Latest news with #KevinDavis
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
How law enforcement prepares to keep communities safe during July Fourth
Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July on Friday, but behind the scenes, law enforcement agencies in big cities and small towns across the U.S. will be on high alert to keep the holiday secure. This year, the Department of Homeland Security has activated its national terrorism advisory system following U.S. strikes against Iran. In Fairfax County, Virginia, the Real Time Crime Center is the hub of police operations. For the Fourth of July, it's all hands on deck, Chief of Police Kevin Davis told CBS News. "I think I wouldn't be doing my job if I wasn't always worried, but we know our ability to react is better than it ever has been," Davis said. Police there have the ability to tap into more than 20,000 live cameras across the county, including those worn by officers. "It puts us in a great position to get additional assistance to the police officers in the street," Davis said. Nearly 300 officers in the county will be activated on Friday alongside the civil disturbance unit. A helicopter and drones will also be on standby. Assistant Chief of Police Bob Blakely expects large gatherings across the county's more than 400 parks. "We try to always be highly visible. We believe, you know, preparedness, a little bit of prevention goes a long way," Blakely said. Officers will be visible on the ground and along the waterways. "July 4th is probably the busiest day of the year," said Master Police Officer Tim Judd, who captains Marine Patrol One. "We all work together to ensure a safe outcome." For families who are nervous to bring their children to their local holiday fireworks, Davis advised, "have a plan, celebrate the Fourth of July and just know that your local police department is here to keep you safe." Supreme Court takes up case on bans for transgender athletes in girls' and women's sports Liverpool soccer star Diogo Jota killed in car crash in Spain, officials say What to know about Rep. Hakeem Jeffries hours-long House speech ahead of budget bill vote


CBS News
03-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
An inside look at how law enforcement prepares to keep communities safe during Fourth of July celebrations across the U.S.
Americans will celebrate the Fourth of July on Friday, but behind the scenes, law enforcement agencies in big cities and small towns across the U.S. will be on high alert to keep the holiday secure. This year, the Department of Homeland Security has activated its national terrorism advisory system following U.S. strikes against Iran. In Fairfax County, Virginia, the Real Time Crime Center is the hub of police operations. For the Fourth of July, it's all hands on deck, Chief of Police Kevin Davis told CBS News. "I think I wouldn't be doing my job if I wasn't always worried, but we know our ability to react is better than it ever has been," Davis said. Police there have the ability to tap into more than 20,000 live cameras across the county, including those worn by officers. "It puts us in a great position to get additional assistance to the police officers in the street," Davis said. Nearly 300 officers in the county will be activated on Friday alongside the civil disturbance unit. A helicopter and drones will also be on standby. Assistant Chief of Police Bob Blakely expects large gatherings across the county's more than 400 parks. "We try to always be highly visible. We believe, you know, preparedness, a little bit of prevention goes a long way," Blakely said. Officers will be visible on the ground and along the waterways. "July 4th is probably the busiest day of the year," said Master Police Officer Tim Judd, who captains Marine Patrol One. "We all work together to ensure a safe outcome." For families who are nervous to bring their children to their local holiday fireworks, Davis advised, "have a plan, celebrate the Fourth of July and just know that your local police department is here to keep you safe."


Telegraph
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
UK's rarest cars: 1974 Morris 1800, one of only two left
On March 26 1975, British Leyland (BL) unveiled a new model intended to appeal to middle managers throughout the land. Today, Mark Allenden owns not only the oldest known example of the 18-22 'Wedge' family but also one of only two remaining Morris-badged versions. BL created Project ADO71 to replace the 1800/2200 'Landcrab' family, and promised 'a car that totally alters the concept of big car motoring'. Buyers had a choice of Austin or Morris versions, available with either the 1.8-litre B-series four-cylinder engine or the 2.2-litre, six-cylinder E-series unit, or the flagship Wolseley version. The Austin and the Morris were identical, except that the former had two trapezoidal headlights while the latter had four lights and a grille with a raised centre section. This use of individual badges reflected BL's ongoing chaos long after Austin and the Nuffield Group (MG, Morris, Riley and Wolseley) had merged in 1952 to form the British Motor Corporation (BMC). By the late 1950s, the firm started to build the same models with different names to satisfy its various dealership chains. After the 1968 Leyland takeover of BMC, management wanted to end such 'badge engineering'. However, the model expert Kevin Davis notes: 'It was decided early in the development of ADO71 that it should be offered in Austin, Morris and Wolseley versions, and it was a decision that remained throughout the gestation of the car.' Davis also recalls the designer Harris Mann telling him: 'They went over dozens of grille designs for the Morris, and what eventually made it into production was the best of a bad job, as nothing really worked. It was there to justify the cost of the humped bonnet pressing.' Aside from the Morris badges, one of the chief fascinations of this example is that it is the entry-level 1800 version, lacking vinyl cladding on the rearmost pillar or chrome trim highlighting the distinctive lines. Any buyer who wanted a passenger vanity mirror or a folding rear armrest needed to order the upmarket HL (standing for High Line), while BL