Latest news with #Staunton
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Housing commission the next step for affordable housing efforts in Staunton
STAUNTON – Staunton is taking steps toward making affordable housing accessible for more of its citizens. The City of Staunton Housing Strategy's full report isn't quite complete, but Staunton Housing Planner Rebecca Joyce presented the preliminary findings to Staunton City Council on July 24. 'This is a plan for a start, not a plan for completion,' said Joyce. 'As you will also know with housing, it's a constant challenge, so it's [not] a problem to solve, it's something that we're always dealing with.' This is not something cities are required to do by law, in contrast to documents like a comprehensive plan. Instead, the housing strategy group emerged after a SAW Housing Summit in July 2024. The summit drew attention to the growing unaffordability and inaccessibility of the housing market in Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro. Staunton's housing group was created to combat the market forces driving the increasing costs. 'We are doing this because we want to have a focused way to deal with some of the housing challenges that we face, to be able to work well with our housing partners in the city, and to be able to provide more housing in the city of Staunton,' said Joyce. The group identified three main goals: producing housing, preserving housing, and providing housing stability. To further those goals, they identified 11 things they could do as part of the city: Use CDBG Entitlement Funds for housing and wrap-around services. Establish a Housing Fund. Advocate for more Community Land Trust/Deed-restricted home ownership. Explore options for creating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Prepare Redevelopment Strategies for underutilized properties. Landlord Education, Recruitment, and Retention. Explore the potential for a local or regional Land Bank. Facilitate services in the City for unhoused persons. Explore the potential for HUD-certified Housing Counseling services. Promote Legal Services for Renters to reduce evictions. Community Housing Advocate training. The strategy partnered with several other local organizations and city commissions, such as the Staunton Redevelopment Housing Authority, the DEI Commission, SAW Housing, SAW Habitat for Humanity, Renewing Homes of Greater Augusta, and several more. Representatives from these organizations were present on the Staunton board. Joyce also noted the group would continuously be in touch with other local housing organizations. 'We will continuously connect with SAW Housing for our part in that regional effort,' Joyce said. 'One of our assumptions here, with the plan, is that we will not develop or do any activities or programs that compete with the other organizations. We will support what's done in the region. There's no need to do what's already being done. We want to help and support what's being done and then augment that to fill any needs we have just in the city.' The Staunton housing group working on the report may become the next city commission. Several of the group's current members have been asked to stay on the commission once it is created by Staunton City Council, which is expected to move forward in the fall. The practical next steps for the housing group are to create the commission, to perform a 'windshield survey and assessment' of housing conditions in the city, and to compile a resource guide for people calling the city to ask for housing services. Joyce hopes to get a grant from the Virginia Tech Housing Center and their students to 'get a broad overview of some of the infilled properties and properties that might be blighted or aren't being used effectively so we can look to see if housing would be a good option for those.' The presentation can be found on the city's website. More about the whole strategy can be found on the project's landing page on the city website. More: High St. housing development moving forward after Augusta supervisor vote More: Emma Whitesell opens esthetician studio in downtown Staunton Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It's welcome through email to lbordelon@ Subscribe to us at This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Housing commission next step for affordable housing efforts in Staunton Solve the daily Crossword
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
‘Worrying time for Irish in US' as Trump makes good on illegals promise
A leading immigration activist in New York said yesterday that 'this is a worrying time for the Irish in America'. Ciaran Staunton, head of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, said the recent deportation of thousands of undocumented people from the US is not just confined to immigrants from Central and South America. Mr Staunton is campaigning to legalise the status of the undocumented Irish in the US. Mr Staunton is campaigning to legalise the status of the undocumented Irish in the US. Pic: Rolling News He said: 'It's a worrying time because Donald Trump told his voters he would remove all undocumented persons or illegal immigrants prior to his election last November, and now he is sending out a message that he's following up on that promise. 