Latest news with #BrianKing

02-07-2025
- Health
Former CDC officials warn proposed budget cuts could cost American lives in 2026
Proposed funding cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the fiscal year 2026 federal budget will lead to significant negative health impacts for millions of Americans, a coalition of former federal health officials said. These proposed funding cuts are not related to the " big, beautiful bill" that is making its way through Congress. The press conference was organized by CDC Alumni and Friends and Fired But Fighting, an informal network of public health advocates. The latter has created a website that lays out the proposed budget cuts to the CDC. The former officials spoke out during a press conference on Wednesday noting that the proposed budget would slash CDC's budget by more than half (54%), taking it from $9.3 billion to $4.2 billion. "Instead of investing in these lifesaving programs, the current budget leaves the American people to pay the price tag with both their lives and money," said Brian King, a former health official at the CDC and Food and Drug Administration, who worked on tobacco prevention. State and local health departments would also be greatly impacted by the proposed cuts with over half of their budgets coming from federal dollars, the advocacy group notes. Roughly 80% of the CDC's annual domestic budget is provided to these smaller, local health departments. About $4.7 billion was provided in 2023 alone in grants to support health departments, hospitals, universities and nonprofits across the country, the group said. As a result of cuts to CDC funding for local health departments, "Americans will be sicker and more will be losing their lives unnecessarily," Dr. Tom Farley, a former health commissioner of Philadelphia and New York City, predicted. One of the largest cuts would be to chronic disease prevention, the former officials noted, including tobacco prevention, HIV prevention and injury prevention, which includes drownings -- a leading cause of death in young kids. "Successful [HIV prevention] programs that Americans have depended on for decades to help protect their own health and the health of their families and their local communities now risk being irreversibly damaged," said Dr. John Brooks, a former CDC official in charge of the agency's response to COVID, mpox and HIV.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tribute Portfolio expands to Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tribute Portfolio, a collection of independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy's global portfolio, has opened its first property in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Recoleta Grand Hotel is situated in the city's Recoleta district. The hotel offers 142 guest rooms, including six suites, all showcasing the porteña culture and French influence through Lucas Gashu's interior designs. Marriott International Caribbean and Latin America president Brian King said: 'The opening of Recoleta Grand marks an exciting chapter for Tribute Portfolio as we continue to expand into Argentina. 'This property captures the essence of what makes the brand so compelling – distinctive design, vibrant spaces, and an authentic connection to place. It's a fitting addition to our growing global collection of independent hotels that celebrate character and creativity at every turn.' The Recoleta Grand offers various dining options while the preserved historical Mansión Mihura hosts spaces such as La Maga, Rayuela, and Serpent Club. In addition to its culinary offerings, the hotel features 3,700ft² of flexible event space, a rooftop terrace, a spa, an executive lounge, and a fitness centre. Recoleta Grand general manager Mauricio Secco said: 'Recoleta Grand is more than a hotel—it's a living narrative of Buenos Aires' rich heritage and vibrant present. 'Every detail, from our literary-inspired spaces to our locally rooted dining experiences, is designed to offer guests a sense of discovery and belonging; in this neighbourhood, the Grand Recoleta Hotel carries forward a legacy of sophistication, offering an atmosphere that feels both timeless and contemporary.' Tribute Portfolio has expanded to more than 155 hotels in over 30 countries and territories. The Buenos Aires launch follows its entrance into the Middle East in May 2024 with The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle in Dubai, UAE. "Tribute Portfolio expands to Buenos Aires, Argentina" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Brian King wins election as Utah Democratic Party Chair
Brian King said he believes more people are turning to the Democratic party as they're tired of Trump and the Utah legislature.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah Democratic Party elects new leadership, Brian King
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Delegates gathered at the Utah Democratic Convention in Ogden on Saturday, May 31– and with all eyes on the race for the new chair of the party, the results are in, with Brian King winning with 52% of the vote. As the newly elected party leader, King is a seasoned politician with 16 years of experience as a state legislator. He is the former House Minority Leader and ran for governor last year. 'This is a new era and this is our moment. As Chair, I'm ready to lead the charge to hold out-of-touch Republicans accountable, to connect with voters across the state and political spectrum, and to flip seats from the top of the ballot to the bottom. Monopolies, in politics and otherwise, aren't good for anyone and Utahns deserve better,' said King. Former Democratic Chair Diane Lewis said she was 'delighted to pass the torch' to King, and is excited to see how new leadership moves forward together for the future of Utah. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who was anticipated to speak at the convention and is thought by many to be preparing for a presidential run, shared a message in a recorded video: 'Utah Democrats know a thing or two about showing up to the fight,' he said. 'You know how to stand up against the odds and get things done.' Over 1400 votes were counted in the race — a record number and over 600 ballots more than last year. This year's race for chair included former executive director of Salt Lake Democrats Ben Peck, former congressional candidate Jonathan Lopez, and perennial democratic hopeful Archie Williams III. Considered a fresh face among the group, Peck, at just 25 years old, has already ran two successful campaigns for democratic candidates — one in Salt Lake County and another in Murray. Many delegates were convinced he may have been elected as the new party chair, but Peck came up short with 45% of the vote. Election results are as follows: Chair: Bring King, 52% Vice-Chair: Susan Merrill, 52% Secretary: Brad Dickter, 56% Treasurer: Catherine Voutaz, 77% In addition to electing new leadership, the party adopted a new platform, which 'remains grounded' in their 'collective core values of economic security, equality of opportunity, and investing in the common good,' according to the party. Utah Democratic Party elects new leadership, Brian King Mama and baby bear cool off in California family's pool Last living grandson of 10th U.S. President John Tyler, dies at 96 How did white-tailed deer come back from near-extinction? Florida mother of dead 6-year-old was trying to 'exorcise demons': sheriff Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah Democrats elect former lawmaker to lead in their quest for more blue districts
