Latest news with #Donnelly
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Lefty Albany pols pushing series of bills to approve early parole for violent convicts, Nassau DA warns
The Democratic-run New York state legislature could rush through a series of bills to give convicts early parole and prevent law enforcement from keeping dangerous criminals off the streets, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly warned Sunday. In recent years, Democrats clawed back controversial cashless bail and discovery laws after serial criminals were let loose, triggering massive political blowback. 'These bills undercut everything we work for every day — building strong cases, securing convictions, and ensuring justice is served,' Donnelly, a Republican up for re-election this fall, told The Post. 'When prosecutors do the hard work of putting violent offenders behind bars, we should be backed by laws that protect that progress — not laws that allow those same criminals to return to our communities years before their sentences are complete,' added Donnelly, who is holding a press conference Monday announcing her opposition to the bills. Among the bills drawing concern is the Elder Parole bill — which would require inmates aged 55 and older who have served at least 15 years of their sentence to be considered for early release, regardless of the seriousness of the crime committed. The measure is sponsored by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) and Assemblywoman Maritza Davila (D-Brooklyn). Another bill, the Earned Time Act, would make most violent felons eligible for time allowance credits, potentially slashing their prison sentences in half, Donnelly said. The earned time bill is sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) and Assemblywoman Anna Kelles (D-Ithaca). A third bill — the Second Look Act — would permit prisoners to petition the courts for a sentence reduction after serving 10 years, including inmates convicted of violent crimes. The legislation is promoted by Sen. Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker (D-Brooklyn). GOP Long Island lawmakers oppose the early parole bills, including Assemblyman Edward Ra and Sen. Jack Martins. Crime victims' advocate Madeline Brame, whose Army Sergeant son Hason Correa was murdered in a scuffle outside a Harlem apartment building seven years ago, expressed outrage at the proposals to give violent cons a break. 'These proposals completely disregard the pain and effort that go into holding criminals accountable,' she said. 'We need to help prosecutors put violent offenders behind bars — not give criminals new waysto get out early.' Gov. Kathy Hochul toyed with early release proposals in April as a way to try to alleviate the prison population amid an illegal prison guard strike and a staffing shortage. She was forced to bring in the National Guard to staff the prisons. She proposed opening eligibility for merit time in the state budget, then backed down after it was revealed doing so could lead to people who were in for violent crimes to be released early. Donnelly was among those who raised the alarm. Inmate advocates have pushed for early parole and other reforms after prisoners were allegedly killed at the hands of guards over the past year.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Tiny taste testers sample food for school meals. What will cut the mustard?
Tiny taste testers sample food for school meals. What will cut the mustard? Show Caption Hide Caption Helping your child navigate school lunch options With families settling into their back-to-school routines, it's a good time to remind parents that one in five children in the U.S. have obesity, according to the CDC. Scripps News KING OF PRUSSIA, Pennsylvania − Landon Cierniak was a little shy talking about what he liked at the Fuel Up Food Expo, but his classmate Declan Donnelly didn't hold back. "I could eat pounds of this!" Donnelly said, holding up a sample size portion of macaroni and cheese from one of the half-dozen vendors at the expo, where students from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey got to try different options for school meals, tell their teachers and the host American Dairy Association North East what they liked (and disliked), and help shape what students in the region may see on cafeteria trays. Cierniak and Donnelly, both fourth graders at Edgewood Elementary School in Yardley, Pennsylvania, were among about 175 elementary-, middle- and high school students who got to enjoy a day away