Latest news with #BillClark
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
The Inconvenient Americans
The images of disabled Americans in wheelchairs being zip-tied and dragged out of the halls of Congress for protesting imminent and devastating cuts to Medicaid are blatant demonstrations of a cold lack of empathy from members of Congress, who defend gutting health care and food assistance to pay for large and absurd tax breaks for the rich. For far too long, Americans with disabilities have been treated by those in power as the Inconvenient Americans, a virtually silent and invisible minority group. Disabled Americans represent, at minimum, 15 percent of the population. In my state, one in five Iowans is either blind, deaf, physically, or intellectually disabled. We are also arguably the most under-represented group in local, state, and federal government. I know this directly as the first and only disabled representative in the Iowa Legislature. Because of this lack of representation and political power, so many issues affecting disabled Americans have been ignored or misunderstood. But on the issue of Medicaid cuts, we can no longer be silent because it is literally life or death. U.S. Capitol Police arrest protesting members of American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT) in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The protesters chanted "no cuts to Medicaid"... U.S. Capitol Police arrest protesting members of American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today (ADAPT) in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The protesters chanted "no cuts to Medicaid" while being arrested. More Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images I was horrified to witness my fellow disabled Americans, many in wheelchairs, being zip-tied like criminals for peacefully protesting cuts to Medicaid. There seems to be a misconception that they were protesting for "just another welfare entitlement" or for some frivolous additional comfort. This could not be further from the truth. The vast majority of people on Medicaid are, in fact, poor children, the physically and mentally disabled, and the elderly. These are the most vulnerable individuals in our society. We have a moral and ethical duty to protect them. Services like direct care workers or personal care attendants are not covered by private insurance. So, in many cases Medicaid is the only option disabled Americans have for health care. Without Medicaid, many disabled Americans literally could not even get out of bed, let alone find employment and live full, dignified lives. We, the Inconvenient Americans, cannot exist without it. And Medicaid is already stretched far too thin. States like Iowa have incredibly low reimbursements, years-long waitlists, a lack of providers and caregivers, and health facilities and rural hospitals closing all over the state. This along with dramatic increases in delays and denials to services and supports due to privatization. Our Medicaid system is already terribly broken and underfunded and now they want to make even deeper cuts. What the handmaidens of the American oligarchy are doing with their reckless dismantling of Medicaid runs directly counter to the defining words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who said, "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." There is a dire need to improve Medicaid, but the Trump administration's "big, beautiful bill" does the exact opposite. It cuts over $700 billion from Medicaid and over $300 billion from SNAP (food assistance) to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans. Cutting food and health care for the most vulnerable to give tax breaks to the richest like some reverse Robin Hood who steals from the poor to give to the rich is wrong and immoral and Americans should be appalled. One of my U.S. senators, Republican Joni Ernst, when pressed at an Iowa town hall about the potential of people dying from Medicaid cuts, said with stunning dismissiveness, "Well, we all are going to die." Well, Senator Ernst, we will no longer stay silent. Not about our health care. Not about Medicaid. As I became involved in politics, a place of great reverence has always been the U.S. Senate. That is where nearly 35 years ago, one of my heroes, former Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, toiled for the passage the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA remains the most significant civil rights achievement for disabled people in our country's history. This legislation provided disabled Americans a ramp to be an active part of society and gave us access to the educational and occupational opportunities all Americans deserve. To see the U.S. Senate today desecrated by the harsh treatment of disabled Americans—protesting for their lives—continues to haunt me. I know that the cruelty displayed that day does not represent the values of the United States—the nation I proudly represented in the Paralympics and now as a public servant. Disabled Americans may be seen as mere obstacles to obscene wealth-building by those that pull the levers of power. But we disabled Americans know our God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness only come with access to health care—services that are only provided by Medicaid. So yes, we will speak out for our rights. We will fight for Medicaid. The Inconvenient Americans will not just roll our wheelchairs in line and die quietly. Representative Josh Turek is the first permanently and disabled state legislator in Iowa's history. He is also a 4-time Paralympian and 2-time gold medalist representing the United States in wheelchair basketball. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
