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Tag: memorial

  • Do you have Florida Blue and need care? Here are some Broward options

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    Nora Carol Photography

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    Where can Florida Blue members get care in South Florida?

    While there are a lot of providers that accept the health insurance in Miami-Dade County and the rest of the state, it’s not as easy to get care anymore in Broward County. Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare System, the county’s two public hospital systems, are currently out-of-network with Florida Blue due to ongoing contract disputes.

    And Cleveland Clinic Weston and its facilities could be out-of-network soon, too, if a deal isn’t finalized.

    Florida Blue, which insurers about a third of the state, says there are still plenty of providers in Broward and neighboring counties to care for members.

    READ MORE: Patients feel strain of Florida Blue fallout with Broward hospitals: ‘Just lunacy’

    Where to go depends on what you need.

    HCA Florida, for example, told the Miami Herald it accepts Florida Blue at its 14 hospitals across South Florida and its over 65 MD Now Urgent Care locations. All 12 of its freestanding ERs, including the one in Plantation, and its over 100 HCA Florida physician offices also accept the insurance, including Medicare Advantage, HMO and ACA plans associated with Florida Blue.

    Baptist Health South Florida, the region’s largest not-for-profit healthcare system, also has physician practices, urgent care centers and outpatient centers across South Florida, including in Broward County. It has 12 hospitals across South Florida, though none are in Broward County. Its first Broward hospital is set to open in Sunrise in 2029.

    The fastest way to find a doctor near you is to use Florida Blue’s online doctor search. Patients should always call to double-check that the provider will accept your insurance.

    The following list is based on information provided by Florida Blue. Patients should always check with their provider to make sure their insurance is accepted before booking an appointment.

    Broward hospitals that accept Florida Blue

    HCA Florida’s standalone ER in Plantation also accepts Florida Blue.

    Primary care providers

    • Sanitas Medical Centers, which has a partnership with Florida Blue’s parent company, primarily provides primary and specialty care services to members of Florida Blue and other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Providers are not in the BlueMedicare PPO network or in the BlueMedicare HMO network. To find a location near you, visit mysanitas.com/en/fl#state-locations.
    • NSU Health provides a variety of medical services. For more information and to find a location, visit nsuhealth.nova.edu.
    • Holy Cross Medical Group includes more than 160 board-certified physicians across Broward County. Providers are affiliated with Holy Cross Health. To learn more about offered services and to find a doctor, visit holy-cross.com/services/holy-cross-medical-group.
    • Cleveland Clinic, which has a hospital and other centers in Broward, remains in-network, though that could change pending contract negotiations. If a deal isn’t made, Cleveland Clinic could go out-of-network as early as March 1.
    • Primary Medical Physicians has Broward offices in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Davie and Plantation. The group also has a Miami-Dade office in Aventura. To learn more, visit primarymedicalphysicians.com.

    Pediatric care

    Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, part of Memorial Healthcare System, and the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, part of Broward Health, are out-of-network.

    So what choices do Florida Blue members currently have for pediatric hospitals?

    In Broward, parents can take their children to HCA Florida’s Northwest Hospital in Margate and University Hospital in Davie.

    The other choices include Holtz Children’s Hospital, located on the main Miami campus of Jackson Memorial Hospital, part of Miami-Dade’s public hospital system, or Nicklaus Children’s Hospital near South Miami. Nicklaus Children’s doesn’t have a dedicated hospital in Broward County, but it does have primary care and urgent care centers.

    Nicklaus Children’s physicians working at Broward Health facilities also remain in-network, according to Broward Health. Still, you should check with your provider beforehand to ensure that the services needed are covered.

    For general pediatric care, parents can also turn to NSU Health Pediatric Associates, which has offices across South Florida, and the Children’s Medical Association, which has offices in Plantation, Tamarac, Coral Springs and Miramar.

    Cancer, orthopedic, maternity care and OB/GYN services

    Here are some of the places where Florida Blue says its members can seek care:

    It’s worth noting that other hospitals in Miami-Dade, including the Women’s Hospital at the main Miami campus of Jackson Memorial Hospital, also have labor and delivery units.

    Michelle Marchante

    Miami Herald

    Michelle Marchante covers the pulse of healthcare in South Florida and also the City of Coral Gables. Before that, she covered the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, crime, education, entertainment and other topics in South Florida for the Herald as a breaking news reporter. She recently won first place in the health reporting category in the 2025 Sunshine State Awards for her coverage of Steward Health’s bankruptcy. An investigative series about the abrupt closure of a Miami heart transplant program led Michelle and her colleagues to be recognized as finalists in two 2024 Florida Sunshine State Award categories. She also won second place in the 73rd annual Green Eyeshade Awards for her consumer-focused healthcare stories and was part of the team of reporters who won a 2022 Pulitzer Prize for the Miami Herald’s breaking news coverage of the Surfside building collapse. Michelle graduated with honors from Florida International University and was a 2025 National Press Foundation Covering Workplace Mental Health fellow and a 2020-2021 Poynter-Koch Media & Journalism fellow. 
    Support my work with a digital subscription

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    Michelle Marchante

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  • This Jan. 6 plaque was made to honor law enforcement. It’s nowhere to be found at the Capitol – WTOP News

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    Approaching the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, the official plaque honoring the police who defended democracy that day is nowhere to be found.

    A replica plaque commemorating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot stands outside the office of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
    (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Capitol Riot Anniversary
    A replica plaque commemorating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot hangs outside the office of Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington.
    (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Capitol Riot Anniversary
    A replica plaque commemorating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot stands outside the office of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
    (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Capitol Riot Anniversary
    A replica plaque commemorating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot hangs outside the office of Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington.
    (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Capitol Riot Anniversary
    A replica plaque commemorating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot hangs outside the office of Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at the Longworth House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington.
    (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Approaching the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, the official plaque honoring the police who defended democracy that day is nowhere to be found.

    It’s not on display at the Capitol, as is required by law. Its whereabouts aren’t publicly known, though it’s believed to be in storage.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has yet to formally unveil the plaque. And the Trump administration’s Department of Justice is seeking to dismiss a police officers’ lawsuit asking that it be displayed as intended. The Architect of the Capitol, which was responsible for obtaining and displaying the plaque, said in light of the federal litigation, it cannot comment.

    Determined to preserve the nation’s history, some 100 members of Congress, mostly Democrats, have taken it upon themselves to memorialize the moment. For months, they’ve mounted poster board-style replicas of the Jan. 6 plaque outside their office doors, resulting in a Capitol complex awash with makeshift remembrances.

    “On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on Jan. 6, 2021,” reads the faux bronze stand-in for the real thing. “Their heroism will never be forgotten.”

    Jan. 6 void in the Capitol

    In Washington, a capital city lined with monuments to the nation’s history, the plaque was intended to become a simple but permanent marker, situated near the Capitol’s west front, where some of the most violent fighting took place as rioters breached the building.

    But in its absence, the missing plaque makes way for something else entirely — a culture of forgetting.

    Visitors can pass through the Capitol without any formal reminder of what happened that day, when a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the building trying to overturn the Republican’s 2020 reelection defeat to Democrat Joe Biden. With memory left unchecked, it allows new narratives to swirl and revised histories to take hold.

