Latest news with #AntonioWilliams
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Inmate rights groups demand say in Stillwater prison closure plan
Members of inmate rights organizations gathered Thursday in Bayport to demand input into the Minnesota Department of Corrections' plan to shutter the Stillwater prison by 2029. Among their demands: No new prisons. No double-bunking. Permission for those serving life sentences to remain at Stillwater through the end of the year. Full implementation of the 2023 Minnesota Rehabilitation & Reinvestment Act before transferring any inmate (MRRA allows qualified inmates a chance to shave an additional 17 percent off their sentences). 'This move is too big of a move to happen without the input of greater, wider community input, specifically, justice-impacted people who have served time in Stillwater,' said Antonio Williams, the co-executive director of T.O.N.E. U.P. Inc., an organization that helps people leaving incarceration. '(These) demands must be included during this transition.' About 1,200 men are housed in the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater, which is located in Bayport. Among them is Cornelius Jackson, who is serving life in prison without the possibility of release after being found guilty in 2006 of aiding and abetting first-degree murder. 'We're here today not just because Stillwater is closing, we're here because real lives are being uprooted and disrupted,' Alissa Washington, Jackson's fiancée, told the small crowd gathered at Lakeside Park, just a mile south of the prison. 'People who have been in this facility for decades are now being moved like baggage. Let me be very clear: this transition is happening, so it must be done with care, accountability and dignity.' Special care must be taken with the inmates' personal property, including photos, legal documents, clothing and books, said Washington, founder of Wrongfully Incarcerated and Over-Sentenced Families Council-MN. 'And when (personal property) arrives at the new facility, it must be accepted, regardless of a different warden's rules,' she said. 'It's not right to force someone to repurchase clothes or essentials just because the rules changed from one prison to another. That's cruelty, not policy.' Zero double-bunking is the preference, but if bunking must happen, inmates 'must have the right to choose their cellmate,' Washington said. 'It is reckless and dangerous to place someone from the Aryan Nation in a cell with a practicing Muslim. That's not just bad policy, it's how you get people hurt or killed, and we're not going to stand by and allow that. 'This transition should not create new trauma,' she said. 'It should not result in violence, lost property, or emotional harm. These are not numbers, they are people — people who we love who are surviving in cages.' State leaders last week agreed to a 'phased closure' of the Stillwater prison, citing safety and costly maintenance concerns at the facility, which was built in 1914. St. Paul faith-based nonprofit leader charged with possessing child pornography Vandals trash part of Alliance Bank Center in downtown St. Paul Groundswell cafe in St. Paul temporarily closes after fire Ramsey County leaders remind residents: 'Safe gun storage saves lives' George Floyd: Minneapolis, St. Paul events mark his death, community response Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell said the closure would end state investments in an aging facility and eliminate safety concerns at the prison for both staff and inmates. The closure is expected to be completed in two phases upon passage of the public-safety omnibus bill at the Legislature. The first phase involves reducing operations and staffing over several months, moving inmates to other prisons, and conducting studies on logistics, closure impacts and the site's long-term future, corrections officials said. During the second phase, which is slated to begin in July 2027, the site will be vacated. Full closure is expected by June 30, 2029. Unions representing correction officers and staff at Stillwater have called for a halt to the plan, calling the budget agreement that includes the closure 'shortsighted, downright dangerous, disruptive and deeply disrespectful to the workers that keep the community safe and the inmates safe.' A corrections spokeswoman said the organizers of Thursday's press conference had not reached out to Schnell to offer their suggestions, but that he would be open to 'gaining their perspectives and insights' and planned to connect with them to schedule a meeting. In response to a question about whether corrections would adopt the safety protocols for the transition proposed by the inmate rights groups, Shannon Loehrke, the agency's director of communications, said officials were not prepared to discuss them at this time. 'Safety and security are always primary considerations' in the Department of Corrections, she said. Loehrke said the phased closure of the Stillwater facility is 'entirely separate' from the implementation of the Minnesota Rehabilitation & Reinvestment Act, which she said is in the 'very early implementation stage' with pilots at the prisons in Shakopee and Moose Lake. 'The department is keenly focused on successful implementation of MRRA policies, and we will not compromise effective intervention efforts,' she said. A long-term plan for rehabilitating or replacing the Stillwater and St. Cloud prison was recommended in 2020 by the Office of the Legislative Auditor in a report titled 'Safety in State Correctional Facilities,' Loehrke said. 