Latest news with #MichaelHarris
CBC
08-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Regional councillors ask staff to cap any tax levy increase in 2026 to 5%
Regional councillors are starting to prepare for 2026 budget talks and as part of that they debated whether they should direct staff to cap any property tax increases to five per cent. Ultimately, they opted to pass a motion brought forward by Coun. Michael Harris during the administration and finance committee on Wednesday. Harris said he wanted to ask staff to keep to a five per cent cap because people across the region are facing significant financial pressures, including the rising cost of housing, food and other essentials. He said the region "has a responsibility" to be fiscally prudent while delivering services people need. "I think that this sends clarity to staff to obviously get to work over the course of the summer leading into budget with that number in mind," Harris said during the meeting. He said ultimately, it would be up to council during the budget process to go over that threshold if necessary. "I hope that we can deliver a budget to our community that's in and around that range at the very least. But ultimately, we know that come budget day, it's in all of our hands," Harris said. Coun. Colleen James said she supported the move because it would offer staff "a starting point" for preparing budget documents. "I'm also extremely conscious of the economy and the state that we are in with a significant amount of layoffs and potential job losses," James said. "I think that there are a lot of people in this region that are just staying above water … and our actions ahead of time will show the residents and those taxpayers that we're mindful of the situation." Council tried capping 2025 budget at 8% Coun. Chantal Huinink noted regional council passed a similar motion in 2024 to put an eight per cent cap on the budget "and we didn't make that." In December, regional council passed the 2025 budget that saw a 9.48 per cent increase to the regional portion of property taxes. "Economic times haven't gotten any easier for service providers than they've gotten for residents and so I'm just curious as to if you've had conversations with staff regarding how feasible this is," Huinink said. Wayne Steffler, the region's commissioner of corporate services and chief financial officer, said a five per cent cap would be "challenging but achievable." "Just to clarify a bit further, this is directing staff to prepare and present it, but that doesn't prohibit council from approving a higher rate for the budget or the levy increase if they wanted," he said. Coun. Doug Craig said he wants to see the budget increase remain at five per cent or lower and "that's where I'm going to stay during the budget discussion." "I think we've got to get tough on this," Craig said. Councillors Pam Wolf and Huinink were opposed to the motion and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic was absent for the vote. Budget discussions are set to begin in October with community consultations in November. If all goes according to plan, the 2026 budget would be approved on Dec. 10.
American Press
04-05-2025
- Politics
- American Press
Harris wins DeRidder mayoral contest by 10 votes
Michael Harris. (Special to the American Press) Independent candidate Michael Harris was elected the next governor of DeRidder Saturday by 10 votes. Harris defeated Republican 'Danny' Reynolds during a run-off race needed after neither candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote in March's election. Harris received 1,1010 votes in DeRidder and an additional 31 from Vernon Parish residents who live on the border of Beauregard Parish. Reynolds received 1,025 votes in DeRidder and 6 from Vernon voters.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Braves Start the Year 0-5 as Their Struggles Continue
The Atlanta Braves remain defeated in 2025 losing the opening game 6-1 against the reigning World Series champions Dodgers as their start to the season continues to trend downward. While only scoring seven runs in four losses to the Padres to start the season, Atlanta's slow run production resumed in Los Angeles scoring one run on three hits against L.A. pitching. Advertisement Tyler Glasnow etched eight strikeouts in five innings of dominance against the Braves in his first game of 2025. He allowed two hits and three walks in the process, completely shutting down the Braves offense to get the win. Michael Harris's home run in the eighth inning provided the Braves with their only run of the game. Harris went 2-4 while Jarred Kelenic aided with one hit of his own. For the Braves, Grant Holmes got the nod and had trouble early on giving up a home run to Teoscar Hernandez in the bottom of the first tallying up four runs in four innings. Holmes received the loss in L.A. He ended his night with only three strikeouts and allowed four walks. Advertisement Kike Hernandez also went yard for the sixth and final run for the Dodgers in the bottom of the sixth. L.A. had a combined nine hits in the game with Michael Conforto, Tommy Edman and Will Smith each contributing an RBI in the win. While it was not expected for the Braves to get to this slow of a start in 2025. There has been a lot of noise around the Braves this past weekend, adding to their recent stress. Early before the game, Jurickson Profar was suspended for 80 games by the MLB after testing positive for PEDS. Profar was a big free agent signing for the Braves in the offseason and now will sit out for half of the season and the postseason (if the Braves make it). Advertisement Along with that, Hector Neris was designated for the assignment after his bad appearance against the Padres. Atlanta will try to right the ship looking for their first win of 2025 by sending their ace Chris Sale to the mound. While Dodgers Dustin May will get his first start in two seasons on Tuesday, April 1st.
CBS News
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
2025 Wawa Welcome America in Philadelphia is back. Here's what to know about the 4th of July celebration.
The 2025 Wawa Welcome America returns for another year in Philadelphia. The 16-day festival , including the annual Fourth of July celebration, will have fan favorites and traditions everyone knows and loves. Welcome America, Inc. announced updates and new events for the festival on Thursday, including a partnership with the Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the return of Philly Pops, Wawa Hoagie Day and much more. Pops on Independence , a 40-year tradition, is officially back with the No Name Pops returning back to Philly Pops. This will be the first time they will perform under the new name on July 3, at Independence National Historical Park under newly appointed Music Director, Chris Dragon. Something new this year is the block party on June 22, partnered with the Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 26 [ FIFA World Cup 26 ]. The block party will be outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. It will feature a beer garden, food trucks, entertainment, activities and more. "From the MLB All-Star Game and FIFA World Cup to the broader celebration of the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase Philadelphia's energy, passion, and pride," said Michael Harris, vice president of marketing and government affairs of the Phillies, in the release. Ne-Yo and Kesha headlined the 2024 Wawa Welcome America festival. We don't know who will headline this year's festival yet, but an announcement is expected in May.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Number of wildfires burning in Florida climbs as dry conditions continue. Where, what to know
The number of wildfires burning in Florida is going up as residents anticipate dry days into the weekend, along with possible record high temperatures. On Thursday, April 3, there were 44 wildfires in the state, up from 38 the day before. More than 28,000 acres have been affected. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The average statewide drought index jumped to 313 April 2, up from 303 the day before. The driest conditions continue to stretch across South and Southwest Florida. "Well-above normal high temperatures" can be expected each afternoon into Saturday, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. "With the help of high pressure and dry conditions, high temperatures will reach the middle to upper 80s and lower 90s each afternoon. Typically, across North Florida, these are not temperatures we see for at least another three to four weeks on average, so there is a chance for record-breaking temperatures." The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida stopped its downward trend Wednesday, jumping to 313 from Tuesday's 303. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry. As of Wednesday, April 2, there were 12 Florida counties with an average Keetch-Byram Drought Index over 500, which means drought or increased fire danger. Broward: 564 Charlotte: 529 Collier: 571 Glades: 517 Hardee: 526 Hendry: 563 Lee: 568 Manatee: 521 Miami-Dade: 520 Monroe: 520 Palm Beach: 549 Sarasota: 518 Another 14 of Florida's 67 counties have index numbers in the 400s. Locally sensitive wildfire conditions may be possible this afternoon and evening (April 3) along portions of the western peninsula of Florida as dry air lowers relative humidity values to near 40% to 50% and breezy conditions persist over areas with ongoing drought conditions, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. According to the Florida Forest Service, burn bans are in place for the following counties: Charlotte Collier Glades Hendry Highlands Lake Sarasota The open burning of yard debris is always prohibited in these counties: Duval Hillsborough Orange Pinellas The Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge in DeLeon Springs opened to the public Thursday, April 3. A fire burning since March 31, caused by lightning, is no longer threatening trails, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said. According to Erin Myers, public information officer for the East Marsh Road blaze, the fire has burned 2,800 acres and is 80% contained. ➤ Officials: Wildfire at Lake Woodruff refuge near DeLand 60% contained Florida Forest Service Michael Harris said a fire in Collier County encompassed 70 acres as of 1 p.m. April 2. The cause of the fire is unknown. Harris said there is no threat to public safety since the fire is mainly in a forested area. He warned smoke will linger for three to four days even after the fire is contained. A few showers are possible across the Florida peninsula this afternoon, and an isolated rumble of thunder can't be ruled out, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. Warm and muggy conditions are expected to continue, with heat indices approaching the middle to upper 90s across west-central Florida. Expect winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 15-25 mph. Locally sensitive wildfire conditions are possible along the peninsula in the afternoon. We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. Contributors: Kendall Little, Naples Daily News; Patricio G. Balona, Daytona Beach News-Journal This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida brush fires map: Number at 44. More than 28,000 burned
