Latest news with #Polk
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Patriots receiver Ja'Lynn Polk is excited about this season, not looking back on his disappointing rookie year
But the year ended up being Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'I don't even think about last year,' Polk said. 'We've got a new staff, new team. The energy is great around here. I'm here now. I'm stepping each foot forward and keeping my faith in the Lord.' Advertisement It's clear that the Patriots wanted to upgrade the wide receiver room this offseason, signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in addition to drafting Kyle Williams in the third round. With Polk, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and Javon Baker all returning, the bottom of the depth chart is tight. Advertisement So, does the 23-year-old Polk feel he's competing for a roster spot? 'No, I think I'm in a fight with myself,' he said. 'I'm competing with myself each and every day, trying to be better than I was yesterday. As long as I've got that mind-set, I'm going to be great.' Despite the obvious change in circumstances, Polk insisted not much has changed for him. He said he's entering the year with 'a new focus,' but wouldn't elaborate. How would he describe his mind set? 'Everything is pretty much the same,' he said. 'Working hard each and every day, trying to earn a role, and go out there and play for the team.' What about his game? 'I don't really think nothing is really different,' Polk said. 'I just got my foot in the water that first year. Now, when I get the opportunity to get going, we're going to make it happen.' Decisions by the coaching staff last season likely affected Polk's production (or lack thereof). His position coach last season, Tyler Hughes, had no prior experience in that role. Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf also said earlier this year that the team may have 'put too much on [Polk's] plate' and 'stunted his growth.' Now, with a new coaching staff, Polk sounds hopeful that his opportunity hasn't already passed. Even after missing the first four training camp practices, he said he doesn't feel he's behind because he was able to log mental reps instead. He also caught a touchdown pass from Maye on Monday. 'There's been some positive things that he's done since he's been back,' coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday. 'I didn't see the mental errors, which sometimes occur when you are getting the installation but not able to go and rep it.' Advertisement Polk wouldn't acknowledge any frustrations, instead expressing excitement about the chance to run routes, get physical, and learn a new offense. 'I'm really happy and excited to be out here,' he said. Nicole Yang can be reached at
Axios
15-07-2025
- Health
- Axios
E. coli levels surge at Easter Lake; swim advisory issued
Easter Lake, recently praised as a success story for its water quality and recreational benefits, now has a swimming advisory due to high levels of E. coli. Why it matters: High levels of E. coli bacteria in recreational water can pose serious health risks, particularly for children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems. Driving the news: Polk County Conservation's water monitoring test late last week showed E. coli levels more than doubled from the previous week, exceeding the acceptable range. Signs warning beachgoers at the Athene North Shore Recreation Area were posted by the agency. E. coli itself is not necessarily harmful, but it is often found with other contaminants that can cause illness if the water is ingested, Polk officials wrote in the online notice. State of play: On Monday, more than a dozen state beaches and at least five other city or county beaches across the state, including Lake Ahquabi in Warren County, issued swim warnings. Reality check: E. coli is everywhere and most strains don't cause disease, Polk County Conservation director Rich Leopold tells Axios. The recent spike is likely associated with warm weather and recent rains, with testing levels possibly returning to acceptable levels in the coming days, he said. Catch up fast: Easter Lake was placed on Iowa's Impaired Water List in 2004, which signals areas that fail to meet federal water quality standards. It was added to the list because of poor water clarity from algae, phosphorus and sediment. Zoom in: The lake was taken off the impaired list last year after a multimillion-dollar, multiyear effort to restore wetlands, dredge and refill the lake. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources highlighted the lake earlier this year to showcase the success of water quality improvement initiatives. The intrigue: Jim Bollard, president of the Easter Lake Area Neighborhood Association, tells Axios that goose feces may contribute to the spike.
American Press
11-07-2025
- Politics
- American Press
Two years after switch, Fort Polk's name returns
Fort Polk's name is being changed back to Fort Polk after previously being renamed to Fort Johnson. This decision reverses the 2023 renaming which honored Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero. The base will now be named after Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) Fort Johnson — which was named after World War I Sgt. William Henry Johnson — was renamed Fort Polk on Friday. This time, however, it's named after a different Polk. 'We do not erase history, but build upon it,' said Chaplain Col. John V. Ijeoma as he opened the dedication ceremony. 'Today with this new name and new identity we embrace the future. May this redesignation reflect a spirit of unity, dignity and purpose.' The Leesville base was initially named for Confederate Gen. Leonidas Polk but was renamed after Johnson in 2023 during the Joe Biden administration. The recent renaming — ordered by President Donald Trump — reverses the change with the base now honoring Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. Polk served more than 38 years in the Army. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1933 and began his career in the Cavalry. He would later became a pioneer in mechanized warfare. He served with distinction in World War II as the commander of the 3rd Mechanized Cavalry Group, leading reconnaissance operations across France and Germany during the Allied advance. He was awarded the Silver Star, among numerous other decorations. He proceeded to serve in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, and later became the commander of U.S. Army Europe, helping to strengthen NATO's defensive posture during the height of the Cold War. Among Polk's family members in attendance for Friday's renaming ceremony were son James H. Polk III, daughter Josephine 'Jody' Polk-Schwartz, sister Ann Polk Talbot and grandsons Johnathan Schwartz III and James Polk Schwartz. A portrait of Polk, unveiled by his family, will be centered under the entranceway to the JRTC and Fort Polk headquarters building. 'To be here today is, of course, a special occasion,' his son told attendees. 'We know he would be extremely proud and honored as we are to have this historic Army post and training area named after him. His dedication and service to our country and his patriotism has always been an inspiration to our family and to all who knew him. Indeed, our admiration for his life and accomplishments in the U.S. Army have continued to increase since his death over 30 years ago. The span of his career and the great events of the 20th century that he witnessed and participated in is truly remarkable.' Polk met his future wife, Josephine 'Joy' Polk, in 1933. 'By his side and through it all — after 28 moves and 55 years of marriage — was our mother, Josephine 'Joy' Polk. She was an exemplary Army wife, always with him, always supporting to her utmost in his various rolls in commands. We would like to pay tribute to her today. There's no doubt our father's Army career would not have succeeded without her support and I know she'd be very proud of this event today,' he said. 'We'd also like to honor the legacy and spirit of Sgt. William Henry Johnson and his heroic record in World War I,' he continued. 'We know that our father would want and expect that Sgt. Johnson continue to be remembered at Fort Polk by the U.S. Army as the great hero that he was.' Polk said his father was a great student of history and would quote Shakespeare. His father also had several inspiring sayings of his own and one that continues to stay with his son is, 'Don't take counsel of your fears.' This quote is sometimes hard to live up to, Polk admitted, and said it highlights his father's positive approach to life as a military man of action. 'He was always stepping up and moving ahead no matter what the challenge was ahead.' Brigadier General Jason A. Curl said since its establishment in 1941, Fort Polk has been a cornerstone of Army readiness, where soldiers have honed their skills and prepared for the demands of combat. Curl said the story of Johnson — a member of the legendary Harlem Hellfighters who 'exemplified valor beyond measure' — 'demands to be told.' 'Sgt. Johnson in May 1918 armed with little more than courage, a rifle and a bolo knife, single handedly repelled a German raiding party and saved his soldiers' lives,' Curl said. 'His sacrifice in service resonated across decades, inspiring soldiers of every generation to embody what we call uncommon valor. In naming this installation after him, we ensured that every soldier who trains here understands that readiness is built on grit, determination and courage to do what's right — even when no one is watching.' Curl said the installation post exchange will now bear Johnson's name and the soldier will 'remain a living part of our history and the strength of character of those who served.' 'The legacies of Sgt. William Henry Johnson and Gen. James H. Polk reminds us that greatness is never given, it is earned through character, commitment and the relentless pursuit of excellence,' Curl said. 'May this installation forever stand as a testament to their courage, their leadership and their devotion to country.' The total cost of renaming Fort Polk was less than $300,000, Curl said.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Struggling Patriots WR puts doubters on notice with six-word message
A post shared by Ja'Lynn Polk (@jpolk_22) New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk is putting the doubters on notice ahead of training camp. The 2024 second-round draft pick struggled in his rookie year with the Patriots, hauling in only 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Things looked promising in last year's training camp, and he even caught a touchdown in the season-opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals. However, that production quickly fell off a cliff for Polk, who struggled to perform in a Patriots offense that had issues throughout the season. There's hope that his second year will be different with more experience, renewed confidence and Josh McDaniels taking over as the new offensive coordinator. "Gone respect it sooner or later," Polk posted on Instagram. Polk will be looking to make an impact in a revamped wide receivers room. The Patriots signed Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency, and they used a third-round pick to draft rookie Kyle Williams. How Polk factors into the offense will be something to watch. With 12 receivers currently on the team, he'll fight just to make the final 53-man roster. Regardless of what happened last season, he's a talented player who could help the offense in a major way if he makes a second-year leap. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
Winnipeg Free Press
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
Trump on past presidents: Ike was ‘underrated,' FDR ‘amazing,' Polk ‘sort of a real-estate guy'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Turns out Donald Trump gauges his esteem for presidential predecessors by how well their portraits fit into his White House redecorating scheme. Or sometimes how well the frames around those portraits do. 'I'm a frame person,' Trump said Tuesday during a meeting with his Cabinet. 'Sometimes I like frames more than I like the pictures.' Trump wrapped up a 90-plus-minute session by explaining how he personally worked to redecorate the Cabinet Room, seeming to take real joy in choosing which portraits were hung. The president also said he helped choose the room's drapes and polled those present about whether he should repaint the room in gold leaf. (Cabinet members think he should.) 'I actually spent time in the vaults. The vaults are where we have a lot of great pictures and artwork. And I picked it all myself,' Trump said. 'I'm very proud of it.' The president said that meant 'a lot of time, effort' and 'very little money.' He even recounted having gone to Secretary of State Marco Rubio 's office and directing that a grandfather clock there be moved to the White House. 'As president, you have the power — if I go into the State Department, or Department of Commerce or Treasury — if I see anything that I like, I'm allowed to take it,' Trump said, drawing laughs. He offered the anecdote despite there not being any record of Trump having paid a public visit to the State Department during Rubio's tenure. Trump also pointed out each portrait and shared what he thought of each ex-president depicted. He started by indicating 'the great Andrew Jackson ' and went from there — renewing his frequent praise for William McKinley and getting in a dig about how Bill Clinton once offered donors overnight stays in the Lincoln bedroom in exchange for campaign contributions. Here's what Trump said about some past presidents: James K. Polk (1845-49): 'That's a gentleman named — and we call him — President Polk. He was sort of a real-estate guy. He was — people don't realize — he was a one-termer. But he was a very good president. But, and I'm not sure I should be doing this, he actually gave us the state of California.' Then Trump revealed that his choice of Polk's picture might have had more do with the portrait's frame being almost the same size as the frame surrounding Jackson's portrait, which he suggested was especially aesthetically pleasing: 'Polk is actually a very good president who's got the same frame that I needed, OK.' Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953-61): 'A very underrated president. Built the Interstate (Highway) System. And he was the toughest president, I guess, until we came along. But I don't mind giving up that crown, because, I don't want to be too tough on it. But we want to be humane. But he was the toughest president on immigration. He was very strong at the borders. Very, very strong. And, sometimes you can be too strong. He was strong at the borders and, during a certain period of time, there was so strong that almost every farmer in California went bankrupt. And we have to remember that. We have to work together. We have to remember that. But he was a very good president, and a very good general and a very good president and I thought he deserved a position somewhere on this floor.' Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-45): 'He was not a Republican, to put it mildly. But he was, you know, a four-termer. He was Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And, if you notice, we have a lot of ramps outside. You have a ramp. People say, 'It's an unusual place for a ramp.' It was because of him. He was wheelchair bound. But he was an amazing man.' Abraham Lincoln (1861-65): 'Over there is 'Honest' Abe Lincoln. And that picture was in his, ugh, in his bedroom. And we thought this would be a very important place because this is where wars are ended. I'm not going to say wars are declared. I'm going to say wars are ended. OK? We'll be positive. And, that's the picture of Abe Lincoln from his bedroom, sat in the bedroom for many, many years. That was his favorite picture of himself. And the Lincoln Bedroom's very famous. You remember when Bill Clinton had it and he rented it out to people. We don't do that.' John Adams (1797-1801): 'They were the first occupants of the White House. 1800. And John Quincy Adams, Mrs. Adams, they were the first occupants. So we have them looking at each other and, in between their stares is Abraham Lincoln trying to make peace.' (Trump is correct that John Adams, the nation's second president, and his wife Abigail, were the first first couple to move into the White House in 1800. But he was mistaken about John Quincy Adams, who was John and Abigail's son and the sixth president. He served from 1825 to 1829). William McKinley (1897-1901): 'McKinley was a great president who never got credit. In fact, they changed the name of Mount McKinley and I changed it back because he should have been — the people of Ohio, he was the governor of Ohio — the people of Ohio were very happy when I did that. I heard they were very insulted. They took the name of Mount McKinley off. That was done by Obama a little while ago and I had to change it back. I changed it back. He actually was a great president. He was a president. He was the tariff, the most, I guess since me — I think I'm gonna outdo him — but he was a tariff president. He believed that other countries should pay for the privilege of coming into our country and taking our jobs and taking our treasure. That's the way he explained it. They took our jobs and they took our treasure. And for that he should pay. And he made them pay. And he built a tremendous fortune.' ___ Will Weissert covers the White House for The Associated Press.
