson for www.web-blinds.com, said: “There is no such thing as the ‘perfect neighbour’ but it seems as a nation we are becoming increasingly more agitated with those who share the same postcodes as us.
“Having to deal with the occasional loud party next-door during the summer months is one thing, but being kept awake night after night or not being able to move your car out of the drive can have a serious effect on how much you enjoy your home.” | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-15 07:00:14 | New research has investigated the most common reasons that Britons are annoyed by their neighbours, with more than one fifth of respondents admitting they’d contemplated moving out of their homes due to the distress caused by them. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/nuisance-neighbours-messy-front-lawns-stolen-bin-space-and-late-night-music-revealed-as-biggest-annoyances-1-8099261 | |
Man missing for two days last seen in Billinghay | Police are appealing for help in tracing a missing man last seen two days ago in the Billingay area.
Glenn Brookes, 27, is said by police to have been last seen on Billinghay High Street on April 22.
Mr Brookes, who lives in Lincoln, has links to Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Norfolk.
If you do know where he is, contact Lincolnshire Police by email: force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk adding crime reference 57 of April 22 in the subject box.
Or you can call 101, quoting the incident number. Or through Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-04-24 14:26:04 | Police are appealing for help in tracing a missing man last seen two days ago in the Billingay area. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/crime/man-missing-for-two-days-last-seen-in-billinghay-1-8473289 | |
Yarburgh pair dominate at Revesby Country Fair poultry show | Have your say
The results of the recent poultry show at Revesby, staged by the East of England Poultry Club, have been published.
There were 118 entries with 30 plates of eggs, plus four different breeds of geese.
It was a repeat of the results at Heckington show the previous weekend.
The Betts from Yarborough won all the sections, except the rare breeds.
• Champion: black Pekin bantam shown by Richard Bett, from Yarborough near Louth.
• Reserve Champion: A birchenModern Game bantam, from Richard Bett.
• Best Waterfowl: white call duck from Richard Bett.
• Best Large Fowl: Gold Brahma from Richard Bett.
• Best Bantam: Gold Brahma bantam from Richard Bett.
• Best Juvenile: James Bett with a white call duck.
• Juvenile Reserve: James Bett with a Gold Brahma bantam.
• Best Rare Breed: Sandie Hildreth with a white Sultan male.
• Best Eggs: Sandie Hildreth with a painted egg.
• Best Juvenile egg: Jennifer Dixon, from Stixwold, with a decorated egg. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-14 11:35:39 | The results of the recent poultry show at Revesby, staged by the East of England Poultry Club, have been published. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/yarburgh-pair-dominate-at-revesby-country-fair-poultry-show-1-8099052 | |
Family’s tribute to Gareth Bailey as murder investigation continues | The family of 29-year-old Gareth Bailey, whose death last week sparked a murder investigation in Ingoldmells, have paid tribute to their ‘wonderful’ son.
The statement, released today (Monday), said: “Gareth was a wonderful, go happy man.
“His heart was always in the right place, he was loved by everyone who knew him and lived every day to its fullest.
“He lived for his three children, cherished his brother James, his beautiful sister Rachael, and did anything for his mum and dad.
“We are going to miss you and love you very dearly. Rest in peace son, forever in our hearts.”
Steven Feeley, 39, of Eudo Road, Skegness is accused of the murder of Gareth Bailey in Chapman Court, Ingoldmells, on December 6.
A 25-year-old woman who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released from police custody, but remains under investigation. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-12-11 10:18:46 | The family of 29-year-old Gareth Bailey, whose death last week sparked a murder investigation in Ingoldmells, have paid tribute to their ‘wonderful’ son. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/family-s-tribute-to-gareth-bailey-as-murder-investigation-continues-1-8285048 | |
What happened this day in history - July 4 | 1829 - The first regular scheduled bus service in Britain began. It ran between Marylebone Road and the Bank of England in London.
1848 - The Communist Manifesto was published by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
1892 - James Kier Hardie became Britain’s first Socialist MP.
1918 - Bolsheviks killed Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family.
1941 - Coal rationing began.
1952 - Britain scored its first No 1 hit in the United States, with Vera Lynn’s ‘Auf Wiedersehn Sweetheart’.
1954 - Fourteen years of food rationing in Britain ended when restrictions on the sale and purchase of meat and bacon were lifted.
1981 - Britain’s worst week of rioting began in Toxteth, Liverpool. A number of copycat riots followed.
1981 - After a string of 41 victories, Bjorn Borg’s record-breaking Wimbledon run ended when he was beaten by John McEnroe.
1984 - Dog licences were abolished.
1999 - David Beckham married Victoria Adams.
2001 - An American patient became the first person to receive a totally mechanical heart replacement. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-04 06:05:05 | 1829 - The first regular scheduled bus service in Britain began. It ran between Marylebone Road and the Bank of England in London. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/lifestyle/what-happened-this-day-in-history-july-4-1-8554929 | |
Unique sculpture is found under a garden of weeds in Louth area | When clearing up common garden weeds, the last thing you expect to find is a rare sculpture - which could have been hidden for half a century.
Discovered recently in the Louth area, the ceramic piece of The Lily Maid is said to be the work of English sculptor Gilbert Bayes.
It is now set to go up for auction in Lincoln on July 18 and could make between £2,000-£5,000.
Alastair McPhie-Meiklejon, Art and antiques specialist from Golding Young & Mawer said the condition of the piece was ‘remarkable’, but added it was designed as an outside piece, so it was expected to have weathered well.
He said that it probably had a lot of protection from the overgrowth of the weeds.
The vendors’ grandparents enjoyed collecting art, but had no idea this piece even existed until it was found.
Mr McPhie-Meiklejon added: “Gilbert Bayes only produced limited numbers of items at best and we still don’t know for sure how many pieces are out there.
“This piece is absolutely beautiful.
“Whilst this isn’t the most valuable thing we have ever found, it really is very exciting.
“Afterall it is a stunning piece of work by one of Britain’s most celebrated ceramicists.”
1For more information about the auction, visit: https://goldingyoung.com. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-04 18:15:03 | When clearing up common garden weeds, the last thing you expect to find is a rare sculpture - which could have been hidden for half a century. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/unique-sculpture-is-found-under-a-garden-of-weeds-in-louth-area-1-8554968 | |
Banned driver jailed after repeat offences in Louth | A repeat offender from Louth with a ‘total disregard for the law’ has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after being caught drink-driving, and driving while disqualified.
Carl Adam Chappell, 31, of Bowers Avenue, appeared at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court last Monday (May 21) where he pleaded guilty to the two offences.
Chappell pleaded guilty to driving a Vauxhall Corsa on Bolingbroke Road, Louth, on May 15 - despite being within the operational period of a driving ban due to previous similar offences.
For this offence, Chappell was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison due to the serious and repeated nature of the offence.
The court stated that his ‘total disregard for the law’ was taken into account for sentencing, adding that this was the sixth time Chappell had been convicted of this type of offence.
