WTA Phillip Island Trophy Day 2 Predictions Including Martic vs Marino – Last Word on Baseball

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The Australian Open might get all the attention, but dont be fooled. There is currently another WTA tournament taking place in Melbourne right now. In fact, 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin has already lost in the Round of 32 at the WTA Phillip Island Trophy. However, the other 15 Round of 32 matches will be contested on Monday, and were here to predict all of them for you. Who will advance? We share our thoughts. This set of predictions looks at four matches, and we also have three other sets, featuring Johanna Konta vs Aliaksandra Sanovich, Varvara Lepchenko vs Danielle Collins, and Madison Brengle vs Bianca Andreescu.

Head-to-head: Zhu 1-0 Bouzkova

Handed a tough first-round draw at the Australian Open, Marie Bouzkova made a swift exit at the hands of Elina Svitolina. Zhu Lin, meanwhile, did manage to win a round, beating Whitney Osuigwe for the loss of only two games before Elise Mertens proved too strong in the second round. Both women have since bounced back with wins at the WTA Phillip Island Trophy, although Bouzkovas victory over Danka Kovinic did come via retirement.

Still, the Czech looks to be in good position to win this match. She did lose her only previous meeting with Zhu, which came in the second round at Wimbledon in 2017, but she has improved considerably in the interim and has played the better tennis overall so far in 2021. Expect a close contest here, but for Bouzkovas greater ability to step in and dictate, as well as change direction in the rally, to give her the decisive advantage.

Prediction: Bouzkova in 3Embed from Getty Images

Head-to-head: Doi 1-0 Sorribes Tormo

Sara Sorribes Tormo was made to work very hard for her first-round win, but the Spaniard had just enough to edge out Russias Ludmilla Samsonova, 6-7 6-1 7-6. But she may struggle up against Misaki Doi. The Japanese disappointed at the Australian Open, losing 1-6 2-6 in the first round to Ajla Tomljanovic, but she got back to winning ways with a fine 6-3 7-5 win over Carolina Garcia. She also beat Sara Sorribes Tormo comfortably in their only previous meeting. Expect the experienced Doi to come out on top once again.

Prediction: Doi in 2

Head-to-head: first meeting

Francesca Jones may have been well-beaten in the first round at the Australian Open by Shelby Rogers, but it has still been an excellent few weeks for the Briton. After winning three qualifying matches to make it into the main draw at Melbourne Park, she then scored her first WTA Tour-level win by upsetting world #44 Zheng Saisai in the first round at the WTA Phillip Island Trophy, a victory that will earn her a place in the top 200 of the WTA Rankings.

But she faces what looks like a tough test up against Patricia Maria Tig. The Romanian enjoyed a career-best season in 2020 and finished the year ranked inside the top 60. Still, the Romanian is at her best on the clay and has not looked entirely convincing so far in Australia, with her first-round win over Lesia Tsurenko her first win of the season in singles. Jones may struggle against the biggest hitters, but this is a winnable match for the 20-year-old.

Prediction: Jones in 3Embed from Getty Images

Head-to-head: first meeting

Petra Martic may still be ranked inside the top 20, but she has not been playing the sort of tennis that would typically be required to maintain such a lofty position in the WTA standings. She has won just one match so far this season and unless she starts finding more victories soon, her ranking looks set to plummet. This wont be straightforward for the Croatian, however, with Rebecca Marino having played some fine tennis of late.

The Canadian, who took a break from the sport in 2013 before returning in 2017, impressed in qualifying for the Australian Open, where she won a round. Her big serve looks well-suited to the fast courts in Melbourne, and she has already beaten Mayo Hibi and Mona Barthel at the WTA Phillip Island Trophy, without dropping a set in either match. Martic should offer more opposition, but the Canadian looks set to score another memorable win.

Prediction: Marino in 3

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WTA Phillip Island Trophy Day 2 Predictions Including Martic vs Marino - Last Word on Baseball

Hows the indoor dining going so far on Staten Island? – SILive.com

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. On Saturday night at Jac Mao in Dongan Hills, a whoosh of ice and water clinked against glass as a waiter filled goblets from a pitcher. Patrons chatted in the backdrop and forgotten sounds of a restaurants dining room returned after a two-month hiatus.

Owner Jac Mao himself carved Peking duck table-side as a few servers hustled behind him. A masked Mao said, Its so good to be back really. One thing sorely missing as lounge crowds are banned, he pointed out, was the crew that sat belly-up to his bar rail until late the evening. Still, Mao said his regulars have returned to him as of Friday but they instead took their usual libations at linen-cloth lined tables.

Mao chuckled, Vodka with orange. Campari and soda. We remembered everyones usual. Some things dont change.

But the face of dining certainly has for the industry in this new era of serving patrons in the COVID-19 recovery stage. Food establishments must present disposable menus or those protected by meticulously cleaned, protective plastic jackets. Shooting a thermometer at guests foreheads and collecting contact data now are as rote as saying hello at the door. And at 25% capacity, the space between tables leaves six to seven-foot gaps in dining rooms, ample space for social distancing and perhaps more of a private experience among parties. A new curfew time of 11 p.m. is in effect as of Sunday, Feb. 14.

Jac Mao stands in his restaurant as patrons return for indoor dining. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

SAVORING THE MOMENT

On the inaugural eve of sit-down service, Barbara Martin dined with six other family members and friends in the back room of The Local in Castleton Corners. After almost a year of missing the luxury she said, It felt almost magical to be out again after being deprived for so long. Like a drink after a drought.

Proprietor Joe Fauci of La Fontana in Oakwood and La Fontana Sorellina in Annadale said, So far so good. Not that 25% is enough but we are in so much better shape than in the last two months. The LaFa customers are ecstatic!

Fauci said his mostly vaccinated staff also delighted to be back to the business. He said, A lot of smiles around here and its not overcrowded. He acknowledged that some LaFa diehards were not comfortable coming out but in those instances they ordered food to go; takeout was strong so far this weekend.

Customers might be happier than us they congratulate us on the re-opening, said Fauci. Payroll this week will certainly be easier, he shared. And he hopes his wifes special occasion-decoration business will rev back up again soon. Her LS Party Express, like the Oakwood restaurant, has been in existence for over 35 years but on hold since March 2020 without gatherings and catered affairs.

But shell survive, said Fauci.

Hear the clink of ice in a glass? It's one of the sounds back in dining rooms as patrons return to restaurants in NYC. (Staten Island Advance/Pamela Silvestri)

A SOFT RE-OPENING

Maurizio Asperti shut his historic Basilio Inn in early December and introduced a soft opening on Saturday night.

I wasnt sure it was going to happen. People were happy to be out. Were turning 100 this year but waiting for this pandemic to subside before starting the celebrations, said Asperti.