List of Cities Canceling 4th of July Events Expands: What to Know
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. Several cities across the United States have canceled their Fourth of July celebrations just before the holiday. These cities are citing several reasons for canceling or postponing their celebrations, including fears that Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers might use the event to arrest people, as well as concerns about overcrowding. Why It Matters Independence Day is typically celebrated with large gatherings and fireworks displays, but current events and city budgets are affecting how people spend the holiday in 2025. These cancellations also come as the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have said they are working together to ensure there are no terrorism incidents over the holiday weekend, amid fears of a lone-wolf attack similar to the New Year's Eve attack in New Orleans. What To Know Fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2024. Fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2024. Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images The cities that have canceled their celebrations or limited their festivities as of July 3 are: County of Los Angeles: East LA Rockin' 4th of July The Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department has canceled East LA's Rockin' 4th of July celebration, among other community events, "out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities." Bell Gardens, CA: All events The city of Bell Gardens has canceled all Independence Day events due to concerns about ICE. The predominantly Hispanic city has been hosting several events over the past few months aimed at educating immigrants on their rights regarding ICE arrests. Esparto Area, CA: Five Fireworks Displays Displays in Lodi Lake, El Dorado, Chico, Cloverdale, and St Helena have all been canceled following an explosion at the warehouse containing fireworks for these events. Seven people are still unaccounted for following the blast, causing the displays to be canceled out of respect for those affected. Whittier, CA: 4th of July Freedom Walk The city of Whittier has canceled its 4th of July Freedom Walk following community concerns about the event. Although city officials did not reference ICE in the announcement, Whittier has seen an increase in ICE activity over the past months. Mayor Joe Vinatieri cited "recent feedback we've received from some community members" as the reason for canceling the event. Whittier is still hosting a fireworks display at York Field. SeaTac, WA: Fireworks/Drone Display The city of SeaTac has canceled its fireworks display, citing concerns over crowd control and safety. David Inman, the city's communications director, said Angle Lake Park, where the display takes place, has a capacity of 3,200 people, but 10,000 people came last year with only 10 police officers on duty. A statement from the city said: "We simply cannot ensure a safe environment for large nighttime events at this time." Inman has said this decision is not related to last year's drone disaster, when the city shifted away from fireworks and spent $40,000 on a drone display, only for 55 of the 200 drones to fall into the lake. Itasca, IL: Fireworks Display The village of Itasca is known for hosting the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in Illinois, but has had to cancel the famous event this year. Village administrator Carrie Ergo said it was an "extremely difficult decision to make." The display has been canceled due to construction around Hamilton Lakes Business Park. The building works led to limited space for the holiday crowd. This is in addition to existing concerns about crowd control, as the event has become a lot more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic, and has led to community issues, including drunk and disorderly behavior and trespassing. The village was faced with a dilemma of either significantly increasing its budget to accommodate the changes or canceling the event this year. What People Are Saying Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri said in a press release: "While celebrating our nation's founding is very important to me and to Whittier residents, my colleagues and I also want to be sensitive to the recent feedback we've received from some community members asking that we pause this year's Freedom Walk event." Itasca Village Administrator Carrie Ergo said in a press release: "This was an extremely difficult decision to make. Itasca takes great pride in hosting the biggest and best fireworks show in Northern Illinois. Our first priority is always protecting the safety and security of Itasca residents, businesses, and visitors. Given the unique challenges presented this year, we cannot confidently recommend hosting fireworks in 2025." Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation said on social media: "It is with deep respect and a heavy heart that the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation cancellation of this year's East Los Angeles Rockin 4th of July celebration. Out of caution, and in response to recent ICE enforcement activity impacting our communities, we are prioritizing safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and staff." What Happens Next The vast majority of Fourth of July events will still take place across the country. There are also mass protests against the Trump administration planned for the holiday weekend. Organized by the Women's March, the "Free America Weekend" protests will take place in cities across 34 states, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Montgomery, Houston, and Seattle.