from classes. A DJ played dance music; the students got T-shirts, bags, stickers and other swag. And a celebrity guest − Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop − hyped the kids and posed for selfies before the taste testing began. Cierniak liked the mac and cheese, too, but he also tried some chicken tinga and pulled pork, nodding and smiling broadly when asked whether he liked the pork. The American Dairy Association North East, which represents about 9,000 dairy farmers across the region, will tally the results of the kids' survey answers, written in markers on checklists with three emojis for each food item: a thinking emoji for foods they don't like or aren't sure about, a regular smile for foods they like and a beaming smile emoji for the things they love. School meals keep kids 'prepared and focused' Kaitlyn Wilson, a paraprofessional at Upper Merion (Pennsylvania) Middle School, said it is important for children to have a good breakfast and a nutritious lunch. "It helps them be prepared and focused," said Wilson as she helped guide 20 students from station to station, where they could sample empanadas, plantains, rice dishes, pizza, muffins, cereals, breakfast sandwiches, overnight oats, bruschetta and noodles (and yes, mac and cheese). Wilson noted that all the students at her school receive free breakfast. The morning break, about 20 minutes before the school day officially begins, offers kids "a few minutes to unwind and settle in" before classes. That's helpful for the kids, and for the educators who teach them, Wilson said. Stephane Wynter, a 16-year-old junior at Brooklyn South High School, and her classmate and friend Grismary Lopez, wearing "Love Not Hate" hoodies, said they like to see the multiculturalism of their school reflected in its lunch offerings. "We like the diversity in the menu," said Wynter, as Lopez pronounced the pulled pork "fantastic, and I'm not even a pork fan." Federal funding cuts could impact already-strapped districts The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently proposed cuts of more than $1 billion in funding that helps schools and food banks purchase food from local farmers, part of a wider push to cut overall federal spending. The School Nutrition Association said in a March 10 news release the USDA cut funding for the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program for 2025. 'These proposals would cause millions of children to lose access to free school meals at a time when working families are struggling with rising food costs," the organization's president, Shannon Gleave, said in the release. Katty Peña, director of student culture at West Philadelphia High School, said the students there are already feeling the pinch. And Peña, who runs an afterschool culinary arts club, hopes some of the offerings at the Fuel Up Expo can find their way to her school's cafeteria. For some students at West Philadelphia High, the breakfasts and lunches (and, if they're in the culinary program, the dinners) they receive at school might be the only regular meals they can depend on, she said. And if kids don't like what they're offered, "they'll just grab the food, look at it and throw it in the trash," so giving them food that's both nutritious and delicious goes a long way. "As a teacher, I don't know their home situations," she said. But many students tell her about how their families have to opt for cheaper, highly processed foods over healthier, fresher but more expensive foods. Having healthier options in school at least means they get some nutrients and learn about how to eat better to avoid chronic health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure as they move into adulthood. What's a field trip without ice cream? Kristina Moher, the dairy association's senior director for youth engagement, caught her breath after a hectic day getting the opinions of dozens of school kids while those kids finished their day with a frosty treat: ice cream. The group hosts Fuel Up events to solicit youths' thoughts, and then they make recommendations to school nutrition directors within individual districts. "The educators love it, and so do the kids," she said. "It's all about showing them people care about their opinions." Those opinions were shared pretty freely, including by 10-year-old Mayumi Bilal, who goes to Upper Merion Area (Pennsylvania) Middle School. Her favorites? Woodles, whole grain ramen noodles served with chicken, and macaroni and cheese − the latter so good, "the cheese melts in your mouth!"
New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Nassau DA warns of Albany push to approve early parole for violent convicts
The Democratic-run New York state legislature could rush through a series of bills to give convicts early parole and prevent law enforcement from keeping dangerous criminals off the streets, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly warned Sunday. In recent years, Democrats clawed back controversial cashless bail and discovery laws after serial criminals were let loose, triggering massive political blowback. 'These bills undercut everything we work for every day — building strong cases, securing convictions, and ensuring justice is served,' Donnelly, a Republican up for re-election this fall, told The Post. Advertisement 3 Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. Brigitte Stelzer 'When prosecutors do the hard work of putting violent offenders behind bars, we should be backed by laws that protect that progress — not laws that allow those same criminals to return to our communities years before their sentences are complete,' added Donnelly, who is holding a press conference Monday announcing her opposition to the bills. Among the bills drawing concern is the Elder Parole bill — which would require inmates aged 55 and older who have served at least 15 years of their sentence to be considered for early release, regardless of the seriousness of the crime committed. Advertisement The measure is sponsored by Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan) and Assemblywoman Maritza Davila (D-Brooklyn). Another bill, the Earned Time Act, would make most violent felons eligible for time allowance credits, potentially slashing their prison sentences in half, Donnelly said. The earned time bill is sponsored by Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester) and Assemblywoman Anna Kelles (D-Ithaca). 3 Madeline Brame's son, Hason Correa, was murdered in a scuffle outside a Harlem apartment building seven years ago. Steven Hirsch Advertisement A third bill — the Second Look Act — would permit prisoners to petition the courts for a sentence reduction after serving 10 years, including inmates convicted of violent crimes. The legislation is promoted by Sen. Julia Salazar (D-Brooklyn) and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker (D-Brooklyn). GOP Long Island lawmakers oppose the early parole bills, including Assemblyman Edward Ra and Sen. Jack Martins. 3 The New York State Capitol building. Hans Pennink for the NY Post Advertisement Crime victims' advocate Madeline Brame, whose Army Sergeant son Hason Correa was murdered in a scuffle outside a Harlem apartment building seven years ago, expressed outrage at the proposals to give violent cons a break. 'These proposals completely disregard the pain and effort that go into holding criminals accountable,' she said. 'We need to help prosecutors put violent offenders behind bars — not give criminals new ways to get out early.' Gov. Kathy Hochul toyed with early release proposals in April as a way to try to alleviate the prison population amid an illegal prison guard strike and a staffing shortage. She was forced to bring in the National Guard to staff the prisons. She proposed opening eligibility for merit time in the state budget, then backed down after it was revealed doing so could lead to people who were in for violent crimes to be released early. Donnelly was among those who raised the alarm. Inmate advocates have pushed for early parole and other reforms after prisoners were allegedly killed at the hands of guards over the past year.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Warning as sale of disposable vapes comes into effect TODAY in Northern Ireland – as alert issued to drivers who vape
A BAN on the sale and supply of disposable vapes kicks off in Northern Ireland today. Only reusable vapes will be sold from June 1 with the government crackdown aimed at preventing youths from picking up the habit and protecting the environment. 3 Disposable vapes can no longer supplied or sold in Northern Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 An alert has also been issued to drivers who vape Credit: Getty Images - Getty The Irish TD Colm Burke welcomed the approval from the Government to draft legislation on the ban last year. He said: 'Our young people are exposed to nicotine inhaling products in retail environments with bright and colourful packaging and a variety of flavours. 'Single-use READ MORE ON HEALTH 'I believe that these measures will contribute to the better health and wellbeing of our youth, and I look forward to working with Minister Donnelly on the development of this legislation.' Minister Ossian Smyth added: 'Single-use vapes are a challenge in the context of waste management and are a wasteful use of critical raw materials. 'They are also very damaging to the environment when discarded as litter.' Some 46 per cent of 17-18 year-olds (year 14 Most read in The Irish Sun Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, Colette Rogers, said: 'The accessibility and low price of single use vapes have played a part in increasing their availability and shareability among young people, so the ban on these types of devices is an opportunity to address the concerning levels of vaping among teenagers. 