Latest news with #LisaWalker
New York Times
11-08-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Protesters Gather Near White House as Trump Unveils D.C. Plans
About 150 people gathered a block north of the White House on Monday as President Trump laid out his plans to federalize the police force in Washington, D.C., protesting what they said was the president's latest attempt to assert control over the city. Mr. Trump is 'trying to annex D.C. from the White House,' said Lisa Walker, a Maryland resident who said she taught in the Washington public schools for 15 years, and carried a homemade sign reading: 'Free D.C. No Police State No Police State.' 'They're usurping the concept of home rule,' said Ken Greene, a longtime Washington resident, referring to the 1973 law that allowed the federal district to elect its own local government, though Congress maintained final say over its laws and budget. Mr. Trump cited a portion of that law on Monday that allows the federal government to temporarily take control of the city's police department. As the protesters rallied, Mr. Trump was framing his plans to beef up and militarize the district's police force as a test for his vision for getting tough on crime, musing that if it worked in the nation's capital, he could roll out similar efforts in other cities. But to the protesters, Mr. Trump's plans were just the latest blow to a city that has been among the hardest hit by his executive orders and policies. Mr. Trump's efforts to downsize the federal government, step up immigration raids in urban areas, and reduce funding for food stamps have had a negative effect on city residents, organizers of the protest argued. 'It's all connected,' said Samuel Epps, the president of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO, whose office the protesters gathered outside. 'This is just another way to create that chaos in our communities.' Alex Dodds, one of the co-founders of Free D.C., an advocacy group formed just after the start of Mr. Trump's second term, said Mr. Trump was following an authoritarian playbook by trying to assert control over the capital city. 'It's an easy way for them to silence dissent and accelerate their agenda, if they physically control the capital,' said Ms. Dodds, whose group organized the protests. She added: 'D.C. is our home. It belongs to the people who live here, and Trump can't have it.' Mr. Trump has frequently railed against crime in Washington. He became fixated on the idea of a federal takeover of local law enforcement after Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old software engineer and a prominent early member of the Department of Government Efficiency, was the victim of an attempted carjacking earlier this month. Though the protest was relatively small, criticism of Mr. Trump in Washington is not rare. The city is staunchly Democratic, and its residents have frequently rallied against the president's actions. Monday's protest took place on the same stretch of street that in 2020 became the centerpiece of Black Lives Matter protests — and had those words painted into the pavement until a couple of months ago. Tierney L. Cross and Shawn McCreesh contributed reporting.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Green-fingered youngsters at outstanding school set to transform their outdoor space
Green-fingered youngsters are digging deep to create their own little garden while enjoying the great outdoors. Green Fold Special School has been donated a multi-level planter which was designed by local artist Leon Davis. MedEquip4Kids bid for the planter on behalf of the school and it was funded by United Utilities. It will "enhance the outdoor space for children with disabilities", introducing them to rainwater management and recycling water for use at Green Fold, while also offering a diverse sensory experience for those with additional needs. It was unveiled during VE Day celebrations on May 8. Children also baked scones which were judged by guests - all were found to be excellent - as well as singing and signing 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. A child with the new facility (Image: United Utilities) Headteacher at Green Fold School, Lisa Walker said: 'We are exceptionally grateful to United Utilities, Mediequipuk and Leon on the design team for working with our assistant headteacher Jordanna Whittleston on funding and designing a unique gardening experience that is truly accessible to all of our children who represent those with the most complex and super special needs in the local authority. Read more: Pupils achieve highly at a school where they feel happy and safe Read more: Pupils are proud to attend this warm and welcoming school Read more: Former library to be remodelled to meet 'high demands' for special school places 'The children are delighted with the sensory experience that already this resource has been able to offer and we are looking forward to caring for it as a school community now and into the future. A huge thank you to all.' The VE Day celebrations (Image: United Utilities) Katy Bevan, Operations Manager for Rainwater Management at United Utilities said: 'We were delighted to jobs" target="_blank">work in partnership with Green Fold school, Leon Davis and MedEquip4Kids to help provide outdoor, accessible learning opportunities for students in the North West. "It was a pleasure to be a part of this project, and we look forward to hearing how the children learn more about rainwater management, and see how their plants thrive with their care." Tobias Hunt, Fundraising Partnerships Officer at MedEquip4Kids said: 'MedEquip4Kids are very proud to have organised the delivery of the wonderful planter to Green Fold. "This would simply not have been possible without the kind support from United Utilities and installation by Leon Davis Design. Thank you especially to Katy, Jordanna, and Leon."