reserved cloth upholstery for upmarket Wolseley customers. At £2,116.53, the Morris competed with the Ford Consul 2000 L at £2,099 and the FE-Series Vauxhall Victor 1800 for £1,955. The cigar lighter and the driver's seat – adjustable to 240 positions – suited the Wedge's managerial aspirations; this was before you considered the luxury of 'knit-back expanded vinyl' trim. When Autocar tested an Austin-badged 2200, it predicted the car would 'find wide favour with both the businessman seeking a refined, comfortable mile-eater and the family man who needs proper space for a growing brood'. BL stated there was no five-door 18-22 because 'in the class that the car was aimed at, a hatchback was seen as being somewhat out of place'. The actual reason was fear of potential clashes with the hatchback-equipped Rover SD1, due for launch in 1976. BL also claimed: 'We don't want to crow too early, but motorists' initial response has been so good that we are all getting a little excited about the car's prospects.' But all was not well at the Cowley factory on the edge of Oxford, as disputes throughout 1975 hampered production. The original aim of producing 1,400 18-22s per week now seemed highly ambitious. On September 11 1975, BL replaced the three individual marque names with the Princess badge. The Austin Ambassador, belatedly fitted with a hatchback, replaced the original Wedge in 1982 after 225,000 units. Today, you stand more chance of seeing the Morris in The Trojan Bus episode of The Sweeney than on the road. Mark Allenden's Wedge is a pre-production model built in 1974. He explains: 'Leyland used it as a demonstrator but then forgot about it. When an employee bought it in 1977, they had to put that year's R registration on it. BL could not sell the Morris retail because it was three years old.' On speaking with the first owner's son, Allenden learnt that this Morris's original custodian was a senior manager who had the car returned to the production line to receive an upgraded interior, a sunroof and vinyl three-quarter panels. It also gained power-assisted steering – a £123.24 extra on the standard 1800. Allenden says: 'When the owners' club recommissioned the Morris in 2014, they returned it to standard form, but could not remove the sunroof or power steering.' Allenden is now used to members of the public calling his car 'a Princess' or wondering why he fitted aftermarket Morris lettering to the boot lid. It is also a reminder that 51 years ago, a front-wheel-drive five-seater saloon with Hydragas suspension really stood apart from its more conventional Ford and Vauxhall rivals. The car that's got it all together '.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Opelika City School district names new superintendent
COLUMBUS, Ga. () — The Opelika City Schools Board of Education announced yesterday Dr. Kevin Davis as the district's next superintendent. Dr. Davis currently serves as principal of Muscle Shoals High School in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and brings more than 20 years of experience in public education. Throughout his career, he served as a coach, teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, and principal. Davis was also named the CLAS District 7A North High School Principal of the Year. 'I appreciate the trust and confidence of the Opelika Board of Education,' Dr. Davis said. 'I am honored to join this outstanding team, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work as we continue to strive toward our shared mission: educating every child, every day.' The district says community members consistently expressed that Davis shares genuine care and concern for all of his students. 'Dr. Davis has an outstanding record of success as a leader in education, and we are excited to welcome him as the next superintendent of Opelika City Schools,' said Dr. Kevin Royal, Chairman of the Opelika City Schools Board of Education. Davis will begin his new position on July 1, 2025. The Opelika City Schools Board of Education will announce details for a community meet and greet in the coming weeks to formally introduce Dr. Davis. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Muscle Shoals High School Principal named Superintendent of Opelika City Schools
MUSCLE SHAOLS, Ala. (WHNT) — Muscle Shoals High School Principal Dr. Kevin Davis has been named the new Superintendent of Opelika City Schools. Dr. Davis will be taking on his new role with more than two decades experience in public education. Previously, Davis has been a coach, teacher, assistant principal, athletic director, and principal. In 2024, he was named the CLAS District 7A North High School Principal of the Year and currently serves as President of CLAS District 7A. 'Dr. Davis has an outstanding record of success as a leader in education, and we are excited to welcome him as the next superintendent of Opelika City Schools,' said Dr. Kevin Royal, Chairman of the Opelika City Schools Board of Education. 'During the evaluation process, the most consistent quality attributed to Dr. Davis by his colleagues was his genuine care and concern for the welfare of all his students. We look forward to helping him build on the foundation of excellence laid by his predecessors,' Dr. Royal added. 'First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with this incredible opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of Opelika City Schools. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to my family for their unwavering support throughout my journey. What drew me to Opelika was the deep-rooted sense of community and the genuine pride residents, families, and educators have in their schools. This is where people care deeply about students and are committed to educational excellence. I appreciate the trust and confidence of the Opelika Board of Education. I am honored to join this outstanding team, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work as we continue to strive toward our shared mission: educating every child, every day.' Dr. Kevin Davis Davis will begin his contract on July 1, 2025. Details for a community meet and greet to introduce Davis will be released in the coming weeks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.