The minimal capacities were a factor in reopening for entrepreneurs like Richie Holmes from Juicy Lucy in Ocean Breeze. He reported, Im closed until March 4 and am redoing the inside. We are going to wait until 50% on March 15 and Ill have the drive-in movies again on April 1. I think thats a bit more important right now rather than competing with all these places offering $20 and $25 half-trays of food. Holmes had switched up his barbecue format over the pandemic pivoting among the concepts of delivery only, a food and flick outdoor entertainment center and an authentic Italian menu.

In Richmond Valley, Sal Finocchiaro said his double storefront pizza parlor, Palermo Pizzeria had few takers for sit-down supping. He observed, With the 25% occupancy people went out to restaurants. We only had three tables last night. Im a little disappointed but delivery and pickup were not affected.

Bill Sorensen and wife, Beverly, savored broccoli rabe with sausage at Jimmy Max in Westerleigh. The last time the dined at the establishment it was outdoors in full sun on the sidewalk next to the bus stop.

We had a 5:45 reservation and it was great as usual, said Sorensen who was pleased with how far apart were tables. He added, Valentines Day will be at the Manor House for Beverlys special rack of lamb with risotto, tartufo. Decaf coffee with Sambuca will top it off.

However, a handful of restaurant enthusiasts polled for this story were pessimistic. Their experiences were dampened by fellow patrons. One East Shore resident eschewed the proximity of an over-beveraged neighbor who lingered unmasked, standing, over his familys table.

A North Shore woman told the Advance she was excited to return to a neighborhood haunt for a margarita but was horrified by the crowds behavior. She said, A table of girls next to me were very loud and obviously drunk. They were with another table of girls across the room. All they did were get up and run over there every five minutes with no masks, taking pictures, screaming. No one said anything.

She feels this kind of irresponsibility will be the demise of indoor dining and customer confidence going forward. Yet she also empathizes with business owners.

Said the patron, Heres the thing. The COVID police will be out. They definitely couldve gotten a citation or been shut down, then cry and have a GoFundMe. These girls were so drunk and everyone was looking. They wouldnt sit down and certainly didnt put masks on when they were running all over. I hope [the business] gets shut if thats allowed again.

Generally, restaurant owners were optimistic. Terence Haggerty of Jodys Club Forest said, Everything went really well. Im very happy to be able to have people inside. His hope is to trend upward with higher capacities in the very near future.

Pamela Silvestri is Advance Food Editor. She can be reached at silvestri@siadvance.com.

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DUP says a two-island approach to international travel is worth ‘exploring’ – thejournal.ie

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THE DUP HAVE said there is value in exploring a two-island approach by Ireland and the UK to international travel as part of the pandemic response.

The partys leader in Westminster, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, said there was a lot of scope for cooperation in the Common Travel Area that operates between the two islands.

Tnaiste Leo Varadkar said last week that preliminary discussions on such an approach have begun with the UK government.

Asked about an approach that would encompass England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Donaldson said: I think there is value in exploring that, yes.

He told Newstalks On The Record with Gavan Reilly: As Ive said it needs to be done on a United Kingdom and Common Travel Area basis.

I think there is a lot of scope for cooperation on the whole question of the Common Travel Area, Donaldson said.

Certainly, in terms of international visitors coming in to the Common Travel Area,there is scope for greater cooperation, he said.

The UK has recently announced strict new mandatory hotel quarantine measures for passengers arriving from 33 red list countries.

Penalties of up to 10,0000 or 10 years in prison have been introduced for those who try to conceal that they are travelling from a red list country.

Ireland has announced its own list of 20 red list countries but has swerved such severe penalties for non-compliance.

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At a press conference last week, Varadkar backed a two-island approach.

The best thing I think we can do is try to coordinate, Varadkar said.

Because if Northern Ireland is a back door to the Republic of Ireland, Ireland is a backdoor to Britain and to England, he said.

The best thing we can do is work together on this, and Im a strong advocate of the two-islands strategy, Britain and Ireland, as much as we can, aligning and working together.

Donaldson criticised the Irish governments failure to share data with the Executive on passengers arriving into the Republic, who may be travelling on to Northern Ireland.

He said: With respect, its not just about Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Its about the United Kingdom as a whole, and the Republic of Ireland, because we know at the moment there are difficulties, for example in data sharing, which normally happens under the Common Travel Area, Donaldson said.

The northern Executive has been waiting for over 10 months for the Irish government to agree to share data on people who have entered the Republic of Ireland, through ports or airports, and are traveling on into Northern Ireland, he said.

So with the greatest of respect, the difficulty here is not Unionists in the Northern Ireland Executive.

I suggest you ask the relevant Irish government minister, why over 10 months later, on foot of a request from the Northern Ireland Executive for the sharing of data, we are still waiting for the Irish government to approve that request.

A further 176 individuals in Northern Ireland tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.

A further 11 deaths have also been reported. One of the deaths took place outside the reporting period.

It brings the total number of deaths linked to the virus in Northern Ireland to 1,996.

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Two new cases of COVID-19 reported on Big Island – West Hawaii Today

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The Big Island reported two new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, bringing the islands total case count to 2,213.

The new Big Island cases were among 71 new cases reported across the state by the Department of Health. Oahu reported 48 new cases while Maui County reported 11 and Kauai zero. Ten residents were diagnosed while outside the state.

The Big Island on Saturday had a 0.7% test positivity rate, below the statewide rate of 1.1%.

Statewide, to date, there have been 26,810 people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Statewide, 45 people were hospitalized Saturday, none of whom were receiving care on the Big Island. To date, 2,149 people have required hospitalization, including 114 on the Big Island.

No new coronavirus-related deaths were reported Saturday by the state. Of the 425 coronavirus-related deaths confirmed and reported by the state to date, 339 were on Oahu, 29 were on Maui, 53 were on the Big Island and one on Kauai. Three deaths were among residents outside the state.

The Big Islands COVID-19 fatality rate remained at 2.4% on Saturday, above the statewide rate of 1.6%.

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Two new cases of COVID-19 reported on Big Island - West Hawaii Today

Puerto Rico governor: "Congress is morally obligated to respond" to island’s statehood vote – Yahoo News

