Latest news with #Allred
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Tesla road rage driver's new arrest a ‘foreseeable consequence,' California victims say
Local victims of Nathaniel Radimak, the Tesla driver convicted of assaulting women in a series of road rage cases, are calling his early prison release a 'failure' after he allegedly attacked another driver – this time in Hawaii. Radimak, 38, was arraigned Thursday in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he pleaded not guilty. According to police, on May 8, an 18-year-old woman was parking her car with her 35-year-old mother in the passenger seat when a gray Tesla sped past them. Words were exchanged, and the man allegedly assaulted both women before fleeing in the Tesla. Radimak, who was arrested the following day, faces charges of misdemeanor assault and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle. Bail was set at $100,000. 'When justice is not done, the public is endangered,' said prominent victims' rights attorney Gloria Allred at news conference in Los Angeles on Friday that included several of Radimak's previous victims. 'He goes to Hawaii, and then all of this happens … yes, absolutely, failure of the system.' In 2023, Radimak was sentenced to five years in prison for attacking SoCal motorists with a metal pole in multiple incidents, two of which were captured on video. He was released 212 days early for good behavior, a decision Allred and her clients criticized at the time. 'I believe [the Hawaii] incidents were a foreseeable consequence of a system that repeatedly failed to address his pattern of violence and his pattern of behavior,' said Vivian Romero, one of Radimak's prior victims. Allred claims former District Attorney George Gascon did not consult with her or the victims before the plea agreement, and they were not given the opportunity to speak at Radimak's sentencing, allegedly violating Marsy's Law. Marsy's Law, named after UC Santa Barbara student Marsy Nicholas, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 1983, was approved by California voters in 2008. It ensures victims and their families are involved in each step of the criminal justice process. California road rage driver assaulted behind bars following Hawaii arrest 'It is sickening that Nathaniel Radimak, after being released from prison early, has appeared to violate his parole,' said Beth Lamprecht, another victim. 'There was every reason to doubt any chance of reform for this repeat offender. His return to violence underscores that he has not been willing to control his actions.' Radimak's Hawaii case took an unusual twist when he was beaten by fellow inmates on May 12 while awaiting arraignment on the new charges. He suffered injuries to his face and torso and required hospitalization. 'I personally, as a lawyer, cannot say that vigilante justice should be inflicted, even if the actual justice system has failed the victims,' Allred remarked. 'Now, people may feel differently, but that's my statement as a lawyer.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Democrats Could Win First Texas Senate Race in 33 Years: Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Democrat Colin Allred could defeat Republican Ken Paxton in a hypothetical battle for the Senate seat currently occupied by John Cornyn, according to GOP polling obtained by the Houston Chronicle. Were this to happen at next year's election, it would make Allred the first Democratic Senator from Texas since Robert Krueger in 1993. Allred, who lost a bid for Ted Cruz's Texas Senate seat in November 2024, has said he is considering joining the race. Newsweek contacted Allred, Cornyn and Paxton for comment via email and online inquiry form on Thursday outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters There are currently 53 Republican Senators against 47 who are either part of or caucus with the Democrats. If the Democrats manage to secure a Senate majority at the November 2026 midterm elections, it would dramatically restrict the Trump administration's freedom to operate. What To Know In an article published on Wednesday, the Houston Chronicle said it has seen an internal Republican poll which found 52 percent of Texan likely voters would back Allred in a hypothetical contest against, against 37 percent for the current Texas attorney general. The poll of 1,000 likely voters was conducted in mid-April by a pollster founded by Brad Parscale, formerly Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign manager. It didn't test other Democratic names. A separate survey of 605 Republican primary voters conducted by the same pollster found Paxton on track to beat incumbent Cornyn by 17 points in the GOP primary contest. Cornyn has been a Texas Senator since 2002 but is facing a challenge from Paxton, who pledged to "champion President Trump's legislative