Latest news with #Sumner
Time Magazine
5 days ago
- Climate
- Time Magazine
What We Know About the Victims of the Texas Flooding
At least 88 people have died and dozens of others are missing following devastating central Texas floods that tore through local communities along the Guadalupe River early Friday. Fast-moving waters rose some 26 feet in under an hour overnight, sweeping through buildings and knocking over trees across an area known as 'flash flood alley.' Seventy-five bodies have been recovered, including 48 adults and 27 children, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said during a press conference Monday. Many of the victims were staying at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp located along the banks of the Guadalupe River. There were 10 campers and one counselor still unaccounted for at the time of the press conference Monday morning, Leitha said. Local search and rescue efforts for the missing and wounded remain active. More than a hundred individuals have already been rescued by first responders including the U.S. Coast Guard. The risk level for the area remains elevated. The National Weather Service, which has faced questions over whether it did all it could to adequately warn about the potential weather incident, has central Texas under a moderate risk of flash flooding, which could affect recovery efforts. The area is under a flood watch until 7 p.m. local time Monday. 'The situation on the ground remains dangerous,' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday. She encouraged "everyone in the area to remain vigilant, listen to all warnings and respond accordingly." President Donald Trump issued a disaster declaration for Texas over the weekend, offering assistance to Kerr County individuals and local governments. 'Texas will stop at nothing to ensure every missing person is fully accounted for,' wrote Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday. Here are the names of some of the victims. Camp Mystic At least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic died as the overflowing river flooded cabins and swept away cars, girls' belongings, and people. 'Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,' the camp wrote in a message on its website. 'We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.' The camp's director, Richard 'Dick' Eastland, died while trying to save young campers, according to a column in the Kerrville Daily Times written by Paige Sumner, a local resident and friend to Eastland. Sumner described him as a 'father figure,' and highlighted the way he put campers first. 'If an issue of any kind that needed attention came over the walkie-talkie, even a camper with a minor injury or the dreaded snake in the river, he would bolt out of the office and jump in a golf cart to get there as fast as he could,' Sumner wrote. The exact number of young Camp Mystic campers who died has not yet been confirmed. But some family members, officials, and others have come forward to confirm losses. Among those are Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor who had recently graduated from Kinkaid School in Houston. Childress 'lived a beautiful life that saturated those around her with contagious joy, unending grace, and abiding faith,' her family said in a statement. 'Returning as a counselor to the place she loved so dearly, Chloe was looking forward to dedicating her summer days to loving and mentoring young girls at Camp Mystic.' The names of multiple other young victims have also been reported. Mountain Brook Mayor Stewart Welch confirmed the passing of eight-year-old Sarah Marsh, a student at Cherokee Bend Elementary School, calling her death an 'unimaginable loss' in a social media post. 'Sarah's passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew her and loved her.' Two Bradfield Elementary best friends, Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, are also among the victims. "Eloise was literally friends with everyone,' her mother told Fox 4. 'Eloise had a family who loved her fiercely for the 8 years she was with us.' The two girls had just finished the second grade. Nine-year-old Janie Hunt also passed. She attended camp with six cousins, all of whom are safe, according to her grandmother. Camp Mystic, according to the Texas Tribune, has hosted the daughters of former governors, a president, and other politicians through summers. Rep. August Pfluger of Texas revealed his daughters were staying at the camp and had been evacuated and reunited with their family following the deadly flooding. 'The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors,' said Pfluger. 'Please join us today as we pray for miracles.' The camp did not immediately respond to TIME's request for more information. Jane Ragsdale Jane Ragsdale, director of the Heart O'Hills camp a mile north of Camp Mystic, also died in the flooding. Ragsdale's death was confirmed by the camp's social media account. 'Jane wasn't just our director, she was our guiding light, our example, and our safe place. She had the rare gift of making every person feel seen, loved, and important. Her kindness, strength, and wisdom shaped generations of campers and staff,' the post read. The camp's first term this summer ended on June 28th, saving campers from being harmed due to the flooding. Blair and Brooke Harber The Harber family was spending the Fourth of July holiday at a cabin near Hunt, Texas, when the flood risk began, per the Wall Street Journal. Thirteen-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke Harber, sisters, were killed in the disaster. Their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, remain missing. The Harbers have owned a cabin in Casa Bonita for the last five years, and often visited with their family to enjoy outdoor activities. 'All those great memories are now a bad memory,' RJ Harber, the girls' father, told the Journal. Tanya Burwick Tanya Burwick, 62, was found dead on Saturday after being reported missing amid the flooding, according to the San Angelo Police Department. Burwick was last seen driving in an area affected by the floods. Her vehicle, blocks away from where her body was discovered, was found submerged under floodwater. 'She lit up the room and had a laugh that made other people laugh,' Lindsey Burwick, her daughter, told the Associated Press. Jeff Wilson Kingwood Park High School teacher Jeff Wilson, who worked for the Humble Independent School District for three decades, also died in the floods, the district confirmed. Wilson's wife, Amber, and his son, Shiloh, were still missing at the time of the Saturday post. Jeff Wilson 'was a beloved teacher and co-worker to many and will be deeply missed,' the district said. A prayer vigil was held on Sunday night in remembrance of Wilson and to pray for his family. Reece and Paula Zunker Tivy High School teacher Reece Zunker, and his wife, Paula, lost their lives due to the flooding, the school confirmed in a Facebook post Sunday. Reece worked at the school district as a soccer coach and educator. 'His unwavering dedication to our students, athletes, and the Tivy community touched countless lives and will never be forgotten,' the school wrote. Paula was also a former Tivy teacher. 'The care and impact she shared with her students continue to be felt, even years later,' the school said. The couple's children, Lyle and Holland, remained missing at the time of the post. Julian Ryan Julian Ryan's family said the 27-year-old died a 'hero' when he punched through a window to get his family to safety as their house flooded. Ryan severed an artery in his arm in the process, his fiancée Christinia Wilson told KHOU 11, and made calls for emergency assistance, though they did not arrive in time. "By 6 (a.m.), he looked at me and the kids and my mother-in-law and said, 'I'm sorry, I'm not going to make it. I love y'all,'" Wilson said. Ryan was described as a 'devoted parent' known for his 'infectious laugh and unwavering kindness'in a GoFundMe post made on behalf of his family. Bobby and Amanda Martin Bobby and Amanda Martin, a middle-aged couple, were camping at the Guadalupe River when the flooding began, per the New York Times. Their RV was swept away by the rising water. 'He was an adventurous man, adventurous and outgoing. He had many good friends, because he was a good friend,' Bobby's father, John Keith Martin, told the Times. 'He's just incredible.' Two other family members—John Keith's grandchild and their girlfriend—remain missing. Katheryn Eads Fifty-two year-old Katheryn Eads was awoken by elevating floodwaters, prompting her and her husband, Brian Eads, to leave their RV, Brian told the Times. A nearby individual offered to give the couple a ride out of the area, but the pair were separated when that vehicle died and they were swept away by floodwater. Brian said he survived by holding on to a tree. Brian Bennett contributed reporting.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
General Manager Phil Mitchell of Sunset Auto Family Shares Insights as Dealership Values Expert in HelloNation
SUMNER, Wash., July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- What drives long-term employee loyalty in the automotive sector—compensation packages or company culture? According to a featured article in HelloNation, businesses that lead with mentorship, shared values, and team cohesion foster stronger retention and more sustainable careers. Phil Mitchell of Sunset Auto Family in Sumner, Washington, explains how workplace culture retention strategies are a more reliable foundation for auto industry recruitment than short-term perks. Mitchell outlines how dealerships built on trust and accountability create environments where people don't just stay—they evolve. When employees feel genuinely supported, not just incentivized, they are more likely to take ownership of their roles and grow into unexpected career paths. The article emphasizes that culture-based commitments—like transparent communication and collaborative problem-solving—signal long-term investment in people rather than a focus solely on performance. Mitchell's approach highlights that dealership values cannot be imitated through slogans or temporary incentives. Instead, they are experienced daily in how feedback is delivered, how teams work together, and how success is recognized. Creating a workplace where people feel seen and heard has become the most effective recruitment tool in a shifting labor market. Businesses that prioritize this kind of culture are those best positioned to attract and retain top-tier talent. To read the full article, visit Culture vs. Commodity: Why Workplace Values Shape Long-Term Careers. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative 'edvertising' approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. Patrick McCabe info@ photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Summer Magic Unleashed: Explore the Season's Best in Pierce County
TACOMA, Wash., June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With long days and warm nights setting the stage, Visit Tacoma-Pierce County has unveiled its Summer Magic event calendar—a handpicked guide to the region's most vibrant happenings. Designed for travelers eager to explore the energy and culture of Pierce County, the calendar highlights one standout event each day, making it easier than ever to map out a summer filled with unforgettable moments. From city streets to waterfront stages, the Summer Magic calendar covers it all. Celebrate community and identity at the Tacoma Pride Festival, or immerse yourself in global rhythms and flavors at the bumping MOSAIC Festival. In Puyallup, iconic events like the Washington State Fair and Meeker Days deliver a mix of entertainment and tradition, while Sumner's Rhubarb Days serves up small-town charm and sweet nostalgia in honor of the city's pie-loving roots. Families flock to a foodie feast at the Kansas City Barbecue Society-Sanctioned DuPont BBQ Cookoff, where beyond just epic saucy goodness, there's live music, bouncy houses and hands-on activities. Lakewood's SummerFEST packs the park with live music and late-night energy, while Gig Harbor's Summer Art Festival turns one of the county's most scenic locales into a celebration of visual and performing arts. And that's just the beginning. With a full calendar brimming with festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and local flair, Summer Magic is a launchpad for discovery throughout the region. "Summer is when the character of Pierce County really shines," said Matt Wakefield, Chief Marketing and Data Officer at Visit Tacoma-Pierce County. "This calendar was built to help visitors tap into the unique culture, communities, and events that make our region a standout destination." Whether planning a quick weekend escape or a full summer itinerary, Summer Magic offers endless ways to explore. Each event is an opportunity to connect with the people, places, and traditions that give Pierce County its charm. Discover the full lineup and plan your adventure at Media Contact:Matt WakefieldChief Marketing and Data OfficerVisit Tacoma-Pierce Countymatt@ (253) View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Visit Tacoma-Pierce County Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
The Manhandling of Alex Padilla Was a Red-Line Moment for America
In May 1856, Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner took to the floor of the Senate to deliver a speech denouncing slavery. Sumner was a fiery abolitionist; in his maiden speech on the floor of the Senate four years earlier, he had called for the repeal of the Fugitive Slave Act, which an Alabama senator disparaged thus: 'The ravings of a maniac may sometimes be dangerous, but the barking of a puppy never did any harm.' Sumner continued to inveigh against slavery and its apologists throughout his first term. Clearly, he suffered from Pierce Derangement Syndrome (Franklin). Among those Sumner attacked directly in his May 1856 speech was his Senate colleague Andrew Butler of South Carolina. His words were, to be sure, impolitic: '[Butler] has chosen a mistress to whom he has made his vows, and who, though ugly to others, is always lovely to him; though polluted in the sight of the world, is chaste in his sight—I mean the harlot, Slavery.' Two days later, in one of the most infamous incidents in American political history, Representative Preston Brooks of South Carolina, a first cousin once removed of Butler's, walked over to the Senate chamber, waited until no women were present in the gallery (Southern chivalry!), and attacked Sumner on the Senate floor with a metal-topped cane, beating him within an inch of his life. Alex Padilla, the Democratic California senator, did not bleed Thursday. He wasn't even hurt. But the sight of a U.S. senator being manhandled by FBI agents was shocking enough. Lawrence O'Donnell said Thursday night that Padilla was the first senator in history to be so accosted by law enforcement officials. I don't know for sure that that's true, but (1) I suspect if there were another, we'd know about it, and (2) even if he's the second or third, that wouldn't make how he was treated any better. The incident didn't last that long. But the real damage came after, when the lie machine reliably revved itself into action. It started with Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary whose press conference Padilla had interrupted. She went on Fox News within the hour to say he 'burst in' and was 'lunging' toward her and 'did not identify himself.' All lies. As anyone can see from the video, he was a good 10 feet away from Noem. But even if he had lunged—and even if he were not a senator but a mere citizen, or really any human being who is not threatening violence—this is how Donald Trump's FBI treats such people? Escort them away—OK. But push them to the ground and cuff them, when they've left the room and are no longer in any way a plausible 'threat'? And it was in that moment—the decision by the agents to take the matter to a totally unnecessary, completely gratuitous extreme—that we find lurking the essence of Trumpism. The essence of Trumpism is just this: Dig in the heel of the boot; step on the enemy's neck; determine in any situation the action that would be appropriately small-d democratic, and then do the opposite—go intentionally overboard, do something that shocks and offends the democratic sensibility. And then lie about it and try to reverse reality—to convince America that it didn't see what it just saw. That truth is the opposite of what it seems. A few Republican senators, and I mean a precious few, responded appropriately. Like, one: Alaska's Lisa Murkowski said, 'It's horrible. It is shocking at every level. It's not the America I know.' Susan Collins emitted the usual timorous excretion. Otherwise? Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said on Morning Joe Friday that he and colleagues Cory Booker and Brian Schatz waited on the Senate floor—who knows, perhaps not far from Sumner's Desk 29, occupied today by New Hampshire Democrat Jean Shaheen—for their GOP colleagues to appear and denounce what happened. Not only did they not do that, Murphy said: 'They basically said he deserved what he got simply because he was disrespectful to the president.' But Trump was surely most pleased by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who put all the blame on Padilla and called on the Senate to censure him: 'I think that that behavior at a minimum rises to the level of a censure. I think there needs to be a message sent by the body as a whole that that is not what we're going to do; that's not what we're going to act.' Note the 'at a minimum,' which leaves dangling the insane possibility that Padilla should … what? Just be expelled? Again, the essence of Trumpism is found in those three words. This is what they do. All the time. Trump federalizes the National Guard and sends in the Marines; he crows that if he hadn't acted, Los Angeles would have been 'completely obliterated.' Think about the scale of that lie, referring to protests in a four- or five-block area in a city of 500 square miles. He told it over and over in various forms, as did Noem and others. The behavior has its precedents in the United States: Southerners accused Sumner of faking his injuries. They argued that the cane was not heavy enough to cause severe injury. Others, more direct about matters, piped up that Sumner deserved a caning every day. And the right-wing media, like the Southern press in the 1850s, reliably echoed every word Trump, Noem, and the others said. Meanwhile the mainstream media failed dramatically this week by accepting the lazy frame that immigration is a 'winner' for Trump. Two polls came out—this one and this one—showing this emphatically not to be the case. The second poll, from Quinnipiac, was bleak for Trump across the board. Only 27 percent of the country supports the big ugly bill. That's not even all of MAGA America. People are beginning to understand that they indulged themselves last year in some fantasy projection of 'Donald Trump.' They're seeing the real article now, and they're remembering his viciousness, his ignorance, his incompetence, and his lawlessness. And it's going to get worse. Trumpism proceeds by the successive breaking of taboos. Each time a new one is broken, the previous one is normalized, made to look not so bad by comparison. The cuffing of Padilla was a red-line moment. And yet: There's plenty of reason to worry that in four months, we'll look back on it as a moment of comparative innocence. This article first appeared in Fighting Words, a weekly TNR newsletter authored by editor Michael Tomasky. Sign up here.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
America's $75 Billion Nuclear Bet: Westinghouse vs. the Future of Energy
Westinghouse is going all-in on America's nuclear revival. Backed by Brookfield and Cameco, the Pennsylvania-based firm is in active talks with US officials, tech firms, and utilities to build 10 large nuclear reactors under President Trump's new energy directive. The order sets a 2030 deadline to begin construction and aims to quadruple US nuclear output by 2050. That kind of ambition could translate into a $75 billion opportunity, based on Department of Energy cost estimates. Interim CEO Dan Sumner says Westinghouse has the edgeits AP1000 design is approved, the supply chain is intact, and it's already delivered units in the US and China. We believe we can do them all, Sumner told the FT, pointing to hyperscaler interest and government loan programs as signs of momentum. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 2 Warning Sign with AMZN. But it's not a done deal yet. Nuclear still faces stiff economic headwinds in the US. While Washington may be on board, local utilities and regulators still have the final sayand memories of the Vogtle project's ballooning costs still linger. Analysts warn that the current US power market structure doesn't guarantee cost recovery for mega-projects, making investor appetite uncertain. Even so, Sumner argues that lessons from past delays have been baked into the new build model: We're the only ones who've done modular nuclear at scale. And now, the learning's embedded. Meanwhile, SMR developers aren't staying quiet. NuScale is pitching a 12-pack of its 77MW modules to rival traditional plants in capacity, while Holtec's 320MW units could be grouped to matchand beatWestinghouse on cost and complexity. We fully intend to compete with the big plants, Holtec's president said. The big question now: Will deep-pocketed buyersthink Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)step up to fund these nuclear ambitions, or wait for the small guys to scale first? Either way, the race is on. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
