Connect with us

Midwest

Biden admin insists president has 'laser focus' on East Palestine despite not visiting for a year

Published

on

Biden admin insists president has 'laser focus' on East Palestine despite not visiting for a year

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus get unlimited access to thousands of articles, videos and more with your free account!

Please enter a valid email address.

By entering your email, you are agreeing to Fox News Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. To access the content, check your email and follow the instructions provided.

President Biden visited East Palestine, Ohio, on Friday where administration officials said he has had a “laser focus” on the issues facing the rural village following a hazardous train derailment that released more than a million gallons of toxic chemicals in the environment, and despite the president not visiting the area for more than a year after the disaster. 

“Mr. President, thank you for your laser focus on this community,” Michael Regan, administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency, said after officials toured the recovery site where dozens of Norfolk Southern train cars derailed on Feb. 3, 2023. 

Advertisement

The president has been heavily criticized by Republicans and local residents for not visiting the rural Ohio village, which is located in Columbiana County on the state’s border with Pennsylvania, in the weeks and months that followed. 

The resulted in many residents on both sides of the border having to abandon their homes and suffering from various ailments. The Atlanta-based railroad has been making payments to residents forced to relocate but announced in December that the financial aid would stop on Feb. 9. 

OHIO RAILROAD WORKER CRUSHED TO DEATH BY REMOTE-CONTROLLED TRAIN 

President Biden speaks after touring the East Palestine Recovery Site on Friday in East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after a freight train derailment caused an environmental disaster in the village.  (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The National Transportation Safety Board said 38 Norfolk Southern cars derailed, and a fire damaged another dozen train cars. 

Advertisement

“Let me be clear. While there are acts of God. This was an act of greed that was 100% preventable,” Biden said Friday. “Norfolk Southern failed in its responsibility.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the railroad company. 

Norfolk Southern said it has spent roughly $1.1 billion in its response to the derailment. The company says it has invested $103.2 million in the community, including $21 million distributed to residents.

President Biden talks as he tours the East Palestine Recovery Site on Friday in East Palestine, Ohio, more than a year after a freight train derailment caused an environmental disaster in the village.  (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

During his remarks, Biden announced the awarding of six grants to the National Institutes of Health to study the short and long-term impacts “of what happened here.”

Advertisement

East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway said the community refuses to be defined by a single event. He called for bipartisan federal railway legislation and federal tax relief for funds received from Norfolk Southern.

“President Biden, your long-awaited visit to our village today allows us to focus on the things we agree with,” Conaway said. 

Biden claimed in September that he simply had not had time with his busy schedule to visit the Ohio town. His lack of a visit came in contrast to former President Trump, who met with residents of East Palestine on Feb. 22, 2023, just weeks after the incident. Joining Trump was Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio.

The aftermath of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed is seen still burning, Feb. 4, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. The train derailed the night before, releasing toxic chemicals into the environment. (AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar / File)

Advertisement

“You are not forgotten. We stand with you. We pray for you. And we will stand with you and your fight to help ensure the accountability that you deserve,” Trump told the crowd at the time. “The community has shown the tough and resilient heart of America. And that’s what it is. This is really America right here. We’re standing in America.”

“You are not forgotten. We stand with you. We pray for you. And we will stand with you and your fight to help ensure the accountability that you deserve.” 

Vance criticized Biden for announcing his visit to the community a year after the disaster. 

“I cannot get the White House to give a crap about these people,” he told the Wall Street Journal in a story published Thursday. “They gave my deputy chief of staff a lecture about what the National Institutes of Health does” when he asked for an NIH grant.”

Earlier this month, GOP Senate candidate Bernie Moreno weighed in, saying Biden, “refused to stand with the patriots of East Palestine when it really mattered. He could have united our country by showing support to a right-leaning community, but instead he ignored them.” 

Advertisement

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Read the full article from Here

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Detroit, MI

Dane Brugler Releases Impactful Detroit Lions 7-Round NFL Mock Draft

Published

on

Dane Brugler Releases Impactful Detroit Lions 7-Round NFL Mock Draft


The Detroit Lions have been doing their due diligence on several of the top offensive tackles that are available in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Advertisement

NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler released his latest mock draft, and it included all picks for each of the 32 team’s in the league.

Advertisement

At No. 17, the Lions stay at their position and chose Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Monroe Freeling.

Mel Kiper Jr. also linked the Lions to the talented lineman in his latest two-round mock draft.

As Brugler explained, “Though he’s inexperienced in areas, Freeling is an ascending player with above-average size and athletic traits. The Lions have short-term options opposite Penei Sewell, but Freeling has the talent to earn his way onto the field at some point during his rookie season.”

At No. 50, Brugler has the Lions landing defensive back D’Angelo Ponds out of Indiana.

Advertisement

At 5’9 and 170 pounds, some have mocked Ponds in the first-round, given his success with the College Football Playoff champions.