    Five years ago, the jarring scene watched the world over was declared an “insurrection” by the then-GOP leader of the Senate, while the House GOP leader at the time called it his “saddest day” in Congress. But those condemnations have faded.

    Trump calls it a “day of love.” And Johnson, who was among those lawmakers challenging the 2020 election results, is now the House speaker.

    “The question of January 6 remains – democracy was on the guillotine — how important is that event in the overall sweep of 21st century U.S. history,” said Douglas Brinkley, a professor of history at Rice University and noted scholar.

    “Will January 6 be seen as the seminal moment when democracy was in peril?” he asked. Or will it be remembered as “kind of a weird one-off?”

    “There’s not as much consensus on that as one would have thought on the fifth anniversary,” he said.

    Memories shift, but violent legacy lingers

    At least five people died in the riot and its aftermath, including Trump supporter Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by police while trying to climb through a window toward the House chamber. More than 140 law enforcement officers were wounded, some gravely, and several died later, some by suicide.

    All told, some 1,500 people were charged in the Capitol attack, among the largest federal prosecutions in the nation’s history. When Trump returned to power in January 2025, he pardoned all of them within hours of taking office.

    Unlike the twin light beams that commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001, attack or the stand-alone chairs at the Oklahoma City bombing site memorial, the failure to recognize Jan. 6 has left a gap not only in memory but in helping to stitch the country back together.

    “That’s why you put up a plaque,” said Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa. “You respect the memory and the service of the people involved.”

    Police sue over Jan. 6 plaque, DOJ seeks to dismiss

    The speaker’s office over the years has suggested it was working on installing the plaque, but it declined to respond to a request for further comment.

    Lawmakers approved the plaque in March 2022 as part of a broader government funding package. The resolution said the U.S. “owes its deepest gratitude to those officers,” and it set out instructions for an honorific plaque listing the names of officers “who responded to the violence that occurred.” It gave a one-year deadline for installation at the Capitol.

    This summer, two officers who fought the mob that day sued over the delay.

    “By refusing to follow the law and honor officers as it is required to do, Congress encourages this rewriting of history,” said the claim by officers Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges. “It suggests that the officers are not worthy of being recognized, because Congress refuses to recognize them.”

    The Justice Department is seeking to have the case dismissed. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and others argued Congress “already has publicly recognized the service of law enforcement personnel” by approving the plaque and displaying it wouldn’t alleviate the problems they claim to face from their work.

    “It is implausible,” the Justice Department attorneys wrote, to suggest installation of the plaque “would stop the alleged death threats they claim to have been receiving.”

    The department also said the plaque is required to include the names of “all law enforcement officers” involved in the response that day — some 3,600 people.

    Makeshift memorials emerge

    Lawmakers who’ve installed replicas of the plaque outside their offices said it’s important for the public to know what happened.

    “There are new generations of people who are just growing up now who don’t understand how close we came to losing our democracy on Jan 6, 2021,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., a member of the Jan. 6 committee, which was opposed by GOP leadership but nevertheless issued a nearly 1,000-page report investigating the run-up to the attack and the attempt to overturn the 2020 election.

    Raskin envisions the Capitol one day holding tours around what happened. “People need to study that as an essential part of American history,” he said.

    “Think about the dates in American history that we know only by the dates: There’s the 4th of July. There’s December 7th. There’s 9/11. And there’s January 6th,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-calif., who also served on the committee and has a plaque outside her office.

    “They really saved my life, and they saved the democracy and they deserve to be thanked for it,” she said.

    But as time passes, there are no longer bipartisan memorial services for Jan. 6. On Tuesday, the Democrats will reconvene members from the Jan. 6 committee for a hearing to “examine ongoing threats to free and fair elections,” House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York announced. It’s unlikely Republicans will participate.

    The Republicans under Johnson have tapped Rep. Barry Loudermilk of Georgia to stand up their own special committee to uncover what the speaker calls the “full truth” of what happened. They’re planning a hearing this month.

    “We should stop this silliness of trying to whitewash history — it’s not going to happen,” said Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., who helped lead the effort to display the replica plaques.

    “I was here that day so I’ll never forget,” he said. “I think that Americans will not forget what happened.”

    The number of makeshift plaques that fill the halls is a testimony to that remembrance, he said.

    Instead of one plaque, he said, they’ve “now got 100.”

    Copyright
    © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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    WTOP Staff

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  • Public memorial date and place set for NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, other victims

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    A date has been set for a memorial service to honor Greg Biffle and the six other victims who died in a plane crash earlier this month.

    The memorial will be held at Bojangles Coliseum on Friday, January 16. The event is open to the public and is expected to be live-streamed, according to a NASCAR spokesperson. A time has not been made public.

    Biffle, his wife, their two children and three others perished during a plane crash at the Statesville Regional Airport on Dec. 18. He was 55. The plane was owned by Biffle. The cause of the crash has not been revealed.

    Biffle, an experienced pilot, took the lead on several rescue missions during Hurricane Helene — providing supplies to communities in need.

    “I’ll tell you, the feeling you get when you win a race, you can only ask drivers, right? Because the feeling you get when you win that race, that’s the feeling you get when you’re able to help people in need,” Biffle told NASCAR last October during a conversation about his Helene recovery efforts.

    Days after his death, fans of Biffle’s NASCAR legacy and admirers of his work during Hurricane Helene came to pay their respects at his marker on the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in downtown Moorseville. Bouquets of flowers surrounded the portrait on his marker which was granted to him earlier this year.

    This story was originally published December 30, 2025 at 4:38 PM.

    Briah Lumpkins

    The Charlotte Observer

    Briah Lumpkins is the emerging news reporter for the Charlotte Observer. In this role, she finds important and impactful enterprise stories impacting the Charlotte-metro region. Most previously, Briah spent time in Houston, Texas covering underrepresented suburban communities at the Houston Landing. Prior to that, she spent a year at the Charleston Post and Courier for an investigative reporting fellowship through FRONTLINE PBS. When she’s not at work you can find her binge reading on her kindle or at the movie theater watching the latest premieres.

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    Briah Lumpkins

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  • Reiner children say memorial planning is underway for Rob, Michele

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    The family of Rob and Michele Reiner are working on a memorial for the couple, who were slain last weekend at their Brentwood home.

    In a statement Monday, children Jake and Romy Reiner thanked the public for the outpouring of support and said details about a memorial will be coming.

    Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead in their Brentwood home Dec. 14. Nick Reiner, 32, was charged Tuesday with their murders.

    Reiner also faces a special allegation that he used a deadly weapon, a knife, in the crime, L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman said during a news conference announcing the murder charges last week.

    On the afternoon the Reiners were found, a massage therapist showed up at the home for a weekly session with the couple. When there was no answer at the gate, the therapist called Romy Reiner, who arrived at the home and discovered her father’s body, according to a source close to the Reiner family who spoke on condition of anonymity.

    In a statement last week, the children said: “We now ask for respect and privacy, for speculation to be tempered with compassion and humanity, and for our parents to be remembered for the incredible lives they lived and the love they gave.”

