There is nothing resembling a welcome centre at the unkempt Amelia Earhart memorial in Lae Papua New Guinea’s second city and capital of Morobe province There isn’t even a walkway: visitors must leap over a detritus-filled culvert they will find an anti-aircraft gun and a concrete slab with Earhart’s name written on a bit of tarnished metal a throng of bored youth loiter at the culvert from where Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan took off in 1937 for the US Pacific territory of Howland Island It was the second-last leg of Earhart’s attempt to be the first woman to circumnavigate the globe The plane and its occupants were never seen again where PNG was designated as one of five focus places for implementation of the Global Fragility Act economic empowerment and violence prevention targeting the very sort of desperate people lingering near the Earhart memorial Defence ties increased under Biden: in 2023, the United States and PNG finalised a Defence Cooperation Agreement and a ship-rider agreement The president himself was meant to visit Port Moresby to witness the signing but cancelled the trip The administration courted Papua New Guinean leaders assiduously Prime Minister James Marape visited the Biden White House twice for US–Pacific Islands summits.  Things started to change when the first Trump administration began showing interest motivated by concern about Chinese influence Earhart’s memory was leveraged to help the effort further. The United States committed to supporting a new memorial to Earhart on a university campus in Lae whose American founder GT Bustin grew up in PNG The new setting was chosen because the existing location was deemed unsafe And the new design had pizzazz; a likeness of Earhart’s plane held up by angel wings A Papua New Guinean artist was commissioned to sculpt A former NASA astronaut visited Lae as part of a soft power push yet it is hard to see how much can progress with uncertainties over funding and people to implement the initiatives PNG’s US$80 million annual exports of coffee cocoa and vanilla to the United States have been hit with Trump’s “reciprocal” 10 per cent tariff These efforts are at an altitude removed from the Earhart memorial Koma is the self-described chief guardian of the park having cleared away bush around it in 2010 and stayed ever since Most visitors seem slightly apprehensive when they come here – no small wonder given the mise en scène and the opaque pricing policy (A$40 equivalent for foreigners The only person who stands out in their memory is a kindly Australian police officer who donated bags of cement and some safety vests The men are avatars for the everyday despair that afflicts many Papua New Guineans places marked “undiscovered” on the maps Earhart would have used to fly over to reach Lae from her previous stop in Darwin surviving on fees obtained from visiting foreigners The chance that newfound US interest will help them is slim less so when the memorial moves to its new home Gordon Peake helped set up a program in Morobe province and worked on the Global Fragility Act while at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington The Interpreter features in-depth analysis & expert commentary on the latest international events, published daily by the Lowy Institute Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInAMELIA COUNTY (WWBT) - The Amelia County School Board will hold a special meeting to discuss concerns about bullying This meeting comes after several concerns were raised by community members after a 17-year-old Amelia High School student died by suicide On Saturday, family members came together to honor John Tyrcha His death has ignited outrage and sorrow among parents of Amelia students many of whom believe the school system failed to intervene when it was crucial Superintendent Lori Harper affirmed the division’s commitment to addressing behavior that falls short of expectations: “Please be assured that the leadership of Amelia County Public Schools is actively investigating the concerns that have been brought to our attention.” The meeting will occur on Monday at 6:30 p.m — The Amelia community is coming together for a special school board meeting Monday night after a 17-year-old died by suicide after his family said he was suffering from "relentless bullying" in school CBS 6 spoke to John Tyrcha’s stepfather, who said their family had reported the bullying to the school multiple times and had been in contact with school representatives by email a photo began circulating on social media showing a message said to be written on a wall at the school that included the word "John," alongside several insults Amelia County mom Janet Jones says she and other parents are questioning why that message wasn’t removed immediately as they tell CBS 6 it was left up for days "I'm sure there were other things that were more important or other things that happened before that," said Jones "But instead of taking graffiti as a lower priority says her daughter faced bullying in her classroom last year She explained it took numerous emails to school administrators to get her daughter moved to a new classroom after she began acting out in response to the bullying "They just kept pushing and pushing and pushing," Jones said "And no matter how hard this little girl tried