Latest news with #Olszewski
Calgary Herald
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
'Great sense of responsibility': Edmonton's Olszewski goes from political abyss to Carney's cabinet
Just a few months ago, Eleanor Olszewski was set to run again as a federal Liberal candidate in Edmonton Strathcona. She'd run in the NDP stronghold before and lost. Article content Article content She was expected to lose again and go back to her job as a lawyer. Article content Fast forward to the present, and Olszewski is the lone Alberta MP to be in Prime Minister Mark Carney's cabinet. She's a prime example of how politics can change in a very short period of time. Article content Article content When Randy Boissonnault announced he would not stand for reelection in Edmonton Centre, the party asked Olszewski to move from Strathcona to a riding in which the Liberals had a much better chance to win. She became the only Liberal to win a seat in the Edmonton area. Article content Article content With Carney needing to show that he's serious about national unity, and having a cabinet filled with ministers from across the country, Olszewski found herself in pole position for a minister's job. Five days before the swearing-in ceremony, she found out she was going to be the minister of emergency management and community resilience, and will also oversee Prairies Economic Development Canada. There's no understating the importance of being the lone Alberta Liberal cabinet minister. Olszewski has to represent the interests of a province which has filed numerous court challenges against the federal government, and where the spectre of a separation referendum in 2026 has the country as a whole talking about national unity. Meanwhile, Canada is under threat from the protectionist policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. Article content Article content Despite the political gulf between the provincial Conservatives and the federal Liberals, there is one thing on which Olszewski and Premier Danielle Smith can agree — that the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta needs a reset. But where they differ is how to best achieve that goal. Smith does so with bluster and through the courts. Olszewski believes it can be best achieved by the two parties sitting down and being willing partners rather than adversaries. Article content Article content 'It's an incredible honour to be chosen to represent Alberta in cabinet,' she said. 'It's a role that I do not take lightly. It comes with a great sense of responsibility. I want to be a strong voice for Alberta. I want to move forward with respect to the relationship between Alberta and the federal government, and to show Albertans that the relationship can be based on respect and collaboration.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vote for Landmark Fine Homes girls high school athlete of the week for May 5-11
The Oklahoman's spring sport girls athletes of the week poll for May 5-11 presented by Landmark Fine Homes is now live at Heritage Hall sophomore soccer player Mia Berrong was last week's winner. Advertisement Voting is open until noon Sunday. Here are the nominees. More: Vote for Landmark Fine Homes boys high school athlete of the week for May 5-11 Pre-order book on Oklahoma HS basketball at 'The Big House' More: Edmond Memorial, Heritage Hall win Oklahoma high school girls tennis state titles Shelbie Caveness, Sr., Washington softball: Caveness finished a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate with seven RBIs and led the charge with two home runs to guide Washington to a slowpitch state title. Jasmine Crain, Sr., Heritage Hall tennis: Crain helped Heritage Hall claim a state title while winning the Class 5A state championship in No. 1 singles (6-1, 6-3). Advertisement Allie Dolezal, So., Edmond Memorial tennis: She helped Edmond Memorial secure its first-ever team state tennis title with a 5-7, 6-1, 6-0 win in the No. 2 singles. Harlow Gregory, Fr., Norman North golf: She shot an even-par 144 as she won the Class 6A title May 6 at MeadowBrook Country Club in Tulsa. Gabriella Gross, Jr., Heritage Hall golf: She finished as the Class 4A runner-up after shooting a 4-over 75 in the first round of the state tournament Monday at Shawnee Country Club before the final round was called off due to weather. Brianna Jones, Sr., Douglass track: Jones defended her Class 4A title and broke her own state record from a year ago in the 200, winning with a final time of 25:09 seconds. She also won the 100 in 12.19 seconds while winning the 400 in 55.27 seconds. Advertisement Gracie Levonitis, Sr., Christian Heritage golf: She finished in a three-way tie atop the leaderboard at the Class 2A state tournament after firing an 8-over 80 in the first round Monday at Winter Creek Golf & Social Club in Blanchard. The second round was canceled due to weather. Aniston Marks, So., Oklahoma Christian School track: She captured her first individual state titles in both the 100 (12.06) and 200 (25.09). Helen Olszewski, Sr., Casady soccer: The Cyclones won their two Class 3A playoff games last week, and Olszewski — a Virginia signee — played a role in every point they scored in their 4-0 victory over Fort Gibson in the quarterfinals. Olszewski had three goals and one assist. Heartly Snyder, Sr., Dale softball: Snyder hit a walk-off solo home run to seal Dale's state championship in a dramatic 11-10 victory over Pocola. Advertisement More: Oklahoma high school winter sports: 2024-25 All-State, All-City teams in basketball, swimming & wrestling Jordan Davis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jordan? He can be reached at jdavis@ or on X/Twitter at @jdavis34_ . Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Jordan's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Vote: Landmark Fine Homes girls HS athlete of the week for May 5-11