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    Richard Winton

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  • Charlie Kirk’s friends praise slain activist’s faith, mark on conservative movement

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    President Donald Trump and prominent members of his “Make America Great Again” movement paid tribute Sunday to Charlie Kirk, praising the slain political conservative activist as a singular force whose work they must now advance.Stream the service in the video player aboveThe memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.“For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,” Vance said. “My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”Speakers highlighted Kirk’s profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.Kirk’s assassination at a Sept. 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has become a singular moment for the modern-day conservative movement. It also has set off a fierce debate about violence, decency and free speech in an era of deep political division.High security and a full stadiumThose close to Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service.“Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor.People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside State Farm Stadium west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is based. Security was tight, similar to the Super Bowl or other high-profile event. The speakers delivered their tributes from behind bullet-proof glass.The 63,400-seat stadium quickly filled with people dressed in red, white and blue, as organizers suggested.Kirk’s widow, Erika, in her own address said in the midst of her grief she was finding comfort that her husband left this world without regrets. She also said she forgives the man who is charged with killing him.“My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” said Erika Kirk, who is taking over as Turning Point’s leader. She added, “I forgive him.”A 22-year-old Utah man, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with killing Kirk and faces the death penalty if convicted of the most serious charges. Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but prosecutors say Robinson wrote in a text to his partner following the shooting that he “had enough” of Kirk’s hatred.Kirk’s legacy of conservative political influenceTurning Point, the group Kirk founded to mobilize young Christian conservatives, became a multimillion-dollar operation under his leadership with enormous reach.“Charlie’s having some serious heavenly FOMO right now,” Tyler Bower, Turning Point’s chief operating officer, said, likening the moment to bringing “the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally.”The crowd was a testament to the massive influence he accumulated in conservative America with his ability to mobilize young people.His impact on modern-day conservatism went beyond U.S. shores.Kirk “was very effective because he was convinced of his views and knew how to argue them,” Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said at a political rally Sunday in Rome.Kirk was a MAGA celebrity with a loyal following that turned out to support or argue with him as he traveled the country for the events like the one at Utah Valley University, where he was shot. Kirk grew the organization, in large part, through the force of his personality and debating chops.“He slayed ignorance,” said Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. “He cut through lies. He woke people’s minds, inspired people’s hearts and imparted wisdom every day.”Speaker after speaker, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed their awe at Kirk’s ability to go into what many conservatives saw as the lion’s den to make the conservative case: college campuses.“Why don’t you start somewhere easier,” Rubio joked when he first heard about Kirk years ago. “Like, for example, communist Cuba?”

    GLENDALE, Ariz. —

    President Donald Trump and prominent members of his “Make America Great Again” movement paid tribute Sunday to Charlie Kirk, praising the slain political conservative activist as a singular force whose work they must now advance.

    Stream the service in the video player above

    The memorial service for Kirk, whom Trump credits with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory, drew tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand.

    “For Charlie, we will remember that it is better to stand on our feet defending the United States of America and defending the truth than it is to die on our knees,” Vance said. “My friends, for Charlie, we must remember that he is a hero to the United States of America. And he is a martyr for the Christian faith.”

    Speakers highlighted Kirk’s profound faith and his strong belief that young conservatives need to get married, build families and pass on their values to keep building their movement. They also repeatedly told conservative activists, sometimes in confrontational tones, that the best way to honor Kirk was doubling down on his mission to move American politics further to the right.

    Kirk’s assassination at a Sept. 10 appearance on a Utah college campus has become a singular moment for the modern-day conservative movement. It also has set off a fierce debate about violence, decency and free speech in an era of deep political division.

    High security and a full stadium

    Those close to Kirk prayed and the floors shook from the bass of Christian rock bands as the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals took on the feel of a megachurch service.

    “Charlie looked at politics as an on-ramp to Jesus,” said the Rev. Rob McCoy, Kirk’s pastor.

    People began lining up before dawn to secure a spot inside State Farm Stadium west of Phoenix, where Kirk’s Turning Point organization is based. Security was tight, similar to the Super Bowl or other high-profile event. The speakers delivered their tributes from behind bullet-proof glass.

    The 63,400-seat stadium quickly filled with people dressed in red, white and blue, as organizers suggested.

    Kirk’s widow, Erika, in her own address said in the midst of her grief she was finding comfort that her husband left this world without regrets. She also said she forgives the man who is charged with killing him.

    “My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” said Erika Kirk, who is taking over as Turning Point’s leader. She added, “I forgive him.”

    A 22-year-old Utah man, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with killing Kirk and faces the death penalty if convicted of the most serious charges. Authorities have not revealed a clear motive in the shooting, but prosecutors say Robinson wrote in a text to his partner following the shooting that he “had enough” of Kirk’s hatred.

    Kirk’s legacy of conservative political influence

    Turning Point, the group Kirk founded to mobilize young Christian conservatives, became a multimillion-dollar operation under his leadership with enormous reach.

    “Charlie’s having some serious heavenly FOMO right now,” Tyler Bower, Turning Point’s chief operating officer, said, likening the moment to bringing “the Holy Spirit into a Trump rally.”

    The crowd was a testament to the massive influence he accumulated in conservative America with his ability to mobilize young people.

    His impact on modern-day conservatism went beyond U.S. shores.

    Kirk “was very effective because he was convinced of his views and knew how to argue them,” Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said at a political rally Sunday in Rome.

    Kirk was a MAGA celebrity with a loyal following that turned out to support or argue with him as he traveled the country for the events like the one at Utah Valley University, where he was shot. Kirk grew the organization, in large part, through the force of his personality and debating chops.

    “He slayed ignorance,” said Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. “He cut through lies. He woke people’s minds, inspired people’s hearts and imparted wisdom every day.”

    Speaker after speaker, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expressed their awe at Kirk’s ability to go into what many conservatives saw as the lion’s den to make the conservative case: college campuses.

    “Why don’t you start somewhere easier,” Rubio joked when he first heard about Kirk years ago. “Like, for example, communist Cuba?”

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  • Trump administration exploring ways to take over 9/11 memorial in NYC