'The phased closure of Stillwater is regarded as a step in the direction recommended by the OLA,' she said. 'As the phased closure plan is implemented, the DOC needs to ensure that the state has modern, safe and secure correctional facility capacity to serve the long-term needs of Minnesota's criminal-justice system.' Pioneer Press 2025 patio guide: Wring every second out of summer at these 100+ Twin Cities spots Pioneer Press 2025 patio guide: Along the water and scenic spots Truck driver tells trooper he was distracted by map before Washington County fatal crash Woodbury officials seek info on rug connected to house fire Landfall Village is about to declare its independence Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, the Stillwater State Prison Historic District in Bayport includes the original walled compound designed by architect Clarence H. Johnston Sr., and constructed in 1910-1914, along with its associated staff housing area. DOC officials said Thursday that there will be a decommissioning study to figure out possible future uses for the correctional facility and site, which sits on about 180 acres. The study will explore options for decommissioning and vacating the facility's physical and security infrastructure, analysis of requirements for buildings on the National Register of Historic Places and examination of development opportunities for the site, Loehrke said. DOC officials reached out to Bayport officials last week after the announcement of the closure was made, Bayport Mayor Michele Hanson said. 'At this point, it's too early for us to have any comment other than we hope that everything transitions smoothly and that we're involved in the process as to what happens with the site,' she said.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Undrafted Free Agent With Best Shot To Make Each AFC Roster In 2025
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. The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and a couple hundred players achieved their dreams by having their names called. However, even more players went undrafted, and will instead have to scratch and claw their way onto an NFL roster. Every year, though, several undrafted free agents defy the odds and end up on rosters. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Antonio Williams #0 and Jake Briningstool #9 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium... CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 07: Antonio Williams #0 and Jake Briningstool #9 of the Clemson Tigers celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter of the 2024 ACC Football Championship at Bank of America Stadium on December 07, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Clemson will be taking on the Texas Longhorns in the first-round of the college football playoff. More Photo byThis year, there are a ton of talented players who went undrafted. Whether it be due to injury concerns, inconsistency, or other reasons, the crop of UDFAs was deep this year and several teams took advantage. Now, let's identify the UDFA with the best chance to make each AFC roster. Baltimore Ravens: Nash Hutmacher, DL, Nebraska The Ravens have signed one of the bigger UDFA classes, so there are plenty of options to choose from. Hutmacher, a big defensive lineman from Nebraska, seemingly has a solid shot to land a spot. Travis Jones is the starting nose tackle, and there's no depth behind him. In fact, Hutmacher is listed as Jones' backup. If the Nebraska product has a solid camp, he could not only make the roster, but play a role. Buffalo Bills: Jacob Bayer, OL, Arkansas State The Bills didn't add the most prolific group of UDFAs, but a couple of these guys should have a shot. The one that catches my eye is Arkansas State offensive lineman Jacob Bayer. Bayer has the size to be an NFL blocker and excells in pass coverage. The lineman easily could've been a day three selection, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him crack this roster. Cincinnati Bengals: Howard Cross III, DL, Notre Dame The Bengals have actually added two UDFAs that I believe will make the roster- Seth McLaughlin and Howard Cross III. However, if I had to pick one, I'd go with Cross. Cross played under new defensive coordinator Al Golden at Notre Dame, and that history could help his case. Cross is undersized but has a relentless motor and the Bengals' defensive line isn't deep. Cleveland Browns: Donovan McMillon, S, Pittsburgh Based off who the Browns have signed so far, McMillon seems like the clear choice. The safety was productive at Pittsburgh, collecting 100+ tackles in each of his final two seasons. The Browns aren't exactly deep at safety, so McMillon should be able to land a spot. Denver Broncos: Jerjuan Newton, WR, Toledo Jerjuan Newton is another prospect who easily could've gotten drafted. The Toledo product was consistent in college, and led the MAC in receiving touchdowns in both 2023 and 2024. The Broncos' receiver room is better than it was a month ago, but Newton could be too good to let go. Houston Texans: Eli Cox, C, Kentucky The Texans haven't yet signed many UDFAs, but Cox is a good one. The lineman played center and guard at Kentucky and didn't allow a single sack in 2024. The Texans need depth on the interior of the line, and Cox could develop into a useful player. Indianapolis Colts: Maddox Trujillo, K, Temple The Colts' addition of Maddox Trujillo could become an underrated move. The only other kicker on the roster is Spencer Schrader, who spent time on three different rosters last year. Without a proven starter, Trujillo shouldn't have to do too much to win the kicking job in Indianapolis. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Green II, EDGE, Colorado The Jaguars could use some help all along the defensive line, and Green could be a hidden gem. The Colorado prospect racked up 33 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks in 2024. Green may just have to be out former seventh-round pick Myles Cole for a spot on the roster. Kansas City Chiefs: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson Briningstool is a player who was widely believed to be a late-round pick. Even still, Briningstool went undrafted and quickly latched on with the Chiefs, which could be a perfect landing spot. Briningstool is a solid receiving threat and could provide solid depth behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray. Las Vegas Raiders: Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas The cornerback position is one that isn't especially deep in Las Vegas. Mello Dotson is an intriguing prospect who had the production to get drafted. Dotson had five interceptions in 2024 and could snag a spot in a thin Raiders' secondary. Los Angeles Chargers: Garmon Randolph, EDGE, Baylor The Chargers have aging veterans Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree on the edge, so an intriguing, young prospect like Randolph could have a spot. Randolph collected 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. The defender's impressive size at 6-foot-7, 265-pounds will be intriguing. Miami Dolphins: Andrew Armstrong, WR, Arkansas Armstrong might be the best undrafted receiver, and the Dolphins could stand to have some young talent at the position. Armstrong caught 78 passes for 1,140 yards in the SEC last year, so it's confusing as to why he wasn't selected. Armstrong will make this roster. New England Patriots: C.J. Dippre, TE, Alabama Dippre went under the radar on an Alabama team that was loaded with talent. However, the tight end was a solid player, both as a pass-catcher and blocker. Dippre could easily make the team as TE3 behind Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper. New York Jets: Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan At one point in time, Edwards seemed like a future NFL star. However, the Michigan product's production fell off a cliff toward the end of his college career. Still, Edwards is a bruising back who knows how to block and can catch a pass or two. The running back could slot in as the RB4. Pittsburgh Steelers: Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa Sebastian Castro is another player who easily could've been drafted. But he wasn't, and the Steelers could have a future starter on their hands. Castro can play as a box safety or a nickel. That versatility should intrigue the Steelers enough to keep him around. Tennessee Titans: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL) This may be the most surefire UDFA of any to make the roster. Restrepo was considered to be a mid-round pick before running an abysmal 40-yard dash at Miami's pro day. Restrepo has chemistry with Cam Ward, and Ward could be instrumental in keeping his target around.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers' way-too-early three-round 2026 mock draft
Steelers' way-too-early three-round 2026 mock draft The 2025 NFL Draft has come to an end — which means it's the perfect time for a Steelers' way-too-early 2026 mock draft. Pittsburgh addressed its defensive concerns with this year's haul, but several areas on offense still need attention heading into 2026. In this three-round, way-too-early projection, PFF predicts the Steelers will hold the No. 14 overall pick — just out of reach for Texas Longhorn Arch Manning. Fortunately, the 2026 NFL Draft class is loaded with offensive firepower, and Pittsburgh wastes no time making a splash in the first three rounds: Round 1: Pick No. 14 — QB Drew Allar, Penn State While a Steel City contingency seems to be growing behind 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard, it has long been rumored that 2026 would be the year the Steelers target their franchise signal-caller — in an insanely stacked QB class. Manning and Clemson's Cade Klubnik went off the board in a hurry, but the 6'5" Penn State QB Drew Allar — complete with impressive arm strength, poise, and ball security — was available for Pittsburgh. Round 2: Pick No. 46 — WR Antonio Williams, Clemson All signs continue to point toward George Pickens leaving the Steelers in 2025 — and Clemson WR Antonio Williams may be just the player to replace him. Williams had a fantastic high school career and translated it well into earning Freshman All-American honors. Injuries ultimately derailed his sophomore season, but he's primed for a major bounce-back as a junior. His body control, ability to line up at any receiver position, and sharp route running are too much to pass up in Round 2. Round 3: Pick No. 78 — OT Blake Miller, Clemson This pick entirely hinges on whether or not Broderick Jones can finally put all the pieces together in 2025. After struggling to live up to his first-round draft status at RT, the Steelers are hopeful he'll find success at his natural LT position — but if he doesn't, Clemson Tiger Blake Miller is just the man for the job. He proved himself both durable and competitive during his freshman season — one in which he earned 14 starts, an impressive feat for any young offensive tackle. He's exactly what the Steelers would need to replace Jones in the short term.
