Regional antidotes to counter Trump
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan's defense of the national championship has fallen woefully short. The Wolverines started the season ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25, making them the third college football team since 1991 to be ranked worse than seventh in the preseason poll after winning a national title. Michigan (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) failed to meet those modest expectations, barely becoming eligible to play in a bowl and putting the program in danger of losing six or seven games for the first time since the Brady Hoke era ended a decade ago. The Wolverines potentially can ease some of the pain with a win against rival and second-ranked Ohio State (10-1, 7-1, No. 2 CFP) on Saturday in the Horseshoe, but that would be a stunning upset. Ohio State is a 21 1/2-point favorite, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook, and that marks just the third time this century that there has been a spread of at least 20 1/2 points in what is known as "The Game." Michigan coach Sherrone Moore doesn't sound like someone who is motivating players with an underdog mentality. "I don't think none of that matters in this game," Moore said Monday. "It doesn't matter the records. It doesn't matter anything. The spread, that doesn't matter." How did Michigan end up with a relative mess of a season on the field, coming off its first national title since 1997? Winning it all with a coach and star player contemplating being in the NFL for the 2024 season seemed to have unintended consequences for the current squad. The Wolverines closed the College Football Playoff with a win over Washington on Jan. 8; several days later quarterback J.J. McCarthy announced he was skipping his senior season; and it took more than another week for Jim Harbaugh to bolt to coach the Los Angeles Chargers. In the meantime, most quality quarterbacks wanting to transfer had already enrolled at other schools and Moore was left with lackluster options. Davis Warren beat out Alex Orji to be the team's quarterback for the opener and later lost the job to Orji only to get it back again. No matter who was under center, however, would've likely struggled this year behind an offensive line that sent six players to the NFL. The Wolverines lost one of their top players on defense, safety Rod Moore, to a season-ending injury last spring and another one, preseason All-America cornerback Will Johnson, hasn't played in more than a month because of an injury. The Buckeyes are not planning to show any mercy after losing three straight in the series. "We're going to attack them," Ohio State defensive end Jack Sawyer said. "We know they're going to come in here swinging, too, and they've still got a good team even though the record doesn't indicate it. This game, it never matters what the records are." While a win would not suddenly make the Wolverines' season a success, it could help Moore build some momentum a week after top-rated freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood flipped his commitment from LSU to Michigan. "You come to Michigan to beat Ohio," said defensive back Quinten Johnson, intentionally leaving the word State out when referring to the rival. "That's one of the pillars of the Michigan football program. "It doesn't necessarily change the fact of where we are in the season, but it definitely is one of the defining moments of your career here at Michigan." AP Sports Writer Mitch Stacy in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!NoneDonald Trump has vowed to put a staggering 25% tariff on ALL products coming into the US from Canada and Mexico . Despite warnings from financial experts, Trump laid out his controversial plans to implement the tariffs on his first day in office until 'drugs and illegal aliens' stop crossing the borders. The president-elect also revealed plans to add an additonal 10% tariff to Chinese imports, on top of any existing ones, due to China 'not implementing the death penalty on drug dealers.' Trump announces more picks for key roles in Cabinet — including ex-NFL player Jack Smith moves to dismiss election interference charges against Donald Trump On Monday night, he wrote on Truth Social: "As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before. "Right now a Caravan coming from Mexico , composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border. "On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders." "This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem. "We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!" Despite the warnings of most economists, Trump is determined to implement tariffs, even if they impact Americans. Trump believes that income from the heavy tariffs he will impose will help America trickle in boosted social security benefits. He also vowed to put an additional 10% tariff for products coming into the country from China. In a second Truth Social post, Trump continued: "I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail. "Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through, and drugs are pouring into our Country, mostly through Mexico , at levels never seen before. "Until such time as they stop, we will be charging China an additional 10% Tariff, above any additional Tariffs, on all of their many products coming into the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter." During his election campaign, Trump claimed he doesn't need congress and will 'impose' major tariffs. " I don't need Congress, but they'll approve it. I'll have the right to impose them myself if they don't. I'd rather get their support. The ones who understand the business will all support it," Trump said in September. Several economists have pushed back on Trump's plan, citing concerns that the perceived benefits may not pass on to consumers. "If the idea is to expand domestic production of goods so as to benefit U.S. workers, not much expansion can be achieved in an economy such as the U.S. that is close to full employment," Professor Barbara Spencer, a teacher at the University of British Columbia, told Newsweek.