Latest news with #Powers
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
2 Jacksonville Fire Chief applicants have been the subject of Action News Jax investigations
As the City of Jacksonville looks to replace outgoing Fire Chief Keith Powers, Action News Jax has learned some of those applying have been the subject of controversy in recent years. The 17 candidates in the running to become the next chief of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department come with a combined total of more than 330 years of fire experience. The diverse slate of applicants includes educational backgrounds ranging from bachelor's to master's and even two doctoral degrees. Five are military veterans. Their fire experience is equally diverse, with one candidate holding the position of a rank-and-file firefighter, while others currently serve in top-level positions like District, Division, and Battalion Chief. 'We'll be interviewing those folks that we feel are most qualified to do the job and we'll move on from there,' Mayor Donna Deegan said Tuesday. Deegan will be tasked with appointing the new Chief. In 2023, she announced a series of ten new leadership appointments at JFRD, along with a new program aimed at growing the next generation of leadership from within the department. 'Safety is job one and I think Chief Powers has done an amazing job with that over the years,' Deegan said. But two of the current candidates have been the subject of Action News Jax investigations. JFRD Lieutenant Todd Smith faced sexual harassment claims during his time as Chief of Emergency Preparedness in 2022. He resigned from his post days after Action News Jax broke the story in 2023. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Candidate and current Fire District Chief Bryon Iveson also made headlines in April when Action News Jax revealed he faced an internal investigation and had been reassigned to desk duty after allegedly forcing a Muslim firefighter to break his Ramadan fast. When asked about the controversy surrounding the two applicants, the Mayor told us she'll be looking for a candidate that can unite the community. 'We need to pick somebody that will bring this community together, but also make sure that it is safe,' Deegan said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Jacksonville City Council will need to confirm whoever the mayor picks to replace Powers. His last day is June 30th. The mayor's pick will serve as Acting Chief as their appointment moves through the council confirmation process. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
We found love online in our 80s. Here's what we want people to know about finding love again in your golden years
Is finding love possible after grief? Is it still possible to date in your golden years? For Dr. Gloria Horsley, finding love after loss came with it's fair share of heartache and life lessons. Five months after her husband died, she decided to try online dating. She met a man who she began golfing with and said it helped her with her grief. He eventually moved in with her, but their relationship came to an abrupt end when he left his house keys and a note on the counter and disappeared. "I was very hurt and angry at the time," Horsley a relationship therapist and psychotherapist in the U.S, said in an interview with Yahoo Canada. "Then I felt I could do something about it; I learned so much being with him." So, she decided to write a book for widows, including a chapter on online dating. "(Dating) is full of ups and downs, but at least you're feeling things again…you're then motivated to do something about what you're feeling... like go on another date. It just opens up a huge amount of possibilities in your world," said Horsley, who didn't give up on dating or meeting new people. Horsley and her partner Dr. Frank Powers, who's also a relationship therapist, have been together for two years after meeting on SilverSingles, an online dating platform for older adults. It has been a "miraculous" time for the couple who are both in their 80s. Powers said their relationship is something he believes is possible for other seniors to have too. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Gloria Horsley & Dr. Frank Powers (@goldendatingdoctors) In 2023, the couple released their book titled "Open to Love: The Secrets of Senior Dating," to encourage and help seniors navigate the dating scene, and learn how to find love again. "There are plenty of people out there... and online dating is one of the resources available to them now that was not available to them 30 years ago," Powers said. "If you're retired and you've got a more limited number of people you come in contact with, you do need something that's going to introduce you to people who you wouldn't normally meet, who are going to be good candidates," he added. Even though there are plenty of seniors looking for companionship, Powers said nobody mentions or talks about dating, be it online or otherwise. "People talk about joining a bingo group or getting a dog. A dog is wonderful, but it's not enough," said Powers. "Loneliness is the number one mental health issue." Loneliness and isolation in seniors have been linked to an increased risk of strokes, dementia, coronary heart disease, cancer mortality and premature death. Statistics Canada reported in July 2023 that almost one in five Canadian seniors (19 per cent) aged 65 and older reported experiencing loneliness in 2019 and 2020. "People who are in a relationship in their 60s, 70s and 80s live longer, so it's a very healthy and wonderful thing," said Powers. A dog is wonderful, but it's not Frank Powers According to Dr. Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, directors of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, having close and healthy relationships, much like exercise and healthy eating, can have an impact on how long someone lives. It's a phenomenon both experts explore in their book called "The Good Life: Lessons from the world's longest scientific study of happiness." Amy D'Aprix, a Canadian gerontological social worker who operates a consulting practice, tells Yahoo Canada people who have good social support are less likely to end up in a nursing home. "That support has also been shown to have a protective factor against Alzheimer's disease," D'Aprix said, a fact also backed by the Alzheimer's Association. The association stated, "social engagement is associated with reduced rates of disability and mortality, and may also reduce risk for depression. Remaining socially active may support brain health and possibly delay the onset of dementia." D'Aprix added dating is about people seeking social support. D'Aprix said people assume seniors never want to have sex, which "isn't true, but is still a huge stereotype." There's also the stereotype of seniors being rigid and not flexible enough. "There is the idea that people are content that they've already had love and romance and they don't need it anymore... but we need connection and affection," the expert claimed. Horsley added some women may also not want to date again because they "don't want to be a nurse or a purse" for a man — but it doesn't have to be that way. "You can talk to people in advance that you want their kids to take care of them if they have health problems and what you're willing to do," said Horsley. "You don't have to do the same thing in this new relationship when you're a senior. You can change the paradigm." Horsley and Powers agreed the first principle in reentering the dating scene as a senior is to not give up as it will be a process, and a connection may not be found on the first date. "You do need to learn to become a good consumer and learn how to use the process of dating and become an expert," Horsley explained. The couple also suggested having a "dating buddy," like a grandchild or a friend who has experience with dating at an older age. "Don't go into your head alone," Powers advised. "Have some people who are going to support you through the good times and help keep your spirits up." Dating is full of ups and downs, but at least you're feeling things Gloria Horsley When it comes to online dating too, D'Aprix said safety is number one. Seniors should be very careful not to fall for scams, and having support is important in reducing the chances of that happening. "Not all dating is online, too. I would say let your friends know that you're interested in a relationship... or think about people in your past that you might have had a great connection with, but your lives went different directions," D'Aprix said. "It's not uncommon for people to get into relationships with people they dated or knew earlier in their life." Horsley and Powers said it's important for older adults to look at what they really want in a partner. Horsley explained when a person is younger they might want to go on hikes more, travel to Europe or have kids, but at an older age, things have changed. "Now you're saying I want someone who is financially responsible and takes care of their health," she said. "I knew I wanted somebody who golfs. I said (in my dating bio) 'if you don't golf, don't get in touch with me,' because really, why waste time?," she added. At a much older age, the couple said a person doesn't have as much time and "you want to make sure you use it well." "Don't see dates that don't go anywhere as failures. See them as almost experiences that you grow through and it gets you closer to knowing what makes you happy," Powers said. "You have to have some courage and persistence."
Irish Independent
25-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Opening of Irish Distillers' new €250m facility in Midleton, pushed back to 2027 at the earliest
The comments from Kevin O'Gorman are the first indication of how long the much-anticipated project in Midleton, Co Cork, has been delayed. The Jameson, Red Breast, and Powers producer shared that construction had slowed at the new distillery in March but did not reveal by how long. During an interview with WhiskyCast, an industry podcast, O'Gorman was asked if the latest Midleton distillery project for the whiskey giant was on track to open next year. 'We don't have an exact date yet,' he replied. 'But it won't be next year. As I said, we are just on the brewhouse and the grains intake at the moment, and that in itself will take six, seven, eight months to get right. "And then we have the rest of the building structure to do as well. We are looking at longer than next year,' O'Gorman added. 'Over the next few months, we will see how we get on, but overall, it is progressing very well.' Irish Distillers, part of French alcohol giant Pernod Ricard, first announced the new Midleton distillery in 2022. At the time, the company said it was being built in the Co Cork town 'to meet demand and ensure the necessary future production capacity for its portfolio of Irish whiskeys globally'. The announcement said the new distillery – on a site adjacent and connected to its current one – would be expected to generate up to 100 highly skilled jobs for the region once it was operational in 2025. Irish Distillers also announced plans to invest €50m to fund projects aimed at transforming Midleton Distillery into a carbon-neutral operation by the end of 2026. Irish whiskey, like other spirits, is currently battling an oversupply problem. The sector has also been hit with uncertainty amid US tariffs on imports, one of its most important markets. Earlier this month, the Sunday Independent reported that the vast majority of distilling in Ireland had been paused. Irish Distillers is among those to have paused production at its Midleton facility. The business said the pause would be from April until summer as it was 'adjusting its production schedule for a routine, periodic review'. In response to questions, it said it had previously confirmed the timeline for the new distillery had 'evolved, as is the case with many projects of this scale'. 'Construction is still progressing on-site and Irish Distillers remains absolutely committed to the delivery of the new distillery and to the production of Irish whiskey at Midleton Distillery into the future.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stewart Grocery in Buffalo Gap closing after 8 decades of community service
