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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is ramping up efforts to address a crisis of suicides and systemic failures in federal prisons and jails, announcing sweeping reforms aimed at overhauling how mental health care is provided behind bars. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco outlined the measures in a memo and report Tuesday, directing the Bureau of Prisons to update suicide prevention protocols, improve mental health assessments for inmates, and adopt data-driven strategies to reduce deaths in custody. The reforms will also apply to facilities overseen by the U.S. Marshals Service, a broader effort to address chronic shortcomings across the federal detention system. The 14-page report said the measures “will strengthen the Department’s capacity to reduce the risk of suicide by adults in federal custody and advance a culture of safety in its institutions.” The announcement comes after increasing scrutiny on the federal prison system and a scathing report from the Justice Department’s inspector general earlier this year, which found that systemic lapses—like those that allowed financier Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 death—have contributed to the deaths of hundreds of federal inmates over the years. An ongoing Associated Press investigation has exposed serious issues in the Bureau of Prisons, including rampant misconduct, sexual abuse by staff, dozens of escapes, chronic violence, and staffing shortages that have left its employees ill-equipped to respond to emergencies. Monaco, who has prioritized prison reform during her tenure, has been pressing agency officials to tackle these issues, holding regular meetings to drive change in one of the federal government’s most troubled institutions. In the memo, obtained by The Associated Press, Monaco said the Justice Department must “strive to avert every preventable death of an individual in its custody.” “In pursuit of that goal, individuals who are detained or incarcerated in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) or Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) should receive timely mental health assessments and ready access to potentially life-saving mental health services,” the memo said. The Justice Department would embrace a “multifaceted approach to reducing the risk of suicide and self-directed violence” for both inmates and staff, according to the memo. “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the health and safety of every individual in our custody,” Monaco said in a statement. “Today’s reforms—recommended by experts from across the Department’s litigation, law enforcement, and policy operations—will reduce the risk of suicide among adults in federal facilities. Simply put, these measures can help us save lives." Michael Balsamo And Michael R. Sisak, The Associated PressSaquon Barkley is the NFL's version of Shohei Ohtani: AnalysisTraders, students unite against PTI’s protests Islamabad : Protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have drawn widespread criticism from traders and students, who deem the demonstrations illegal and detrimental to their daily lives which have severely impacted the local economy and hindered students'' access to education. Traders and students have strongly condemn the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) protests, labelling them ‘senseless’ and detrimental to the economy and education. “The protests have brought economic and educational activities to a standstill, causing significant disruptions to daily life,” said a student. Sohail Mehmood Bhutt, President of the Mall Road Traders Association talking to PTV news channel has strongly condemned the daily protest calls by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating, "They have severely disrupted businesses and negatively impacted the livelihoods of poor individuals associated with these businesses.” “The protests are illegal and causing immense suffering for the people,” Bhutt emphasised. He highlighted the devastating effects of the protests on traders and the local economy. Sohail Mehmood Bhutt urged traders not to fall prey to the PTI''s activities and to keep their businesses open despite the disruptions. Muhammad Afzal Kiyani, another trader leader also strongly condemned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) chaotic protest calls, labelling them a threat to the country’s peace. Kiyani emphasized that political parties should utilize democratic platforms and processes to resolve issues, rather than resorting to destructive tactics that harm businesses and the economy. Muhammad Arshad, an Associate Professor has expressed deep concern over the daily protest calls, lamenting the devastating impact on the education. Professor Dr. Aneela Durrani has vehemently condemned the ongoing protest calls, describing them as immature and undemocratic. As a female academic, she expressed deep concern about the disproportionate impact of the protests on female students. “The demonstrations have created an insecure environment for women, forcing them to miss classes and lose valuable semester time,” Dr Durrani emphasized. “The financial burden on students and their families is also a significant worry,” Dr. Durrani pointed out. “Despite paying hefty fees, students are unable to attend classes due to road blockages and disruptions caused by the protests,” he added. “This is a gross injustice and a violation of the fundamental right to education,” she argued. She urged the protesters to adopt a more democratic and peaceful approach to expressing their grievances, one that does not harm the education and future of the country’s youth.