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    President Donald Trump’s administration said Friday that it is exploring whether the federal government can take control of the 9/11 memorial and museum in New York City.The site in lower Manhattan, where the World Trade Center’s twin towers were destroyed by hijacked jetliners on Sept. 11, 2001, features two memorial pools ringed by waterfalls and parapets with the names of the dead, and an underground museum. Since opening to the public in 2014, the memorial plaza and museum have been run by a public charity, now chaired by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a frequent Trump critic.The White House confirmed the administration has had “preliminary exploratory discussions” about the idea, but declined to elaborate. The office noted the Republican pledged during his campaign last year to make the site a national monument, protected and maintained by the federal government.But officials at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum say the federal government, under current laws, can’t unilaterally take over the site, which is located on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.The U.S. government shouldering costs and management of the site also “makes no sense,” given Trump’s efforts to dramatically pare back the federal bureaucracy, said Beth Hillman, the organization’s president and CEO.“We’re proud that our exhibitions tell stories of bravery and patriotism and are confident that our current operating model has served the public honorably and effectively,” she said, noting the organization has raised $750 million in private funds and welcomed some 90 million visitors since its opening.Last year, the museum generated more than $93 million in revenue and spent roughly $84 million on operating costs, leaving a nearly $9 million surplus when depreciation is factored in, according to museum officials and its most recently available tax filings.New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, voiced her own concerns about a federal takeover, citing the Trump administration’s recent efforts to influence how American history is told through its national monuments and museums, including the Smithsonian.The takeover idea also comes just months after the Trump administration briefly cut, but then restored, staffing at a federal program that provides health benefits to people with illnesses that might be linked to toxic dust from the destroyed World Trade Center.“The 9/11 Memorial belongs to New Yorkers — the families, survivors, and first responders who have carried this legacy for more than two decades and ensured we never forget,” Hochul said in a statement. “Before he meddles with this sacred site, the President should start by honoring survivors and supporting the families of victims.”Anthoula Katsimatides, a museum board member who lost her brother, John, in the attack, said she didn’t see any reason to change ownership.“They do an incredible job telling the story of that day without sugarcoating it,” she said. “It’s being run so well, I don’t see why there has to be a change. I don’t see what benefit there would be.”The memorial and museum, however, have also been the target of criticism over the years from some members of the large community of 9/11 victims’ families, some of whom have criticized ticket prices or called for changes in the makeup of the museum’s exhibits.Trump spokespersons declined to respond to the comments.In all, nearly 3,000 people were killed when the hijackers crashed jetliners into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in southwest Pennsylvania during the Sept. 11 attacks. More than 2,700 of those victims perished in the fiery collapse of the trade center’s twin towers.

    NEW YORK —

    President Donald Trump’s administration said Friday that it is exploring whether the federal government can take control of the 9/11 memorial and museum in New York City.

    The site in lower Manhattan, where the World Trade Center’s twin towers were destroyed by hijacked jetliners on Sept. 11, 2001, features two memorial pools ringed by waterfalls and parapets with the names of the dead, and an underground museum. Since opening to the public in 2014, the memorial plaza and museum have been run by a public charity, now chaired by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a frequent Trump critic.

    The White House confirmed the administration has had “preliminary exploratory discussions” about the idea, but declined to elaborate. The office noted the Republican pledged during his campaign last year to make the site a national monument, protected and maintained by the federal government.

    But officials at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum say the federal government, under current laws, can’t unilaterally take over the site, which is located on land owned by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

    The U.S. government shouldering costs and management of the site also “makes no sense,” given Trump’s efforts to dramatically pare back the federal bureaucracy, said Beth Hillman, the organization’s president and CEO.

    “We’re proud that our exhibitions tell stories of bravery and patriotism and are confident that our current operating model has served the public honorably and effectively,” she said, noting the organization has raised $750 million in private funds and welcomed some 90 million visitors since its opening.

    Last year, the museum generated more than $93 million in revenue and spent roughly $84 million on operating costs, leaving a nearly $9 million surplus when depreciation is factored in, according to museum officials and its most recently available tax filings.

    New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, voiced her own concerns about a federal takeover, citing the Trump administration’s recent efforts to influence how American history is told through its national monuments and museums, including the Smithsonian.

    The takeover idea also comes just months after the Trump administration briefly cut, but then restored, staffing at a federal program that provides health benefits to people with illnesses that might be linked to toxic dust from the destroyed World Trade Center.

    “The 9/11 Memorial belongs to New Yorkers — the families, survivors, and first responders who have carried this legacy for more than two decades and ensured we never forget,” Hochul said in a statement. “Before he meddles with this sacred site, the President should start by honoring survivors and supporting the families of victims.”

    Anthoula Katsimatides, a museum board member who lost her brother, John, in the attack, said she didn’t see any reason to change ownership.

    “They do an incredible job telling the story of that day without sugarcoating it,” she said. “It’s being run so well, I don’t see why there has to be a change. I don’t see what benefit there would be.”

    The memorial and museum, however, have also been the target of criticism over the years from some members of the large community of 9/11 victims’ families, some of whom have criticized ticket prices or called for changes in the makeup of the museum’s exhibits.

    Trump spokespersons declined to respond to the comments.

    In all, nearly 3,000 people were killed when the hijackers crashed jetliners into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in southwest Pennsylvania during the Sept. 11 attacks. More than 2,700 of those victims perished in the fiery collapse of the trade center’s twin towers.

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  • Finding Meaning in Virtual Worlds: How Online Gaming and Digital Communities Can Transform Lives

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    Virtual worlds and online gaming have become a new source of meaning, purpose, and belonging in today’s world, especially for those who struggle with loneliness, social anxiety, or physical disabilities. The new documentary The Remarkable Life of Ibelin shares the inspiring story of Mats Steen, a young Norwegian man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, who built a meaningful life through the popular game World of Warcraft.

    The digital world is sometimes criticized for being a “shallow escape” from real life. However, for many it can be a reliable source of meaning, connection, and purpose—especially for those who may find it difficult to fulfill certain needs and values in their regular daily lives.

    The Remarkable Life of Ibelin

    The 2024 documentary The Remarkable Life of Ibelin is an insightful and heartfelt story on how people find real meaning, connection, and purpose through online gaming and virtual worlds.

    Mats Steen, a young Norwegian man living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, found freedom and fulfillment through his digital persona, Ibelin, in the popular video game World of Warcraft. Mats’ physical limitations were significant, but in Azeroth, he experienced life without barriers.

    His parents only discovered the extent of his online relationships after his death, realizing that the world they thought was isolating had actually given Mats purpose and belonging. For eight years, Mats was an active member of the Starlight community, a guild within World of Warcraft that became like a family to him. Every evening, Mats would log in to talk, roleplay, and have fun with dozens of online friends. Throughout those years, he dedicated over 20,000 hours to the game and participated in conversations that filled more than 42,000 pages of chat logs.

    The documentary used these chat logs to recreate Ibelin’s life within the game, including sentimental and meaningful moments with his online friends Rumour and Reike. Viewers get to witness, through these virtual interactions, how Mats / Ibelin found a place where he was valued not for his physical abilities, but for his personality, humor, and kindness.

    Through this digital world, Mats was able to find a sense of purpose and belonging. As he says in the documentary, “Games are my sanctuary. I am safe here, feel valued and respected.”

    Finding Love and Romantic Fulfillment in Virtual Space

    Due to his physical condition, Mats struggled to find love and romance at school or among real life friends. However, through his virtual avatar Ibelin in the game, Mats was able to experience rare moments of romantic connection that he never thought possible. For once, he was able to connect with people just based on who they are on the inside; as Mats observed, “Everyone looks good in this world, so looks don’t matter, it’s about personality.”

    In World of Warcraft, Mats formed a romantic bond with a player known as Rumour. Their connection began with playful moments, like when Rumour stole his hat “just to see what happens,” and gradually grew into a deeper and more significant connection over time. One of the most memorable moments was their virtual kiss, which Mats described as, “The closest thing I’ve ever been to a crush my entire life.” Mats would give her digital gifts and flowers, and she reciprocated by drawing a real-life picture of their characters embracing—a gift Mats would hang in his room.

    Real-World Emotional Bonds

    These digital connections often spilled over into real lives and deep emotional bonds.

