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Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has announced holding a Kisan March in Mandi Bahauddin on December 25 (today) and a Palestine Solidarity Million March in Islamabad on December 29. "The Kisan March aims to expand the movement for farmers' rights across the entire country. Issues related to agriculture and small farmers are not part of any other political party's agenda except the JI," he said while speaking to journalist in Lahore. Hafiz Naeem said his party will wait till end of winters and then take to streets if the government does not implement its agreement with the JI with regard to power bills. He said it is because of the JI's protest that the government is holding talks with independent power producers (IPPs). Commenting on national matters, Hafiz Naeem appreciated the negotiations between the government and the PTI. However, he expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Kurram and Balochistan. "The Baloch people should be respected and their grievances addressed," he said. Hafiz Naeem said military operations are not a solution to the problem of militancy. He urged the federal and provincial governments to resolve the Kurram issue through negotiation. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourDaniel Gizinski has moved into the role of president for the company’s satellite and space communications segment amid an ongoing pivot there. In October, Comtech announced its plans to evolve into a “pure-play satellite and space communications company” and shed noncore assets. A 15-year satellite market veteran, Gizinski first joined Comtech in 2019 and most recently worked as the company’s chief strategy officer. His career also includes roles at General Electric, Sierra Nevada Corp. and L3Harris Technologies. Daniel Yuly has joined the IT services provider as chief financial officer and brings two decades of federal market experience to the role. Yuly most recently worked in the CFO role at Agile Defense, where he helped manage four of that company’s acquisitions. DecisionPoint is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business that started in 2012 and is looking to move further up the market’s middle tier. Kevin Bearden has joined the technology and consulting services company as senior vice president and division leader for transformation, security and social services. The 25-year market veteran will oversee ICF’s work for federal agencies in the national security and social services community, as well as state and local government clients. His career prior to ICF includes roles at Cherokee Federal, The Providencia Group, SOS International, General Dynamics IT and Booz Allen Hamilton. A pair of new hires are joining the senior leadership team at this cybersecurity provider that is pushing what it calls a “structural expansion” effort into business divisions aligned with major clients. Manohar Kumar is now senior vice president of operations and portfolio director, a role that sees him responsible for SkyePoint’s delivery and performance functions. He also supports growth initiatives across the company and customer engagement efforts. The two-decade veteran most recently worked as vice president of operations at VMD. In addition, Durriya Badani was hired as vice president of strategic accounts and brings two decades of experience to that role. She most recently worked as chief strategy officer at ClearAvenue. Lisa Wilkinson has joined the global government services company as chief human resources officer after 17 years in the aerospace and defense industry. Wilkinson most recently worked as vice president of people and culture at SES Space & Defense, where she helped lead the integration of the DRS GES satellite services business. Her areas of responsibility at SOSi will include workforce planning and development, talent acquisition and retention, learning and development, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, performance management, diversity and inclusion programs, and compliance. Debra Dial will become the 12th member of Booz Allen’s board of directors on Jan. 2 and join the panel’s audit committee. She retired from AT&T in mid-2023 after a 28-year career there, including her most recent role as chief accounting officer and controller. Dial spent 10 years at KPMG’s audit practice prior to AT&T. Booz Allen cited Dial’s background in long-term financial and business planning, reporting and digital transformation. John Tien, a former deputy homeland security secretary, will become the 12th member of SAIC’s board of directors on Dec. 2 and join the panel’s committee for nominating and corporate governance. Tien served as the Homeland Security Department’s second-highest position from June 2021 to July 2023. Prior to that, he was a senior executive at Citigroup for 10 years. He also served in three other presidential administrations in leadership roles as an Army officer in seven different U.S. states, three countries and three combat tours.
Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term. With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that “this was just a first run”. “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatia’s political scene. Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU. Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war”. His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East”. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
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Thumzup opening bell Thumzup Media Corporation "We are honored and energized to embrace this opportunity to commemorate Thumzup on Nasdaq's global stage,” said Robert Steele, Thumzup CEO. "Ringing the Opening Bell is a celebration of the achievements that have guided our company to this notable moment and a testament to our vision for the future. This is a proud moment for the entire team.” Following, Robert Steele will also join Nasdaq's Behind the Bell series for a featured interview immediately following the ceremony. The episode will showcase Steele's reflective commentary and quick-hit questions surrounding Thumzup's hallmark year, including its recent expansions and growing platform features, as well as touching on the company's trajectory for the future. The Nasdaq Opening Bell Ceremony will be live from 9:15am to 9:30am ET. The event can be viewed live or via replay: https://www.nasdaq.com/marketsite/bell-ringing-ceremony The Thumzup app is available for download on the App Store and Google Play . About Thumzup ® Thumzup Media Corporation (Thumzup) is democratizing the multi-billion dollar social media branding and marketing industry. Its flagship product, the Thumzup platform, utilizes a robust programmatic advertiser dashboard coupled with a consumer-facing App to enable individuals to get paid cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media outlets through the Thumzup App. The easy-to-use dashboard allows advertisers to programmatically customize their campaigns. Cash payments are made to App users/creators through PayPal and Venmo. Thumzup was featured on CBS Los Angeles and in KTLA . Legal Disclaimer This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include, without limitation, statements about its potential growth, impacts on the advertising industry, plans for potential uplisting, and planned expansion. These statements are identified by the use of the words "could," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "may," "continue," "predict," "potential," "project" and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, objectives, expectations or intentions will be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical experience and present expectations or projections. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements and the trading price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly. Forward-looking statements also are affected by the risk factors described in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Contact Info [email protected] 800-403-6150 Media Contact Jessica Starman [email protected] Attachment Thumzup opening bellLOS ANGELES — Right when the Los Angeles Rams' offense has dropped into a disconcerting slump, their defense has held three straight opponents under 10 points for the first time in decades. Although the Rams (10-6) are closing in on an NFC West title and another playoff berth with a five-game winning streak, the way they're doing it makes their postseason prospects quite unpredictable. The methodology has been strange, but the results are not: After holding off Arizona 13-9 on Saturday night, Los Angeles has won nine of 11 and is very close to claiming its fourth division title and sixth playoff berth in coach Sean McVay's eight seasons. “I’m proud of this group and the way they battled back,” Matthew Stafford said. “A lot of people doubted us, and a lot of people wrote us off at 1-4. To be able to sit here with our record what it is right now, I feel proud of this group.” The Rams hadn't held three straight opponents to single-digit scoring since 1975, but rookie coordinator Chris Shula's defense has done it with a strong front and a little luck on the back end, including the last-minute interception by Ahkello Witherspoon on a pass that deflected off star Arizona tight end Trey McBride's head at the goal line. Kyler Murray threw it before McBride was probably ready because Shula had called a zero blitz on first down at the Los Angeles 5. “I want to make more plays to make sure they don’t have to do as much as they did (against Arizona), but I’m proud of them,” Stafford said of the Rams' defense. "It’s awesome to watch where they were in training camp to where they are now. Shula is doing a hell of a job. We all knew he would. Those guys are playing hard for him.” But the Rams have scored more than 21 points just once during their five-game winning streak, their longest since their Super Bowl championship season in 2021. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws under pressure from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins (25) during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. Credit: AP/Alex Gallardo They’ve managed only three touchdowns in their last three games while scoring fewer than 20 points each time out, although that stretch includes games played in the rain (San Francisco) and in subfreezing temperatures (New York Jets). Against the Cardinals in Inglewood's ideal weather, the Rams’ offense still produced one TD, a season-worst 12 first downs and only 257 total yards — 139 fewer than Arizona. The running game struggled again, as it often does when all five starting offensive linemen aren't healthy, while the entire roster aside from Puka Nacua combined for just seven receptions for 60 yards — a surprising number for a McVay offense. “I don’t think there’s one thing I can point to,” McVay said Sunday. “I could go on and on about some of the things, starting with me, but then also about our execution in terms of getting connected in the run game, targeting the right way, making sure that the ball is going where it should go, and guys that I know are capable of playing the way that we’ve seen. If they do that, then I know that it’s not as far as sometimes it can feel like. But ultimately, we’ve got to do it.” What's working The young front four remains the strength of the defense. Jared Verse had a tremendous game on the edge against Murray and Arizona's running game, while fellow rookie Braden Fiske and second-year pros Kobie Turner and Byron Young all recorded sacks. Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens, left, intercepts a pass intended for Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride, left, during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. Credit: AP/Alex Gallardo What needs help The Rams again failed to establish the running game despite never trailing Arizona. Kyren Williams got his second-fewest carries of the season (13, with just five in the second half), while rookie Blake Corum was barely involved. Los Angeles' 3.9 yards per rush is the second-lowest mark in the NFL even though Williams began Sunday third in the league with 1,299 yards. Stock up Witherspoon not only made the game-saving interception, but the eight-year veteran who went unsigned until September also has seized the starting cornerback job from Cobie Durant, who didn't play on defense against the Cards despite being healthy again. McVay said Witherspoon's play during Durant's brief injury absence resulted in the change. Stock down Cooper Kupp had one catch against Arizona, and he has just 12 receptions in the past five games, matching the least productive five-game stretch of his eight-year career. Stafford has said the Rams need to get their Super Bowl 56 MVP more involved, and Kupp says he's healthy — yet it isn't happening. Injuries McVay believes the Rams stayed healthy outside of a stinger for rookie safety Kam Kinchens, but they felt the absence of RT Rob Havenstein, who injured his shoulder last week during an unpadded practice. Backup Joe Noteboom committed three holding penalties and got beaten repeatedly. Key number 4 — Stafford's consecutive games without taking a sack. That's the longest streak of his 16-year career, yet he has only one 200-yard passing game in that stretch. Next steps The Rams began Sunday preparing as if they'll play the Seahawks (9-7) next Saturday, although the game could happen a day later. McVay won't show his cards, but if the Rams have clinched, they seem likely to rest several regulars for the playoffs.
US producer prices surge on costly eggs, but disinflationary trend intactFord Motor Co. will contribute $1 million and a fleet of vehicles for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January, a company spokesperson told The Detroit News. The company did not reveal what kinds of vehicles it would provide, but the Dearborn automaker joins a growing list of major businesses pitching in for Trump’s return to the White House on Jan. 20. Those companies include Amazon.com., Meta Platforms, OpenAI, Robinhood Markets, Uber Technologies, Bank of America Corp., Goldman Sachs Group and others, according to reports from several news outlets. The Detroit News has reached out to General Motors Co. and Stellantis NV asking if they too plan on making contributions. Neither automaker responded immediately Monday. Ford contributed $250,000 to Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, according to data from OpenSecrets. The same data show that GM gave about $500,000 that year, and no other automakers contributed. The automakers gave those same amounts four years later for President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Trump’s 2025 inaugural committee will need to file a full list of donors who gave more than $200 and their donation amounts within 90 days of the inauguration. It is customary for the president-elect to form a committee to fund and coordinate festivities around their inauguration. Such committees finance all inaugural events apart from the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol and the luncheon honoring the incoming president and vice president. A congressional committee — the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies — is responsible for planning those events. Originally published by the Detroit News.Former Oiler Vincent Desharnais Facing Early Departure From Vancouver Canucks