'The new law means that products will only be compliant if they are refillable and rechargeable. Police raid largest spice vapes operation after kids were left hospitalised 'We welcome this and hope it reduces the number of vapes in active use, and are asking parents and carers to use it as an opportunity to discourage The Irish Heart Foundation has called on the government to ban the 'import, manufacture, and sale of single-use or disposable vapes'. The charity wants to see a ban introduced on all vape flavours, except tobacco flavour. They are calling for a complete ban on all forms of vape advertisements, including Point-of-Sale (POS) and online. The group are asking the government to introduce plain packaging for vapes and stop the online sale of vapes. They are also calling to increase the legal age of sale of all forms of e-cigarettes to 21. Car insurance expert and Managing Director of CompareNI, Ian Wilson, warned drivers of the dangers of using refillable vapes behind the wheel as the ban kicks in. He said: 'For anyone who plans on switching over to reusable vapes after the ban comes into force, you should be aware that using these devices while driving could see you end up on the wrong side of the law. 'Reusable vapes are more powerful than single use vapes and produce a much larger and denser cloud of vaper. These thicker clouds can fog up the windscreen and block your vision, posing a danger to yourself and other road users. 'Also, these devices tend to be larger and heavier than disposable vapes, so handling them, adjusting the controls or refilling the liquid when behind the wheel can divert your attention away from the road and may lead to serious consequences. 'If you are involved in an accident and the police deem that vaping was a contributing factor, you could be charged with careless driving and face a fine of up to £5,000 (€5,930) and nine penalty points – or even a discretionary driving ban.' 3 Disposable vapes have now been banned from the shelves of all shops in NI Credit: Jacob King/PA Wire
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Nurse suspended over 'horrific' forced covid injection of vulnerable woman in care home
The incident was witnessed by a member of staff who gave evidence at hearing into conduct of care home nurse Janette Donnelly A nurse has been suspended for ordering a vulnerable woman to be held down and injected with the Covid vaccine against her will. The 'horrific' incident was witnessed by a member of staff who gave evidence at a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) hearing into Janette Donnelly, who was the Service Manager at Millport Care Centre, a home run by Sanctuary Care. The Daily Record exclusively told of the incident in 2021 after a whistleblower came forward to say: 'I'm worried about what is going on and I'm worried it will be hushed up.' The source told how she witnessed one woman supervise others to hold her down and inject her through her clothes because the resident was so distressed. She said: 'The nurse said she wasn't comfortable injecting her like that but she was told 'just hurry up and do it'. I think she was a bit intimidated.' The Care Inspectorate was also advised of the situation and issued an improvement notice on April 2 2021 in relation to the management of stress or distress and incidents which were not reported appropriately, including concern about staff conduct. And now the NMC has given Donnelly a nine-month interim suspension while they consider further if she is fit to practice following a hearing in which several allegations relating to the incident were 'proven'. The NMC heard a colleague of Donnelly's, a registered NHS nurse, had attended the home to administer Covid-19 vaccinations to residents and staff. They learned that the service user in question has a learning disability and Bipolar Affective Disorder and it was sometimes necessary for her to be restrained for limited periods of a maximum of three minutes to allow for essential interventions like feeding and personal care. However, the NMC judged that restraining her for the Covid jag did not meet those necessary requirements. And the jab did not need to be administered that day. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. There had already been failed attempts to give her the injections in the dining room when she walked away before receiving it. But later that day the nurse gave the woman the jag through her clothes, as she was restrained in her bedroom. A colleague told the inquiry she witnessed Donnelly 'inappropriately restraining' the woman by holding her head while the two others held her arms and legs. Donnelly was instructing matters. The NMC heard the resident was 'struggling strongly against the restraint, as well as shouting and screaming'. The nurse giving the vaccine said it need to be administered into bare skin, normally into the skin of the upper arm, but the NMC was told Donnelly instructed her to give her the jag through her leggings into her thigh. Donnelly also told the nurse she would not report the way in which it was administered and did not do so. Once the injection had been given, all staff removed their hands at which point the woman got up and ran down the corridor waving her hands, screaming. In her evidence, the colleague who witnessed the incident, said she would never forget the sight she was confronted with and that it was 'horrific'. She told Donnelly that the level of restraint was 'deeply inappropriate' and that she should not do it but in return was told to 'f*****g shut up'. One of the staff who had been instructed to restrain the woman said he felt uncomfortable but didn't challenge the instruction because there were three nurses in the room. The NMC said an interim suspension order was necessary to protect the public and meet the public interest considerations of the case while Donnelly's fitness to practice continues to be investigated.