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Celebrating 10 years of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day! Français
WINNIPEG, MB , May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - FireSmart TM Canada is excited to announce that Wildfire Community Preparedness Day returns on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with the highest number of community events scheduled in program history! This national event encourages neighbourhoods across the country to come together to reduce the risk of wildland fire in their communities, one project at a time. Thanks to the continued support from Co-operators, the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), and wildland fire agencies across Canada, individuals were invited to apply for a $500 award to help implement FireSmart principles in their community and reduce their shared wildland fire risk. The popularity of this program continues to grow! In its tenth year FireSmart Canada received a record number of applications and awarded the highest number of events, reflecting a growing commitment to wildland fire preparedness nationwide. In 2024, 381 communities from all provinces and two territories received awards. In 2025, FireSmart Canada received a record 466 applications, resulting in 404 communities awarded funding to host preparedness events between May and October. "Every year we see more and more communities stepping up and taking action, and that's what Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is all about. It's not just about reducing risk, it's about building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods that are ready to face the risks of wildland fire together," said Lisa Walker, Director of Resiliency and Partnerships at the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. "As a co-operative and an insurer, we're in the business of protecting our communities which requires a partnership in which insurance companies, emergency responders, property owners, and community leaders each play a crucial role", noted Maya Milardovic, Associate Vice President of Government Relations for Co-operators. "On the tenth anniversary of WCPD, we are proud communities across the country are participating in record numbers." From clearing flammable debris away from structures to hosting FireSmart educational events, past recipients have found creative ways to build up both their community and property level wildland fire resilience. To-date, hundreds of communities have taken proactive steps toward wildland fire preparedness, from coast to coast. For more information, and to get involved in future FireSmart events, visit Media contact: Alexandria Jones Communications Manager The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre [email protected] Co-operators Media Relations [email protected] About FireSmart TM Canada FireSmart Canada™ is a program committed to helping Canadians reduce their wildland fire risk and become resilient to wildland fire through community-based solutions. Through publications, programs, outreach training, and workshops, FireSmart Canada provides tools for Canadians to be pro-active in preparing their homes, properties and neighborhoods for the threat of wildland fire. FireSmart Canada operates under a mandate from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, and is supported by federal, provincial, and territorial wildland fire management agencies and partners with municipal governments and the private sector. For more information visit About Co-operators Proudly Canadian since 1945, Co-operators is a leading financial services co-operative, offering multi-line insurance and investment products, services, and personalized advice to help Canadians build their financial strength and security. With more than $71 billion in assets under administration, Co-operators is well known for its community involvement and its commitment to sustainability. Currently a carbon neutral organization, Co-operators is committed to net-zero emissions in its operations and investments by 2040, and 2050, respectively. Co-operators is recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers and ranked as one of Corporate Knights' Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada. About ICLR Established in 1998 by Canada's property and casualty insurers, ICLR is an independent, not-for-profit research institute based in Toronto and at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. ICLR is a centre of excellence for disaster loss prevention research and education. ICLR's research staff is internationally recognized for pioneering work in a number of fields including wind and seismic engineering, atmospheric sciences, water resources engineering and economics. Multi-disciplined research is a foundation for ICLR's work to build communities more resilient to disasters. Visit
