Daniel J. Evans, Stalwart of Washington State Politics, Dies at 98

Daniel J. Evans, a stalwart of Washington State politics, passed away on September 22, 2021, at the age of 98. Evans was a beloved figure in the state, known for his dedication to public service and his commitment to bipartisanship.

Evans was born in Seattle in 1925 and grew up in the small town of Bothell. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later attended the University of Washington, where he earned a degree in civil engineering. Evans went on to have a successful career in business before entering politics.

In 1956, Evans was elected to the Washington State House of Representatives, where he quickly made a name for himself as a thoughtful and principled leader. He served as the Speaker of the House from 1959 to 1965, before being elected governor in 1964.

During his three terms as governor, Evans focused on improving education, protecting the environment, and promoting economic development. He was known for his ability to work across party lines and bring people together to find solutions to the state’s most pressing issues.

In 1983, Evans was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill a vacancy, where he served for two years before retiring from politics. Despite his retirement, Evans remained active in public life, serving on numerous boards and commissions and advocating for causes he believed in.

Throughout his career, Evans was known for his integrity, his intelligence, and his dedication to the people of Washington State. He was a true statesman, respected by both Republicans and Democrats for his willingness to put aside partisan differences in the pursuit of the common good.

In a statement following his passing, current Washington Governor Jay Inslee praised Evans as a “giant in Washington State politics” and a “true public servant in every sense of the word.” Evans will be remembered as a man of great integrity and wisdom, whose legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

Daniel J. Evans leaves behind a lasting impact on the state of Washington and a legacy of public service that will inspire generations to come. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and dedication to the people of Washington will never be forgotten.

Trump’s Opponents See New Ways to Cast the G.O.P. as ‘Team Misogyny’

As the 2020 presidential election approaches, opponents of President Donald Trump are finding new ways to portray the Republican Party as a bastion of misogyny. With the #MeToo movement still fresh in the public’s mind and a record number of women running for political office, Democrats are seizing the opportunity to cast Trump and his allies as out of touch with the needs and concerns of women.

One of the most prominent examples of this strategy is the recent confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Kavanaugh’s nomination was marred by allegations of sexual assault, with multiple women coming forward to accuse him of misconduct. Despite these allegations, Trump and his fellow Republicans stood by Kavanaugh and pushed for his confirmation, sending a message to women across the country that their voices and experiences are not valued.

Additionally, Trump’s own history of misogynistic comments and behavior has provided ample ammunition for his opponents. From bragging about sexually assaulting women on the infamous Access Hollywood tape to calling women derogatory names on Twitter, Trump has consistently shown a lack of respect for women. His administration’s policies, such as rolling back protections for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace and attempting to defund Planned Parenthood, further reinforce the image of the GOP as a party that does not prioritize women’s rights.

In response, Democrats are highlighting their own commitment to gender equality and women’s rights. The record number of women running for office in the 2018 midterm elections, many of whom were inspired to run in response to Trump’s election, is a testament to the growing momentum behind the push for gender parity in politics. By contrast, the GOP’s lack of female representation in Congress and the administration only serves to underscore the party’s perceived indifference to women’s issues.

Ultimately, the portrayal of the GOP as “Team Misogyny” is not just a political tactic—it reflects a broader cultural shift towards greater awareness of and intolerance for sexism and gender discrimination. As the 2020 election approaches, Trump and his allies will have to reckon with the consequences of their actions and rhetoric towards women. Whether voters will ultimately hold them accountable remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the days of dismissing misogyny as a political liability are long gone.

Israeli Soldiers Throw Three Seemingly Lifeless Palestinians Off a Roof

In a shocking and disturbing incident, Israeli soldiers were caught on camera throwing three seemingly lifeless Palestinians off a roof in the West Bank city of Hebron. The incident, which was captured on video by a passerby, has sparked outrage and condemnation from human rights groups and the international community.

The video shows Israeli soldiers dragging three Palestinian men out of a building, where they had been hiding during a military operation in the city. The soldiers then proceed to throw the men off the roof, with one of them falling onto a parked car below. The men appear to be unconscious and motionless as they are thrown off the building.

The Israeli military has defended the actions of the soldiers, claiming that the men were armed and posed a threat to the soldiers. However, human rights groups have condemned the incident as a clear violation of international law and a blatant disregard for the lives of the Palestinian civilians.

