Latest news with #HispanicLatino
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Indicators 2025: Demographic trends in Northeast Pennsylvania
Jun. 1—WILKES-BARRE — Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, said this week that although all three counties — Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wayne — reported population dips in 2021, they have since rebounded. "The region collectively gained nearly 5,700 residents between 2013 and 2023," Avery-Stoss said. "Notably, migration patterns shifted post-2020, with all three counties reporting net migration gains, especially in 2020 — 2021. These trends reflect broader national movements away from high-cost urban areas." According to Avery-Stoss, the stability of the population has relied on in-migration rather than births. She said birth rates across the region have been declining steadily for decades. This trend mirrors national patterns and is influenced by younger generations opting for fewer or no children. "In-migration refers to the relocation of people to the region, from other communities within the Commonwealth, from other states, and from other countries," Avery-Stoss said. "It enhances diversity in the area. The Hispanic/Latino population has grown significantly, especially in Luzerne County. Increases were also recorded among Asian Americans, African Americans, and multiracial individuals." Avery-Stoss said diversity is an asset because it fosters economic growth and resiliency — it offers new perspectives and greater exposure to various cultures. "It is essential to the workforce, small business development and overall community vitality," Avery-Stoss said. "Research suggests that, for these reasons, diverse populations are best equipped to withstand complex challenges." Avery-Stoss said NEPA is also known to have an aging population — a sizable proportion of residents are over the age of 65. In 2023, Avery-Stoss said more than 20% of residents in the studied counties were seniors, and less than 11% were under age 10, highlighting potential future labor shortages and high demand for health care and support services. Additionally, Avery-Stoss said the number of older adults living alone has grown, with the region adding nearly 1,000 such individuals from 2020 to 2023. "This trend aligns with the desire of older adults to 'age in place' — ideally residing in the safety and comfort of their own homes rather than entering long-term care facilities," Avery-Stoss said. Despite these population shifts, Avery-Stoss said average household sizes in the region have remained stable. There has been an increase in single-parent households, however — particularly those led by women — in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. At the same time, Avery-Stoss said there has been a slight decline in the number of grandparents raising grandchildren. In Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren decreased between 2020 and 2023 (by 123 and 6, respectively). During the same period, Wayne County's number rose by 73. "Northeastern Pennsylvania is experiencing gradual, but important, demographic changes," said Avery-Stoss. "The population is aging, birth rates are declining, and diversity is increasing. Monitoring these demographic indicators should help shape policies and design public services that meet the unique needs of the community." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Indicators 2025: Demographic trends in Northeast Pennsylvania
Jun. 1—WILKES-BARRE — Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, said this week that although all three counties — Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wayne — reported population dips in 2021, they have since rebounded. "The region collectively gained nearly 5,700 residents between 2013 and 2023," Avery-Stoss said. "Notably, migration patterns shifted post-2020, with all three counties reporting net migration gains, especially in 2020 — 2021. These trends reflect broader national movements away from high-cost urban areas." According to Avery-Stoss, the stability of the population has relied on in-migration rather than births. She said birth rates across the region have been declining steadily for decades. This trend mirrors national patterns and is influenced by younger generations opting for fewer or no children. "In-migration refers to the relocation of people to the region, from other communities within the Commonwealth, from other states, and from other countries," Avery-Stoss said. "It enhances diversity in the area. The Hispanic/Latino population has grown significantly, especially in Luzerne County. Increases were also recorded among Asian Americans, African Americans, and multiracial individuals." Avery-Stoss said diversity is an asset because it fosters economic growth and resiliency — it offers new perspectives and greater exposure to various cultures. "It is essential to the workforce, small business development and overall community vitality," Avery-Stoss said. "Research suggests that, for these reasons, diverse populations are best equipped to withstand complex challenges." Avery-Stoss said NEPA is also known to have an aging population — a sizable proportion of residents are over the age of 65. In 2023, Avery-Stoss said more than 20% of residents in the studied counties were seniors, and less than 11% were under age 10, highlighting potential future labor shortages and high demand for health care and support services. Additionally, Avery-Stoss said the number of older adults living alone has grown, with the region adding nearly 1,000 such individuals from 2020 to 2023. "This trend aligns with the desire of older adults to 'age in place' — ideally residing in the safety and comfort of their own homes rather than entering long-term care facilities," Avery-Stoss said. Despite these population shifts, Avery-Stoss said average household sizes in the region have remained stable. There has been an increase in single-parent households, however — particularly those led by women — in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. At the same time, Avery-Stoss said there has been a slight decline in the number of grandparents raising grandchildren. In Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, the number of grandparents raising their grandchildren decreased between 2020 and 2023 (by 123 and 6, respectively). During the same period, Wayne County's number rose by 73. "Northeastern Pennsylvania is experiencing gradual, but important, demographic changes," said Avery-Stoss. "The population is aging, birth rates are declining, and diversity is increasing. Monitoring these demographic indicators should help shape policies and design public services that meet the unique needs of the community." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
On 'personal time' in Hungary, SOS Diego Morales touts Trump, Indiana at CPAC conference
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales posted a photo on social media on May 30 highlighting that he was spending "personal time" in Europe with his wife. Less than an hour later, he was on stage at a Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary where he gave a speech touting President Donald Trump's leadership and Indiana's investment "in international partnerships" during his time in office. Morales spoke for just under six minutes on the second day of the CPAC Hungary event during a segment titled "No border, No order." But Morales made a point to highlight a recent visit Hungarian officials made to the Indiana Statehouse when his wife, who is a Hungarian immigrant, was recognized as the honorary consul of Hungary to Indiana. "President Trump believes in America first, but that does not mean America alone," Morales said. "In Indiana, we are also investing in international partnerships. Just recently, we welcomed the Hungarian ambassador, the deputy speaker of the house and other dignitaries to strengthen economic and cultural ties." In his remarks he praised Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban as "a great leader" and highlighted his 2022 victory "as the first Hispanic Latino elected to a statewide office." He drew connections between Trump and his elected office. "As Indiana Secretary of State, I oversee our elections in Indiana, and I am proud to say that under Republican leadership, including President Trump's renewed focus on election integrity, we have strengthened confidence in our electoral system," Morales said. But the CPAC Hungary speech comes amid heightened criticism of the secretary of state's travels in recent months for trips that statewide elected officials and lawmakers have criticized for going beyond the scope of his office. In March, he traveled to India for a privately-funded "economic development" trip, which is outside the primary functions of his office. A spokesperson for Morales this week said he was away for the week on "personal time," language he has used in multiple posts on X about his travels in Hungary. But social media posts and news articles indicate he has also taken meetings with Hungarian officials. "Secretary Morales receives invitations for meetings and functions throughout the year as his title remains Indiana Secretary of State at all times," Spokeswoman Lindsey Eaton said in an email to IndyStar on May 28. Morales' speech was not his first at the CPAC Hungary event. He also spoke at the conference in 2023. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales said at CPAC Hungary
Indianapolis Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
On 'personal time' in Hungary, SOS Diego Morales touts Trump, Indiana at CPAC conference
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales posted a photo on social media on May 30 highlighting that he was spending "personal time" in Europe with his wife. Less than an hour later, he was on stage at a Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary where he gave a speech touting President Donald Trump's leadership and Indiana's investment "in international partnerships" during his time in office. Morales spoke for just under six minutes on the second day of the CPAC Hungary event during a segment titled "No border, No order." But Morales made a point to highlight a recent visit Hungarian officials made to the Indiana Statehouse when his wife, who is a Hungarian immigrant, was recognized as the honorary consul of Hungary to Indiana. "President Trump believes in America first, but that does not mean America alone," Morales said. "In Indiana, we are also investing in international partnerships. Just recently, we welcomed the Hungarian ambassador, the deputy speaker of the house and other dignitaries to strengthen economic and cultural ties." In his remarks he praised Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban as "a great leader" and highlighted his 2022 victory "as the first Hispanic Latino elected to a statewide office." He drew connections between Trump and his elected office. "As Indiana Secretary of State, I oversee our elections in Indiana, and I am proud to say that under Republican leadership, including President Trump's renewed focus on election integrity, we have strengthened confidence in our electoral system," Morales said. But the CPAC Hungary speech comes amid heightened criticism of the secretary of state's travels in recent months for trips that statewide elected officials and lawmakers have criticized for going beyond the scope of his office. In March, he traveled to India for a privately-funded "economic development" trip, which is outside the primary functions of his office. A spokesperson for Morales this week said he was away for the week on "personal time," language he has used in multiple posts on X about his travels in Hungary. But social media posts and news articles indicate he has also taken meetings with Hungarian officials. "Secretary Morales receives invitations for meetings and functions throughout the year as his title remains Indiana Secretary of State at all times," Spokeswoman Lindsey Eaton said in an email to IndyStar on May 28. Morales' speech was not his first at the CPAC Hungary event. He also spoke at the conference in 2023. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Orland Park cops sue village over discrimination claim, alleged unlawful arrest
Two former Orland Park police officers, including one who an arbitrator ruled should be reinstated to his job, filed lawsuits against the village in federal court in Chicago. William Sanchez, a sergeant and 19-year veteran of the force, alleges he was fired in March 2024 after complaining to supervisors and the village's Human Resources Department that he was denied a promotion to lieutenant 'because of his racial identity as a Hispanic Latino.' Apart from the village, the lawsuit names police Chief Eric Rossi and Brian West, previously deputy chief and now interim village manager, among the defendants. Sanchez said he also filed charges of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Kenneth Kovac, a retired sergeant, alleges in his lawsuit that there was a conspiracy to violate his constitutional rights, including his First Amendment right to freedom of speech. The Orland Park resident says he was unlawfully arrested and charged with false personation and disorderly conduct, which he said stemmed from a parody Facebook profile he created aimed at West, at the time deputy police chief. The charges were later dismissed in Cook County court, according to the lawsuit. The village said it has been made aware of the lawsuits and that the village 'stands by its actions and those of its employees and remains confident that they were appropriate and fully compliant with the law.' 'The Village is committed to maintaining a fair and inclusive workplace, upholding the highest professional standards in our employment and law enforcement practices, and ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and in accordance with the law,' according to the statement. 'We will address these claims through the legal process and remain confident that the village has acted lawfully and appropriately in these matters.' The law firm Hughes Socol Piers Resnick, & Dym, Ltd. represents both Sanchez and Kovac. The lawsuits were filed March 14. 'Sergeant Sanchez deserves to get his job back, and for Orland Park to take meaningful steps to make sure no one else has to fear for their jobs just because they voice their concerns about potential race discrimination within the police department,' Justin Tresnowski, an attorney with the firm, said in a news release. Sanchez said he was initially notified in February 2024 he was being suspended without pay for alleged misconduct, then later fired. He said his union, the Orland Park Police Supervisors Association, filed a grievance challenging the firing and demanding arbitration. An arbitrator ruled in January that Sanchez was not fired for just cause and ordered the village to reinstate him to his former position and 'make him whole for all losses suffered.' The village is appealing the decision. Sanchez sought reinstatement along with back pay. At the time of his firing, Sanchez was president of the Orland Park Police Supervisors Association, a bargaining unit separate from patrol officers that represents police sergeants and lieutenants in the department. Sanchez was hired in 2004 as a patrol officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 2021 and that August was assigned as supervisor of the department's traffic safety unit. He alleged harassment and racial discrimination on the part of Rossi and West, while Sanchez was alleged to have contributed to creating a hostile work environment for West. In his lawsuit, Kovac said he created a parody Facebook page, under the profile 'Bryan East,' after he became concerned about 'abuses of power' within the Police Department. West is a defendant in his lawsuit along with the village and Rossi. It seeks attorney fees, court costs and other unspecified damages. In his lawsuit, Kovac said that, using the Bryan East name, he posted what he described as innocuous comments on the village's Facebook page. He said he created his Facebook page in January 2024, and deleted it within about a week. Kovac said he was subjected to an investigation, including search warrants used to examine his personal communications and other data. During the investigation, he said, his attorney contacted the village and warned that Kovac's Facebook activities were constitutionally protected, and that Orland Park could open itself up to liability. Kovac said in the lawsuit that two criminal complaints were filed against him in late March 2024, and that he turned himself in April 7 of last year. The charges against him were dismissed in court this past January, according to his lawsuit. 'Sergeant Sanchez's retaliatory termination for complaining about discrimination and Mr. Kovac's arrest and prosecution for non-threatening parody posts online were patently illegal abuses of power,' Tresnowski said in the news release. 'Mr. Kovac and Sergeant Sanchez deserve justice, and the Village must be held accountable.'