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National Review

President Bidens flurry of executive orders has now extended to housing policy and to a pledge to reverse the Trump administrations approach to fair housing. Specifically, that would mean reversing the Trump reversal of an Obama-era rule known as Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing designed to introduce affordable (read subsidized) housing into higher-income, suburban zip codes. To justify a return to this controversial policy, President Biden rehearsed a long litany of federal housing-policy sins. Hes right about many of those but wrong about his approach to redress. More subsidized housing, in the tragic public-housing tradition, will only spur division and do little to help minority groups in their quest for upward mobility. It is incontrovertible, as President Biden stated in his executive order, that during the 20th century, Federal, State, and local governments systematically implemented racially discriminatory housing policies that contributed to segregated neighborhoods and inhibited equal opportunity and the chance to build wealth for Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Native American families, and other underserved communities. Most significantly, the Federal Housing Authority would not insure mortgages for blacks in white neighborhoods, and racial covenants deed restrictions against blacks (and Jews, by the way) were the norm into the 1950s. Urban freeways ploughed through low-income, often (though not exclusively) minority, neighborhoods, displacing thousands. Today, we are left with the Cross Bronx Expressway and the Chrysler Freeway. Even this apology is, however, selective. African Americans, particularly, suffered the tragedy of a (still) favorite progressive program: public housing. A key history here is underappreciated. Historically black neighborhoods Central Harlem, Detroits Black Bottom, Chicagos Bronzeville, Desoto-Carr in St. Louis were denigrated as slums, even though they were home to large numbers of residential property owners and hundreds of black-owned businesses. When they were cleared to make way for public housing, they were replaced by high-rise hells in which ownership asset accumulation was by definition impossible. The social fabric of self-help, civil society, and upward mobility was ripped apart. Blacks have always been, and remain, disproportionately represented in public and otherwise subsidized housing, often trapped into long-term dependency by counterproductive policies: When their income rises, so does rent. Compensating for this dual history of outright racism and harmful progressivism must not mean a new generation of housing sins. But Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, should it be restored, is just that. Federal pressure through the leverage of local aid programs to force the introduction of subsidized rental housing for low-income tenants has long been a guarantee of resistance by lower-middle class residents, white and black, justifiably concerned that households who have not strived and saved to make it to their neighborhoods will pose problems. Concentrations of housing-voucher tenants, dispersed by the demolition of some public-housing projects, have already spread dysfunction and poor maintenance including into apartment buildings in Warrensville Heights, the Ohio hometown of Marcia Fudge, the incoming secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Racial integration and fair housing remain goals for which America must strive. But that means understanding how neighborhoods work. Americans, black and white, self-select to live in areas in which they share the socioeconomic characteristics of their neighbors. Some liberals might not like that but those are their personal choices, as well. When minority-group members share the economic and educational backgrounds of new neighbors, the odds of intolerance are vastly decreased. Thats why fair housing should mean nondiscrimination not subsidized new developments. Instead, Biden is doubling down on the example set by the Obama administration in Westchester County, which was forced to spend $60 million to subsidize 874 housing units in a county in which racial and ethnic minorities are already well represented. That means that current black and Hispanic homeowners, who have bought their homes through striving and saving, will have to see their county taxes used to subsidize others to the tune of $68,000 per home. The exclusionary suburbs wont be pried open by confrontation. There will be endless lawsuits. Instead, HUD, if its to have any useful role, must try to use such tools as model zoning (suggestions, not mandates) to convince local planning boards to permit the market to build naturally occurring affordable housing small homes, including small multifamilies, on small lots. Historically, thats how the American working class was able to afford homes. An administration truly interested in correcting the housing-policy sins of the past would not overlook the existing problems of public and subsidized housing. Heres a bold idea: sell off public-housing projects on high-value real estate (see the Brooklyn waterfront) and provide cash compensation to its residents. They should be able to move where they like or just put the money aside. Theres a lot about our housing past to correct. Doubling down on previous sins is not the way to start.

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Puerto Rico governor: "Congress is morally obligated to respond" to island's statehood vote - Yahoo News

Three people rescued after surviving on island for 33 days by eating coconuts and rats – Sky News

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Two men and women who were stranded on a deserted island for 33 days were rescued after they waved flags to get the attention of a passing US Coast Guard helicopter crew.

The crew were reportedly on a routine mission off the Florida Keys.

Helicopter pilot Mike Allert told American digital television station WPLG: "We were alerted to them by the flags that they actually had in addition to a large cross that they put out there for themselves."

Mr Allert said he decided to fly back around Anguilla Cay to investigate and a crew returned to the island on Monday 8 February to drop water, food and a radio.

The trio was stranded on an uninhabited Bahamian island between Key West and Cuba, the agency posted on Twitter.

A helicopter crew returned on Tuesday to pick them up.

Coast Guard officials tweeted that the trio were from Cuba.

They told officials their boat had overturned in rough waters and they were able to swim to the island.

The trio told the crew they had survived on coconuts, conchs and rats, news outlets reported.

It was not immediately clear whether they were migrants attempting to get to the United States, or if they were just lost at sea, US Coast Guard Petty Officer Brandon Murray told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

They were taken to a medical centre, where none appeared to have serious injuries.

"I cannot recall a time that we saved people who were stranded for over a month on an island," he told the newspaper.

"That is a new one for me."

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Records tumble as stars come out to play in Staten Island – AW – Athletics Weekly

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Fast times in New York as Shaunae Miller-Uibo dominates, whileCharlie DaVall Grice breaks British 1000m record and Jake Wightman lowers Scottish 1500m mark

There had been high hopes for fast times at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix and the latest stop on the World Athletics World Indoor Tour did not disappoint as a swathe of national records fell in New York.

The meeting had been moved to the impressive Ocean Breeze facility in Staten Island due to the original venue of the Reggie Lewis Centre in Boston being used as a Covid-19 vaccination centre. And while the showpiece shorter sprints perhaps didnt completely live up to expectations, much of the action was of a very high quality as some of the worlds biggest stars came out to play.

One of the most impressive showings came in the womens 400m, as Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo broke theBahamian record in a world-leading 50.21 in what was her first indoor run over the distance in seven years. It moved herto fifth on the all-time standings. American Wadeline Jonathas was second in 51.95, with Jessica Beard third in 52.60.

In the mens 400m Michael Norman edged a fantastic race, clocking 45.34 to just hold off training partner Rai Benjamins PB of 45.39. Tyrell Richard was third in 46.25.

The mens two-mile event won by Justin Knights world-leading 8:13.92 had seen the first national record of the night set by third-placed Australian Morgan McDonald when he clocked 8:14.92 but there was also a remarkable performance from his compatriot Oliver Hoare in the 1500m.

Britains Jake Wightman, in his first outing of the year, had led from the front for much of the race until the closing lap, when Hoares closing 300m of 41.67 led him to the line first in a time of 3:32.35 which placed him seventh on the all-time list.

In finishing second, Wightman came perilously close to Peter Elliotts 21-year-old British indoor mark of 3:34.20, but the European and Commonwealth medallists PB of 3:34.48 is a Scottish indoor record. New Zealands Sam Tanner clocked 3:34.72 for another national mark as nine of the field set personal bests.

The 1500m had followed hot on the heels of a memorable mens 1000m encounter in which there was a British record for Charlie DaVall Grice to celebrate. Bryce Hoppell won the race in a North American record of 2:16.27, but DaVall Grice had pushed him hard for much of the encounter, the Briton eventually clocking 2:17.20 for third, with Canadas Marco Arop second in2:17.10.

Another of the evenings talking points came in the womens two-mile event. Many believeElle Purrier to be a star in the making and her time of 9:10.28 was not only an outright North American record but placed her third on the all-time list. Only two women Genzebe Dibaba and Meseret Defar have ever gone quicker either indoors or out.

In seventh place, Amy Eloise Markovc clocked a British record of 9.30.69, with her 3000m time of 8:54.11 en route not only a PB but also within the qualifying standard for next months European Indoor Championships.