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PITTSBURGH , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - RoadBlock Solutions, a division of RSG International, a leading Canadian company in road safety infrastructure, is officially expanding. Effective immediately, the merger of Corbin Highway Products, Laura-Metaal, Dimensional Products Inc., Summit Rentals US, and Pivot Safety US will unite their collective expertise, cutting-edge technology, and extensive resources. This strategic merger positions RoadBlock Solutions as a major player in the road safety sector, ready to offer innovative and comprehensive solutions. Ryan Samek , Senior Vice-President of RoadBlock Solutions, brings over two decades of road safety experience to the role. He is supported by a team of industry veterans, including Gary Lallo , Roger Spencer , Tony Cappella, Shannon Carroll , and Alex Wolfinger , ensuring a wealth of expertise drives the company's success. "The merger of these five companies represents a major milestone in our organization," said Ryan Samek . Solutions. "By combining our talented and experienced team, we aim to set new standards in the road safety space and offer unmatched service and solutions to our clients. I am thrilled to stand beside this experienced group of industry professionals and am looking forward to what we can accomplish RoadBlock Solutions specializes in the sale and rental of road safety products essential for roadway safety. It's extensive range includes crash cushions, steel and concrete barrier, and other essential devices designed to protect road users and workers. "The merger has created a resourceful, solutions-based network dedicated to delivering top-tier safety, sales, rentals, and installation services," says Roger Spencer , Business Development Manager for RoadBlock Solutions and former Business Development Manager at Corbin Highway Products, with over two decades of industry experience. "This collaboration fuels innovation and value, ensuring safer roads for everyone." Together, this team brings decades of experience and is dedicated to enhancing services, expanding product offerings, and delivering advanced solutions for road safety infrastructure. "We're combining our strengths to innovate, protect, and pave the way for a safer and brighter future on every road," adds Tony Cappella, Business Development Manager at RoadBlock Solutions and former National Sales Manager for Hill and Smith. These words were echoed by the former General Manager of Dimensional Products Inc (DPI). "The merger of DPI will provide us with resources and knowledge from some of the best in the industry. Being part of the Roadblock team will allow us to grow and expand our business to new levels," added Luke Myers , Chesapeake branch manager Roadblock Solutions. RoadBlock Solutions is a customer-focused, solutions-driven company that not only connects clients with the products they need but also introduces them to cutting-edge innovations they never knew existed. About RoadBlock Solutions RoadBlock Solutions is a leading provider and distributor of road safety devices, offering both sales and rentals. As a division of RSG International, RoadBlock Solutions is committed to enhancing road safety through innovative and reliable solutions. About RSG International RSG International is a global leader in the road safety sector, creating advanced solutions for critical safety challenges. Its portfolio includes comprehensive services across road safety infrastructure, including construction, installation, product distribution, new product development, and auxiliary services. SOURCE RSG InternationalAllerton Bywater: Leeds village community centre to be auctioned off to help raise cash for council
Introducing RoadBlock Solutions: A Merger of Five Road Safety Industry LeadersRepublican Mayor Bill Wells of El Cajon is setting the stage for a resistance against the “resistance state,” pledging to help President-elect Donald Trump with his mass deportation campaign. The mayor of one of California’s most significant Middle Eastern communities , where nearly a third of residents are foreign born, Wells is weighing whether to order his police department to cooperate with the feds – potentially in violation of state law. His stance could set El Cajon up for a showdown with state and federal authorities over the enforcement of immigration laws. In a recent interview with inewsource , Wells said he’ll tell the feds, “I believe what you’re (the Trump administration) doing is right. Let me help you, but you gotta cover me. You’ve gotta give me a way that I don’t damage my city, damage my police department.” Wells made illegal immigration a focus of his most recent congressional campaign. After losing his bid, he’s taken his message to social media and other platforms, voicing support for Trump’s immigration agenda and attacking California’s “sanctuary” law, which limits how state and local authorities cooperate with the feds on immigration enforcement. Wells told inewsource he wants to “comply with the law every way that I possibly can” and says he’s looking into what police can do legally to help the feds under SB 54. He doesn’t want his city or police