Brian King speaks at the Utah Democratic Party Convention at Ogden High School on May 31, 2025. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) When Utah Democrats gathered at Ogden High School for their organizing convention on Saturday, the school hallways loudly echoed the voices of 600 delegates registering and debating whether an established politician or a newcomer had what it takes to transform red districts into blue after the departure of Diane Lewis, who had been in the role for the last four years. Ultimately, that was decided by thin margins, when 52% of delegates voted Brian King to be the new Utah Democratic Party chair, a choice that reflected the party's desire to trust widely known names to support its goal of gaining prominence in bright red Utah. 'This isn't just some abstract policy debate. What we're talking about is happening right now,' King said during his pitch. 'It's parents losing their Medicaid coverage. It's students being told what they can't study. It's immigrants being detained without due process and deported. It's workers picking up the tab while billionaires cash in.' King, who was a state representative from 2009 to 2024, when he quit to run for governor, highlighted his experience, saying he has been in the party long enough to know the dedication and planning needed to achieve its goals. He has also raised money and has cultivated important relationships across the state. Utah Democrats to choose between seasoned legislator and young campaigner as new leader He also committed to getting his hands dirty and filling up his calendar to show real progress. 'I've been able to stand on the House floor and say to the Republican supermajority, call them out for what they are, extremists who are out of touch with the values of Utah,' King said. 'I took on the governor on the fake stage, and I told the truth. I said, 'He's not a leader. He's a lapdog for the legislature.'' In a statement after his win, King commended the convention's turnout, saying it was a demonstration of Utah Democrats' energy, motivation and readiness to fight for their values. 'This is a new era and this is our moment. As chair, I'm ready to lead the charge to hold out-of-touch Republicans accountable, to connect with voters across the state and political spectrum, and to flip seats from the top of the ballot to the bottom,' King said. 'Monopolies, in politics and otherwise, aren't good for anyone and Utahns deserve better.' The day started early with caucus meetings, as cars filled up the school's parking lot and neighboring streets. While it's not an election year, delegates were fiery as party leaders and candidates mentioned some of the flagship policies the Republican Party has implemented in the state's Legislature and, most recently, since President Donald Trump took office this year — immigration, Medicaid cuts, book bans and controversial culture war issues. From the prayer to the candidates' speeches, Democrats expressed profound concerns on the political status of the country under Trump's direction, with some describing it as 'being at war.' While about 600 delegates showed up in person for the convention, 1,450 voted with the availability of digital ballots — a record number, the party said in a news release. Tara Benally, who traveled with her mom from the Utah portion of the Navajo Nation in San Juan County for the convention, said she hoped to get more representation in rural areas out of the leadership change. 'Not many people are aware of what's happening today or what's going on within the state, because a lot of information stops somewhere along the way and just doesn't get disseminated,' she said. Especially, she added, when tribes are so deeply concerned with the status of public lands, the expansion of extractive industries, and the transportation of uranium through their neighborhoods. 'What is being done to help resolve a lot of the emergency issues that have been brought? What has been done to help monitor the air quality? A lot of these things we hear up in the Wasatch Front, but have not come down to our area,' Benally said. 'When is that going to happen?' A couple of hours before the voting started, the candidates made their pitches to delegates, with King arguing that the choices they made on Saturday would define the state and the party for years to come, as many started to pay attention to real impacts of policy coming out of the White House and the Legislature. Ben Peck, a young campaigner and former executive director of the Salt Lake County Democratic Party, highlighted his track record running campaigns that led to the election of Democrats including Natalie Pinkney in a tight race for the Salt Lake County Council, Sheila Srivastava, the first woman elected to serve as Salt Lake County treasurer, and Rosalba Dominguez, a freshman Utah House representative. 'Our democracy is facing an existential crisis. We need a party that acts like that. We don't have time for part-time leaders anymore. We need a leader of our party whose full-time job is being the leader, building our party,' Peck said. Other candidates for the role, Archie Williams III and Jonathan Lopez, also made their case, however, but fell well below King and Peck in the in-person support. The party also voted to approve a platform highlighting values they hope to lift up, including economic security, equality of opportunity, investing in the common good, and American leadership. Additionally, it overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning efforts to extend presidential tenure beyond two terms, as well as denouncing mass workforce reduction and benefit cuts in the Department of Veterans Affairs. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE