Harrisburg, PA –Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook is highlighting the importance of fresh batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as Pennsylvanians’ attention turns toward fall and this weekend’s “fall back” time change.
“Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are examples of essential lifesaving apparatus,” Cook said. “Just like the rest of our household equipment, these devices require routine maintenance. Simply put, a functional smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector is the most effective way to ensure one’s family members are alerted early enough to respond. Test your alarms monthly and replace the batteries regularly.”
According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, from the moment an alarm sounds, occupants may have as little as two minutes to safely exit the building.
Cook added dead or missing batteries are the most common cause of smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector malfunctions. When functioning, smoke alarms can decrease the risk of dying in a home fire by as much as half.
Often called “the silent killer,” carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can incapacitate victims before they are aware, they have been exposed. Sources include wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, gas-fired fireplaces, appliances, grills and generators, and motor vehicles. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and include nausea, headaches, dizziness, disorientation and fatigue.
These safety tips can help you equip your home properly with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors:
Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home including the basement.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
Newer models of smoke alarms marketed as having long-lasting batteries may not need to have their batteries replaced; however, these models should still be tested. Many homeowners still use older models that use standard batteries that must be replaced regularly.
For additional information on fire safety, including seasonal fire safety tips, visit www.osfc.pa.gov.
Polling locations will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 7
Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt today encouraged Pennsylvania voters to educate themselves about their rights before they vote in person on Nov. 7. Ensuring that our elections are conducted freely, fairly, and securely – and that every eligible voter can make their voice heard – are top priorities of the Shapiro Administration.
“Pennsylvania voters can find a wealth of information about their rights at vote.pa.gov,” Schmidt said. “Every voter should be well informed about how to exercise their right to vote.”
Here are some important tips regarding voter rights in Pennsylvania:
First-time voters, or those voting for the first time in a new precinct, must show ID. Acceptable ID includes both photo and non-photo ID. First-time voters who do not bring ID to the polls can return with identification or must be offered a provisional ballot.
Voters who applied for and received a mail ballot and then decide they want to vote at the polls must bring their mail ballot, including the outer return envelope, with them to be voided.
If a voter applied for a mail ballot but did not return it and no longer has the mail ballot and outer envelope, they may vote by provisional ballot at their polling place on Election Day. Their county board of elections will then make a determination as to whether their provisional ballot can be counted.
If a voter applied for a mail ballot but never received it, they should vote by provisional ballot at the polls. Their county board of elections will then make a determination as to whether their provisional ballot can be counted.
If a voter’s name is not in the poll book, poll workers can call the county board of elections to see if the voter is registered in another precinct in the county. Registered voters who are in the wrong polling place should go to the correct polling place to vote, but a voter who believes they are registered in that precinct and should be listed in the poll book is entitled to cast a provisional ballot there.
Voters who moved within Pennsylvania but did not update their address in time before the election may vote one more time in their previous precinct, but they must update their address at the polling place.
If a voter is challenged based on their identity or residency, the voter may vote normally by signing a challenge affidavit and producing a witness who is also a registered voter in the precinct to vouch for them. If the voter cannot or does not want to produce a witness, the voter may cast a provisional ballot. Identity and residency are the only bases for challenging a voter at a polling place.
Voters have the right to assistance at the polling place, including foreign language or literacy assistance. A voter may select any person to assist as long as the person is not their employer, their union representative, or the precinct’s Judge of Elections. Voters do not need to be designated as “assistance permitted” in the poll book to receive help.
Voters have the right to refuse assistance.
Voters have the right to vote without being subjected to intimidation, harassment, or discriminatory conduct. A voter who experiences intimidation should report it to the Judge of Elections, their county board of elections, their county district attorney’s office, or the Department of State’s year-round voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772).
Schmidt also reminded Pennsylvanians who are voting by mail-in or absentee ballot to return their completed ballot immediately, by delivering it in person to their county election board or, if their county provides one, a ballot drop-box location.
The deadline for county election boards to receive completed mail ballots is 8 p.m. Nov. 7. Completed mail ballots received after that time do not count, even if they are postmarked before the deadline. Schmidt reminded voters who are returning completed mail ballots to sign and write the current date on the outer envelope to ensure their vote can be counted.
The Department of State website, vote.pa.gov, can help voters with election-related questions and information, including:
Una selección de relojes antiguos se exhibe en Electric Time Company, el 9 de marzo de 2023, en Medfield, Massachusetts. (Foto: VOA)
A partir del 5 de noviembre, finalizará el horario de verano y entrará el horario estándar, que durará hasta el 10 de marzo.
Puede que sea un poco más fácil llegar a las citas para el brunch y a los partidos de fútbol americano este domingo, cuando los teléfonos honran a los madrugadores con una hora extra de descanso antes de que suenen las alarmas.
La desventaja: la próxima semana en la mayor parte de Estados Unidos, el sol se pondrá mucho antes de que muchas personas salgan de la oficina, lo que los dejará haciendo recados o caminando en la oscuridad. A partir del 5 de noviembre, finalizará el horario de verano y entrará el horario estándar, que durará hasta el 10 de marzo.
No es necesario esperar hasta la medianoche para prepararse para el cambio de hora que marca la madrugada del domingo, cuando las 2 a. m. se convierten en la 1 a. m. Antes de que llegue la hora de acostarse el sábado por la noche, retroceda el reloj del microondas, el horno, el automóvil o cualquier otro dispositivo que aún no sea inteligente suficiente para dar el salto por sí solo.
Además de los tropiezos en los horarios y las alteraciones de los hábitos de sueño, los expertos dicen que el ritual dos veces al año puede tener efectos más graves en la salud humana.
Muchos estadounidenses ya tienen falta de sueño, y un cambio de horario afecta aún más los horarios de sueño, dice la Dra. Phyllis Zee, investigadora del sueño en Northwestern Medicine en Chicago, aunque dice que «retroceder» y ganar una hora adicional generalmente es más fácil en el cuerpo que «saltar hacia adelante» y perder uno.
La falta crónica de sueño puede aumentar los niveles de hormonas del estrés que aumentan la frecuencia cardíaca y la presión arterial, y de sustancias químicas que desencadenan la inflamación, sugiere una investigación.
«Solo esa hora puede cambiar la cantidad de sueño que se duerme, la calidad del sueño que se duerme», dijo Zee. El sueño desordenado puede afectar la capacidad de las personas para realizar múltiples tareas, mantenerse alerta e incluso mantener el equilibrio, lo que las hace más propensas a sufrir accidentes. Molly Hart, portavoz del Auto Club Group de AAA, advirtió que puede haber un aumento de accidentes en la carretera tras el cambio de hora.
“Ahora que el horario de verano está llegando a su fin, en lo que la gente realmente necesita concentrarse es en conducir ahora por la tarde, cuando antes está más oscuro”, y cuando pueden sentirse somnolientos, dijo. Hawái, Samoa Americana, Guam, Puerto Rico, las Islas Vírgenes de EEUU y la mayor parte de Arizona no respetan el horario de verano. Algunos miembros del Congreso han presionado para poner fin a los vaivenes y hacer permanente el horario de verano.
En marzo de 2022, el Senado de Estados Unidos aprobó un proyecto de ley bipartidista denominado Ley de Protección del Sol, pero se estancó en la Cámara. El proyecto de ley fue reintroducido por el senador Marco Rubio en marzo de este año y luego remitido al comité, donde permaneció inactivo.
Daniel McCaffery, Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania Supreme Court judge, speaks at a women's organizing event and canvass launch hosted by the Montgomery County Democratic Committee, Sept. 30, 2023, in Norristown, Pa. The U.S. Supreme Court's current conservative majority has delivered major victories for conservatives, and now, liberal discontent over those rulings is playing a major role in Pennsylvania's top-of-the-ballot election this fall. (Photo: AP/Ryan Collerd/File)
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania voters will settle four statewide judicial contests in Tuesday’s election, filling an open seat on the state Supreme Court — which has played a hugely consequential role in election-related cases in the presidential battleground state — and three seats on two lower appellate courts.
The state Supreme Court election is the marquee race on the ballot.
In recent years, the high court justices have settled legal challenges emerging from a politically divided statehouse and a closely fought 2020 presidential election in which partisans battled over counties must run elections and which ballots can be counted.
The court is in line to reprise that role, with continuing political stalemates in the statehouse and, in just one year, Pennsylvania expected to be one of several swing states that determine the winner of 2024’s presidential election.
Judges and justices serve 10-year terms before they must run for retention to stay on the court.
Here is a look at the contests:
SUPREME COURT
On ballots for an open state Supreme Court seat will be Republican Carolyn Carluccio and Democrat Dan McCaffery in a race costing upwards of $22 million, believed to be a state spending record for a high court race in Pennsylvania.
Millions have come from three sources in particular: a group that is a conduit for money from billionaire Jeffrey Yass, one of the GOP’s biggest national donors, who supports school choice and anti-regulation causes; trial lawyers, who typically lobby against restrictions on filing lawsuits and damage awards in courts; and labor, including building trades and public employee unions.
McCaffery, 59, is a former Philadelphia prosecutor and judge who sits on a statewide appellate court, the Superior Court. Carluccio, 63, is a Montgomery County judge and a former federal prosecutor and public defender.
