1. A two-tier organizer with built-in dividers that will make short work of any disheveled desk, cabinet, or other small area. Spaces for labeling on the bins and dividers allow for total storage precision. Promising review: "These are awesome! We have several of these on a bookshelf to help organize my daughter's toys. These fit perfectly and are super easy for her to find stuff in." — Bethany Price: $16.49 2. A six-shelf hanging closet organizer to keep hats, shoes, accessories, or folded clothes stored right on your hanging rod. Ultimate outfit coordination alert! You could use the compartments to set up the whole week's looks right before your eyes. Promising review: "I use this in my entryway closet with storage containers on each shelf. One shelf has mittens/gloves; the second has hats and scarves, the third has socks, and the 4th has 3 empty trail mix containers. I switch it up for the summer, but it is great to have everything organized for the season and easy to access for my kids!" — BasicBea Price: $10 3. An over-the-door shoe organizer with 15 pockets, so your awesome collection of kicks can take up as little space as possible. It has larger pockets at the bottom for other items, too, like purses and accessories! Promising review: "My partner uses this to have his students put away their cellphones before class begins, and the students like knowing that they can see exactly where their phones are. I use one to keep my crafting supplies organized and easily accessible." — Malozing Price: $10 4. A classic double-storage ottoman that'll blend right into any living room. It stores everything, hiding it in plain sight, and looks great while doing it. Promising review: "This is exactly what I was looking for! Affordable, love the color and fabric (looks like linen), it goes well with pretty much any decor, sturdy, comfortable. Perfect storage solution, spacious — I was able to fit inside: weights, a yoga mat, a couple of blankets, even my daughter fits! It came completely assembled. I couldn't ask for more!" — Ale Price: $80 5. A soft zip-up storage chest because under the bed is one of the most convenient and underutilized storage spots in the house. You just gotta protect your stuff from the dust that accumulates down there, which this bad boy will do with style and convenience. Promising review: "It’s been hard to find something low enough to fit under my bed, and this has worked great. I’ll definitely be buying more." — Ashley Price: $15.39 (originally $16.69) 6. A glass storage container with a wooden lid that's perfect for coffee, sugar, or any food that's better stored airtight. Something natural like loose-leaf tea would look great against the natural tones of the wood. Promising review: "I love these containers! I have them in all sizes and use them in the kitchen and bathroom for storage. They blend in well, and look great on the countertops. I also use these in my daughter’s nursery for pacifiers and teethers." — livvgrish Price: $11 7. A six-cube organizer shelf for total versatility in storage. Each cube has so much space that you can fit practically all of your household odds and ends in it — and that's not even counting the storage space on the top! Reviewers use them for books, toys, shoes, collectibles, and a whole lot more. Promising review: "This is my third shelf in this style/color. I use them in my craft room/home office to stay organized. Easy assembly and very sturdy! Lovely color as well!" — Target reviewer Price: $30 (available in two colors) 8. A contemporary wire bin table because organization isn't just about saving space — it's also about finding dynamic, non-cluttery ways to display your stuff. Make this already adorable item even cuter by filling it with stuffed animals. Awwwwww . Promising review: "I was looking for a toy storage for my daughter's room and came across this one. I love the style, and it can hold lots of toys, dolls, stuffed toys, etc." — Momof3 Price: $40 9. A magnetic wall bar to make your kitchen knives that much more organized. With this wall bar, your knives can almost become part of your decor, too! Add some extra shine and some extra ~chef attitude~ to your kitchen. Promising review: "I just put it up, and I'm so happy. The magnets are strong, and it's anchored firmly, holding my six primary-use knives, two steak knives, and the kitchen shears. Word to the wise: Compare the template to your actual product. If I hadn't, the anchoring screws would have been off by 1/8 inch. Whew. It's easy to install, but please check the template." — Femme du Chalet Price: $54.99 10. A storage organizer so bright and colorful, your kids might get just as excited about cleaning up as they do about playing. (Hey, you can hope!) Plus, all the bins are removable, so the color combos are endless. Promising review: "Absolutely love this organizer for my toddler! Very sturdy, great color scheme, and keeps things organized. Also, great value!" — Paigemj27 Price: $74.99 11. A pair of wide-weave drawer towers to add a huge amount of space and storage to your place, in a cute style that's perfect for rustic, farmhouse, and other quaint household decors. Promising review: "I have no complaints. They are pretty and sturdy. They come assembled. Just wipe them clean and they’re ready to use." — helpthisoldlady Price: $59.79 (originally $149.99) 12. A 3-in-1 hamper with labels for each type laundry to save you time while doing laundry (and save your "whites" from accidentally becoming "pinks"). Promising review: "Love it! Holds way more laundry then expected and its compact footprint fits easily into small spaces. A snap to lift out each section from the sorter!" — Kathygrl Price: $69.95 (originally $128.99) 13. A set of five wicker storage baskets with fabric liners to transform your plain old shelves into cute dynamos of organization. Price: $55.99 (originally $79.99) 14. A mid-century-style coffee table to give your living room a high-end feel at a reasonable price. The open design makes storing and retrieving remotes a cinch — and if you're all set on a coffee table, then this can also be used as a chic TV stand! Promising review: "It works perfectly in my kids' playroom. There's more storage than I thought, and I paired it with a cute basket underneath to hide all of my son's gaming headphones." — Jesse Hennes Price: $133.99 (originally $209.99) 15. A mesh cart so you can see what you're looking for before you grab it. This can be used for more than just office supplies. Use it to store your ever-growing collection of beauty products that have outgrown your medicine cabinet or to store pantry overflow in your kitchen. Promising review: "We bought three of these. Two for the kids doing remote learning and one for WFH. They are great because we can easily roll them out during work/school time." — momandtwomiddleschoolboys Price: $144.11 16. A pair of drawer dividers , because even though your socks and underwear are