Latest news with #Sicilians
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
A Historic Turning Point for Sicilian Publishing: Palella Holdings Acquires the Newspaper La Sicilia and Its Publishing Company, Including Its Stake in ANSA
CATANIA, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new era is beginning for Sicilian publishing. La Sicilia, the most widely read newspaper on the island and a reference point for millions of Sicilians worldwide, is now officially under the control of Palella Holdings, the family office led by Italian-American entrepreneur Salvatore Palella, originally from Acireale and long residing in the United States, from where he oversees numerous international business ventures. Acquiring La Sicilia is not just a publishing initiative—it's a heartfelt gesture of love for my homeland. La Sicilia will continue to be the voice of Sicilians deeply rooted in our identity, yet open to the world. It's time for Sicily to rise again. The transaction, finalized through the Sicily Investment Fund and the establishment of a new publishing company with Gianluca Spriano appointed as CEO, marks a historic handover after 80 uninterrupted years of management by the Ciancio Sanfilippo family. Through Dse, the family has published the newspaper since its founding in 1945 by Domenico Sanfilippo, a lawyer and landowner from Adrano. His grandson, Mario Ciancio Sanfilippo, led the paper for 51 years, becoming a central figure in Italian journalism, also serving as president of FIEG and vice president of ANSA, and transforming a regional newspaper into the strategic asset of one of Southern Italy's most important media groups. For eighty years, La Sicilia has been a key player in regional life and the voice of the Sicilian people. It has been a training ground for some of the country's most respected journalists. The publication has always stood out for its authority and independence, as recently acknowledged by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella during the 80th anniversary celebration of the newspaper. Under its new ownership, led by Salvatore Palella, La Sicilia now enters a new phase of development, focused on maintaining and enhancing its deep-rooted identity with Sicily while expanding its national and international presence. Special attention will be given to technological innovation, including the launch of a new app and an innovative platformization of the editorial product. Leveraging the global recognition of the 'Sicilia' brand—also the name of the newspaper—the new vision aims to build a symbolic bridge with the millions of Sicilians living abroad, especially in the United States. The acquisition also includes a stake in ANSA, and goes beyond the editorial field. Palella Holdings plans major investments in the acquired real estate assets, including the Centrale del Latte in Catania—an iconic city institution included in the Dse portfolio—which is set for a significant relaunch based on a strategy of enhancement and reuse. The same philosophy underpins the selection of a new headquarters for the newspaper, in a prestigious property located in a residential area of Catania, which will become the symbol of a new editorial and cultural era for the publication. STATEMENTS The Ciancio Family: 'We have decided to entrust our newspaper to a young and visionary entrepreneur like Salvatore Palella, confident that his international vision will lead La Sicilia toward new achievements, while respecting the tradition our family has built with passion and independence over the past eighty years—supporting key battles for the development of the island, championing the region's most vibrant forces, and serving as a tool for democracy and legality.' Salvatore Palella: 'Acquiring La Sicilia is not just a publishing initiative—it's a heartfelt gesture of love for my homeland. As a Sicilian who has lived abroad for many years, I feel both the responsibility and the desire to contribute to the island's future, starting with free, modern, and forward-looking communication. La Sicilia will continue to be the voice of Sicilians—deeply rooted in our identity, yet open to the world. It's time for Sicily to rise again, together. For me, acquiring La Sicilia is both a personal and professional milestone. I return to my homeland with a clear goal: to invest meaningfully in the future of this newspaper by focusing on digital innovation, an authentic connection with the region, and the enhancement of the exceptional talents I have already had the chance to meet. We want to make La Sicilia a national and international benchmark, a source of pride for Sicilians everywhere.' Antonello Piraneo, Editor-in-Chief of La Sicilia: 'The newsroom, which I have had the honor of leading for the past six years, is ready to take on this new phase with confidence and enthusiasm. I want to thank the Ciancio family for the trust and editorial freedom they have given me over the years. I now look to the future with optimism, alongside the new publisher, with whom we share an ambitious and tangible growth project. I am confident that the independence of our journalism will be preserved and expanded.' Domenico Ciancio Sanfilippo, Deputy Editor of La Sicilia: 'The newspaper looks to the future by staying true to its history. I will continue, with the same passion, to work toward enhancing a brand that has represented the values of sound journalism and democracy for 80 years. I am grateful to my father for what he built, and we will continue to draw inspiration from his teachings.' Santo Russo, Sole Director of Dse S.p.A. (confirmed by Palella Holdings): 'We are leading an important media enterprise and an authoritative information model into the future. This acquisition is a positive signal and a vote of confidence in Sicily's potential. Palella Holdings' strategic approach aims not only at relaunching a media company, but also at fostering broader economic and cultural growth across the entire region.' Gianluca Spriano, CFO of Palella Holdings: 'The challenge ahead is significant, but so are the enthusiasm and the ideas with which we plan to face it. Our goal is to preserve the identity and autonomy of the newspaper, while at the same time instilling it with a modern and global entrepreneurial vision.' The new era of La Sicilia is ready to begin—anchored in a prestigious legacy and looking boldly toward the future.
Otago Daily Times
26-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Island of intrigue
Lindy Davis discovers the delights of travelling to Sicily, Italy, in late summer to avoid the crowds but still enjoy Mediterranean weather. Tourists customarily flock to Europe for the height of summer which can be beyond hectic. But delaying travel by a couple of months until September means less crowds, fewer queues and more choice of accommodation. My bucket list included a few of Europe's legendary islands including the Azores, Sicily, Sardinia and Malta. Sicily, the largest island in this region, took the prime spot as the overall winner. Its Mediterranean climate, the blend of alpine and coastal zones and its authentic charm, make this island unique. Flying over Sicily, you can spot the diverse geographical terrain, including one of Italy's most talked about volcanoes, Mt Etna. The mountain top is covered with large, flattened rocks that protrude like corks from the hillside. Houses are precariously close to the edge of cliff tops, with terraced stairwells that appear to hover in thin air. A super-efficient train service operates across the island and the roads are excellent, given the population throbbing in this region over summer. We opt for a car and take the coastal route north from Catania airport, passing a cluster of coastal villages nestled into enclaves separated by giant granite boulders. Unlike other regions in Italy where bags of rubbish are dumped on the roadside, Sicily appeared to be more conscious of rubbish disposal. The highway is dotted with established forest, olive groves and orchards. Italian drivers are accomplished at traversing the narrow winding roads especially in the small towns with streets that barely fit two cars travelling in an opposite direction. With street names like Via Clivaggio and Via Guardiola Vecchio, pronounced in a staunch Australian accent on my GPS, they sounded more like something you might need to consult your doctor about. The first stop is Taormina, renowned for White Lotus, but also much admired for its natural charm. We stayed in a small apartment overlooking Isola Bella, a tiny rocky isle joined by a slip of sand. There's plenty of hotel accommodation on the hilltop, but anything beachside will require a steep walk to town. After an early morning swim in the bay and an unfortunate encounter with a red jellyfish, I located the beach warden who medicated the inflamed streak on my arm, akin to a stinging nettle. He explained jellies were a growing problem since larger marine species that would normally eat them, were depleted. Sicilians have good energy and many of the island's artists live in the heart of Taormina. The art and pottery scene is prolific and it's conceivable you could spend half your travel budget on the colourful ceramics. The unique sculptures often based on Sicilian myths and legends are bold and imaginative. One gallery curator took considerable time explaining the significance of a particular piece that had caught my eye. He shared the story of a suave Moorish man who met a wealthy local woman while on holiday in Sicily. They fell in love, but with time she discovered he had a wife and children back in Morocco. As legend goes, she poisons and decapitates him, tossing his head into the bay. I'm staring at a life-size ceramic skull painted in vivid blood red and orange, entangled by a large octopus and several eels coiled snugly around the ears. Various other bizarre sea creatures emerge from the scalp. It's a lot to take in and I'm trying to visualise how it might travel with me. Fortunately, my imaginings are brought to an abrupt halt when the gallerist discloses the price, essentially the cost of a small car. Somehow, I make time for just one more gallery and a fortuitous meeting with eccentric artist Alessandro Florio, who guides me through his distinctive works hotly pursued by international collectors. He was a tattoo artist 'in another life' and made a move from needles and skin to oil on canvas. I immediately love the majority of his original artworks but would need to sell my house to afford one. Feeling satiated with beautiful art, it was time to sample the much-celebrated Sicilian fare. No matter what restaurant or cafe you choose, they take great pride in ensuring every encounter feels like a VIP experience. The menus are extensive with fresh fish, shellfish and pasta available everywhere. Octopus is the signature dish on almost every menu and although I don't order or eat it, the waiter shares that a large proportion of it is farmed and imported from Asia or Spain. Sicilians love their pasta and the variety is endless, whether you're a tortellini, gnocchi or simple spaghetti fan. There is an opportunity to attend traditional pasta classes or Sicilian cooking and farmers' market tours with Chef Massimo on Corso Umberto. The old saying 'when you're in Rome', also applies to Sicily, it is literally heaven for foodies. "Pasta alla Norma", a feast of sauteed eggplant, fresh basil, ricotta and tomato served on pasta or "Caponata", a blend of grilled vegetables seasoned with capers, vinegar and olive oil are a couple of typical favourites. Local olive oil