priorities" on his campaign website. Colin Allred speaking on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Colin Allred speaking on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. GETTY The campaign has already turned heated, with Cornyn having branded Paxton "a con man and a fraud," while the attorney general previously accused Cornyn of representing "the Bush wing of the GOP." In 2023, Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate of 16 articles of impeachment including corruption, misusing official information and abusing his official capacity. In November 2024, Cruz defeated Allred, a former NFL player for the Tennessee Titans, with 53.1 percent of the vote against 44.6 percent. Allred served as representative for Texas's 32nd congressional district between 2019 and 2025. Beto O'Rourke, a former House Democrat who lost the 2022 Texas gubernatorial election to Governor Greg Abbott, has also indicated he could run for Cornyn's seat. During a town hall in Denton he said: "If it comes to pass that this is what the people of Texas want, that it's the highest and best use of what I can give to you, then yes I will." What People Are Saying Speaking to the Houston Chronicle, Texas State Senator Paul Bettencourt, a Republican, said: "If I was an incumbent senator with these types of polling numbers, I probably wouldn't run because you can't win." In a statement in April, Cornyn's spokesperson said: "During his first term, John Cornyn voted with President Trump more than 95 percent of current Senators, securing the votes for his biggest accomplishments as his Whip. Democrats are trying to destroy President Trump, and he and Texas need a battle-tested conservative who knows how to protect his agenda in the Senate and won't be outsmarted by [Senate Minority Leader] Chuck Schumer." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether Allred will enter the Democratic primary for the Texas Senate seat. Incumbent Cornyn has given no indication he plans to drop out of the contest following the challenge from Allred.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Historic Hotels of America welcomes 12th Arizona property for its 'unique charm'
A boutique hotel first built as a private one-bedroom studio for a renowned cowboy artist is being celebrated for its history. The Hermosa Inn in Paradise Valley was inducted into Historic Hotels of America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that recognizes hotels across the U.S. for "preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance." It's technically a re-induction — the property first became a Historic Hotels of America member in 2011, but its membership was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We commend The Hermosa Inn, the Allred family (the inn's owners), and leadership team for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination," Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America, said in a statement. Historic Hotels of America's website lists 287 inducted hotels and resorts nationwide, including 12 in Arizona. The Hermosa Inn is no stranger to national recognition. Travel + Leisure named it the No. 1 Arizona hotel in 2023. Its on-site restaurant, Lon's at the Hermosa Inn, was twice named one of America's most beautiful restaurants: by People in 2024 and in 2025. The Hermosa Inn, which consists of 43 luxury casitas on six acres with lush garden landscaping, started with just a modest adobe hacienda. Artist Lon Megargee, renowned for his paintings of Arizona's desert landscape, cowboys and Native Americans, built that first hacienda as a personal studio and retreat. Like his art, the Hermosa Inn served to embody the charm of the American Southwest. His hideaway was called Casa Hermosa, Spanish for "beautiful house." As word spread, it became a gathering place for creatives, from artists to Hollywood celebrities. Megargee sold Casa Hermosa in the 1940s and it became a guest ranch. His artwork and his connection to the Hermosa Inn continue to inspire; the hotel's on-site bar Lon's Last Drop is named for one of his most famous works, "The Last Drop From His Stetson." "The Hermosa Inn is incredibly proud and honored to join the prestigious ranks of Historic Hotels of America," Noel Fulton, managing director of the Hermosa Inn, said in a statement. "This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to preserving the rich history and unique charm of our iconic property, while providing an exceptional and timeless guest experience." Hotels selected for induction into Historic Hotels of America must meet three criteria: The hotel must be at least 50 years old. The hotel's location must be designated a National Historic Landmark by the Interior Secretary, or is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is recognized as having historic significance. Get the Arizona