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Metro
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Thoughts and prayers - the truth about politicians and natural disasters
Following catastrophic flooding in Texas, hopes of finding survivors have dimmed as the death toll passed 100 today. 27 of those who died were children at summer camp, including two twin sisters who had just finished the second grade. While some families have yet to recover the bodies of their missing loved ones, many of whom just days ago were having the time of their lives at Camp Mystic, the tragedy is already being manipulated by those in power. During a recent press conference, White House Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Democrats of turning the floods into a 'political game' – likely alluding to calls from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to investigate if 'preventable failures' contributed to the floods. She added: 'This is a national tragedy, and the administration is treating it as such. Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning.' This isn't the first time a climate disaster has been exploited by politicians to serve their own interests, with little regard for those who have suffered and lost loved ones – and it probably won't be the last. Comparisons to the scale of disaster and response from political leaders have already been made to the devastation in western North Carolina last September, after Hurricane Helene swept through, killing 251 people and destroying thousands of homes. As walls of water moved quickly through small mountain towns, entire houses and businesses were wiped away in an instant, while hundreds of residents had little chance of escape. Almost a year later, the communities still haven't recovered. Immediately after the disaster, Trump, who was in the midst of his re-election campaign, began spreading well-documented public lies and conspiracy theories, blaming President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the flood and lack of help. During one visit to the small North Carolinian town of Swannanoa in January, which suffered unprecedented damage, he told victims that the Biden government 'failed' them with funding. While Trump's recent, sombre remarks following the floods in Texas are a far cry from his politically-motivated posts during Hurricane Helene, he still couldn't resist placing blame on another politician, like many leaders before him. 'Melania and I are praying for all the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. God bless the families and God bless Texas,' he posted, later adding: 'If you look at that water situation, that was really the Biden setup.' To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Biden's response to Hurricane Helene was also slammed for the 'delayed' response in giving aide to the hardest-hit regions from the storm. He was harshly criticised for his lack of urgency to visit North Carolina after the storm. This delay from Biden infuriated Trump, who previously blamed Democrats for climate disasters. In early January, he blamed California's governor for the unprecedented wildfires which burned much of Los Angeles – accusing him of prioritising 'fish' over more water in the state. While comments like these could appear as good-old-fashioned political mud-slinging, the real-world consequences have been felt for decades, often by some of America's poorest regions. Months after claiming that Biden had let the people of North Carolina down financially, the Trump Administration denied a request for millions of dollars worth of Hurricane Helene relief. The question is, with extreme weather disasters growing more volatile as the burning of fossil fuels continues across America – and the globe – why do so many politicians prefer to point the finger rather than address the elephant in the room and actually do something? 'It's not a simple story, but it's a very American story. This is where we are,' Lawrence Hamilton, a Professor of Sociology at the University of New Hampshire, tells Metro. After all, climate change-related extreme weather events have been found to disproportionately affect lower-income areas, further exacerbating already tough living conditions when disaster hits. When it comes to floods, historically, residents who live on higher ground are often better off than those in lower areas, which see the most damage. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, areas at higher elevations in Louisiana, such as the wealthier French Quarter, only more minor flooding and damage. Meanwhile, the lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans was severely damaged when the levees broke, sending historic levels of water spilling into homes and killing more than a thousand people. After Katrina moved through, the debris left behind revealed just how real the intersection between poverty and geography is when it comes to weather disasters. Despite tragic floods, wildfires and climate disasters seen in Texas, North Carolina, California and across the country, many Americans simply 'aren't perceiving' the patterns at play which worsen weather. 'For instance, out West, where wildfires are common, people know it's bad. They often perceive that they're getting worse, but they do not accept any of the science about why they might be getting worse, or they only accept the parts of it that fit with their sociopolitical views,' explains Professor Hamilton. 'There's a theory in social science called elite cues – it's the idea that you know what to believe because your leaders have told you that it goes with your identity. 'Some places are much harder hit, and the impact is harder to overlook, but in other areas, oftentimes, even just the perception of whether it happened or not is being disputed.' After Helene destroyed western North Carolina, rumours of 'space lasers' controlling the weather ran rampant online. In the aftermath of the Texas floods, some people began blaming the victims. In one viral TikTok, a woman suggested the campers (who were children) at Camp Mystic 'deserved' to die because the state voted for Trump. These warped perceptions of reality come from deep-rooted convictions, Professor Hamilton adds, that often change the person's view of what actually happened. 'People's belief systems can overwrite their perceptions of physical reality, so they remember things differently or interpret them in radically different ways,' he explains. 'The climate is changing, and there are layers of scientists who are studying and anticipating it. The National Weather Service was watching the storm develop and issuing warnings.' More Trending Yet, Professor Hamilton points out, at the same time, the National Weather Service lost 600 of its staff in the past few months due to budget cuts from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). It's unclear if cutbacks directly contributed to potential missteps in warning of the Texas floods, but Professor Hamilton adds: 'There's a whole layer cake of different things, different failures, really, in this cascade.' The issue is, when there's blame to aim at the expense of the competition, will American politicians ever take the literal higher ground and look at why this is happening and how to stop it, rather than who is at fault? Until then, the reality is that for every social media post filled with thoughts and prayers and a little dig on the side, the most vulnerable lives will continue to be lost, and our world will carry on burning, with victims picking up the pieces of their lives. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Grammy-winning star battling cancer fears 'cruel' deportation under new Trump law MORE: Country singer Pat Green confirms little brother and family were swept away in Texas floods MORE: Nato scrambles warplanes after Putin unleashes heaviest strikes of the war
Axios
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Sen. Thom Tillis won't run for reelection in 2026
Sen. Thom Tillis won't run for re-election in 2026, the North Carolina Republican announced Sunday. Why it matters: Tillis faced a brutal fight to keep his seat, both in the general election and with the potential of Trump-backed primary challengers. "It's not a hard choice, and I will not be seeking re-election," Tillis said in a statement announcing his plans. He was first elected to the Senate in 2014. Zoom in: Tillis voted against starting debate Saturday night on the " big, beautiful bill," and told lawmakers he'd also oppose the final version over its cuts to Medicaid. In response, President Trump said he'd meet with Tillis's challengers and accused the North Carolinian of grandstanding. What to watch: There's a large pool of potential GOP candidates for Tillis' seat, including RNC Chair Michael Whatley and RNC vice chair Lara Trump.
USA Today
10-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
North Carolina's David Glabicki leads Golfweek Senior National Championship at Grandover
North Carolina's David Glabicki leads Golfweek Senior National Championship at Grandover Even with a pair of heavy hitters highlighting the field at Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina, for the Golfweek Senior National Championship, a local North Carolinian is the one setting the pace. After 18 holes at the resort's East Course, David Glabicki from nearby Cary, North Carolina leads the field. Glabicki, who lives roughly 70 miles from Grandover, fired an even-par 72 in the first round. That included three birdies and three bogeys and was good for a single-shot lead on Kevin VandenBerg of Pulaski, New York. Glabicki finished in the top 10 at the Society of Seniors Jack Hesler earlier in the year and most recently was T54 at the Jones Cup Senior in February. Scores: Golfweek Senior National Championship His closest chaser, VandenBerg, is notorious for teeing it up nearly every week on the senior golf circuit. He has won Golfweek Senior Player of the Year honors the past two seasons. VandenBerg had a clean card on Monday but for a double-bogey on the par-4 11th. That canceled out a birdie on No. 9 and left him at 1-over par. Behind VandenBerg sits Bryan Hoops of Tempe, Arizona, who has won the last five senior events in which he has teed it up, including two Golfweek events in the California desert in April. Hoops had an uncharacteristically colorful card on Monday, going out in 40 on the front nine before coming home in 35 for a 3-over 75. In the Super Senior division, Stevie Cannady has the solo lead after a 2-over 74. Cannady, winner of the 2024 Golfweek Super Senior National Championship and a resident of Pooler, Georgia, is one shot ahead of Randy King of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and Dub Huckabee of Midland, Texas. Both men posted 3-over 75 on Monday. Greg Goode of Salina, Kansas, and James Starnes of Ft. Myers, Florida, who are ranked No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, in Golfweek's National Senior Amateur Rankings, are tied for fourth at 76. Jeffrey Knox of Jupiter, Florida, leads the Legends division after a 1-under 71. Knox went out in 40 but fired an impressive back-nine 31 that included birdies at Nos. 11, 12, 14, 15 and 18. Pete Allen of Southport, North Carolina, leads the Super Legends division with a 1-over 73.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
North Carolinians Against Gun Violence calls for policies after mass shooting