and fresh olives are sold in most food stores in town, and I discover a specialist chocolate boutique with sampling trays offered late evening. Chocolate is a weakness, so it was definitely my happy place. Ordering wine can be a challenge if you don't recognise the region or grape variety. But you can't really go wrong drinking local wine like the Etna Rosso Vico, grown in the volcanic region of Mount Etna. Craft spirit producers have hit the high notes here and Sicilians are frothing. Local bars and distilleries offer variations of Taormina and U'Mauru gin, Sicilian whiskey and Etna vodka. The colourful Dolce and Gabbana bar in town combines cocktails and designer fashion and the flamboyant bartenders encourage sampling the full menu. Travel tip: Gin tasting is recommended in conjunction with walking, not driving. Prosecco appears on the menu regardless of whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, just because ... you never know. It's hard to visit Italy without having an appreciation for the exceptional handmade textiles and linen. Some of the street vendors also sell linen and Sicilian souvenirs, but the majority of it is manufactured in China. We make a necessary stop for cassata at Grand Hotel Timeo, one of the original boutique hotels. I indulge in the famous Sicilian dessert made with liquor-soaked sponge doused in ricotta, chocolate, cherries and candied citrus. While sitting on the terrace overlooking the ocean, I learn about Parco Trevelyan (Villa Comunale), a tropical garden close to the hotel that once belonged to English woman Florence Trevelyan Caccioli. In 1891 the young woman took a holiday to Italy and stayed as a guest at the Grand Hotel Timeo. She fell for local doctor Salvatore Caccioli who later became the Mayor of Taormina. They married and Lady Caccioli undertook to design and help create the magnificent gardens that overlook the Ionian Sea. A number of her "follies" (aviaries in a Romanesque/Baroque style) are still intact. She also purchased Isola Bella and designed their second villa with sub-tropical gardens. Just a short stroll from Villa Communale is the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greek theatre dating back to the third century BC. It is an easy walk around the walls and gothic arches. The small museum offers the history of Sicily under both Greek and Roman rule, with mosaic tiles dating back to the late Hellenistic period. Dozens of nations have colonised Sicily over time, including the Sicani and Elymi people, the Phoenicians, French, Spanish and the Moors. And although the architecture has changed or been destroyed, the unique food variations have remained. Visitors to Taormina typically spend time in the piazzas browsing boutiques, listening to musicians or indulging in gelato at one of many parlours. Having sampled most of the flavours, I've learnt that gelato is something Italians understandably can't live without. If visiting ornate churches happens to be your thing, then just past the main clocktower is one of the town's oldest churches on Piazza del Varo, the Church of Varo (Chiesa del Varo). To get the best overview of Taormina, you need to take a steep walk up to Castelmola. The hilltop village has expansive views overlooking the coastal town and across to Mt Etna. The final and most memorable evening was spent sampling bespoke cocktails at the Ashbee Hotel, one of Taormina's luxury boutique hotels with timeless grace. Leaving Taormina, it was time to visit Syracuse and the adjacent island of Ortigia, home to Archimedes. We stop at the Ortea Palace Hotel on Via Nazario Sauro, originally a bustling post office and communications centre in the 1920s and later restored to a grand hotel with rooms overlooking the canal. Surrounded by the original fort walls, Ortigia is best known for its historical significance. The Ortigia farmers and produce market throbs with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, spices and cheese. After sampling dragon fruit and prickly pear (cactus fruit) and a bowl of deep-fried anchovies, we stroll to the end of a small street to discover the remains of a Greek temple sitting absurdly out of place on a busy intersection. A walking tour of the old city takes us to the Apollo temple, the Piazza Duomo and several historical churches including the Church of St Phillip the Apostle, where there was previously a synagogue in what was known as the "Giudecca" district. The once dynamic Jewish community in Syracuse had been forced to leave by the Catholic Monarchs of Spain at the end of the 15th century. A long stairwell takes us 10m underground to an ancient purification bath house (known as a mikveh) carved into solid stone, sitting adjacent to a natural spring. The original site dates back to the 6th century and is believed to be the oldest discovered in Europe. It had been sealed over and was miraculously found during renovations to an original villa 30 years ago. The owner put a stop to further development of this particular section and the bath house has become an important historical feature of Ortigia. A stroll along the harbourside takes me in the direction of 'Il mare and lido Solare', the beach and sundeck. I climb