Latest news with #JohnKelly
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Buddies raise almost £3,500 to support starving and ill in Gaza
Organised by Paisley4Palestine, in partnership with The Bungalow and a host of musicians, the gig raised £3,340 for Medical Aid for Palestine Buddies have helped raise almost £3,500 to support starving and ill Palestinians in Gaza. Paisley people came together with musicians from across Scotland to stand in solidarity with innocent civilians as part of Gig for Gaza. Organised by Paisley4Palestine, in partnership with The Bungalow and a host of musicians, the gig raised £3,340 for Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP). The charity delivers life-saving aid, food and medical supplies to Gazans who now face starvation as well as the daily bombing from Israeli Defence Forces. The gig, featuring an array of musical talent, was held just days before Israel lifted its blockade on Gaza, which had not received any food, fuel or medical supplies for 11 weeks. About 130 lorries carrying humanitarian aid have crossed into the Gaza Strip in the past three days. However the UN says it would need to see 600 trucks – carrying food, medicines, baby food and medical equipment – per day in order to begin tackling Gaza's humanitarian crisis. John Kelly, a founding member of Paisley 4 Palestine told the Paisley Daily Express: 'All of the artists and The Bungalow gave their time free to this event and Paisley4Palestine are eternally grateful to them all. 'Buddies contributed over £3,000 to MAP, aid which is badly needed as the Israelis continue their relentless assault on the civilian population of Gaza, at the same time as they pursue a colonial settler project in the West Bank. 'Both assaults are in flagrant breach of international law and we once again call upon our political representatives to do all they can to boycott and disinvest from Israel, as the only way to stop the ongoing murderous assaults on innocent people, with the main victims being women and children. 'Paisley4Palestine urge all Buddies to contact their local Westminster MPs calling on them to make their voices heard in defence of the innocents under attack and facing starvation.' The gig took place last week and saw punk/rap band Aidan and the Outkkasts kick off the show with a blistering performance. Iona Fyfe mixed her own songs of protest with classics in a really heartfelt session which had the crowd in raptures. SHOUT! had the Bungalow jumping as did Alexx Munro's set, before Howlin' Radio took to the stage with some very well received classic rock. Special guest 'Replacement Kneecap' –otherwise known as Paisley's own Tannahill Makar Sean – delivered spoken words on the situation across the world but particularly on the role of Zionism in the attacks on Gaza and on the West Bank. Clydebank singer/songwriter Eddie Reid's voice was impressive as he gave the crowd some lovely, thoughtful and inspirational numbers while Barrhead's Kitti – repeat winner of the best jazz vocalist award at the Scottish Jazz Awards – finished her set with Viva Palestina before making way for radical rockers The Tenementals. They finished the night off with radical sounds and tales of resistance reflecting the tone of the night. Israel's war on Gaza has killed at least 53,655 Palestinians and wounded 121,950, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel launched its offensive after Hamas killed around 1,200 Israelis and took 250 people hostage in an attack on October 7, 2023.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Peoria honors fallen servicemen with Memorial Day gathering
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Many people gathered to commemorate Memorial Day, a time of remembrance for all deceased servicemen and servicewomen. The sound of bagpipes and grand music filled the air at the Gateway Building on Peoria's Riverfront, all to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 'Memorial Day is a day when we honor those people who have given the last full measure of devotion,' said John Kelly, an at-large council member Different testimonies were given which painted a picture of the importance of service in America. 'American culture has always been a melting pot,' said a student. 'But the one thing that has stayed true is our service, whether that be to our country, our family, our religion, our community, or even ourselves. Americans serve.' City of Washington honors fallen service members for Memorial Day The keynote speaker of the event was Hal Fritz, a decorated veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor — the nation's highest award for valor — as well as the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. He emphasized the importance of the day, and who paid for it. 'We've got so many freedoms across this nation that it was paid for in blood by those that have served,' Fritz said with passion. 'But we've got to look at the future, the future for our grandchildren, the future for America.' On days like memorial day, the observance gives a glimpse of just how important the service of fallen heroes is to the American people. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
RTÉ News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Dublin studio Turnip + Duck lead Irish Animation Awards
Dublin Studio Turnip + Duck led the 2025 Irish Animation Awards with four wins for their series Maddie + Triggs. The animated series, which follows the adventures of a curious little girl and her doggy best friend, bagged the awards for Best Animated Preschool Series (up to 6 years old), Best Original Song, Best New IP and Best Innovation. Kilkenny's Cartoon Saloon took home three awards for Best Design and Art Direction, and Best Original Score for the Star Wars: Visions Volume 2 episode Screecher's Reach and Best Storyboarding for Silly Sundays. Galway's Moetion Films took home two Irish Animation Awards for The Magic Reindeer Saving Santa's Sleigh, including Best Feature Film or Special, while fellow Galway studio Triggerfish Animation also bagged two awards on the night for their animated TV series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire. Roscommon's Studio Meala also bagged two awards for the hit TV series Doodle Girl, with one going to young Dublin actress Aisling Walsh who claimed the Best Voice Acting accolade. Dublin studio Kavaleer Productions was honoured with two gongs for their series Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese, winning Best Animated Kids Series (over 6 years old), and scooping the Kids Choice for Best Animated Kids Series (over 6 years old) as voted by the children of Hazelwood Integrated Primary and Nursery in Belfast. Dublin's Brown Bag Films came out tops in the Best Script for a Feature Film or Special category for Lu and the Bally Bunch, while also winning the Sustainability Champion 2025 Award. Best Animated Short Film - Ireland went to Retirement Plan directed by John Kelly, with a script co-written by Tara Lawall and John Kelly. The film is voiced by Domhnall Gleeson. Japanese animator Saki