Latest news with #WorldWarII
Washington Post
10 minutes ago
- Business
- Washington Post
What's in a name? A small fortune for businesses around Fort Bragg
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — When it came to a picking a name for his business, Ralph Rodriguez rolled the dice. He went with Fort Liberty Pawn & Gun. It's going to cost him about $30,000. 'That's signage, uniforms, stationery, business cards, advertising, and state licensing changes and federal changes,' he said. When he was filing his incorporation papers last fall, Rodriguez knew one of President Donald Trump's campaign promises was to restore the names of Confederate officers — like Gen. Braxton Bragg — to military installations rebranded under the Biden administration. But it seemed to Rodriguez that he should go with the installation's name as it was at the time. 'We were trying to attach ourselves to the military base and show support for them, because we know that's going to be our customers,' he said with a shrug. 'I could care less about Braxton Bragg.' Less than a month into Trump's second term, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the installation rechristened Fort Bragg, this time in honor of World War II paratrooper Roland Bragg of Maine. Two things immediately went through Rodriguez's mind. 'The first thing I said was, `It's going to be expensive.' And the second thing was, `Who's going to get mad about THIS?'' People were telling Rodriguez he should call his shop Fort Bragg Pawn & Gun even before Trump won the election. After all, it's located on Fort Bragg Road. Then shortly before the grand opening in December, someone vandalized his sign. 'We came to work and we seen a yellow line across the `Liberty,'' he said. Rodriguez is used to catching flak for his Michigan roots or the peace sign tattoo on his right arm. And then there's his wife's crystal shop next door. 'My customers call her side the `liberal containment center,'' he said with a chuckle. And what do her customers call his? '`Trumpers,'' he said. 'Or, you know, `mega gun nuts.'' As a sop to her husband's clientele, Hannah Rodriguez carries a few stones carved in the shape of pistols and hand grenades. 'Crystals and pistols,' she said with a giggle. But when it comes to Bragg vs. Liberty, it's no laughing matter. 'Look, there's no middle ground in Fayetteville. They're extremely either right or left,' Ralph Rodriguez said. 'If you tilt one way or another man, you're going to lose customers ... But we would definitely have lost more if we would have kept it Fort Liberty Pawn and Gun.' Several other businesses in and around Fayetteville also went with Liberty, including the local federal credit union. It has already changed back, though it will take a while to redo all the signs. At least one company is sticking with the name Liberty. 'We came up with this whole name based on the alliteration, because I'm a big writer geek,' said Sabrina Soares, broker in charge at the real estate firm Fort Liberty Living. 'So, we're probably just going to keep it as is.' In 2023, the state spent $163,000 to change all the Fort Bragg highway signs to Fort Liberty. Switching them back is expected to run over $200,000. Rodriguez figures he got off easy. On a recent sultry afternoon, retired Army officer and mayoral candidate Freddie de la Cruz stopped by to chat and check up on a purchase: a semiautomatic 12-gauge shotgun, painted with the Stars and Stripes, which he's planning to raffle off. He said Rodriguez shouldn't be so hard on himself. 'It was a smart move there,' he said. 'At the time.' Retired Army Master Sgt. Sidney High said he has no problem coming into a shop called Fort Liberty. 'It doesn't bother me at all,' he said, resting his cola on a glass gun case. 'I call it Fort Bragg all the time anyway. So, it doesn't make any difference to me.' Rodriguez figures it will take about six months to get everything switched over. He's looking forward to putting this chapter behind him. 'I just want to be in business,' he said. 'I want to be happy. I want everybody else to be happy. And it's hard. It's hard, and you can't keep both sides happy.' Just to be safe, he's keeping both names on the paperwork.