    One day, Rumour mysteriously disappeared from the game and stopped playing. Mats only later found out that her parents had taken her computer away due to her poor grades. This sudden disconnect deeply affected Rumour, whose real name was Lisette, and she began struggling with depression because she could no longer connect with her online friends. Mats, finding out about her pain, wrote a heartfelt letter to her parents, pleading with them to return her computer and emphasizing the value of the relationships she had formed in the digital world. His support helped Lisette during one of the most challenging periods she faced, showing how genuine and meaningful digital bonds can be, even outside of virtual spaces.

    Another one of his gaming friends, Xenia, known as Reike in the game, struggled to connect with her autistic son. Mats encouraged her to try gaming as a way to bridge the gap, and through World of Warcraft, Xenia was able to find new ways to communicate and bond with her son, including giving each other “virtual hugs,” which was a big deal because her son struggled with human touch in the real world. Xenia also said that her son could now share things with her that he normally couldn’t in person or face-to-face, improving their overall ability to communicate and connect through the shared experience of video games. 

    These are just a couple examples of how Mats’ digital relationships had significant, positive effects on the real lives of those around him, illustrating the powerful potential of online communities to bring about meaningful change.

    Opening Up About His Condition

    Mats took a long time to open up about his physical condition to the other members of Starlight. Feeling completely protected behind his virtual persona, Mats could ignore his material reality and didn’t have to worry about people showing him superficial pity or sympathy because of his illness. 

    This hesitation to open up and be vulnerable unfortunately led to some missed opportunities, including missed phone calls and video chats with his online friends. And during a real-life meetup and party for all the members of Starlight, Mats ended up being one of the few to not attend.

    Despite his fears of vulnerability, Mats eventually found the courage to open up as his illness progressed. He shared his fears of dying without meaning anything to anyone with Reike/Xenia, who reminded him of the profound impact he had made on her life and her son’s life. She then listed all the other people he had positively influenced, proving just how meaningful his presence had been over the years.

    Ibelin’s Funeral and Legacy

    After Mats’ death, the emotional weight of his digital connections became evident. When his parents announced his death on his blog, there was an outpouring of emails filled with love, sympathy, and support for Mats / Ibelin and his family. One email read, “What mattered to Mats was being able to spread joy in our lives. And stuff I learned from his example has changed the way I think about life. I hope that wherever he is, he knows that he’s remembered and treasured, and smiling right now.” Five of his online friends from multiple different countries attended his funeral, showing how deeply these connections extended outside of the virtual world. The Starlight community also organized their own virtual funeral for Ibelin, which has now become an annual tradition to honor his memory.

    Studies Supporting the Value of Online Gaming

    A well-known study (PDF) by Nick Yee (2006) identified three primary motivations for playing MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games), such as World of Warcraft. Each of these motivations can be seen in Mats’ experience as Ibelin:

    • Achievement: The drive to accomplish goals, gain recognition, and feel a sense of success. Mats fulfilled important roles within the game, like his ‘investigator job,’ which gave him a sense of duty and made him feel valued and respected as a member of the Starlight team.
    • Social Interaction: The desire to connect, build relationships, and be part of a community. Mats was an active member of the Starlight community, where he built meaningful friendships both online and offline, including his connections with Reike (Xenia) and Rumour (Lisette).
    • Immersion: The desire to lose oneself in a fantasy world and experience life through a completely new perspective. Mats immersed himself in his avatar Ibelin and the virtual world of Azeroth, finding freedom from his chronic illness and experiencing life in a way that was uniquely empowering and uplifting. 

    In another related study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, researchers found that players often experience deep social connections within their gaming communities which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for those who struggle with social anxiety or shyness. And a study in Computers in Human Behavior indicated that the collaborative nature of online games encourages many pro-social attributes such as improved communication, trust, and shared purpose.

    All of these elements are evident in Mats’ story, where his participation in the Starlight community gave him a valued role within a group and elevated his sense of identity and self-worth – all of which are important pillars in building a meaningful life. For individuals facing challenges like physical disabilities or social anxiety, online games can provide an accessible way to fulfill essential psychological needs that may be harder to meet in the physical world.

    Feeling Like You Made a Difference Somewhere

    One of the most meaningful aspects of Mats’ journey as Ibelin was his desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Despite his fears of dying without leaving a mark, Mats’ impact was undeniable. Through his friendships with Rumour, Reike, and others, he provided emotional support, created lasting memories, and changed lives for the better. His story reminds us that feeling like we have made a difference — whether in the physical or digital world —is a fundamental human need that gives life purpose.

    The annual virtual memorials held by the Starlight community, the heartfelt emails his parents received, and the international attendance at his funeral are all powerful symbols of the difference Mats made. His story shows that creating a positive impact on others isn’t just about physical presence, but ultimately the energy you give to others.

    Conclusion

    The Remarkable Life of Ibelin invites us to reconsider how we view digital spaces and the potential they hold for providing meaning, connection, and purpose. The emotional weight of Mats’ story moved me deeply—I’ll admit that by the end of the documentary I was tearing up a little bit, but that shows how powerful “just digital” relationships can be and how inseparable they are from our broader reality. For Mats Steen, World of Warcraft was more than just a game—it was a lifeline, a place where he could be a stronger and more confident version of himself, find love and romantic connection, and support his friends in a real and tangible way. His story is a powerful reminder that behind every avatar is a real person, and that the connections we form online can be just as enriching and life-changing as those we form in the physical world.  

    If you’re looking for more insightful documentaries, check out my recommended list of documentaries here.



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    Steven Handel

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  • Crowds gather for 2024 Albany Memorial Day Parade

    Crowds gather for 2024 Albany Memorial Day Parade

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    ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — From every corner and chasm of the Capital Region, people came to Downtown Albany to commemorate the true meaning of Memorial Day. Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

    Marchers or onlookers, young or old, carrying balloons or flags — someway, somehow, the people of Albany showed up for Veterans. George LaMora served in Vietnam and stepped up to lead the festivities. 

    “Between my brother and sister (veterans), and my family, they encouraged me to do it because of all we do, and I do, for veterans,” said LaMora.

    The Grand Marshall is also a grandfather to proud 9-year-old cousins Amelia and Luna.

    “I never thought that this would ever happen,” said Amelia. “And he does everything for Veterans,” Luna added.

    On the hot holiday morning, Vietnam-era Marine Michael Townsend remembers a time of cold reception.

    “We have a lot more support now than we used to years ago” Townsend recalled. “I walked down the street a lot of times now, people say thank you for your service, appreciate you — and that makes us feel good,” Townsend told NEWS10.

    Colonie’s Stephen Garry served in the Marines during Lebanon and Grenada. He issued a call to younger service members.

    “Veterans from the…war on terrorism [need] to step in to fill our ranks. VFW, the American Legion Post, Marine Corps League, they’re all suffering for membership” Garry implored.

    The pulse of marchers and the beat of drums were alive on Washington Avenue.

    “It felt pretty good that we were playing for people who served for us,” said Trustin Toliver,15, of the Christian Brothers Academy Marching Band.

    Another marching band, The Albany Marching Falcons, will be taking a special trip to Normandy on June 4th, for what may be the last commemoration of D-Day with World War II veterans in attendance. 

    “If we forget to listen to history taught us then we are destined to repeat them,” said Band Director Brian Cady. “So, you know it’s my hope, that they take what they’ve learned from this trip and this event and pass it on to maybe their own kids” Mr.Cady continued.

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    Zion Decoteau

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  • Ride of Silence to remember fallen bicyclists

    Ride of Silence to remember fallen bicyclists

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    CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The Ride of Silence to remember cyclists killed and seriously injured is a worldwide initiative for road safety and is making its 14th annual Capital Region appearance. NEWS10 tagged along with the group of cyclists just before they kicked off their more than 15-mile round trip bike ride to raise awareness along the Central Avenue and Washington Avenue Extension.

    “Washington Extension, Central Avenue are death traps,” exclaimed Patricia Sawyer.

    As bikers began their trek they will see several Ghost Bikes along the trail, white painted bikes, that stand as memorials for people who were killed while riding their bike. You’ll see these ghost bikes at many locations throughout the Capital Region.

    “To remind drivers that their actions will and can have terrible consequences,” said Albany Bicycle Coalition President, Edward Brennan.

    The Ride of Silence covers a ton of ground. It passes through 40 states, 16 countries and five continents. Today’s ride started in Schenectady, heading up to Guilderland. And that’s just two of the 228 locations this ride will travel worldwide.   

    “He had everything he needed to. He was an avid bicyclist, and he did everything by the book. Yellow jacket, lights, reflectors. Everything,” said Sheri Lamb.  

    Sheri lost her brother, Joseph Crandall, when he was hit along Central Ave. back in November. She says she wants more done to provide safety along that route. “They need to have a bike path here on Central Ave. There’s a lot of people that can’t afford to drive a car and they have two wheels instead of four. So, we owe them something to be safe,” said Lamb.

    Another family along the route remember their loved one, Roger Sawyer, a young man killed crossing the road on the Washington Ave. Ext. back in October of 2017, just ten days before his 31st birthday. Sawyer’s family including his mother Patricia talked to NEWS10 near his ghost bike. “So other parents didn’t have to go through this other family members shouldn’t have to go through this. Your children are not supposed to go before you,” said Sawyer. “It’s just been rough. It’s been rough, today. It’s still rough.”

    But when it comes to healing, she had some advice for those suffering a loss like hers. “Put your energy somewhere that is good, something that involves them. Mine is making the streets safer trying to,” said Sawyer.

    No matter what you may think, these cyclists and mourning families have the same, simple message, slow down.  

    “Share the road be cautious of other people,” said Sawyer.

    “Just watch out for the bikes you know be safe be aware,” stated Lamb.

    “When you see us out there, see a cyclist out there, or a motorcyclist or a pedestrian just give us some space. If there isn’t space to pass us, slowdown,” said Brennan.

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    James De La Fuente

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  • Pasadena reels from Tesla crash that left 3 dead, 3 injured

    Pasadena reels from Tesla crash that left 3 dead, 3 injured

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    Pasadena is reeling from a violent car crash over the weekend that left three young adults dead and three other young people badly injured.

    The victims, whose ages range from 17 to 22, all had roots in the City of Roses.

    A memorial of flowers and candles assembled near a ruined building in east Pasadena marked the spot where the car’s driver crashed his Tesla after hitting a nearby curb at more than 100 mph just before 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

    The driver and two passengers died in the crash, and three more passengers were hospitalized with serious injuries, according to authorities.

    By Monday morning, the memorial outside the unoccupied building on East Foothill Boulevard was replete with votive candles, a soccer ball and shoe, flowers and a pair of leather notebooks in which friends and family members could leave messages.

    It’s where 20-year-old Sergio Nava laid a bouquet of flowers for his friend Stephan Michael “Mike” Pfeiffer, whom he met in middle school at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School in Pasadena. They talked almost every day, and Nava thinks that if the circumstances were different — if maybe Nava hadn’t been scheduled to work Saturday at a local Ralphs supermarket — he could have been in the car with his friend.

    “I know he’s in a better place now and he’s looking down on us,” Nava said, placing the flowers.

    Pfeiffer, 20, was from Pasadena, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office. The other two persons killed were a man in his 20s, whose name has not been released pending notification to his family, and Mohed Reda Samuel, 22, from Pasadena.

    Samuel was the driver of the white, 5-seat Tesla Model 3 that was heading west on Foothill Boulevard when it appeared to have lost control navigating a bend in the road. It hit a curb and launched into the air, according to Lt. Anthony Russo with the Pasadena Police Department.

    The car probably soared more than 130 feet before it collided with a utility pole and the building, Russo said.

    The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but based on preliminary information, it does not appear that the vehicle malfunctioned, according to Russo. The county medical examiner’s office will perform a toxicology test to determine if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.

    Samuel and the passenger in the front seat died at the scene, while three out of the four rear passengers were thrown from the vehicle during the crash, Russo said. The fourth passenger remained in the vehicle because they were wearing their seat belt.

    One of the passengers thrown from the vehicle died, and two others were transported to a local hospital along with the survivor who remained in the vehicle’s back seat, Russo said. All three passengers are expected to survive, according to authorities.

    Maranatha High School in Pasadena released a statement about the crash because some of the victims involved were students at the private Christian school. Grief counselors were being made available to the school and community, according to the statement posted to Facebook on Sunday.

    The school asked the public to respect the privacy of the families whose loved ones were involved in the crash.

    “We are deeply saddened by this weekend’s tragic car accident that claimed precious young lives. We mourn this immense loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected,” the statement said. “During this difficult time, we turn to our faith in Christ Jesus for comfort and strength and ask others to join us in praying for all who are suffering due to this tragedy.”

    On Monday morning, a student wearing a Maranatha sweater approached the memorial and left flowers. Pieces of the Tesla remained strewn about the street and sidewalk.

    A large gash in the sidewalk spoke of where the vehicle went airborne, and another large scratch on the ground at a nearby corner showed where the Tesla eventually came to rest.

    Among the items at the memorial was a skateboard propped on the handles of the ruined building’s door with the name “Mike” scratched onto the board’s deck.

    “He was a humble guy and he didn’t like to show off. He was just very sweet to his grandfather and grandmother,” Nava said. Pfeiffer had taken care of his grandfather until his grandfather’s death, and was living with his grandmother at the time of the accident, according to Nava.

    Nava said his friend was a skateboarder who studied kinesiology at Pasadena City College. Pfeiffer had planned to change his major, but remained undecided about what to study next.

    “I guess we’ll never know,” Nava said as he picked up one of the notebooks to write a message for his friend. Pfeiffer would have been 21 this July, according to Nava.

    A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help pay for Pfeiffer’s funeral services.

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    Nathan Solis

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  • Memorial service held for late Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough

    Memorial service held for late Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough

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    CHICAGO (WLS) — The community said goodbye Sunday to Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough.

    Yarbrough’s family held a public memorial service at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park.

    Local leaders paid their respects, including Governor JB Pritzker, along with Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth.

    The politicians said Yarbrough’s legacy will impact generations to come.

    Yarbrough died last weekend at age 73 from an undisclosed illness. She leaves behind six children and 12 grandchildren.

    RELATED | Visitation service held for late Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough in Westchester

    Yarbrough was the first African-American and the first woman to serve as Cook County clerk.

    People paid tribute Friday to Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough.

