Latest news with #Wiley
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NIOSH head: Workers back at black lung program, efforts continue to restore services cut by DOGE
The NIOSH Coal Worker's Health Surveillance Program offered periodic black lung screenings at no cost to coal miners in the U.S. (NIOSH photo) A certification was entered in federal court this week proving that at least 50 employees at the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety's Respiratory Health Division have had their terminations rescinded, meeting requirements set in a court order last month. Those returning to work include 'most' employees who worked within the RHD before April 1, which is when reduction in force notices were issued throughout multiple NIOSH divisions as a result of the new federal Department of Government Efficiency's cost-saving measures. Many of those workers were slated to be terminated on Monday, the same day NIOSH director John J. Howard signed and filed the certification in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. The certification was entered to meet requirements in a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Irene Berger last month. That injunction came from a class action lawsuit filed on April 7 against the federal government and led by Harry Wiley, a Raleigh County coal miner. In May, Wiley's attorneys argued in a hearing that the closure of the CWHSP by DOGE meant responsibilities mandated by congress for coal worker health and safety were illegally going undone, robbing Wiley and other coal miners of their hard-fought rights. The federal government argued that the stoppage at the CWHSP and other NIOSH divisions was only temporary as the federal Department of Health and Human Services worked through a 'reorganization.' Berger ruled in favor of Wiley and the other coal miners. She ordered that all RHD employees return to work and that the division — including the CWHSP — continue all work congressionally mandated by the federal Mine Safety and Health Act. If there are future moves to 'reorganize' the agency, Berger ordered that there must be 'no pause, stoppage, or gap in the protections and services mandated to be performed by the RHD.' That work includes providing free black lung screenings and certifying black lung x-ray results for miners like Wiley who have been diagnosed with black lung disease so they can exercise their Part 90 rights. Part 90 allows miners who have black lung to be transferred to a different, less dusty part of a coal mine without facing repercussions from their employers. NIOSH is the only agency that can certify test results for miners to receive a Part 90 transfer. In the certification declaration on Monday, Howard said that the agency is once again accepting test results necessary to certify Part 90 transfer requests. But other work, according to the certification declaration, has yet to return completely. Howard wrote that NIOSH was 'working through' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the federal DHHS to 'fully restore' several of the RHD's functions. Those functions include reestablishing contracts necessary for RHD to offer, review and manage chest x-rays through its mobile clinic; promoting events to alert miners of the free testing opportunities and ensuring funding can be accessed and spent for the agency to meet its requirements. On Tuesday, according to WV MetroNews, Sam Petsonk — one of several attorneys representing the miners in the case — told 'Talk of the Town' on WAJR Radio that it's critical for all CWHSP services to return as soon as possible. 'They say they're trying. They say that they understand the court has ordered them to do this, but they have not restored the X-ray reading programs, the mobile unit that travels around the coal mines,' Petsonk said. '… We are experiencing hundreds of layoffs across the mining industry right now. This is just the moment where miners often look to see what kind of lung damage they have so that they can take stock before they find their next job. And we really need these programs right now, and we don't have them.' The CDC estimates that about 20% of coal miners in Central Appalachia are suffering from black lung — the highest rate detected in more than 25 years. One in 20 of the region's coal miners are living with the most severe form of the condition. And the resurgence of black lung is hitting coal miners at younger ages than ever before. This is due to miners, because of a lack of easily accessible coal, being forced to dig through more silica-rich sandstone than their predecessors in order to reach what little coal remains. While the RHD employees are back to work, other fights are continuing against the federal government's cuts. Workers and those affected by the services they provide have been decrying the cuts for weeks now, saying they'll leave people in certain industries — including mining, firefighting and more — vulnerable to preventable accidents and illnesses. Some of these fights, like that for the CWHSP, have already proven successful. Last week, following continued pushback from black lung