'This has become a big media story with criminal aliens being lined up before the cameras to show that the president is honouring his word. Some of those detained were actually arrested in courthouses while facing prosecutions for crime.' The comments come after it emerged 56 undocumented Irish people have been arrested and 43 of them have been deported. The arrests were in New York, Boston and New Jersey and are believed to be focused on Irish visitors to America who overstayed their 90-day visa waiver. Mr Staunton, who emigrated to New York from Westport, County Mayo, in the early 1980s, said Mr Trump has to play to his Republican Party base, as the midterm elections to the US House of Representatives will take place in November next year. Pic: File Mr Staunton, who emigrated to New York from Westport, County Mayo, in the early 1980s, said Mr Trump has to play to his Republican Party base, as the midterm elections to the US House of Representatives will take place in November next year. If the Republicans lose control of the House and the Senate in the elections, Trump will struggle to pass legislation for the remaining two years of his second presidential term. Mr Staunton said: 'Even though Trump is doing what he promised, there are signs emerging of a backlash from his hardcore support group. In red States such as Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, Republican farmers are becoming increasingly unhappy. If the Republicans lose control of the House and the Senate in the elections, Trump will struggle to pass legislation for the remaining two years of his second presidential term. Pic:'Where once they had a steady supply of Hispanic labour to pick fruit, or abattoirs had people to cut meat or do jobs that entailed getting your hands dirty, that source of personnel has started to dry up, and these are jobs the average American will not do.' Somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 undocumented Irish people are estimated to be living in the US. Most of them moved there in the 1980s when unemployment in Ireland reached a high of 17% in 1986. The US government clamped down on casual immigration following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, and anyone who overstays a 90-day visa waiver faces severe consequences. The situation has been made all the more complicated for the Irish who emigrated in the 1980s and do not have legal status. Now, 40 years or so later, they cannot return to Ireland even for the funeral of a parent, as to do so will result in an automatic ban on re-entering the States.
Irish Daily Mirror
20-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man appears before court charged in connection with €1.6m drugs haul in Wexford
A 46-year-old man charged in connection with a €1.6m drugs haul in County Wexford appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court Sunday afternoon. Fintan Fanning of Slaney Drive, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, came before Judge Kevin Staunton. Fanning was charged with on July 18 at Tincurry, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, he had in his possession a controlled drug, namely Cannabis, for the purpose of selling or supply to another in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 and 2019 under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1972. Herbal cannabis worth an estimated €1.6m was seized at Tincurry, Ballycarney, on Friday last following a targeted joint operation involving An Garda Siochana and Revenue's Customs Service. In the course of a joint operation conducted by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and Revenue Officers, a van was intercepted by Gardai in Ballycarney, Wexford, on Friday last, July 18. During the search of the van, approximately 80 kilos of herbal cannabis was discovered with an estimated street value of €1.6m (pending analysis). The accused was arrested at the scene and was detained for questioning under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. The accused appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit, with slight beard, and heavy tattooing around the neck area. He said close to his lawyer during the hearing which lasted less than ten minutes. Det. Garda Dean Healy told Judge Stauntion that on July 19 he arrested the accused and charged him as set out on the charge sheet. He arrested the accused at 15.56 and charged him at 16.03. When the charge was put to the acused he made 'no comment' said Det. Healy. Defence Counsel, Craig Phillips, B.L. instructed by Eoin O'Sullivan, Solicitor, said there would be no application for bail. He applied for free legal aid but no statement of means is yet available to the court, but would be provided at a later date. Sergt. Stephen Ennis told the court he would be seeking a remand in custody to appear before Wexford District Court on Tuesday next via video link. Judge Staunton said he would grant free legal aid subject to a statement of means being made available to the court. Judge Staunton remanded the accused, as requested, in custody to appear before Wexford District Court via video link on Tuesday night. Following the short hearing the accused was escorted from the court by two Gardaí. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
RTÉ News
20-07-2025
- RTÉ News
Man charged over €1.6m cannabis seizure in Co Wexford
A 46-year-old man has been charged in connection with a €1.6m drugs haul in Co Wexford. Fintan Fanning of Slaney Drive, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton at a special sitting of Gorey District Court. Mr Fanning was charged with possession of a controlled drug for the purpose of selling or supply to another in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017 and 2019 under Section 5 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1972 at Tincurry, Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, on 18 July. Det Gda Dean Healy gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Mr Fanning. Defence Counsel Craig Phillips BL, instructed by solicitor Eoin O'Sullivan, said there would be no application for bail and applied for free legal aid. Judge Staunton said he would grant free legal aid, subject to a statement of means being made available to the court. Judge Staunton remanded the accused in custody to appear before Wexford District Court via video link on Tuesday night.
Business Wire
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries to Open Interactive Exhibition Celebrating Chess Variants Through Time and Culture
SAINT LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries (WCHOF), the leading chess cultural center in the country, is proud to announce its latest exhibition, ' Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition,' an immersive, hands-on exploration of the global game's evolution and the creative reimaginings that continue to shape it today. The exhibition will be on display from Aug. 7, 2025 through Apr. 19, 2026. On view at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, 'Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition' offers a hands-on, immersive look at how cultures around the world have reimagined the game of chess through time. Share From ancient Persia to modern pop culture, ' Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition ' traces the history of chess and its many transformations over centuries. A vibrant timeline showcases theories on the game's origins, how it changed as it spread across Asia and Europe, the introduction of the iconic Staunton pieces, and the development of today's modern rules. The exhibition also highlights how cultures around the world adapted the game to reflect local customs, values, and innovations. 'Chess is one of the few games that has endured across continents and centuries—precisely because people continue to reinvent it,' said Shannon Bailey, Chief Curator of the WCHOF. 'Our latest exhibition is about celebrating the tradition and honoring the transformation. It's playful, surprising and educational—just like chess itself.' ' Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition ' will feature artifacts from the WCHOF's permanent collection, alongside loans from renowned collectors and historians. Contributors include Rick Knowlton (chess historian), John McCrary (chess historian), Myron Samsin (chess historian), Jon Crumiller (chess collector), Laszlo and Klara Polgar (parents of the world-renowned Polgar sisters), Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan and Jon Guillaume (New Orleans artist), each bringing a unique perspective to the exhibition. A special section is dedicated to Starchess, an inventive variant created by Laszlo Polgar, featuring rare photographs, patents, and boards on loan from the Polgar family. Exhibition highlights include: An original antique Jaques of London Staunton Set and Casket Invented in 2007 by GM Yasser Seirawan and FM Bruce Harper, Seirawan Chess is a variant that adds two new hybrid pieces—the Elephant (rook+knight) and the Hawk (bishop+knight)—which can be "dropped" onto the board after a piece moves, creating fresh tactical possibilities on a standard 8×8 board. The 2013 Sinquefield Cup Limited Edition Set and Box by The House of Staunton An Ancient Persian chess set and board A display of Asian chess variants including Janggi, Xiangqi, and Shogi A rich archive of photographs from the 1950s to the present showing variant play Pop culture chess sets inspired by Star Trek and Star Wars A display dedicated to Polgar Starchess Photos from previous iconic Chess 9LX matches A modern variant by Dr. Tim Paulden where a rubber duck blocks squares and must be moved after each turn—removing check and checkmate for a playful, tactical twist. 'It's just chess… but with a duck!' Each area introduces visitors to multiple examples of chess variants within its category, featuring rule guides, play demonstrations, and historical context. Visitors are encouraged to sit and engage directly with each type, turning the museum into a living, playable chessboard. The exhibition's flexible layout, with movable walls in the center gallery, allows for ongoing programming including variant tournaments, live lessons, and family play sessions, ensuring a dynamic, ever-changing experience. Admission is always free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibition and programming, please visit our website at The Saint Louis community is invited to the opening reception of 'Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition' on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. Step into a vibrant gallery filled with rare chess sets and playable variants that challenge the traditional rules—from alternate starting positions to multiplayer boards. Complimentary admission and valet. Click HERE to RSVP. About the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries (WCHOF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to building awareness of the cultural and artistic significance of chess. It opened on September 9, 2011, in the Central West End after moving from previous locations in New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami. Housed in a historic 15,900 square-foot residence-turned-business in Saint Louis' Central West End neighborhood, the WCHOF features World Chess Hall of Fame inductees, the United States Chess Hall of Fame inductees selected by the U.S. Chess Trust, artifacts from the permanent collection and exhibitions highlighting the great players, historic games and rich cultural history of chess. The WCHOF partners with the Saint Louis Chess Club to provide innovative programming and outreach to local, national, and international audiences. For more information, visit and on social: Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube channels. WCHOF does not discriminate or permit harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin in the treatment of individuals with respect to employment, or admission or access to WCHOF facilities, programs or activities.
