Latest news with #Littlefield
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
After Hobbs signs Axon carve-out bill, opposition group plans multi-pronged response
Axon brought a mobile tactical simulator to the Arizona Capitol on March 4, 2025, as part of its effort to back legislation that would stop a ballot referendum in Scottsdale brought by residents opposed to the company's plans to build a 74-acre campus near the Loop 101 and Hayden Road. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror After a contentious battle at the legislature and a signature by Gov. Katie Hobbs to create a legal carve-out, those opposed to law enforcement technology company Axon's planned massive headquarters and housing project are looking at all their options — including asking Arizona voters to repeal the new law. But whether that 2026 ballot measure happens remains to be seen. 'We're not prepared to say which way we are going to go yet,' Bob Littlefield, a former Scottsdale City Councilman who has been at the head of efforts to lead a local referendum vote against the project, told the Arizona Mirror. 'We are going to keep our options open.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Littlefield is part of a group called Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions, or TAAZE for short, which led the charge to gather signatures to hold a referendum on the project in Scottsdale. The Arizona Constitution gives residents the right to refer matters to the ballot. Axon came to the Capitol in 2025 aiming to bar voters in every city and town in Arizona from being able to challenge zoning and development decisions, like the one TAAZE mounted in Scottsdale. But when that bill failed to garner enough support, the company and its allies pivoted instead to merely stripping away the right of Scottsdale voters to challenge the police weapons manufacturer's HQ project near Hayden Road and the Loop 101. In addition to the firm's international headquarters, the project will include a luxury hotel and roughly 1,900 apartments, some of which will be offered to Axon employees at a discounted cost. Last month, Gov. Katie Hobbs gave Axon what it wanted, signing into law the legislation that cancels the referendum vote. 'I think this is pretty clear: These guys want their apartments, they don't care what Scottsdale residents think,' Littlefield said. 'They made it pretty clear who they are and what they're going to do, so I think it is up to us to do whatever we can to thwart that.' TAAZE has now filed paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office for a statewide referendum on that legislation. But Littlefield said it is just one option that his group is looking at pursuing. 'We believe we have the law on our side. We believe this bill is a special interest (gift), which is illegal,' Littlefield said. The opposition group is likely to file a legal challenge soon, and TAAZE is also supportive of legal steps being taken by the City of Scottsdale, which opposed the bill, as well. 'We think we can beat this in court,' he said. The new law says that any municipality with between 200,000 and 500,000 residents — Scottsdale had 241,000 residents in the 2020 census — must 'allow hotel use and multifamily residential housing' for land zoned like the Axon parcel 'without requiring any type of application that will require a public hearing' if certain criteria is met. If the statewide referendum is to happen, TAAZE would need to gather 127,975 signatures in order to qualify for the 2026 ballot. But it cannot begin doing so until the legislative session ends — and it must collect all the signatures within 90 days. Littlefield said he is confident that the group will be able to meet that challenge, if needed, though it won't be easy to go head-to-head against an opponent worth over $50 billion. 'In Scottsdale, TAAZE was able to use dark money to hide the source of the funds that paid for more than 90 percent of the signatures they gathered,' Axon spokesman David Leibowitz said in a statement to the Arizona Mirror. 'Since that won't be the case at the state level, we look forward to seeing who's funding their campaign. Especially given that a statewide signature effort will likely cost more than $2 million.' Leibowitz added that Axon will 'vigorously defend' the project, which the company says will create '5,500 jobs' and have 'more than $4 billion in economic impact.' Local activists, backed by a signature-gathering effort linked to a California labor union, gathered more than 25,000 signatures to send the rezoning decision made by a lame-duck city council — the votes for the project came from councilors who had been voted out of office — to the ballot in a voter referendum, which must happen by November 2026. Littlefield shot back at Leibowitz's remarks, citing their own campaign finance reports. 'You can see our campaign finance report, all our stuff is disclosed,' Littlefield said. 'Axon's been lying their way through this, and to call us liars? That's kind of hilarious actually.' The sponsor of the Axon legislation, Rep. Tony Rivero, R-Peoria, did not respond to requests for comment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Three charged in Decatur-area theft cases involving former employees