Another North American record fell in the mens 800m when world champion Donavan Brazier broke his own mark with 1:44.21, while a third consecutive personal best from Britains Jamie Webbof 1:46.26 gave him second spot ahead of Erik Sowinksi (1:47.65).

The womens race was won by world bronze medallist Ajee Wilson, who was a late entrant but was a convincing winner when clocking 2:01.79 to take the victory ahead of fellow American Kaela Edwards 2:02.17. There was a superb third place for Britains Isabelle Boffey thanks to her indoor PB of 2:02.45, which was inside the European Indoor Championships qualifying standard. Her fellow Briton Adelle Tracey tired in the latter stages to run2:04.28 for seventh.

Ajee Wilson wins the 800m, with Isabelle Boffey coming third. Credit: New Balance Indoor Grand Prix/Kevin Morris

When it came to the shorter sprints, the 100m hurdles world record holder Keni Harrison clocked a world-leading 7.82 in winning the 60m hurdles, with Britains Tiffany Porter equalling her seasons best of 7.89,the same time clocked by third-placed Gabrielle Cunningham. Britains Cindy Semper was fifth in 8.22, with world 400m hurdles silver medallist Sydney McLaughlin struggling in eighth with a time of 8.56.

An impressive late surge from Trayvon Bromellgave him 60m victory in a time of 6.50 ahead of fellow Americans Demek Kemp (6.65) and Maurice Eaddy (6.67), while in the womens raceKayla Whites PB of 7.15 landed her the winfrom Hannah Cunliffes 7.17, with Candace Hill clocking 7.19 in third.

As expected world champion Noah Lylesdid take the 200m honours but didnt seem overly impressed with himself after a run of 20.80 which saw him finish ahead of Deon Lendore (20.92) and Jaron Flournoy (21.26). Lyles had also run 6.76 in the 60m heats earlier in the evening.

In the two field events,Trey Culver cleared a world-leading and PB-equalling 2.33m to break the meeting high jump record, while world indoor champion Sandi Morris won the pole vault with a best clearance of 4.60m.

Full events results can be found here

For more on the latest athletics news, athletics events coverage and athletics updates, check out theAW homepageand our social media channels onTwitter,FacebookandInstagram

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Records tumble as stars come out to play in Staten Island - AW - Athletics Weekly

Arrests in store burglaries, robberies: Staten Islands top crime stories of week – SILive.com

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Heres a look at the top criminal-justice-related headlines across the borough this week.

NYPD: 39K HAUL FOR COMMERCIAL BURGLAR

Police cars are stationed in New Dorp Lane following a report of a burglary on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

A burglar stole $39,000 by raiding an ATM at a deli on New Dorp Lane and busted through a glass door and wall of an adjacent storefront to burglarize a restaurant on Forest Avenue in Mariners Harbor, authorities allege.

When officers tried pull over Juan Reyes, 39, of Graniteville, in a stolen van shortly after the restaurant caper, the suspect hit the gas and led officers on a wild chase through the streets of Mariners Harbor, according to the criminal complaint and police.

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ROSSVILLE MAN INDICTED IN ALLEGED RAPE

A Rossville man has been indicted on charges alleging he raped and sexually abused an underage girl last year and also hit two children.

Salvatore Lovacco, 48, of the 100 block of Santa Monica Lane, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to all charges at his arraignment in state Supreme Court, St. George.

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HES INDICTED IN GIRLFRIENDS MURDER

A Tompkinsville man has been indicted on a murder charge in connection with the slaying of his live-in girlfriend in their apartment two months ago.

Milton Bolton, 39, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday in state Supreme Court, St. George.

Prosecutors allege Bolton killed Natasha Colon, 38, on Dec. 15.

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FDNY MEMBER HIT WITH CHILD-PORN CHARGES

A 59-year-old Staten Island man stands accused of possessing child pornography, according to the NYPD and a criminal complaint.

Police identified the suspect as Joseph Perrone, an FDNY member who was off-duty at the time of his arrest at his home on Wednesday at about 5 p.m., according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

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NYPD: 3 TEENS ARRESTED WITH GUN

Police arrested three suspects and seized a loaded gun during a car stop in the 121st Precinct. (Courtesy of NYPD)

A traffic stop led to the recovery of a gun and the arrest of three teens in Graniteville, according to police.

Officers pulled over a 2009 Mazda on Thursday around midnight at the corner of Sanders Street and Forest Avenue, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPD.

A loaded, .22-caliber Phoenix Arms gun was recovered during the incident, which resulted in the arrest of three boys ages 17, 16, and 14, according to the police spokeswoman.

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COPS DETAIL ALLEGED CRIME SPREE

A Great Kills man stole an SUV and brandished a hunting knife while trying to rob Dominos Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, and Stop & Shop locations in a four-day crime, authorities allege.

Then, when cops caught up with Joseph Bianchino, 34, of Exeter Street, and tried to pull him over, he struck an officer with the stolen car, police say.

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HES SENTENCED IN TRANSIT CENTER GROPING

First, he groped a man in the Eltingville Transit Center, said police.

Then, weeks later, Vondell Cox followed a mother and her children from the Staten Island Railway station in New Dorp and shoved the woman and her 7-year-old daughter to the ground, authorities said.

Now hes off to a jail cell.

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NYPD ARRESTS 18 AMID BROOKLYN SLAYINGS

The Brooklyn District Attorney and NYPD announced Tuesday more than a dozen arrests of young men with alleged gang ties in connection with a recent surge in violence. (Staten Island Advance)Staff-Shot

Eighteen young men, and a few teenage boys, with alleged ties to gangs in Brooklyn, were arrested this week in connection with multiple shootings and killings part of an overall surge in violence over the past year across New York City.

The suspects allegedly fall under an umbrella group called the 900 Gang, which operates out of public housing complexes in Bedford-Stuyvesant; some accused of shooting at gang rivals on sight for the sake of territorial dominance, the Daily News reported.

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Arrests in store burglaries, robberies: Staten Islands top crime stories of week - SILive.com

On a Bucolic Maine Island, Life Can Be Rocky Especially With Teen Boys – The New York Times

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LANDSLIDEBy Susan Conley

Wolves, low-snouted and hungry, haunt Thoreaus The Maine Woods. He startles at their howls, as if a hundred demons had broke loose, and parses the tree line for their silhouettes, though they never appear. The literature of American exploration is filled with the baying, prowling creatures in novels like Willa Cathers My ntonia, James Fenimore Coopers The Last of the Mohicans and especially Laura Ingalls Wilders Little House series, where children learn to fear them symbols of Americas wild spirit, pushed farther and farther from society by man and machinery. Wolves are a lost bit of America.

In Susan Conleys Landslide, Jill Archer, a documentarian who lives on a small island in Maines Penobscot Bay, refers to her two sons as the wolves. Seventeen-year-old Charlie and 16-year-old Sam arent dangerous, per se, but there is a snappish, feral quality to them; they snarl and pick fights with her, whine for pasta or sandwiches, wander lonely just outside her periphery. Like Thoreaus creatures, theyre remote and misunderstood, constantly out of reach.