Muramoto took home Best International Animated Short Film fo r A Night at the Rest Area. Ronan McCabe, CEO of Animation Ireland, said: "It's been a challenging time for the industry since we last got together in 2023 and whilst we remain conscious of the difficulties facing our members, it is important that we celebrate and showcase the work and creativity of our professional Animation, VFX and Gaming communities. "We only get to do every two years so it's with gratitude that we come together, with our friends and colleagues from this island and beyond, to share and celebrate the best our industry has to offer. Well done to all the nominees and congratulations to the winners." Desiree Finnegan, Chief Executive of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, the primary sponsor of the awards, added: "Screen Ireland is proud to support the 2025 Irish Animation Awards - an important opportunity to highlight the outstanding Irish animation sector and the range of creative vision and talent it represents. "Our congratulations and best wishes go to all of the nominees this year, whose stunning work continues to connect with audiences worldwide." The Irish Animation Awards are a biennial event, celebrating more than 2,500 animation professionals who make and create across the island of Ireland.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
BART's Green Line still out of service
The Brief BART restored service to all 50 stations Wednesday morning, but there is still no Green Line service. Tuesday's fire at San Leandro station damaged track equipment. Long-term repairs will happen through the weekend. SAN LEANDRO, Calif. - BART reopened early Wednesday morning after a very long outage to all points south of Oakland's Lake Merritt station. Given the size of Tuesday's fire the San Leandro Station and the damage it did, BART crews distinguished themselves by coming up with a fix that works for now. What we know On Wednesday, at San Leandro's BART station, three things were going on at the same time. One: almost normal service provided relief to regular riders after a terrible Tuesday. "I depend on BART to get to work and, you know, when I get here and something's going on, it's like it's not dependable," said BART rider John Kelly. Many thousands were inconvenienced. "Yesterday, I had to take Uber, paid forty-something dollars," said BART rider Dorothy Cartehena. "I had to check my BART app to see what the message was regarding which line was working," said rider Kisela Kalamay Ortega who was happy she didn't have an appointment yesterday. "A lot of people on the bus, but it took maybe 40 minutes by bus. It wasn't bad, but it would have took me 15 [minutes] on BART," said rider Rick Mason. What we don't know Two: the investigation into the precise cause of the fire continues. Three: the temporary repairs are being closely watched. "You make temporary repairs so you can restore service right away. Then you focus on more of the long-term repairs which will happen into this weekend," said BART Spokesperson Chris Filippi. Due to ongoing repairs, the Green Line from Berryessa to Daly City requires a change of trains. "We have service to all 50 stations in the system," said Filippi. The passage of Measure RR in 2016 provided $3.5 billion to rebuild BART's critical infrastructure. "Of that, more than $1.2 billion goes to our power infrastructure," said the BART spokesman. So far, 60 miles of main train power cables have been replaced. "You need to maintain your infrastructure and you need to replaces items when they outlive their design life," said Filippi. Fact is: San Leandro Station is one of the oldest stations because it's one of the original stations and that means wear and tear is a constant thing decade after decade after decade. Yet, hope for BART springs eternal. "I know BART is struggling right now but I think it can overcome times like this for sure," said rider Jonathan Neumann. "I hope they can get this situation solved and all the BART riders will be happy," said rider Kenneth Hill.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
LA Zoo elephants secretly removed from exhibit, TMZ reports
LOS ANGELES - Tina and Billy, the last two remaining Asian elephants at the LA Zoo, have reportedly been secretly removed, according to reports from TMZ. What we know Sources with the LA Zoo told TMZ that the elephants were removed from their enclosure around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday. They were allegedly put into crates and loaded onto semi-trucks presumebly to be transferred to the Tulsa Zoo. TMZ also reported that the elephant exhibit at the LA Zoo was empty on Tuesday, with no keepers, and the electric fence was turned off. What we don't know The LA Zoo or the Tulsa Zoo have yet to comment or confirm on the matter. It's unclear who is responsible for removing them. The backstory In April, the LA Zoo announced that Tina and Billy would be relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma to live out their days at the newly expanded Elephant Experience and Preserve at the Tulsa Zoo. The decision was met with some anger and protest. ALos Angeles resident sued the director of the Los Angeles Zoo over the plan. Plaintiff John Kelly's complaint, which names Zoo Director and CEO Denise Verret as a defendant, echoes the concerns of animal rights activists who have lobbied for years for Billy and Tina to be moved to an accredited wildlife sanctuary. Zoo officials said the decision was made with the animals' care and well-being as the top priority, and the relocation "will afford them the opportunity to live among other elephants." PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Judge denies request blocking LA Zoo from sending elephants Tina and Billy to Tulsa LA Zoo being sued over plans to move elephants to Oklahoma LA Zoo's last remaining Asian elephants to be relocated to Oklahoma Just last week, ajudge denied a request for a temporary restraining order that would have put a temporary stop on a bid by the LA Zoo from moving its last two beloved elephants. Dig deeper Billy is 40 years old and Tina is 59. Contrary to the assumption that Billy has spent his entire life at the LA Zoo, his official biography indicates he was born in Malaysia and brought to Los Angeles when he was four years old. Tina's history also reveals she was reportedly a circus performer before arriving at the zoo as an adult. Zoo officials have mentioned evaluating the elephant exhibit since the deaths of two other elephants -- Jewel, age 61, in 2023, and Shaunzi, age 53, in 2024 -- although they attributed those deaths to "declining health due to issues unrelated to the zoo's enclosure or care." The Tulsa Zoo, their potential new home, houses five Asian elephants and includes a 17-acre area with a 36,650-square-foot elephant barn and a 10-plus-acre wooded elephant preserve. Some in the animal rights community say the Elephant Experience and Preserve in Tulsa "was just a fancy name for the somewhat larger elephant enclosure at the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma."