The use of excessive force by Israeli soldiers against Palestinians is not uncommon in the occupied territories. Human rights organizations have documented numerous cases of abuse and violence by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary detention.

The United Nations and other international bodies have called for an independent investigation into the incident, and for those responsible to be held accountable for their actions. The Israeli government has promised to conduct an internal investigation into the incident, but many are skeptical of the government’s ability to hold its soldiers accountable for their actions.

The incident in Hebron is a stark reminder of the brutal and oppressive nature of the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The use of excessive force and violence against Palestinian civilians only serves to further inflame tensions and perpetuate the cycle of violence in the region.

It is imperative that the international community take a stand against the continued abuses and violations of human rights by the Israeli military in the occupied territories. The lives of Palestinian civilians must be protected, and those responsible for their mistreatment must be held accountable for their actions.justice must be served for the three Palestinians who were callously thrown off a roof by Israeli soldiers in Hebron.

With Robinson Candidacy, North Carolina Republicans Fear Damage to Years of Gains

North Carolina Republicans are facing a new challenge in the form of Mark Robinson, a conservative African American who recently announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor in the state. Robinson, a political newcomer, gained national attention in 2018 for a viral video in which he passionately defended gun rights at a Greensboro City Council meeting.

While some Republicans see Robinson as a fresh face who could energize the party and attract new voters, others are concerned that his candidacy could damage the party’s reputation and undo years of hard-fought gains in the state.

One of the main concerns among some Republicans is Robinson’s lack of experience in politics. They worry that his lack of political experience could make him a liability in the lieutenant governor’s office and hurt the party’s chances of winning the election.

Additionally, some Republicans are concerned about Robinson’s controversial statements in the past. Robinson has made inflammatory comments about LGBTQ rights, Islam, and other topics that have sparked controversy and drawn criticism from Democrats and some within his own party.

Furthermore, some Republicans fear that Robinson’s candidacy could alienate moderate and independent voters, who are crucial for the party to win elections in North Carolina. They worry that Robinson’s conservative views and controversial statements could turn off these voters and make it harder for the party to win key races in the state.

Despite these concerns, Robinson’s candidacy has also garnered support from some within the Republican Party who see him as a strong conservative voice who can energize the base and attract new voters. They believe that Robinson’s outsider status and passionate advocacy for conservative values could help the party win over voters who are disillusioned with traditional politicians.

Overall, Robinson’s candidacy has created a split within the North Carolina Republican Party, with some seeing him as a promising candidate while others fear that he could harm the party’s chances in key races. As the election season heats up, it remains to be seen how Robinson’s candidacy will ultimately impact the party and its prospects in North Carolina.

GE Vernova May Cut 900 Offshore Wind Jobs as It Scales Back

GE Vernova, a subsidiary of General Electric, is set to cut up to 900 jobs in its offshore wind division as it scales back its operations. The move comes as the company faces challenges in the offshore wind market and seeks to streamline its business to remain competitive.

The decision to cut jobs at GE Vernova is a result of the company’s recent difficulties in securing new projects and facing increased competition from other players in the market. The offshore wind industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, with many new companies entering the market and driving down prices. This has put pressure on established players like GE Vernova to cut costs and improve efficiency in order to remain profitable.

The job cuts at GE Vernova will primarily affect employees in the company’s offshore wind division, including engineers, project managers, and support staff. The company has stated that it will work to support those affected by the layoffs, offering severance packages and assistance in finding new employment opportunities.

GE Vernova’s decision to cut jobs in its offshore wind division is a difficult but necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the company. By streamlining its operations and reducing costs, GE Vernova aims to position itself for future growth and success in the offshore wind market.

The offshore wind industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, as countries around the world seek to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources. Despite the challenges facing GE Vernova, the company remains committed to the offshore wind market and plans to focus on developing new technologies and solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

In conclusion, the job cuts at GE Vernova’s offshore wind division are a reflection of the challenges facing the company in a competitive and rapidly changing market. While the layoffs are difficult for those affected, they are necessary for the company to remain competitive and continue to drive innovation in the offshore wind industry. By taking these steps, GE Vernova aims to position itself for future success and growth in the offshore wind market.

Europe’s New Defense Chief: ‘A King Without a Kingdom’?

Europe’s new defense chief has been dubbed ‘a king without a kingdom’ by some in the political sphere. The appointment of German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen as the new President of the European Commission has raised questions about the future of Europe’s defense policy and its ability to assert itself on the global stage.