Chappell was handed an 18 month driving ban and ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge for this offence.
He picked up a further six month driving ban after he also pleaded guilty to drink driving in New Lane, Louth, on May 20, with 83 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes.
Chappell’s imprisonment comes just weeks after he last completed a custodial sentence for similar offences, having been sentenced to 22 weeks in prison at the same court in December last year.
Following Chappell’s conviction last week, Lincolnshire Police Sergeant Mike Templeman tweeted: “A male from Louth has just been convicted at court and received 18 weeks in prison for driving whilst disqualified and driving over the prescribed limit for alcohol after only just being released from prison for the same offences, meaning safer roads. Some people never learn!”
Sgt Templeman signed off his tweet with the hashtag ‘Fatal 4’, in reference to the four main causes of fatalities on the roads: motorists travelling at excessive speed; motorists who fail to wear a seatbelt; motorists who drink and drive; and motorists who use their mobile phone while driving. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-05-30 16:15:18 | A repeat offender from Louth with a ‘total disregard for the law’ has been sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after being caught drink-driving, and driving while disqualified. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/banned-driver-jailed-after-repeat-offences-in-louth-1-8515708 | |
LINCS ECB PREMIER: Round-up | Ann Boulton rounds up the Lincs ECB Premier action...
As Bracebridge Heath marched on at the top of the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League, Grantham and Bourne hung on to second and third places by the skin of their teeth.
Grantham scored a one run victory over Sleaford while Bourne’s win against Lindum came off the penultimate ball of the match.
At Gorse Lane, a sixth wicket partnership of 62 between Dan Webb and James Keast helped Grantham to 224 for eight after tight bowling from Sleaford had restricted the run rate.
Webb hit 66 but Sleaford also found batting form on Grantham’s good track, Andy Hibberd putting together stands of 49 with Jack Wilson and 72 with Shaun Morris.
When Hibberd went for 93, Sleaford needed 17 to win off 21 balls but with two runs needed to win off the final delivery, Adi Sreeharan was run out, giving Grantham the narrowest of victories.
At Lindum, Richard Bishop hit 61 of the home side’s 165 for eight while Tom Lindsay was unbeaten on 41 at the close.
Bourne were 66 for three when Sam Evison and Carl Wilson got together to add 48, but the next three wickets went for just five runs, including Evison for 44.
Quewin O’Connor and Rob Bentley added 26 and Tom Dixon then joined O’Connor to inch his side towards a three-wicket victory which came of the fifth ball of the final over.
Spalding scored a welcome win over Alford, who bowled the home side out for 167 only to collapse to 94 all out.
Spalding stay bottom, having been deducted points for playing an ineligible player, but Grimsby Town are still in danger in 11th place following defeat at Market Deeping.
Ali Sharpe took five wickets as Grimsby were bowled out for 133 and Nick Green added another 72 to his growing total of runs as Deeping claimed a four wicket win.
Boston moved up a place in the table after Paul Deans took five Woodhall Spa wickets to help bowl the home side out for 171, a total Boston overtook for the loss of six wickets.
Bracebridge Heath once again topped the 300 mark at Louth, Matt Lineker hitting 118 and Matt Carter 69 in their side’s total of 337 for seven.
The home side were then bowled out for 110, Alex Willerton taking five wickets.
Results: Bracebridge Heath 337-7 (Lineker 118, M Carter 69), Louth 110 (Willerton 5-30); Grantham 224-8 (Webb 66), Sleaford 223-8 (Hibberd 93); Grimsby 133 (Sharp 5-50), Market Deeping 135-4 (N Green 72); Lindum 165-8 (Bishop 61), Bourne 169-7; Woodhall Spa 171 (Deans 5-49), Boston 172-6; Spalding 167, Alford 94. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-14 08:37:07 | Ann Boulton rounds up the Lincs ECB Premier action... | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/lincs-ecb-premier-round-up-1-8101463 | |
New Zealand artist to perform in Louth | Have your say
An artist from New Zealand is set to be performing in Louth - promoting her new album ‘Preservation’ as she embarks on her European summer tour.
Nadia Reid will be at the Pump House in Thames Street, Louth on Sunday, August 20.
Her beautifully warm vocals coolly wrap around feelings of turbulence, and exude a gently improved confidence.
Her performance at the Pump House will kick off from 7pm. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-14 12:26:35 | An artist from New Zealand is set to be performing in Louth - promoting her new album ‘Preservation’ as she embarks on her European summer tour. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/new-zealand-artist-to-perform-in-louth-1-8098701 | |
UPDATE: Missing man Tony Pelton has been found | UPDATE (Wednesday): Lincolnshire Police have confirmed that Tony Pelton has now been found, and their thanks go to those who shared the appeal.
Original article:
Lincolnshire Police are requesting any sightings of Tony Pelton (50) who has been missing since last Thursday, June 28.
Police believe the 50-year-old Grimsby man may be in Louth, as he is believed to have travelled to Louth by bus on that date.
If you believe you know where he is, please contact Lincolnshire Police in one of the following ways:
• Email force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk - (remember to put Incident 464 of July 2 in the subject box).
• Call 101, quoting Incident 464 of July 2.
• Contact the independent charity Missing People, by calling or texting 116 000 or emailing 116000@missingpeople.org.uk. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-03 17:16:46 | UPDATE (Wednesday): Lincolnshire Police have confirmed that Tony Pelton has now been found, and their thanks go to those who shared the appeal. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/update-missing-man-tony-pelton-has-been-found-1-8554828 | |
Skegness man remanded in custody over murder charge | A 39-year-old man accused of murder was today (Monday) remanded in custody following a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court.
Steven Feeley, of Eudo Road, Skegness, is charged with the murder of Gareth Bailey, 29, of Chapman Court, Ingoldmells on December 6.
Mr Bailey was found with serious injuries after police were called to a property in Chapman Court and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Feeley, who appeared in court via video link, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, and nationality at this morning’s hearing.
He made no application for bail and was remanded in custody to appear at the Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on January 18.
A 25-year-old woman who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released from custody but remains under investigation. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-12-11 12:21:23 | A 39-year-old man accused of murder was today (Monday) remanded in custody following a hearing at Lincoln Crown Court. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/skegness-man-remanded-in-custody-over-murder-charge-1-8285424 | |
New exhibition in Sleaford reveals the history of upholstery and latest techniques | Enjoy a journey through the history of upholstery in the UK by visiting the latest exhibition at the National Centre for Craft and Design (NCCD) in Sleaford.
Second Sitters present Upholstery: Evolution to Revolution, at the NCCD, in Navigation Wharf, until Sunday, April 15.
A spokesman from the NCCD said: The show maps the changes within upholstery since it was formalised as a ‘trade’ almost 700 years ago and includes techniques, materials and upholsterers stories.
Works in the exhibition include furniture, photography and film.
