Latest news with #Recollections
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
SOAP LAKE MAYOR: Karen Woodhouse
Aug. 5—SOAP LAKE — As Soap Lake prepares for its mayoral election in November, City Council Member Karen Woodhouse has officially announced her write-in candidacy. With a history of dedicated civic service and a passion for local advocacy, Woodhouse said, she presents herself as a reliable candidate knowledgeable about the issues facing her community. Currently serving as the mayor pro tempore and a member of the Soap Lake City Council, Woodhouse said she is an active member of the community. She is the owner of Recollections, a local business focused on the unique culture and history of Soap Lake. Her business is part of Washington State's Creative Districts. In addition to her business ventures, she holds leadership positions as the president of both the Soap Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Soap Lake Garden Club. In her announcement, Woodhouse emphasized her connection to the town and her dedication to its future. "I love this town and the people in it," she said. "As mayor, I'll bring steady leadership that listens, collaborates, and stays focused on what matters most to our residents." Woodhouse's campaign is built around three primary priorities: economic renewal, infrastructure and beautification and transparent and accountable leadership. She said she aims to support small businesses, expand responsible tourism, and create jobs that benefit year-round residents. Recognizing the importance of local businesses to the community's character and economy, she plans to work closely with stakeholders to ensure a sustainable economic environment. "Getting businesses, attracting new businesses that can be year-round and that can make money year-round — not just depending on tourism — is crucial," Woodhouse said. She has identified the need for a full-time city administrator and wants to revamp the planning department to include a dedicated code enforcement officer and building inspector. In addition to economic initiatives, Woodhouse is focused on infrastructure improvements. She said she seeks to invest in roads, parks and civic spaces to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors. She said her vision aligns with her belief that Soap Lake's future depends on making the town an attractive and functional environment for families and future generations. Woodhouse said she also prioritizes democratizing local governance by promising transparent and accountable leadership. "I think it should be based on the others who have been elected, so that we can come up with a consensus to do the best for the city," she said, specifying her commitment to listening to the City Council and the public before making major decisions. She said she hopes to facilitate town halls and open council meetings where residents' voices can be heard. Having invested deeply in the Soap Lake community, Woodhouse said, she is a dedicated public servant. Married with four adult children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, she said her role as a family-oriented leader who values fairness and community engagement. "I'm a good listener, and I'm fair," she said, explaining her approach to leadership. Despite her relatively limited background in politics, with four years of experience on the city council, Woodhouse said she is undeterred by the challenges of the role. "It's been challenging because there have been five different mayors during my time on the council. But we have good people who care about Soap Lake," she said. Woodhouse's name will not appear on the printed ballot. Voters must write in "Karen Woodhouse" in the designated space for mayor. As a write-in candidate, she said, she recognizes the challenges but remains determined to ensure her campaign resonates with the residents. "The people who know me know that I'm a pretty fair-minded, even-keeled person, and I can work with both sides of the fence," she said. As a write-in candidate, Woodhouse's name will not appear on the November ballot. Those who wish to choose her must write "Karen Woodhouse" in the designated space for mayor on their ballots for Soap Lake. Solve the daily Crossword
Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
‘The integrity of the story we tell is paramount'
Interactive graphics editor Rodolfo Carlos Pazos says the goal is to create visuals that complement and enhance the written word, helping to tell stories that inform, resonate and inspire action. Rodolfo Carlos Pazos, 42 Portrait Mr Rodolfo Carlos Pazos was born in Argentina and trained in Fine Arts in Bologna, Italy. He worked in newsrooms across Europe, Australia and Singapore before joining The Straits Times as creative director in 2015. As technology evolved, he built up the digital storytelling and interactive graphics team, pioneering new approaches to visual stories, data visualisation and immersive formats like augmented and virtual reality. 'Our effort has been to push the boundaries of how we tell stories,' says Mr Pazos, 42. Under his leadership, the team has earned global recognition, including 11 Society for News Design awards in 2023 and 51 in 2024, with multiple golds. At the 2025 Wan-Ifra Digital Media Awards Asia, the team won five awards, including golds for Best News Website and Best Data Visualisation. Their digital work has kept readers engaged through major events such as Mr Lee Kuan Yew's death, general elections and the Covid-19 pandemic. Recollections 'Visual stories allow us to break down complex issues into digestible, engaging pieces that invite readers to explore and learn at their own pace. It's about transforming data into stories and creating a visual language that anyone can understand, regardless of their background. Whether it's explaining the spread of a pandemic, breaking down election results or visualising a complex economic trend, the visual element often makes these stories more accessible, memorable and impactful. At the core of everything we do is the belief that the story matters most. A compelling story not only informs, but also connects with the audience. While the medium we use – whether it's data visualisation, animation or 3D visuals – is important, the integrity of the story we tell is paramount. As visual journalists, we are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining accuracy, especially when presenting data. An incorrect figure or misleading visualisation can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. In today's fast-paced digital world, misinformation can spread quickly. Accuracy is the foundation of any good visual story, and our responsibility is to present the facts clearly, ensuring that the narrative is truthful and supported by solid data. Innovation is one of the key pillars of modern journalism. As technology advances, so must our approach to storytelling. Interactive graphics, data visualisation and augmented reality are just some of the tools that allow us to push the boundaries of what's possible in visual journalism. By creating immersive experiences, we not only inform, but also evoke emotions and spark conversations. Presenting news in innovative ways ensures that our work stands out, making each piece memorable for our audience. In the newsroom, collaboration is key. Journalists, developers and designers come together to tell stories that are greater than the sum of their parts. Each person brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table, ensuring that the final product is not only visually compelling but also accurate and relevant. Our goal is to create visuals that complement and enhance the written word, helping to tell stories that inform, resonate and inspire action.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wynonna Judd Surprises Fans With Tease of New Music Coming Soon
When 's travel plans got delayed on May 22, the country singer made the most of it, answering fan questions and even sharing a special sneak peek of upcoming music. On Thursday, Judd and her husband, , were on their way to Texas when their flight got pushed back. To waste some time, Judd took questions from fans on her Instagram Stories, with one asking, "When is the new album coming out? We can't wait for new music." 🎬 🎬 Nonchalantly, Judd held her phone up to the camera and played a bit of what seemed to be an upcoming song, adding text over the clip that read, "When it's ripe. But... we're close! 😉." While she didn't share concrete details, the tease is sure to get fans excited to hear her next big release. The last time Judd released a solo studio album was in 2016 with Wynonna & the Big Noise. She has released other albums since, including the All-Time Greatest Hits compilation album in 2018, the cover EP Recollections in 2020, and the live album, Back To Wy: LIVE in 2024, but fans have been waiting patiently for the country icon to finally come out with new music. Based on Judd's latest sneak peek, it looks like that day is coming sooner rather than Judd Surprises Fans With Tease of New Music Coming Soon first appeared on Parade on May 22, 2025