Advertisement

He recorded a PFF grade of 88.8 overall (8th best among defensive backs), seven interceptions and 31 pass breakups last season.

In several draft previews, Ponds has been compared to current Lions defensive back DJ Reed.

At the combine, the talented defender said he was asked a lot about a play he made against the Oregon Ducks early in the contest.

“The Oregon pick six, which was the first play of the game.” Ponds expressed. “I feel like a lot of coaches asked about this play in the meetings. Every coach really started their meeting off with that play. So, I would say that that was one of them. Just to show my football IQ, how I watch film and study quarterbacks and knowing the ball had to come out fast. Things like that.”

Advertisement

Some scouts are projecting his skills being better suited as a slot cornerback, but Ponds is willing to play on the outside or in the slot at the next level.

Advertisement

“I’m willing to play both, whatever the team needs. I’m comfortable at playing both. I played inside in high school. I got the ability to play both, and I can make plays at both. I’m a competitor as well,” said Ponds. “I always look for the best competition, being that I came from JMU to Indiana just to play against the Top competition in big 10. And I’m a winner.

A”ctually, I can count on probably one hand and one finger how many games I lost in my college career. So, I would say I’m a winner, and I just have that winning mindset.”

Advertisement

Brugler’s Detroit Lions 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft

1.) (17). Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
2.) (50). D’Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
4.) (118). Jakobe Thomas, S, Miami
4.) (128). Caden Curry, EDGE, Ohio State
5.) (157). Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
5.) (181). Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
6.) (205). Gary Smith III, DT, UCLA
6.) (213). Owen Heinicke, LB, Oklahoma
7.) (222). Caleb Douglas, WR, Texas Tech

Advertisement

For more comprehensive Detroit Lions coverage and NFL insider analysis, follow us on X, @detroitpodcast, head on over to our Facebook page and give it a like, follow us on TikTok, subscribe to the Detroit Lions On SI Lone Wolves YouTube Channel

Add us as a preferred source on Google





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Milwaukee, WI

15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: April 16-19

Published

on

15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: April 16-19


Featured Events

1. Art in Bloom

ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

MAM’s iconic spring tradition is back filling the space with fresh energy. The galleries are filled with floral arrangements inspired by works of art including works in the brand new Modern Wing. Check out the full schedule to read about the special events happening each day. Tickets to the museum are $40 for nonmembers and $15 for members. Student, senior, military and teacher discounts are available.

2. Milwaukee Zine Fest

SATURDAY FROM 10:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE CENTRAL LIBRARY

Zine Fest is back for its 17th year! The event will include vendor sales, scheduled workshops, hand-on experiences and more. This event is completely free including all workshops and hands-on experiences. A full list of the vendors and the workshop schedule can be found at their website.

Advertisement

3. Renaissance Threads Workshop with Harmonic Harvest

SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. TO 10 A.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET

Join Harmonic Harvest in the Madame Kuony’s Demonstration Kitchen (Milwaukee Public Market second level) to create a community tapestry. The workshop invites participants to reflect on a positive moment, person, or experience in their lives and make that story into a piece of art work. Fabric squares and art materials will be provided and no prior experience is necessary. This event is free to the public and suitable for all ages.


Architects, interior designers, renovators and landscapers: Submit your best work for consideration!

 


More Events

4. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Community Access Day

THURSDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 7 P.M. | BETTY BRINN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Advertisement

Admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is completely free this Thursday! Kids can immerse themselves in the Home Town exhibit to learn about the responsibility and teamwork it takes to run a town, test their skills on the Hot Lava obstacle course, create art in the Be a Maker Space and more. This event is open to everyone and the museum is fit for children of all ages.

5. Sculpture Milwaukee Talks

THURSDAY FROM 4:30 P.M. TO 6:15 P.M. | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

Artist Joel Otterson and conductor and music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Ken-David Masur are exploring the connections between art and music and the role the arts play in civic life. Moderated by the curator of Kohler Co.’s Arts/Industry Collection, Michelle Grabner, the conversation is sure to be inspiring. Due to limited seating, registration is recommended. This event is free to the public. 

6. PRIDE Night: Mrs. Christie

THURSDAY AT 6 P.M. | MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is celebrating Pride Night with a special pre-show social hour. Drag Queen’s Dear Ruthie and BJ Daniels will be hanging out with members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce before the Thursday night show of Mrs. Christie. DJ Femme Noir will be spinning tracks and snacks and complimentary wine, beer or soda will be served. The show follows the curious disappearance of Agatha Christie, famous 1926 author. Tickets are $50 each and include pre-show festivities and the show.

Advertisement

7. Glow After Dark: Yoga Sculpt Girls Night Out

THURSDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 8 P.M. | THE BOX MKE 

Yoga by Analisia is hosting the perfect girls night out. The sculpt class will be bodyweight and music-driven with a live DJ and black lights to make neons pop. After class, the social hour will feature the Glow Tarot Lounge, DIY Glow Bar, Glow-in-the-Dark Affirmation Wall, permanent jewelry and other local vendors. General admission tickets start at $59 each with the opportunity to bundle and save.