BUFFALO GAP, Texas ()- Since 1946, Stewart Grocery in Buffalo Gap has been the local one stop shop for gassing up and chowing down, all the while owned and operated by the Stewart family. Owner Mickey Stewart announced recently that the store will be closing on Saturday, May 31, leading to an outpouring of memories and well wishes shared by locals. Debbie Powers has been a store clerk at Stewart Grocery for about 5 years now, calling the place a 'home away from home', a sentiment that many in the community share. She tells KTAB/KRBC that the decision to close the store comes from a number of factors not the least of which are financial concerns due to the rising cost of stocking, insuring, and operating the beloved corner store. Small Town Tales: Smithsonian Institute features Buffalo Gap in upcoming exhibit 'You have to have insurance on everything you sell out of the store to cover it. You have to have insurance on the property. That's went up probably 30, 40% over the last couple of years…it's kind of hard for a little mom and pops to compete with all the forward progress,' Powers said. For all the bittersweet memories that have come up in the wake of the announcement, Powers hopes that the public will show up in force to say their farewells and buy their final goods throughout the coming week as their closing day approaches, Powers saying there is still time to make a few fond memories more. 'People come in and, you know, get a fountain drink visit. They always ask us how we're doing and we ask them how they're doing. I love that part. I'm going to miss that part of it…I myself am thankful for the community and their support and i know Mickey is thankful for it through the years. I would just say to them, don't be sad. Come out and give him a good sendoff. Help him clean the store out,' said Powers. Cannonballs discovered in walls of historic courthouse in Buffalo Gap Special deals on goods and store stock will be held all throughout the coming week leading up to the final day on Saturday, May 31. Powers saying that day will be the public's last chance to enjoy one of Mickey's famous ground meat hamburgers made from high quality chuck, as well as a slice of their well known pizza. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tensions flare at school board meeting after trans athlete wins multiple track events
Parents and residents clashed at a school board meeting in Chicago on Monday after a trans junior high school student won multiple events at a local track meet. The Naperville 203 Community School District Board meeting was at times contentious, with roughly 100 people in attendance, split between the main room and an overflow viewing area. Those in support of the trans athlete waved the blue, pink and white striped transgender flag, while those advocating for athletes to compete against people of the same biological sex held signs reading "Protect girls sports" and "Defend Title IX," a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. California Track Meet Turns To Political Rally Over Trans Athletes As Schools Speak Out Vs. State The controversy centered around a biological male who competed in a 7th grade track meet against biological females at the Naper Prairie Conference Meet, with attendees at the meeting sharply divided on the issue. "These situations place feelings over reason and force other students and families to participate in something we all know is a lie," parent Mike LaBelle said. Read On The Fox News App Naperville resident Doug MacGregor said there is a hidden political agenda behind district policies. "Many of us knew then the achievement gap was just a Trojan horse for DEI's real objective, pronouns and the radical LGBTQ-plus agenda," MacGregor said. "Naperville parents will spend literally tens of thousands of dollars on sports throughout their daughters lives: travel teams, coaches, summer camps, traveling to tournaments and meets, etc. and when their daughter steps up for her chance to win a state championship or medal," he said. "She'll lose to a biological male. That once in a lifetime moment gone because of DEI's political agenda." Those defending the trans athlete included Dorothy Powers, a parent of six who is non-binary. Powers argued that forcing students to compete in a gender category that does not match their identity harms their personal development. "When a student is forced to compete in a gender with which he or she does not identify, education is a choice," Powers said. "America began providing public education in 1635. Will Naperville continue the proud American tradition of forward progress, or try to justify exclusion? For those who are non-binary, of course I include. I encourage inclusion." Illinois Trans Athlete Policy Brewing Conflict Within State Parent Tim Thompson said the controversy is not truly about races or a specific athlete, but rather part of a broader effort to target transgender students. "Don't be fooled. It was never about a race, and it was never about an athlete," Thompson said. "This is an attempt to further marginalize the group and tell them that they don't belong, that they aren't good enough." Awake Illinois has filed a civil rights complaint against the district, with the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights alleging a violation of Title IX. They called on federal funds to be withheld from the district, which it says receives between $8 million and $9 million in federal grants annually. The complaint is part of a broader effort by Awake Illinois, which previously filed similar Title IX complaints against other districts and the Illinois State Board of Education. Shannon Adcock of Awake Illinois also spoke out at the meeting. "Now in 2025, you've got boys stealing girls' victories, leaving young girls sobbing on the track," Adcock said. "This isn't inclusion. It's oppression." Meanwhile, Lauren Hruby said that a solution may be to give trans students a different class of sports to compete against one another. "But I think for women, I don't think we stand a chance against a male," she said. "I know a lot of these girls practice their entire life to try to get a scholarship, and there's a lot lost opportunities, so I just wanted to come and support women in women's sports." Fox News' Patrick McGovern contributed to this report. Original article source: Tensions flare at school board meeting after trans athlete wins multiple track events