Von der Leyen, a close ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, has been a controversial figure in German politics. Critics have accused her of mismanaging the German military and failing to address key issues such as recruitment and equipment shortages. However, her supporters argue that she has the experience and diplomatic skills necessary to navigate the complexities of European defense policy.

As the new head of the European Commission, von der Leyen will be tasked with overseeing the implementation of the European Union’s defense strategy, which aims to create a more united and capable European defense force. This includes increasing defense spending, improving military coordination, and developing new defense technologies.

However, some are skeptical about von der Leyen’s ability to lead on defense issues, given her mixed track record as German Defense Minister. Critics point to her failure to address systemic issues within the German military, as well as her lack of experience in international security affairs.

Furthermore, von der Leyen’s appointment has raised concerns about the balance of power within the European Union. With a German at the helm of the European Commission, some fear that Germany will exert too much influence over European defense policy, potentially alienating other member states.

Despite these concerns, von der Leyen has expressed her commitment to strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and ensuring that the European Union plays a more prominent role in global security affairs. She has pledged to work closely with NATO and other international partners to address common security challenges, such as terrorism, cyber threats, and Russian aggression.

Whether von der Leyen can live up to her promises and overcome the challenges ahead remains to be seen. As Europe’s new defense chief, she will be under intense scrutiny from both within and outside the European Union. Only time will tell if she can truly be the ‘king without a kingdom’ that Europe needs to lead on defense issues.

Trump’s Allies Try to Revive Push to Make Nebraska Winner-Take-All Electorally

In the wake of the 2020 presidential election, where Nebraska split its electoral votes for the first time in history, some of President Trump’s allies are attempting to revive a push to make the state’s electoral system winner-take-all.

Nebraska is one of two states, along with Maine, that does not adhere to the winner-take-all system for allocating electoral votes. Instead, the state awards one electoral vote to the winner of each congressional district, with the remaining two votes going to the overall statewide winner.

This system resulted in President Trump winning four out of the state’s five electoral votes in the 2020 election, with Democratic candidate Joe Biden securing one electoral vote from the Omaha-based 2nd Congressional District. This marked the first time in history that Nebraska did not award all of its electoral votes to the same candidate.

Now, some of Trump’s allies are pushing for Nebraska to revert to a winner-take-all system, arguing that the current system is unfair and does not accurately represent the will of the state’s voters. They claim that the split electoral vote system disenfranchises voters in the state and can lead to a discrepancy between the popular vote and the electoral vote.

Supporters of the current system, however, argue that it allows for a more representative allocation of electoral votes and gives voters in all parts of the state a voice in the presidential election. They contend that a winner-take-all system would ignore the diversity of political views within the state and could lead to the disenfranchisement of minority voters.

The push to make Nebraska winner-take-all electorally is likely to face an uphill battle, as it would require a change to the state’s constitution. This would involve getting a proposed amendment approved by the state legislature and then approved by a majority of voters in a statewide referendum.

While it remains to be seen whether this push will gain traction, it is clear that the issue of electoral reform in Nebraska is a contentious one. As the debate continues, it will be important for stakeholders on all sides to consider the implications of any potential changes to the state’s electoral system and how they could impact the democratic process.

Meet the Hustlers Who Make $6,000 a Month Riding Citi Bikes

Citi Bikes have become a popular mode of transportation in cities across the country, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around town. But for some enterprising individuals, Citi Bikes have become more than just a way to get from point A to point B – they have become a lucrative business opportunity.

Meet the hustlers who are making up to $6,000 a month riding Citi Bikes. These entrepreneurs have found a way to turn their daily commute into a money-making venture, using the bikes to deliver goods, run errands, and even offer guided tours of the city.

One such hustler is Alex, a 27-year-old Brooklyn resident who started using Citi Bikes to make extra money on the side. Alex realized that he could use the bikes to deliver packages for local businesses, cutting down on delivery times and saving money on gas. He quickly built up a client base and now makes over $5,000 a month delivering packages around the city.

Another hustler, Sarah, saw an opportunity to offer guided bike tours of her city using Citi Bikes. She researched popular tourist destinations and created a series of themed tours, such as a foodie tour of the city’s best restaurants and a historical tour of famous landmarks. Sarah now makes over $6,000 a month leading bike tours for tourists and locals alike.

These hustlers have found a way to capitalize on the popularity of Citi Bikes and turn their passion for cycling into a profitable business. With a little creativity and determination, they have been able to carve out a niche for themselves in the competitive gig economy.

While riding Citi Bikes may not be the most traditional way to make money, these hustlers have proven that with a little ingenuity and hard work, anything is possible. So the next time you see someone zipping past you on a Citi Bike, don’t be surprised if they are actually on their way to making some serious cash.

Company Says It Is Investigating Radios Targeted in Lebanon Blasts

In the wake of the devastating explosions that rocked Beirut, Lebanon, on August 4th, a company has come forward to say that it is investigating radios that were targeted in the blasts. The explosions, which were caused by the detonation of thousands of tons of ammonium nitrate stored at the city’s port, killed over 200 people, injured thousands, and caused widespread destruction throughout the city.

The company, which manufactures radios and other communication devices, has stated that a large number of its products were destroyed in the explosions. In a statement released shortly after the blasts, the company said that it was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by the explosions in Beirut” and that it was working with authorities to investigate the incident.

The company has not provided any further details about the nature of the investigation or the specific radios that were targeted in the blasts. However, it is possible that the radios were being used by emergency responders, first responders, or other individuals involved in the rescue and recovery efforts following the explosions.

The fact that radios were targeted in the blasts raises concerns about the safety and security of communication devices in disaster situations. In times of crisis, reliable communication is crucial for coordinating rescue efforts, providing updates to the public, and ensuring the safety of responders and survivors. If radios were intentionally targeted in the explosions, it could have serious consequences for the ability of emergency personnel to effectively respond to future disasters.

The company’s investigation into the targeted radios is just one aspect of the larger effort to determine the cause of the explosions and hold those responsible accountable. Lebanese authorities have already launched their own investigation into the incident, which has been attributed to negligence and mismanagement on the part of government officials.

As the investigation into the Beirut blasts continues, it is important for companies like the one that manufactures radios to cooperate fully with authorities and provide any information that could help shed light on what happened. The safety and security of communication devices in disaster situations must be a top priority, and any actions taken to undermine or destroy these devices must be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

In the meantime, the people of Beirut are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the devastating explosions. The loss of life, injuries, and destruction caused by the blasts will have a lasting impact on the city and its residents, but with the support of the international community and a commitment to justice, Beirut will hopefully be able to recover and rebuild stronger than ever.

I Just Went to Darfur. Here Is What Shattered Me.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Darfur, a region in western Sudan that has been plagued by conflict and violence for years. As I stepped off the plane and onto the dusty ground, I could feel the weight of the suffering that has taken place in this region.

Darfur has been in the headlines for years, with reports of mass atrocities, displacement, and human rights violations. But nothing could have prepared me for the reality of what I witnessed on the ground. The devastation and destruction were overwhelming, and it was clear that the people of Darfur have endured unimaginable suffering.

One of the first things that struck me was the sheer number of people living in overcrowded camps for internally displaced people. These makeshift settlements were filled with tents made of tarpaulin and scraps of wood, with families crammed into small spaces and little access to basic necessities like clean water and sanitation. The conditions were deplorable, and it was heartbreaking to see children playing in the dirt, their futures uncertain.

I also met with survivors of violence, including women who had been subjected to sexual violence and men who had lost loved ones in the conflict. Their stories were harrowing, and it was clear that the scars of war run deep in Darfur. Despite their trauma, these survivors showed incredible resilience and strength, and their courage in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.

But perhaps what shattered me the most was the realization that the international community has largely turned a blind eye to the suffering in Darfur. The conflict in Darfur has been ongoing for years, with little progress towards peace or justice for the victims. The lack of attention and support from the global community is a stark reminder of the injustices that continue to be perpetrated in this region.

As I left Darfur, I felt a deep sense of sadness and frustration. The people of Darfur deserve better – they deserve peace, justice, and a chance to rebuild their lives. It is incumbent upon all of us to not look away, but to stand in solidarity with the people of Darfur and demand accountability for the crimes that have been committed.

My experience in Darfur has left an indelible mark on me, and I will carry the stories of the people I met with me always. I urge everyone to educate themselves about the situation in Darfur and to take action to support the people who are suffering there. We cannot allow this injustice to continue unchecked – we must stand up and speak out for the people of Darfur.