Featured upholsters include Jude Dennis, Hannah Stanton, Polly Granville, Miss Pokeno, Electra Read-Dagg, Mick Sheridan and Guerilla Upholsterer to name a few.
Workshops and sessions will be taking place at the NCCD alongside the latest exhibition.
These include a half-term family workshop, drawing classes, a footstool upholstery masterclass, chair caning and much more for visitors and art lovers to enjoy.
For more information, or to book your place at a workshop visit www.nccd.org.uk or call 01529 308710.
The exhibition is supported using public funding by the National Lottery, through Arts Council England. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-02-03 17:45:28 | Enjoy a journey through the history of upholstery in the UK by visiting the latest exhibition at the National Centre for Craft and Design (NCCD) in Sleaford. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/whats-on/arts/new-exhibition-in-sleaford-reveals-the-history-of-upholstery-and-latest-techniques-1-8363201 | |
Music set to be Red Hot at Lincoln Drill Hall | The most famous bagpipe band on the planet is taking to the stage at Lincoln’s Drill Hall this month.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers bring bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent in a show that carries its own health warning.
Since their formation in 2002, the band’s achievements have reached incredible heights with their ground breaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and rock/pop Anthems which they proudly call “Bagrock”.
The Chillis have collected together an impressive group of musicians from Scotland and further afield, many holding World Championship titles and all are seriously good players with impressive credentials and qualifications.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be at Lincoln’s Drill Hall on Thursday, November 16.
Tickets on 01522 873894 or via www.lincolndrillhall.com | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-11-09 19:06:23 | The most famous bagpipe band on the planet is taking to the stage at Lincoln’s Drill Hall this month. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/whats-on/music/music-set-to-be-red-hot-at-lincoln-drill-hall-1-8233357 | |
Record numbers at Gunby Hall | For the first time ever, more than 40,000 visitors were welcomed through their gates – a 10 per cent increase from last year.
Since National Trust took on full management of the site in 2012, visitor numbers have more than tripled; which is a tremendous achievement and is hugely beneficial for the local economy.
Gunby visitor experience manager Astrid Gatenby said: “We’re delighted to have broken a new record with our visitor numbers this year.
“Our excellent staff team and small army of volunteers have worked their socks off to make sure visitors have a brilliant time with us.
“We try to keep offering something new, like changing art exhibitions in Orchard Gallery and new and popular events, to give visitors something new to come back for.
“Next year promises to be extra special for Gunby as the team will be celebrating the life of Gunby’s Emily Massingberd as part of National Trust’s national theme for 2018 ‘Women and Power’, which commemorates that a hundred years ago women got the right to vote.
“Emily Massingberd was a remarkable political and social pioneer and we look forward to telling her story with special exhibitions and events from May 2018 onwards.’
Gunby Hall will now close its doors to visitors until Saturday, February 10.
The season starts with a much anticipated art installation in the basement of more than 2,000 clocks called ‘Harrison’s Garden’ by artist Luke Jerram and from Monday, February 12, to Sunday, February 18, members of Gunby’s garden team will lead ever popular snowdrop walks daily at 11:30am. Booking is essential on 01754 890102.
For more information about Gunby, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gunby-hall | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-12-11 14:09:06 | For the first time ever, more than 40,000 visitors were welcomed through their gates – a 10 per cent increase from last year. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/record-numbers-at-gunby-hall-1-8285676 | |
Louth Bowls: County League honours for Mixed A | Louth Indoor Bowls Club’s Mixed A team were crowned champions of their County League section after a 103-85 aggregate shots victory at home to Stamford.
The team, captained by Alan Watson, needed 10 points from the game to go above Horncastle, but it was not an easy match against Stamford who themselves needed six points to avoid bottom spot.
A pause for thought at the county finals EMN-180423-132946002
In the end, Louth won on three rinks, Allan Dent, Paul Hayman, Jean Holdsworth and Sue Page claiming the biggest margin of victory, 30-8, while the other two were won 27-22 and 18-15.
With two points for a rink win, and an extra eight points for the overall aggregate, Louth finished champions by five points.
* On Sunday, Louth IBC were proud hosts of the Lincolnshire Indoor Bowling Association men’s and ladies’ county finals.
The 14 matches were spread across three sessions, starting at 9am and running through to 8.30pm, with the spectators treated to some excellent bowling from some of the county’s players.
* The club knockout finals saw a mix of close games and comfortable wins.
Tony Musson eased to a simple victory over Alan Dent (junior) in the Open Sets Singles, winning both sets, and repeated the victory against his opponent in the men’s open singles, winning 21-7.
There was a simple victory for Anne Burchell and Rachael Stanley in the ladies’ pairs where they beat Carol Kelly and Jean Dracass 22-10.
Rachael had earlier played in the ladies’ fours alongside Carol Smith, Liz Draper and Irene Bailey and they led 12-9 before their opponents – Gill Leverton, Carol Kelly, Barbara Shufflebotham and Tina Reeson – hit a rich vein of form to triumph 20-13. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-04-24 14:33:14 | Louth Indoor Bowls Club’s Mixed A team were crowned champions of their County League section after a 103-85 aggregate shots victory at home to Stamford. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/more-sport/louth-bowls-county-league-honours-for-mixed-a-1-8471735 | |
Louth Bowls: Chalkers maintain narrow lead | The Evening Fours league at Louth Indoor Bowls Club has lost one of its title-chasing teams following the withdrawal of Rockset.
But it has not lessened the battle for top spot as the Chalkers’ team of Russ Dent, Simon Dent, Barrie Scott and Kev Stamford maintained their three-point advantage with a 17-14 win against Humberstone.
Blossom Way hung on to second spot with an important 21-18 victory over Fast Shippers who slipped one place to fourth, and APS moved up to third as they beat Wayouts 19-11.
* In the Ladies’ League, Canaries opened a four-point gap at the top after surviving a fightback by Birdies to win 12-11, while Flyers beat Jaytones 13-12 to pinch second spot from their opponents.
Waltham extended their lead at the top to four points as they won 19-5 against Crackerbarrels.
Second-placed Castaways didn’t have a game, and Webbos moved within three points with a good 16-12 victory over JCB.
In Division Two, just one point separates the top four teams as the top two both lost, with leaders Wise Guys outthought in a 16-7 defeat against third-placed Scorpions. Fledglings lost 12-8 to fourth-placed Pips.
* Last Friday’s games in the Afternoon Triples saw Taylor Made take a big step towards retaining their title as they beat Poachers 17-9.
They opened a nine-point gap over SOS who were beaten 20-6 by Dodgers for whom Deb and Neil Castle with Paul Smith all played well.
In the second division, the battle of the top two saw Squirrels move two points clear as they enjoyed a surprisingly comfortable 22-5 win over Webbos.
* The club’s Christmas party on Saturday night was well attended with excellent entertainment from vocalist Chris King.
