The chant began at Vice President Harris’s campaign headquarters in Wilmington, Del., on Monday as she prepared to kick off her campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Washington
Noa Argamani is not a political pawn, she can make her own decisions – editorial
Noa Argamani became a symbol of the October 7 attacks after harrowing footage of her abduction by Hamas terrorists went viral.
The distressing video showed Noa being forcibly taken away on a motorcycle from the Supernova music festival, screaming for mercy. This heart-wrenching imagery quickly captured global attention, emphasizing the human toll of the conflict and making her one of the most recognizable faces among the hostages taken that day.
Argamani’s captivity lasted 245 days – just over eight months – during which her image continued to evoke strong emotional responses worldwide. Her dramatic rescue by Israeli forces on June 8, 2024, further solidified her status as a symbol of resilience and hope amid the brutal conflict.
Recently rescued from the horrors of Hamas captivity, Argamani’s decision to accompany Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington on Monday has sparked a fiery debate.
Critics accuse her of being a pawn in a political game, but this perspective overlooks a fundamental truth: Argamani, above all, deserves the autonomy to make her own decisions.
Among the harsh criticisms, journalist Uri Misgav wrote, “Noa Argamani and her father should be ashamed until their last day for agreeing to serve as a backdrop for this crazy and smiling couple’s flight, especially on the morning we learned of two more captives who were unlucky enough to die in captivity and not fly to Washington with the captives’ abandoner. A shame like no other.”
Overlooking Argamani’s personal struggle
Another critic, veteran journalist Dan Margalit, echoed these sentiments, posting on X, “Joining Uri Misgav, shame on Noa Argamani and her father for willingly serving as a backdrop for Bibi’s display in Washington.”
To those who criticize Argamani’s participation in Netanyahu’s trip, we pose this question: Who are we to judge? The ordeal of captivity is unimaginable. The trauma, the constant fear, and the longing for freedom are experiences that no one can fully comprehend unless they have walked in those shoes. For Argamani, every decision she makes now is deeply personal and rooted in her quest for meaning and justice for the hostages still languishing in Gaza – and for her own recovery.
It is important to recognize the historical significance of this trip. The potential outcome – the release of 120 hostages – cannot be understated. Argamani’s presence is not just symbolic; it is a powerful reminder of the human lives at stake. Critics argue that she is being used by Netanyahu, but even if there is a political undertone, the ultimate goal remains noble. The liberation of hostages should transcend political divides and be a cause that unites us all.
Argamani’s critics should also consider the broader implications of their attacks. Unity, especially in times of conflict, is paramount. The venomous words directed at her serve only to deepen divisions and detract from the collective goal of securing the release of all hostages. Instead of tearing down a survivor who has already endured so much, we should rally behind her, offering support and solidarity.
Moreover, Argamani’s decision to join this trip is not just about politics; it is about leveraging every possible platform to advocate for those still in captivity. Her boyfriend remains among the hostages. Her presence in Washington is an opportunity to amplify her plea for their release. It is a chance for her to speak directly to those in power, to ensure that the plight of the hostages is not forgotten amidst political maneuvering.
The criticism leveled against Argamani is not just unfair; it is a reflection of a broader societal issue. It is far too easy to sit in judgment, to cast aspersions from the comfort of detached observation. But true empathy requires us to support those who have suffered, to uplift their voices rather than silence them with criticism.
Argamani has the right to make her own choices. She has earned that right through unimaginable suffering and resilience. Let us respect her decisions, whether or not we agree with them, and recognize that she, more than anyone, understands the stakes involved.
Walla News journalist Liat Ron summarized this situation in the most blunt and direct way: “The hostages and their families are allowed to do anything, and we all need to shut up.”
Washington
Tuberculosis patient in Washington who was arrested for refusing treatment is finally cured
The Summary
- A Washington woman who was arrested after she refused tuberculosis treatment has finally been cured.
- Local health officials obtained court orders to compel the patient to isolate and take medication, but she repeatedly violated them.
- The Health Department said Monday that the woman had tested negative multiple times.
A Washington state woman who was arrested after she refused for more than a year to consistently isolate or take medication for tuberculosis has finally been cured of the disease.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department said Monday that the woman had tested negative for tuberculosis multiple times and had given officials permission to share an update on her health.
“Because this situation led to a lot of media coverage and discussion in the community, the patient and her family wanted to share the ending of the story,” the Health Department said in a statement.
Indeed, the case drew national attention as authorities pursued months of legal action to prevent the woman from potentially infecting others. Authorities even enlisted her family to persuade her to accept treatment.
“She gained back weight she’d lost and is healthy again,” the Health Department said in its statement, adding that the woman and her family are “happy she got the help she needed.”
Tuberculosis, which is caused by bacteria that attack the lungs or other parts of the body, can spread through the air when a person with an active case coughs, sneezes or speaks.
Up to 13 million people in the U.S. have latent infections, meaning they aren’t contagious and don’t have symptoms. But around 5% to 10% of latent cases develop into active disease if they’re left untreated.
Treatment for tuberculosis usually consists of antibiotics taken daily or weekly for a period of months. During that time, people with active disease must be isolated until they’re no longer infectious.
The Health Department requested a court order in January 2022 to require the woman — identified in court papers by the initials V.N. — to comply with treatment and isolation protocols. Washington state law gives public health officials the legal authority to seek a court order when a person’s refusal to isolate or take medication for tuberculosis threatens public safety.
Over the next year, health officials got more court orders to compel the patient to stay home, but she continued to violate them.
One such violation came to light in a petition the Health Department filed in January 2023. It said V.N. had been a passenger in a car accident and went to the emergency room for chest pain the next day. But she didn’t alert hospital staff members to her tuberculosis infection. X-rays at the ER showed that her tuberculosis was getting worse and that she had also contracted Covid-19.
By February 2023, the Health Department had been to court 16 times to address her noncompliance. A judge then found V.N. in civil contempt and signed a warrant for her arrest — a measure health officials saw as a last resort.
She wasn’t arrested right away, however: In April 2023, V.N. was seen boarding a bus to a casino.
According to a March 2023 filing from the Health Department, the patient’s court-appointed attorney suggested that her client didn’t understand the threat she posed to the community.
However, the department said V.N. had knowingly and willingly violated the court’s orders, adding that she received copies of the orders in English and her native language and that an interpreter had been present at every hearing.
“The only viable course of action to protect public health is to require Respondent to undergo treatment at the Pierce County Jail,” the department wrote.
Officers took her to jail in June 2023. She was held in a “negative pressure” room, which prevents contaminated air from flowing outside.
“At that point, she realized how serious her situation was and decided to treat her illness,” the Health Department said Monday. “With her family’s help, our disease investigators earned her trust. She began to take her medication and regained her health over time.”
Later that month, the judge released V.N. from jail under the condition that she isolate at home with court supervision. By July 2023, she had started to test negative for tuberculosis and was allowed to end isolation.
Her case marked the third time in 20 years the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department had sought a court order to detain someone who refused tuberculosis treatment.
The department said Monday that some patients avoid treatment because of its side effects, the lengthy course and the fact that “it’s not always easy and affordable to isolate.”
Nationally, tuberculosis case numbers have risen since 2020 after 27 years of decline. Disease experts largely attribute the trend to reduced access to medical care during the pandemic, which may have delayed diagnoses.
No new cases have been connected to the woman, said Kenny Via, the Health Department’s media relations manager.
“This was a very unique case,” he said. “We’re happy with where we’ve ended it and where we’re at now. It was a long process to get to this place.”
Football is back. NFL teams are hitting the gridiron as training camps kick off across the league, marking the beginning of a new season. With this, the Washington Commanders get a great chance to get a feel for a new-look team.
Now, the team brought in more than just an overhauled roster. They’ve got a new general manager and coaching staff — along with fresh ownership. From top to bottom, the Commaders’ franchise got a reset.
Among the moves made this offseason — all of which were sound and forward-focused — drafting LSU product and Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick is the most exciting. He’s got the potential to be a franchise quarterback heading into a fresh situation with Washington.
READ MORE: What Will Look Most Different About Washington Commanders Offense in 2024?
Still, the Commanders haven’t named Daniels as the starting quarterback heading into the offseason, and it might not even be done before preseason. Washington head coach Dan Quinn talked about the decision to not quite name him a starter yet to kick off preseason.
“It’s not a secret, but it is a journey and a process,” Quinn said. “As we’re going — when he’s ready, we’ll know. When he’s ready, he’ll also know.”
The process behind this decision feels quite simple. The team is allowing Daniels to make an arrival and “earn” the starting job over Marcus Mariota and Jeff Driskel. There’s no reason to believe Daniels won’t be starting for the first offensive snap during the Commanders’ first regular season game.
Some pundits and analysts have drawn hefty comparisons for Daniels, claiming he could have a similar season to Houston Texans’ CJ Stroud and his rookie season a year ago. The debate between Daniels and Caleb Williams will be there all season, too.
Daniels inevitably earning the starting job will make for an exciting brand of football behind the dual-threat quarterback.
READ MORE: Washington Commanders Receiver Terry McLaurin Lands in NFL Top 100 Players of 2024
Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.
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After almost four years of upending centuries-old gender stereotypes, Emhoff told the enthusiastic crowd he was ready for the next challenge: “Now I get to support my wife, Kamala Harris, running for president of the United States.”
Emhoff, who could become the first first gentleman of the United States, set aside his 30-year career as a high-profile Los Angeles entertainment lawyer when Harris assumed office. He has spoken candidly about the difficulties of leaving the work he loved to support Harris’s political aspirations — including at Monday’s event, where he paid credit to President Biden, who Emhoff said “had my back personally in some of my toughest moments as second gentleman.”
“It was always the president who came up to me and said: ‘Look, I know, kid, you’re a great lawyer. I know this must be tough, but what better way to leave that and to support your wife, who you love so much and your country that you love so much,’” an emotional Emhoff said, as Biden — who was unable to make the event as he recovers from covid-19 — listened in.
Emhoff, 59, was born in Brooklyn and raised in Matawan, N.J., before he moved with his parents and two siblings to the Los Angeles area in his teens. He attended college and law school in California and went on to build a successful entertainment litigation practice, which he folded into a large law firm, Venable.
A former colleague, Alex Weingarten, described Emhoff in 2021 as someone who specialized in building teams. On cases, the two partners would assume the roles of good cop and bad cop: Emhoff was always the good cop, Weingarten told The Washington Post.
Emhoff later became a partner at DLA Piper but left in 2020 to avoid potential conflicts of interest between that firm’s lobbying portfolio and Harris’s political career.
Harris and Emhoff’s story is one of later-in-life love — written, literally, in Hollywood. Harris’s close friend, Chrisette Hudlin, set the pair up in 2013 after she met Emhoff at a business meeting.
Emhoff made his introduction to Harris in part through a lengthy voicemail — which he worried was “disastrous,” the vice president wrote in her memoir. But Harris, then living in San Francisco and working as California’s attorney general, was charmed and flew to Los Angeles for their first date.
The morning after, Emhoff shared his availability for another date, writing in an email that he was “too old to play games or hide the ball. I really like you, and I want to see if we can make this work,” he said.
He told CBS in a recent interview: “It was love at first sight, and we’ve been together ever since.”
They married in 2014 at a small ceremony in Santa Barbara that involved smashing a glass in honor of Emhoff’s Jewish background and in which Emhoff wore a flower garland to celebrate Harris’s Indian heritage. Emhoff’s children from his first marriage, Cole and Ella, call the vice president “Momala” — and Harris has forged a friendship with Emhoff’s first wife, film producer Kerstin Emhoff, who is vocal online about her support for the vice president.
Emhoff and Harris’s relationship would ultimately lead him to the unprecedented role of the nation’s first second gentleman and the first Jewish vice-presidential spouse.
During the past three and a half years, Emhoff has carved out a multifaceted role for himself. He has visited coronavirus vaccine clinics, worked to expand access to legal aid services, advocated for gender equity and become a leading voice in the White House’s efforts to combat antisemitism, including by taking a trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 2023 to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. He has also embraced his Jewish heritage by celebrating Passover at the White House.
After the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel, he told the Los Angeles Times that, despite feeling “sheer pain and shock … I’m still going to keep doing what I’m doing — focus on fighting against hate and antisemitism and Islamophobia.”
Emhoff also teaches at Georgetown Law School, which described him as “one of the nation’s leading intellectual property and business litigators.” He took up the role after stepping away from his position at DLA Piper.
And while he has discussed the attendant difficulties, he told Glamour in 2020 that “I’m humbled, I’m honored to have put it all on hold — my career, family life, everything” to help the Biden-Harris campaign.
In his White House biography, Emhoff is quoted as saying that he hopes to “inspire the next generation of supportive spouses.”
“I’m the first man to take this role,” he said, “but I definitely don’t want to be the last.”
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