Saquon Barkley has become the Shohei Ohtani of the NFL. There’s no better home run hitter playing football right now. Barkley had touchdown runs of 72 and 70 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles in a 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. He now has five runs of 50-plus yards this season and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. Barkley’s historic performance against the Rams — his 255 yards set a team record — captivated a national audience and turned him into a fan favorite for the AP NFL MVP award. He’s not the betting favorite, however. Josh Allen has the best odds at plus-150, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook. Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is next at plus-250 followed by Barkley at plus-400. Running backs have won the award 18 times, including three-time winner Jim Brown, who was the AP’s first NFL MVP in 1957. Quarterbacks have dominated the award, winning it 45 times. Only three players who weren’t QBs or RBs have been MVP. It takes a special season for a non-QB to win it mainly because the offense goes through the signal caller. Quarterbacks handle the ball every offensive snap, run the show and get the credit when things go well and the blame when it doesn’t. Adrian Peterson was the most recent non-QB to win it when he ran for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. Playing for a winning team matters, too. Nine of the past 11 winners played for a No. 1 seed with the other two winners on a No. 2 seed. The Vikings earned the sixth seed when Pederson was MVP. Barkley is a major reason why the Eagles (9-2) are leading the NFC East and only trail Detroit (10-1) by one game for the top spot in the conference. Does he have a realistic chance to win the MVP award? Kicker Mark Moseley was the MVP in the strike-shortened 1982 season when he made 20 of 21 field goals and 16 of 19 extra points in nine games for Washington. If voters once selected a kicker, everyone has a chance, especially a game-changer such as Barkley. Defensive tackle Alan Page was the MVP in 1971 and linebacker Lawrence Taylor won it in 1986. Running back Christian McCaffrey finished third in voting last year and wide receiver Justin Jefferson placed fifth in 2022. The Offensive Player of the Year award and Defensive Player of the Year award recognize the best all-around players on both sides of the ball, allowing voters to recognize non-QBs if they choose. Wide receivers and running backs have won the AP OPOY award seven times over the past 11 seasons. McCaffrey was the 2023 winner. The AP’s new voting format introduced in 2022 also gives non-QBs a better opportunity to get MVP recognition. Voter submit their top five picks for each award, with a weighted point system. Previously, voters made one choice for each award. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league vote for MVP and seven other awards. The awards are based on regular-season performance. Clinching scenarios The Chiefs (10-1) and Bills (9-2) already are in position to lock up postseason berths right after Thanksgiving. Kansas City clinches a playoff berth with a win over Las Vegas on Black Friday and a loss by Miami on Thursday night, or a win plus a loss by Denver on Monday night. Buffalo can wrap up a fifth straight AFC East title with a victory over San Francisco on Sunday and a loss by the Dolphins.College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out
NoneRico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, dies at 85College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out
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FAIRFAX, Va. , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GovCIO Media & Research , a leading federal technology media company, opened the Flywheel Award nominations for the 2025 Defense IT Summit. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.A bipartisan bill that volunteer fire companies and similar groups say is critical to their financial survival was not brought up for a final vote before lawmakers left Harrisburg for the year. The legislation would allow nonprofits to accept credit, debit, and mobile payments for raffle ticket sales. These small games of chance serve as popular fundraisers for nonprofits such as veterans’ groups. However, current law lets nonprofits only accept cash and checks. Advocates have called for modernization, arguing existing policy is outdated given that using cash is now less common. The bill passed the GOP-controlled state Senate and the state House Commerce Committee earlier this year. However, Democrats who narrowly control the state House did not bring it up for consideration, so the bill will need to begin the legislative process over again in 2025. “We have not heard from nonprofits that this is an issue, but we would be happy to revisit this issue next session,” state House Democratic spokesperson Elizabeth Rementer told Spotlight PA in an email. State Sen. Devlin Robinson (R., Allegheny), a co-sponsor of the legislation, told Spotlight PA that he was disappointed by the inaction from the state House. He added that he would’ve connected lawmakers with nonprofits that reached out to his office about the issue. He plans to reintroduce the legislation next year. “Everybody knows that we have a major problem with volunteer firefighters and the numbers dwindling across the state,” he said. The legislation , introduced by Robinson and Wayne Fontana (D., Allegheny), would allow cashless payments for raffles — not online play or live drawings — and still enforce the existing permitting process. The bill also would require nonprofits to verify that people buying tickets are at least 18. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person events, many fire companies shifted their fundraisers online. But some received warnings from their county treasurers that they were potentially violating their licenses and risking fines or losing their permits altogether. Lawmakers in the state House passed temporary measures in 2021 so nonprofits could accept payments via Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App during the health emergency. The state Senate never approved the proposal. Some fire companies still host online events and accept electronic payments. Others are too afraid of the risks. Meanwhile, lobbying to update the law has continued, with advocates saying the provision is obsolete and prevents nonprofits from bringing in more money to keep the lights on. The Howard Volunteer Fire Company in Centre County has a roughly $140,000 annual budget. The annual Punkin‘ Chunkin‘ Fall Festival raises a portion of those dollars. The most recent event, which occurred in October, brought in an estimated $30,000. The company also relies on chicken barbecue and direct requests for donations to raise money. In recent years, the company has made building upgrades and switched to energy-efficient fixtures to reduce costs, said Mark Ott, fire police captain. Still, the company — like volunteer fire units across the state — faces rising utility bills, expensive fuel, and high costs for equipment and training. “There’s always expenses coming in,” Ott told Spotlight PA. “It’s amazing to me that we’re still alive.” Approving cashless payments won’t solve every challenge these groups face, but it’s one way lawmakers could help, Ott added. “To me, it’s a no-brainer,” he said. “Just pass it.” 90.5 WESA partners with Spotlight PA, a collaborative, reader-funded newsroom producing accountability journalism for all of Pennsylvania. More at spotlightpa.org .