Jills husband, Kit, one of the few remaining fishermen in their coastal town, has been hospitalized in Nova Scotia after the engine of the swordfishing boat he was working on exploded, breaking his right femur and potentially ending his career. In the wake of his accident, uncertainty destabilizes the entire family. Sam posts a photo of himself smoking pot and begins failing tests. Charlie burrows into a fantasy life with his girlfriend and her cozy family. Jill sputters and flails, wondering how to usher two boys through the gantlet of 21st-century masculinity.

Deterioration marks every aspect of Landslide, which is enveloping and warm, if slightly undercooked and sometimes flat-footed. The romance of Jill and Kits courtship the sweet, early years, when they used kerosene lamps and made clearings for the gardens and built the woodpile up at their creaky island home has had the polish rubbed off after almost two decades. Their love is baked in but negotiated: Kit is at sea for weeks, enamored of who he is when he commands a vessel and carries on his family lineage. Trauma has rubbed away at Sams sense of self; two years earlier, he watched his closest friend fall between the boards on a crumbling bridge and drown in the water below. Now he has what his counselor calls a willingness to self-sabotage. Their town is a picture postcard of iconic New England, except commerce has been erased by a collapsing ecosystem and industry. At one point their own dock even floats away.

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On a Bucolic Maine Island, Life Can Be Rocky Especially With Teen Boys - The New York Times

Temptation Island Was ‘Crippled’ By COVID But Adapted – Tv Shows Ace – TV Shows Ace

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Temptation Island is back on Tuesday night, February 16. In order to get back on the air, the reality television show had a long strange trip. Of course, anyone paying attention over the last year probably understands why the trip was so strange.

Host Mark L. Walberg and a new set of couples Erica Washington and Kendal Kirkland, Erin Smith and Corey Sobczyk, Kristen Ramos and Julian Allen, Chelsea Orcutt and Thomas Gipson. are headed to Maui. Once there, theyll be joined by 24 singles who are looking for love. As is usually the case, the four couples will have to decide whether or not to stay together, or hook up with one of the singles looking to steal away a mate.

Speaking to TV Insider, Walberg spoke about how hard it was to get to production for this upcoming season.

We started taping at the end of September. There was delay after delay, so COVID was really crippling us, he told the site.

He added that eventually, the showrunners were able to find some synergy. The Temptation Island producers took steps to avoid delays, as well as to avoid anyone on the cast getting sick.

We were in a very strict bubble. What happened with our cast and crew was this cohesiveness that we would not have had being in separate hotels all over the island, Walberg said. As far as the cast goes, they are usually sequestered anyway. So it wasnt any different in that regard.

Walberg also talked about what it was like to work through a quarantine. He said that once everyone got through the waiting period, everyone on the cast felt safer. Because they were then in a kind of bubble they knew the chances of anyone catching the coronavirus was very slim.

We had 3,600 COVID tests and zero positives. From the cast standpoint, once they moved into the villas and started their life there, I think it was a relief, Walberg added. They were able to live as if there wasnt a raging pandemic out there.

After everyone was settled in, it was time to simply get down to business. Walberg said that after everyone felt comfortable, the cast could act as though everything was normal. Because they were sequestered, the oddity of a pandemic never really intruded.

Thats good for the audience. It might be less of a positive for couples who are trying to stay together.

Temptation Island will see the four groups try and work out any relationship issues. The 24 singles will be looking to introduce some of those specific issues in an effort to snag someone new. Walberg, of course, isnt giving any hints on what he thinks the outcomes will be.

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Temptation Island Was 'Crippled' By COVID But Adapted - Tv Shows Ace - TV Shows Ace

Womans Body Recovered On Antelope Island After Fatal Trail Run Injury – ksltv.com

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah A womans body was recovered on Antelope Island after officials said she sustained fatal head injuries during a trail run.

Utah State Parks Lt. Eric Stucki said the 40-year-old woman was dropped off by her husband around 6:30 a.m. Friday with a plan in place to pick her up later in the day at a designated meeting point.

She ran northbound toward the west side of the island and made it as far at the Split Rock/Elephant Head area before suffering fatal head injuries.

Stucki said she was on rocky ground, but didnt exactly know how she sustained those injuries.

At 6 p.m., the womans husband called authorities after she failed to appear at their meeting place.

Davis County Search and Rescue, as well as a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter, were then called out.

Her body was eventually located and recovered late Friday night.

Stucki said this was a tragic case where she did everything right had a plan, told someone where she would be and when she would be back, etc. and it just ended tragically.

The victims identity has not been released.

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Island ACE Hardware stores get recognition – Thegardenisland.com

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HONOLULU Ace Hardware Corporation announced that HouseMart Ace Hardware store locations in Hilo, Keaau, Naalehu, Rancho and Kailua-Kona on Hawaii Island have all achieved designation as a Pinnacle Performance Retailing stores for its outstanding performance. Developed as part of Aces retail-growth strategy, Higher Ground, Pinnacle Performance Retailing is focused on Aces customers to ensure that Ace stores deliver on its helpful brand promise.

For more than 96 years, Ace Hardware has been serving its neighbors with helpful service and quality products. With more than 5,300 stores in approximately 70 countries, the teams at these HouseMart Ace Hardware stores are five of only a few hundred Ace retailers to achieve this elite status. To achieve Pinnacle Performance Retailing, the teams at these five HouseMart Ace Hardware stores successfully completed a number of key performance drivers focused on quality, service and convenience, helping them provide a better overall shopping experience in their local community.

One example of a proven performance driver is Helpful Certification, the foundational element of Aces Certified Ace Helpful retail-training curriculum. To become certified, Ace Hardware associates complete courses such as Helpful 101 and 201 and the store conducts a week-long, team-based certification event.

HouseMart Ace Hardware stores have been recognized by the communities as the Best Hardware Store in both West Hawaii and East Hawaii.

The HouseMart group is also a strong partner in raising funds for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, Hawaiis only Childrens Miracle Network Hospital.

Achieving Pinnacle Performance Retailing is a tremendous accomplishment for an Ace store, said John Kittell, vice president, retail operations and new business, Ace Hardware Corporation.

Were pleased to recognize these five HouseMart Ace stores on Hawaii island and their associates for their outstanding achievements, and proud to say they are a part of the Ace family.

The teams at Hilo, Naalehu, Rancho, Keaau and Kona are incredibly pleased to have earned the status as a Pinnacle Performance Retailing store, said Marcel Bekers, COO at HouseMart Ace Hardware.

What this means for our customers is that we are more committed than ever to providing the best possible retail experience, from customer service to quality product offerings and more. Were taking Ace helpful to a new level.

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Readers Write: Preventing repeat suicide attempts – The Island Now

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After years of battling depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, my younger son, Alan Ross Jacobs, died on Jan. 10, 2015, from an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

Three months later, I attempted suicide by overdosing on pills and alcohol in the hopes that I could be with Alan again. As a result of my failed suicide attempt, New York State incarcerated me in a mental institution.