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Military leaders are rattled by a list of “woke” senior officers that a conservative group urged Pete Hegseth to dismiss for promoting diversity in the ranks if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * WASHINGTON (AP) — Military leaders are rattled by a list of “woke” senior officers that a conservative group urged Pete Hegseth to dismiss for promoting diversity in the ranks if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? WASHINGTON (AP) — Military leaders are rattled by a list of “woke” senior officers that a conservative group urged Pete Hegseth to dismiss for promoting diversity in the ranks if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon. The list compiled by the American Accountability Foundation includes 20 general officers or senior admirals and a disproportionate number of female officers. It has had a chilling effect on the Pentagon’s often frank discussions as leaders try to figure out how to address the potential firings and diversity issues under President-elect Donald Trump. Those on the list in many cases seem to be targeted for public comments they made either in interviews or at events on diversity, and in some cases for retweeting posts that promote diversity. Tom Jones, a former aide to Republican senators who leads the foundation, said Friday that those on the list are “pretty egregious” advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, policies, which he called problematic. “The nominee has been pretty clear that that has no place in the military,” Jones said of Hegseth. Hegseth has embraced Trump’s effort to end programs that promote diversity in the ranks and fire those who reflect those values. Other Trump picks, like Kash Patel for FBI director, have suggested targeting those in government who are not aligned with Trump. But Hegseth has been fighting to save his nomination as he faces allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault and over his views questioning the role of women in combat. He spent the week on Capitol Hill trying to win the support of Republican senators, who must confirm him to lead the Pentagon, doing a radio interview and penning an opinion column. Some service members have complained in the past about the Pentagon’s DEI programs, saying they add to an already heavy workload. The Pentagon still has a long way to go in having a general officer corps or specialty occupations such as pilots that have a racial and gender makeup reflective of the country. A defense official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the list said senior leaders are hoping that once Trump is sworn in, they will be able to discuss the issue further. They are prepared to provide additional context to the incoming administration, the official told The Associated Press, which is not publishing the names to protect service members’ privacy. Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Friday that the list would have “considerable, wide and deep consequences.” He said when military members see people singled out, they will start focusing on their own survival rather than the mission or their job. “You will drive people out,” Hagel said. “It affects morale as widely and deeply as anything — it creates a negative dynamic that will trickle through an organization.” The list, which was first reported by The New York Post, includes nine Air Force general officers, seven Navy admirals of different ranks and four Army general officers. Eight of those 20 are women even though only 17% of the military is female. None are Marines. One female Navy officer was named because she gave a speech at a 2015 Women’s Equality Day event, where she noted that 80% of Congress is male, which affects what bills move forward. The officer also was targeted because she said “diversity is our strength.” The phrase is a widely distributed talking point that officers across the Pentagon have used for years to talk about the importance of having a military that reflects different educational, geographic, economic, gender and racial backgrounds in the country. An Air Force colonel, who is white, was called out for an opinion piece he wrote following the death of George Floyd, saying, “Dear white colonel, we must address our blind spots about race.” A female Air Force officer was targeted because of “multiple woke posts” on her X feed, including a tweet about LGBTQ rights, one about “whiteness” and another about honoring the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on a stamp. Another female Air Force officer was on the list because she “served as a panelist for a diversity, equity and inclusion” discussion in 2021. The list names an Army officer who traveled to 14 historically Black colleges to expand the military’s intelligence recruitment efforts, and an Air Force officer partly because he co-chairs the Asian-Pacific Islander subgroup of the service’s diversity task force. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump transition team, said in a statement that “No policy should be deemed official unless it comes directly from President Trump.” But in an interview Wednesday for Megyn Kelly’s SiriusXM satellite radio show, Hegseth said Trump told him he wanted a “warfighter” who would clean out the “woke crap.” Hegseth got a boost Friday from Trump, who posted on his social media site that Hegseth “will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense.” The president-elect added that “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Jones told the AP in June that his American Accountability Foundation was investigating scores of federal employees suspected of being hostile to Trump’s policies. The work aligns with the Heritage Foundation’s far-reaching Project 2025 blueprint for a conservative administration. A letter Jones sent to Hegseth containing the list, dated Tuesday, says “purging the woke from the military is imperative.” The letter points to tensions with Iran, Russia and China and says “we cannot afford to have a military distracted and demoralized by leftist ideology. Our nation’s security is at stake.” Conservatives view the federal workforce as overstepping its role to become a power center that can drive or thwart a president’s agenda. During the first Trump administration, government officials came under attack from the White House and congressional Republicans, as Trump’s own Cabinet often raised objections to some of his more singular or even unlawful proposals. ___ AP writer Courtney Bonnell contributed from Washington. Advertisement AdvertisementIs there a quiet isolation pandemic now?
Senate prospects appeared dim Monday for a controversial bill that recently passed the House that many civil liberties groups and nonprofits said could be used to retaliate against them for their activities. In an email to HuffPost on Monday, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that Schumer “is opposed to the provisions to strip accused nonprofits of their tax-exempt status.” Combined with the dwindling time lawmakers have to pass a bill to keep the government open past Dec. 20 and Schumer’s intent to spend precious Senate floor time on confirming federal judges , the outlook for the bill was already cloudy before the disclosure of Schumer’s position. As majority leader, Schumer decides what bills get consideration by the full Senate. The bill passed the House Thursday on a 219-184 vote , with 30 representatives not voting. Only one Republican, libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), voted against it, while only 15 Democrats voted in support. The bill would allow the treasury secretary to more quickly take away the tax-exempt status of groups that have provided support for groups listed by the government as terrorist organizations. The nonprofit groups would have to be notified of their designation as terrorist-supporting organizations at least 90 days beforehand and would have that time to make changes to prevent being stripped of their exempt status. They could also challenge the exemption with the IRS and in federal court. Despite those safeguards, many groups spanning the ideological spectrum, from the American Civil Liberties Union to the libertarian Cato Institute, worried they would not be enough to prevent the new authority from being abused. Critics also found a receptive audience among House Democrats . Fifty-two supported the bill in an initial vote on Nov. 12, many more than the 15 who supported it in the final vote. The prospect of a Donald Trump administration having that new power, after Trump has said publicly he was entitled to take revenge on his political enemies, concerned many Democrats. “The GOP wants to give the new president Orwellian powers to impose a Kafkaesque nightmare on America’s nonprofits,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said in a social media post , adding, ” What could go wrong with the new administration having the power to designate groups as ‘terrorist-supporting’ with no judicial determination and no due process?” Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Republicans said the fears of abuse were unfounded and an overreaction to Trump’s election. They also touted the other part of the bill, language that would ease tax penalties assessed on people unable to file their taxes because they are being held hostage abroad. “Congress must act to stop this abuse of our tax code that is funding terrorism around the world. We must act to end the unfair tax treatment of Americans who have already suffered enough — and whose families have suffered enough — from being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad,” said Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement Thursday . If the bill fails to be passed by both the House and Senate by the time the new Congress is seated in early January, advocates will have to start all over again with a new bill. However, the bill, or only portions of it, could still be tucked into other legislation that is expected to pass before Congress adjourns, such as a temporary spending bill or a huge defense policy bill. Related From Our Partner
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FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Texas is having "unforeseen health challenges” that have worsened in the final months of her more than two decades in Congress, a statement from her office said Monday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Texas is having "unforeseen health challenges” that have worsened in the final months of her more than two decades in Congress, a statement from her office said Monday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Texas is having “unforeseen health challenges” that have worsened in the final months of her more than two decades in Congress, a statement from her office said Monday. Granger, 81, has not cast a vote in Washington since July. In a statement provided by her office, Granger said she has been “navigating some unforeseen health challenges over the past year” but did not specify or elaborate. “However, since early September, my health challenges have progressed making frequent travel to Washington both difficult and unpredictable,” the statement said. Granger’s office did not immediately respond to questions emailed Monday about her condition or why they did not publicly disclose her health status earlier. Messages left with Granger’s family