news you need. Sign up for AZ Briefing from azcentral. Arizona has 12 Historic Hotels of America inductees, with The Hermosa Inn being the most recent addition. Here's the full list: Castle Hot Springs, Morristown (1896) El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon South Rim (1905) Phantom Ranch, Grand Canyon South Rim (1922) Hassayampa Inn, Prescott (1927) Hotel San Carlos, Phoenix (1928) The Wigwam, Litchfield Park (1929) Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, Tucson (1929) The Hermosa Inn, Paradise Valley (1933) Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins, Grand Canyon South Rim (1935) White Stallion Ranch, Tucson (1945) Royal Palms Resort & Spa, Phoenix (1948) Tubac Golf Resort & Spa (resort opened in 1959, but the property dates back to 1789) Lon's at the Hermosa Inn and Lon's Last Drop are open to the public with service from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Details: 5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise Valley. 602-955-8614, Oldest resorts: Arizona's 10 most historic hotels, from Grand Canyon to Castle Hot Springs Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona luxury hotel named among Historic Hotels of America
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Founder of popular Kansas City restaurant dies. ‘Happy-go-lucky man'
It's hard to exaggerate just how much Vic Allred's restaurant meant to him. 'It was his life,' said Buddy Lahl, a 20-year friend of Allred's and the CEO of the Missouri Restaurant Association. In addition to founding Jazz — A Louisiana Kitchen, Allred served on the board of the Greater Kansas City and Missouri Restaurant Associations, as well as the National Restaurant Association. Then, he decided to advocate for restaurant owners on a political level and became a Missouri representative, representing District 13 from 2019 to 2021. Allred, who was in his early 60s, died recently, leaving Lahl and others in the restaurant community heartbroken. His cause of death has not been shared publicly. 'I talked to him a few weeks ago,' Lahl said. The two were planning a trip to Washington, D.C., to attend a public affairs conference together. Allred began Jazz in Lubbock, Texas, in 1986. He moved to Kansas City and opened a restaurant here in 1994 on 39th Street. Several more locations followed, including ones in Independence; Omaha, Nebraska; Austin, Texas; and Sparks, Nevada. Today, Jazz remains open at the original Lubbock location, its first Kansas City metro spot at 1823 W. 39th St., and 859 Village West Parkway, No. 102 in Kansas City, Kansas. Another is open in Columbia. Menu items include the Cajun stir fry, Cajun fried shrimp, crawfish fettuccine and Papa Vic's Pasta (bell peppers, celery, onions, mushrooms in chicken fettuccine Alfredo). In opening Jazz, Allred envisioned a swinging Cajun bar and restaurant with live music acts multiple days a week. Not surprising for Allred, who Lahl said loved to entertain. The customers all knew him, too, whether it was from seeing him working behind the bar or appearing in commercials with former broadcaster Bill Grigsby. 'Hey, folks, Papa Vic here to talk about what's new here at your favorite restaurant, Jazz — A Louisiana Kitchen,' Allred can be heard chirping in an old commercial, drawing out the vowel on the word 'Jazz.' 'Vic was a happy-go-lucky man,' Lahl said — much like the motto of his restaurant 'laissez les bons temps rouler' ('let the good times roll'). Allred was friendly with everyone who would walk through his doors. 'If you were ever in the restaurant and he was there, he would go over and say 'hi' … before it was over, you would be his best friend,' said Jazz's chief technical officer, Scott Medlock. Joe Roberts worked at Jazz for several years in various capacities: assistant manager, bartender, waiter and everything in between. He helped Allred open the original Kansas City restaurant. He remembers Allred for his jovial personality and big smile. 'He was a fun guy,' Roberts said. 'Very smart restauranteur … little bit of a genius.' In addition to keeping the overhead costs low and energy high, Roberts said Allred was kind to his employees. Roberts got emotional, or 'misty eyed' as he called it, talking about the moment he found out Allred had passed. 'It's the same kind of deflation you feel when you find somebody in your family passed in the night you didn't know about,' he said. 'And you were like 'Wow. Gosh, I'm never gonna see that smile again.'' Three or four years ago, Allred stopped being involved in the day-to-day operations of Jazz but kept a small share. Lahl isn't sure how much, but he called him 'a silent partner.' Allred's brother, Lee, continued to be involved in the business. What are some of Roberts' favorite memories of Vic? Too many to tell, he said with a laugh, then added, 'But that's New Orleans.'