For 21 days, I was confined in an environment that was degrading, stultifying, and downright depressing.Its six years since my discharge from the hospital, and I have not made another attempt on my life. Sadly, Emily a very beautiful young woman I met in the hospital took her life a year after her discharge. She was one of 130 suicides that occur each day. Emily was only 40 years old.

Why were our outcomes so different?

At least part of the reason can be found in what psychologists refer to as self-determination theory.

According to this theory, peoples need for competence, connection and autonomy must be fulfilled if they are to grow and change. These three needs were utterly unmet in the psychiatric hospital.

First and perhaps foremost, institutionalization stripped us of autonomy. In the hospital, our every move was dictated by the staff when and where we slept and ate, the clothes we wore, the toiletries we used, the books we read, even whether we could open a window.In addition to taking away our autonomy, hospital policies suggested that we were not competent to make any decisions for ourselves.

If we sought explanations particularly explanations about the drugs we were given we were told that non-compliance would lead to increased time in the hospital. Emily already had feelings of incompetence.

During her early school years, she had struggled to succeed because of dyslexia. That early struggle had left her feeling inept.

On the other hand, Id had a good deal of academic and professional success throughout my life which gave me a strong sense of my own competence even while the hospital made me feel as if I was incapable of taking care of myself.Furthermore, my hospitalization can be seen as resulting from a loss of connection. My younger sons fatal accidental overdose had left me reeling from the loss of a vital connection.

I was fortunate that my feelings of connection to my family increased during my hospitalization. My son flew up from Atlanta and visited every day. My sister, niece, nephew and boyfriend called constantly.

Emily didnt have a sense of connection to her family. She was divorced, and her husband was in jail. Her parents were also divorced and lived far away as did her brother. They never visited and rarely called.

Emily expressed to me her fear of being alone when she returned home. In the hospital, we were surrounded by people and noise but many patients go home to a silent, empty house.Discharged patients are, in a sense, set adrift and lose the sense of connectedness. Sometimes the patient interprets the return of emotional distress even after being treated in a hospital as a sign that there is no help to be had, no hope for recovery or improvement. At least in my case, my older son was going to stay with me for a few days after my discharge.No wonder many mental health professionals today are calling for treatment that prioritizes autonomy, empowerment and respect for the person receiving services.

To help patients find a way to go on living, therapeutic approaches must give patients a sense of their value by giving them respect and treating them with dignity. Hospitals must also give the patients some autonomy so that they learn to deal with living on their own.Its time for hospitals to turn to a new way of preventing repeat suicide attempts.

You can read more about my experiences in Broken: How the Broken Mental Health System Leads to Broken Lives and Broken Hearts available on Amazon.

Linda Comac

Williston Park

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Readers Write: Preventing repeat suicide attempts - The Island Now

Bill on the protection of freedom of speech on social media – JD Supra

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On 1 February 2021, the Polish Ministry of Justice published a bill on the Protection of the Freedom of Speech on Social Media. The bills aim is to provide a legal framework to protect social media users from platform owners arbitrary decisions to delete their accounts or their posted content. Failure to comply with the obligations as set out in the bill can result in fines amounting to up to PLN 50,000,000 (approx. EUR 11,075,000).

The bill concerns social media platforms (defined as services provided by electronic means which allow users to share any content with other users or the public) which are used in Poland by at least one million registered users. This definition is quite ambiguous since it is unclear whether it covers all websites that allow its users to publish content, e.g. blogs. Also, the bill does not indicate how to determine the number of users, especially whether one should take into account all accounts including fake accounts, or accounts set up by foreigners.

The bill imposes several new obligations on the owners of these social media platforms. In particular, these platforms will be obliged to:

Those users who are dissatisfied with the way the platform has handled their complaint will be able to lodge a complaint with the Council for the Freedom of Speech (the public authority appointed by the Sejm (the lower house of the Polish Parliament)) within seven days of receiving the platforms decision. The Council will then have seven days to decide whether to order the platform to restore access to the profile or content. The case will be resolved based on the evidence provided by both the user (together with the complaint) and the platform (within 24 hours from the receipt of the information that the complaint has been filed with the Council). The platform will then have 24 hours to comply with the Councils decision. The platform, or user, will be able to appeal against the Councils decision to the court within 30 days of receiving the decision.

The bill also imposes on all providers of services by electronic means an obligation to store personal data of their users for 12 months following the day of making the connection (this term is not further clarified in the bill). Should any criminal content be found, the public prosecutor will have the authority to ask the service provider, or its representative in Poland, to provide them with information, in particular concerning the users data and publications on the online social media platform. In addition, if it is found that the content disclosed on the online social medial platform contains publication/s with pornographic content involving minors, content that praises or incites the committing of acts of a terrorist nature, or that further access to this publication creates the risk of causing significant damage or causing effects which are difficult to reverse, the prosecutor can immediately issue a decision ordering the service provider to prevent access to this content.

The bill also stipulates a new type of lawsuit the so called "blind lawsuit", i.e. the possibility of filing a lawsuit for the protection of personal rights without specifying the defendant's data which is presently necessary in order to file a statement of claim. According to the bill, the indication of the URL where the offensive content was published, the date and time of publication, and the name of the user's profile or login will be sufficient to successfully bring about a claim.

The bill was sent to the Chancellery of the Prime Minister on 22 January 2021 with the request that it be entered into the list of legislative works of the Council of Ministers. Once the bill is published on the list of legislative works it will be referred for arrangements, public consultations, and opinions. The bill will certainly evolve in the further stages of the legislative work.

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India’s row with Twitter increases over freedom of speech rules – Arab News

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NEW DELHI:India's technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad warned U.S. social media firms to abide by the country's laws, a day after a face-off between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration and Twitter over content regulation.

The IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called out Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and WhatsApp by name and said they were welcome to operate in India, but only if they play by India's rules.

"You will have to follow the Constitution of India, you will have to abide by the laws of India," said Prasad.

Late last night, Indias Ministry of Electronics and Information Technologyhas chided Twitter for not complying with its orders to remove certain accounts and content, warning the social media platform that it must respect Indian laws irrespective of Twitters own rules and guidelines. the Ministrysaid in a statementon Wednesday evening.

We value freedom and we value criticism because it is part of our democracy. But freedom of expression is not absolute and it is subject to reasonable restrictions" the statement added

Twitter has found itself in a standoff with the government after it refused to fully comply with last week's government order to remove some accounts, including those of news organizations, journalists, activists and politicians, citing its principles of defending protected speech and freedom of expression.

The government said the accounts unspecified in number were using provocative hashtags to spread misinformation about the massive farmer protests that have rattled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration.

Twitter responded by temporarily blocking some of those accounts. It, however, refused to outright suspend them as suggested by the government and imposed restrictions on them only within India. Twitter subsequently restored them after online outrage.

Critics have accused the government of using the protests to escalate a crackdown on free speech.

Twitter's actions appeared to irk Modi's government, which over the years has sought to tighten its grip over social media, particularly Twitter and Facebook. The government served Twitter a non-compliance notice and threatened its officials with a fine and imprisonment of up to seven years for violating the order.

The ministry in its statement said it was disappointed after Twitter unwillingly, grudgingly and with great delay complied with only parts of the governments orders.

It cited Twitters crackdown on accounts after last months Capitol Hill insurrection in the United States, calling it a differential treatment to India. It said what happened in Washington was comparable to the violence at India's Red Fort on Jan. 26 when a group of protesting farmers veered from an agreed protest route and stormed New Delhis 17th century monument.

The clampdown on Twitter accounts comes as thousands of farmers have camped outside the capital for months to protest new agricultural laws they say will devastate their earnings. The government says the laws will boost production through private investment.

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India's row with Twitter increases over freedom of speech rules - Arab News

The UConn community must commit to protecting free speech – UConn Daily Campus

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In this picture, a protest takes place to let minority voices be heard. Even though the UConn campus might seem isolated from the rest of the world, it is not isolated from political developments and other current events that prompt discourse and strong emotions. Photo byMathias P.R. RedingfromPexels.

Faculty boards across the country, including the University of Connecticuts, have expressed concern about the obstruction of the freedom of speech and expression on college campuses, citing recent events wherefreedom of speech has been suppressed by both university and non-university actors. In response to some of these issues, former UConn President Susan Herbst formed the Task Force on Free Speech and Civility in 2017. The Task Force published astatementreaffirming free speech that was unanimously approved by the University Senate. However, as past confrontations over free speech at UConn such asLuncian Wintrichs infamous clash with students fade from memory, it is important for the UConn community to revisit its commitment to free speech in a proactive way. Moreover, the nation as a whole (theJan. 6 capitol riotandincreasing polarization) is not providing a model for civil discourse that students can emulate. It is up to the UConn community to commit to protecting free speech.

Even though the UConn campus might seem isolated from the rest of the world, it is not isolated from political developments and other current events that prompt discourse and strong emotions. UConn students react and talk about current events every day. However, there is a deficit in frameworks that students can emulate to have a civil discourse about different points of view in student organizations and other spaces on and off campus. This has only been exacerbated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced students to meet virtually and remain isolated from each other. In fact, a large number of students have never met each other in-person. Their virtual interactions (un)naturally lack body language and other social cues that facilitate human dialogue. Thus, what may have once been a disagreement in an in-person encounter might now feel like an insult.

The deficit in frameworks for civil discourse can be partly corrected by adopting restorative models and practices such as Harlan Cohens win-or-learn framework and his idea of the universal rejection truth,outlined in his newbookWin or Learn.According to Cohen, there is no losing in civil discourse or in interactions with othersone can only learn from someone elses point of view or win the argument. This is possible because of the universal rejection truth,which Cohen describes as a mindset that allows people to accept rejection. This liberating notion that others will not always accept ones point of view or ideas can help foster a culture of free speech. Even though these frameworks can increase tolerance for free speech, a more robust commitment is needed toprotectfree speech.

The UConn community can protect free speech at the institutional level by adopting theChicago Statement, which has now been adopted by81 major institutions of higher educationacross the country. The UConn community can also protect free speech by disseminating the Chicago Statement among its hundreds of student organizations. Finally, the UConn community can protect free speech at the individual level by encouraging all members to create a free and open environment in all university spaces.

Committing to protect free speech raises concerns about its scope. Some might fear it will lead to the toleration of hate speech, violent speech or speech that infringes upon human rights. Some of these questions have been litigated and debated for centuries, but at the end of the day it is every UConn members moral responsibility to use their free speech respectfully and within the boundaries of decency and intellect.

In the era of cancel culture, increased polarization and political violence it will be crucial for universities to protect free speech. Historically, protecting and fostering free speech has been a key function of universities. When students graduate they take with them a commitment to a free and open society. Unfortunately, the country as a whole is not providing models for free speech in the current political moment, and political actors are relying on partisan rhetoric and ad hominem attacks to convey their ideas. The UConn community must ask itself: if universities do not commit to protecting free speech, then who will?

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Free Speech Arguments Against Trump’s Impeachment Dishonor The First Amendment – People For the American Way

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As we approach the Senate trial on the impeachment of former President Donald Trump for incitement of insurrection against the Republic he swore to protect on Feb. 9, his lawyers and other defenders have made the astonishing claim that convicting him would somehow violate freedom of speech. Judicial Watchs Tom Fitton even asserted that convicting Trump would be devastating to the First Amendment because it would be a green light to remove others that engage in core political speech that would be criminalized if the Left doesnt like it.

As a constitutional lawyer who has defended the First Amendment for almost forty years, I agree with lawyer Chris Truax that these free speech claims are absurd. First, the First Amendment protects members of the public from having their speech suppressed or punished by the government, and does not shield government officials for accountability for their actions, even if they involve speech. A private citizen would have the First Amendment right to proclaim loyalty to Russia or China or to advocate the secession of Texas from the union. Does anyone seriously contend that free speech allows a U.S. president to violate his oath of office and do the same, and also escape accountability through impeachment for such treasonous acts? Apparently, Trump and his supporters do.

As the House impeachment managers have pointed out, moreover, even if Trumps actions were treated like those of a private citizen, and even if the First Amendment applied to Congressional efforts to hold a president accountable as it does to a criminal prosecution, the free speech defense would still fail. The Supreme Court ruled more than 50 years ago that the First Amendment does not protect speech when it is directed to inciting or producing imminent lawless action and is likely to do so. Trumps incendiary remarks just before the Jan. 6 violent insurrection at the Capitol, when he exhorted his followers to go to the Capitol and fight like hell, particularly when combined with evidence of his intent like reports that he was delighted as the riots were happening, could well be enough to warrant even a criminal conviction of Trump by a court. They are clearly enough to justify a conviction on impeachment in the Senate.

I have always believed that the First Amendment is first in our Constitution because, in important ways, free speech and the other rights it safeguards are crucial to protect our democracy. The attempt of a disgraced ex-president and his seditionist collaborators to try to hide behind free speech, as well as similar recent far right efforts to use freedom of speech to justify the violent actions at the Capitol on Jan. 6, truly dishonors our First Amendment.

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Free Speech Arguments Against Trump's Impeachment Dishonor The First Amendment - People For the American Way

Why Suppressing Free Speech Will Hurt The Economy – Forbes

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Freedom of speech is under increasing attack from various quarters, including, shockingly, much of the media. The consequences of nonconformity are ugly, such as potential loss of ones job and public shaming.

This is poison for democracy.

Moreover, what isnt so well appreciated is that freedom of expression goes hand-in-hand with economic progress, as this episode of Whats Ahead makes clear.

Free speech is essential to our well-being and for a more prosperous future.

