Latest news with #Lucchesi
ABC News
6 days ago
- ABC News
West Australian farmers launch relief convoy for drought-stricken South Australia
It has been dubbed the "convoy of compassion". Eighty-five trucks, loaded with more than 6,000 bales of hay and straw, have begun the trek across the Nullarbor, headed to drought-stricken parts of South Australia. The massive logistical exercise is a project between charities Farmers Across Borders and Need for Feed, with support from the South Australian government. The fodder has been sent to support 400 farming businesses and feed 450,000 head of stock. The trucks have been loaded across Western Australia's agricultural heartland over the past seven days. At Kulin, 300 kilometres east of Perth, farmer Michael Lucchesi said the 1,000 bales coming from his property were good quality. "It's export quality. It was some of the first stuff we bailed last year and we got a bit more than what we needed," he said. "We got a phone call and it was available and I thought, 'Well, might as well give it to someone that needs it.'" It was the first time Mr Lucchesi had been involved in a hay run but he said it was something close to his heart. "We've been there, probably 15 years ago," he said. Co-ordinating more than 80 trucks, obtaining permits across two states, and ensuring the convoy could travel along one of Australia's major national highways without disruption has been a feat of organisation by truck driver Peter Warburton. While it had been trying at times, Mr Warburton said knowing the difference the fodder would make on the ground made it worthwhile. "Logistically, we've been probably five weeks in doing this," he said. "I did the main roads permits here in West Australia and then permits in SA. Rob Gill, from Narembeen, has also donated his time to drive a truck in the convoy. He said keeping everyone on the road safe was a top priority. "Going over there's up to 90 trucks," he said. "They'll put them in groups of 20 or 21, thereabouts, so there's not 80 or 90 trucks all in one [group]," he said. "[The safety considerations are] especially for people with cars when they're trying to pass." The charities involved have also reached out on social media to other groups of road users to alert them of the convoy and instruct them of the signage and communication plans they have in place to ensure road safety. The convoy is a financial feat as well — with trucks to run, fuel to pay for, mouths to feed, and accommodation to book. Justin Williams has taken time off work to be involved. "I thought I'd just get a little gap to come help out," he said. "The first few times I missed it, but this time around I got a chance so I thought I'd jump on it, just be a part of it." Fellow volunteer Michael Young said seeing the impact of the drought firsthand made him keen to help. "A friend of mine that's been on the run a couple of times rang me and I said, 'We're straight in,'" he said. "It will be just nice to help out and do our little bit for our fellow farmers." Farmers Across Borders president Sam Starcevich said she had lost count of how many hay runs she had done since becoming involved in 2014. She said the convoy was her third trip "across the paddock" to do a hay run over the Western Australian border. Recently relaxed biosecurity laws in South Australia have enabled other states, including Western Australia, to export hay from green snail-free areas. "It's well and truly over half-a-million-dollars worth of hay, and then the fuel is probably three times, four times that amount," Ms Starcevich said. The impressive trip has been met with one further hurdle at the last stop in Fraser Range before making the journey across the border. Damaging winds reached 100 kilometres per hour as a storm rolled across southern parts of the state, delaying the convoy's plan to leave in the early hours of Friday. Nonetheless, Ms Starcevich hoped they would be able to get to farmers by Sunday. "It's crazy weather isn't it," she said. Despite the massive undertaking, Need for Feed chairman Graham Cockerell said the convoy still would not meet all requests for assistance the organisation had received. The charity had been sourcing hay from across the country, going as far as northern New South Wales to provide relief to the most drought-stricken parts of South Australia. "We've got about 450 [requests], and this will get to about 300," he said. "We know people who have de-stocked to a large extent, and they're pretty desperate trying to hang onto their breeding stock.
See - Sada Elbalad
10-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
BRICS Journalists Unite in Brazil to Promote Cultural Diplomacy, Media Cooperation
Ahmed Emam The BRICS Press Meeting, organized by Toda Palavra in partnership with TV BRICS and TV Comunitária de Brasília, opened this week in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, bringing together journalists and media professionals from across the BRICS nations to foster deeper cultural and media collaboration. The event began with a keynote speech by Marco Lucchesi, President of Brazil's National Library Foundation, who highlighted the rich cultural heritage of BRICS countries as a catalyst for integration and socio-economic development. According to BRICS TV, Lucchesi introduced the concept of 'cultural diplomacy,' stressing its transformative potential across national borders. 'When we look at the cultural differences of BRICS, we grow even more,' Lucchesi noted. 'We multiply thanks to this great heritage of languages — constructions that have been passed down through the millennia.' The conference emphasized how linguistic diversity and cultural exchange among BRICS members — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — could be harnessed to build mutual understanding and solidarity in a multipolar world. Another key focus of the meeting was the growing role of independent journalism in challenging dominant global narratives and supporting balanced, diverse perspectives. Luiz Augusto Erthal, Founder and Director of Toda Palavra, said the event aimed to provide a platform for independent media voices aligned with the BRICS mission of multipolarity. 'The group was formed in the interests of multipolarity of power among nations and the construction of a more just world,' Erthal said. 'We are seeing many independent journalists making efforts to promote these changes.' A round table discussion titled *'Developing Independent Communication Networks for the Southern Hemisphere'* brought together media professionals from BRICS member states, including Svetlana Shlyubul, International Projects Coordinator at TV BRICS. She emphasized the strategic importance of media collaboration for achieving meaningful integration. 'In today's world, the media is the main tool for shaping information reality and public opinion,' said Shlyubul. 'Coordinated and effective cooperation between the media is not only desirable but necessary.' Fernando Horta, historian and researcher at Brazil's Ministry of Science and Technology, added that communication around BRICS initiatives plays a pivotal role in raising global awareness and reshaping international power structures. 'Public knowledge about BRICS' actions is fundamental to legitimising and strengthening integration processes,' Horta said. 'The current geopolitical transition in the world requires citizens to be informed about the new power dynamics.' Participants agreed to make this forum a recurring platform, signaling a commitment to strengthen communication networks and reinforce the shared vision of a multipolar and inclusive global media landscape. The BRICS Press Meeting marks a significant step toward closer media cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and the development of independent information ecosystems that reflect the diverse voices of the Global South. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
Chicago Tribune
24-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Italian eatery Ascione Bistro opens in downtown Skokie
Downtown Skokie has become home to an Italian restaurant, Ascione Bistro, which opened recently at the Highpoint at 8000 North, a mixed-use, high-rent apartment building. It sits at the heart-of-the-village intersection of Oakton Street and Lincoln Avenue. Owned by third-generation restaurant owner Alex Argirov and his wife Lauren Lucchesi, the Skokie eatery at 8000 N. Lincoln is the couple's second restaurant. They also own Ascione Bistro in Hyde Park. It provides an additional restaurant option in the area, as do other recent arrivals such as Bar Siena at Old Orchard Shopping Center, Crosby's Kitchen in Niles and The Spot Rotary Hot Pot in downtown Skokie. At 5,000 square feet, the Skokie location of Ascione is much bigger than the Hyde Park location and has free valet parking, according to Lucchesi. The Skokie location has 24-seat bar serving classic cocktails. It also has patio seating and semi-open-air seating, Argirov said. Ascione's featured items include house meatballs, which Argirov said are made fresh and by hand; a salad named The Tomato, somewhat similar to a Caprese salad; wild board ragu and Arancini di Ascione, served with a truffle risotto. Argirov said the restaurant features Lucchesi family recipes from Southern Italy that go back generations. The menu also includes pastas, steaks, fish and a smash burger. 'We wanted to expand our business and (were) just looking to do something close to our house,' Lucchesi said. 'Something for our friends, something for our family and people in the area to enjoy.' 'Skokie downtown and Skokie in general, is changing a lot, and we did our best to make this place what it is,' Argirov said. 'COVID changed a lot of things,' Argirov said, referring to diners' spending habits and where they go out to eat. 'Don't get me wrong, there's always going to be good business and good corners [in Chicago] but a complex web of real estate, financiers and audiences are pushing some restaurants into the suburbs.' Argirov lamented that he had hoped for Ascione to open a second restaurant in Hyde Park or the West Loop, but those plans never materialized. 'Opening a restaurant is such a hard thing,' said Chef Jason Qureshi, adding that Ascione's Hyde Park staff is assisting in launching the Skokie location. Ascione's Skokie location will have all the classics of the original Hyde Park location, according Qureshi, with some tweaks. The restaurant is open every day from 3 to 10 p.m., according to its website. According to the village of Skokie's Communications and Community Engagement Director Patrick Deignan, development at the Highpoint is nearly complete. Another business, such as retail or a restaurant, could fill a 3,000 square foot space there, he said. Apartments at the Highpoint are also completely leased, Deignan said. According to Deignan, Bonbon Bakeshop is anticipated to open at 5023 Oakton Street in the next several months, offering boutique chocolates, baked goods and gelato. The village will also soon allow developers to submit proposals for the former site of Annie's Pancake House at 4900 Oakton St., which the village bought in November 2024 and subsequently razed to connect the Illinois Science + Technology Park to downtown Skokie.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Yahoo
Controversy over GoFundMe in deadly San Leandro house fire
The Brief Relatives of the fire victims said acquaintance is refusing to hand over GoFundMe donations that were meant to help with burial and recovery costs. This comes as loved ones are trying to bury three victims of a San Leandro house fire. GoFundMe said the money will be directed to the family. SAN LEANDRO, Calif. - A controversy over a GoFundMe campaign has erupted in the wake of a San Leandro house fire that killed members of three generations of a family. "My baby, she's waiting there, waiting to get cremated, and this lady's got control of all the money to bury my baby," Heather Morrow said Tuesday, her voice breaking. What we know Morrow said a woman she knows is holding a GoFundMe hostage, refusing to turn over nearly $5,000 in donations. "She says, 'No, this is my thing, I set it up, and there's no reason why you should be in my account,'" Morrow said. The fire early Thursday killed Morrow's niece, Aaliyah Jardon, 6; Morrow's mother, Pam Morrow, 66; and Morrow's mother, Shirley Demerse, 90. Six others, including the Aaliyah's twin sister, escaped the flames. The family believes a lithium battery that was charging an e-bike ignited the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Alameda County Fire Department and sheriff's office. A day after the fire, KTVU spoke with Morrow, her twin sister Nichole and their friend, Antionette Lucchesi, who started a GoFundMe. What they're saying "The GoFundMe is dedicated for recovery of this family," Lucchesi told KTVU on Friday. "I've seen them grow and become something, you know, I can only wish ever having for my own." But now, Morrow says Lucchesi seems to be keeping the GoFundMe funds. Lucchesi has not responed to KTVU's request for comment on the matter. "I just want the money so I can bury my family," Morrow said. "I mean, I'm struggling, I have nothing. Red Cross has provided some money, but that's all gone from the hotel rooms." In a statement to KTVU, GoFundMe said, "Our team is working directly with the fundraiser organizer to help ensure funds safely reach the family. During this process, all funds are being safely held by our payment processors, and will only be released to the intended beneficiary." Morrow and her sister have someone else in their corner, Lucchesi's sister, Vanessa Lucchesi. "I'm pro the family and the kids and Aaliyah" she said. "What's wrong is wrong and what's right is right, and it's wrong what she's doing, you kno. That's the bottom line." The tragedy has been especially difficult for the surviving twin Ella Jardon, who's been asking some heart-wrenching questions. "Am I still a twin, and can I get a new sister, and is she coming back?" Morrow said. "She's coping, but she's having the hardest time." The family is requesting that donations be sent to a GoFundMe they've authorized. The community is organizing a vigil to honor the victims. It will take place at Toyon Park at 5 p.m. Thursday March 20. Henry Lee is a KTVU reporter. E-mail Henry at and follow him on Twitter @henrykleeKTVU and The Source Interviews, previous KTVU reporting, along with a statement from GoFundMe.
