Home Blog Page 23

Child care teachers deserve higher pay

Jane Wells
-
0
Child care teachers deserve higher pay

When I was in college studying to become a teacher, I worked part time at a child care center, supporting staff who cared for children from infancy through age 5. The summer camp was always the best part, with our students setting off on adventures to the neighborhood pool, having picnics in the park and learning lessons about animals. I remember Molly from the preschool group, who gained a new love for reptiles after petting a giant lizard. Her family couldn’t believe her excitement at pickup time when I shared pictures of that reptile visit.

The summer after I graduated, my child care center director offered me a full-time teacher position in one of the preschool classes. I was ecstatic to be in a room full of children like Molly. Then the director told me my hourly pay: $13. I was making $10 an hour as a college student, and now I was a professional with a degree. I had to decline my dream job. Instead, I found a job in a public school district, making double the salary with better benefits.

Child care center staff work tirelessly to ensure all children are safe, healthy, learning and developing in all areas. However, low pay and expensive co-payments for child care translate into dangerously low retention rates. Only 59% of lead teachers and 30.9% of assistant teachers in child care centers stay in their jobs each year, compared to 90% of teachers in the public school system. The average Illinois early childhood educator salary is $34,320 per year compared with $73,916 per year for K-12 teachers. A low wage is the top reason teachers like me leave.

Our families and communities need high-quality early childhood education staff. It is time we structure the profession so that professionals like me can afford to stay in our roles. Here is what we can do:

First, the state must follow through with the Smart Start Workforce Grant initiative by increasing its budget. According to the Early Childhood Funding Commission, early childhood educator pay should be $25.75 to $29.25 an hour, and teacher assistants should be paid $18.75 to $22 an hour. When child care staff makes a livable wage and receives benefits, it translates into stability at home and at the child care center.

We also need to make child care costs affordable for working staff. In Illinois, the average yearly cost for an infant is $10,600. Gov. JB Pritzker has proposed the expansion of the Child Care Assistance Program,, offering more subsidized child care spots to low-income families so that they can remain in the workforce. If our families can no longer afford child care because they can’t access it through that program, we can’t build a community with quality child care centers and the professionals who staff them. I have had many conversations with previous child care staff who, like me, either couldn’t afford to take a job or left their position due to pay, benefits and issues with the Child Care Assistance Program.

The expansion of the program is now a distinct possibility. A bill that allows for the collection of workforce data and new strategies to promote workforce retention, including more child care professionals, has passed both chambers in the Illinois General Assembly and is awaiting the governor’s signature. This legislation will help in many ways. Investing in child care can be a critical counterinflation measure to help economic recovery.

It has been eight years since I was offered a child care center preschool lead teaching position and had to turn it down. Every early childhood education teacher in a child care center deserves to have a long career without financial worries, so that they can help our youngest learners thrive now and in the future.

Lori Pluchrat Cole is a prekindergarten instructional specialist in Berwyn North School District 98. She is a Teach Plus Illinois Early Childhood Educator Policy Fellowship alumna.

The views and opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Chicago Sun-Times or any of its affiliates.

The Sun-Times welcomes letters to the editor and op-eds. See our guidelines.

Get Opinions content delivered to your inbox.



Source link

Here’s hoping Trump doesn’t deliver on ideas to privatize the U.S. Postal Service

Jane Wells
-
0
Here’s hoping Trump doesn’t deliver on ideas to privatize the U.S. Postal Service

Incoming president Donald Trump — who seems anxious to slash, burn or otherwise foul-up any federal agency, policy or program that benefits the public when he takes office — is ruminating privatizing the U.S. Postal Service.

According to the Washington Post, Trump cites the agency’s financial problems as reason enough to let the private sector handle the nation’s mail, and has even discussed it with his selection the next commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick.

Admittedly, the USPS has had long-standing financial problems. The agency lost $9.5 billion in fiscal year 2024, and needs yearly appropriations from congress to make up the hefty shortfalls.

But taking the country’s constitutionally-enshrined mail delivery service that was once the envy of the world and placing it on the hands of the private operators — who will no doubt base deliveries and routes on whether a profits can be made — is a cure that’s far worse than the ailment.

The Postal Service took in $80 billion in revenue last year. For certain, it must be improved — and can be. But not scrapped.