clean, a disorganized drawer gives off strong filth vibes. Keep everything organized and tidy with these dividers. The set comes with two spring-loaded organizers that fit in drawers that are 4 inches deep or more. Promising review: " Love these! East to use and work great! Also can’t beat the price." — mom2714 Price: $16.99+ (available in packs of two and four) 17. An entryway bench because realizing you left something vital at home when you're already out there door is the worst. Put everything you need for a fun night on the town in one place. And keep muddy shoes from tracking dirt all over your freshly cleaned floors as the wet and rainy season rolls in. Price: $53.99+ (originally $90.99+; available in two colors) 18. And since it's autumn, a hanging entryway organizer since you'll definitely need coats for a night on the town — get this to match your new floor-based one! No chance anything will be forgotten now. Promising review: "Perfect size for entry way. We use it for mail or papers that need to leave the house or have a spot to drop off for someone else. Keys work well too. Looks nice and presentable." — DSM Price: $20 19. An all-in-one desk perfect for organizing all your work stuff whether you have a dedicated home office or not. Frankly, this desk is like its own home office. Promising review: "BEAUTIFUL desk!!! Does not look cheap at all. Very sturdy and heavy! It looks so great in my husband's office!" — Aodell Price: $413.99+ (available in two colors) 20. A cork bulletin board that is super easy to hang and will keep all your important docs and sweet pics in one place. This technology hasn't changed in decades because it gets the job done like no other. Keep your desk clear of reminders, family photos, and important documents with ease. Promising review: "I love this bulletin board because it’s big and the wood frame is good quality, worth the money." — Miaj Price: $9.29 Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.AP News Summary at 3:53 p.m. EST
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Is he a hero? A killer? Both? About the same time the #FreeLuigi memes featuring the mustachioed plumber from “Super Mario Brothers” mushroomed online, commenters shared memes showing Tony Soprano pronouncing Luigi Mangione , the man charged with murdering the UnitedHealthcare CEO in Manhattan , a hero. There were posts lionizing Mangione’s physique and appearance, the ones speculating about who could play him on “Saturday Night Live,” and the ones denouncing and even threatening people at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s for spotting him and calling police. It was all too much for Pennsylvania’s governor, a rising Democrat who was nearly the vice presidential nominee this year. Josh Shapiro — dealing with a case somewhere else that happened to land in his lap — decried what he saw as growing support for “vigilante justice.” The curious case of Brian Thompson and Luigi Mangione captivated and polarized a media-saturated nation. It also offers a glimpse into how, in a connected world, so many different aspects of modern American life can be surreally linked — from public violence to politics, from health care to humor (or attempts at it) . It summons a question, too: How can so many people consider someone a hero when the rules that govern American society — the laws — are treating him as the complete opposite? Writings found in Mangione’s possession hinted at a vague hatred of corporate greed and an expression of anger toward “parasitic” health insurance companies. Bullets recovered from the crime scene had the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose,” reflecting words used by insurance industry critics, written on them. A number of online posts combine an apparent disdain for health insurers — with no mention of the loss of life. “He took action against private health insurance corporations is what he did. he was a brave italian martyr. in this house, luigi mangione is a hero, end of story!” one anonymous person said in a post on X that has nearly 2 million views. On Monday, Shapiro took issue with comments like those. It was an extraordinary moment that he tumbled into simply because Mangione was apprehended in Pennsylvania. Shapiro’s comments — pointed, impassioned and, inevitably, political — yanked the conversation unfolding on so many people’s phone screens into real life. “We do not kill people in cold blood to resolve policy differences or express a viewpoint,” the governor said. “In a civil society, we are all less safe when ideologues engage in vigilante justice.” But to hear some of his fellow citizens tell it, that’s not the case at all. Like Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, D.B. Cooper and other notorious names from the American past, Mangione is being cast as someone to admire. Regina Bateson, an assistant political science professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has studied vigilantism, the term to which Shapiro alluded. She doesn’t see this case as a good fit for the word, she says, because the victim wasn’t linked to any specific crime or offense. As she sees it, it’s more akin to domestic terrorism.But Bateson views the threats , and ticking up — plus the against President-elect Donald Trump this past summer — as possible signs that personal grievances or political agendas could erupt. “Americans are voicing more support for — or at least understanding of — political violence,” she said. Shapiro praised the police and the people of Blair County, who abided by a 9/11-era dictum of seeing something and saying something. The commenters have Mangione wrong, the governor said: “Hear me on this: He is no hero. The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Even shy of supporting violence, there are many instances of people who vent over how health insurers deny claims. Tim Anderson’s wife, Mary, dealt with UnitedHealthcare coverage denials before she died from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2022. “The business model for insurance is don’t pay,” Anderson, 67, of Centerville, Ohio, told The Associated Press . The discourse around the killing and Mangione is more than just memes. Conversations about the interconnectedness of various parts of American life are unfolding online as well. One Reddit user said he was banned for three days for supporting Kyle Rittenhouse, who was acquitted after testifying he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot two people in 2020 during protests. “Do you think people are getting banned for supporting Luigi?” the poster wondered. The comments cover a lot of ground. They include people saying the UnitedHealthcare slaying isn’t a “right or left issue” and wondering what it would take to get knocked off the platform. “You probably just have to cross the line over into promoting violence,” one commenter wrote. “Not just laughing about how you don’t care about this guy.”