May 10—Decatur police recently charged three people with theft after they allegedly were involved in two separate schemes to steal from their employers. A Madison man and his son were charged with first-degree theft of property after allegedly keeping thousands of dollars collected from customers for contracting work and failing to return the money to the company that employed them, according to a Decatur police detective's affidavit. The affidavit states that Griffin Scott Littlefield, 64, of Madison, and his son, Griffin Scott Littlefield II, 27, of Athens, were employed by an Athens-based construction company during May and June 2024. "During those months, both of the Littlefields conducted multiple contracting jobs within the city of Decatur for the business," the affidavit said. "During those months, both Littlefields collected well over $2,500 from customers and withheld the money from the business before quitting." In November 2024, the business owner contacted the Decatur Police Department to report the thefts, according to the affidavit. The Littlefields stole approximately $60,000 from the Athens business, with nearly $8,000 of the theft reportedly occurring within Decatur city limits, according to the Decatur Police Department. The Police Department said the younger Littlefield was located by the Athens Police Department on May 1 and placed under arrest for his active warrant, then transferred to the custody of Decatur police and placed in the Morgan County Jail. The elder Littlefield turned himself in to the Decatur Police Department on Tuesday and was booked into the Morgan County Jail. They were released after each posted a $5,000 bond, according to jail records. Another theft of property involving a theft from Discount Tobacco Outlet on Beltline Road Southwest occurred in June 2024, according to Decatur police, when a former employee of the business allegedly removed multiple business deposits from their safe, totaling over $2,000. Trinity resident Amy Nicole Bridges, 52, was identified as the primary suspect in the theft and a warrant was issued for her arrest in August 2024, according to police. Police said she was arrested Wednesday by the Trinity Police Department on the warrant and charged with first-degree theft of property. Bridges was booked into Morgan County Jail and held in lieu of a $5,000 bond and jail records show she bonded out Thursday. — or 256-340-2442.
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
The King in training: Prince George, 11, is shown the ropes by Kate and William as he meets WWII veterans at VE Day tea party
Prince George proved adept at his growing royal role today as he enjoyed warm moments with Second World War veterans alongside his parents at today's celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The future monarch, 11, joined William and his mother the Princess of Wales, along with the King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family, to meet the veterans at a tea party at Buckingham Palace. The Prince of Wales told 101-year-old Alfred Littlefield, from Portchester, near Portsmouth, that George is 'interested' in learning about those who served in the war, the veteran's granddaughter said. He added that it was 'very important' for George and the 'next generation' to ear the stories from those who fought in the war. Photos showed George beaming as he shook hands with one esteemed veteran. It came after some of the heroes sat with the royals to watch a military procession outside Buckingham Palace to kick off a week of celebrations marking the historic anniversary. Veteran Joy Trew, 98, revealed His Majesty 'tucked me in' to protect her from the cold as they sat next to each other while watching the procession. The Royal British Legion worked with veterans' families and the Government to ensure as many as possible could be at the events. A 98-year-old former prisoner of war, a 99-year-old who served with the Desert Rats and took part in the D-Day landings, and a 100-year-old woman who worked in the Special Operations Executive (SOE), known as Churchill's Secret Army, were among the guests at the tea party. Mr Littlefield's granddaughter said: 'The prince said George is very interested in finding out about the veterans. 'George even asked my grandfather how old he was during his service.' She said Mr Littlefield was very happy that George had taken an interest in the past. Royal Engineers veteran Mr Littlefield said: 'I'm very proud.' The King told one veteran: 'It's so special to get you here on this sort of occasion. It's the least we could do for you.' William old Douglas Hyde, who joined the Merchant Navy aged 18 in 1944, that his son was 'very keen' to ask the former serviceman some questions. Meanwhile, Kate asked for a copy of a book written by a Second World War evacuee, the author said. The Princess of Wales speaks to Second World War veterans at a tea party at Buckingham Palace today Margaret Wood was evacuated from Chingford in east London at the start of the war to the Midlands, where she remained until May 23 1945. She said the princess had asked for the book during their conversation at the Palace tea party. Ms Wood said: 'I have written a book about my time as an evacuee and it was published. She asked for a copy. 