around a wall of the fort to see a mass of bodies draped like a colony of lizards on makeshift pontoons. It looks uncomfortable, akin to sunbathing on a scaffold — but clearly Europeans are at home with it. Another side street takes me to Co Ol De Sac, a collaboration of artists showcasing bespoke hand-made leather bags, clothing and a cordwainer perched on a stool, measuring and crafting shoes. It's a long-lost art, but tucked away down this narrow side alley, I'm transported back in time. The island is a short drive across the bridge to Syracuse in the direction of the impressive Neapolis Archaeological Park. We take several hours to soak up the history and view the large-scale sculptural installations that complement the ancient theatre, stone quarries, the Ear of Dionysius and the Roman Amphitheatre. It is easy to self-guide, but there are walking tours available that provide an overview of the Greco-Roman influences once occupying this area. An afternoon drive takes us southwest to explore Noto and Ragusa. For anyone partial to heritage architecture, you're spoilt for choice. There are at least eight Unesco world heritage sites in this area. Noto was built in the 18th century Baroque period and as we stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele Porta Reale there are rows of compact limestone buildings lining the main street, including the Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata built as a noble residence, with curved wrought iron balconies and stone corbels. Much of Noto's charm lies in the original buildings, which in the late afternoon sun are practically glowing in hues of burnished yellow. I am drawn to an intricately hand-painted stairwell 'Infiorata di Noto 24' designed by Syracusan artist Carlo Coniglio. The annual event in Noto encourages artists to transform the stairwell according to individual inspiration. Noto Cathedral is impossible to miss given the sheer size and the substantial staircase. Opposite the cathedral we visit the Palazzo Ducezio which functions as the town hall. There isn't time to see every feature of Noto and I've already surpassed the permitted number of churches. Our final destination is the beautiful town of Ragusa which is best seen late afternoon. Aside from the stunning views that stretch across the valley, there are numerous impressive Baroque-style buildings worth visiting. Strolling through the old town we visit the Duomo di San Giorgio, a grand cathedral with an imposing dome. Several of the churches are open early evening and the soft filtered light illuminates stunning frescoes. Giardino Ibleo is the perfect spot to maximise views across the valley and stroll around the garden. It is also an ideal place to rest and reflect as the sun meanders behind the hills. Heading into Piazza Duomo, we find authentic eateries and bars to enjoy local Sicilian specialties like stuffed flatbreads, panelle, caponata and the local curd cheese Caciocavallo Ragusano. Toasting the finale of our Sicilian tour, I sense we've only scratched the surface of this impressive island, steeped in history, culture and creative enterprise.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Delta Air Lines Adds New Catania Route Starting on May 23
Delta Air Lines has been serving travelers since back in 1925, when Huff Daland Dusters, the predecessor of Delta, was founded in Macon, GA. Today, Delta serves millions of passengers and helped more than 200 million travelers get to their destinations in 2024, according to the company. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta operates hubs in major U.S. cities and around the world. "As the leading global airline, Delta's mission to connect the world creates opportunities, fosters understanding and expands horizons by connecting people and communities to each other and to their own potential," the company states. Now, Delta Air Lines has announced a first for not just Delta but any U.S. airline. Starting on May 23, Delta will grow its European summer travel network by starting to offer non-stop routes to Catania in Sicily, Italy. Catania will mark Delta's fifth summer travel destination in Italy. The Catania non-stop flights will take off from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). In a post on LinkedIn, Matteo Curcio, Delta's senior vice president for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, stated, "Launching May 23, this daily service will be the only nonstop connection between Catania and the U.S., making Delta the first and only U.S. carrier to serve this route. Catania now joins Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples as Delta's fifth Italian destination." Curcio also said that he was excited to offer this route, based on travel demand to the area. "Sicily is a highly coveted destination for American travelers, offering a rich tapestry of scenic beauty, historical and cultural landmarks, pristine beaches and exquisite cuisine LaDolceVita," he stated in his LinkedIn post. "This new route further enhances Sicily's touristic potential and provides Sicilians with a gateway to explore the United States, reconnect with loved ones, and experience the diverse attractions of America."
