Latest news with #Howell
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Musk's DOGE takeover of Institute of Peace brought roaches and rats to D.C. headquarters, court docs say
The head of the United States Institute of Peace says its Washington, D.C. headquarters near the Lincoln Memorial was left to rot after billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency took it over in March, leaving water damage, graffiti — and worst of all, an infestation of roaches and rats. After DOGE replaced the independent, fully government-funded nonprofit's board with MAGA loyalists and fired the entire staff, Musk's crew left it with a 'level of staffing… woefully insufficient to properly protect and maintain' the $500 million Moshe Safdie-designed concrete-and-glass structure, according to a May 23 affidavit filed in D.C. federal court by USIP President and CEO George Moose. 'Vermin were not a problem prior to March 17, 2025, when USIP was actively using and maintaining the building,' Moose's affidavit states. Moose's affidavit, which is part of a broader legal action by USIP in an attempt to regain full control of the organization, was first reported on Friday in the weekly Court Watch newsletter. The office, which is congressionally funded but is not part of the U.S. government, was established in 1984 by Ronald Reagan with a stated mission to advance international stability and conflict resolution. Still, shortly after he was sworn in for his second term as president, Donald Trump issued an executive order taking aim at USIP as 'unnecessary.' On Friday, March 14, Moose, a career diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to Benin and Senegal in West Africa, was abruptly terminated by the White House. He went back to the office on Monday and was removed from the USIP offices by police and replaced by Kenneth Jackson, a DOGE administrator, a move Moose immediately vowed to fight. Speaking to reporters outside after he was shown the door, Moose dubbed USIP's unilateral annexation 'an illegal takeover by elements of the executive branch of a private nonprofit corporation,' saying it had been 'very clear that there was a desire on the part of the administration to dismantle a lot of what we call foreign assistance.' On May 19, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the DOGE seizure of USIP was unlawful, and ordered Moose and his staff reinstated. In handing down her opinion, Howell said Trump's 'efforts here to take over an organization… represented a gross usurpation of power and a way of conducting government affairs that unnecessarily traumatized the committed leadership and employees of USIP, who deserved better.' The following day, Moose became concerned after hearing from USIP employees that the building's condition had been allowed to deteriorate, his affidavit states. With the help of his attorneys, and following Judge Howell's order, Moose arranged to get back into USIP headquarters on May 21. 'When my team and I arrived, the only persons in the building were two security guards and a small cleaning crew,' he says in the affidavit. 'In my experience, that level of staffing is woefully insufficient to properly protect and maintain the building.' However, Moose told reporters that, at first glance, nothing immediately seemed amiss. 'We just did a quick walk-through – externally, visibly, things look to be in pretty good shape,' he said. 'I didn't see anything, any destruction, if you will, no damage that I can see that is visible.' Yet, the following day, a more thorough inspection turned up myriad problems, according to Moose's affidavit. 'On May 22, members of my staff, including our chief of security and our contract building engineer, spent the day surveying and documenting the condition of the building, to include photographs,' he stated. 'They reported evidence of rats and roaches in the building,' which he said was a first. Moose says in his affidavit that staff reported 'other deficiencies in the maintenance of the building, including the failure to maintain vehicle barriers and the cooling tower, water leaks, damage to the garage door, and missing ceiling tiles in multiple places in the building (which I have been told suggest likely water damage).' 'In addition,' the affidavit contends, 'I learned from my team that sometime in the past several days, before we regained control of the property and assumed control for security, someone had scrawled graffiti on one of the outside spaces.' This occurred, according to the affidavit, because 'the building ha[d] been essentially abandoned for many weeks,' during which time DOGE left USIP HQ with 'only a few security guards on site, with no perimeter patrols.' According to Moose's affidavit, he 'immediately resumed' his duties at USIP, and reached out to staff and board members to begin working there again. It says USIP has once again assumed control of their building, has engaged a private security firm to guard the premises, and has taken over responsibility for the building's maintenance. At the same time, Musk is leaving DOGE as his 130-day tenure as a 'special government employee' comes to an end. Trump and DOGE have appealed Howell's ruling. Moose did not respond on Friday to The Independent's requests for comment, nor did the attorneys representing him and USIP in court. Messages seeking comment from Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Carilli, DOGE's lawyer in the case, and the White House, also went unanswered.
