Latest news with #MikeMcGinn
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What is May Day? Seattle's complicated history with the event
May Day, celebrated on May 1, is known as a day for marches and rallies across the region— particularly surrounding workers' rights. History of May Day – International Workers Day May Day commemorates the struggle and the lives lost during the fight to ensure the traditional workday we are now accustomed to. It all began in the 1880s. According to the American Postal Workers Union, industrial workers were tired of long hours and harsh conditions. The organization now known as the American Federation of Labor coordinated a nationwide strike for May 1, 1886— for workers to demand the 8-hour workday. In Chicago, anarchists and labor activists began a multi-day strike, which later became known as the Haymarket affair of 1886, according to The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. By the third day, things turned violent—with numerous protesters and police officers dying. On May 1, 1886, NPR reports that more than 340,000 workers took part in national actions in support of an eight-hour day. To honor the Chicago workers, Time reports that the International Socialist Conference in 1889 named May Day a labor holiday, creating what many now call International Workers' Day. May Day Turmoil in Seattle Protests in Seattle on May Day haven't always gone smoothly. For four consecutive years, starting in 2012, anarchists and anti-capitalists dressed in black clashed with police. 2012 Protesters flooded downtown streets, some shattering windows, firing paintballs, setting fires, and blocking traffic. Many businesses went into lockdown as a result. KIRO 7's cameras captured much of the turmoil. The mayor at the time, Mike McGinn, issued an order that allowed police to confiscate items that could be used as weapons, such as large dowels, handles for signs, ball peen hammers and tire irons. Several people were arrested. 2013 With the exception of a few minor scuffles, Seattle Police said the May Day March itself 'went off without a hitch.' However, two hours after it ended, officers said another group of demonstrators smashed windows and hurled rocks at them. Protesters ignited smoke bombs and threw fireworks at people, and officers eventually began loading many of them into transport vans. Eight officers were hurt – mostly bumps and bruises, but one officer was hit in the knee by a 'fist-sized' rock. A woman driving by the commotion was also hurt. Officers said someone threw a glass bottle at her car and shattered her window. About 17 people were arrested for offenses such as property destruction and assault. 2014 The Seattle Police Department said an afternoon rally, organized by El Comite, was peaceful. However, a second unpermitted group began causing problems. Police said the group hurled bottles, bricks and firecrackers at them and lit several dumpsters on fire. In total, ten people were arrested – including one man for assaulting an officer. 2015 Two peaceful demonstrations took place before things took a turn in the city. One permitted by El Comite – the other unplanned. Mid-afternoon, officers spotted a crowd of about 75 people wearing masks near the Federal Courthouse, and that's where things took a turn. In total, three police officers were hospitalized, and five others were hurt during the events of May Day in 2015. Sixteen people were arrested—many carrying knives, hammers, and other types of weapons. The violence and arrests were a result, according to police, largely because of an unpermitted march on Capitol Hill, which grew into a 'full-scale riot.' Video showed people breaking windows of buildings, lighting the American flag on fire and hitting officers with sticks. The Seattle Police Department said it spent about $288,000 in overtime for the event. 2016 A man threw unlit gasoline-filled beer bottles at Seattle police. One officer suffered leg burns after a flash-bang grenade ignited gasoline from a bottle that shattered at his feet. The police department said that in total, five officers were hurt. Seattle police used pepper spray to disperse black-clad anti-capitalist protesters. Officers said the group threw rocks, flares, bricks, and Molotov cocktails at them. At least nine people were arrested. The violence came after a peaceful protest that happened earlier in the day – similar to years past. 2017 Rioters were arrested in Olympia after protests turned violent. A confrontation between protestors and onlookers escalated, which led to 9 arrests. 2018 Hundreds gathered and marched in a mostly peaceful demonstration in Seattle. Only one arrest was made after a masked man threw a rock at the Amazon Spheres.
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
WGL Energy Expands into New Jersey with Retail Energy Offerings
Commercial and industrial customers can now access WGL Energy's electricity, natural gas, and renewable options, with residential offerings to follow VIENNA, VA / ACCESS Newswire / February 28, 2025 / WGL Energy Services, Inc. ('WGL Energy'), a leading retail supplier of electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy solutions with over 25 years of experience primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region, announced it will begin serving the state of New Jersey for the first time, marking a strategic expansion in the retail energy market. As WGL Energy enters the New Jersey market as a trusted and experienced provider, it will initially focus on providing energy choice for large commercial and industrial customers, leveraging its expertise, reliability, and commitment to strong customer excellence to establish a solid foothold in the region. Soon after, WGL Energy plans to broaden its reach to residential and small businesses. Having secured necessary regulatory approvals and licenses to meet the rigorous utility qualification standards in the state, WGL Energy looks forward to meeting the long-term natural gas and electricity needs of New Jerseyans. WGL Energy is excited to operate in several utility footprints in New Jersey, including: The company is also finalizing approvals in other utility territories throughout the state. Across these multiple regions in New Jersey, WGL Energy will be offering flexible and reliable energy solutions to a diverse and expansive customer base. The expansion into New Jersey increases WGL Energy's retail reach to six states - including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia - plus the District of Columbia, underscoring the company's ongoing dedication to growth and delivering reliable energy solutions for a wide range of customers with varying energy requirements, budgetary needs, and sustainability goals. 'New Jersey represents an exciting frontier for WGL Energy with its diverse economy - we are ready to bring our choice of energy supply and exceptional customer care to customers across the state,' said Mike McGinn, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. 'We are excited to engage with commercial, industrial, and governmental customers in the Garden State and look forward to eventually extending our reach to residential customers in New Jersey, helping them to achieve their energy goals, budget objectives, and sustainability targets.' WGL Energy's entry into New Jersey comes at an important time as the state continues to implement its ambitious clean energy goals while businesses seek reliable partners who can navigate the increasingly complex energy marketplace. In addition to natural gas and electricity, customers can also select environmentally friendly options such as WGL Energy's renewable energy certificates ('RECs') and carbon offsets. To learn more about WGL Energy service areas, offerings, customer service, news and developments, please visit About WGL Energy WGL Energy is a leading retail energy provider, offering a diverse portfolio of electricity, natural gas, and renewable energy options. With more than 25 years of industry experience, WGL Energy delivers reliable, customer-focused energy supply tailored to meet procurement goals, requirements, and sustainability objectives. Serving the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions - including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. - WGL Energy provides customized energy options that adapt to regional dynamics while maintaining a consistent commitment to reliability, sustainability, and exceptional customer service. Visit WGL Energy online at , X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook.