CBC
04-06-2025
- General
- CBC
Former Edmonton homicide detective charged with breach of trust
Social Sharing A former Edmonton police officer has been charged with breach of trust for sharing confidential investigative information with the media without authorization. Retired Staff Sgt. Bill Clark was charged Tuesday, Edmonton Police Service said in a news release. Police provided few details about the allegations, but said the investigation was conducted by the Edmonton Police Service Professional Standards Branch with oversight from the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, the province's police watchdog. The investigation was reviewed by the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services in Calgary to determine if criminal charges were warranted. Prosecutors recommended the former officer be charged with one count of breach of trust, police said. Police declined to provide further details on the investigation as the case is currently before the court. CBC News reached Clark Wednesday but he declined to comment on the charge or the investigation. Clark served 44 years with Edmonton police before his retirement in May 2024. He was a high-profile and vocal member of the EPS and his tenure with the service was not without controversy. In 2011, his remarks about a homicide at busy nightclub triggered a complaint from the victim's widow, who suggested he had unfairly labelled Edmonton's Somali community as unwilling to co-operate with police. Following the shooting, Clark had expressed his frustration that only one witness gave police a description of a suspect even though the club was full of people. In 2018, he faced a formal complaint for comments he made about criminals and the death penalty during a guest lecture at the University of Alberta. A group of law students later stepped forward to defend his remarks. He was ultimately docked 10 hour's pay. A longtime homicide detective, he was known for his candid approach to media interviews. He served as detective on a string of high-profile murder and missing persons cases. Before he retired in 2024, he was suspended without pay, pending the outcome of the professional standards branch investigation. Breach of trust is an indictable offence and can result in a sentence of up to 14 years.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran former Edmonton police detective charged with allegedly leaking confidential info to media
A year after he retired amid an internal investigation, a veteran Edmonton police detective has been charged criminally for allegedly leaking information to the press. The Edmonton Police Service on Tuesday announced charges against former Staff Sgt. Bill Clark, claiming he shared 'unauthorized and confidential investigative information with news media.' Clark, a 44-year member of the force until his retirement last year, was an outspoken homicide detective known for his frankness. He frequently appeared on the news to discuss policing and homicide investigations, occasionally courting controversy. EPS offered few details about what information Clark is alleged to have released, but said the investigation was carried out by its internal professional standards branch with supervision from the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), the province's police watchdog. 'It was subsequently reviewed by the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services in Calgary to determine if criminal charges were warranted,' EPS said in a news release. 'Prosecutors recommended the former officer be charged with one count of breach of trust.' 'As the matter is currently before the courts, EPS is not able to provide further comment or information about this investigation.' Police confirmed last spring that Clark had been suspended without pay pending an unspecified investigation — a rare disciplinary step which must be confirmed by the Edmonton Police Commission. Clark joined the police force in 1979 and frequently talked about the satisfaction he got from solving homicides. His investigation of Mark Twitchell — the aspiring Edmonton filmmaker convicted of first-degree murder in a grisly, Dexter-inspired killing — led to appearances on U.S. TV networks. He also attracted controversy for his comments about the willingness of some in Edmonton's Somali community to speak to police amid a string of killings, as well as for a 2018 lecture at the University of Alberta law school, which attracted a complaint for his comments about criminal suspects and defence lawyers. He was ultimately docked 10 hours pay. jwakefield@ @ Veteran Edmonton police officer retires after unpaid suspension; investigation underway Assault trial begins for Edmonton police officer caught on video hitting man with baton You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
CTV News
03-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Former Edmonton police officer charged with breach of trust
Staff Sgt. Bill Clark speaks to the media in Edmonton on Saturday, March 1, 2014. A former Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officer is facing charges for unlawfully sharing confidential and investigative information to media outlets. Staff Sergeant William (Bill) Clark was charged with breach of trust on Tuesday, EPS said in a news release. The investigation has oversight from the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) and was reviewed by the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services in Calgary to determine if charges were warranted, EPS said. With the case before the courts, EPS says it can't provide additional information during the investigation. Clark was a member of EPS for 44 years and retired in May 2024.
