Latest news with #JamesHall
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia Supreme Court makes ruling on changes to elections
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled that multiple proposals by election officials to change how elections are run in the state were not allowed by state law. Seven changes, proposed by several members of the Georgia State Election Board, led to a lawsuit by several groups, including the organization Eternal Vigilance Action, over claims that they went beyond what state law allowed. In the latest ruling, members of the state's highest court said efforts to require hand counting of ballots, make county election officials make a 'reasonable inquiry' before they could certify results, required voters show identification before dropping a ballot off and that officials 'examine all election' documents that are created during elections were not legal. Separately, a rule proposing surveillance of drop box locations was allowed. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Two additional rules proposed for poll watchers and daily reporting requirements were ones that plaintiffs could not challenge 'as voters, community-stakeholders or organizations.' The ruling said that while a trial court had ruled Chatham County Board of Elections member James Hall had standing as a member of that body to sue, it was 'not based on correct legal analysis.' RELATED STORIES: Lawsuit filed against State Election Board by Republicans to 'rein in unelected' members' authority Raffensperger says voters 'should be concerned' over new, possibly illegal, Election Board rules Secretary of State say State Election Board has overstepped legal authority over new rules State elections board votes to require hand-counting of ballots at polling places Georgia AG says new rules from State Election Board may 'conflict' with state election laws Brad Raffensperger calls Georgia Election Rule Changes misguided, criticizes state board Judge says new Georgia election rules are 'illegal, unconstitutional and void' Georgia Election Board member's appearance at Trump rally sparks debate over code of conduct As a result, the court chose to vacate those two decisions blocking the rules and send them back to a lower court for further hearings. Those contesting the rules, including Eternal Vigilance Action and its CEO Scot Turner, said previously that they were going to court to prevent 'empowering the administrative state to act with the force of law.' They said Georgia's state constitution does not allow rules from unelected appointees on the State Election Board to supersede our laws. Responding to request for comment, one of the Republican board members told Channel 2 Action News in September that they would 'continue to do the work of the people with the goal of restoring faith in our election process.' Previously, Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger came out against some of the proposed changes, particularly the hand counting proposal, saying the board was 'misguided.' He has also said the recent actions by board members should have voters 'concerned' and that they might not even be legal. Should a lower court rule that Hall does have standing in his official capacity, it would then have to rule on the two proposals the Supreme Court declined to make a decision on. In response to the latest decision at the Georgia Supreme Court, Turner said in part that the ruling was a major victory, adding that 'this ruling makes clear: the legislative power belongs to the General Assembly, not executive agencies operating without proper constraints. The Georgia Constitution means what it says, and thanks to this decision, the nondelegation doctrine is once again alive and well in our state.' Channel 2 Action News has reached out to members of the State Election Board and the Secretary of State's Office for comment and are waiting for their responses. The Associated Press contributed to this report. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Business Journals
01-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
How WSU Tech helps develop a thriving aviation workforce pipeline
Coming out of MRO Americas, one message was clear: The aviation industry is ready to grow, but only where the workforce is ready. Over 17,000 aviation maintenance professionals gathered in Atlanta, with more than 1,000 exhibitors showcasing what's next in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). There were major expansion announcements and reviews of new technology. But in nearly every conversation, the biggest concern wasn't just hangar space or equipment; it was talent. As companies look to grow regionally and nationally, they're asking: Where will we find the people to do the work? In Wichita, we're answering with action. Wichita shows up on the national stage This year, thanks to sponsors AAR Component Services, Bombardier, Textron Aviation, and the Greater Wichita Partnership, Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech)'s MRO student team competed at MRO Americas. Five students tackled 27 real-world aviation maintenance challenges alongside active-duty military and professionals from industry giants like American Airlines, Boeing, and Southwest Airlines. These challenges are designed from real applications in the MRO world. The team excelled, placing 24th out of 90, and taking first place in the Barfield Air Data Tester event for the second time in their history of competing. But the bigger story? On the way, while sitting in the airport, we overhead 'war' stories of the prior days. By the last day of the conference, several had already made meaningful industry connections, and a few were sharing where they might land their dream job. 'For us, this experience isn't just about the competition. It's about students learning,' says James Hall, vice president of aviation strategy at WSU Tech. 