The race will not change the fact that Democrats hold a majority on the seven-seat bench. Democrats currently hold a 4-2 majority with an open seat following the death last year of Chief Justice Max Baer, a Democrat.
But the winner will join a bench that has issued pivotal decisions on major election-related cases.
That includes throwing out GOP-drawn congressional districts as unconstitutionally gerrymandered and rejecting a Republican effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state after Donald Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden.
Another politically charged case — former Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to fight global warming by making power plant owners pay for their planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions — also may come before it.
SUPERIOR COURT
Two Republicans and two Democrats are running for a pair of open seats on the Superior Court.
On the Democratic ticket are Jill Beck and Timika Lane. Lane is a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge and Beck, of Pittsburgh, is a lawyer in private practice who has clerked on the state Superior and Supreme courts.
Both Beck and Lane ran for Superior Court in 2021 but lost, Beck in the primary and Lane in the general election.
The Republican ticket is Harry Smail, a Westmoreland County judge, and Maria Battista, a Clarion County lawyer.
Battista is a former county prosecutor who ran unsuccessfully for Clarion County district attorney in 2019 and has served as counsel for the state departments of Health and State.
The 15-member court hears appeals of civil and criminal cases from county courts. The two seats are open because one Republican judge retired and another Republican judge will reach the mandatory retirement age of 75 this year.
COMMONWEALTH COURT
For Commonwealth Court, one seat is open after Republican judge Kevin Brobson was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2021.
The Democratic candidate is Matt Wolf, a Philadelphia Municipal Court judge, while the Republican is Megan Martin, a lawyer who spent more than a decade as parliamentarian of the state Senate and lives in Cumberland County.
The nine-seat court hears challenges or appeals from county courts in cases involving laws or government actions.
La elección general para votar por el candidato o candidata para la alcaldía de Filadelfia será el martes 7 de noviembre. Para que los electores estén mejor informados antes de votar, Esperanza, Impacto Media y Univisión 65, con el patrocinio de Every Voice Every Vote, un proyecto del Instituto Lenfest de Periodismo, presentaron el pasado fin de semana, la conversación que el 16 de octubre, Ilia Garcia, directora de noticieros Univision65, tuvo con los dos aspirantes a alcalde.
Univision65 trasmitió el pasado 28 y 29 de octubre las entrevistas que se realizaron en el Teatro Esperanza, con un auditorio representativo de la comunidad latina, el sábado con el candidato republicano David Oh y el domingo con la candidata demócrata Cherelle Parker.
Estas fueron algunas de las respuestas sintetizadas de los candidatos sobre algunos temas relevantes para la comunidad latina, en el orden en el que se presentaron.
El alza de las rentas y el impuesto a las propiedades, hacen que la vivienda sea inasequible para las familias latinas cuyo ingreso es de un promedio de $30,000 anuales. ¿Cuál es el compromiso para construir vivienda asequible para personas que ganan el 30% del ingreso mediano del área, ¿cómo lo lograría?
David Oh: Cuando fui concejal realmente peleé en contra de las tasaciones de la propiedad cuya metodología, que como digo, es inexacta e ilegal.
Los dueños de la propiedad se enteran de que dicha tasación está sobrevaluada y gravada en exceso, y ese es el comienzo del problema ya que son forzados fuera de su vecindario y de su comunidad. Ven como los constructores compran esas mismas casas y son vivienda de lujo en sus mismos vecindarios. Le pondría un alto al proceso de tasación hasta que la metodología estuviera arriba de la industria estándar y se redujera los impuestos de un ingreso fuera de alcance.
Cherelle Parker: Tenemos de dejar de pensar y actuar como si la construcción de viviendas nuevas es la solución de este desafío. Lo primero y más importante, es la preservación de los hogares. La casa más asequible de tener es la que usted ya es dueño…Capacitar a nuestros jóvenes en oficios de construcción para que sean los que hagan las reparaciones. Luego poner en uso cada una de las propiedades vacantes de la ciudad. Tenemos que asociarnos con organizaciones lucrativas y no lucrativas e incluso con constructores individuales, en particular negros y morenos, para lograr la meta”.
De acuerdo con Jennifer Rodríguez, presidenta y directora ejecutiva de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de la zona conurbada de Filadelfia, menos del 2% de equidad financiera a nivel nacional, va a los negocios negros y morenos.¿Qué haría como alcalde/alcaldesa para asegurar que los pequeños comerciantes negros y morenos tengan acceso a la equidad financiera, y puedan sobrevivir los efectos de la gentrificación?