The Independent
30-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Takeaways from AP's report on how Trump's immigration crackdown resonates in the Texas Panhandle
After his inauguration, President Donald Trump issued a series of orders ending legal pathways for immigrants to live and work in the U.S. Those orders resonate powerfully in the Texas Panhandle, where nearly half of workers in the meatpacking industry are thought to be foreign-born. Three months into the new administration, confusing government directives and court rulings have left vast numbers of immigrants unsure of what to do. Immigrants and Panhandle meatpacking Immigrants have long been drawn to the meatpacking industry, back to at least the late 1800s when multitudes of Europeans — Lithuanians, Sicilians, Russian Jews and others — filled Chicago's Packingtown neighborhood. For generations, immigrants have come to the Panhandle to work in its immense meatpacking plants, which developed as the state became the nation's top cattle producer. Those Panhandle plants were originally dominated by Mexicans and Central Americans. They gave way to waves of people fleeing poverty and violence around the world, from Somalia to Cuba. They come because the pay in the Panhandle plants starts at roughly $23, and English skills aren't very important in facilities where thunderous noise often means most communication is done in an informal sign language. What workers need is a willingness to work very hard. 'Leave the United States' 'It's time for you to leave the United States,' said the Department of Homeland Security email sent in early April to some immigrants living legally in the U.S. 'Do not attempt to remain in the United States — the federal government will find you.' This is what President Donald Trump had long promised. America listened when Trump insisted during the campaign that immigrants were an existential threat. Immigration into the U.S., both legal and illegal, surged during the Biden administration, and Trump spun that into an apocalyptic vision that proved powerful with voters. What was often left out, though, was the reality of those immigrants. Because while the White House focuses publicly on the relatively small number of immigrants they say are gang members, there are roughly 2 million immigrants living legally in the U.S. on various forms of temporary status. More than 500,000 Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Haitians were told they would lose their legal status on April 24, though a federal judge's order put that on hold - temporarily. About 500,000 Haitians are scheduled to lose a different protected status in August. 'It's all so confusing,' said Lesvia Mendoza, a 53-year-old special education teacher who came with her husband from Venezuela in 2024, moving in with her son who lives in Amarillo, the panhandle's largest city, and who is in the process of getting U.S. citizenship. An industry dependent on immigrants Now, an industry dependent on immigrant labor is looking toward a future where it could have to let go of thousands of immigrants. 'We're going to be back in this situation of constant turnover,' said Mark Lauritsen, who runs the meatpacking division for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents thousands of Panhandle workers. 'That's assuming you have labor to replace the labor we're losing.' The last haul? Trucking seemed to be the key to the American dream for a Haitian immigrant named Kevenson Jean. Kevenson Jean's truck had taken him across immense swaths of America, taught him about snow, the dangers of high winds and truckstop etiquette. His employer owns the truck, but he understands it like no one else. He laughs and pats the hood: 'I love her.' He and his wife came to the U.S. in 2023, sponsored by a Panhandle family whose small nonprofit employed him to run a school and feeding center for children in rural Haiti. 'We are not criminals. We're not taking American jobs,' said Jean, whose work moving meat and other products doesn't attract as many U.S.-born drivers as it once did. 'We did everything that they required us to do, and now we're being targeted.' On a Tuesday in mid-April, Kevenson left Panhandle on what he thought would be his final haul. He looked miserable as he made his checks: oil, cables, brakes. Eventually, he sat in the driver's seat took off his baseball cap and prayed, as he always does before setting off. Then he put his hat back on, buckled his seat belt and drove away, heading west on Route 60. Days later, Kevenson got word that he could keep his job. No one could tell him how long the reprieve would last.
