Multiple trees have fallen onto roads, homes and businesses across Washington state amid Tuesday’s bomb cyclone storm.
Every year, the World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (W.A.T.C.H.) releases a list of nominees for its “10 Worst Toys” list. The list is meant to serve as a cautionary reminder of the potential hidden hazards posed by many toys marketed for children, W.A.T.C.H. said.”Toy safety is a critical concern this holiday season and beyond, with recent recalls and injuries highlighting the range of risks that may be present on store shelves and online,” W.A.T.C.H. said.This year’s list includes everything from toy guns that may be mistaken for real weapons, plush toys that pose suffocation risks, toys with small parts that present choking hazards and projectile toys that could cause eye injuries.The following toys have been included on W.A.T.C.H.’s list this year, with the reasoning behind why each toy is hazardous. Pinovk Toy Colt 45 pistol: potential for tragedy from realistic toy weaponry Bristle Hedgehog: potential for ingestion injuries Transformers Earthspark Cyber-Sleeve: potential for eye injuries Kinetic Sand Scents – Ice Cream Treats: potential for ingestion injuries Wubble Rumblers Inflatable Furious Fist: potential for blunt force and impact injuries Click n’ Play Toy Remote Set: potential for choking injuries Snackles – Sandy: potential for suffocation injuries X-Shot Poppy Playtime: potential for eye injuries Playzone-Fit Tri-Flyer: potential for impact injuries Zoo Jamz Doggy Xylophone: potential for ingestion and choking injuries
Deanne Criswell, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has asked the inspector general’s office to investigate whether a former employee acted alone in instructing workers to avoid homes with Donald Trump signs during recovery efforts for hurricanes Milton and Helene.”I have already requested an investigation to the IG,” Criswell said.Criswell emphasized that the agency has no policy, rule or doctrine that would encourage political discrimination.”The actions of this one individual are not representative of the work that we do at FEMA,” Criswell said.The allegations arose after a former FEMA employee, Marn’i Washington, claimed she was following orders from a superior. Washington sent a text message to her staff of 11 people to “avoid homes advertising Trump.””The actions directed by Ms. Washington are unacceptable, and when I received this text message, I directed her termination,” Criswell said.Washington insists she is being scapegoated and that she was given instructions to handle “political hostile territory.””When I arrived, they were implementing avoidance and de-escalation, and unfortunately, that trend ran with those Trump campaign signs,” Washington said.Criswell stated there is no evidence to support Washington’s claims that she received instructions from a superior.”We help all survivors, all people, obtain all of the assistance that they are qualified for under the law,” Criswell said.Criswell noted that approximately 20 homes were initially skipped, and teams were sent to those homes immediately after the situation was brought to her attention.The Biden administration is requesting roughly $100 billion from Congress to aid Americans affected by major natural disasters in 2023 and 2024, including hurricanes Helene and Milton. Criswell warned that the agency is running dangerously low.Hurricanes Helene and Milton resulted in over 200 deaths and caused at least $20 billion in damage, according to Associated Press reports.
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The Interactive Resource Center (IRC) Executive Director in Greensboro has resigned.The IRC said Kristina Singleton stepped down after eight years leading the organization. The move comes as the IRC ended its pilot program in early November that extended hours to 24/7 operations and instead will move to its original mission as a day center. In July, security concerns temporarily postponed the IRC’s funding from the city of Greensboro. “Our shelter system is bursting at the seams,” Singleton said at the time. We are in a humanitarian crisis.The IRC later implemented security upgrades , including adding outside lighting and launching a new digitized check-in software for guests. However, in October a 25-year-old man was shot in the parking lot of the IRC and later died. There was a security guard on site at the time of the shooting. The shooting occurred just weeks after the IRC announced changes to its service following concerns about safety.Singleton said in September, the IRC was also working to secure funding from other sources such as the county, and to expand important services like mental health support and housing initiatives like the pallet homes. The IRC said its experiencing record-breaking demand, serving 8,107 people since, January October 2024. Thats a more than 60% increase from the last year. The numbers are also higher than at any point in the IRCs history, according to the organization. In August, the Greensboro City Council unanimously voted to fund the IRC for another six months to the amount of $463,000 in funding.The IRC has provided day center operations through city funding since 2008. Those who are homeless can use the IRC to take showers, do laundry, charge a phone or meet with a case manager. In recent years, it has also expanded its service to provide a white flag emergency shelter, a summer cooling location and administration of the Doorways Project with the city of Greensboro. Bennita Curtain, the IRCs director of programs since 2023, will now serve as interim executive director after Singleton’s resignation and at the time or record-breaking homelessness. The IRC said Curtain has jump-started a new enrichment and skill development program as part of the centers transition back to a day center by partnering with established agencies. As someone whose career has taken me across several states, Ive had the privilege of working with diverse communities. But theres no place like home, Bennita said. Returning to the Triad has provided a fresh perspective on the unique challenge and opportunities our community faces. Here, we have a powerful passion for social justice and social change something that fuels the work we do at the Interactive Resource Center. Curtain said she looks forward to expanding services at the IRC in the future. RELATED COVERAGE
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