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Cornyn's re-election campaign sparks questions on both party flanks as Dems chase 'the ghost of a Blue Texas'
With longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas announcing his re-election this past week, the expensive and potentially competitive 2026 Senate showdown in the nation's second most populous state kicked into gear. Among the big questions regarding the race – will Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a major ally of President Donald Trump and a MAGA favorite, primary challenge Cornyn? But also being asked is whether the Democrats will once again dish out tens of millions of dollars in hopes of trying to flip a Senate seat blue in red Texas? Facing Possible Primary Challnge From A Trump Ally, Longtime Texas Senator Announces Re-election "I'm looking at it and seriously considering it," former Rep. Colin Allred said last week in an interview with the Dallas Morning News, when asked if he would run a second straight time for the Senate. "This is a time for everybody to realize just what's at stake and how important it is that we all stay involved." Allred, a former Baylor University football player and NFL linebacker who later represented Texas' 32nd Congressional District (which includes parts of Dallas and surrounding suburbs), was last year's Democratic challenger in the race against conservative firebrand Sen. Ted Cruz. Read On The Fox News App Only On Fox News: Senate Republican Campaign Chair Reveals How Many Seats He's Aiming For In 2026 Allred, who said he would decide by this summer if he'll mount a 2026 Senate campaign, was the latest Democrat to spend big bucks to try and oust a sitting Republican in Texas. He hauled in nearly $93 million and outpaced Cruz in fundraising during the 2024 cycle, although the GOP incumbent brought in slightly more campaign cash overall, thanks to a fundraising head start soon after his 2018 re-election. Cruz ended up winning re-election last November by roughly nine points, which was much more comfortable than his 3.5 point victory in 2018 over former Rep. Beto O'Rourke, who hauled in $80 million – a staggering amount at the time – and outraised Cruz by a two-to-one margin. Top Political Handicapper Reveals Democrats' Chances Of Winning Back The Senate Majority While the 2018 battle between Cruz and O'Rourke grabbed tons of national attention, it was far from the first time Democrats had spent big bucks on an unsuccessful ballot box effort in Texas. "The Democrats have been chasing the ghost of a blue Texas since at least 2006, when Tony Sanchez ran for governor against Rick Perry… and all they've really done is make a lot of consultants wealthy," Matt Mackowiak, a veteran Republican strategist and communications consultant based in Texas and Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital. Mackowiak emphasized that Democrats in Texas "haven't come close, with the only exception being Beto O'Rourke in 2018." "Money is not enough for Democrats to turn Texas blue. It is necessary but not sufficient," he argued. "What they have to have is something that they don't have, which is an electable, mainstream, moderate, pro-business Democrat. That category almost doesn't exist in Texas." Asked if the Democrats are pouring money down the drain, Ed Espinoza, a Texas-based communications professional and political analyst who once served at the Democratic National Committee, said, "Every time I was asked that question the past few cycles, I'd say, 'No, absolutely not.'" Pausing for a moment, Espinoza then emphasized, "I think 2026 is an important year for Texas Democrats because it's an opportunity to demonstrate that they're still in this fight." "In 2018, we saw strong Democratic gains in Texas. In 2020, we saw those gains hold. There was slippage in 2022 and 2024 and a lot of that was due to redistricting," he argued. "But 2026 is the year that Texas Democrats can and must demonstrate they're still in this fight."Original article source: Cornyn's re-election campaign sparks questions on both party flanks as Dems chase 'the ghost of a Blue Texas'