The event was well organised by club manager Simon Reeson, helped by wife Tina and the catering team. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-12-11 11:20:48 | The Evening Fours league at Louth Indoor Bowls Club has lost one of its title-chasing teams following the withdrawal of Rockset. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/more-sport/louth-bowls-chalkers-maintain-narrow-lead-1-8285182 | |
Coward classic at Lincoln theatre | A major new touring production of Noël Coward’s comedy masterpiece, Private Lives comes to Lincoln New Theatre Royal this month - November 16 to 18.
Set in 1930 France, two newly-married couples occupy adjoining hotel honeymoon suites, but when a familiar voice singing a forgotten song is overheard, an old spark reignites, with spectacular consequences.
For tickets, call the box office on 01522 519999 or visit www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-11-07 11:09:04 | A major new touring production of Noël Coward’s comedy masterpiece, Private Lives comes to Lincoln New Theatre Royal this month - November 16 to 18. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-and-comedy/coward-classic-at-lincoln-theatre-1-8233063 | |
Lincolnshire County Council sets aside pot of emergency cash amid future NHS services funding concerns | Lincolnshire County Council has put aside more than £18.6 million to address concerns over future funding of health services in the county, despite the government’s recent promise for an extra £20 billion a year by 2023 for the NHS.
Councillors on the authority’s executive committee agreed on Tuesday for £18,665,000 be put into the council’s volatility reserve which currently totals £32,340,000.
Council leader Martin Hill said: “We know extra money has been allocated to the NHS and there is a concern nationally that other services are wondering whether there will be limited extra money for them.
“There was some noise from defence last week, but local government is in the exact same position, so looking forward we need to be sure that we can carry on for some years to come.”
He said there would be a ‘financial risk’ over the next few years, but explained local authorities were hoping the government might resolve the problem either by changing the way adult care is funded, or by continuing to respond positively to the ‘fairer funding’ campaign through which the county hopes to get a fair slice of the funding cake.
He added: “Nothing is safe until it’s in the bag. There are two areas where there is hope, but with all this money going to the NHS, which we all recognise, it does mean there is a concern from the rest of the public services about where their own funding is going to come from, and extra funding is going to come from.”
The council hopes to get an extra £160 million a year if its ‘fairer funding’ campaign is successful.
However, it faces continued cuts in central government funding, with the £210 million grant it received in 2010 decreasing to just £20 million by 2020.
Councillors also agreed to allow departments which underspent in the last financial year to keep 1% of that money.
This created new reserves for highways, employee leave and schools capital projects totalling £1,188,000 and will carry forward £3,880,000 for bids including meeting insurance liabilities, supporting the council’s heritage services and work on its corporate support contract, and to address the adverse weather overspend from the harsh conditions in the past year.
Daniel Jaines , Local Democracy Reporting Service | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-04 14:00:44 | Lincolnshire County Council has put aside more than £18.6 million to address concerns over future funding of health services in the county, despite the government’s recent promise for an extra £20 billion a year by 2023 for the NHS. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/health/lincolnshire-county-council-sets-aside-pot-of-emergency-cash-amid-future-nhs-services-funding-concerns-1-8555626 | |
Enjoy fairytale story of class Cinderella | Pantomime season is upon us and there is still time to go and see a classic at the Theatre Royal in Lincoln.
It tells the story of a young woman going to a royal ball, dances with a handsome prince, loses her glass slipper and then the search is on to return it to her - You’ve guessed it, it’s the story of Cinderella.
But there are a few obstacles along her way, including her stepmother and stepsisters.
Will she get her happily ever after? Why not find out.
Tickets for the classic tale of Cinerella are still on sale up until Sunday, January 8, 2017.
There are two shows on per day.
The performance even includes reality star and singer Kerry Katona, who plays the fairy godmother.
For ticket prices and bookings, please visit their official website: http://www.newtheatreroyallincoln.co.uk. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-01-02 15:00:30 | Get the latest breaking news from the Louth Leader - politics, transport, education, health, environment and more, updated daily. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/enjoy-fairytale-story-of-class-cinderella-1-7750808 | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.louthleader.co.uk/webimage/1.7674070.1483006982!/image/image.jpg |
Thousands attend historic horseracing event in Revesby | A combination of glorious sunshine and exciting racing proved to be a winning combination for the organisers of Revesby Races last Saturday.
Held in the stunning Revesby Park, the event was staged by the South Wold Point-to-Point Committee.
Horses jump over a fence during the second race of the day. Picture: Sarah Washbourn.
It attracted large crowds with the actual racing just one of the many attractions alongside about 40 food, craft and clothing stands.
Saturday’s success was certainly deserved as the event was postponed earlier this year because of a waterlogged car park.
There were no such problems ‘second time around’ with crowds enjoying the best weather of the year to date.
As far as the racing action was concerned, the meeting was a triumph for jockey Jack Andrews who recorded a double.
A rider in the South Wold Hunt was joined by his four-legged friends on Saturday. Picture: Sarah Washbourn.
The Lincolnshire trained horse Panama Canal loved the ‘good’ going to win the feature race of the day, the D & M Barthorpe Mixed Open.
The racing attracted entries from far and wide, with one winner travelling two-and-a-half hours from Stratford.
Organisers said: “Despite small fields, we had really good racing.
“The weather was perfect and everything in the most beautiful of settings.
“Thank you to all the volunteers who made it possible.
“See you next year.”
• See our newspapers across Lincolnshire next week for more photos. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-04-24 15:21:23 | A combination of glorious sunshine and exciting racing proved to be a winning combination for the organisers of Revesby Races last Saturday. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/thousands-attend-historic-horseracing-event-in-revesby-1-8473404 | |
Landmark vote for women’ golfers at Kenwick Park | Progressive golfers at a Louth club made history once more last week when the ladies’ section voted to change their name to Kenwick Park Women.
As one of the first golf clubs in the UK to take this step, the women of Kenwick Park voted overwhelmingly to shrug off the image that the word ladies portrays.
The vote is seen within the club as much more than a name change.
They believe it adopts a modern attitude to equality, and proved their willingness to promote a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach to current and prospective members.
The name change aligns Kenwick Park GC to the approach by ruling body England Golf, and brings them into line with men’s golf where the term ‘gentlemen’ was widely dropped long ago.
Elaine Houlton, president of Kenwick Park women’s section, said: “Today’s vote heralds exciting times ahead heralded, but in many ways, a gentle easing into change will be the reality.
“There was a real consensus among the members that Kenwick Park should continue an already established drive towards attracting and welcoming new women and girls, to the game of golf.”
It is not the first time Kenwick Park has been a trail blazer among golf clubs which can sometimes be seen as stuffy institutions keen to uphold traditions and the status quo.
At the club’s foundation in 1992, it became the first golf club in the area to give women golfers the same seven-day playing rights as the men. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-04 08:41:51 | Progressive golfers at a Louth club made history once more last week when the ladies’ section voted to change their name to Kenwick Park Women. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/more-sport/landmark-vote-for-women-golfers-at-kenwick-park-1-8550416 | |
A157 in Legbourne was closed following RTC | Lincolnshire Police say no-one was seriously injured after an RTC shut a main road near Louth last evening (Monday).