'My mother also wrote about it and it was her reaction to sending her children away.' Ms Wood said of Kate: 'She is just an ordinary lady, just a mum.' As she chatted with veterans, Kate joked of her son: 'He's going to have to practise his shooting like you.' Norman Trickett, 101, said he performed a magic trick to the Queen while talking to her. The trick involved tying string on Camilla's finger before whipping it off. She laughed as the trick was performed. Mr Trickett said: 'I was dared to show the magic trick to the Queen, so I did it. 'She loved it, so I'm glad, I'm chuffed to be here, very proud.' Speaking of her moment with the King, Ms Trew who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: 'He bent down and tucked me in. Of the procession, Ms Trew, who grew up in Bristol but now lives in Wells in Somerset, said: 'I said to him (the King) a lot of the women look formidable and he said "yes".' The 98-year-old said she discussed parenting with Charles and told him she had tried to be a strict mother to her children. Robert Piper, 99, from Southwater in West Sussex, said of the King: 'He is a very interesting person and he seems very understanding. 'We spoke for a while about my service and the memories I have of the war.' Mr Piper said he has 'lots of memories' of the war, which come back to him at night. He added: 'The men I served with gave it their all for this country, it's right they're still remembered and I hope the young generations keep remembering them. 'Today has been superb but very overwhelming.' Henry Ducker, 104, from Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, said Camilla spoke with him about her father. He said: 'It was an honour to talk with her, she was quite funny, very humorous. 'We had quite a laugh, she is a lovely woman.' Camilla's father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa. Veterans enjoyed sandwiches, scotch eggs and scones at the tea party. Also on the menu were potted shrimps with brown bread and butter, egg and bacon quiche, vegetable pasties and sausage rolls, along with lemon and carrot cake, chocolate cake, treacle tarts and strawberries and cream. Joy Trew, 98, from Bristol, remembers being fascinated with aviation ever since saw German aeroplanes drop bombs over her school playground. She joined the Women's Junior Air Corps aged 17 They dined on large tables in the Marble Hall which was decorated in bunting made from fabrics recycled from the royal estate. The veterans had a prime spot on the Buckingham Palace garden steps as a flypast went over. Many looked up and smiled and applauded, while Army veteran Joe Mines, 100, waved as the planes went over. Among them was Ruth Barnwell, 100, who joined the Women's Royal Naval Service aged 17 when her brother's friend was killed on HMS Hood, which was sunk by the German battleship Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait on May 24 1941. Regarding the commemoration, she told PA: 'It was great. Really great. Today has been wonderful.' Politicians including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, London mayor Sadiq Khan, Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch were also there. They were joined by actor Timothy Spall and were serenaded by a brass band as they waited for the aircraft. RBL director general Mark Atkinson said the charity was 'proud' to take a place 'at the heart of these national celebrations and commemorations as this really will be one of our last opportunities as a nation to pay tribute to those veterans still with us today'. British and Commonwealth armed forces veterans from the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, plus Wrens, SOE members, D-Day veterans and Desert Rats were among those attending the tea party.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Smart retirement moves to make in your 40s and 50s
Listen and subscribe to Decoding Retirement on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. If you're in your 40s or 50s, and you're worried about all the ups and downs in the stock and bond markets, Chris Littlefield, the president of retirement and income solutions at Principal Financial Group, has some advice for you. 'I think obviously with the uncertainty, the market volatility, I think people that have got a financial plan ... should stick to their financial plan and not overreact to what's happening in the market at any particular time,' Littlefield said in a recent episode of Decoding Retirement (see video above or listen below). This embedded content is not available in your region. And if you don't have a plan, get one. Best case, you should get professional advice, as everyone would benefit from some 'holistic advice' about how to address the needs that they will have in retirement, he said. 'They should be working with somebody,' he added. 'They can either speak to their employer and their retirement plan service provider, or they can also speak with an adviser.' Read more: Retirement planning: A step-by-step guide No matter what, especially during times of market volatility, Littlefield cautioned retirement savers to avoid one of the biggest mistakes investors make. 'I think one of the biggest mistakes that I see people make is they try to time the market,' he said. For example, investors often attempt to adjust their asset allocations — their mix of stocks, bonds, and cash — in response to short-term market swings. The problem with that approach, Littlefield explained, is that it requires two critical decisions. 