Calgary Herald
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Danielle Smith fumes over Mark Carney's cabinet choices
Article content Olszewski was named the Liberal candidate for Edmonton Centre after the election writ was dropped. She was shuffled into the riding by the Liberal Party of Canada after former cabinet minister Randy Boissonnault announced he would not stand for re-election. Olszewski, the former chair of the federal Liberal Party's Alberta wing, had been nominated to run in Edmonton Strathcona, where she likely would have been a sacrificial lamb in a riding that's a New Democrat stronghold. Article content Olszewski raised her family in Glenora before moving south of the river. She's has a bachelor of science – pharmacy and a law doctorate from the University of Alberta. Because of her background in both pharmacy and law, she has worked on drug and medical-claim cases. Article content 'I do want to be a very strong advocate for the people of Edmonton Centre,' she pledged during the election campaign, 'I've spent my career being an advocate and speaking out for people who don't have a voice. or are trying to operate in a system that can seem unfair or can seem really complicated and frustrating. It's important for me to take those skills, and I think I've learned a lot of skills from being a lawyer for a long period of time, to a different place. I want to advocate not just for the people of this riding but for the people of Alberta and Canada, as well.' Article content Article content Olszewski said that 'this is a time for unity' and that she looked forward to helping Carney implement 'thoughtful and sensible plans to protect families and workers and to save businesses across the country, and, most importantly save our Canadian way of life and our sovereignty.' Article content Mike Ellis, the province's minister of public safety and emergency services, had a more conciliatory take than Smith. He said the Alberta government will have an open mind when it comes to the new cabinet. Article content 'I'll just echo what the premier has indicated here, that we just want to reset the relationship with Ottawa,' he said. 'I think all of my cabinet colleagues are looking forward to that. I think we're all looking forward to reaching out to all of our cabinet colleagues in the federal government. Eleanor, I don't know her. I look forward to meeting her. I know that I've already asked my staff to reach out to her so we can co-ordinate, have a conversation. So I certainly look forward to that.' Article content Article content Olszewski is one of 24 Liberal MPs who are new to cabinet. Article content 'We are in a position where we have cabinet ministers from all the provinces. I'm very proud of that,' Carney said outside of Rideau Hall. 'And, a full cabinet member from the territories. So, we're governing for all Canadians, all regions, with a strong and clear mandate that came out of the election. Article content Carney said having a 'half and half' balance of experienced rookie and veteran cabinet ministers is ideal, as he tiptoed the line between preserving the Liberal brand and not falling into the trap of being seen as a continuation of the Trudeau government. Article content 'To me, it's perfect.' Article content Article content
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hayden firing at Library of Congress brings swift rebuke from Democrats
A protester stands outside the Library of Congress on Friday in support of Carla Hayden, the librarian of Congress who was abruptly fired Thursday night. (Photo by Jess Daninhirsch/Capital News Service) Maryland Democrats reacted swiftly, and angrily, Friday to news that President Donald Trump had fired the librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, a former director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore who drew raves for her work there. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said Friday that President Donald Trump fired Hayden Thursday night because of 'quite concerning things that she had done at the Library of Congress in the pursuit of DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] and putting inappropriate books in the library for children.' 'We don't believe that she was serving the interest of the American taxpayer well so she has been removed from her position and the president is well within his rights to do that,' Leavitt said. Rep. Johnny Olszewski Jr. (D-2nd said late Thursday that Trump's 'callous dismissal of Carla Hayden is a disgraceful disservice to all Americans.' 