The incident - on the A157 at Legbourne - involved two cars and a motorbike.
Emergency services - including the Lincolnshire and Notts Air Ambulance - attended the scene.
According to police, the road re-opened at around 6.30pm.
It was the second time the Air Ambulance had landed in the area yesterday.
Earlier in the day, the crew attended what police described as a ‘medical incident’ in Mablethorpe.
No further details have been revealed. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-04-18 08:46:19 | Lincolnshire Police say no-one was seriously injured after an RTC shut a main road near Louth last evening (Monday). | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/a157-in-legbourne-was-closed-following-rtc-1-7919431 | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.louthleader.co.uk/webimage/1.7876106.1492501556!/image/image.jpg |
Ex-police officer rejoins Lincolnshire Police after drink-driving dismissal | A former police officer from Louth, who was dismissed for gross misconduct following a drink-driving conviction earlier this year, has been hired in a new role with Lincolnshire Police.
Rebecca Stevenson was dismissed without notice less than six weeks ago - on August 30 - after admitting gross misconduct, following a drink-driving conviction in court (July 18) following the incident in Saltfleetby on July 2.
Since then, Ms Stevenson has been re-hired in a new capacity as a ‘civilian investigator’ at Louth Police Station, although this location has not been confirmed by Lincolnshire Police.
Deputy Chief Constable, Craig Naylor, said: “Ms Stevenson pled guilty at magistrates court to a charge of drink-driving, and was convicted and sentenced. Ms Stevenson’s conviction for drink driving led to a disciplinary hearing chaired by the Chief Constable, at which the fact of ‘gross misconduct’ was accepted.
“The outcome was that the conviction was not compatible with her role as a police constable and the warranted powers that the role holds.
“She was dismissed without notice from that position. There was substantial evidence, heard in private due to its sensitive nature, that supported the view that the actions of Ms Stevenson displayed behaviour for her that was both exceptional and rare.
“Lincolnshire Police takes the wellbeing of its staff very seriously, and believes that the public should be treated with empathy and compassion.
“Ms Stevenson applied for a role as a member of staff and it was felt that, in this exceptional case, it was mutually beneficial for the Force and the public of Lincolnshire to put her 12 years of knowledge and experience to good effect.” | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-10-06 15:36:34 | A former police officer from Louth, who was dismissed for gross misconduct following a drink-driving conviction earlier this year, has been hired in a new role with Lincolnshire Police. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/ex-police-officer-rejoins-lincolnshire-police-after-drink-driving-dismissal-1-8185537 | |
British Superbikes: Hickman up to fifth after Brands Hatch | Peter Hickman battled through a difficult free practice and qualifying at Brands Hatch to record two top 10 finishes in round two of the MCE British Superbike Championship.
Starting the first 30-lap encounter from a sixth row grid position on Easter Monday, the Louth racer got away to a flyer on the Smiths Racing BMW and was up into 11th by the end of the first lap.
He tailed Glenn Irwin, eventually passing him on lap five and became embroiled in a battle for eighth place.
He completed the race in ninth place, but his fastest lap gave him a much better grid position for race two later in the day.
Once again he got away to a fantastic start, finding himself up in fourth on the first lap.
He was running in close company to defending champion Shane Byrne who finally overtook him on lap 11, and one lap later Byrne’s team-mate Glenn Irwin also went past, demoting Hicky to sixth place.
But Irwin crashed a few laps later, followed on the next lap by Byrne at the same spot, which gifted Hicky sixth place once again.
In the final stages Honda Racing rider Dan Linfoot made a move on the Lincolnshire rider, demoting him to seventh with three laps left and he held station until the finish line for nine championship points.
“I was nowhere all weekend, but on race day things started to come together and full credit to the team,” said the 30-year-old. “They worked so hard and the changes we made helped to move me forward.
“During qualifying, it was really tough and I had to go well out of my comfort zone to do the lap times whereas on race day I was a lot happier.
“It still wasn’t easy, but it was a lot better than it was and to say I’m pleased with the outcome would be an understatement.
“I’ve done my best-ever lap of the Indy circuit and have more points than after two rounds in 2016 so we can go away happy.”
Hickman moved up to fifth in the overall standings on 37 points with the next round at one of Hicky’s favourite circuits, Oulton Park, on May 1. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-04-18 09:06:27 | Peter Hickman battled through a difficult free practice and qualifying at Brands Hatch to record two top 10 finishes in round two of the MCE British Superbike Championship. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/more-sport/british-superbikes-hickman-up-to-fifth-after-brands-hatch-1-7919460 | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.louthleader.co.uk/webimage/1.7919459.1492502768!/image/image.jpg |
Mablethorpe runner Janine Stones wins Tealby Trail prize | The annual Colin Moody Memorial five-mile road race, hosted by Cleethorpes Athletic Club, took place last Wednesday evening.
This year’s event attracted 80 participants from a wide age range; the youngest competitor being 17 and the eldest 75, and is a favourite race for Mablethorpe Running Club members Sharon Margarson and Elaine Wilson.
They were both delighted to cross the finish line with personal bests after many attempts at the race.
Sharon finished 51st in 42min 16secs, while Elaine crossed the line 57th in 43.13.
The race was won by Gary Thomas (Wolds Vets) in 27.43, and first lady back was Natalie Burns (Lincoln Wellington AC) in 29.26 for fifth overall.
* Wolds Veteran Runners Club have hosted the Tealby Trail Run for many years.
The challenging event, situated on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, raises funds for the club’s designated charity, the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
The nine-mile route has beautiful scenery, but very demanding hills which, combined with the heat, tested runners to their limit.
These factors did little to deter Mablethorpe RC veteran runner Janine Stones who was first lady home, and 10th overall, in 1hr 17min 35secs.
Nick Martin (Caistor RC) made light work of the challenging terrain to win in a time of 1.03.52. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-04-18 11:53:37 | The annual Colin Moody Memorial five-mile road race, hosted by Cleethorpes Athletic Club, took place last Wednesday evening. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/more-sport/mablethorpe-runner-janine-stones-wins-tealby-trail-prize-1-7918779 | http://res.cloudinary.com/jpress/image/fetch/w_300,f_auto,ar_3:2,c_fill/http://www.louthleader.co.uk/webimage/1.7918778.1492426443!/image/image.jpg |
School bomb threat hoaxes reported to be a result of Minecraft game feud | National news sources are claiming a feud between rival Minecraft gamers is the reason why 24,000 threatening emails were sent to schools and colleges in the UK.
Hundreds of schools were on alert and some evacuated their buildings, telling parents to collect their children after receiving messages containing what police described as a “bomb hoax”.
Police forces around the country have said there are not believed to be any “viable threats”.
Minecraft is one of the most popular video games on the planet with more than 144 million copies sold across all platforms, making it the second best-selling video game of all time.