organizations and other mining advocates, the Trump administration reversed its plan to close 34 Mine Safety and Health Administration offices nationwide. Those offices employ mine inspectors whose jobs are to ensure that coal mine operators are meeting industry standards known to lower the risks of accidents and injuries for coal miners. But other battles have proven more difficult. In Pennsylvania, workers at the Pittsburgh-based Mining Research Division within NIOSH — which studies the best ways to prevent injuries, illnesses and death in coal mines — are still slated to be terminated. Several of the services that are now going undone at NIOSH as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are congressionally mandated through the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Multiple labor unions — including the United Mine Workers of America — filed suit on May 14 against DHHS and the federal government. They're using similar arguments to Wiley's attorneys, which proved successful in getting services started back up: since the cuts are stopping work that is required by Congress, they say, they are illegal and should be reversed.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Grime star Wiley dons Celtic tracksuit for stage comeback after antisemitism row
The rapper was stripped of his MBE last year after a series of antisemitic tweets. Controversial rapper Wiley has returned to stage for the first time since being stripped of his MBE - wearing a full Celtic tracksuit. The grime star lost his honour last year after a racism storm following some antisemitic tweets. But he made his comeback wearing the Hoops gear at the Sidewinder Summer Festival in Milton Keynes on Sunday. Footage of his return was posted by Scots actor Rudi Neequaye, who also rapped on stage with him. Fellow rap star Scorcher introduced Wiley, 46, saying: 'I didn't even know you were here.' Earlier Wiley - decked out in Hoops colours - also posed for pictures with Neequaye, 36, and his son Rudi jnr. The rapper also supports English Premier League side Spurs and recorded a rap version of Chas and Dave's club anthem Glory, Glory, Tottenham Hotspur after they won the Europa League last week. In 2020, his accounts were flooded with antisemitic comments, including a statement that likened Jews to the Ku Klux Klan. It saw him dropped by his manager John Woolf who himself is Jewish. He was eventually suspended by Twitter, now X, but the delay saw a 48-hour boycott by celebrities including Sir Alan Sugar, football legend Gary Lineker and pop star Sophie Ellie-Bexter. Wiley later apologised for "generalising", stating: "My comments should not have been directed to all Jews or Jewish people. "I want to apologise for generalising, and I want to apologise for comments that were looked at as antisemitic." The 46-year old rapper, real name Richard Kylea Cowie Jr., is often labelled the Godfather of Grime. He is of Trinidadian and Antiguan descent. Wiley's father, Richard Cowie Senior was a reggae artist during Wiley's youth in the 1980s and introduced Wiley to early hip-hop such as The Sugarhill Gang. As a teenager in the early-1990s, he sold crack cocaine and heroin before giving up dealing drugs to become a musician and music producer. He has since released 15 albums including 2017's Godfather which made the Top 10. Wiley was awarded the MBE for services to music in 2017. But last year he was stripped of the title for "bringing the honours system into disrepute".
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chiefs Tight End Makes Major Personal Announcement
The Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL over the past several years, behind the leadership of head coach Andy Reid. Reid has led the Chiefs to three straight Super Bowl appearances, having won the title in 2023 and 2024. Advertisement During the Chiefs' Super Bowl run, they have fielded some of the best talent in the NFL, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones. Kelce has been the leader of a talented tight end group that features Noah Gray, Robert Tonyan and Jared Wiley. Wiley, who has been with the Chiefs since 2024. As the young tight end works to crack the lineup while learning under one of the best players at his position in the history of the NFL, he shared some exciting news during the offseason. Wiley is officially engaged to Estelle Czech, a pro softball player for the Florida Vibe. "5.1.2023-♾️Can't Wait To Spend The Rest Of My life With You💜," Wiley said. Advertisement View the original article to see embedded media. Jared Wiley was drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs with the 131st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Before making the move to the Chiefs, Wiley played with the Texas Longhorns from 2019 to 2021. Wiley also played for the TCU Horned Frogs from 2022 to 2023, having transferred to the program to finish his college football career. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Reeger-Imagn Images Wiley is playing behind Travis Kelce, who will be entering his 13th season in the NFL. Last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, Kelce posted three touchdowns and 823 yards on 97 receptions. Related: Big Travis Kelce Announcement Made on Monday Related: Patrick Mahomes' Immediate Reaction to Brittany Mahomes' New Post on Saturday