    READ MORE | Who will replace Karen Yarbrough as Cook County Clerk? Frontrunners include aldermen, commissioners

    Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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    WLS

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  • Dueling protests in Ventura County left a Jewish man dead. What happened remains unclear

    Dueling protests in Ventura County left a Jewish man dead. What happened remains unclear

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    For decades, Paul Kessler had been politically engaged — typically advocating for liberal causes — and often sharing his viewpoints in Thousand Oaks’ local newspaper through witty, strongly worded letters to the editor.

    The 69-year-old most recently answered a call to help mount a counter-protest in support of Israel at a busy intersection where a pro-Palestinian group had been demonstrating regularly in recent weeks since the Israel-Hamas war had intensified and, along with it, Americans’ perspectives on the conflict.

    On Sunday afternoon, Kessler carried an Israeli flag at Westlake and Thousand Oaks boulevards, where almost 100 people between the two dueling protests had spread around the intersection.

    At some point, an altercation broke out between Kessler and one of the pro-Palestinian demonstrators — the details of which remain under investigation.

    Kessler ended up on the ground, bleeding with severe head injuries, officials said, and hours later, the Jewish man was dead.

    No one has been arrested, but Ventura County sheriff’s officials say an investigation into the death — considered both a homicide and a possible hate crime — is ongoing, with a known suspect.

    Witnesses from both sides of the protests shared “conflicting statements” about what led to Kessler’s fatal fall and who the aggressor was, Sheriff Jim Fryhoff said at a Tuesday news conference. Deputies say Kessler fell backward during the altercation, striking his head.

    “What exactly transpired prior to Mr. Kessler falling backwards isn’t crystal clear right now,” Fryhoff said.

    Shoshi Strikowski, center, and Elena Columbo, in cap, join other community members Tuesday at a growing memorial for Paul Kessler in Thousand Oaks.

    (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

    An autopsy shows Kessler died from a blunt force head injury, and the coroner’s office ruled the manner of death a homicide, Ventura County Chief Medical Examiner Christopher Young said. However, Young said the manner of death doesn’t necessarily point to criminal intent, only that the “death occurred at the hands of another person or the actions of another person contributed to the death of a person.” Medical determinations of homicide can be legally ruled self-defense or justified.

    Young said Kessler suffered a fatal injury to the back of his head that was “consistent with and typical of injuries sustained from a fall.” Kessler also had “nonlethal injuries” on the left side of his face, which Young said could have been caused by a blow to the face.

    The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said the incident was reported just after 3:20 p.m. Sunday. Deputies who arrived first found Kessler on the ground, bleeding from his mouth and head, but conscious, Fryhoff said. The Thousand Oaks resident remained conscious through testing and care at a hospital, but his condition quickly deteriorated, Young said. He was pronounced dead just after 1 a.m. Monday.

    Jonathan Oswaks said he went to Sunday’s protest with Kessler. They had met a few weeks earlier when Oswaks posted a message on the website Nextdoor asking people to demonstrate in support of Israel with him. Kessler responded to the message, and this was their second protest together, he said.

    Oswaks, 69, said he saw one of the pro-Palestinian protesters — who he believes is the suspect in this case — hit someone with his megaphone. Oswaks, who was across the street at the time, said he didn’t immediately realize it was Kessler who had been struck and learned later that his friend had been mortally wounded.

    “I was broken when I heard,” Oswaks said while standing near a growing memorial of flowers, candles and Jewish symbols left at the intersection.

    Two people hug outdoors.

    Jonathan Oswaks, right, is hugged at the memorial for Paul Kessler in Thousand Oaks on Nov. 7, 2023.

    (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

    And now, he doesn’t understand why the man hasn’t been arrested.

    “They had everything right there,” Oswaks said of the deputies. “The suspect was sitting right there on the curb.”

    Bri Oard, a freelance journalist, was driving past the rally when she noticed ambulances and firefighters there, she said.

    “I was praying in my head, hoping no violence happened,” she said.

    While she did not see Kessler accosted or fall to the ground, she said, she saw paramedics loading a man onto an ambulance. She also saw two law enforcement officers pull a man from the Free Palestine rally, sit him on the curb and speak with him, she said.

    The rallies have been taking place every Sunday, Oard said, but this was the first time there was any violence, as far as she knew.

    Oard said she did not even realize how serious the incident was until she saw posts on social media.

    Kyle Jorrey, a former editor at the Thousand Oaks Acorn, said Kessler had consistently submitted opinion pieces to the newspaper for at least two decades, many of which were published.

    Anat Joseph, draped in an Israel flag, leaves American flags at a growing memorial for Paul Kessler.

    Anat Joseph, draped in an Israel flag, leaves American flags at a growing memorial for Paul Kessler.

    (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

    “An ardent Democrat, Kessler had a sharp wit and loved a good takedown,” Jorrey wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    “He was passionate about political issues (liberal causes) and wasn’t afraid to let people know how he felt,” Jorrey said in a statement to The Times. “Doesn’t surprise me at all that he was out there as a counter protestor even at his age. He attended many demonstrations related to progressive causes.”

    In Kessler’s neighborhood in Thousand Oaks, most residents had lowered their blinds and declined to comment.

    Kessler’s death has sparked mourning and alarm in Southern California’s Jewish community, with some leaders and public officials expressing outrage.

    “We demand safety. We will not tolerate violence against our community. We will do everything in our power to prevent it,” the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles said in a statement.

    The Anti-Defamation League called on law enforcement “to launch a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible.”

    The Council on American–Islamic Relations released a statement saying it was “deeply saddened by this tragic and shocking loss. We join local Jewish leaders in calling on all individuals to refrain from jumping to conclusions, sensationalizing such a tragedy for political gains, or spreading rumors that could unnecessarily escalate tensions that are already at an all-time high.”

    “As details emerge and are confirmed, we stand resolute in condemnation of violence and antisemitism,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement Tuesday. “This death is a blow to our region at a time when tensions continue to rise worldwide.”

    Community members prepare to address the media at a memorial for Paul Kessler.

    Community members prepare to address the media at a memorial for Paul Kessler.

    (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

    Fryhoff said the suspect, identified only as a 50-year-old man from Moorpark, has been cooperative with investigators. He told authorities he was “involved in an altercation” with Kessler before the man fell and hit his head. The suspect was among those who called 911, the sheriff said.

    Deputies on Monday briefly detained the man after a traffic stop in Simi Valley while investigators served a search warrant at his home. He was later released, Fryhoff said.

    Fryhoff said his deputies are committed to providing safety and protecting the rights of all residents, regardless of faith or identity. He said the agency has increased patrols outside houses of worship and community centers.

    The sheriff said surveillance video from a Shell gas station adjacent to where the confrontation occurred did not capture a clear view of the incident. Authorities are asking for the public to submit any video or images from that day. Fryhoff asked anyone with information to contact Det. Corey Stump at (805) 384-4745 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (800) 222-8477.