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — North Carolinians Against Gun Violence is calling for policies to prevent gun violence after the Hickory shooting leaves 1 dead and 11 wounded. The mass shooting happened Sunday, June 1st at a house party in the Mountain View area of Hickory in Catawba County. 'One death due to gun violence is one too many, but according to CDC data, in 2023 one North Carolinian died every five hours and guns are now the leading cause of injury death of children in NC,' Becky Ceartas, Executive Director of North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (NCGV) said. 'We are tired of not feeling safe at parties and in our homes, schools, parks, shopping malls, movie theaters, hospitals, grocery stores, and places of worship.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Newsweek
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Ben Griffin's Memorial 'Disappointment' Proves He's Ryder Cup Ready
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Ben Griffin may have finished runner-up to Scottie Scheffler at the Memorial Tournament on Sunday, but he showed the golf world one thing: he has what it takes to compete on the U.S. Ryder Cup team in September. After missing a short birdie try on the par-5 11th and bogeying the par-3 12th, Griffin quickly faced a four-shot deficit to Scheffler, who began the day with a one shot lead over him. Many could have predicted that Griffin, who quit pro golf temporarily in 2021 to work as a mortgage loan officer, would continue to falter down the stretch, but the North Carolinian did the opposite: he fired back. On the par-5 15th, Griffin stuck a 7-wood to 12 feet and then buried the eagle putt, moments after Scheffler missed an eagle try of his own. Then, with the honor, Griffin found the putting surface on the par-3 16th and calmly rolled in his 27-footer for birdie. Suddenly, Scheffler's four shot lead became two with two to play. Scottie Scheffler and Ben Griffin shake hands on the 18th green after Scheffler won the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Golf Club. Scottie Scheffler and Ben Griffin shake hands on the 18th green after Scheffler won the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday at Muirfield Village Golf a wayward drive on the 17th hole led to a double-bogey six and ultimately, a four shot loss to the World No. 1. "Definitely disappointed," Griffin said of his solo second finish. "I made it exciting there at the end for a couple holes. But yeah, it's funny, I'd take this finish, a year ago, two years ago, three years ago. I'm definitely a little disappointed to not have made it a little bit closer or gotten it done." Ben Griffin Building a Ryder Cup Resume Last week, Griffin held a share of the 54-hole lead at the Charles Schwab Challenge and shot a 1-over 71 to win by a stroke. The win at Colonial marked Griffin's first solo win on the PGA Tour. His only other victory came at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he teamed up with Andrew Novak. In between those starts, Griffin tied for eighth at the PGA Championship, his best finish in a major by far. "I'll learn from some of my swings down the stretch, I'll remember some of the good stuff, and I'll bounce back and get right back to it," Griffin added. "So overall, great week, but, yeah, definitely a little disappointed with the second." That feeling of 'disappointment' shows that Griffin has the fire to compete in golf's most sacred and intense competition at Bethpage Black. The way he bounced back on the 15th and 16th holes does as well. Not only did he rally, but he did so while staring down the best player on the planet. WHAT A PUTT 💥‼️ Ben Griffin goes eagle-birdie to reach 8 under par @MemorialGolf — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) June 1, 2025 It's also worth noting that Griffin pulled a driver out on the 14th tee, a hole that presents plenty of danger with water along the right side of the green. But it's also drivable. "We were doing the math, and there's wind, and I knew I needed to do something to beat him," Griffin said of his decision on 14. His tee shot wound up dry, settling in the rough just along the right side of the green. But he failed to get up-and-down for birdie. Still, that match play mentality almost paid off. Yet, Griffin struggled on the greens on Sunday. "For some reason I didn't feel as comfortable on the greens as I did the first three rounds and then going back to last week at the Charles Schwab," Griffin admitted. "So I did a good job towards the end feeling things out and kind of getting those feelings back. It just kind of stings, but yeah, [Scheffler] is a heck of a golfer. He's the best in the world." Although his short game let him down, his mental fortitude did not. Griffin displayed tremendous confidence in a big time event, all while playing with a three-time major winner and a legend in the making. Nothing phased him. "I can compete out here, I can get it done. I got it done last week. Maybe haven't made it look as easy as I wish it would the last couple weeks, but I know I'm going to finish one of these off with a bunch of birdies soon and really dominate one," Griffin said. "I had chances this week to separate myself, and this golf course is just, you got to lock in on every single shot. It's not that I wasn't locked in, it's just comes down to a little bit of execution. I struggled on my right-to-lefters today, and missed that one on 18 last night and it's kind of bothering me right now, so I'm going to work on my right-to-left putts, no doubt, this off week. "But from a mental stained point I felt really good out there. I felt calm, I felt like I was engaged with the fans, which was really fun. I was able to balance that and also keeping my swagger on the course and playing well. So I know I can get it done at one of these Signature Events and majors, it's just only a matter of time." Griffin's recent success has vaulted him into the top 12 of the U.S. Ryder Cup rankings, and at this point, it would be a mistake for Captain Keegan Bradley to leave him off the team. More Golf: The Memorial: Ben Griffin hit with 6-word message from Scottie Scheffler