DO: Una vez que detengamos el trasiego de drogas, tenemos que invertir en las comunidades porque fueron las políticas de la Ciudad las que sometieron a esta comunidad a la negligencia y el deterioro de su espacio. Tenemos que invertir en restaurantes, galerías de arte, negocios innovadores y asegurarnos que los servicios estén enlazados, desde bibliotecas a centros recreativos y organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Y en particular desarrollar empresarios que sean independientes del gobierno. Para mí es muy importante que identifiquemos está comunidad como parte de la economía global, una vez que nos aseguremos de que esté limpia y segura.
CP: Aparte del programa Power Up your Business que empecé cuando fui 10 años concejal, tenemos que establecer algo nuevo en el cual trabajemos con el sector privado, junto con las comunidades filantrópicas para apalancar el ingreso de capital al nivel local estatal y federal junto con el sector privado, para averiguar cómo hacer inversiones proactivas e inversiones de acciones en negocios negros y morenos. Pero es muy importante asegurar que sean dueños del 51% del negocio, es decir de la mayoría, cuando tengan acceso al capital”.
La violencia por armas de fuego disminuyó 20% en comparación con el año pasado. Todavía esto es más alto del número de homicidios hace 7 años. Como alcalde/alcaldesa, ¿qué recursos está dispuesto(a) a dedicar al norte occidental de Filadelfia qué es una de las áreas más afectadas por esta crisis?
DO: Lo primero es que voy a tener 1, 300 nuevos policías, drones, patrullaje y el cumplimiento de todas las leyes y asegurar que todas estas sean respetadas. No creo en una ciudad sin ley.
CP: Cuando fui concejal presenté un plan de seguridad vecinal y de vigilancia comunitaria que hablaba de poner más policías en nuestros vecindarios… Usar la tecnología como la inteligencia artificial, y estoy hablando drones y de técnicas forenses modernas. Todos los que patrullan nuestra ciudad deben llevar cámaras corporales activas… Todas las instituciones y organizaciones que realizan vigilancia deben trabajar juntamente con la misma meta.
Los residentes latinos en Kensington y las organizaciones como Esperanza están pidiendo un alto al mercado de drogas al aire libre. Como alcalde/alcaldesa, ¿cómo puede su administración deshacer el mercado de drogas al aire libre en Kensington?
DO: Más de la mitad de la población adicta a las drogas vienen de fuera de la ciudad. Es demasiado volumen que no podemos manejar. Cuando comencemos a aplicar la ley, van a dejar de venir… Con la policía empezaré el uso ético de drones para grabar el trasiego de drogas y luego metódicamente ir bloque por bloque y hacer los arrestos. Para los que necesiten atención de salud mental, les brindaremos los servicios y le pasaré la factura al condado de Berks, a Nueva Jersey, Delaware o de donde provengan.
CP: Tomaré decisiones duras que no les gustara a algunos… Habrá cero tolerancias, esto quiere decir que les pediré a los colaboradores de la ciudad y a los estatales, que nos ayuden. El comisionado de policía que será seleccionado tendrá que elaborar un plan detallado e integral para cerrar el mercado de drogas al aire libre y el uso de drogas. No estoy hablando de una limpieza rápida porque vienen las cámaras de televisión. Tenemos que hacerlo diario. No toleraré que personas fuera de Kensington vengan con un plan sin que la gente que vive ahí sea parte de este.
Este es un resumen de las conversaciones por orden de aparición.
David Oh candidato republicano a la alcaldía de Filadelfia con los estudiantes de Esperanza Academy. (Foto: Esperanza Staff)
El candidato republicano David Oh con Ilia García, directora de noticiarios de Univisión 65. (Foto: Esperanza Staff)
Cherelle Parker con los estudiantes de Esperanza Academy. (Foto: Esperanza Staff)
Cherelle Parker con Ilia García, directora de noticiarios de Univisión 65. (Foto: Esperanza Staff)
Esta historia es parte de Every Voice, Every Vote, un proyecto colaborativo administrado por The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. El apoyo principal lo proporciona la Fundación William Penn con fondos adicionales del Instituto Lenfest, Peter y Judy Leone, la Fundación John S., James L. Knight, Harriet y Larry Weiss, y la Fundación Wyncote, entre otros. Para obtener más información sobre el proyecto y ver una lista completa de colaboradores, visitewww.everyvoice-everyvote.org. El contenido editorial se crea independientemente de los donantes del proyecto.
Una joven que carga con una responsabilidad inimaginable; un joven dividido entre el amor y el honor; un rey celoso que no se detendrá ante nada para conservar su corona. La historia del nacimiento de Jesús, llega a la pantalla grande con una versión musical, a la vigilia de la temporada navideña.