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Lawyers argue 'short-barreled rifle' was actually a legal pistol
May 15—Two Sylacauga men arrested last month on drug charges and for unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle appeared in Morgan County District Court on Tuesday, where defense attorneys argued the firearm in question was a legal AR-style pistol — not a rifle as charged. Courtenay Levon Borden, 26, and Lanoah Ealy Jr., 27, were arrested alongside a third person on April 27 around 2 a.m. after Priceville police said a traffic stop on Interstate 65 revealed fentanyl pills, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, firearms and cash. Borden was charged with possession of a short-barreled rifle, second degree possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ealy was charged with possession of a short-barreled rifle, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, second-degree promoting prison contraband, first-degree possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. During Tuesday's preliminary hearing before District Judge Shelly Waters, Borden appeared in jail-issued clothing, as he remains in custody on a Talladega County extradition hold for probation noncompliance. Court records show Ealy was released April 28 after posting a $50,000 bond. Borden is represented by Decatur attorney Kevin Teague, and Ealy by Decatur attorney Randy Ferguson. The hearing began with Assistant District Attorney Kelly Cimino questioning Priceville police officer Patrick Wiley, who made the arrests. Cimino asked Wiley to explain the circumstances of the stop. Wiley testified he was patrolling south of the Tennessee River bridge on Interstate 65 when he pulled over a silver Dodge Challenger for following too closely and failing to signal. He said Borden was driving, with Ealy and Cook as passengers. "I immediately smelled the odor of raw and burnt marijuana in their vehicle and saw marijuana in plain view around the center console," Wiley said. "There was a rifle next to Ealy's left leg." Three firearms were found in total, Wiley testified, along with roughly $7,000 in cash. An affidavit he signed said approximately 31 grams of marijuana packaged for distribution were found in the vehicle as well. He said all three men were transported to Morgan County Jail and the evidence was logged. During cross-examination, Ferguson asked whether Wiley had informed the occupants about the smell of marijuana. Wiley said he had not, but he smelled it through the window. He said the odor gave him probable cause to search the vehicle. When Ferguson asked Wiley to identify the firearm near Ealy, Wiley said it appeared to be "some kind of rifle." Ferguson then showed him a photo of an AR-style pistol, and Wiley said it looked "real similar." "This is what's called an AR pistol, not a rifle," Ferguson said, arguing Ealy had purchased it legally and that Wiley charged him without understanding the difference between a pistol and a rifle. Wiley responded that the weapon met the legal definition of a rifle under Alabama law. Under Alabama Code section 13A-11-62, a short-barreled rifle is defined as having one or more barrels less than 16 inches in length, or an overall modified length of less than 26 inches. However, federal law adds an additional requirement: a firearm must be designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder to qualify as a rifle. That means a weapon like an AR-style pistol — if it lacks a shoulder stock and is not meant to be shoulder-fired —may legally qualify as a pistol under federal guidelines, even if its barrel is shorter than 16 inches, Teague said. "Have y'all seen (the firearm)?" asked Waters, to which both the prosecution and defense replied that they hadn't. "I'm more than happy to have a recess and we go get (the firearm)," Teague said. "That's not the purpose of a preliminary hearing," Waters said. As Teague pressed Wiley on whether the weapon near Borden met the federal definition a short-barreled rifle, Assistant District Attorney Garrick Vickery interjected, clarifying that Borden was charged under state law, not federal. Waters said she could not definitively determine probable cause on the firearm charge without seeing the weapon. "I don't know if it's 12 inches or 18 inches. All I know is they have a rifle that's been sawed-off, and what they really should have done is let y'all see it before this started today," Waters said. "That's why I want it brought to me by Friday— serial numbers, pictures, everything." Despite the uncertainty, Waters ruled there was probable cause and she bound both defendants' cases over to a Morgan County grand jury. She ordered Wiley to submit all evidence to the prosecution by Wednesday. Waters also reduced Borden's total bond to $10,600 — $10,000 for the primary drug charge and $300 each for two related charges. — or 256-340-2442.