A 250-year tradition

This country has handled the daily task of mail delivery since 1775, first as the U.S. Postal Office Department, a cabinet-level agency until the USPS was created in 1970.

Government mail carriers — and the importance of this can’t be overstated — deliver mail and packages to anyplace within the U.S., no matter how remote or rural, and sometimes while facing challenging weather conditions.

That’s 158 million addresses and locations across the country.

Is the Postal Service perfect? No. Chicagoans in many neighborhoods have complained for years about slow mail service. So much so, a congressional field hearing was held here on the matter in 2021.

But nationally, the service is good enough that the Postal Service’s private competitors such as UPS and DHL often turn to the agency deliver their items the last mile or so to reach consumers.

What private sector company has the capacity to take this over? And what agency can handle the duties of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the top-notch federal agents and forensic experts who solve a host of crimes from mail fraud to catching Unabomber Ted Kaczynski?

With millions of Americans depending on the USPS to deliver medicines, checks and other important items along with cards, letters and packages, the Postal Service is too important to sacrifice.

Change is needed — but not this

Congress should be concerned about the notion of privatizing the Postal Service. And to the body’s Trump-worshiping GOP majority: Nearly 60% of postal ZIP codes lie in the rural areas that make up much of political Trumpland.

Another cause for alarm is that the USPS will be placed under the microscope of Trump’s new and Orwellian-sounding Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy.

And then there’s Louis DeJoy, who has managed to hang on as postmaster general since Trump appointed him in 2020.

DeJoy thinks he can save the USPS by giving customers longer delivery times and increased postal fees. One of President Joe Biden’s biggest failures was not using his ability to dump the Postal Service’s board of governors and replace them with people who would, in turn, get rid of DeJoy.

But at least DeJoy supported passage of the Postal Reform Act of 2022, which contains a provision that repeals a requirement that forced USPS to prefund its retiree health care benefits 75 years in advance.

Most systems are funded under a gradual, pay-as-you go method. Coughing up the astronomical amounts each year cost the USPS $5.5 billion per annum.

The agency must be allowed time to operate without that massive financial weight around its neck.

Meanwhile, the USPS said it’s saved $2 billion in transportation spending over the last three years and has operations by 45 million work hours in that same time.

And lost in all this is the USPS is service, not a profit center. Guaranteed mail delivery is as much a hallmark of a developed nation as much as public education, mass transit and clean drinking water.

None of those belong solely in private hands. Neither does the Postal Service.

The Sun-Times welcomes letters to the editor and op-eds. See our guidelines.

Get Opinions content delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.

More about the Sun-Times Editorial Board at chicago.suntimes.com/about/editorial-board



Source link

Dear Abby: I’m dating my ex, and he won’t tell me where he lives

Jane Wells
-
0
Dear Abby: I’m dating my ex, and he won’t tell me where he lives

DEAR ABBY: I was with my ex-fiance for 13 years. Not long after he broke up with me, I found myself going to meet him at a hotel. We have been seeing each other regularly, once a week at least. We go out and enjoy our time together like we are dating.

The frustrating thing is, he doesn’t want to let me know where he lives. He says it’s a comfort thing for him to have “just his space.” It has been a year and a half since our breakup. Anytime I ask about our situation, he says he doesn’t know what he wants.

All of the things he does for me show he loves and cares about me. It feels like we are in this weird limbo, almost like he’s stringing me along because he doesn’t say if he ever wants to get back together. He says, “Why can’t you just enjoy what we’re doing?” I want more with him and better than we had before.

We were in a bad place before, and I didn’t treat him well. I was going through things and took it out on him. In our time apart, no longer being a couple, I have worked on myself to become a happier and healthier person and have gotten my life in order. I love him very much, and I am hoping for more. Any advice? — SITUATIONSHIP IN CALIFORNIA

DEAR SITUATIONSHIP: When a person is secretive, they usually have something to hide. Because your not-quite-ex refuses to give you his address (after a year and a half!), it’s likely he has someone living there with him. Before your engagement ended, you demonstrated that you could be abusive when you were stressed. That he doesn’t want to risk another round of that is understandable.

From what you have written, he’s enjoying things just the way they are. He doesn’t WANT more. Because you do, you will have to find someone who can give you the future you’re looking for.