also were not immediately returned. Granger announced in 2023 that she would not seek reelection, saying at the time that it was time for a new generation of leaders to step up. Granger also announced in March that she would step down as chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. First elected to Texas’ 12th Congressional District in 1996, Granger was the first Republican woman elected to represent the state in the U.S. House. Before that, she was the mayor of Fort Worth. Her seat will be filled in January by Republican Craig Goldman, a former Texas House member, who was elected to the district that includes parts of Fort Worth, western Tarrant County and most of neighboring Parker County. Advertisement AdvertisementArkansas DE Landon Jackson carted off field and taken to hospital with neck injury
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The 2025 Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) limit is $7,000. Investors with some extra cash to put to work next year are wondering which stocks might still be heading into 2025 and could be good to buy for a self-directed TFSA focused on passive income and long-term total returns. Fortis ( ) is a Canadian utility company with operations located across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. The businesses include power-generation facilities, natural gas distribution utilities and electricity transmission networks. Fortis gets nearly all of its revenue from rate-regulated assets. This is important for dividend investors who want to own stocks that can sustain payouts. Fortis trades near $60 per share at the time of writing. The stock is up about 11% in the past six months but is down from the recent high close to $64. Fortis has a good track record of delivering growth through a combination of strategic acquisitions and internal development projects. The company hasn’t made a large purchase for several years but is working on a $26 billion capital program. As the new assets are completed and go into service, Fortis expects the rate base to increase from $38.8 billion to $53 billion over five years. The boost to revenue and cash flow should support planned annual dividend increases of 4% to 6%. Fortis raised the dividend in each of the past 51 years. Investors who buy the stock at the current level can get a dividend yield of 4%. Bank of Nova Scotia ( ) trades near $77 at the time of writing. The stock is up about 23% in the past six months but is still way off the $93 it reached in early 2022 at the top of the first bank stock rally that occurred after the pandemic crash. Bank of Nova Scotia has underperformed most of its large Canadian bank peers over the past decade. A new chief executive officer took over in 2023 and is making changes to help drive better returns for shareholders. Bank of Nova Scotia trimmed staff by about 3% to reduce expenses and is shifting its growth investments to the United States and Canada. The bank announced a US$2.8 billion deal in 2024 to buy a 14.9% stake in KeyCorp, a U.S. regional bank. Bank of Nova Scotia also created a new executive position to oversee expansion in Quebec. Previously, Bank of Nova Scotia invested billions of dollars to buy banks and credit card portfolios in Latin America. Growth potential in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru is arguably attractive as the middle class expands, but the big bets haven’t paid off for shareholders. Economic and political uncertainty are always present in these markets. As such, bank investors have largely preferred to own other Canadian banks. Investors who buy BNS stock at the current price can get a dividend yield of 5.5%, so you get paid well to wait for the turnaround efforts to deliver results. The bottom line on top TSX stocks for a TFSA Fortis and Bank of Nova Scotia are good examples of TSX stocks that pay attractive dividends that should continue to grow. If you have some cash to put to work in a TFSA, these stocks deserve to be on your radar.A "breathless" dad who dialled 999 pleading for help tragically died at home after NHS bosses cancelled his ambulance, an inquest heard. 52-year-old Simon Boyd, who lived in Heaton Moor, Stockport, was suffering with vomiting and diarrhoea in the week leading up to his death in May last year. His ex-wife Elaine Parker-Boyd said he suspected he had gastroenteritis or norovirus. He had a 'relatively complex' medical history - including heart problems, high blood pressure , chronic fatigue syndrome and sleep apnoea, the coroner presiding over his inquest added. His son had been with him on May 30 and the following day, before returning to his mum's house in Heaton Chapel, Elaine said. On May 31, Simon rang 111, with area coroner Chris Morris saying he 'reported dizziness, lethargy and sweating'. He was given 'self-care advice' and told to ring his GP or 111 if symptoms persisted. 