'We must call this out for what it is: an attack on our democratic norms and yet another effort to replace dedicated public servants with MAGA allies,' Olszewski said in a statement. When she was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2016, Hayden was the 14th librarian of Congress but the first woman and the firs African American in the job, which has a term of 10 years. Her term included the four years of Trump's first term in office. 'Dr. Hayden deserves to serve out the remainder of her 10-year term and the country will be better off for it,' Olszewski said. 'Congress must demand answers and be ready to fight for her reinstatement.' Prior to her federal appointment, Hayden was CEO of the Enoch Pratt Library, a position she had held since 1993, according to her official Library of Congress biography. Del. Samuel I. 'Sandy' Rosenberg (D-Baltimore), who called Hayden's termination a 'Trumpian tragedy,' recalled her insistence on keeping the library open during the height of the unrest in Baltimore over Freddie Gray. 'The epicenter of the disturbances after Freddie Gray's funeral was Pennsylvania and North Avenue,' Rosenberg said. 'The library branch at that corner was kept open by Carla Hayden.' Rosenberg said Hayden's efforts 'so impressed' then-House Speaker Michael Busch that he backed legislation mandating additional funding to the system for extended hours. The bill, passed by the General Assembly, was vetoed by then-Gov. Larry Hogan, but that veto was susseqently overriden by lawmakers. Patrick Roddy, a long-time Annapolis lobbyist, who retired in 2021 and then rejoined Baltimore County government this year, will re-retire at the end of the month. A spokesperson for County Executive Kathy Klausmeier confirmed Roddy will retire from his position as director of government relations effective June 1. Roddy spent two decades in Baltimore County government as director of legislative affairs liaison and an assistant county attorney before joining Rifkin Weiner Livingston in 2003. Roddy did not respond to a request for comment. In previous interviews, the former Annapolis lobbyist said he did not see his return to county government as permanent. Klausmeier — the 15th Baltimore County executive and first woman to hold the position — tapped Roddy and his wife Valerie to join her administration just days after she was named to fill the vacancy created when Johnny Olszewski Jr. was elected to Congress. Both Roddys were initially named senior advisers, with Patrick moving into the county's lobbying shop — a job he'd held previously. Valerie Roddy became deputy chief of staff. The county spokesperson said Valerie Roddy will continue in her position. And while rumors of potential replacements for Patrick Roddy circulate, the spokesperson said a search is ongoing. Five Maryland sites have been added to the National Underground Railroad Network of Freedom Program. The new sites join more than 90 others in the state as part of a National Park Service program aimed at promoting preservation and research of sites related to the Underground Railroad — part of an abolitionist effort that helped enslaved people escape. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE 'By adding five historical sites here in Maryland to the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program, we are honoring the legacy and lives of the courageous men and women who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad. At a time when this Administration is actively trying to erase American history, we in Maryland will never back down from this simple truth: our history makes us stronger, more resilient, and more prepared to never let the evils of our past repeat,' Maryland U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks said in a joint statement from the Maryland delegation. The five Maryland sites are: Goshen Farm in Annapolis. Issac Mason Escape Site in Chestertown. St. Augustine Church in Chesapeake. Rich Hill in Bel Alton. Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal, Susquehanna State Park in Havre de Grace. 'I commend the preservation efforts of the National Underground Railroad Network. Three of the new historic sites – Isaac Mason Escape Site, St. Augustine Church and Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal – are located in the First Congressional District. The addition of these sites preserve the legacy and bravery of Marylanders who sacrificed their safety for the freedom of others,' Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) said in the joint statement from the Maryland delegation. The five sites in Maryland are part of 31 additions to the National Park Service Program. Currently there are 800 sites in 41 states. More than three dozen advocates, including the NAACP Maryland State Conference, are calling on Gov. Wes Moore to veto a bill meant to regulate so-called 'earned wage access' loans. In a letter sent to Moore, advocates said House Bill 1294 exempts app-based lenders from state laws that 'prohibit lending that is discriminatory, is deceptive, or carries extremely high interest rates.' 'The NAACP is particularly concerned that certain companies have written themselves out of the anti-discrimination protections embedded in the small-dollar lending statute,' NAACP Maryland State Conference Political Action Chair Ricarra Jones, said in a statement. 'At a time when the federal government is openly working to dismantle hard-won laws and policies that protect people of color, these industry-proposed rollbacks are especially harmful for the people of Maryland. We call on Governor Moore to stand firm in defense of civil rights and equal protection under the law.' Earned wage access programs typically come in two versions – one offered by employers to their employees and another offered by private companies directly to workers. Both versions are intended to give early access to a portion of wages earned but not yet paid. The amount is then paid back typically through automatic deductions, usually with a fee or 'tip.' Jones and opponents of the House bill say those tips amount to finance charges that often can exceed 300% interest, higher than the state's 33% limit. Allowing the bill to become law 'removes the last and best defense against predatory lending in the state,' the group said in its letter to Moore. House Republicans are calling on Gov. Wes Moore to fire embattled Department of Juvenile Services Secretary Vincent Schiraldi in the wake of a troubling new audit. A convicted criminal worked with children at Maryland facility, audit finds The 75-page report from the Office of Legislative Audits found scores of issues with the agency that is responsible for incarcerating minors. Included in the findings was a lack of criminal background checks by contractors on their employees. One contractor, who auditors said was convicted of second-degree assault and possession of a dangerous weapon with the intent to injure, was still working for a DJS vendor as recently as January. It's the second time in less than a year that Republicans have called on Moore to fire Schiraldi. House Minority Leader Del. Jason C. Buckel (R-Allegany) called the audit 'yet another troubling, but not surprising, example' of the department's failure to protect children in its care.' 'This agency has a record of constant failure in its basic duties, and they have not once been held accountable,' Buckel said in a statement released by the House Republican Caucus. 'With the hundreds of accusations of historic abuse being lodged at the DJS, one would think they would have a laser focus on those who were working directly with the children under their supervision, but again, this is not the case.' In its reply to auditors, the department said it is working to correct the deficiencies cited in the audit — which, it noted, includes only one year of Moore's term in office, and almost three years under the previous administration. 'This evaluation took place almost entirely during the previous administration and highlights the state of disrepair the department was in when Governor Moore assumed office,' Carter Elliott, a spokesperson for the governor, said in a statement. 'Secretary Schiraldi and the Department of Juvenile Services have spent the last two years addressing deficiencies left by the previous administration and this is just the latest example.' Even so, it has become another flash point for the secretary. 'Governor Moore's all-of-the-above approach to public safety is seeing results across the state,' Elliott said. 'Juvenile crime numbers in murder, auto theft, carjacking and other areas continue to drop because of the work the administration is doing in partnership with the general assembly, state attorneys, local leaders, and advocates.'
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Deputies looking for missing Park Twp mom, 3 kids, dog
PARK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Deputies are asking the public for help finding a missing Park Township mother, her three children and their dog who were last seen in Indiana. On Thursday, deputies with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office began investigating the suspicious disappearance of 50-year-old Michelle Lynn Olszewski and her three children, ages 14, 10 and 8, after Olszewski removed her children from school the day before and left the state. Her rental car and belongings were found at a hotel in Indiana. The sheriff's office said it is working with the Mishawaka Police Department to find Olszewski, her children and their dog, Lambchop. Lambchop is a Shiba Inu breed, medium-sized and golden brown with some white coloring. 'They did find evidence that Michelle may be mentally unstable at this time and has a history of mental instability,' the sheriff's department said in a release. Olszewski and her children have not been seen at or near the Indiana hotel since Thursday. The sheriff's office said they do not have a known source of transportation. Anyone with information is asked to call Ottawa County Central Dispatch at 1.800.249.0911 or Silent Observer at 877.887.4536. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