Associated Press
18 minutes ago
- Business
- Associated Press
What's in a name? A small fortune for businesses around Fort Bragg
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — When it came to a picking a name for his business, Ralph Rodriguez rolled the dice. He went with Fort Liberty Pawn & Gun. It's going to cost him about $30,000. 'That's signage, uniforms, stationery, business cards, advertising, and state licensing changes and federal changes,' he said. When he was filing his incorporation papers last fall, Rodriguez knew one of President Donald Trump's campaign promises was to restore the names of Confederate officers — like Gen. Braxton Bragg — to military installations rebranded under the Biden administration. But it seemed to Rodriguez that he should go with the installation's name as it was at the time. 'We were trying to attach ourselves to the military base and show support for them, because we know that's going to be our customers,' he said with a shrug. 'I could care less about Braxton Bragg.' Less than a month into Trump's second term, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the installation rechristened Fort Bragg, this time in honor of World War II paratrooper Roland Bragg of Maine. Two things immediately went through Rodriguez's mind. 'The first thing I said was, `It's going to be expensive.' And the second thing was, `Who's going to get mad about THIS?'' People were telling Rodriguez he should call his shop Fort Bragg Pawn & Gun even before Trump won the election. After all, it's located on Fort Bragg Road. Then shortly before the grand opening in December, someone vandalized his sign. 'We came to work and we seen a yellow line across the `Liberty,'' he said. Rodriguez is used to catching flak for his Michigan roots or the peace sign tattoo on his right arm. And then there's his wife's crystal shop next door. 'My customers call her side the `liberal containment center,'' he said with a chuckle. And what do her customers call his? '`Trumpers,'' he said. 'Or, you know, `mega gun nuts.'' As a sop to her husband's clientele, Hannah Rodriguez carries a few stones carved in the shape of pistols and hand grenades. 'Crystals and pistols,' she said with a giggle. But when it comes to Bragg vs. Liberty, it's no laughing matter. 'Look, there's no middle ground in Fayetteville. They're extremely either right or left,' Ralph Rodriguez said. 'If you tilt one way or another man, you're going to lose customers ... But we would definitely have lost more if we would have kept it Fort Liberty Pawn and Gun.' Several other businesses in and around Fayetteville also went with Liberty, including the local federal credit union. It has already changed back, though it will take a while to redo all the signs. At least one company is sticking with the name Liberty. 'We came up with this whole name based on the alliteration, because I'm a big writer geek,' said Sabrina Soares, broker in charge at the real estate firm Fort Liberty Living. 'So, we're probably just going to keep it as is.' In 2023, the state spent $163,000 to change all the Fort Bragg highway signs to Fort Liberty. Switching them back is expected to run over $200,000. Rodriguez figures he got off easy. On a recent sultry afternoon, retired Army officer and mayoral candidate Freddie de la Cruz stopped by to chat and check up on a purchase: a semiautomatic 12-gauge shotgun, painted with the Stars and Stripes, which he's planning to raffle off. He said Rodriguez shouldn't be so hard on himself. 'It was a smart move there,' he said. 'At the time.' Retired Army Master Sgt. Sidney High said he has no problem coming into a shop called Fort Liberty. 'It doesn't bother me at all,' he said, resting his cola on a glass gun case. 'I call it Fort Bragg all the time anyway. So, it doesn't make any difference to me.' Rodriguez figures it will take about six months to get everything switched over. He's looking forward to putting this chapter behind him. 'I just want to be in business,' he said. 'I want to be happy. I want everybody else to be happy. And it's hard. It's hard, and you can't keep both sides happy.' Just to be safe, he's keeping both names on the paperwork.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
- Yahoo
World War II veterans honored with prestigious French military decoration
LA MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Two American World War II veterans, Bob Wilson and Peter Sanzo, were honored with the French Legion of Honour on Thursday at the American Legion in La Mesa. The prestigious award, presented by the Consul General of France in Los Angeles, recognizes their outstanding service during the war. Wilson, 105, and Sanzo, 103, stood proudly as they received the medals, a testament to their bravery and dedication. 'I wish my wife was here,' said Wilson, reflecting on the accomplishment and his 72-year marriage to his late wife. Memorial Day: Hundreds pay tribute at Miramar National Cemetery 'This is amazing. There's no words,' expressed Sanzo, overwhelmed by the honor. Sanzo served as a tank operator in the U.S. Army, participating in significant campaigns such as Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. 'He saw really horrific battles,' his daughter, Judi Sanzo, said. 'He nearly died at Battle of the Bulge. He was hospitalized for almost 12 months. His family thought he had died because they found his dog tags and they sent them home.' Wilson, a U.S. Navy veteran, served during the D-Day landing at Omaha Beach and continued his military career through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. This service inspired his granddaughter to follow in his footsteps. As the ceremony concluded, Sanzo issued a salute to the applause of the audience, while Wilson expressed his gratitude with a simple, 'Thank you very much.' The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these veterans, who remain humble and proud of their contributions to history. All facts from this article were gathered by FOX 5/KUSI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by FOX 5/KUSI staff. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Journal
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Journal
An Bord Pleanála raised concerns over use of ChatGPT for inspector's report into Limerick plant