DEAR ABBY: I am a straight male who likes wearing ladies’ biker shorts under my shorts and pants. In the winter, I love wearing ladies’ leggings and stockings because they keep my legs warm. I also love the way they feel. No one knows about me doing this. I’ve been in a relationship for many years, and my girlfriend doesn’t know. Is it OK to wear these items? — SECRETIVE IN NEW YORK

DEAR SECRETIVE: From your description, you are what is defined as an undercover cross-dresser. By doing this, you are hurting no one. You are far from the only man who enjoys it. Yes, it’s OK to continue as you have been doing.

DEAR ABBY: I have a brother-in-law who, when he gives a hello or goodbye hug, wants to give a kiss on the lips. My wife doesn’t want the kiss and turns her head away. He then proceeds to kiss her on the cheek, which she doesn’t want either, especially when it’s an open-mouth slobber. He does this with other sisters-in-law, and most of them turn their heads when he comes running with the pucker. How can we approach this situation without hurting his feelings or embarrassing him? — SMOOCHED IN WISCONSIN

DEAR SMOOCHED: May it be frank? People who are so insensitive that they fail to recognize when a kiss is unwanted NEED to be told directly that it is a turnoff. If that “embarrasses” the kisser, so be it. (Yuck!)

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)



Source link

Bears begin prep for NFC-best Lions on a short week

Jane Wells
-
0
Bears begin prep for NFC-best Lions on a short week

The Bears have a short week to get ready for the best team in the NFC.

They’ll hold a walk-through on Wednesday, less than 48 hours removed from their loss to the Vikings on “Monday Night Football.” The Bears will have a walk-through on Thursday, too.

It’s the first of two unusual weeks’ worth of preparation for the Bears. After hosting the Lions at Soldier Field on Sunday, they’ll host the Seahawks on Thursday, Dec. 26.

Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown will address the media on Wednesday, followed by quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Lions are coming off a 48-42 home loss to the Bills last week, just their second defeat of the season. They lost running back David Montgomery, a former Bears player, to a season-ending knee injury during that game.

The Lions lead the NFC and would receive a first-round bye in the playoffs were the season to end today. The Vikings, though, control their own destiny — if they win out, they’ll win the NFC North. The Lions and Vikings are two of three NFC teams to have clinched a playoff berth.

Check back for more updates.



Source link

Tennessee DA accused of firing multiple times at fugitive, hitting home with woman and her 3 children inside

Jane Wells
-
0
Tennessee DA accused of firing multiple times at fugitive, hitting home with woman and her 3 children inside

A district attorney in Tennessee is facing a reckless endangerment charge after shooting at a fugitive several times and hitting a home that had a woman and her three children inside.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced the grand jury charge Monday against District Attorney Chris Stanford. His district covers Van Buren and Warren counties.

The indictment says that as the incident unfolded in Smithville on Nov. 21, a bullet Stanford shot from his handgun went through a front porch patio chair, through an exterior wall and into the living room wall of the home. The woman and children weren’t hurt.

Smithville is about 60 miles southeast of Nashville.

The indictment says that Stanford fired the shot “unlawfully, intentionally and recklessly.” There was no immediate threat to him or others, he wasn’t aiming the handgun, and “just held it out and shot” without using the gun’s sights, the indictment adds.

Following his indictment, Stanford surrendered at the DeKalb County Jail and was released after posting a $10,000 bond, TBI said. A message left with Stanton’s office was not immediately returned Tuesday.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office described the circumstances leading to the incident last month. In a social media post, it said authorities were pursuing suspects after finding three dead bodies at a house and at an adjacent building.

The suspects were sighted in DeKalb County, the sheriff’s office said. One of them was taken into custody without incident. Stanford and other law enforcement officials chased the other suspect, who was a passenger in a car, the office said.

While trying to help the suspect flee, the driver struck a homeland security officer with the car, the sheriff’s office said.

In a statement last month to CBS affiliate WTVF-TV, Stanford said he fired shots in response to the homeland security agent being hit. No one was shot when Stanford fired his gun. The homeland security officer was injured and taken to the hospital, according to a social media post by District Attorney Bryant Dunaway.