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
PR firm reveals plan to revamp city of Howell, Michigan's image
Months after being hired by the city of Howell to help improve its image, Michigan-based public relations firm Burch Partners says it is working to tell the city's story better. "My work is very much behind the scenes," said Brian Burch, the firm's managing partner. "The great people are the story here. The great business owners, the great families, the great history that have done to make our community a better place. That's the story." The city announced in December 2024 that it would hire a public relations firm to revamp the area's reputation after reported incidents of racism and homophobia. Past reporting shed light on a troubled history in Howell, including a period in the '70s when Ku Klux Klan gatherings were allegedly held on the farm of KKK Grand Dragon Robert E. Miles, who, according to reports, held white supremacist rallies and was also sentenced for a school bus bombing. In November, there were reports of a Neo-Nazi demonstration outside a performance of the play The Diary of Anne Frank. During the hunt for a PR firm to help, the city experienced another racist incident with another reported Nazi demonstration, this time outside of the Historic Howell Theater. The firm was hired in March 2025. "We're not rehabbing anything; what we're doing is we're telling Howell's story as it actually is," Burch said. When asked how the last couple of incidents fit into that story, Burch said, "It doesn't fit in. Things that fit in are kind of the great communities, the safe streets, the amazingly responsible police department. I don't believe that a few bad actors from out of town can change that." Burch said his work centers around highlighting events happening in the city, new projects like the Depot Lot Expansion, and the community's natural areas. "I think the story is showing people how great we live," he said. Meanwhile, some Howell residents say they were happy to hear the city is taking action, and some felt it wasn't necessary or a good use of money.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Breast-cancer checks could begin as young as 30 to catch disease early
Women could be offered breast-cancer checks from the age of 30 under a new approach being trialled by the NHS. Early findings show almost one in five of those in their 30s have significantly increased risks of breast cancer, the most common cause of death in young women. Every year, more than 10,000 women in the UK who are too young to be offered screening are diagnosed with the disease, with 2,000 deaths among those below the age of study is being led by a consultant at the world-renowned Christie hospital in Manchester, which treated Sarah Harding, the Girls Aloud singer, who died from breast cancer aged 39. Dr Sacha Howell, the lead oncologist on the study, said that in future, all women should undergo 'comprehensive risk assessment' from the age of 30. This would mean DNA tests and health questionnaires as a minimum, with annual mammograms for some and lifestyle advice for all. Currently, NHS breast-cancer screening normally starts at age 50, but around one in three women do not come forward for checks. Ms Harding's former bandmates said the findings were 'astounding' and that the singer, who died in 2021, would have been 'thrilled' that her legacy was making such a difference. The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (Bcan-Ray) study has tested more than 700 women aged 30 to 39 so far, and aims to recruit 1,000 by the end of June. The research will compare 750 women who have not had breast cancer and have no strong family history of the disease, with 250 women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer. The research is being expanded to other hospitals as NHS officials work on a national cancer plan, which will have the aim of speeding up diagnosis and treatment. Under the new model, every participant receives a low-dose assessment mammogram, completes a detailed questionnaire, and provides a saliva sample for genetic testing. The team works with scientists from Cambridge University to calculate each woman's personalised breast-cancer risk score. On Saturday, Dr Howell will chair a panel on prevention, risk reduction and genetics at a cancer conference hosted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. Speaking ahead of the event, the oncologist said: 'Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women aged 35 to 50 in this country and about two-thirds of women who develop breast cancer don't have a family history of it. 'What we want to do is to try and identify women at increased risk so that we can start screening early and reduce the chances of these women dying.' Dr Howell added: 'I would like all women over 30 to have a breast-cancer risk assessment; that doesn't have to be a mammogram, probably the most powerful part of this is the DNA analysis.' The study is one of the first in the world to identify new ways to predict the risk of younger women getting breast cancer. So far, of the 548 cases analysed, 104 – or 19 per cent – were identified as higher-than-average risk. These are now being offered tailored health advice, including how to cut their risk of cancer through diet and exercise, with annual mammograms scheduled once they cross risk thresholds. The definition of 'higher risk' means a 3 per cent chance of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years. This is the average risk for a woman aged 50 and over, which is why mammograms are offered routinely then. The study is the first of its kind for young women, helping to identify those more at risk to offer breast surveillance to detect cancers earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful. The research is being funded by the Christie Charity's Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, and contributions from her family and former bandmates. Dr Howell said the singer had spoken to him many times about 'wanting to leave a legacy for future women'. The appeal was initiated by the Christie Charity in collaboration with the singer's family, friends, and her Girls Aloud bandmates: Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle, and Nicola Roberts. They said: 'We are so pleased about the progress of the Bcan-Ray study and know that Sarah would be thrilled. 'To hear that women who had no idea they could be at risk of breast cancer are being identified and able to take preventative measures is astounding. 