Steve Forbes is Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media.Steves newest project is the podcast Whats Ahead, where he engages the worlds top newsmakers,

Steve Forbes is Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media.Steves newest project is the podcast Whats Ahead, where he engages the worlds top newsmakers, politicians and pioneers in business and economics in honest conversations meant to challenge traditional conventions as well as featuring Steves signature views on the intersection of society, economic and policy. Steve helped create the recently released and highly acclaimed public television documentary, In Money We Trust?, which was produced under the auspices of Maryland Public television. The film was inspired by the book he co-authored, Money: How the Destruction of the Dollar Threatens the Global Economy and What We Can Do About It. Steves latest book is Reviving America: How Repealing Obamacare, Replacing the Tax Code and Reforming The Fed will Restore Hope and Prosperity co-authored by Elizabeth Ames (McGraw-Hill Professional).Steve writes editorials for each issue of Forbes under the heading of Fact and Comment. A widely respected economic prognosticator, he is the only writer to have won the highly prestigious Crystal Owl Award four times. The prize was formerly given by U.S. Steel Corporation to the financial journalist whose economic forecasts for the coming year proved most accurate.In both 1996 and 2000, Steve campaigned vigorously for the Republican nomination for the Presidency. Key to his platform were a flat tax, medical savings accounts, a new Social Security system for working Americans, parental choice of schools for their children, term limits and a strong national defense. Steve continues to energetically promote this agenda.

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Why Suppressing Free Speech Will Hurt The Economy - Forbes

Fordham Should Not Abuse Its Status as a Private Institution to Censor Free Speech – Fordham Observer

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On Dec. 22, 2016, the last day of the fall semester, then-Dean of Students Keith Eldredge sent an email that incited four long years of legal action and fees. In the email, the dean denied by Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) request to form a club after the United Student Government had already approved it.

The dean wrote that he cannot support an organization whose sole purpose is advocating political goals of a specific group, and against a specific country, when these goals conflict with (the) values of the University, all the while without specifying what values SJP contradicted.

In response, the members of SJP went to court, using a New York state law (article 78) that allows students to challenge a decision at a private school if the decision was contrary to the institutions own rules, which SJP felt was the case.

The courts decision demonstrates how profoundly Fordhams label as a private institution has enabled it to restrict the rights of the student body.

On Dec. 22, 2020 exactly four years after Eldredges letter the New York State Appellate Court overturned the 2019 ruling and held that Fordham was actually within its rights to deny the club. The court added that SJPs political activism could potentially be disruptive to student life and as a result, they are still fighting for recognition to this day.

The courts decision demonstrates how profoundly Fordhams label as a private institution has enabled it to restrict the rights of the student body. By silencing the political opinions of SJP, especially at a university where other partisan clubs exist, the Fordham administration has shown a concerning lack of support for the diversity of student opinions on campus.

Discussions and support for SJPs case and cause have extended past campus and onto social media. The Instagram page @fordhamsjp provides its audience of 954 followers with updates on the court case, general information on the conflict between Israel and Palestine, and resources for other human rights movements. Its new posts receive hundreds of likes from the Fordham community and beyond, as the ongoing legal battle has brought the club national recognition.

@lc_sinners, a popular Instagram meme page that caters to Fordham students, has also backed SJP by posting multiple memes about Fordhams censorship of the club, particularly attacking Fordhams flimsy private institution excuse for silencing students.

As student journalists, we at The Observer feel that free speech is crucial to the well-being of the university community. The student body cannot be expected to grow and learn in an environment where the only ideas that are permitted are those that the administration deems acceptable.

While Fordham is a private university, it still received $19.6 million in 2018 of a total of $933.5 million and $2.5 million in 2019 in government grants. When any private university receives federal funding, however miniscule, it should abide by federal law. Therefore, its students and their free speech should be protected from actions like those that Eldredge has started against SJP.

As long as this continues, it will suppress those student voices that are unsuitable for the image it wants to project.

When discussing freedom of speech at a private institution like Fordham, we would be remiss in not mentioning the case of Austin Tong. In a similar action to SJP, Tong attempted to challenge a disciplinary action in court, but his case was dismissed since it was decided that the university administration had reasonable grounds to believe that Tongs behavior was hate speech. His case shows that SJPs case is not the only target of Fordham censorship; however, his comments online sparked reactions of fear and condemnation within Fordham that SJP has not received.

Tongs behavior was criticized heavily by many in the university community, and many people expressed fears for their own safety. Contrary to Tong, SJP has garnered a wide array of support from the Fordham community.

It is clear that Fordham has hidden behind its status as a private university meaning that the vast majority (nearly 88%) of the revenue for the university comes from tuition and fees alone and it abuses that power to play fast and loose with its First Amendment allowances. As long as this continues, it will suppress those student voices that are unsuitable for the image it wants to project.

As the first of its kind, SJPs case has set the precedent for all of New York states private universities. College students in this state or anywhere should not be silenced for expressing their political views in a peaceful and nondiscriminatory manner, yet their freedom of speech is now in danger because of Fordhams actions.

Moreover, all students are paying for the duct tape that Fordham is putting over SJPs mouth. The legal fees for the SJP trial were included in our tuition bills, a shockingly improvident and uncompassionate use of money during a time when it could have been used to alleviate financial hardships wrought by COVID-19.

Is this use of funds, power and time truly in line with Fordhams values?

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Fordham Should Not Abuse Its Status as a Private Institution to Censor Free Speech - Fordham Observer

SEYCHELLES: Covid-19 puts a damper on waste management on the island of Perseverance – AFRIK 21

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In the Seychelles, the populations continue to pay a high price for the health crisis caused by the Covid-19. After the Chinese company Sinohydro postponed the commissioning of the Gogue dam to a later date (initially planned for June 2020), it is now the turn of Land Waste Management Agency (LWMA) to delay its sanitation project on Perseverance. The artificial island is located 20 km from the Seychelles capital Victoria.

In principle, the second phase of LWMAs waste sorting and collection project was due to start in March 2021, but the association will not be able to meet its schedule. The second phase of the project consists of going back to the inhabitants of Persvrance with the results of surveys carried out to explain to them how collection will be carried out in the future. At present, we are unable to achieve our objectives due to the restrictive measures put in place to counter the spread of Covid-19, explains Rahul Mangroo, LWMAs Deputy Managing Director.

As part of LWMAs sanitation project, 900 households on the island of Perseverance will be provided with 110 litre bins. Rubbish bins will be used for the collection of household waste. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste and cans will be sold to the population in buy-back centres set up by LWMA. Instead of daily waste collection, there will be a calendar where we will indicate the days of passage for each type of waste, says Rahul Mangroo, LWMAs Deputy Managing Director. This waste will then be recycled, reducing pollution on Perseverance, one of the 115 islands of the Seychelles archipelago. LWMAs project will promote the development of the circular economy throughout the Eastern African country.

A third phase of the sanitation project is planned. It will analyse the waste sorting and collection process that has been put in place and make improvements where necessary. We will then report back to the Seychelles government on the effectiveness of our approach, says Rahul Mangroo, LWMAs Deputy Managing Director.

Ins Magoum

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