“The vehicle then drove toward me and others, accelerating quickly. I fired my service weapon in defense of myself and others at the scene. Based upon my training and the circumstances that presented themselves, I believe my actions were necessary and justified,” Stanford said.

Stanford also told the news station he has a state law enforcement certification to carry his weapon at all times.

The two suspects in the three deaths were taken into custody and charged with criminal homicide, while the driver, also taken into custody, faces felony evading arrest and aggravated assault charged, according to the sheriff’s office.

Stanford will make an appearance in court on Jan. 7, WTVF reported. Since he showed up at the scene and fired his weapon, he is now a witness and cannot prosecute the triple murder in his own county, the station reported.



Source link

Ellis County detention officer dies after being attacked by inmate, sheriff says

Jane Wells
-
0
Ellis County detention officer dies after being attacked by inmate, sheriff says

Ellis County detention officer dies after inmate assault


Ellis County detention officer dies after inmate assault

01:49

WAXAHACHIE – An Ellis County detention officer died Monday after an inmate assaulted him, the sheriff said Tuesday.

Officer Isaiah Bias, 28, started working for the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office out of high school. He left for a couple of years to study at Navarro College but then returned, according to Sheriff Brad Norman. As a teenager Bias participated in the Ellis County Sheriff’s Explorers program, which provides training and leadership skills to teens who are interested in a career in law enforcement.

“He loved what he did. He loved the people he worked with and everybody around him loved him,” said Norman.

1734455224896.png
Arron Semeion Thompson

Ellis County Sheriff’s Office


Norman identified 45-year-old Arron Semeion Thompson as the inmate who attacked Bias at 3:45 p.m. Monday. 

Thompson was in a segregated area where he spent 23 hours per day alone in his cell. The attack happened as Thompson was being transferred back into his cell after his one hour out. 

According to the affidavit, Bias was escorting Thompson back to his cell on the second floor. Thompson followed Bias to the second floor and hit him in the head with his hand, the report states, choked him from behind and repeatedly struck him. Thompson then returned to the first floor and sat down at a table. 

Additional officers then arrived and placed Thompson in handcuffs. Bias was given immediate medical attention and taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“Most of the time, law enforcement officers and detention officers deal with good folks having a bad day. Occasionally we deal with bad folks. I can honestly say that my staff over the last day has dealt with pure evil,” Norman said.  

Thompson, with a criminal record dating back to 2002, was in the Ellis County Detention Center on multiple charges of assaulting a public servant and evading arrest.

Norman said he believes Thompson intentionally killed Bias and hopes the DA’s office seeks the death penalty. 

“Because it was a heinous, horrific, purposeful murder that was senseless and not needed,” said Norman.  

Thompson has since been charged with capital murder and is currently being held in another detention facility on a $2 million bond. The Texas Rangers are investigating.

The Ellis County Sheriff’s office said there are 133 jailers and 137 deputies who currently work at the jail compared to 558 inmates in the jail.   

Steven Rosenbaum

Steven Rosenbaum is a digital producer for CBS Texas. A versatile journalist, Steven writes, edits and produces content for the CBS Texas digital platforms.

Source link

Accused mastermind of journalist’s murder wanted by Mexico — but U.S. has called him a “protected witness”

Jane Wells
-
0
Accused mastermind of journalist’s murder wanted by Mexico — but U.S. has called him a “protected witness”

Mexico has asked the United States to extradite the suspected mastermind behind the murder of journalist Javier Valdez after he was arrested on drug charges, the attorney general said.  

Damaso Lopez Serrano — who the Justice Department says is known as “Mini Lic” — is accused of ordering the 2017 killing of Valdez, an award-winning journalist and AFP contributor who covered the narcotics trade.

The alleged former high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel was arrested on Friday in Virginia on charges of trafficking fentanyl. Lopez Serrano is the son of Damaso Lopez Nunez, who launched a struggle for control of the cartel following the arrest of its leader, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

Mexico’s Attorney General Alejandro Gertz described Lopez Serrano as the “mastermind” behind Valdez’s murder.

“We have already prosecuted the rest of the perpetrators and they are in jail,” he told a news conference.

Valdez was shot and killed in his car on May 15, 2017 in the Sinaloa state capital of Culiacan near the offices of his weekly newspaper Riodoce.