AN BORD PLEANÁLA removed one of its inspectors from deliberations on a controversial expansion of a large steel plant in Limerick following concerns that a report was being written with the help of ChatGPT. A spokesperson for the State body told The Journal that the report was scrapped 'out of an abundance of caution' as its board members felt the use of artificial intelligence (AI) had the potential to 'raise concerns about the integrity of the decision-making process' for the report into Aughinish Alumina, near Foynes on the Shannon Estuary. An Bord Pleanála also 'advised all staff that the use of unapproved technology was strictly prohibited' in the wake of the incident. The file was then re-assigned to a new inspector for fresh consideration, with the second inspector's report sent to a 'newly constituted' board to decide on. This board granted planning permission to expand Aughinish Alumina's waste storage at the site in March. It was the second time the development had come before An Bord Pleanála, with the High Court previously quashing its decision to expand the site following objections by environmental groups. However, the use of AI now forms part of a challenge by Limerick-based environmental group Environmental Trust Ireland in its bid to halt the expansion of the site. The Aughinish Alumina plant near Foynes Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo A spokesperson for An Bord Pleanála told The Journal that it learned that the 'unapproved technology' was used for 'editing and formatting certain aspects' of a report after the employee reported their use of ChatGPT. In a lengthy statement, An Bord Pleanála said the incident 'raised the need to improve the policy' relating to the acceptable use of technology such as artificial intelligence. Access to AI software was also disabled on An Bord Pleanála systems in response to the discovery, the body's spokesperson said. 'The incident reaffirmed the need for bespoke GenAI technology specifically designed for the requirements of An Bord Pleanála,' the spokesperson added, pending the development of a digital strategy with guidelines for use of the advanced AI programmes. The spokesperson said that this work was already underway since the appointment of a new director of digital strategy last year. Major employer with Russian links A major employer in the mid-west, Aughinish Alumina employs 450 people on its 222-hectare site. The plant is owned by Russian metals company Rusal, which was co-founded by Oleg Deripaska. Deripaska, who is still a shareholder in Rusal, is an industrialist who is reported to have had close ties to Russia president Vladimir Putin. Advertisement In 2018, Deripaska was placed on a US sanctions list and the UK government also announced sanctions against the oligarch in 2022 following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The businessman is well-connected in Russian politics and business, and was pictured earlier this month at the Kremlin in Moscow for a ceremony ahead of World War II commemorations. Rusal co-founder Oleg Deripaska addressing a meeting of the Bank of Russia's financial congress last year. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Aughinish Alumina has been looking to expand its disposal area for bauxite residue – an ore from aluminium, also known as 'red mud' due to its copper colouring. The site's expansion plans have been the subject of legal challenges over recent years, with the High Court quashing previous planning permission granted by An Bord Pleanála. The amended planning application that received approval in March included findings from An Bord Pleanála stating that the development 'would not have significant negative effects on the environment' if given the go-ahead. This permission has now been challenged by two environmental groups – Environmental Trust Ireland and Futureproof Clare – in separate judicial reviews lodged this week. Environmental Trust Ireland, which is represented by Limerick firm Hayes Solicitors, has taken a case which it is understood is partly based on the alleged concerns raised internally within An Bord Pleanála. In the planning authority's board minutes from last October for the Aughinish refinery's expansion – seen by The Journal – it records that it was 'brought to the Board's attention that certain parts of the Inspector's report may have been written following interaction with an external technology system', later referring to ChatGPT. However, it is understood that Environmental Trust Ireland is challenging whether the inspector remained involved in the process after the AI use was flagged, referring to later minutes for An Bord Pleanála's March meeting to discuss the refinery's expansion. While the inspector was listed in later minutes, An Bord Pleanála has stressed to The Journal that the individual was not involved in the case after November 2024. It is understood that an admin error may have resulted in the confusion. Environmental claims The judicial review taken by Environmental Trust Ireland is one of two filed this week against the expansion of the refinery's disposal area the red mud waste. A group called Futureproof Clare has taken the other, separate case. It is represented by FP Logue solicitors and The Journal understands its arguments are based around the environmental impact of the expansion. The plant has capacity at its bauxite residue disposal area (BRDA) until 2030 and the new extension will extend the lifetime of the BRDA up to 2039. The proposed development would increase the height of sections of the disposal area by 12 metres. It would bring the total height to 44 metres. The company has maintained that it can't continue production unless its waste facility is expanded. Aughinish Alumina did not respond when contacted for comment. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Marlin Man Celebrates 100 Years of Life, Legacy, and Faith
MARLIN, Texas (FOX 44) — James 'J.T.' Modkins, a lifelong resident of Marlin, Texas, turned 100 years old on May 28, marking a century of life defined by service, resilience, and unwavering faith. He's currently a resident at the Golden Years nursing home, where they held a celebration for him on his birthday. Born in 1925, Modkins has lived through some of the most pivotal moments in American history — from the era of Jim Crow laws and the Great Depression to World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking back, he calls it nothing short of a gift. 'It's really a blessing,' Modkins said. Throughout his life, Modkins has been a steadfast pillar in the Marlin community. 'I spent 20 years with Marlin Housing Authority, I spent 18 years for the country club off and on, and then I retired in '95 and I went to start driving cabs, running around doing this and that,' James said. Modkins also devoted much of his time to his church, serving as both a deacon and superintendent of Sunday School at the Church of the Living God Pillar & Ground of the Truth (PGT). Having witnessed a century of change in his hometown, Modkins reflects on how the city has evolved. 'It changes about every ten, twelve years — different from where it's going, anyway,' he said. 'So that's the way that goes. You got to be able to change with that.' James expressed how grateful he is to have lived such a full life and watching his family expand. A motto he lives by is 'always do the best you can do'. Married to his late wife Emma for more than 70 years, Modkins is the father of six children. Emma Modkins passed away three years ago at age 92. Their youngest daughter, Mary Modkins-Henderson, said her father remains the same steadfast figure he's always been. 'It's a blessing because it doesn't happen every day, and he's been the best dad ever,' she said. 'He worked three, four, five jobs in order to supply us with everything that we need.' Despite the challenges and triumphs of 100 years, Modkins credits his longevity and outlook to his faith. 'He told me, 'In His word,' he said, 'to do the best that you can do, and when you have done your best, I'll take over if you can't do the rest,'' Modkins said. As the Modkins family celebrates the life of their family patriarch, they will continue living with love and their faith at their core. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