Winnipeg Free Press
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Takeaways from AP's report on how Trump's immigration crackdown resonates in the Texas Panhandle
PANHANDLE, Texas (AP) — After his inauguration, President Donald Trump issued a series of orders ending legal pathways for immigrants to live and work in the U.S. Those orders resonate powerfully in the Texas Panhandle, where nearly half of workers in the meatpacking industry are thought to be foreign-born. Three months into the new administration, confusing government directives and court rulings have left vast numbers of immigrants unsure of what to do. Immigrants and Panhandle meatpacking Immigrants have long been drawn to the meatpacking industry, back to at least the late 1800s when multitudes of Europeans — Lithuanians, Sicilians, Russian Jews and others — filled Chicago's Packingtown neighborhood. For generations, immigrants have come to the Panhandle to work in its immense meatpacking plants, which developed as the state became the nation's top cattle producer. Those Panhandle plants were originally dominated by Mexicans and Central Americans. They gave way to waves of people fleeing poverty and violence around the world, from Somalia to Cuba. They come because the pay in the Panhandle plants starts at roughly $23, and English skills aren't very important in facilities where thunderous noise often means most communication is done in an informal sign language. What workers need is a willingness to work very hard. 'Leave the United States' 'It's time for you to leave the United States,' said the Department of Homeland Security email sent in early April to some immigrants living legally in the U.S. 'Do not attempt to remain in the United States — the federal government will find you.' This is what President Donald Trump had long promised. America listened when Trump insisted during the campaign that immigrants were an existential threat. Immigration into the U.S., both legal and illegal, surged during the Biden administration, and Trump spun that into an apocalyptic vision that proved powerful with voters. What was often left out, though, was the reality of those immigrants. Because while the White House focuses publicly on the relatively small number of immigrants they say are gang members, there are roughly 2 million immigrants living legally in the U.S. on various forms of temporary status. More than 500,000 Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Haitians were told they would lose their legal status on April 24, though a federal judge's order put that on hold – temporarily. About 500,000 Haitians are scheduled to lose a different protected status in August. 'It's all so confusing,' said Lesvia Mendoza, a 53-year-old special education teacher who came with her husband from Venezuela in 2024, moving in with her son who lives in Amarillo, the panhandle's largest city, and who is in the process of getting U.S. citizenship. An industry dependent on immigrants Now, an industry dependent on immigrant labor is looking toward a future where it could have to let go of thousands of immigrants. 'We're going to be back in this situation of constant turnover,' said Mark Lauritsen, who runs the meatpacking division for the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents thousands of Panhandle workers. 'That's assuming you have labor to replace the labor we're losing.' The last haul? Trucking seemed to be the key to the American dream for a Haitian immigrant named Kevenson Jean. Kevenson Jean's truck had taken him across immense swaths of America, taught him about snow, the dangers of high winds and truckstop etiquette. His employer owns the truck, but he understands it like no one else. He laughs and pats the hood: 'I love her.' He and his wife came to the U.S. in 2023, sponsored by a Panhandle family whose small nonprofit employed him to run a school and feeding center for children in rural Haiti. 'We are not criminals. We're not taking American jobs,' said Jean, whose work moving meat and other products doesn't attract as many U.S.-born drivers as it once did. 'We did everything that they required us to do, and now we're being targeted.' During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. On a Tuesday in mid-April, Kevenson left Panhandle on what he thought would be his final haul. He looked miserable as he made his checks: oil, cables, brakes. Eventually, he sat in the driver's seat took off his baseball cap and prayed, as he always does before setting off. Then he put his hat back on, buckled his seat belt and drove away, heading west on Route 60. Days later, Kevenson got word that he could keep his job. No one could tell him how long the reprieve would last.