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
We must protect our historically Black universities and colleges, including FAMU
A couple of weeks ago, I traveled with my godchildren Troy and Cecily Robinson Duffie to Marshall, Texas, for the graduation ceremony of Trinity, their fifth and last child to graduate college. The ceremony took place on the lawn of the historic Wiley University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) established in 1873 — just 10 years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Wiley, founded by the Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was established to allow 'Negro youth the opportunity to pursue higher learning in the arts, sciences and other professions,' according to the university's history. While we celebrated the milestone in Trinity's life and the history of Wiley, to me it was a celebration of yet another kind, a celebration of Black History. Graduation day was picture-postcard perfect. There wasn't a cloud in the cornflower blue sky and the air had a slight chill, just cool enough to keep us comfortable. As we took our seats among the hundreds of other parents and friends of the graduates, the sound of drumming could be heard, as a dancer performed a ceremonial dance, signaling it was time for the dignitaries, faculty members and the graduates to march into the ceremony. The night before, we attended a baccalaureate service where there was old-fashioned preaching and music from the university's a cappella choir. So, on this graduation morning, I sat, like a wide-eyed child, anticipating more of what I call a traditional Black graduating ceremony with bits and pieces of our history told in songs (mainly Negro spirituals) and a soul-stirring speech from the designated speaker. I wasn't disappointed. But as I watched these latest graduates proudly walk across the stage and into a new world that awaited them, students, faculty and alums in Tallahassee were opposing what they consider a threat to Black history and the history of Florida A&M University. The threat is the potential appointment of Marva Johnson as the university's next president. As of Wednesday, nearly 11,500 people, including current students, alumni, faculty and HBCU supporters nationwide, signed a petition opposing Johnson's appointment, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. She is one of four finalists. At a meet-and-greet session for Johnson Wednesday night in the university's grand ballroom, the crowd, including FAMU alum and Hollywood producer Will Packer, angrily opposed her candidacy, the Democrat reported. The concerns centered on Johnson's political allies — she has served in the administrations of both Gov. Ron DeSantis and former Gov. Rick Scott — and whether she has the academic credentials to lead FAMU. DeSantis has championed the Stop WOKE Act and other measures targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at universities. Johnson's educational credentials include a bachelor's degree in business administration from Georgetown University, a master's of business administration from Emory University in Atlanta, and a law degree from the Georgia State University College of Law. She is a Black woman who has excelled in the corporate sector — she oversees the lobbying arm of Charter Communications, an internet and cable TV company. Yet, I can understand the opposition against her. We live in a crazy world where it is hard to trust some people, even when they look like me. We are fighting to keep our history — Black history — alive. We first witnessed the blatant banning of books by Black authors — books that told our story, our history — a movement championed by DeSantis and his GOP allies in the Florida Legislature. Then President Donald Trump fired off orders eliminating DEI programs that guaranteed us a level playing field. So, yes, it's hard to trust a person who has ties with a governor who is determined to wipe Black history off the American history slate. I still can't understand the book banning. Not here in America. I realize that some of the stories in banned books are hard to read, even for some Blacks. But they are the stories of our history, America's history, and they need to be preserved. Johnson, a Tampa Bay native who met with FAMU's board of trustees earlier Wednesday, tried to allay the crowd's concerns Wednesday evening, saying she wasn't sent to 'dismantle FAMU,' the Democrat reported. Florida A&M, Wiley University and other HBCUs across the country are the keepers of our history. They were founded during turbulent times for Blacks in America, and it's important to have the right leadership at these fountainheads of knowledge and Black history. Like many other early Black colleges and universities, Wiley opened its doors with 'two frame buildings and an overwhelming desire to succeed in a climate fraught with racism and Jim Crow laws.' So, there I sat on the lawn, part of Wiley's 55 acres, surrounded by the ghosts of the forefathers and mothers who fought for future generations to have a piece of the American dream. Silently, I thanked them, the visionaries who against all odds gallantly fought a good fight to give HBCUs like Wiley a fighting chance. It is because of them, and the generations who came after them, that I was able to sit and watch Baby Trinity walk across the stage as a college graduate.