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What Should Data Controllers Take Away From Recent FTC Privacy Case Settlements?By Sarah Ferris & Jeremy Herb for CNN The House Ethics Committee has found evidence that former Republican Matt Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex or drugs on at least 20 occasions, including paying a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017, according to the panel's report. The committee concluded in its bombshell document - released on Monday, local time - that Gaetz violated Florida state laws, including the state's statutory rape law, as the GOP-led panel chose to take the rare step of releasing a report about a former member who resigned from Congress. "The Committee determined there is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, impermissible gifts, special favours or privileges, and obstruction of Congress," panel investigators wrote. The panel investigated transactions Gaetz personally made, often using PayPal or Venmo, to more than a dozen women during his time in Congress, according to the report. Investigators also focused on a 2018 trip to the Bahamas - which they said "violated the House gift rule" - during which he "engaged in sexual activity" with multiple women, including one who described the trip itself as "the payment" for sex on the trip. On the same trip, he also took ecstasy, one woman on the trip told the committee. Earlier this month, the House Ethics Committee secretly voted to release its report after initially voting against doing so . The vote to put out the report - which was opposed by panel Chairman Michael Guest, a Mississippi Republican - was the culmination of a years-long probe into allegations surrounding Gaetz. He was President-elect Donald Trump's first pick to be attorney general but dropped out amid opposition from GOP senators and after CNN reported key details of this same ethics report. And it's a political jolt that could have reverberations for years to come, as the Capitol Hill panel takes aim at a long-time Trump loyalist and now conservative anchor at One America Network. Gaetz filed a civil complaint in federal court Monday morning unsuccessfully seeking to halt the release of the report, claiming he was not notified of the panel's plans to release the report nor was he provided copies of the materials. "As such, Plaintiff has been afforded no opportunity to respond to any report or investigative conclusions of Defendants," the complaint reads. "Plaintiff has frequently and vehemently declared his innocence regarding the alleged misconduct, and requested Defendants cease their investigation and provide him appropriate due process rights." Gaetz claimed the panel has been "unresponsive" to those demands. Gaetz wrote in the lawsuit that he told the committee in writing in May that allegations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use, misuse of campaign funds and other actions were all false. The lawsuit serves as a route for Gaetz to formally claim in writing that the committee's findings are false and that he believes his privacy has been invaded and the committee is defaming him. But his unusual ask of a federal court to block congressional action is now essentially moot because the report has been released publicly. District Judge Amit Mehta asked Gaetz to explain by the end of the day why the lawsuit should not be dismissed because the report has been publicly released. CNN has reached out to Gaetz and his lawyers for comment. The committee posted the report on its website Monday morning while noting in a statement the "significant and unusual amount" of reporting about the panel's probe of Gaetz. Without identifying specific stories, the committee stated that some reporting about its probe had been "inaccurate". The committee condemned any potential unauthorised disclosures but emphasised that committee witnesses are permitted to disclose information about their interactions with its investigators. The panel also released appendices with its evidence, including financial documents and text messages cited in the report. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has pointed to the Justice Department declining to bring charges against him in 2023. In a statement Gaetz released on X last week after CNN reported that the committee had voted to release the report, Gaetz denied having sex with a minor or paying women for sex. "In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated - even some I never dated but who asked. I dated several of these women for years," Gaetz said. "It's embarrassing, though not criminal, that I probably partied, womanised, drank and smoked more than I should have earlier in life. I live a different life now." Although the committee alleged that Gaetz violated state laws, the panel wrote that it did not find Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws, writing that "although Representative Gaetz did cause the transportation of women across state lines for purposes of commercial sex, the Committee did not find evidence that any of those women were under 18 at the time of travel, nor did the Committee find sufficient evidence to conclude that the commercial sex acts were induced by force, fraud, or coercion." Women told committee they were paid for sex The report documents the evidence the committee gathered of Gaetz's numerous interactions with women who say they were paid for sex by Gaetz and his friend, Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector who is serving an 11-year prison sentence and co-operated with federal investigators. The committee wrote that it spoke to more than a half dozen witnesses who attended parties, trips and events with Gaetz between 2017 through 2020. "Nearly every young woman that the Committee interviewed confirmed that she was paid for sex by, or on behalf of, Representative Gaetz," the panel wrote. One of the sexual encounters involved a 17-year-old girl, the committee said. The woman told the committee she had sex with Gaetz twice at a July 2017 party when she was 17. CNN first reported on the second sexual encounter last month. "The Committee received testimony that Victim A and Representative Gaetz had sex twice during the party, including at least once in the presence of other party attendees," the committee wrote. "Victim A recalled receiving $400 in cash from Representative Gaetz that evening, which she understood to be payment for sex. At the time, she had just completed her junior year of high school." The then-17-year-old did not tell Gaetz she was a minor at the time, and he did not ask her age, the committee found. The committee did not receive any evidence Gaetz was aware of her age. The woman told congressional investigators she was under the influence of ecstasy at the party and that she recalled seeing Gaetz use cocaine at the party. Gaetz has denied having sex with a minor. "I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18," the Florida Republican wrote on X last week. "Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court - which is why no such claim was ever made in court." Committee cites online payments and text messages in report The committee found that the sexual encounters were often organised by Greenberg through a website, SeekingArrangement.com. "Mr Greenberg told the Committee that Representative Gaetz was aware that the women they had sex with and paid had met Mr Greenberg through the 'sugar dating' website," the panel wrote. Congressional investigators found that Gaetz made payment to women using multiple platforms, including PayPal, Venmo and CashApp. The committee listed payments Gaetz made to 12 women, including to his former girlfriend, as well as Greenberg. The committee wrote that Gaetz did not appear to negotiate specific payment amounts for sex with the women he paid. "Many of the women interviewed by the Committee were clear that there was a general expectation of sex," investigators wrote. "One woman who was paid more than $5,000 [NZ$8800] by Representative Gaetz between 2018 and 2019 told the Committee that '99 percent of the time that (Representative Gaetz and I) were hanging out, there was sex involved,'" the panel said. Gaetz' then-girlfriend "appeared to act as an intermediary" between Gaetz and women he paid for sex, the committee found, citing text messages it obtained. The committee said it found evidence that "Representative Gaetz's then-girlfriend sometimes participated with him in sexual encounters with other women who were active on the website or otherwise involved in sex-for-money arrangements." The committee bolstered its findings by citing those text messages, including when Gaetz's then-girlfriend wrote to women that "the guys (Representative Gaetz and Mr. Greenberg) 'wanted me to share that they are a little limited in their cash flow this weekend ... (M)att was like(,) if it can be more of a customer