to just be nice to people Jones believes the school board needs to re-examine its code of conduct and make adjustments to ensure the level of bullying that Tyrcha experienced is stopped and doesn’t happen again "I would have the school district examine another district's policy on how they handle situations of discipline," said Jones In a message sent to families about Monday night's 6:30 p.m Superintendent Harper explained the district will be “providing detailed information about the code of conduct the processes for accepting and addressing referrals for student misconduct the Action Speaks system for reporting bullying CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time the Liberal Party’s great hope to wrest the blue-ribbon seat of Kooyong back from the teals has pitched herself as a renter and someone who empathises with tenants’ struggles But this masthead can reveal that while the Oxford-educated 31-year-old is renting in Hawthorn she is a landlord and owns two investment properties – a million-dollar flat in inner London and an apartment in Canberra the 31-year-old Oxford-educated grandniece of former Victorian premier Sir Rupert “Dick” Hamer is hoping to unseat independent MP Monique Ryan in Kooyong.Credit: Eddie Jim UK Property Title documents obtained by this masthead show Hamer purchased a flat in Wandsworth in June 2017 for £635,000 ($1.07 million at the time) Online price estimate websites suggest the property is now worth £679,000 ($1.46 million) The property is listed online as a one-bedroom but Hamer was seeking to rent the property out as a two-bedroom flat in 2020 for £1600 a month (about $3000 at the time) according to public Facebook posts in a group for flat shares in London Hamer said she was “stuck in Australia so am renting out my 2 bed ground floor flat for the foreseeable future” “The first double bedroom is a good size and leads directly on to the garden The second bedroom is very small but has a double bed and lots of storage,” she wrote Amelia Hamer’s ground-floor flat in Wandsworth inner south-west London.Credit: Google Streetview “You’ll be dealing directly with me so no letting agent fees etc.” When approached with a list of questions by this masthead about her London property Hamer responded with a two-sentence statement that revealed the existence of another property she owns in Canberra in a post on Facebook from June 2020.Credit: Facebook I took out mortgages to buy the apartments that I lived in,” Hamer said in the statement She did not respond to a question about why she had not disclosed her home ownership when publicly discussing renting and housing affordability who is challenging Kooyong independent MP Monique Ryan in the May 3 election is the grandniece of former Victorian premier Sir Rupert “Dick” Hamer Her campaign has won the support of billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox, who was friends with Sir Rupert. Fox has erected a campaign poster of the local Liberal candidate on his Toorak home’s wall she worked in Canberra in the federal parliament as a policy adviser to then-cabinet minister Jane Hume between January 2021 and July 2022 Hamer was living in London and worked for Bank of America and investment firm DST Global A spokesman for Hamer confirmed the Canberra property was being rented out A profile of Hamer in the Australian Financial Review last year titled “Oxford-educated renter brings Millennial edge to Kooyong battle” described Hamer as “a renter wanting to get into the housing market” On the Today Show in June, when talking about the rising cost of living she said: “I know my rent has gone up significantly – I’m a renter.” The Age last year described Hamer as a “Millennial finance professional who rents” Her campaign emphasises making home ownership more achievable for young Australians with the Liberal’s policy pledge to allow young people to access their superannuation for a home deposit Recently on 3AW, while railing against the Victorian government’s plan for higher density around Kooyong, she spoke about the plight of young Australians who she said felt like “it doesn’t matter how hard I work I’m never going to have that same quality of life that my parents had” she said people did not want to live in apartments and spoke of the Liberal Party’s pledge to bolster infrastructure in greenfield growth suburbs rather than densify the inner city The revelation of Hamer’s investment property portfolio is likely to be seized on by Ryan who is fighting to retain Kooyong with an unhelpful seat boundary redistribution that has pulled her margin to 2.2 per cent Ryan owns one property, in which she lives, according to her parliamentary register of interests The campaign in Kooyong got off to a dramatic start even before a poll date was officially announced when Ryan’s husband, Peter Jordan was filmed removing a Hamer campaign sign from a Camberwell nature strip last month new corflutes – zip-tied as addendums to Hamer’s usual signs– started popping up in the electorate Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here the Liberal Party\\u2019s great hope to wrest the blue-ribbon seat of Kooyong back from the teals has pitched herself as a renter and someone who empathises with tenants\\u2019 struggles she is a landlord and owns two investment properties \\u2013 a million-dollar flat in inner London and an apartment in Canberra in June 2017 for \\u00A3635,000 ($1.07 million at the time) Online price estimate websites suggest the property is now worth \\u00A3679,000 ($1.46 million) but Hamer was seeking to rent the property out as a two-bedroom flat in 2020 for \\u00A31600 a month (about $3000 at the time) Hamer said she was \\u201Cstuck in Australia so am renting out my 2 bed ground floor flat for the foreseeable future\\u201D \\u201CThe first double bedroom is a good size and leads directly on to the garden The second bedroom is very small but has a double bed and lots of storage,\\u201D she wrote \\u201CYou\\u2019ll be dealing directly with me so no letting agent fees etc.