'It's one thing to sell,' he said, 'but you also have to figure out when to buy, ... and if you're out of the market in the first couple days after the market rebounds, you missed a very large percentage of the returns.' His advice: 'If you've got a good asset allocation, you've got a good plan, stay the course. Don't let the short-term news affect what is a long-term horizon.' Littlefield also recommended maximizing every opportunity to save on a tax-free basis and, if you can afford it, making catch-up contributions. 'There are still significant opportunities for you when you achieve the age of 50 to save even more than the limits that are provided by the 401(k) plan,' he said. The standard annual employee contribution limit for 401(k) plans in 2025 is $23,500. For participants ages 50 and older, the standard catch-up contribution limit in 2025 is $7,500. This means individuals over 50 can contribute up to $31,000 to their 401(k) plan for the year. And starting in 2025, individuals ages 60, 61, 62, or 63 are eligible for a higher catch-up contribution limit under the SECURE 2.0 Act. Read more: How much money should I have saved by 50? According to Littlefield, it's best practice for individuals to have an investment policy statement to guide their investment strategies, but very few are truly equipped to do it on their own. And that's where professional guidance can help. One option is to seek out a managed account, which is an arrangement 'where you have somebody who's advising on the asset allocation and helping you with the rebalancing,' Littlefield said. However, professional guidance is also often built into products like target-date funds. These funds, he said, provide professional asset allocation, automatic rebalancing over time, and exposure to a wide range of asset classes. Littlefield suggested using a target-date fund while you're young, and then moving to a managed account when you're approaching retirement might be a sound strategy. It's a more 'personalized' approach, he said, adding, 'It takes into account your individual circumstance as opposed to just your age.' That said, 'there is a cost for providing that advice,' he said about managed accounts. Target-date funds typically have an expense ratio, which is an annual fee expressed as a percentage of your total investment in the fund. This fee covers the costs of managing the underlying investments and the rebalancing of the portfolio over time. Of note, the average expense ratio for target-date funds has been trending downward. Data from Morningstar in 2023 indicated an average asset-weighted fee of just 0.30%. However, fees can range from as low as 0.08% to over 1%. Managed accounts usually have a fee that is separate from the investment management fees of the underlying funds. Fees for managed accounts can vary considerably but often range from 0.25% to 0.75% of the account's total balance per year. Some sources indicate a common range of 0.35% to 0.50%, while others note fees can go as high as 0.80% Littlefield acknowledged that many in their 40s and 50s have competing demands on their money, such as paying down debt, saving for a down payment on a house or children's education, and saving for retirement. But, he said, 'it's really important for people to take a balanced approach to their financial wellness and not focus on any one particular goal.' Littlefield also suggested that the one mistake you ought to avoid is not saving for retirement in your 401(k). He said the ability to save on a tax-deferred basis is extremely valuable. Even before considering the benefits of maximizing an employer match, Littlefield said it's important to note that a significant portion of workers — close to 50% across the industry — aren't participating in their retirement plans at all, and that's a major concern. Each Tuesday, retirement expert and financial educator Robert Powell gives you the tools to plan for your future on Decoding Retirement. You can find more episodes on our video hub or watch on your preferred streaming service. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Southwest Center marks 26th annual ‘Celebration of Schools' event
WEBB CITY, Mo. — The accomplishments of area educators and supporters are celebrated at a special ceremony. The Southwest Center for Educational Excellence hosted its 26th annual Celebration of Schools at Cardinal Dome in Webb City. The event welcomed more than 475 school officials and professional community partners. Teachers from 23 Southwest Missouri school districts were recognized for their commitment to education. A total of 234 awards were given. Among those, 88 teachers received special recognition, including Teacher of the Year. For this school year, that award went to Sheila Littlefield, an instructional coach at Cassville Intermediate School. 'I think it means a lot to know that you have that value and appreciation from your peers and to know that they see what we do on a daily basis and know that we're making an impact for all the students in our building,' said Littlefield. 'I think every teacher deserves this, and so I wish we could do it for every teacher in all of our districts. I think it means a lot just to show them that they are special,' said Southwest Center Executive Director, Melissa Massey. The Southwest Center for Educational Excellence is comprised of 41 different Southwest Missouri school districts. Instructors say this celebration is a 'thank you' to all those dedicated to education. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