'Safety-netting' took place and he was told about 'red flag' symptoms, the coroner added. Elaine and their son spoke to him the next day and told them he felt 'better', she said. He promised he would eat and sent them a photograph of his dinner, Elaine told the Manchester Evening News. Most of it was uneaten when he was discovered, she added. Their son was due to return to his dad's flat the Saturday morning (June 1). They didn't know that just after 5.20am, Simon had dialled 999 and asked for an ambulance as he was feeling breathless. The call was initially categorised as a 'category three' case - 'urgent calls' which should be responded to within two hours - nine out of 10 times, the coroner said. The anticipated wait for an ambulance that day was three hours and 15 minutes, the coroner said in a Prevention of Future Deaths report. This, he said, was 'a factor which contributed to decision-making in this case'. Following a review by the North West Ambulance Service, Simon was referred to the Greater Manchester Clinical Assessment Service (CAS), provided by the Greater Manchester Urgent Primary Care Alliance (GMPUPC). Simon was spoken to by a doctor, who referred him to a local out-of-hours service, 'cancelling the ambulance response', the coroner's report states. When it was established Simon was unable to make his own way to the out-of-hours centre, he was spoken to and assessed over the phone by another doctor, who, the coroner said, 'who triaged him for a routine (same day) home visit'. Simon spoke to his dad on the phone at 8.15am before ringing his son at around 8.30am, telling him he was 'struggling to breathe', Elaine said. Elaine and her son then made their way to Simon's home. The doctor had already arrived - at 8.34am - but there was no answer. Police arrived and Simon was found. "When we got there, there was a police officer sat in the passenger seat of Simon's car, looking through the glovebox," Elaine told the M.E.N. "My son, straight away, said 'my dad's dead'. I said 'no he's not, why are you saying that to me?'. He said 'there's no ambulance'. He had noticed there was just a doctor's car and police outside the flat, but no paramedics. My son now has to live his life with his dad not being around." An inquest into Simon's death concluded at South Manchester Coroners' Court in Stockport last month. Coroner Mr Morris recorded a narrative conclusion, saying Simon 'died as a consequence of a myocardial infarction' - the medical term for a heart attack - 'which was first diagnosed after his death despite him seeking help from urgent and emergency care services'. In a Prevention of Future Deaths report, the coroner raised a number of concerns. He has told the Health Secretary the estimated three hour 15 minute wait for an ambulance was 'a factor which contributed to decision-making in this case' and that he was 'concerned that national targets for ambulance response times continue not to be adhered to'. Mr Morris also raised concerns about NHS Pathways, the national triage system used by call handlers, including the wording of some of the script used by call handlers. "Phrases such as 'an emergency ambulance has been arranged'; 'we will be with you as soon as possible, as soon as an ambulance is available'; and 'if you can ask for someone to meet and direct the vehicle and shut any dogs away if there are any' potentially give a misleading impression as to ambulance dispatch having occurred, which could conceivably deter a caller from taking steps which might realistically result in them obtaining faster help," Mr Morris wrote. He added it was a 'further concern' that a requested ambulance can be cancelled 'without this first being discussed with the person who has felt it necessary to dial 999 and request an ambulance in the first place'. Both the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England have been asked to respond to the report. Nimish Patel, from McHale and Co solicitors, which represented the family, said: "This is a distressing case which highlights the difficulties caused by the current plight of the ambulance services and limited resources which mean that the patients who need the most urgent care may not receive it in time." A spokesperson for the DHSC said: "Our deepest sympathies are with Simon's family and friends in this tragic case. We consider every Prevention of Future Deaths report carefully and will respond in due course. "Our 10 Year Health Plan will support ambulance services to improve and meet the response time standards the public rightly expect, and fix our broken NHS." An NHS England spokesperson said: "NHS England extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Simon Boyd. We are carefully considering the Prevention of Future Deaths Report sent to us by HM Coroner and will respond in due course." An NWAS spokesperson said: "Our condolences go to Mr Boyd’s family at this difficult time. We support the coroner's aim to improve the experience of patients by reducing wait times and ensuring the information that we give to callers continues to be clear and appropriate." The GMPUPC was contacted for comment.Middle East latest: Defense minister acknowledges Israel killed Hamas leader
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RICHMOND — With speeding and sideshows occupying intersections still a persistent issue in Richmond, councilmembers are set to consider directing staff to urgently identify measures to bring safety to city streets. An item on Tuesday night’s Richmond City Council agenda calls for staff to identify traffic calming measures that would abate speeding and donuts in at least six areas throughout the city in an effort to address a serious public safety risk that’s resulted in property damage, injuries and death in the last year alone. “I’d venture to say that no city street is safe,” said Richmond Police Capt. Matt Stonebraker during a monthly crime prevention meeting focused on sideshows held on Oct. 23. The staff report for the item, brought forward by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, did not specify which six locations should be studied but Canal Boulevard was called out as a specific area of concern. In mid-October, a 16-year-old was killed and her 11-year-old sister injured in a speeding accident on the 600 block of Canal Boulevard. Richmond officers arrested nine people and impounded four cars just weeks ago in response to a sideshow with more than 50 vehicles and 200 participants on the same street. Sideshows have also occurred near Hilltop Mall. Participants of a large sideshow in late September damaged multiple cars at nearby auto dealerships and a Richmond Police Department vehicle, the department shared on its social media platforms. The “well organized” unauthorized events, which have grown in size, are occurring nearly every weekend and pull in crowds from outside the region, Stonebraker said. “It’s dangerous not only for the participants, not only for the spectators, but for the community at large and everyone around them or anybody that’s there,” Stonebraker said. “It’s dangerous. We want them to stop and we’re doing everything we can at this point to curb that.” Mayor Eduardo Martinez made his stance on the issue clear in an Oct. 1 Facebook post. Martinez, who has advocated for creating a space where sideshows can occur legally, said he is not in support of and has never encouraged breaking the law. The mayor noted in his post that sideshows — a term he’s wary of using because it does not fully encompass all types of reckless driving and can be used to demonize different parts of the community — are a regional issue. Similarly, Stonebraker said it’s typical for sideshows to travel from San Jose, through the East Bay and San Francisco, up to Sacramento. About 15 sideshows occurred in September alone, an average of about three a week, said Sgt. Enrik Melgoza during the October crime prevention meeting. To address the problem locally, Martinez said the city is working on hiring additional personnel, collaborating with neighboring agencies and deploying Flock cameras that collect vehicle information used to track down suspects. “I am fully committed to ensuring that our city remains safe for all residents, businesses, and visitors,” Martinez said. “These lawless actions do not represent the values of our Richmond residents, and we will do everything in our power to protect our community.” Police spokesperson Lynelle Sanchez said the department is also routinely monitoring for speeding in key corridors like Macdonald Avenue and 23rd Street. Officers issued 17 citations to drivers who failed to yield to pedestrians or were speeding near crosswalks during a recent traffic operation, she said. If the council back’s Zepeda’s request, staff would be directed to return before the end of January 2025 with identified traffic calming measures. Tawfic Halaby, deputy Public Works director of operations and maintenance, said during last month’s crime prevention meeting that the department is reaching out to neighboring jurisdictions to determine what types of measures have been successful. In the meantime, Sanchez encouraged the public to do their part in preventing traffic accidents by driving safely. “We really need the community to come together to make sure everyone stays safe,” Sanchez said. “Everybody’s in a rush trying to get home and feed their kids, but as residents we can do our part to help each other, especially around gatherings of people before and after school.” Zepeda did not immediately respond to requests for comment.