'They build connections, compete alongside top talent, and learn directly from the best in the field.' These students represented more than their school; they represented Wichita. WSU Tech: A pipeline with momentum Wichita's strength in aviation has always been rooted in our ability to build. Today, we ensure that success by intentionally developing the talent pool. WSU Tech has become one of the region's most critical economic development enablers. Over 300 aviation maintenance technicians graduate each year, and that number is growing. This isn't accidental growth. It's a strategic alignment between education and industry. 'Building the workforce for today and tomorrow is a priority for WSU Tech, and as the industry grows, so must we,' said Hall. WSU Tech embraces partnerships with companies like Bombardier and Textron Aviation to ensure the programs stay closely in tune with employer needs. One standout program is the Bombardier A&P Apprenticeship Program; the first of its kind in Kansas.* This 18-month model blends classroom learning and hands-on experience. By graduation, students are certified and ready to contribute on day one. Workforce development starts early WSU Tech understands that the talent pipeline starts well before students step on campus. Programs like Kansas Choose Aerospace bring aviation coursework and technical pathways directly into high schools, giving juniors and seniors a direct path into post-secondary aviation programs. The initiative is already active in Dodge City and Goodland, with three more schools slated for 2026. Wichita Public Schools, in partnership with WSU Tech, is investing in Future Ready Centers, connecting students to real-world skills and career paths in aviation, health care, and advanced manufacturing. This K–12 and post-secondary alignment is the kind of collaboration that fuels long-term community success. Our education ecosystem isn't just responding to change, it's driving it. Why this matters for economic growth The labor challenges won't disappear. The demand exists, but that growth hinges on talent. Communities aligning education with industry will thrive, ensuring that talent pool, will thrive. That's where Wichita shines. 'The No. 1 cost to any business operation is the workforce. And when companies are considering a new facility or office, labor costs and capabilities are often at or near the top of their criteria.' said Andrew Nave, executive vice president, economic development at the Greater Wichita Partnership. 'Our educational institutions are helping drive our competitiveness for new investment and job creation every day.' Investing in education is investing in economic development. A more skilled workforce leads to higher-earning jobs, a stronger tax base, and a better quality of life for everyone. It all compounds into long-term, sustainable growth. Workforce readiness Workforce readiness isn't a buzzword, it's a commitment. At McCownGordon, we're proud to help clients build the future. Because it's not just about the next project. It's about building a region that attracts investment, retains talent, and inspires the next generation. And in Wichita, we're doing just that. McCownGordon was established to redefine the construction industry by prioritizing client needs. From the beginning, we built a team committed to transparency, long-term relationships, and a values-driven approach. Integrity, performance, and relationships have always been more than just words—they are the foundation of how we do business. Let's build.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Crews from RNAS Culdrose join major deployment
Service personnel from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall have joined an eight month mission by the Royal Navy. On Tuesday aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales left Portsmouth with helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton on board, and HMS Richmond left Plymouth. Merlin helicopters set off from RNAS Culdrose near Helston on Wednesday to join the Carrier Strike Group. The Merlins will be on board the Royal Navy's flagship alongside the Latest F35 B Stealth Jets. HMS Prince of Wales leads a multi-national fleet of warships to 40 countries across the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and Australia. The aircraft carrier will embark four Merlin helicopters which departed from RNAS Culdrose. The mission, called Operation Highmast, will also see more than 260 men and women from the naval air base deployed at sea. RNAS Culdrose commanding officer Captain James Hall said it was "an emotional moment". "We absolutely recognise the challenge and the difficulty this can create for families," he said. "We've been working hard in the run up to the deployment by supporting the squadrons and the families to understand what we're asking of our people. "We're on the start line now to support the team while they're deployed but to also support their families." Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ HMS Prince of Wales departs on major deployment Cornwall's navy sailors to join 'strike operation' The Royal Navy
BBC News
24-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Crews from RNAS Culdrose join major deployment
Service personnel from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall have joined an eight month mission by the Royal Navy. On Tuesday aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales left Portsmouth with helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton on board, and HMS Richmond left helicopters set off from RNAS Culdrose near Helston on Wednesday to join the Carrier Strike Merlins will be on board the Royal Navy's flagship alongside the Latest F35 B Stealth Jets. HMS Prince of Wales leads a multi-national fleet of warships to 40 countries across the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and aircraft carrier will embark four Merlin helicopters which departed from RNAS mission, called Operation Highmast, will also see more than 260 men and women from the naval air base deployed at Culdrose commanding officer Captain James Hall said it was "an emotional moment"."We absolutely recognise the challenge and the difficulty this can create for families," he said."We've been working hard in the run up to the deployment by supporting the squadrons and the families to understand what we're asking of our people."We're on the start line now to support the team while they're deployed but to also support their families."