El Teatro Esperanza al norte de la ciudad de Filadelfia, el 24 y 25 de octubre, fue el escenario del preestreno de esta película para toda la familia, “Journey to Bethlehem” que, subtitulada en español, entrelaza clásicas melodías navideñas, con nuevas canciones pop, en una cautivante narración musical.
En general los comentarios fueron muy positivos, pues la obra logra divertir a la audiencia, mientras cuenta la Historia de la venida de Dios a la tierra.
Entre los asistentes se encontraban miembros de la comunidad latina, familias enteras, parejas de todas las edades, y ministros de fe entre otros.
“La acabo de ver y me dan ganas de volverla a ver, y aprenderme las canciones” comenta Jessica, una joven del norte de la ciudad, que fue con su familia a disfrutar gratis de una primicia en su comunidad.
La película que se estrenará en salas el próximo 10 de noviembre, está protagonizada por Fiona Palomo junto con Milo Manheim interpretan a ‘María’ y ‘José’, junto con el nominado, Antonio Banderas, quien da vida al ‘Rey Herodes’ en el musical “El viaje a Belén” de AFFIRM Films, una compañía de Sony Pictures Entertainment y Monarch Media.
Esta película musical comparte la historia navideña de una manera fresca, inspiradora y entretenida. El galardonado productor musical Adam, en su debut como director, escribió el guion junto con Peter Barsocchini y escribió la música con Nikki Anders y Peer Astrom.
Adam Anders, tiene más de 100 millones de álbumes vendidos, obtuvo 4 nominaciones consecutivas a los Grammy®, ganó 2 Globos de Oro® y 2 premios People’s Choice®, y ostenta el récord de mayor cantidad de entradas individuales en el Billboard Hot 100, eclipsando tanto Los Beatles como Elvis Presley. «La idea para la película se me ocurrió por primera vez hace años, cuando buscaba un musical para ver con mi familia en Navidad», expresó Adam Anders. «Quiero que esta película sea una luz brillante en esta temporada navideña, tan brillante como la Estrella de Belén.»
Producida por Alan Powell, Steve Barnett y la productora ejecutiva de Vicky Patel para Monarch Media.
“Esta versión alegre y fresca del viaje de María y José, combinada con la música contagiosa y la visión increíblemente apasionada de Adam Anders, hizo que fuera una opción innegable para que AFFIRM Films y Sony Pictures se unieran y ayudaran a convertir esta increíble historia en un clásico navideño que resuena en niños pequeños, familias, adolescentes y adultos”, dijo Rich Peluso, vicepresidente ejecutivo y director de AFFIRM Films.
«Nos ha sorprendido la capacidad de Adán para contar la ampliamente conocida historia de María, José y un rey celoso de una manera fresca y contemporánea, como nunca la habías escuchado». Dijo Alan Powell de Monarch Media.
Dawn Walter, BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), RN (Registered Nurse), Hemodialysis Clinic Manager, stated, "For me, it is important to maintain the Disability Department. Many people have been forgotten, lacking support and advocates. I believe that having this department for these individuals is crucial." (Photo: by Lili Daliessio)
In a move towards a more inclusive and accessible Philadelphia, the city is set to vote on a crucial ballot question that could have a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. The question at hand is whether to establish a permanent Disability Office in the city or not.
The Philadelphia Home Rule Charter operates as the city’s constitution, describing the overall structure of government. The Charter can be amended when the City Council sends proposed changes to voters in the form of ballot questions. On the November 7th ballot, there will be one proposed Charter amendment for voters to consider for a yes/no vote.
What is the ballot question all about?
The ballot question will read: «Should the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to create an Office for People with Disabilities to coordinate the City’s compliance with requirements to provide access for people with disabilities to City services and programs and to otherwise provide for incorporation of the Office into the City government?»
To facilitate better understanding and assist individuals in making their decision on November 7th, here is the history begin.
Sonia Vargas de Hernandez, a 70-year-old Dominican resident of the Northeast, says, ‘’I support having a disability office here in Philadelphia because that community also deserves proper attention.’’( Photo: by Lili Daliessio)
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities, as described on the city’s website: is dedicated to championing policies, programs, and systemic improvements that enhance the independence and community integration of Philadelphians with disabilities. Approximately 17.4% of Philadelphia’s population has a disability, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau. To put it in perspective, in 2016, a study by the Pew Charitable Trusts revealed that Philadelphia had the highest percentage of residents with disabilities among all major cities in the United States.
Fernando Suarez, co-owner of Fernando Suarez Business Advisors, said, «I strongly feel that the Office of Disability is necessary in the city of Philadelphia because you don’t know what it’s like to be disabled until you experience it yourself. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy, not even for 5 minutes. Being disabled means living in a different world than you could ever have imagined, and now I’m speaking from my own experience.» (Photo: Courtesy/Fernando Suarez)
This office was established by Mayor Kenney in 2017 to adopt a more proactive approach to advocating for people with disabilities, surpassing the capabilities of the pre-existing Mayor’s Commission for People with Disabilities, which was primarily a volunteer advisory board. It’s worth noting that Mayor Kenney established this office through an executive order, which means that a future mayor could potentially dissolve it.
Councilmember Kendra Brooks is inviting the community: «I sponsored this ballot question because I believe that Philadelphia should be accessible for all of us. I hope you will join me in voting ‘YES’ on this ballot question. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office.” (Photo: Courtesy councilmember Kendra Brooks’s office)
Councilmember Kendra Brooks in May introduced the legislation co-sponsored by six other council members to create the office, passed by the City Council in June of 2023 and signed by Kenney. It also has support from the group Disability Pride Philadelphia. She said to Impacto: «Before I became a City Councilmember, I worked for 17 years as a program director for young people with disabilities at Easter Seals, and I saw the barriers that can prevent Philadelphians with disabilities from fully participating in the life of our city. With over 16% of Philadelphians living with one or more disabilities, we all know someone who is affected. I want our city to be accessible for all of us, and establishing a permanent Office for People with Disabilities is an important step.»
Maria Eugenia Daza, the owner of Mayita Selfcare, says: «It is of utmost importance that there is a permanent office here for people with disabilities, staffed by qualified individuals so that those who need it can be heard and supported.» (Photo: Courtesy/Maria Eugenia Daza)
This November 7th, make your voice count!
Lili Daliessio is the Community Information Manager at Esperanza Housing and Economic Development.
Esta historia es parte de Every Voice, Every Vote, un proyecto colaborativo administrado por The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. El apoyo principal lo proporciona la Fundación William Penn con fondos adicionales del Instituto Lenfest, Peter y Judy Leone, la Fundación John S., James L. Knight, Harriet y Larry Weiss, y la Fundación Wyncote, entre otros. Para obtener más información sobre el proyecto y ver una lista completa de colaboradores, visitewww.everyvoice-everyvote.org. El contenido editorial se crea independientemente de los donantes del proyecto.
Eddie Irizarry Sr dijo: “Yo estaba confiando en Dios. Esta juez hizo todo de manera profesional. Prácticamente perdimos dos vidas: un policía que es un joven que puede ser una buena persona, pero porque no tiene la formación adecuada y por eso también perdimos la vida de nuestro hijo…”/ Zoraida García, tía de Eddie Irizarry y un familiar comparten con UNIVISIÓN e Impacto sus reacciones sobre la decisión de la jueza Lillian Ransom de que Mark Dial vaya a la cárcel. / Ana Cintrón, tía de Eddie Irrizary, compartió su reacción con Telemundo 62 e Impacto. La familia la eligió para hablar con la prensa después de que Ransom ordenara que Dial fuera encarcelado sin derecho a fianza.
«Lo que se dijo antes del tiroteo, así como otros hechos del caso, deberían tratarse en un juicio y no en una audiencia preliminar». Fiscal Adjunta Lyandra Retacco.
Filadelfia, PA – La decisión de la jueza Lillian Ransom el 25 de octubre de 2023 en el Centro de Justicia Penal Juanita Kidd Stout en Filadelfia, PA, fue bien recibida, ya que restableció todos los cargos contra el ex oficial de policía Mark Dial. Se ordenó que Dial fuera encarcelado sin derecho a fianza, una decisión que fue celebrada por la familia de Eddie Irizarry Jr. y la comunidad de apoyo presente.
El padre de Eddie Irizarry expresó su fe en el sistema de justicia, afirmando que la jueza manejó el asunto de manera profesional. También hizo hincapié en la necesidad de una mejor formación policial y responsabilidad por acciones indebidas, expresando tristeza por la pérdida de la vida de su hijo y, posiblemente, de la carrera de un joven oficial de policía por falta de entrenamiento.
Por otro lado, los miembros de la familia de Mark Dial expresaron abiertamente su pesar por la decisión de la jueza. Brian McMonagle, El abogado de Dial, hizo una sentida apelación a la jueza Ransom para evitar ir a juicio. Sin embargo, la fiscal adjunta Lyandra Retacco argumentó que las declaraciones hechas por los agentes involucrados antes del tiroteo y otros hechos del caso deberían ser examinados durante el juicio. La jueza Ransom finalmente tomó su decisión basada en la evidencia presentada.
La familia de Eddie Irizarry Jr está escuchando a sus abogados sobre qué esperar después de la decisión de Ransom. Ellos describieron todos los escenarios posibles en ese caso.
La sala del tribunal y el pasillo del juzgado estaban llenos de tensión, y la jueza Ransom advirtió a los presentes que permanecieran tranquilos, conscientes del impacto emocional de su decisión. Varios líderes comunitarios y organizaciones, incluyendo The Rock y Esperanza, asistieron para apoyar a la familia Irizarry, que ha estado lidiando con la pérdida de Eddie, los procedimientos legales y todo lo concerniente durante dos meses.
Zoraida García, tía de Irizarry, expresó entre lágrimas su alivio, diciendo: «Esto es justicia». También agradeció a la comunidad por su apoyo, explicando que el resultado de la decisión era una emoción abrumadora.
La decisión fue motivo de celebración entre los amigos y familiares de Irizarry, que habían abogado incansablemente por «Justicia para Junito».
Ana Cintrón, otra de las tías de Irizarry, vio la sentencia como un primer paso positivo y elogió a la jueza por su decisión. También destacó la necesidad de más pasos en la búsqueda de justicia.
Más allá del caso individual de Mark Dial, esta decisión representa un avance hacia la determinación de la responsabilidad por la tragedia y la comprensión de cómo ocurrió. Muchos residentes de Filadelfia, en particular los latinos, exigen una reforma del cuerpo policial de la ciudad para evitar eventos sin sentido en el futuro. También exigen una reforma del sistema de justicia de los EE. UU. para responsabilizar a los oficiales de policía y funcionarios cuando se pierden vidas.
Zoraida García, tía de Eddie Irizarry, recibe la noticia de que Mark Dial irá a la cárcel.
El equipo de defensa de Dial está explorando opciones para trasladar el juicio fuera de Filadelfia, pero Zoraida García sigue firme en su creencia de que el juicio debería permanecer en la ciudad donde Eddie Irizarry perdió la vida.
Esta decisión marca un paso significativo hacia adelante con amplias implicaciones para la responsabilidad de las fuerzas del orden y las demandas de reforma en Filadelfia y en todo el país.
Lili Daliessio es la gerente de Información Comunitaria en el programa de Vivienda y Desarrollo de Esperanza.
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, right, goes up for a shot against Toronto Raptors' Pascal Siakam, center, and Jakob Poeltl during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, in Philadelphia. (Photo: AP/Matt Slocum)
PHILADELPHIA. — Joel Embiid envisioned winning an NBA championship with James Harden at his side. Embiid has a new idea of how to win one with the 76ers — play his former teammate and the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA Finals.
“He’s on the losing side of it,” Embiid said with a laugh. “We’re on the winning side of it.”
Embiid and the 76ers are relieved they are no longer tethered to the daily Harden soap opera that has enveloped the franchise since the summer.
The 76ers traded Harden this week to the Clippers for a package of players and draft picks, ending the promise of two NBA MVPs chasing a championship in Philly.
“He got what he wanted,” Embiid said.
The Sixers did, too.
They are, perhaps for the first time since former guard Ben Simmons issued his trade demand in 2021, a complete team without the headaches that come along with All-Stars bellyaching about their role, their contract, their feelings inside the locker room.
Winning helps.
The 76ers are perhaps an uncalled travel away in the season opener from being 4-0. As it is, the 76ers are 3-1 with Embiid putting up numbers like a player intent on defending his MVP crown. Tyrese Maxey has blossomed into the true, unselfish No. 2 role that Harden never really embraced over 79 regular-season games. And Tobias Harris and Kelly Oubre Jr. are playing more like pivotal contributors rather than oft-forgotten role players.
Harden took some parting shots at the Sixers on Thursday in Los Angeles with the 10-time All-Star saying the team had him “on a leash” in his short stint. Harden complained he didn’t get enough credit in Philly for sacrificing millions on his last contract in the summer of 2022 so the team had enough money to spend on free agents. And he said under former coach Doc Rivers, the Sixers didn’t play an offense that fit his ball-dominant, freelance-style of offense.
“I’m not a system player,” Harden said. “I am a system.”
Embiid scoffed at the notion that Harden — who fell out of favor among Philly fans with a combined 22 points in Games 6 and 7 second-round playoff losses last season to Boston — was hamstrung by the Sixers’ scheme.
“We gave him the ball every single possession to just go out and do his thing,” Embiid said. “From there, he had to make decisions as far as getting guys open or looking out for himself. I thought he did a pretty good job just getting us into an offense.»
If the Sixers missed Harden, it sure didn’t seem like it in the locker room.
The Sixers beat Toronto on Thursday night in a game where almost everyone contributed. Embiid had 28 points, 13 boards and seven assists. Harris and Oubre each scored 23. Maxey had 18.