The creative and building aspects of Minecraft allow players to build with a variety of different cubes in a 3D procedurally generated world. Other activities in the game include exploration, resource gathering, crafting, and combat.
Following the widespread reports of bomb hoaxes across the country, Sky News is reporting that the emails were spoofed to look like they had been sent by a gaming network known as VeltPvP.
The malicious emails were designed to result in the domain being suspended for abuse.
VeltPvP is a Minecraft player-versus-player server - a type of server run by businesses that sell items in-game to players.
Those involved in the conflict, which centres around the Velt server operators, claimed their opponents have engaged in illegal activities to harass each other. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-03-19 18:14:52 | National news sources are claiming a feud between rival Minecraft gamers is the reason why 24,000 threatening emails were sent to schools and colleges in the UK. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/school-bomb-threat-hoaxes-reported-to-be-a-result-of-minecraft-game-feud-1-8422473 | |
Prince Charles hears of recyclable packaging innovations during visit to Boston food processing business | The Prince of Wales has learned about innovations in recyclable alternatives to plastic packaging during a visit a Boston food factory this morning (Monday).
As part of a tour of five locations around the eastern side of Lincolnshire, the Prince paid a visit to the Freshtime UK factory on Marsh Lane in Boston to celebrate the expansion of the business which employs 550 people locally.
The Prince of Wales on his tour of Freshtime UK in Boston.
The company produces convenient fresh produce and salads for high street retailers, with much of its ingredients sourced locally.
Having been greeted by chairman of the business, John Richmond and Mayor of Boston, Coun Bernard Rush, His Royal Highness was keen to be shown around the departments responsible for the firm's green credentials having invested £1.5m in renovating the site, operating a zero waste to landfill policy and staff talked him through their efforts towards creating fully recyclable packaging as well as using recycled materials.
It has saved 200 tons of plastic going to landfill over the past two years by changing the packaging it uses and making the plastic thinner, working with its main customers.
The Prince said: "The problem is how you get the balance between convenience and finding a way of reducing plastic. The difficulty is finding an adequate alternative. Have you tried making them from waste products like tomato stalks, I have heard."
Prince Charles meets Mayor of Boston Bernard Rush and Freshtime chairman John Richmond.
Head of Procurement John Stokes showed packaging soon to go into a major chain of coffee shops and said: "There are three things to deal with - shelf life, people need to be able to see it and it has to transit fairly well."
The Prince also met excited office staff before visiting the new product development kitchens where a range of pasta, grains, fruit and vegetable ingredients were on display. He was particularly fascinated by the rustic coloured carrots and romanesco broccoli and learning which vegetables were grown in the UK. Naturally he was keen to know what products were organic.
Moving on to the factory canteen, Prince Charles met apprentices training in all sections of the business as well as a selection of long-serving staff who have been with the firm for over 20 years. To conclude he unveiled a plaque which will mark his visit to the redeveloped site.
On his departure he was presented with a picture of the town by a local 75-year-old artist and a book documenting the history of the local agricultural industry before shaking hands and bidding farewell to factory workers and whizzing off by car to his next engagement at Age UK in Boston.
Prince Charles tours the offices at Freshtime UK.
Freshtime chairman John Richmond said it had been a 'wonderful honour' to meet the Prince: "For the people that work within the business and the community at large.
"The Prince himself is very interested in agriculture and how produce gets to the consumer and he was particularly interested today how packaging was being used and what is being done to reduce the amount of plastic in packaging.
"Everybody concerned is absolutely delighted that the Prince was able to spend time with us today, particularly having invested in the renovation of the factory."
Technical Manager Michaela Thorpe met the Prince as part of the team that makes sure all food that leaves site if safe and of good quality and even managed to grab a Royal 'selfie' with him before his departure. She said: "We talked about the constraints on recycling and what effects that has on the food industry.
The Prince learns more about recyclable packaging research Freshtime.
"It has been a real honour to meet the Prince of Wales. You see him on TV a lot and you don't think you are actually going to meet him. He was such a down to earth person and engaged with a lot of staff here as well, which is really nice. If he is speaking to you, you feel you are the most important person in the room."
Will Chalmers was one of the operations and manufacturing apprentices the Prince met. He said it is a university foundation degree which he hopes will see him rise through the ranks of management. He said: "I think he was quite surprised at the amount of people Freshtime has on apprenticeships as it is a business looking to invest and develop its people for the future.
"He was very pleasant and very interested in what we do locally and what we do in the business. When I knew I was meeting him I was very nervous. It is such a milestone for a company like Freshtime and I think everybody has come together and embraced it."
Meeting staff in the product development kitchens.
Inspecting a rustic carrot.
The Prince meets some of Freshtime's apprentices.
The Prince puts the Freshtime apprentices at ease.
Meeting more Freshtime staff in the canteen. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-03-19 15:15:16 | The Prince of Wales has learned about innovations in recyclable alternatives to plastic packaging during a visit a Boston food factory this morning (Monday). | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/prince-charles-hears-of-recyclable-packaging-innovations-during-visit-to-boston-food-processing-business-1-8421853 | |
Louth chef’s nod to afternoon tea with Wimbledon theme | A chef from Louth has devised a new ‘Wimbledon-themed’ afternoon tea - and it’s just in time for the start of the championships.
Renowned locally for creating seasonal and themed afternoon teas, Steven Bennett and his team of chefs have created a new menu, written by Healing Manor’s Junior Sous Chef, Daniel Parkes.
The afternoon tea, which gives a delicious hit to all things tennis and summer is available now.
This afternoon treat comprises seasonal and locally sourced produce and is presented in miniature, including both savoury and sweet.
Sandwiches include; Scaman’s free range eggs and watercress sandwich and another British classic, coronation chicken.
Other savouries include picnic staples such as pork pie, quiche and vegetable crudities with pea hummus.
Junior Sous Chef Dan has created his own special recipe for a delicious Pimm’s infused jam packed with strawberry’s,
orange, cucumber and a delicate hint of mint - the jam accompanies an orange blossom scone and clotted cream.
Foraged from the grounds and woodland at Healing Manor, elderflower which is rife in Lincolnshire at this time of year, delicately sweetens and flavours a pistachio sponge which is decorated as a tennis court.
Other sweets include a strawberry Bellini jelly as a nod to all the strawberries and champagne enjoyed at Wimbledon.
A white chocolate and coconut mousse is dressed as a tennis ball and a fruity summer tart with a sweet glaze finishes off this themed afternoon tea.
Whilst afternoon tea is traditional enjoyed with a pot of tea, the Manor has teamed up with Silent Pool gin to offer a gin and tonic twist, and are also featuring their newly launched tea which has been created using dehydrated botanicals used to distil their rather British gin.
The Wimbledon Afternoon Tea is available Thursday–Sunday until July 22.
Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian menus are also available.