8. Book Talk: A Conversation about Black Feminist Resistance in Trying Times

FRIDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | KUUMBA JUICE & COFFEE

Dr. Stacie McCormick and Dr. Nessette Falu are hosting a conversation surrounding Black Feminist Resistance and the power of storytelling during trying times. The conversation will cover McCormick’s book We Are Pregnant with Freedom and Falu’s book Unseen Flesh. This event is free to attend.

9. Make a Difference Day

SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | UW-MILWAUKEE

Advertisement

Volunteer with UW-Milwaukee to help older adults prepare their yards and neighborhood for spring. Volunteers can sign up as an individual or as a team and service assignments will be given out on the day of. Volunteering ends around 1 p.m. and free pizza will be provided. Registration is open to everyone.

10. Second Hand Purrs Spring Vendor, Craft Fair and Bake Sale

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Spring time is kitten season and Second Hand Purrs is back with another craft fair and bake sale. Over 25 vendors, artists and crafters along with a raffle and bakery sale will donate 100% of their proceeds to benefit the kittens. The event is held at the Knights of Columbus headquarters and admission is free. 

11. Enchanted Afternoon: A Fairy Tea and Craft Party

SATURDAY FROM 12 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | DRESDEN CASTLE

Inject some whimsy into your life and explore life as a fairy. Sip on tea, browse a variety of vendors and shop for whimsical craft kits at the Dresden Castle. Fairy dress-up is encouraged! Admission tickets are available online for $7.60 with upgrade options available.

Advertisement

12. Spring Fling Art and Maker Thing

SATURDAY FROM 1 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | PUDDLER’S HALL

10 local artists are coming together for the fourth annual spring art and maker show at Puddler’s Hall. The artists mediums vary, and include photography, painting, prints, sculptures, pottery and more. This event is free to attend and suitable for all ages. 

13. Urban Ecology in Bloom

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 11:30 A.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER

Take a tour of the land with Urban Ecology’s Land Management staff. The class will cover native ephemeral and spring blooming plants, fauna and their relationship to the early blossoms and native plant purchasing. Registration is encouraged and tickets cost $5 each.

14. Restorative Yoga

SUNDAY FROM 4 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | VILLA TERRACE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM

Advertisement

Rest and recharge with restorative yoga at Villa Terrace. The class is meant to help participants fully unwind and will include a slow, deep flow using supported poses and calming breathwork. This class is suitable for all levels and guests must bring their own mat. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online.

15. Eastwinds Chamber Ensemble Concert

SUNDAY FROM 3 P.M. TO 4 P.M. | ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Eastwinds Chamber Ensemble is presenting original compositions, brass ensemble and organ works at their Spring Concert. The show is free to attend and donations will go directly to the program.

 

Advertisement





Source link

Continue Reading

Minneapolis, MN

Jarren Duran Says Fan Crossed Line Before Middle Finger in Minneapolis

Published

on

Jarren Duran Says Fan Crossed Line Before Middle Finger in Minneapolis


When Jarren Duran flipped up the middle finger on his left hand in the direction of fans at Target Field on Tuesday night, he was responding to someone who allegedly told him to kill himself.

In the fifth inning, and the Twins leading the Red Sox 5-0, the Boston outfielder grounded out to second base. As he jogged back towards the dugout, the television cameras caught him using his middle finger to allegedly respond to the fan.

“Somebody told me to kill myself,” Duran explained. “I’m used to it at this point. S*** happens. I’m going to flip somebody off if they say something to me. It is what it is. I shouldn’t react like that, but that stuff is still kind of triggering. It happens.”

The motive behind the fan’s alleged verbal abuse is unknown, but Duran has been public about his past mental health struggles, including battling depression and contemplating suicide. In April 2025, Netflix released “The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox,” and the fourth episode of the series, titled “Still Alive,” focused on Duran and his mental health journey.

Advertisement

A few weeks after the series was released, a fan in Cleveland was ejected after saying “something inappropriate” to Duran.

Advertisement

“When you open yourself up like that, you also open yourself up to the enemies. But I have a good support staff around me, teammates, coaches. There were fans that were supporting me, so that was awesome,” Duran said after the Cleveland incident.

After the Twins beat the Red Sox 6-0 on Tuesday night, the Twins’ submitted a victory post on social media with the tease, “Kept it classy.”

Advertisement

Duran, 29, was suspended by Major League Baseball for two games in 2024 forshouting a homophobic slur at a fan. That fan was accused of criticizing Duran’s batting. Duran wound up donating the amount he would’ve been paid in the two games to Greater PFLAG Boston, an organization that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

“I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Durran said after the 2024 incident. He admitted that what he said was “horrific,” and acknowledged that “young fans are supposed to be able to look up to me as a role model.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text MN to 741741. 

Advertisement

Add us as a preferred source on Google





Source link

Continue Reading

Trending