department to face consequences, but if the federal government asks for his help, he may be willing to violate the law, he said. Meanwhile, state and federal officials are already weighing in with their own threats. Tom Homan, Trump’s incoming “border czar,” has threatened to cut federal funding to states with sanctuary policies if they don’t cooperate. California Attorney General Rob Bonta warned his office would “step in” if law enforcement agencies violate SB 54, though he didn’t specify what exactly his office would do. On X this week , Bonta asked the public to report to his office anyone believed to be illegally assisting immigration authorities. “California (Department of Justice) is here to protect immigrants’ safety, freedom and rights,” Bonta said. SB 54, passed by the state’s Democratic majority during Trump’s first term, generally prevents state and local law enforcement from using resources and personnel for immigration enforcement. But the law has some exceptions when it concerns immigrants without legal status who have been convicted of serious or violent crimes. The law has faced several legal challenges, including from the previous Trump administration, but none have succeeded. The mayor’s public attacks on SB 54 are ramping up. In recent days, Wells has appeared on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Fox 5 San Diego and twice on One America News to denounce the law. Breitbart covered his TV appearances. He was interviewed on the topic by Nick Shirley, a social media influencer with 80,000 followers on Instagram. Most of Wells’ recent social media posts have been dedicated to attacking SB 54. “Sanctuary City Policies Are Stupid and Dangerous!” he said last month on X. “We refuse to let criminals roam free in our communities because of Gavin Newsom’s radical grandstanding. Sanctuary policies are a direct threat to public safety, and in El Cajon, we’re taking a stand.” Wells has repeatedly claimed that “California is threatening” police officers with criminal charges and loss of their pensions for cooperating with immigration authorities, and that officers could be liable in civil court. But Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office said SB 54 does not make officers who violate the law liable in criminal or civil court. Bonta responded to Wells’ claims on X, calling them “false and dangerous.” “The California Values Act in no way prevents law enforcement from doing their job—fighting crime and protecting communities,” he said. El Cajon’s incoming police chief, Jeremiah Larson, said after reviewing the topic with city staff, “we do not believe California is threatening felony charges for violations of SB 54.” Larson said the department has adhered to SB 54, and that its mission remains the same. “Someone who commits a crime in El Cajon will be arrested and held accountable under the law. Similarly, if someone is a victim of a crime in El Cajon, we are committed to providing them with the highest level of service and support, regardless of their immigration status,” Larson said in an emailed statement through a spokesperson. Contrary to Wells’ claims, SB 54 allows law enforcement to cooperate with immigration authorities when laws other than immigration rules have been broken. It does not stop police from investigating, arresting or detaining immigrants, or anyone, suspected of committing a crime – as long as it’s a crime other than a violation of immigration law, according to the attorney general’s office. The law also allows for joint task forces to investigate crimes such as drug trafficking, and El Cajon police participated in three such task forces in 2023. The law does restrict how sheriffs respond to certain requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Sheriffs cannot hold detainees past their release date for ICE. They also cannot share information about detainees’ release dates, or transfer them to ICE, except detainees with serious or violent felony convictions. Critics say the law makes it harder for the feds to deport those with criminal records and makes communities less safe. Proponents say it encourages immigrants who would otherwise avoid police for fear of deportation to report crimes and cooperate in investigations. They also say it appropriately puts immigration enforcement solely into the hands of immigration authorities. We have launched our year-end campaign. Our goal: Raise $50,000 by Dec. 31. Help us get there. Times of San Diego is devoted to producing timely, comprehensive news about San Diego County. Your donation helps keep our work free-to-read, funds reporters who cover local issues and allows us to write stories that hold public officials accountable. Join the growing list of donors investing in our community's long-term future. But the feds likely can’t carry out Trump’s deportation plans with current capacity and could end up needing help from local police . The Trump administration has suggested it would deport 1 million people a year in office , almost three times the 1.5 million he deported in his first four years. Nationally, public opinion surveys say he should have some support. An Ipsos poll from September found that slightly more than half of Americans support mass