Mexico Journalist Murders
In this June 28, 2017 file photo, a police officer stands outside the Riodoce office after the killing of the newspaper’s co-founder Javier Valdez in Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico. 

Enric Marti / AP


Investigators believe Lopez Serrano ordered the hit because he was angry about information published by Valdez about the Sinaloa Cartel’s internal power struggles.

Mexico has made several extradition requests for Lopez Serrano, who surrendered to U.S. authorities in July 2017 for drug trafficking and cooperated in exchange for a reduced sentence. At the time, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Lopez Serrano was “believed to be the highest-ranking Mexican cartel leader ever to self-surrender in the United States.”

He was released from prison on parole in 2022.

Gertz said that Mexico had asked “on countless occasions” for Lopez Serrano to be handed over, but Washington declined because he had become a “protected witness” and “was giving them a lot of information.”

He voiced hope that with Lopez Serrano’s latest arrest “there are more than enough reasons” for the United States to finally grant Mexico’s request.

Mexico Media Murders
In this May 16, 2017 file photo, Maria Herrera, a mother who became active in the search for Mexico’s missing after four of her sons disappeared, weeps after speaking about murdered journalist Javier Valdez during a protest against the killing of reporters, in front of the Interior Ministry in Mexico City. 

Rebecca Blackwell / AP


Wracked by violence related to drug trafficking, Mexico is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, news advocacy groups say.

Reporters Without Borders says more than 150 newspeople have been killed in Mexico since 1994 — and 2022 was one of the deadliest years ever for journalists in Mexico, with at least 15 killed.

Media workers are regularly targeted in Mexico, often in direct reprisal for their work covering topics like corruption and the country’s notoriously violent drug traffickers.

Most recently, in October,  gunmen killed a journalist whose Facebook news page covered the violent western Mexico state of Michoacan. Then less than 24 hours later, an entertainment reporter in the western city of Colima was killed inside a restaurant she owned.

Source link

1 killed, 9 injured in shooting, fiery crash in Baltimore suburb of Towson, police say

Jane Wells
-
0
1 killed, 9 injured in shooting, fiery crash in Baltimore suburb of Towson, police say

1 dead, 9 injured in mass shooting, fiery crash in Towson, police say


1 dead, 9 injured in mass shooting, fiery crash in Towson, police say

06:24

BALTIMORE — One person was killed and nine others injured in a shooting and fiery crash in the Baltimore suburb of Towson Tuesday night, authorities said.

Law enforcement responded at around 7:15 p.m. in the 8500 block of Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough said in a news briefing. 

“It appears to be a mass shooting incident,” McCullough told reporters. “We have multiple persons who were shot. Right now, we are determining the circumstances and the conditions in this case.”


Baltimore County Police provide update to mass shooting in Towson

10:11

The first arriving officer found a vehicle on its side in flames near a funeral home, McCullough said, and then several gunshot victims were found in the area. 

“There appears to be some type of incident that led to the vehicle crashing and catching on fire,” McCollough said. “Investigators are looking into the circumstances leading up to that.”   

The name of the person killed and the manner of death was not released, nor were the conditions of the nine people injured. McCollough did not specify how many of the nine people injured were gunshot victims. 

At this time, investigators believe this was an isolated and targeted incident, with no further threat to the community, he added. It’s unclear if any suspects have been arrested. There was no word on a possible motive. 

“We will leave no stone unturned and we will dedicate every resource to this,” McCullough said. “We don’t generally see incidents like this in our community in Baltimore County. I assure you as your police chief that we will put all resources toward trying to clear this case.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was at the scene assisting police, as was the Baltimore County Fire Department.

“This is an incident that is shocking, particularly for those of us in Baltimore County,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “These types of incidents are unheard of here, so it really shocks the conscience. However, we want our residents to know that we are, as always, fully committed to ensuring that both our fire and police departments have the full support and all the resources they need from the Baltimore County government to ensure that they bring this investigation to a conclusion.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call Baltimore County Police at 410-887-4636.

Adam Thompson

Adam Thompson is a digital content producer for CBS Baltimore.

Source link

Indiana conducts first execution in 15 years, puts quadruple killer to death

Jane Wells
-
0
Indiana conducts first execution in 15 years, puts quadruple killer to death

Michigan City, Indiana — An Indiana man convicted of killing four people including his brother and his sister’s fiancé decades ago was put to death Wednesday, without any independent witness, marking the state’s first execution in 15 years.