Harden’s nameplate was, of course, removed from his locker and there wasn’t a shred of his merchandise found in team stores on the Wells Fargo Center concourse. Not even on the discount rack.
Embiid, though, noted how it’s still kind of hard to imagine how much more of a threat the 76ers might have been with a healthy, happy, well-paid Harden still on the roster.
“That was out of our control,” Embiid said. “In that situation, you’ve got to roll with it. But I still believe we have a chance. We are right there. Especially with the team we have right now.”
Sixers coach Nick Nurse was hired in the summer and soon found himself trying to navigate the murky Harden waters — the guard publicly called team president Daryl Morey a liar to ignite the dissension.
Harden opted in to the final year of his contract to try and force a trade, was late to training camp and had hit-and-miss participation at practice — with little inclination to actually really play — all while Nurse was trying to implement his style and get to know his new team.
While Nurse publicly said all the right things ahead of the trade about welcoming Harden back, he admitted Thursday that he never truly believed he would coach Harden.
“I think that I thought the chances were pretty low,” Nurse said. «When he opted in, I said, ‘OK, we get a chance to coach him.’ Then the stuff happened and I went, ‘Oh’. Up and down, up and down a little bit. There were times, yeah, when I thought for sure. Then he showed up in practice.
«I will say this, he was in shape, worked extremely hard, was extremely professional while he was here and he looked awesome. He really did, while he was here. We just never got to the game part of it all.”
Embiid said Harden was never really a distraction — “guys have been focused knowing we’re still good enough” — and wished him well in Los Angeles.
“I think he did a lot of great things for us,” Embiid said. “But the notion of misuse, maybe that might have been coming the way he felt with the coaching staff. But in my opinion, I just feel like we just allowed him to be himself. We gave him the ball every single possession because he is really good. He’s an amazing player.”
On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, Pennsylvania for Modern Courts (PMC) held a virtual session with over four hundred attendees. The purpose was to hear the responses of Pennsylvania judicial candidates to the participant’s issues related to questions posed to candidates running for Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Common Pleas Court, and Municipal/Magistrate Court system.
Present was Judge Matt Wolfe, a Democrat candidate running for Common Pleas Court, and
Attorney Megan Martin, a Republican candidate, hailing from Cumberland County, vying for a seat on the Pennsylvania Common Pleas Court. Four candidates are running for two open seats in Superior Court: Attorney Maria Battista, Judge Harry Smail (both Republicans), Attorney Jill Beck, and Judge Timika Lane (both Democrats).
Currently, the high court with a total of seven seats has a Democrat majority of four justices.
The remaining two justices were elected as Republicans. In the upcoming election for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Democrat Candidate, Judge Danel McCafferty and Republican Candidate, Judge Carolyn Carluccio.
Each candidate was asked about their background, and how it would affect their decision-making, once elected. They all generically said that their personal and political background does come into the courtroom, and that the rule of law is what drives the court system, and they would be fair, and impartial.
The CEO of PMC, Ms. Debra Gross, emphasized the organization’s dedication to a fair and accessible judicial process in Pennsylvania.
PMC has tirelessly advocated for judicial reforms that uphold the rule of law, ensure access to justice, and establish a diverse, qualified, and independent judiciary. PMC aims to create an inclusive and fair legal environment that upholds democratic principles and safeguards the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background or social status.
These reforms are necessary due to historical disparities and discrepancies that have hindered equal access to justice in Pennsylvania’s judiciary system.
It is crucially important for us, as Latino citizens, to acknowledge our quality of life, in terms of public safety, is greatly impacted by our Judiciary system. The process can be overwhelming to comprehend. Unfortunately, because only 30 percent of voters participate in odd-numbered years, a small majority hold all the power in making decisions that impact our daily lives.
This year, the significance of voting on November 7th is heightened compared to previous election years in both our nation and state. Furthermore, our state court system holds a greater influence in our communities compared to any other judicial system.
Remember to cast your vote on November 7. Encourage eligible family members over 18 to join you at the polls. Spread the word to your neighbors and friends, urging them to participate in the electoral process.
Familiarize yourself with the designated voting locations and don’t forget to bring your identification, including your driver’s license and your Social Security number (or card), to ensure your vote is properly recorded.
Esta historia es parte de Every Voice, Every Vote, un proyecto colaborativo administrado por The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. El apoyo principal lo proporciona la Fundación William Penn con fondos adicionales del Instituto Lenfest, Peter y Judy Leone, la Fundación John S., James L. Knight, Harriet y Larry Weiss, y la Fundación Wyncote, entre otros. Para obtener más información sobre el proyecto y ver una lista completa de colaboradores, visitewww.everyvoice-everyvote.org. El contenido editorial se crea independientemente de los donantes del proyecto.