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    Grace Toohey, Jeremy Childs, Richard Winton, Noah Goldberg, Terry Castleman

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  • Together at Peace Presents the Memory Mile 2022 and the ‘Up’ Collection

    Together at Peace Presents the Memory Mile 2022 and the ‘Up’ Collection

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    Press Release
    –

    Mar 30, 2022


    HINSDALE, Ill., March 30, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Together at Peace invites everyone who has lost a loved one to spend the week of April 24-May 1 walking one mile or more anywhere in the world in memory of loved ones who have passed away while raising money for the four inspiring charities that are registered for the event. The partnered charities are Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, St. Mary’s Grief Support Essentia Health, Life Lessons Scholarship Program and Simply from the Heart.

    Part of this special event is the “UP” collection curated by Cathy Ponakala from Virgil Catherine Gallery in Hinsdale, IL. The emerging artists featured are internationally collected: Guy Stanley Philoche, Gregg Emery, Larry Stewart and Ramona Nordal. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these pieces will benefit the partnered charities. 

    Once registered, participants will be invited to attend a “Peace Party” open house in Hinsdale on May 1 to celebrate the end of the walk. A zoom link will be made available for those who are not able to attend. Bring a picture of loved ones, enjoy uplifting reflection stations, feel hope and support in gathering with others to share memories.

    Together at Peace’s mission is to inspire healing and hope after loved ones pass away, through events, charitable giving and support. Registration is free. 

    REGISTER TODAY AT TOGETHERATPEACE.COM

    Source: Together at Peace

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  • Austin Pets Alive! | Austin, We Need You

    Austin Pets Alive! | Austin, We Need You

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    Jun 04, 2021

    If you’ve lived in Austin for more than a year, you might be wondering how we are doing over here at the Town Lake Animal Center with all this rain. Historically, our little 70 year old facility floods when we get these crazy Texas torrential downpours. This happens because the land around our buildings is higher than the kennel buildings that have sunk just a little every decade into the ground. Over the past decade of our inhabiting this facility, we have flooded many times in both minor and major ways. We have worked hard to prevent this issue year after year, and in the past 12 months we have made even more improvements to correct the problem. That is why you haven’t heard from us these past weeks — our drains are actually working better than ever! This has only been possible because of the generosity of donors and the City of Austin Water and Watershed Protection Departments.

    But even with these improvements, our drains are still 70 years old, and there is only so much they can take.

    What is happening right now with the weather is very much like what we experienced in 2015 right before the Memorial Day Flood. It rained for many days straight and the land was completely saturated. By the time the big downpour happened on Memorial Day, the only thing water could do was travel as runoff. While we were nowhere near the hardest hit, our kennels and buildings flooded and we had to do an emergency evacuation of our pets.

    We are hopeful that the rain predicted over the next week stays light, but because it would be foolish to bet against Mother Nature, we are preparing for the worst.

    Right now, we need your help to move our dogs to fosters and adopters as fast as possible in an effort to decrease the number of kennels being used. That way any dogs still left at the shelter can be moved to dry kennels, as some kennels may flood before others.

    If you are interested in fostering a dog and giving them a dry place to stay out of the rain, please email [email protected] to be connected to the Austin Pets Alive! Dog Foster Team.

    If you cannot foster or adopt a pet in need at this time, consider making a donation to support APA!’s future life saving efforts. You can also spread the word to your networks by sharing this blog or this Facebook post.

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  • Hillside Announces Custom Certified Celebrant Services

    Hillside Announces Custom Certified Celebrant Services

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    Press Release
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    updated: Aug 9, 2017


    LOS ANGELES, August 9, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary is proud to announce the introduction of Certified Celebrant Services. Certified Celebrants are officiants who conduct custom services tailored to each family’s unique traditions and wishes. Working together with each family, Hillside’s Certified Celebrants are able to customize every aspect of the funeral service, unveiling service or cremation memorial, with or without the participation of clergy.

    For many families, traditional services do not resonate with their spiritual values. Our Certified Celebrants are here to serve families who consider themselves “spiritual” or “non-religious.” Selecting from one of Hillside’s many service options will ensure that the funeral is a true memorialization of your loved one, whether or not Hillside Memorial Park is chosen as the final resting place.

    Certified Celebrant Services also provide a unique opportunity for each family to honor and celebrate the life of their loved one during the unveiling service — a longstanding Jewish tradition that occurs when the memorial marker is put in place. Celebrants can help each family create a tribute for their loved one at the time of the unveiling service. Family and friends who were not able to attend the funeral can commemorate the life and legacy of their loved one at the time of the unveiling.

    Custom options may include personalized invitations, musical arrangements, song tributes, written stories, video montages, memorial releases, and receptions. Hillside’s Certified Celebrants work alongside families to create unique and meaningful celebrations of one’s life and legacy.

    Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary is a community service of Temple Israel of Hollywood. For over 75 years, Hillside has provided members of the community the means to honor and remember their loved ones in beauty, tranquility and the comfort of Jewish traditions. For more information, visit www.hillsidememorial.org.

    Media Contact:

    Paul Goldstein​
    ​Phone: (310) 641-0707​
    ​Email: pgoldstein@hillsidememorial.org

    Source: Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary

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  • Pulse Center for Patient Safety Marks First Anniversary of Orlando Nightclub Shootings With Art, Film and Memorial

    Pulse Center for Patient Safety Marks First Anniversary of Orlando Nightclub Shootings With Art, Film and Memorial

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    Press Release
    –


    updated: Jun 14, 2017


    Freeport, NY, June 14, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    On the evening of June 12, 2017 — one year since the worst mass shooting in American history — Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education and Advocacy hosted an event that remembered and honored the people who were killed that night, while providing valuable insights into the well-prepared medical system and people who saved so many who were grievously injured.

    “Patient safety isn’t only about what goes wrong in healthcare; it’s about what goes right, too,” were the sentiments of Ilene Corina, President of Pulse CPSEA as she introduced a film, “ When Tragedy Strikes, Will You Be Prepared? Insights and Stories from Orlando Health at the 28th National IHI Patient Safety Conference.”

    “Patient safety isn’t only about what goes wrong in healthcare; it’s about what goes right, too.”

    Ilene Corina, President, PULSE Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy

    Corina was a guest of the Institute of Health Conference in December and was impacted by the film of five hospital workers sharing their experiences in treating the unexpected rush of injured patients following the tragic events at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando Florida in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016. The rush of injured came in fast and furious — “36 in 36 minutes” as they explained in the video, and many more after that.

    The evening at the South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Freeport began with an art show by Dr. Nichelle Rivers depicting the Stolen Lives Project, which was created to raise awareness and educate the community about the pervasive violence and lack of inclusion towards transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. 

    At the start of the program, the Druumatics, a local drumming group in the West African tradition, began a heartbeat that softly accompanied the entire program.

    The deeply moving film, which emphasized how careful advance planning and countless hours of drills enabled staff at Orlando Health to deal with an unprecedented situation and save dozens of lives, was followed by a ceremony during which audience members read the names and the ages of those murdered, and lit candles in their memory.

    The evening ended with the poem Don’t Stand By My Grave and Weep, read in both Spanish and English to remember that the evening had been a Latin night at the Pulse nightclub.

    At the end of the evening, the heartbeat grew louder until it finally stopped.

    For more information about the Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy, visit www.pulsecenterforpatientsafetry.org. Now preparing programs for the fall; call 516.579.4711.

    Source: Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy

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