appreciation week... ." In another text message exchange cited by the committee, Greenberg exchanged messages with a woman in September 2018, writing, "If you have a friend that is down, perhaps all four of us can meet up later." The woman responded she did have a friend who could meet up, adding, "I usually do $400 per meet." Greenberg responded by sending a photo of Gaetz holding out a phone and taking a selfie. "Oooh my friend thinks he's really cute!" the woman responded. "Well, he's down here only for the day, we work hard and play hard," Greenberg wrote. "Have you ever tried molly." The panel wrote that several women told the committee they would not voluntarily participate in the investigation, and some were "clear at first contact that they feared retaliation or were unwilling to voluntarily relive their interactions with Representative Gaetz". "While all the women that the Committee interviewed stated their sexual activity with Representative Gaetz was consensual, at least one woman felt that the use of drugs at the parties and events they attended may have 'impair(ed their) ability to really know what was going on or fully consent,'" the panel wrote. "One woman said, 'I think about it all the time ... . I still see him when I turn on the TV and there's nothing anyone can do. It's frustrating to know I lived a reality that he denies.'" Report alleges Gaetz 'used or possessed illegal drugs' on multiple occasions Committee investigators concluded that between 2017 to 2019, Gaetz "used or possessed illegal drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, on multiple occasions." "There is substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz used cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana. At least two women saw Representative Gaetz using cocaine and ecstasy at different events," the committee wrote. "Additionally, nearly every witness interviewed observed Representative Gaetz using marijuana." The committee wrote that Gaetz appeared to set up a "pseudonymous e-mail account from his House office in the Capitol complex for the purpose of purchasing marijuana." Gaetz denied using illicit drugs in his correspondence with the panel, the committee said. The committee investigation also focused on other violations of House rules. That included a September 2018 trip to the Bahamas where the committee found that Gaetz accepted gifts of transportation and lodging in excess of permissible amounts. Gaetz travelled to the Bahamas with two other men and six women. He flew to the Bahamas on a commercial airline but returned on a private plane, the committee found. "The attendees stated that this was a social trip - they sunbathed, chartered a boat, and went to dinners and to a casino as a group. Representative Gaetz engaged in sexual activity with at least four of the women on the trip," the committee wrote. The Justice Department had investigated whether the Bahamas trip was part of an effort to illegally influence Gaetz in the area of medical marijuana, CNN previously reported. The Ethics Committee probe also found that Gaetz helped a woman he met through Greenberg and had sex with to obtain a new passport. Committee investigators wrote that Gaetz connected the woman with his chief of staff, and Gaetz's top aide helped the woman get a passport appointment at a Miami passport office, saying she was his constituent even though she lived outside Gaetz's district. Committee resumed investigation following closure of federal case The committee's investigation into Gaetz began in 2021 but was put on hold work while a separate, years-long federal sex-trafficking investigation into the former congressman was underway. The federal investigation closed in February 2023 without any charges being filed against Gaetz. Once the federal case closed, the Ethics Committee resumed its work. When Gaetz resigned from Congress last month during his failed bid to become Trump's attorney general, the committee initially voted not to make public its final report on the former congressman. Weeks later, after the drafting of the report was officially complete, the panel reversed its decision. Gaetz was Trump's first pick to lead the Justice Department, but the ephemeral campaign to convince senators the MAGA firebrand should helm the department ended in late November after it became clear Gaetz did not have the votes to get confirmed. In a dissenting statement included in the report, Guest, the committee chair and a Mississippi Republican, wrote that he and a minority of other members on the panel opposed the release of the report because Gaetz was no longer a member of Congress. "The decision to publish a report after his resignation breaks from the Committee's long-standing practice, opens the Committee to undue criticism, and will be viewed by some as an attempt to weaponise the Committee's process," Guest said. Gaetz is now set to join the right-wing One America News Network as an anchor in January. House Speaker Mike Johnson had said he did not think the report should be released because Gaetz was no longer a member of Congress, while some lawmakers believed his resignation was an attempt to bury the investigation. It is rare for an ethics report to be released after a member has left Congress, though it has happened on a couple of occasions in the past. The committee noted that Gaetz did not answer most of their questions even as he corresponded with the panel over the course of its probe. "In addition to alleging that the Committee's process was being 'weaponised' against him, Representative Gaetz repeatedly alleged that the Committee Members and staff were leaking information to the press, that the Committee's non-partisan staff were actually acting as Democrats, or that the Committee was working on behalf of former-Speaker Kevin McCarthy," the committee wrote. - CNN
Good afternoon, Chicago. A body was found in a wheel well of a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Hawaii, authorities said. The body was found in the well of one of the main landing gears after flight 202 landed at Maui’s Kahului Airport on Christmas Eve, a spokesperson for United Airlines said. The wheel well was only accessible from outside the plane, and it wasn’t clear Wednesday how or when the person accessed the space, according to United. Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. Subscribe to more newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Daily horoscope | Asking Eric A Cook County Jail detainee attends Cardinal Blase J. Cupich’s Christmas Day Mass at the jail on Dec. 25, 2024. (Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune) The Christmas morning Mass at the jail is an annual event for Cupich, who sought to use it to remind the men who were spending the holiday in jail that they were not forgotten. Read more here. More top news stories: Jeep crashes into Lake Villa-area house killing man, seriously injuring 2 others Tinley Park District makes progress on cleanup of former mental health hospital People walk past the New York Stock Exchange on Nov. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan) The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Read more here. More top business stories: Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices Feeling lucky? Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion The Bears Drumline performs on the field in the fourth quarter against the Lions on Dec. 22, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) The Bears (4-11) will play the Seahawks (8-7) tonight at Soldier Field in a Week 17 matchup. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff. Read more here. More top sports stories: Column: Chicago Bulls players and coaches refuse to tank as the front office nears a turning point Loyola men’s basketball loses 71-68 to Murray State for last place at the Diamond Head Classic Nicole Scherzinger in “Sunset Blvd.” on Broadway at the St. James Theatre in New York. (Marc Brenner) This last year was busy on Broadway, with new musicals and several impressive plays featuring ensemble casts. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: North Shore native tells how she compiled family’s mental health struggles in ‘While You Were Out’ ‘Baby Driver’ actor Hudson Meek, 16, dies in a fall from a moving vehicle Finnish National Police Commissioner Ilkka Koskim’ki attends a news conference in Helsinki on Dec. 26, 2024, investigating the electricity transmission between Finland and Estonia through the Estlink 2 connection, which was cut on Christmas Day, according to Finnish grid operator Fingrid. (Jussi Nukari/Lehtikuva via AP) Finnish authorities have detained a Russia-linked ship as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables, according to police and news media reports, in the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Read more here. More top stories from around the world: Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they’re tuning out. Israeli strike kills 5 Palestinian journalists in Gaza, officials sayNone