\\u201D \\u201CWhile working in London and Canberra I took out mortgages to buy the apartments that I lived in,\\u201D Hamer said in the statement \\u201CNow that I\\u2019m back living in Melbourne is the grandniece of former Victorian premier Sir Rupert \\u201CDick\\u201D Hamer Her campaign has won the support of billionaire trucking magnate Lindsay Fox Fox has erected a campaign poster of the local Liberal candidate According to Hamer\\u2019s LinkedIn profile in the Australian Financial Review last year titled \\u201COxford-educated renter brings Millennial edge to Kooyong battle\\u201D described Hamer as \\u201Ca renter wanting to get into the housing market\\u201D On the when talking about the rising cost of living she said: \\u201CI know my rent has gone up significantly \\u2013 I\\u2019m a renter.\\u201D Her campaign emphasises making home ownership more achievable for young Australians with the Liberal\\u2019s policy pledge to allow young people to access their superannuation for a home deposit while railing against the Victorian government\\u2019s plan for she spoke about the plight of young Australians who she said felt like \\u201Cit doesn\\u2019t matter how hard I work I\\u2019m never going to have that same quality of life that my parents had\\u201D she said people did not want to live in apartments and spoke of the Liberal Party\\u2019s pledge to bolster infrastructure in greenfield growth suburbs rather than densify the inner city The revelation of Hamer\\u2019s investment property portfolio is likely to be seized on by Ryan The campaign in Kooyong got off to a dramatic start even before a poll date was officially announced when Ryan\\u2019s husband new corflutes \\u2013 zip-tied as addendums to Hamer\\u2019s usual signs\\u2013 started popping up in the electorate Cut through the noise of federal politics with news views and expert analysis from Jacqueline Maley. Kooyong Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer agreed to an on-camera chat with me at the pre-polling booth in Malvern earlier this week and we covered everything from cost-of-living to jiu-jitsu One of the more contentious issues to follow her so far has been her property portfolio which I revealed a few weeks ago in The Age At 31, Hamer owns homes in both Canberra and London, a fact not disclosed earlier in her campaign when she was highlighting her status as a renter in Hawthorn. Her main rival, incumbent independent MP Monique Ryan, has accused her of misleading voters I asked Hamer a few different ways whether she regretted not declaring those properties sooner instead suggesting her rental status may simply be more notable given her political party as a younger politician in the Liberal Party it’s probably more interesting to people that I rent,” she said While critics call it a case of dishonesty by omission Hamer said she wasn’t deceptive and maintained she shared her background when relevant “No one’s experience is the same as anyone else’s,” she said “But where I can find common ground with people and the Coalition’s controversial pledge to allow first-home buyers to use their superannuation for a house deposit Hamer defended the idea by flipping the narrative “You can buy an investment property with your superannuation but you actually can’t buy your first home if you don’t own that yet,” she said “So I think it’s a good thing to say to people: you can invest in shares but you can also invest in your first home.” This election marks Hamer’s first tilt at public office she has focused her campaign on cost-of-living concerns and “the basics”—including road maintenance which has drawn criticism for being a state or local issue But Hamer argues Canberra should step in when other levels of government drop the ball She also stood by the Coalition’s push to pursue nuclear energy saying Kooyong voters want net-zero solutions but expect “all technologies on the table” I also asked her what had surprised her most on the campaign trail “The level of support and kindness from people,” Hamer said “Even those who don’t necessarily support me have been willing to have open And for those trying to get to know her: Hamer is a jiu-jitsu enthusiast “Hopefully that stands me in good stead in parliament,” she joked If you’d like to suggest more questions for Hamer or Ryan when I catch up with them next – feel free to leave them below That’s a wrap for week four of the hot seats blog There are six more sleeps to go until election day Age reporters will be out again this week in our key electorates for more pre-polling and last-minute candidate pitches We keenly await