Joseph Corcoran, 49, was pronounced dead at 12:44 a.m. CST at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City, Indiana, the Indiana Department of Correction said in a statement. CBS Indianapolis affiliate WTTV reports that officials said the execution process started just after midnight.

joseph-corcoran.jpg
Undated photo provided by the Indiana Department of Corrections shows Joseph Corcoran.

Indiana Department of Corrections via AP


Corcoran was scheduled to be executed with the powerful sedative pentobarbital, but the state agency’s statement did not mention that drug. Corcoran’s execution was the 24th in the U.S. this year.

According to WTTV,  the statement said Corcoran told officials his last words were, “Not really. Let’s get this over with.”  

He was convicted in the July 1997 shootings of his brother, 30-year-old James Corcoran, his sister’s fiancé, 32-year-old Robert Scott Turner, and two other men, Timothy G. Bricker, 30, and Douglas A. Stillwell, 30.

According to court records, before Corcoran fatally shot the four victims he was under stress because the forthcoming marriage of his sister to Turner would necessitate moving out of the Fort Wayne, Indiana, home he shared with his brother and sister.

While jailed for those killings, Corcoran reportedly bragged about fatally shooting his parents in 1992 in northern Indiana’s Steuben County. He was charged in their killings but acquitted.

Last summer, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced plans to resume state executions following a yearslong hiatus marked by a scarcity of lethal injection drugs nationwide.

The state provided limited details about the execution process, and no media witnesses were permitted under state law.

Indiana and Wyoming are the only two states that do not allow members of the media to witness state executions, according to a recent report by the Death Penalty Information Center.

Corcoran’s attorneys had fought his death penalty sentence for years, arguing he was severely mentally ill, which affected his ability to understand and make decisions. This month, his attorneys asked the Indiana Supreme Court to stop his execution but the request was denied.

Corcoran exhausted his federal appeals in 2016. But his attorneys asked the U.S. District Court of Northern Indiana last week to stop his execution and hold a hearing to decide if it would be unconstitutional because Corcoran has a serious mental illness. The court declined to intervene Friday, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit did the same Tuesday.

Corcoran’s attorneys then asked the U.S. Supreme Court issue an emergency order halting his execution, but the high court denied their request for a stay late Tuesday, ending Corcoran’s options with the courts.

His sole remaining hope then became Holcomb, who could have commuted Corcoran’s death sentence. But that commutation never came and the execution proceeded as scheduled.

WTTV says Holcomb issued a statement saying Corcoran’s case “has been reviewed repeatedly over the last 25 years – including 7 times by the Indiana Supreme Court and 3 times by the U.S. Supreme Court, the most recent of which was tonight. His sentence has never been overturned and was carried out as ordered by the court.”

Indiana’s last state execution was in 2009 when Matthew Wrinkles was put to death for killing his wife, her brother and sister-in-law in 1994.

Since then, 13 executions were carried out in Indiana, but those were initiated and performed by federal officials in 2020 and 2021 at a federal prison in Terre Haute.

State officials have said they couldn’t continue executions because a combination of drugs used in lethal injections had become unavailable.

For years, there has been a shortage across the country because pharmaceutical companies have refused to sell their products for that purpose. That’s pushed states, including Indiana, to turn to compounding pharmacies, which manufacture drugs specifically for a client. Some use more accessible drugs such as the sedatives pentobarbital or midazolam, both of which, critics say, can cause intense pain.

Religious groups, disability rights advocates and others have opposed his execution. About a dozen people, some holding candles, held a vigil late Tuesday to pray outside the prison, which is surrounded by barbed wire fences in a residential area about 60 miles east of Chicago.

“We can build a society without giving governmental authorities the right to execute their own citizens,” said Bishop Robert McClory of the Diocese of Gary, who led the prayers.

Other death penalty opponents also demonstrated outside the prison Tuesday night, some holding signs that read “Execution Is Not The Solution” and “Remember The Victims But Not With More Killing.”

“There is no need and no benefit from this execution. It’s all show,” said Abraham Borowitz, director of Death Penalty Action, his organization that protests every execution in the U.S.

Prison officials said in a brief statement Tuesday evening that Corcoran “requested Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for his last meal.”

Corcoran said farewell late Tuesday to relatives, including his wife, Tahina Corcoran, who told reporters outside the prison that they discussed their faith and their memories, including attending high school together. She reiterated her request for Indiana’s governor to commute her husband’s death sentence.

Tahina Corcoran said her husband is “very mentally ill” and she didn’t think he fully grasped what was happening to him.

“He is in shock. He doesn’t understand,” she said.

Source link

Horoscope for Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Jane Wells
-
0
Horoscope for Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Moon alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Leo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

A so-so day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

Cut yourself some slack today. You might not get a lot done, and the same goes for others. Easy does it. For starters, you might feel fatigued. Plus, escapist behavior, daydreaming and avoiding responsibilities will be classic. “Let’s slip out the back, Jack.”

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

A difficult day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

This is a poor day to make important financial decisions especially about inheritances, shared property, taxes, debt or mortgages because there will be a lack of clarity. Issues might be confusing. Postpone these important negotiations for another day.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

A difficult day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

Beware of deception today. (And this includes plain old kidding yourself.) The sun is opposite your sign and it is challenged by Neptune, which can make you doubt your decisions. It can also attract dubious people to you. Be careful.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

A so-so day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

Double check your work today because errors are likely. Confusion can be the result of issues that are unclear. You might not receive the correct information, or you might misinterpret it. Many things might happen. This same fogginess can apply to your health.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

A difficult day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

This is a confusing day for romance because people are indecisive and easily disillusioned. Ironically, they are also sensitive, as well as full of self-doubt and confusion. Parents should be extra vigilant of their kids, especially with respect to poisons, gas and water accidents.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

A difficult day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

This is a poor day to ask parents or an older member of the family who might be an authority figure for permission or advice because everything is foggy. People are confused, tired and drained. Deception is possible. Postpone important decisions for another day when you have more clarity.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

A so-so day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

Today you might be uncertain about the direction of things or you might even doubt your own decisions. You might also be unsure if relatives, neighbors and siblings are telling you the truth. Maybe they don’t grasp the whole picture? Or maybe they don’t understand you?

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

A so-so day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

Your wise choice today is to postpone important financial decisions. That’s because there is a lack of clarity, the possibility of deception, confused communications and plain old lazy thinking that might get you in trouble. Do your homework but make these decisions or expenditures another day.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

A difficult day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

As unusual as it sounds, today it’s easy to have a blurred self-identity. You’re not sure about what you believe or think? Or you might find yourself oscillating back and forth between different decisions. Many people feel this way today. Just tread water. Don’t act.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A so-so day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

Today it’s hard to know if you are being idealistic or escapist. It’s easy to avoid responsibilities today because of lack of energy and confusion. You might even feel overwhelmed by issues. If so, do something to ground yourself. Go for a walk. Postpone major decisions. Take it easy.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

A so-so day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

Be careful if you’re talking to friends and members of groups, especially if someone is coming on with their own personal propaganda. Don’t be suckered in. It’s important to think for yourself; however, today this will be difficult to do. Protect yourself by postponing decisions and money matters for another day.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

A difficult day

.HoroscopeStarbox {
background: #f8f8f8;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container {
display: grid;
grid-gap: 5px;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;
padding: 20px;
width: 40%;
min-width: 160px;
max-width: 200px;
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_description {
padding: 20px;
font-family: var(–font-1);
font-size: var(–body-2);
}

.HoroscopeStarbox_container svg {
object-fit: cover;
aspect-ratio: 1 / 1;
width: 100%;
}

Relations with parents, bosses and authority figures, including the police, will be fuzzy and confusing. It’s not you. It’s just the way things are today. Knowing this ahead of time, do not react. Do not act. Do not follow through on anything that seems a bit far-fetched. People are prone to make poor decisions today. Stay chill.

If your birthday is today

Actor Brad Pitt (1963) shares your birthday. You are a leader and others respect you. You’re idealistic, playful and sometimes stubborn. This has been a fun-loving year for you. However, you are headed into a year of work, building and construction — both externally and internally. Simplicity will be the key. Explore exercise, martial arts or yoga.

Source link

1...222324...178Page 23 of 178
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv