Latest news with #progress
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Playing loose with virtue wins no hearts, and Arsenal should know better
'We are courageous in the pursuit of progress.' 'We champion our community and each other.' 'We do the right thing (even when no one is looking).' The values and culture of Arsenal Football Club, as proclaimed on the club's careers website. Shall we generously call that half a point out of three? Certainly you would struggle to mark Arsenal too highly on courage or intrinsic goodliness right now. But the unhappy case of Thomas Partey illustrates the lengths to which they are willing to go to champion one of their own. You knew. I knew. Rival fans knew, even if their taunting of Partey was always delivered with the sort of gleeful relish that does not exactly scream concern for the alleged victims of sexual violence. And so of course did the staff and board of Arsenal; knew the man with whom they shared a workplace and a dressing room until last week, knew what he was accused of doing. Care, compassion and discretion are of course utterly vital at this point. The charging of Partey on 4 July means the accusations against him will finally be heard in court in early August: five counts of rape, and one of sexual assault, involving three separate women between 2021 and 2022. Partey's lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire of Hickman and Rose, referred in a statement to her client now 'welcoming the opportunity to finally clear his name'. And it is the word 'finally' that stands out here: an acknowledgment of the protracted and often painful three-year process that has brought us to this point, during which Partey was the word English football dared not speak. Wiltshire, of course, is deeply familiar with such matters. She was also employed by the Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy, who was cleared in 2023 of seven charges of rape, one of attempted rape and one of sexual assault. 'She has often achieved positive results for her clients long before the charge stage,' reads her corporate bio. 'This has caused her to be much in demand by high‑profile clients seeking a swift and discreet resolution to what, if made public, would be highly damaging allegations.' All of which is an acknowledgment that there is always a wider consideration to such cases: establishing a verdict and getting to the truth, but also managing the optics and reputations. Partey denies all the charges against him. There is no sense in prejudging the outcome of his case before all the facts come to light. The presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial are important legal principles in this country. But the presumption of shining personal virtue is not, and many of Arsenal's actions over the past three years give the impression of an organisation not simply content to employ Partey, but positively proud of doing so. Who seriously considered – at the urging of coach Mikel Arteta – offering a new contract and extending his stay at the Emirates Stadium beyond last Monday. Who regarded their talented central midfielder not as an alleged rapist but as a man to be lauded and celebrated, perhaps even a kind of victim himself. Three months after being arrested for the first time, and about a year after Arsenal were first made aware of a rape allegation against him, Partey scored a thumping goal against Tottenham in the north London derby. Afterwards, Arteta said: 'For what he's been through, and the injuries, and the effort that he put in this week, to be available for the team, I'm so happy for him. He deserves it.' Over the subsequent years Partey would play more than 100 times for Arsenal. His goals would earn them four points in the Premier League; his defensive work probably earned them many more. His collision with Rodri in which the Spaniard injured knee ligaments may well have had a decisive influence on the 2024‑25 title. Meanwhile Arteta would continually lionise Partey's importance to Arsenal on the pitch, and towards the end of last season reiterated that he wanted Partey to stay. Obviously it would have been legally complex for Arsenal to terminate Partey's contract before criminal charges had been laid. But of course there are steps that it is perfectly reasonable for a club to take against a player that do not require an absolute burden of criminal proof. Richly talented footballers such as Mesut Özil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were quietly moved towards the exit for perceived off-field failings. Last year a kit manager called Mark Bonnick was sacked for social media posts he wrote about Israel. And there were plenty of legally unproblematic options available to Arsenal here that might have offered a certain comfort to the fans now feeling a sense of betrayal at the actions of the club they love. You do not, for example, have to praise him on social media. You do not have to pay tribute to his character or resilience after 'what he's been through'. You do not have to play him 108 times or spend much of June deliberating over whether he is worth a new contract. Who at the club made these calls and why? Who knew what, when? Who spoke out and who did not? And in supporting him so unconditionally, was it in fact Arsenal who are guilty of prejudging Partey's case long before a jury would ever get the chance? Arsenal fans deserve answers, but it appears none are forthcoming for now. 'Due to ongoing legal proceedings the club is unable to comment on the case,' they said in a statement. And perhaps in terms of the PR, this is Arsenal's best strategy right now: say nothing, do nothing, and hope the whole storm passes. There is a new figurehead at the base of midfield, and quite apart from being a better and younger player Martín Zubimendi offers the sensation of renewal, of turning the page, perhaps even a kind of purgation. The women are champions of Europe and will play all their home league games at the Emirates next season. There are always happier, simpler stories to tell, and Arsenal will never get tired of telling those. Naturally we should be wary of singling out Arsenal here. There is, or should be, no room for tribal triumphalism. Many other clubs would have acted similarly in similar circumstances. In a sense Arsenal's business-as-usual stance over the past three years is simply one of the defining characteristics of end-stage capitalism, one in which big companies ruthlessly pursue the bottom line while trumpeting their virtue. We are courageous in the pursuit of progress. We champion our community and each other. We do the right thing (even when no one is looking). This is the moral creed of Arsenal. Their fans are still waiting for them to deliver on it.
Associated Press
26-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Manhattan Mental Health Counseling launches Progress Pathways, a new initiative to track progress and growth in therapy
Manhattan Mental Health Counseling (MMHC) launches Progress Pathways, an innovative new way for clients to track growth in therapy. New York, June 26, 2025 -- Manhattan Mental Health Counseling has launched Progress Pathways, a new initiative designed to help active clients mark their progress and stay motivated in therapy over time. Progress Pathways introduces a five-level framework tied to consistent therapy attendance and engagement. As clients continue to show up and work on themselves, they unlock messages, badges, and trophies. These milestones are designed to acknowledge commitment and dedication, spark reflection and encourage continued progress. The new scheme is a light structure that reinforces the often slow and steady nature of emotional growth. Steven Buchwald, managing director of Manhattan Mental Health Counseling, shared, 'We're here to help people move forward — with dignity, with agency, and with tools that last. Progress Pathways reinforces that therapy isn't just about showing up — it's about building something over time. This program turns that progress into something you can actually see and feel.' While not tailored to individual treatment plans, Progress Pathways helps clients stay oriented in their journey and recognize that forward motion is happening. The new program reflects the practice's commitment to practical, ethically grounded support that strengthens engagement. Progress Pathways is part of a growing movement to make therapy not only more accessible but also more meaningful. It is a motivational support program designed to complement, but not replace, personalized treatment plans. All treatment decisions remain the responsibility of each client's licensed therapist. The goal is to use Progress Pathways alongside individualized therapy plans to turn growth into visible, tangible, measurable wins, encouraging clients to celebrate milestones and achievements one step at a time and continue on their journey. By accessing the program, clients can unlock badges and trophies and monitor how close they are to their next milestone via progress bars. Each client can use the initiative like a transformation roadmap, which helps them get closer to their final destination. About Manhattan Mental Health Counseling Manhattan Mental Health Counseling is an established provider of online mental health services, which strives to make effective, personalized therapy accessible to all. Founded by Natalie Buchwald, LMHC, MMHC delivers mental health counseling across New York State and New Jersey. The mission is to empower individuals and build mental resilience to help clients live their lives with renewed energy, enthusiasm, strength, and purpose. MMHC has a dedicated team of experienced, licensed therapists. The recent launch of Progress Pathways marks an exciting milestone for MMHC, with clients now able to track growth by unlocking levels and gaining recognition of achievements and progress. A simple, effective roadmap, the program is designed to encourage continued commitment, inspire and motivate individuals to work towards the next milestone, and help them celebrate growth. Anyone who would like to learn more about Manhattan Mental Health Counseling is encouraged to make use of the following contact details: Contact Info: Name: Steven Buchwald Email: Send Email Organization: Manhattan Mental Health Counseling Address: 303 Fifth Avenue Suite 1108, New York, NY 10016 Phone: 212-960-8626 Website: Release ID: 89163189 In case of identifying any problems, concerns, or inaccuracies in the content shared in this press release, or if a press release needs to be taken down, we urge you to notify us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will be readily accessible to address your concerns and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any issues identified or assist with the removal process. We are committed to delivering high-quality content and ensuring accuracy for our valued readers.
UAE Moments
20-06-2025
- General
- UAE Moments
Daily Affirmation for June 19, 2025 to Kickstart Your Vibe
✨ Today's Affirmation: 'I don't need to have it all figured out to take the next step.' 💫 Vibe Check: Overthinking? Same. But real talk — clarity doesn't always come before the move, sometimes it comes from the move. You're not lost, you're in motion. Today's vibe is about letting go of the pressure to have a perfect plan and just trusting yourself enough to try. One small step is still progress, even if your confidence is still catching up. 🧘♀️ Why This Works: Society loves to glorify 'the plan' — but life rarely follows one. This affirmation helps you drop the all-or-nothing mindset. You don't need the whole staircase, just the next step. Taking action without having all the answers builds real self-trust — and that's where confidence is born. 🌿 Your Mini Mission: Write a messy to-do list. Seriously. Scribble out three things you might want to try today — no pressure, just vibes. Pick the one that feels the least intimidating and give it a go. You're allowed to try, pivot, repeat. 🎧 Messy But Moving Playlist: For the babes figuring it out as they go: 'Keep Going' – DEZI 'Good as Hell' – Lizzo 'Try Everything' – Shakira 🔮 Bonus Energy Tip: Stand up. Shake out the overthinking. Then say this out loud: 'I trust myself enough to begin.' Even if it's not perfect, even if it's not clear — you're still allowed to move forward. Let momentum be your magic.
CBS News
20-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
National Juneteenth Museum moves closer to reality in Fort Worth
A long-awaited symbol of freedom and progress is one step closer to taking shape in Fort Worth's historic Southside. The National Juneteenth Museum, a project years in the making, is set to rise on the site of the Southside Community Center. The Fort Worth City Council approved the demolition of the building earlier this year, clearing the way for construction. Honoring Juneteenth's legacy "It's going to be a beacon of light," said Fort Worth City Council member Chris Nettles. "It's going to be fresh air." The museum will honor and celebrate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday became federally recognized in 2021, thanks in large part to the efforts of Fort Worth's own Dr. Opal Lee, who spent decades raising awareness about its significance. "It means so much to Fort Worth because our very own was an icon to make sure that this is not just a Texas thing, but this is a national freedom for all people," Nettles said. "Because none of us are free until we all are free." The National Juneteenth Museum Photo courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group, KAI Enterprises and National Juneteenth Museum Catalyst for community growth Nettles believes the museum will not only preserve history but also spark new growth in the surrounding neighborhood. "It will bring so much traffic and growth and activity to an area that has, over some period, begun to die off or gotten old," he said. The city has committed $15 million to the project, and the Texas Legislature has pledged another $10 million. However, museum leaders say construction won't begin until all fundraising is complete. $70 million project in progress The total cost of the museum is estimated at $70 million. "My greatest hope is that families will be able to come together from all different cultures, to come to a location and understand history," Nettles said. "Schools will be able to come here — Fort Worth ISD, Crowley ISD, Keller ISD. They'll come to a location here in Fort Worth. It's going to be incredible." The National Juneteenth Museum is expected to become a landmark of cultural and historical significance, not just for North Texas but for the entire country. Freedom Vibes festival kicks off To celebrate Juneteenth, the museum is hosting a four-day festival called Freedom Vibes. The festivities begin Thursday evening and run through Sunday, with multiple events and activities planned throughout Fort Worth. Organizers hope the celebration will grow into the country's premier Juneteenth event.
WIRED
10-06-2025
- General
- WIRED
Meet the visionaries taking on the world's biggest problems
As sustainable development faces mounting threats, a new generation of 'goalkeepers' is stepping up with fresh approaches to keep progress alive.