the results on Saturday night It’s just before midday when I meet Abu Yusuf at Fawkner’s Little Anderson cafe Yusuf is the convenor of NOBS – short for North of Bell Street The shopping strip is quiet on this Anzac Day morning Abu Yusuf is part of community group NOBS – North of Bell St – which lobbies for better services in Fawkner Hadfield and Glenroy.Credit: Justin McManus including three candidates running for the seat of Wills at next Saturday’s federal election: the Greens’ Samantha Ratnam socialist Sue Bolton and One Nation’s Bruce Stevens Notably absent was local Labor MP Peter Khalil NOBS was formed during the coronavirus lockdowns when residents in the northern suburbs of Fawkner Hadfield and Glenroy were confined to their homes “Fawkner was one of the suburbs that had a hard lockdown,” says Yusuf and we had the creek on one end and the freeway on the other – we really were stuck in here.” Reporter Clay Lucas and Yusuf meet at Anderson Road on a quiet Anzac Day morning.Credit: Justin McManus “We broke bread during Ramadan one year after the lockdowns And we realised it was a brilliant little group of people.” What began as a loose group of neighbours has become a more organised effort with the group now lobbying for services like those already available in the richer southern parts of the electorate “I used to live in Brunswick and the services you have there are superb,” he says “But when you hit the 60km/h zone up here in the north of Wills you see median strips not being maintained there is no equity in provision of public services – why are we treated differently to our counterparts in the south of the seat?” A complaint I’ve heard repeatedly while reporting on Wills is that the Upfield train line – already one of Melbourne’s most infrequent – is even less reliable beyond Coburg “Everything stops at Coburg and they cancel them and run them back into the city,” Yusuf says Though train services are a state responsibility both Khalil and Ratnam are campaigning on the issue Ratnam says she will lobby hard for the duplication of the rail line while Khalil says state and federal Labor will spend $7 million on a northern corridor study that includes potentially duplicating the rail line (State Labor hasn’t helped instil trust in Khalil’s message, recently cancelling a train turn-back on the Upfield line at Gowrie station as part of a cost-cutting process for the Metro Tunnel.) Yusuf says Fawkner in particular has consistently poorer government services than other areas in the electorate he pledged $4.6 million to upgrade the courts at Fawkner Netball Club if Labor is re-elected Yusuf also says Gaza is a critical issue around his suburb and that this may cause Labor to lose votes to the Greens The Greens are openly referring to Israel’s attacks on Gaza – which the Associated Press this week reported had killed 51,000 people quoting the Palestinian Health Ministry – as “genocide” In Brunswick it’s an issue because they are progressive people interested in humanitarian issues there are so many people with family ties to Palestine Yusuf says the NOBS volunteer group is small – just a core of about 10 active members – but when they mobilise they can draw in as many as 120 supporters “We are not going to change things but you can influence things,” he says Anzac Day in Bruce started with both major party candidates laying wreaths in darkness at separate predawn ceremonies – Liberal Zahid Safi in Dandenong and Labor MP Julian Hill in Narre Warren “We gathered in the quiet of dawn in Dandenong to honour the brave men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today,” Safi posted on social media from the event “Their courage and sacrifice shaped the nation we are proud to call home.” I joined another service of around 100 people gathered in a small park on Memorial Drive in Narre Warren North while schoolchildren dressed in blazers and berets gathered underneath Liberal candidate Zahid Safi at the Berwick ceremony with his wife Elderly residents brought their own camping chairs to watch the proceedings from underneath a waratah tree in full bloom and addressed the schoolgirl choir: “Thanks for being here and double thanks to those who have been up since dawn.” speeches and poems read by students about the Anzac history and spirit A young woman wearing a blue pantsuit sang the Australian anthem into a microphone A man played The Last Post on the trumpet at 9.50am The breeze lifted as the flag went up the pole Narre Warren North Community Association vice president Michael Gonsalves organised the event and said he made an effort to involve the younger generation “It’s important the country remembers the sacrifices of the past,” he said Gonsalves has seen many elections come and go but he’d noticed more tension in the community this time round “There’s a lot of friction and we need the community to get together a local woman approached me to say thanks for looking into Safi’s NDIS businesses why couldn’t he just answer the questions?” she said Hill headed to the Scouts Hall down the road where a sausage sizzle and homemade Anzac biscuits were on offer Hill chatted with a family he met campaigning at the local train station recently “I was unnaturally cheery at 6am,” Hill said Next stop was a much larger service in Berwick Hundreds of people gathered in the main strip with children and veterans with medals pinned on their jackets waving from the windows Labor MP Julian Hill and state Opposition Leader Brad Battin.Credit: Charlotte Grieve Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin was there Battin said he had “no idea” if Safi would attend When asked about the campaign so far: “I don’t want to talk about it on Anzac Day.” wearing a navy-blue suit and silk patterned tie He spoke with Battin briefly before standing behind him Safi walked across to the other side of the crowd to stand next to Liberal MP Jason Wood Reverend Evelyn Allan of the Berwick Anglican Church spoke about the human toll of conflict and called for “justice and peace for all humanity” “Let us pray for the people of those countries throughout this time who are living in the horrors of war all who are suffering violence and destruction of their homes and country “We pray for the safety of the peacekeeping forces in those places and for all the volunteers as they reach out to help and administer aid “May they all be encouraged and strengthened in their defence and need for peace.” A row of people in military uniform shot rifles into the sky three times causing a chorus of babies to cry and dogs to bark There was no Welcome to Country at either event As the midday sun started to beat down on the crowd an elderly man wobbled on his feet and grabbed the lectern to find balance Hill and Battin swung into action - Battin grabbing a chair and Hill finding the man a bottle of water “Thank you,” the man said as he shook both their hands A rare moment of bipartisanship on the day of reflection Anzac Day is a day for solemn remembrance but if you are hoping to be elected (or re-elected) as a member of parliament it is also a day for crisscrossing the electorate trying to fit in as many Anzac Day services as possible It was all I could do to keep up with independent teal MP Zoe Daniel and Liberal candidate Tim Wilson as they zipped around the closely contested seat of Goldstein the day started early at 5.30am at the dawn service at the Hampton RSL Goldstein MP Zoe Daniel attending the Elwood Sailing Club’s Anzac Day ceremony Daniel had pride of place in the seating on the stage as the incumbent MP and was called on to lay the first wreath Following local primary schools and scout groups laying wreaths Wilson was also called up to lay a wreath before he quickly exited the service while it was still going to get to the next service at 6.30am in Caulfield Wilson’s Anzac Day activity has been closely watched after the former MP clashed with one of Daniel’s representatives at an Anzac Day service two years ago in Beaumaris Daniel claimed he took the wreath her representative was supposed to lay saying he was asked to do so by an RSL staff member because Daniel was not in attendance There was no conflict over wreaths this Anzac Day with the drama limited to how quickly the two candidates could get around the electorate Wilson managed to make it to the Caulfield RSL just in time to lay his own wreath - somewhat to the surprise of the organisers who announced “a representative for Tim Wilson … Tim is actually here Daniel was still on stage in Hampton so her representative Both Daniel and Wilson then headed to the Elwood foreshore for the third Anzac Day ceremony of the day at 8.30am in front of the Elwood Sailing Club Liberal candidate Tim Wilson was also at the Elwood Sailing Club ceremony Elwood is just outside of the Goldstein electorate but both politicians still attended to hear kids from Elwood Primary School read a poem and sing the national anthem before the last post was played Daniel was called on to lay a wreath but as Wilson is no longer an elected representative to the section of “anybody else who has a wreath to lay Wilson and the Liberal candidate for Macnamara Benson Saulo lay a wreath together at the sailing club event.Credit: Wayne Taylor Daniel and Wilson then headed to Bentleigh for a 10am ceremony where both candidates were called on separately to lay wreaths Daniel was seated in the front row and Wilson had to make do with being a few rows back but all went smoothly The MP had one further Anzac Day service scheduled bringing his tally to five services in one day Independent MP Monique Ryan and Liberal challenger Amelia Hamer finally shared a stage for the first time on Thursday night in a tightly controlled candidates’ forum in Kooyong with both women seeking to shore up support from the electorate’s now-increased Jewish community prompting one woman to throw a punch at one of the protesters Amelia Hamer (left) and Monique Ryan.Credit: Justin McManus Organisers of the Jewish forum confirmed the AFP were in attendance after the drama of the previous night’s events Following a redistribution that abolished the neighbouring seat of Higgins Kooyong’s boundaries this election now include a larger proportion of Jewish voters “Nearly 5000 Jewish voters now live within this electorate – a four-fold increase,” noted moderator Lillian Klein who has skipped three previous public debates in Kooyong (including two this week) appeared at ease throughout the 90-minute event delivering well-rehearsed lines and drawing regular applause from the crowd opening cautiously but gaining confidence during the discussion The crowd at the forum at