'This study in Sarah's name has the potential to be life saving and we are hopeful the results will be rolled out across the UK allowing doctors to predict and prevent breast cancer for many women. Sarah was an amazing woman and we couldn't be more proud of the legacy she has left.' Together, the appeal, which is also backed by Ms Harding's family and friends, has raised over £1 million for breast-cancer research. Around 2,300 women aged 39 and under are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. The programme began in the Christie hospital but is being expanded to other NHS cancer units across the UK, including units in Lancaster, Wirral, Bolton, Tameside, Leighton, Wigan and Macclesfield. Results are expected to be published next year, and fed into the UK national screening committee, after which trials may be rolled out more widely. It will see how far breast density is a risk factor in younger women, who are known to often have more dense breasts, but are rarely screened. Women with dense breasts are four times more likely to develop breast cancer, but tissue can also mask tumours on a mammogram, making disease harder to spot. Separate research will compare different methods, to see whether mammograms are required to check breast density. Breast screening is routinely offered to women aged 50 and over, but millions of women miss out on mammograms, with around one third failing to come forward. Programmes saw a significant dip in uptake during the pandemic, with services closed during the first lockdown. Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influencing at charity Breast Cancer Now, said: 'While breast cancer is less common in younger women, it's a leading cause of death in women aged under 50. 'Around 2,400 women aged 39 or under hear the words 'you have breast cancer' each year in the UK, and this is why ongoing research, like Bcan-Ray, plays a vital role in helping us to further understand breast-cancer risk in younger women and, importantly, whether the introduction of risk-based screening or screening at a younger age could save more lives from the disease.' He said the upcoming national cancer plan for England 'presents a critical opportunity to focus on improving access to risk-reduction treatment and early diagnosis tools, that can ultimately help reduce deaths from breast cancer'. Prof Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: 'We are working closely with the Government on a national cancer plan to ensure the NHS continues to deliver progress in diagnosing more cancers earlier and saving lives, and this research provides valuable information about the potential for more personalised approaches to screening. 'If women are worried about any symptoms, whatever their age, or if they notice a change in their bodies or something that's unusual for them, then I would encourage them to contact their GP.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
CBS News
a day ago
- Health
- CBS News
Aqua-Tots in New Jersey preaches importance of early swim education
New Jersey swim coach teaches her love for the water New Jersey swim coach teaches her love for the water New Jersey swim coach teaches her love for the water As summer nears and families head to beaches, pools and lakes, knowing how to swim isn't just a fun skill. It's a lifesaving necessity. May is National Water Safety Month, a time when instructors and organizations work tirelessly to educate children on how to navigate water safely. With drowning rates increasing between April and September, experts emphasize the importance of early swim education. At Aqua-Tots Swim School in Mount Laurel, Lexi Howell, a former competitive swimmer, is on a mission to make water safety engaging and effective — one lesson and song at a time. Howell teaches even the youngest swimmers, like 7-month-old Eloise, how to acclimate to the water and develop self-rescue instincts. Howell, the aquatics manager and master instructor trainer at Aqua-Tots, says her class is about getting babies comfortable in the water, teaching parents how to work with them and making water safety second nature. CBS News Philadelphia From 4 months to 12 years old, Aqua-Tots classes focus on building confidence and awareness, treating water safety as essential as learning to cross the road. "We would never let a child cross the street without teaching them to look both ways," Aqua-Tots Mount Laurel owner Andrea Sahl said. "Water safety works the same way. We teach kids how deep the water is and how to respect it." With drowning ranking as the second-leading cause of accidental deaths for children aged 5-14, dedicated instructors like Howell are determined to make a difference. Howell loves her job and teaching kids her love for the water. "There's really no better feeling, being able to see them grow comfortable, grow independent, grow to love the water the same way I did when I was little," Howell said. Aqua-Tots Swim School provides year-round indoor swim lessons for children from 4 months to 12 years old. Water Safety tips from Aqua-Tots: Choose bright-colored swimsuits for increased visibility in the water — avoid blue, green and turquoise tones Be mindful of floaties — they can create a false sense of security Create a designated supervision plan whenever children are near water
CBS News
2 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Howell Mayor Robert Ellis reflects on decade of leadership
Robert Ellis has been a staple in city leadership in Howell, Michigan, for more than a decade. Ellis first served as a member of the city council and is now in the big seat as mayor. But Ellis says that chapter is coming to a close. "I want to spend more time with my family," he said. But Ellis said he's proud of the work he's put into the city. "We've done a lot to improve parking downtown, and now we're building this Depot lot expansion project, and the other thing that goes along with that is the Fire and Ice District," Ellis said. Work on the Fire and Ice District project began percolating early in his time in city government. Looking ahead, Ellis hopes to see work continue on the city's sidewalks and local roads. But leading those projects won't fall on his shoulders. "Fortunately, Nick Hertrich, who's been on the council for a while, was ready to step up and take that responsibility, and I'm very happy to support him. I know he will do a great job," Ellis said. Ellis admits that he's not so great at actually retiring, and he said Howell residents will certainly still see him around. "I'm sure I'll still continue to be involved with the community in some form," he said. Barring a late entry or write-in campaign, city councilman Nick Hertrich is running unopposed in the election this fall.