E For more information on price or to book: please email: charlotte@healingmanorhotel.co.uk. Or you can call the hotel on: 01472 884544. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-04 12:15:52 | A chef from Louth has devised a new ‘Wimbledon-themed’ afternoon tea - and it’s just in time for the start of the championships. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/louth-chef-s-nod-to-afternoon-tea-with-wimbledon-theme-1-8554966 | |
Formula for building the perfect snowman | In the wake of the heavy snowfall that descended on the UK over the weekend, experts have today (Monday) revealed the formula for building the perfect snowman.
Indeed, while 92 per cent of Britons admit they love making snowmen, almost the same number, 87 per cent, don’t feel confident in their snowmanufacturing.
Commissioned by MORE TH>N, mathematician Dr James Hind’s - of Nottingham Trent University - formula takes in several variables when assessing snowman supremacy, including height, number and diameters of snowball tiers, freshness and purity of snow, accessories, outdoor temperature and the ‘golden ratio’ Phi, which is used as a marker for beauty and determines the visual appeal of objects.
According to his findings, the perfect snowman must:
• Be precisely 1.62m in height
• Be made up of three tiered balls of snow with diameters of 30cm (head ball), 50cm (body ball) and 80cm (leg ball) respectively, following the golden ratio
• Wear three accessories: hat, scarf and gloves
• Have three buttons on the snowman’s chest each at an equal distance from one another
• Have a nose made from a carrot that is exactly 4cm long
• Have eyes no more than 5cm apart
• Have four distinct limbs (such as arms made from sticks or snow and cleft legs)
• Be made using fresh, litter free snow that has just fallen
• Be built while the outdoor temperature is at or below 0°C
According to research by MORE TH>N, the majority of snowmen built in the UK don’t wear a hat (64 per cent) or scarf (59 per cent) and the average snowman height is 1.1m (3.65ft) - meaning they are 32 percent shorter than the perfect snowman calculated in Dr. Hind’s formula.
MORE TH>N subsequently put the formula to the test by evaluating some of the nation’s favourite fictional snowmen against it.
While Olaf from Frozen is one of the nation’s favourite snowmen, with 36 per cent of Britons favouring the popular Disney character over any other, his design is the furthest from perfection, according to the formula, with the science scoring him just 15 out of 100.
Conversely, while his snowman sadly melts away at the end of the story, the little boy in The Snowman can perhaps take solace in the knowledge that the flying figure from Raymond Briggs’s classic tale is one of the closest to meeting the criteria for the perfect snowman, scoring 73 out of 100.
Here are the top five fictional snowmen and how they rank against the formula:
• Jack Frost (Jack Frost, 1998) - 80
• The Snowman (The Snowman, 1978) - 73
• Frosty the Snowman (Frosty the Snowman, 1969) - 49
• Leon (Elf, 2003) - 20
• Olaf (Frozen, 2013) - 15
Graham Nicholls, head of home insurance at MORE TH>N, said: “Building snowmen is one of the classic winter pastimes and a great opportunity for friends and family to come together.
“What’s more, snowmen can actually help to prevent household flooding, with their shape and construction slowing the melting of snow, which subsequently reduces the amount of water produced when the temperatures rise. “The closer the snowman’s shape and size is to Dr Hind’s formula, the better its chances of curbing flood risk at home. “With this in mind, and with experts forecasting plenty of snow this year, we’d encourage households everywhere to get out in their gardens and start building the best snowmen ever.”
Away from fiction, real life snowman makers have some way to go to meet the high standards of the formula.
Dr James Hind, of Nottingham Trent University, said: “There are many contrasting opinions about what makes the perfect snowman, but this research should settle the debate, as it outlines the definitive blueprint for the ideal snowman according to science.
“All the signs point to snow falling this festive season and hopefully this formula will see households all over the UK inspired to create mathematically marvellous snowmen.” | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-12-11 12:00:30 | In the wake of the heavy snowfall that descended on the UK over the weekend, experts have today (Monday) revealed the formula for building the perfect snowman. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/formula-for-building-the-perfect-snowman-1-8285334 | |
Louth Taverners crush Cleethorpes to strengthen runners-up hopes | Have your say
Louth CC Taverners boosted their hopes of a second-placed finish in the East Lindsey League by beating Cleethorpes in their final game on Sunday.
Taverners won the toss and batted on a sunny afternoon at London Road with young Alex Bell and Khawar Naeem putting on a good opening stand of 40 before Naeem was bowled by Zielinskey for an aggressive 20, including four boundaries.
This brought in the hard-hitting Imran Cheema, who followed up his previous week’s century with another entertaining innings, opening his account with a massive six.
He continued to attack in his usual way and soon surpassed Bell who rotated the strike well as Cheema raced to 50 in 33 balls.
He was finally out for 81 off just 50 balls, hitting seven fours and six maximums in an 108-run partnership.
Henry Tye joined Bell with the score on 156-2 in 27 overs and he also scored quickly with some fine pull shorts to make 43 off 32 balls.
Bell completed a well-deserved 50 in a 65-run stand before Steve Sandy added a quickfire 13 off eight balls as Louth closed on 245-4 from their 40 overs with Bell (pictured) carrying his bat for an unbeaten 75.
Cleethorpes’ reply began slowly, scoring eight in five overs against good bowling from Harry King and Naeem.
The visitors were soon in trouble at 16-2 in eight overs thanks to Paul Rowe’s sharp run-out and King bowling S. Baker.
Two more wickets soon fell and at 49-4 in 16 overs it seemed Cleethorpes might be bowled out cheaply.
But J. Baker (79) and 56 by Mansfield (56) put on a stand of 116 which was ended when Waheed had Baker caught behind by Tye (165-5).
Waheed (4 for 34) bamboozled the lower order with his leg spin to bowl out Cleethorpes for 172 in 37.2 overs.
A maximum-point haul lifted Taverners into second spot.
Louth Tavs now start the defence of their T20 title on Sunday against league leaders Tetford in a quarter-final match at London Road.
Finals day takes place at Alford on September 10.
The club thanks sponsors Kenwick Park Estate for their continued support. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-14 11:00:39 | Louth CC Taverners boosted their hopes of a second-placed finish in the East Lindsey League by beating Cleethorpes in their final game on Sunday. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/louth-taverners-crush-cleethorpes-to-strengthen-runners-up-hopes-1-8101736 | |
Louth GC: Blythe wins Turkey Trot as senior captain hands over reins | Louth Golf Club seniors captain Bryan Utteridge performed his final duty as a new skipper was welcomed aboard last week.
Bryan handed out the prizes at the seniors annual presentations which followed the Turkey Trot competition last Wednesday.
The annual meeting then followed at which Bryan thanked the committee for their support over the year and handed the captain’s role over to 2018 incumbent John Wallis. Fraser Graham will be the vice-captain.
The day started well with good weather and the greens played well for the Turkey Trot, especially after recent snow and rain.
A shotgun start got the 50 entrants under way and an enjoyable competition was won by Steve Blythe with a total of 40 points), just one clear of runner-up Rod Dodge.
Keith Marshall completed a closely-fought top three, a further point adrift.
Other presentations took place were the Utterly Wintery Trophy which went to Dave Turver from second-placed Terry Winter and Eric Turner in third.
The Denis Holdness Trophy went to Eric Turner, who edged Don Potter into second place, and both golfers teamed up to win the Les Whitehead Trophy from runners-up Steve Owen and Steve Atkinson.
The Seniors Championship winner was Bill Wright with a score of nett 66, while best gross score not in the prizes was Alan Simmons.
Bryan congratulated the recipients and thanked secretary Ken Haddon and treasurer Les Atkinson for their help and organisation. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-12-11 15:14:37 | Louth Golf Club seniors captain Bryan Utteridge performed his final duty as a new skipper was welcomed aboard last week. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/sport/more-sport/louth-gc-blythe-wins-turkey-trot-as-senior-captain-hands-over-reins-1-8285561 | |
VIDEO: RAF 100 flypast rehearsals in Lincolnshire | Dozens of military aircraft took to the skies yesterday (Tuesday) for their final rehearsals ahead of the flypast over London next week to mark the centenary of the RAF.
The rehearsals took place at RAF Cranwell, near Sleaford, yesterday afternoon ahead of the main event in London next Tuesday (July 10). Around 100 aircraft, including Dakota, Spitfire, Lancaster, Hurricane and the Red Arrows, will fly over The Mall on the day. Meanwhile, a parade of more than 1,300 servicemen and women will take place on the ground below.
The RAF 100 practice flight over RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire ahead of the main flypast over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 10th. EMN-180407-152124001
The RAF 100 practice flight over RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire ahead of the main flypast over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 10th. EMN-180407-152136001
The RAF 100 practice flight over RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire ahead of the main flypast over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 10th. EMN-180407-152147001
The RAF 100 practice flight over RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire ahead of the main flypast over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 10th. EMN-180407-152158001
The RAF 100 practice flight over RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire ahead of the main flypast over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 10th. EMN-180407-152209001
The RAF 100 practice flight over RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire ahead of the main flypast over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 10th. EMN-180407-152220001
The RAF 100 practice flight over RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire ahead of the main flypast over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 10th. EMN-180407-152231001
The RAF 100 practice flight over RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire ahead of the main flypast over Buckingham Palace on Tuesday July 10th. EMN-180407-152242001 | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-07-04 15:30:02 | Dozens of military aircraft took to the skies yesterday (Tuesday) for their final rehearsals ahead of the flypast over London next week to mark the centenary of the RAF. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/video-raf-100-flypast-rehearsals-in-lincolnshire-1-8556034 | |
Apple Day event is back at Gunby Hall | Lincolnshire’s Gunby Hall and Gardens is hosting its ever popular annual Apple Day this Sunday (October 8).
The National Trust property in Spilsby will have impressive displays of 50 plus varieties of apples, with lots to see and sample on the day.
Enjoy a fun family day out from 11am-5pm.
There will also be opportunities to buy apple trees and bags of apples, freshly plucked from the trees.
Furthermore, visitors can bring their own ‘mystery’ apples from their garden to have them identified by their experts, who can give advice on how to best look after the tree they came from.
Trade and craft stalls will also be dotted throughout the gardens and courtyard, with something on offer for every taste.
This year you can even try your hand at pressing apples and drink some fresh juice you’ve pressed yourself.
Admission is £8.75 for house and gardens and £6.25 for gardens only. For more info, please visit: www.national trust.org.uk/gunby-hall. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-10-07 09:25:52 | Lincolnshire’s Gunby Hall and Gardens is hosting its ever popular annual Apple Day this Sunday (October 8). | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/apple-day-event-is-back-at-gunby-hall-1-8185367 | |
Free courses for farm workers | Louth Tractors are running free ‘AFS’ training days for farm machinery operators working across Lincolnshire. The courses are on March 21 at Limber village hall and March 22 at Belchford village hall. The sessions will start at 9am.
Places are limited. Email admin@louthtractors.co.uk, call 01507 605441 or visit www.louthtractors.co.uk. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-03-19 17:01:07 | Louth Tractors are running free ‘AFS’ training days for farm machinery operators working across Lincolnshire. The courses are on March 21 at Limber village hall and March 22 at Belchford village hall. The sessions will start at 9am. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/free-courses-for-farm-workers-1-8417719 | |
Nostalgia: Care workers in Louth are rewarded | Community psychiatric nurse for Louth, Mark Challinor, had the task of presenting care workers with certificates, following their completion of an Alzhemier’s disease course.
Pictured with Mark at Fir Close Nursing Home at the time, raising a glass to their success was: Julia Barnes, local state enrolled nurse, Heather Collins, Sarah Martin, Sandra Smyth, Margaret Turner and matron Pam Caldicott. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2018-02-03 15:01:22 | Community psychiatric nurse for Louth, Mark Challinor, had the task of presenting care workers with certificates, following their completion of an Alzhemier’s disease course. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/nostalgia-care-workers-in-louth-are-rewarded-1-8363055 | |
Puppets, minimalism and innovation at Louth theatre | For their December play, Louth Playgoers are re-telling the classic story of ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’.
The new adaptation uses multi-rolling, puppetry, projection and a minimalist set to tell the story William Beech and his journey from London to Little Weirwold.
Set during the dark and dangerous build-up to the Second World War, Goodnight Mister Tom follows sad young William Beech, who is evacuated to the idyllic English countryside where he builds a remarkable and moving friendship with the elderly recluse Tom Oakley.
All seems perfect until William is devastatingly summoned by his mother back to London.
The show runs from Saturday, December 5 to Saturday, December 9, with performances at 7.30pm nightly, plus a 2.30pm Saturday matinee.
Tickets from 01507 600350 or louthriverheadtheatre.com. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-11-17 19:10:12 | For their December play, Louth Playgoers are re-telling the classic story of ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’. | https://www.louthleader.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-and-comedy/puppets-minimalism-and-innovation-at-louth-theatre-1-8251152 | |
Concern growing for man missing from Mablethorpe | Concern is growing for a man missing from his home in Mablethorpe.
Police are appealing to 38-year-old Michael Allen to make contact with officers so they know he is safe and well.
Michael is missing from his home address in Mablethorpe and hasn’t been seen since early Thursday evening (10th August).
Michael is described as a white male of stocky build and approximately 6’ 2” tall. Michael was last seen wearing a black waterproof coat, black joggers and black Nike trainers riding a blue mountain bike.
Michael if you see this or if you know of Michael’s whereabouts, please contact police on 101 quoting reference: PID93081. Alternatively, you can speak with The Missing Persons Helpline on 116 000. | www.louthleader.co.uk | 2017-08-14 08:44:08 | Concern is growing for a man missing from his home in Mablethorpe. | http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/crime/concern-growing-for-man-missing-from-mablethorpe-1-8101473 |