Bialik College on Thursday night.Credit: Justin McManus The two candidates barely addressed one another directly Among the audience of over 200 people were a handful of supporters wearing Monique Ryan and Liberal-branded shirts A few attendees wore “Repeal the Teal” T-shirts – an initiative of the Jewish activist network J-United, which is affiliated with the right-wing lobby group Advance Australia The campaign has been active in so-called “teal”-held electorates and has distributed material critical of independents Hamer used her opening remarks to criticise the Albanese government’s response to antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas attacks accusing it of failing to provide “moral leadership” She said some Jewish voters in the electorate had shared with her their “escape plans” to leave the country if the situation worsens “We can say this is bad … but in the end we need action,” Hamer said calling for greater enforcement of existing hate speech laws and stricter visa rules “People don’t have a right to live in this country on a visa if they’re engaging in vile antisemitic conduct.” Ryan defended her record on action against antisemitism pointing to her support for legislation against hate speech and doxxing and her calls for stronger protections for Jewish students on university campuses “[But] we haven’t stood up early or hard enough,” she said One of the forum’s sharpest moments came when Ryan was asked whether she would consider “negotiating with the Greens” in the event of a hung parliament She took the opportunity to refute the basis of the idea saying independents can only “negotiate” with a major party to provide supply “I will not be negotiating with the Greens,” she said “They are not going to be in the room … They’re not a party of government.” she also defended her decision to co-sign a letter calling for the restoration of humanitarian aid to Gaza via UNRWA She said the intention was to ensure starving children received assistance “I won’t apologise for wanting to provide humanitarian aid to children who are dying,” she said while acknowledging that the agency had “deeply problematic” elements Ryan said she had since written to the government urging it to explore alternative aid delivery mechanisms including Australian-backed medical charity Project Rozana Hamer had previously said the letter was “effectively calling for Australian taxpayers to fund Hamas terrorists” The two candidates at the forum on Thursday night.Credit: Justin McManus Both candidates said they supported a two-state solution in the Middle East but neither backed unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state Ryan said such negotiations were not currently possible due to the lack of a legitimate governing authority in Gaza Hamer said now was “not the right time” for recognition Hamer reiterated her belief that a change of government in Australia was needed to restore trust and safety but we’re going to have to fight for it,” she said Ryan said she had learned from past missteps and hoped to continue representing Kooyong “If I remain your representative for Kooyong after this election “I believe that leaders seek to heal divisions Zahid Merchant has taken two weeks off work leading up to election day for one purpose: to show up daily at the Broadmeadows pre-polling station and persuade fellow Muslims in Wills to vote Labor out Merchant was in Broadmeadows on Thursday in a high-vis vest bearing the group’s name handing out how-to-vote cards — as he has done since pre-polling began on Tuesday He says he will continue until election day Volunteer Zahid Merchant handing out Muslim Votes Matter flyers at Broadmeadows prepoll booth.Credit: Justin McManus Muslim Votes Matter is targeting three electorates in Victoria: Wills neighbouring Calwell (including Broadmeadows and Bruce in the south-east (which includes Dandenong Wills was among the safest Labor seats in the country Bob Hawke won it with 74 per cent of the vote Labor’s Peter Khalil holds Wills by just 4.6 per cent over the Greens Labor long relied on the northern strongholds of Fawkner Labor MP Peter Khalil talking to voters at a pre-polling station.Credit: Paul Jeffers Roughly 10 per cent of voters in Wills are Muslim The electorate spans 11 kilometres from North Fitzroy and North Carlton in the south – where some booths return Greens primaries as high as 63 per cent – to suburbs near the Metropolitan Ring Road in the north Most Muslim voters are concentrated at Wills’ northern edge And that is where Muslim Votes Matter has focused its efforts It has also been at train stations distributing material urging Muslims to abandon Labor and — perhaps most crucially — it has been present at mosques Many Australian Muslims believe the Albanese government has failed to speak out strongly enough on Israel’s actions in Gaza and on rising Islamophobia in Australia “Wills for us is a very clear example of how this government has ignored the issues our community is concerned about,” says Ghaith Krayem the national spokesman for Muslim Votes Matter And no issue is of greater concern than the attacks on Gaza the Associated Press reported that more than 51,000 Palestinians – mostly women and children – had been killed since Israel’s post-October 7 offensive began Muslim Votes Matter’s how-to-vote cards