Latest news with #DouglasSacha
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Arizona lawmakers are creating a dangerous double standard with military tobacco exemption
Photo by Douglas Sacha | Getty Images Arizona's legislature is poised to pass a bill that could endanger the very individuals we seek to honor, and ironically, those who keep us safe. Senate Bill 1247 aims to raise the legal age for purchasing and possessing tobacco products from 18 to 21, aligning state law with federal regulations. However, a carve-out in the bill introduces a troubling exception: Active-duty military personnel, including members of the National Guard and reserves, would still be permitted to buy and use tobacco products at 18. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Supporters of this carve-out argue that, if young adults are old enough to fight and die for their country, they should be allowed to make their own choices about tobacco use. While this point of view may appear respectful, it inadvertently creates a two-tiered system of health protection, suggesting that the health of our young service members is less valuable than that of other Arizona citizens. By allowing young military personnel to access tobacco products, we are not honoring their service but rather exposing them to substances that could lead to lifelong addiction and serious health issues. This exception undermines the very purpose of SB1247, which is to conform the state minimum legal age (18) to buy or possess a tobacco product to the federal minimum legal age (21). Furthermore, this policy sends a conflicting message. While we restrict tobacco use among Arizona citizens to promote public health, we permit it among our troops, suggesting their well-being is a secondary concern. This is not only illogical but also deeply disrespectful to those who serve. The dangers of tobacco use for young people are well-documented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 9 out of 10 adults who smoke cigarettes daily first tried smoking by age 18. The National Cancer Institute states that cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the United States, as smoking causes cancers of all the following: lung, esophagus, larynx (voice box), mouth, throat, kidney, bladder, liver, pancreas, stomach, cervix, colon and rectum, as well as acute myeloid leukemia. As a personal injury attorney, I've seen firsthand the devastating effects of tobacco-related illnesses. Our laws must reflect a commitment to the health and safety of all citizens, especially those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our nation. Let's truly honor our service members by ensuring they receive the same health protections as everyone else. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Perth Now
30-04-2025
- Perth Now
Police hunt driver after high-speed chase through Perth
Police are on the hunt for a driver who led them on a high-speed chase through Perth's north-eastern suburbs. Credit: Douglas Sacha / Getty Images Jessica Evensen The West Australian Police are on the hunt for a driver who led them on a high-speed chase through Perth's north-eastern suburbs. Police activated their lights and sirens after a Ford Focus sedan failed to stop for officers on Timberlane Crescent, Beechboro, about 11.20pm on Tuesday. The driver sped away, leading police on a dramatic pursuit through several suburbs before ending on Hepburn Avenue due to the Ford's dangerous driving manner. Police later spotted the car on Gnagara Road and re-commenced the pursuit before losing sight of it in Ellenbrook. The Ford was found abandoned on Villefort Avenue, Ellenbrook, about 11.40pm. Detectives on Tuesday night were seen bagging evidence and scouring the vehicle for clues. Inquiries are ongoing.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawmakers seek to double the amount that can be paid out to injured NH first responders
If passed, House Bill 282 would increase the total cap on the First Responder's Critical Injury Benefit. (Douglas Sacha | Getty Images) A bipartisan group of legislators wants to double the amount of money the state is allowed to pay out to New Hampshire first responders who are injured in the line of duty. If passed, House Bill 282, sponsored by Belmont Republican Rep. Douglas Trottier, would increase the total cap on the First Responder's Critical Injury Benefit, which provides financial compensation to injured first responders, from $500,000 to $1 million every two years. Each individual injured first responder is eligible to receive $125,000 through this benefit. The benefit is in addition to other worker's compensation claims. The bill is co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of Republicans and Democrats. Brian Ryll, president of the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire and captain of the Portsmouth Fire Department, attended a hearing Tuesday in Concord to testify in favor of the bill. 'Although, there's considerable evolution in firefighting policies, procedures, best practices,' he said, 'the fact remains that the dedicated firefighters that protect this state are constantly at risk for catastrophic injury, a devastating illness or death.' Ryll acknowledged that the state's payouts for this benefit have not yet hit that $500,000 limit, but he said he believes this benefit will be paid out more over time as more first responders learn about it. The cap has not been increased since the First Responder's Critical Injury Benefit was established by legislation in 2014. The benefit was created in the wake of the grisly shooting of Manchester Police Officer Daniel Doherty. Doherty was shot five times in March 2012 and suffered from physical ailments as a result of the shooting for years after, some of which were not covered by typical worker's compensation, according to news reports at the time.