deportations. Another survey by Data For Progress found a majority of respondents supported deportations only for immigrants who recently crossed the border illegally and those with criminal records. In California, some communities are working to resist Trump’s plans by shoring up protections for immigrants. The Los Angeles City Council voted last month to make the city a sanctuary community. Gov. Gavin Newsom called a special session to “Trump-proof” the state’s progressive policies, including those protecting immigrants. Ira Mehlman, media director with the Federation of American Immigration Reform, which advocates for stricter immigration enforcement, criticized those moves from Democratic leaders, saying they misread what state voters want. Mehlman said California’s rightward shift on the ballot this November – and voters’ approval of a ballot measure to heighten penalties for shoplifting, among other crimes – means the public doesn’t support efforts to protect immigrants living in the U.S. unlawfully. Wells said his constituents in El Cajon support his plan to aid in Trump’s deportation campaign. Though a majority of voters in San Diego County and California voted for the Democratic presidential candidate, Wells said “the country was very clear on this issue.” And so, he said, he’ll follow their lead: “I’m prepared to do whatever the federal government asks me to do and so I’ll be cooperative with them everywhere I can.” He’s not alone. Republican governors in Texas, Utah and Florida have also pledged support for the president-elect’s deportation plans. Since Wells announced his bid for Congress in 2023 – he ran twice before unsuccessfully – illegal immigration and the border has been a prominent talking point on his social media platforms. His rhetoric at times has warned of grave danger . Wells said in his campaign that many immigrants in the country are violent criminals and warned that if something doesn’t change, “a lot of us are going to lose our lives.” Asked for specific examples of crimes impacting El Cajon, he said he’d have to get back to inewsource . Wells did say that migrants have strained El Cajon resources. El Cajon was one of several communities in the county where migrants were dropped off by immigration authorities after being processed at the height of record migrant crossings in recent years. Wells’ public campaign against SB 54 will likely have company in the form of new legal challenges, according to Amada Armenta, director of the UC Los Angeles Latino Policy and Politics Institute. “But I also expect that these policies will stand up,” Armenta said. Read the rest of the article on inewsource.org. Get Our Free Daily Email Newsletter Get the latest local and California news from Times of San Diego delivered to your inbox at 8 a.m. daily. Sign up for our free email newsletter and be fully informed of the most important developments.
New shoplifting data explains why they’re locking up the toothpasteCharles attended the show at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the first time as patron of the Royal Variety charity, following in the footsteps of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. In a statement from Buckingham Palace, he said: “The charity’s crucial work in assisting those who have fallen ill, had an accident or hit hard times is as essential now as it ever has been. “I would like to thank all of those who have worked so hard to stage this year’s production and wish everyone a very enjoyable evening.” The performance saw political comic Forde reference the unfounded claims Mr Trump repeated during his presidential debate against Democrat candidate Kamala Harris earlier this year, that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating locals’ pets in the small Ohio city of Springfield. Forde exclaimed in the president-elect’s voice: “They’re eating the cats, they’re eating the dogs!” He then turned to address Charles from the stage, saying in Mr Trump’s voice: “Your Majesty King Charles, you’re named after a spaniel – be very careful, they’ll eat you alive.” The King was seen laughing in response to the joke from the royal box. Charles appeared at the event without the Queen, who insisted the “show must go on” after pulling out of attending the performance on Friday evening as doctors advised that she should prioritise rest. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that, after a busy week of engagements, Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest. “With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.” A royal source said the Queen was “naturally disappointed to miss the evening’s entertainments and sends her sincere apologies to all those involved, but is a great believer that ‘the show must go on'”. “She hopes to be back to full strength and regular public duties very soon,” the source added. The Royal Variety Performance will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player in December. Money raised from the show will go to help people from the world of entertainment in need of care and assistance, with the Royal Variety Charity launching an initiative to help those with mental health issues this year.
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