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:39 p.m. ESTNone
Supreme Court will take up a challenge related to California's tough vehicle emissions standards WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday said it would take up a business-backed appeal that could make it easier to challenge federal regulations, acting in a dispute related to California's nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions. Mark Sherman, The Associated Press Dec 13, 2024 12:49 PM Dec 13, 2024 1:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Friday said it would take up a business-backed appeal that could make it easier to challenge federal regulations, acting in a dispute related to California's nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions. The justices agreed to hear an appeal filed by fuel producers who object to a waiver granted to California in 2022 by the Environmental Protection Agency during Joe Biden's presidency. The waiver allows California to set more stringent emissions limits than the national standard. The case won't be argued until the spring, when the Trump administration is certain to take a more industry-friendly approach to the issue. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to boost production of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal and repeal key parts of a landmark 2022 climate law. The high court will not be reviewing the waiver itself, but instead will look at a preliminary issue, whether fuel producers have legal standing to challenge the EPA waiver. The federal appeals court in Washington ruled that the companies lacked the right to sue because they produced no evidence that they would be affected by the waiver, which directly affects vehicle manufacturers. Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and other major automakers already are meeting the California emission standards, the administration noted in court papers. But the fuel producers told the high court that the appellate decision, if left in place, would “imperil future challenges to administrative action.” They said they met the legal test for getting into court. As a “matter of common sense,” lawyers for the companies wrote, automakers would produce fewer electric vehicles and more gas-powered cars if the waiver were set aside, directly affecting how much fuel would be sold. The EPA waiver was part of the Biden administration's efforts to reverse environmental rollbacks from Trump's first White House term and restore California's authority to set tighter emissions rules. California has unique authority under the federal Clean Air Act to set tougher standards for cars sold in the nation's largest state, which has prompted automakers to produce more fuel-efficient passenger vehicles that emit less climate-damaging tailpipe exhaust. In April, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected the fuel producers' case as well as a related challenge from Ohio and other Republican-led states and fuel producers. The appeals court hears many challenges to federal regulations. The Supreme Court did not act on the states' appeal. The current fight has its roots in a 2019 decision by the Trump administration to rescind the state's authority. Three years later, with Biden in office, the EPA restored the state’s authority . Other environmental regulations have not fared well before the conservative-majority court in recent years. In 2022, the justices limited the EPA’s authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants with a landmark decision . In June, the court halted the agency’s air-pollution-fighting “good neighbor” rule. Another ruling in June, overturning a decades-old decision known colloquially as Chevron, is also expected to make environmental regulations more difficult to set and keep, along with other federal agency actions. But the justices also have recently kept in effect environmental regulations to limit planet-warming pollution from coal-fired power plants, while legal challenges play out. ___ Mark Sherman, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix S&P/TSX composite down more than 100 points, U.S. stock markets mixed Dec 13, 2024 1:32 PM Nova Scotia non-profit groups trying to save huge Acadian church now facing lawsuit Dec 13, 2024 1:30 PM Court approves The Body Shop Canada sale, about 100 to lose jobs as some stores close Dec 13, 2024 1:21 PM Featured FlyerEMPOLI, Italy (AP) — Scotland international Che Adams scored from almost the halfway line as Torino ended a run of poor form to win at Empoli 1-0 in Serie A on Friday. Adams replaced Antonio Sanabria in the 64th minute and made his mark almost immediately. With 70 gone, he spotted the Empoli goalkeeper off his line and lobbed the ball over his head from inside the center circle. The goal ended his personal eight-game drought in spectacular fashion, and will ease pressure on coach Paolo Vanoli. The Turin club was unbeaten in its first five league games and topped the table for a time. But it has won only one of 10 games since, back in late October. Friday's win lifted Torino into 12th place, two places and three points behind Empoli. AP soccer:
Victors Home Solutions has been recognized as 2024 Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year DETROIT , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 5th, 2024 , Victors Home Solutions was awarded the title of Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year at the Best of Success conference in Bonita Springs, FL. At this conference, Victors Home Solutions, which has been in business since 2008, received the award for Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year. Victor Smolyanov , Founder and CEO, attributes much of his success to the opportunity to give back to the communities in which he operates: "Last year we were blessed to give away 23 roofs, and this year it's going to be 40, and that has a huge impact," he said. "For us, it's one out of 4,000 roofs, but for them, it's potentially a life-changing event, allowing them to live more comfortably without having to worry about moving their bed when it rains or having a tarp on." This marks the 20th year of the conference, and it is said to be a must-attend event for roofing professionals. In addition to the amenities available on-site, there are many opportunities for education, exploration of new roofing technologies, and networking with top organizations in the roofing industry, such as Victors Home Solutions. Victors Home Solutions is recognized for their impact on local communities through their Give Back program. A program that has provided many with a roof over their heads. For every 100 roof replacements installed, Victors will provide one local family in need with a roof replacement at no cost. To nominate someone you know, click here . About Victors Home Solutions Victors Home Solutions has provided premier residential roofing and home improvement services to Michigan , Ohio , Kentucky , New Jersey , Illinois , and Pennsylvania communities for over 15 years. Victors' commitment to quality workmanship and integrity, along with his passion for roofing, has made Victors Home Solutions the highest ranked roofing company in Michigan . With over 200 employees and eight locations, Victors is at the forefront and stands poised to revolutionize the roofing and home improvement industries. For more information, visit Victors.com . Media Contact: Jake Tilk j.tilk@victors.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/victors-home-solutions-recognized-as-2024-roofing-contractor-of-the-year-302337604.html SOURCE Victors Home SolutionsIn two recent proposed consent orders by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or Commission), the agency has emphasized critical data governance practices that all data controllers should carefully consider. These cases, Gravy Analytics/Venntel and Mobilewalla , primarily focus on issues related to the brokerage of consumer mobile device location data and other adtech and data broker practices. However, the settlements, and the learnings that can be gleaned from them, are relevant beyond location data and these specific industries. Indeed, the data governance measures required of the respondents by the FTC signal the FTC’s thinking around what it considers proper data governance and privacy compliance programs, and can be used as a guide as to how companies in all industries should be framing such programs to both avoid FTC scrutiny and address compliance with the patchwork of state consumer privacy laws. Most notably, the following general information governance practices will be required of Mobilewalla (with somewhat mostly similar terms applicable to Gravy/Venntel), regardless of the sensitivity of “Covered Information” (definition below): Covered Information is broadly defined as “information from or about an individual consumer including, but not limited to: (1) a first and last name; (2) Location Data; (3) an email address or other online contact information; (4) a telephone number; (5) a Social Security number; (6) a driver’s license or other government-issued identification number; (7) a financial institution account number; (8) credit or debit card information; (9) a persistent identifier, such as a customer number held in a “cookie,” a static Internet Protocol (“IP”) address, a mobile device ID, or processor serial number; or (10) socio-economic or demographic data. Deidentified information is not Covered Information.” Purpose Limitations and Data Minimization. The proposed Mobilewalla consent order imposes a requirement on the company “... not [to] collect, purchase, or otherwise acquire or retain Covered Information that [Mobilewalla] accesses while participating in online advertising auctions for any other purpose than participating in such auctions.” (Emphasis added.) While this proposed obligation is very specific to the advertising technology industry, it broadly aligns with the purpose limitation and data minimization requirements found in all state privacy laws. Put simply, regulators expect companies to collect only the data necessary to carry out specific and limited purposes, and not further process it in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes. Notice at Collection and Retention Notice/Limitations. Each of the proposed consent orders require the respondents to provide clear and conspicuous notice of data processing practices and data retention practices. Specifically, the Mobilewalla consent order imposes the requirement to “...document, adhere to, and make publicly available through a link on the home page of their website(s), in a manner that is Clear and Conspicuous, a retention schedule for Covered Information, setting forth: (1) the purpose or purposes for which each type of Covered Information is collected or used; (2) the specific business needs for retaining each type of Covered Information; and (3) an established timeframe for deletion of each type of Covered Information limited to the time reasonably necessary to fulfill the purpose for which the Covered Information was collected, and in no instance providing for the indefinite retention of any Covered Information (emphasis added) (there are similar requirements in Gravy Analytics/Venntel). These are similar to California’s notice at collection and retention notice and limitation obligations. Implementation and Detailed Documentation of Comprehensive Privacy Program. The consent order in Mobilewalla imposes that the company “... in connection with the collection, maintenance, use, or disclosure of, or provision of access to, Covered Information, must establish and implement, and thereafter maintain, a comprehensive privacy program (the “Program”) that protects the privacy of such Covered Information.... To satisfy this requirement, Respondent must at a minimum: A. [ Documentation. ] Document in writing the content, implementation, and maintenance of the Program; B. [ Board/Senior Management Involvement. ] Provide the written Program and any evaluations thereof or updates thereto to Respondent’s board of directors or, if no such board or equivalent governing body exists, to a senior officer of the Respondent responsible for the Program at least once every twelve months; C. [ Designation of Responsible Employee(s). ] Designate a qualified employee or employees to coordinate and be responsible for the Program; D. [ Risk Assessments. ] Assess and document, at least every 12 months, internal and external risks to the privacy of Covered Information that could result in the unauthorized collection, maintenance, use, disclosure, alteration, destruction of, or provision of access to Covered Information; E. [ Internal and External (e.g., vendor) Safeguards. ] Design, implement, maintain, and document safeguards that control for the material internal and external risks Respondent identifies to the privacy of Covered Information identified in response to Provision [D]. Each safeguard must be based on the volume and sensitivity of Covered Information that is at risk, and the likelihood that the risk could be realized and result in the unauthorized collection, maintenance, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of, or provision of access to Covered Information. F. [ Personnel Training. ] On at least an annual basis, provide privacy training programs for all employees and independent contractors responsible for handling or who have access to Covered Information, updated to address any identified material internal or external risks and safeguards implemented pursuant to this Order; G. [ Continuous Testing, Monitoring, and Improvement. ] Test and monitor the effectiveness of the safeguards at least once every twelve (12) months, and modify the Program based on the results; and H. [ Evaluating/Adjusting in response to operational change. ] Evaluate and adjust the Program in light of any changes to Respondent’s operations or business arrangements, new or more efficient technological or operational methods to control for the risks identified in Provision [D] of this Order, or any other circumstances that Respondent knows or has reason to believe may have an impact on the effectiveness of the Program or any of its individual safeguards. At a minimum, Respondent must evaluate the Program at least once every 12 months and modify the Program based on the results.” (Emphasis added.) This is akin to Minnesota’s requirement of a formal privacy compliance program, as well as states’ obligations to carry out vendor and data recipient diligence and data risk assessments. There are similar requirements in Gravy Analytics/Venntel. It is important to note that the failure to meet these requirements was not, for the most part, the basis of the unfairness allegations under Section 5 of the FTC Act against the respondents. Rather, they appear to be so-called “fencing in” provisions, where to settle claims the respondent agrees to do more going forward than might be clearly required to avoid Section 5 liability. These have historically been seen as “signposts” for industry, but which are not precedential. Further, while the two Republican Commissioners agreed as to the unfairness conclusions with respect to certain allegedly unlawful sensitive data practices, they did not agree that all of the allegations and claims were enough to establish Section 5 violations, and warned that the majority’s ongoing expansive use of unfairness was unjustified: Commissioner Ferguson opined: “My colleagues want the FTC Act to be a comprehensive privacy law. But it is not. Comprehensive privacy regulation involves difficult choices and expensive tradeoffs. Congress alone can make those choices and tradeoffs. It did not do so when it adopted the general prohibitions of Section 5 nearly nine decades ago. And it has not adopted comprehensive privacy legislation since then. We must respect that choice.” Commissioner Holyoak added: “[The majority] colors well outside of the lines of the Commission’s authority. Indeed, the Chair is seeking to effectuate legislative and policy goals that rest on novel legal theories well beyond what Congress has authorized.... [and] uses a settlement to effectuate policy objectives that political leadership at the Commissions has sought for years to achieve [unsuccessfully] through regulation.” Under the new administration, President Trump will be entitled to a Republican majority of Commissioners, which is likely to rein in the expansive use of unfairness that the current FTC Commission has undertaken. However, these information governance requirements can find support under some state privacy laws and, at minimum, can be seen as best practices that should help avoid the kind of media exposé that led to the Gravy/Venntel and Mobilwalla investigations in the first place. Further, even if federal privacy regulation and enforcement is reprioritized in the next administration (e.g., more of a national security than consumer protection focus), many of the twenty states with comprehensive consumer privacy laws have engaged in, and can be expected to continue, robust enforcement. In addition, several blue states have “Mini-FTC Acts” that provide broader authority to their AGs than do their respective state privacy laws (in states that have them) and, notably, broader authority than Section 5 provides to the Commission.. which are also utilized for privacy enforcement and could also be used to continue the expansion of unfairness jurisprudence that we have seen from the Commission in the last several years.Dickey's Barbecue Pit Kicks Off Game Day Packs with Double Rewards PointsGemcor provides flexible automated solutions for precision-based drilling and fastening applications, blending proven reliability with next-generation technology MACOMB, Mich. , Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1937, Gemcor Production Solutions (Gemcor) has installed over 2,000 automated fastening systems worldwide, integral to the manufacturing process of aerostructures throughout modern history. Acquired by Ascent Aerospace in 2016, its advantage is its heritage–a patented, roller-screw technology that provides manufacturing flexibility with many benefits, including shorter cycle times, extended life, and cost savings. "Gemcor products truly set the standard in the industry. With over 80 years of innovation and 100 installations alone in the last ten years, nothing is as reliable or adaptable as a quality-tested factory solution for airframers," shared Dan Friz, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Ascent Aerospace. Automation and integration were central to Gemcor's evolution under Ascent. "Working directly with legacy Gemcor customers, we were able to pinpoint steps in the production process where opportunities existed to innovate," said Michael Hinckley , Director of Strategic Programs at Ascent Aerospace. "To provide a turn-key solution, we incorporated an automated fastener loading system and integrated a maintenance platform and equipment into the overall production system." For Ascent's customers, quality and cycle-time reductions were key factors in Gemcor's innovation. "The enhanced visual quality inspection with machine learning capabilities, built-in cycle time optimization, and the ability to enable future 'lights-out' operations are just a few of the added benefits of Gemcor's offerings," added Hinckley. "Each of these improvements allows our customers to ramp up production and save on costs, with zero compromise on quality. Our customers trust the legacy capabilities of the Gemcor product line, and the integration into Ascent Aerospace has not only solidified the brand, it has enhanced the overall capabilities." Gemcor's latest technology boasts a fully integrated wing panel assembly production system and six large C-Frame Gemcor machines that provide fastener feed, drill, countersink, sealant application, swage, shave, and multiple inspection capabilities. In addition, two product lines with Gemcor accessibility from both sides of the product, as well as eight automated positioning systems for positioning and holding wing panels. A traffic controller that provides coordinated movement between positioning systems, Gemcor machines, and material handling has been developed to provide personnel safety. In addition, a remote control operation station enables a single operator to safely monitor and run multiple machines simultaneously. "We worked directly with Siemens to develop a new motion control solution within Gemcor that supports the SINUMERIK software platform," shared Friz. "The ability to execute closed-loop force feedback with drilling and riveting operations with Siemens' state-of-the-art controller has reduced cycle times while providing a familiar solution for our customers. We pride ourselves at Ascent on our ability to be flexible throughout our design and engineering process, where we work closely with each customer to provide systems that meet specific facility needs and exceed quality expectations." Gemcor products offer fastening applications to provide efficient fastening rates and high productivity for airframers. Gemcor's latest in a range of technological enhancements includes incorporating continuous improvement processes into its SCADA system to provide critical data for customer-defined KPIs and clear, customizable reports. "This will allow manufacturers to access a user-friendly dashboard that shows how the system is performing," shared Nick Battle , General Manager - MI at Ascent Aerospace. "Using machine learning, this feature will also provide predictive maintenance and process action suggestions, OEE, and Statistical Process Control (SPC)." The integration of machine learning is just one important development of many when it comes to Gemcor's capabilities. Additional features using the latest technologies to enhance Gemcor's systems for customers include various software integrations and the use of AI deep learning to optimize performance and reduce cycle times. "Our goal at Ascent with Gemcor product development has been to increase accuracy, repeatability, and reliability while saving our customers time and resources throughout their manufacturing life-cycle. We have achieved this with the help of industry partners and the dedication and hard work of our talented employees," added Battle. Ascent is continuously adapting Gemcor to meet customers' changing needs as technology advances. "From process engineering to build and installation, our process is to work closely with customers to develop their projects and see them through to ensure we are providing an efficient and cost-effective solution." Additional Gemcor Production Solutions features: Quality inspection capabilities through SCADA machine-level and factory-level integration Modernized solutions using smart manufacturing that save on cost Vision-based solutions for quality inspection with integrated machine-learning capabilities for increased efficiency Process control enhancements to include fastener verification, sealant optimization, edge and feature detection for resync, and debris and chip detection for smoother production Reduce cycle times with all-electric head configurations and Gemcor's high-speed linear head Active Panel Protection (APP) with pressure foot force feedback, deflection, monitoring, and compensation for quality control Ascent Offline Programming (in-house solution), Vericut Drilling and Fastening Simulation System (VDAF), and other software integrations available by request With offerings for a range of applications – from fuselages, wings, to engine nacelles and ducts, to its complete range of system regulations to include stand-alone riveters, semi-automatic systems, full multi-access CNC systems, and robot-based systems – Gemcor is a proven leader in automated drilling and fastening systems and is the factory solution to meet current demand across aerospace markets. Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, factory solutions provider of production and automated assembly systems for space, defense, and commercial aerospace industries. In addition to Gemcor Production Solutions, Ascent produces a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making Ascent the largest tooling group in the industry. As a true factory solutions partner, Ascent has the technology to support customers' builds throughout the lifecycle of their program. For inquiries regarding Gemcor Production Solutions, contact Al Bolen at [email protected] . Learn more at: https://ascentaerospace.com/ Contact: Dan Friz [email protected] SOURCE Ascent Aerospace
Israel strikes Houthi targets in Yemen's capital. WHO chief says he was nearby
DOE Awards $179M in Funding Grants for Chip DevelopmentTownsville Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News. The month of May began with headlines focused on then Townsville Mayor Troy Thompson and ended with him as he continued to cling to his job despite widespread disdain for the alleged lies about his background during local-government elections. Despite the stain on Townsville’s reputation, a tenacious Thompson’s tenuous grasp on power held by the end of the month, even after then Premiere Steven Miles and the 10 sitting councillors called on him to do the right thing and resign following a calamitous media interview. While the Thompson train wreck provided an unwelcome political sideshow, a number of other pressing issues also made headlines. May 2 Townsville DV Toll at Crisis Point Police on the front-line of Townsville’s domestic violence crisis are facing unprecedented challenges , responding to as many as 50 call-outs a day and they anticipate these numbers will only surge. The Townsville Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit say police respond to between 35-50 DV-related call outs every day and anticipate those numbers to rise. Senior Sergeant Adam Golding, Sergeant Elise Feltham and Townsville District Officer Acting Chief Superintendent Tom Armitt, launch Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Picture: Shae Beplate. Third time unlucky ... again Mayor Troy Thompson attempted three motions to gain up to three political advisers, which were denied each time because not enough councillors supported the decision. Councillors also identified their preferred option to act as a chief executive officer known as ‘Candidate Z’ after almost two hours in confidential business. May 3 Thugs steal car from wheelchair-bound mum A woman left wheelchair-bound after being struck by a stolen car has been dealt another devastating blow after her modified vehicle was recently stolen by shameless thieves who openly mocked her . Light in the darkness A young Townsville advocate has opened up about her own experiences with sexual assault as she uses her platform to boost awareness and support for survivors to create discussion on how Australians can create safer spaces. Evie Clayton is an advocate for sexual assault and domestic and family violence survivors. Picture: Shae Beplate. May 4 Bonza demise plane awful North-West Queensland community leaders have been left gutted by the collapse of Bonza airline, with residents now forced to fork out up to 10 times more for flights to see family, friends and for specialist medical appointments. May 8 Green light for mine A $300m phosphate mine in the North West has received a green light, with 445 jobs created as part of the project. The state government has granted mining leases to the Paradise South phosphate mine, about 130km northwest of Mount Isa near the Lady Loretta zinc mine, with plans in place for company North West Phosphate to use local services as part of the project. The Burdekin Rum team at ARDO Rooftop: Kelly Shimota, Tim Lamb, Raelene Bates, Warren Tink, Adrian Hogan, Jason Chan, Olivia McCormick, Prue Yeung, Vicki Johnson and Anthony and Sophie Duggan. Picture: Doug Simpson Media NQ distillery in spirited win A North Queensland distillery is continuing to collect accolades for its range of rums. Burdekin Rum’s Premium Aged Rum has won Best of Category for its bottled and blended pot Still Rum and Best of Class f or its bottled and blended Cane Spirit at the American Distilling Institute International Spirits Competition 2024. May 11 Danger to our kids Social media has been labelled a public health risk with children and young people exposed to damaging images and content they don’t have the developmental maturity to cope with. Acting Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Catherine McDougall told the Townsville Bulletin’s Future Townsville event that social media access for children was causing distress for young people, with it leading to a rise in hospital admissions. Insulted MPs in fight for Bruce North Queensland MPs are “insulted and infuriated” after the Labor government promised $467m for Bruce Highway works in marginal electorates, with one saying a “big picture plan” is needed. LNP MPs Phillip Thompson and Andrew Willcox have come out swinging after the pre-budget announcement, which will fund works in the Far North and South East. May 14 Department of Environment, Science and Innovation Wildlife Officers remove a saltwater crocodile, also known as an estuarine crocodile, measuring at least four metres in length at Port Hinchinbrook in Cardwell. Picture: Cameron Bates Rogue croc caught at Port Hinchinbrook A monster saltwater crocodile believed to be responsible for an attack on a human and death of at least one pet dog has been captured in spectacular fashion at a North Queensland marina. The saltie, also known as an estuarine crocodile, measuring at least four metres in length was caught in a large metal trap placed by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation at Port Hinchinbrook in Cardwell Waterfront, housing top budget list An upgraded waterfront with the Great Barrier Reef education precinct, a fair chunk of Bruce Highway funding, housing investment and workforce shortage assistance are leading the ticket of North Queensland budget priorities as the nation is poised to hear what projects will get the green light or further funding. Townsville Enterprise has released its priorities for the budget , which includes $100m worth of investment into the GBR education precinct, which would include a new aquarium. May 15 Townsville Bulletin front page, May 15, 2024. Picture: Supplied We deserve better North Queensland’s leaders have come out swinging after last night’s Federal Budget ‘snubbed’ the region, including t he absence of any mone y to rebuild Townsville’s Reef HQ aquarium. Crime far from kid’s play A young Mackay family who moved to Townsville to seek medical treatment for their darling baby girl has received a harrowing introduction to the scourge of local youth crime. Ashleigh Connell, a married mum with 21⁄2-year-old twins Noah and Gracie, said she was prepping breakfast when she noticed “an internal door to the garage was open”. “As I walked outside and notice the side gate open I peered around the corner and my heart fell to the floor,” she said. “My driveway was empty and my new car was gone.” May 16 Robert Malayta, 18, drowned in the Ross River trying to flee police. Teen’s haunting last words as he vanished “Big bro, help” were the last words spoken by a First Nations teenager before he perished in a treacherous river while fleeing from police after reluctantly going for a joy-ride in a stolen car, a pre-inquest into his death has heard . The body of Robert “Robbie” Malayta, 18, was discovered a day later on February 25, 2022, in the Ross River at the Riverway Precinct in Kirwan, Townsville. May 21 Member for Hill Shane Knuth, Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto, Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter and KAP Mundingurra candidate Michael Pugh at the Townsville Entertainment Centre. Picture: Evan Morgan MP demands answers as crime cripples As serious youth crime continues to plague Townsville, Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has demanded the Miles Government to provide an urgent update on the progress of its intensive on-country program. Dametto’s call for action comes in the wake of a Townsville boy facing nearly 50 charges related to a series of alleged vehicle, property, and violence offences committed during a three-week rampage. He says it’s already been two months since expressions of interest for the program wrapped up but the public are still waiting for answers. May 23 State’s hotspot of crime Townsville has become the epicentre in the Queensland Police Service’s battle against youth crime, with Taskforce Guardian working overtime to clean up the city’s streets. Since its inception 12 months ago, Taskforce Guardian has launched 13 deployments across the city, surpassing all other police districts across the state . Their efforts within Townsville’s district have resulted in 286 arrests, 871 charges and 129 diversions away from the court system into anti-crime programs. Embattled Townsville mayor Troy Thompson seated next to Councillor Brodie Phillips. Picture: Evan Morgan Mayor not in the SAS Townsville’s mayor has produced his military service number to “put an end” to speculation , however the full contents of his record reveal he did not spend five years in the army or the SAS as he told voters. May 27 Dogs of war Soldiers from across the globe have descended on North Queensland for this year’s Brolga Run Exercise. Troops from Japan, PNG and the US are mucking in together with the locals in pursuit of perfection, but no bond is stronger than the one between our sappers and their canine companions . Australian Army soldier Sapper Flynn Skerke-Irwin and Explosive Detection Dog Ethan from 3rd Combat Engineer Regiment during Exercise Brolga Run 2024 in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. May 30 Twist in murder case A Townsville massage parlour owner allegedly killed his wife’s lover in a frenzied stabbing attack when he found out about their affair. Lar Sue, 31, has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing his wife’s lover above a Thai restaurant on Monday. Sue allegedly confronted his wife and the other man in a Kirwan unit and stabbed him multiple times. May 31 Townsville Bulletin front page, May 31, 2024. Picture: Supplied What a crock Townsville’s embattled mayor is facing fresh allegations of deception, conceding he misled voters about his education, business nous and military career and blaming “100 plus” concussions for his poor memory. Troy Thompson has also apologised to veterans for embellishing his military service in an explosive national television interview in which he disputed lying about his career, saying he “firmly believed” he had given the right information. More Coverage Powders, bars, and banjoes: Our biggest February headlines Cyclones, crime and controversy: Our biggest January headlines Originally published as Townsville Bulletin newspaper headlines for month of May, 2024 Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories News Get job ready: Business offers 17 free training opportunities Staying true to a promise to his grandmother, a Townsville businessman is offering free training to 17 school leavers, unemployed, or under-employed people. Find out more. Read more Townsville ‘We’re always here, always ready’: Christmas Day on the job Essential workers across Townsville spent Christmas Day at work, but they still had plenty of festive spirit. Read about their Christmas. Read more
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