urge voters to “stand against genocide” recommending in Wills that the Greens’ Samantha Ratnam be ranked above Khalil Greens candidate for Wills Samantha Ratnam campaigning for early votes.Credit: Paul Jeffers repeatedly stating since she began campaigning last April that Labor must “show leadership and show strength in the face of a genocide in Gaza” Krayem says his group’s volunteers are especially focused on visiting mosques in Wills each Friday “We’ll be out there again tomorrow,” he said on Thursday “We are confident that we are in touch with the sentiment on the ground in the Muslim community and not just Muslims but the community in general a great many of whom are in step with the views that we are espousing.” The Age asked Krayem whether all Muslim voters would be comfortable supporting the Greens’ policies on “We will never find a candidate that aligns with all of our faith-based values,” Krayem said We will continue to deal with the Greens and all parties on a range of issues – but the No.1 issue at the moment for us is genocide.” Asked about the Muslim Votes Matter campaign supporting Ratnam He said during an interview with The Age earlier this month that it was “based on the false premise that the Labor government has not done enough A pamphlet attacking Labor’s Peter Khalil which he singled out as including a doctored image “It’s me actually ripping a piece of paper that says ‘Cut HECS debt’” “The Labor government’s been criticised by the Jewish community — not all It has been criticised by Muslim Votes Matter for not doing enough The Australian government has voted multiple times for a ceasefire at the United Nations has worked with the international community [has] provided the aid and development assistance necessary [Foreign Minister] Penny Wong [backed] international tribunals and has called for that adherence to the protection of innocent civilians again and again and again.” Khalil says there is a clear distinction between the facts of what the government has done and the political attacks being directed at him “I’m not interested in the politics of this I’m interested in representing my community members who need help [and for me to be] their voice And the MP says there is “a lot of misinformation and disinformation” being distributed by Muslim Votes Matter and by another group in the electorate particularly a flyer titled “Your Labor MP is supporting genocide” above a doctored image showing him tearing up a leaflet “That shows me ripping up a piece of paper that says ‘Free Palestine’ That is a doctored image – it’s me actually ripping a piece of paper that says ‘Cut HECS debt’ What is disturbing about it is that you have supporters of my political opponents who are quite happy to push such disinformation and misinformation It’s been 23 days since I started my efforts to interview the Liberal candidate for Bruce I’ve tried calling and texting his personal mobile his campaign manager and Liberal Party HQ – to no avail four emails to Liberal party HQ and countless calls – each time asking for an interview as I cover the Bruce electorate this election I’ve visited his campaign office in Berwick to find it unattended and left my contact details at Liberal MP for La Trobe Jason Wood’s office next door I turned up to Safi’s campaign launch three weeks ago only to be told to vacate the premises by one of his volunteers before he even turned up I spent 8.5 hours at the Dandenong prepoll booth yesterday hoping for a chance to ask straightforward questions of the man who wants to enter parliament His army of volunteers avoided my eye contact and gave vague answers to my questions The post on Julian Hill’s Facebook page.Credit: Facebook Labor MP Julian Hill has challenged him to a debate and today released “missing” posters on social media “Where is the Liberal Party hiding him?” the Facebook post reads I was told he’d been spotted at the Narre Warren South polling station around 11.30am so I dropped my late breakfast at a Lebanese bakery in Hallam and zoomed over to meet him I found Safi at the entrance wearing chinos and a blue shirt so I quickly parked the car and walked with pace down the pavement to say hello one blue-shirted volunteer yelled out “hey!” to warn of my arrival and started walking in the opposition direction Zahid Safi spotted at a Narre Warren South polling station on Thursday.Credit: Charlotte Grieve shorts and a white-buttoned shirt and tie followed Safi and responded: “Yeah Charlotte I explained I’d been trying to get in touch with Safi for weeks “Why have you been dodging my media requests?” Safi had this to say: “Cost of living is a huge issue We’ve been talking to voters and getting in touch with them Cost of living and meeting as many voters as possible.” I then asked about the recent scandals engulfing his campaign like his family’s NDIS businesses that uses fake reviews stock images and inaccurate corporate records “What about your wife’s business that uses fake reviews Liberal candidate Zahid Safi (right) and his minder.Credit: Charlotte Grieve the people are concerned about cost of living and that is what we’re focused on.” I asked about Labor senator Jana Stewart calling for an investigation into his businesses The fedora-wearing minder tried to keep things positive: “We can talk “What do you say to voters concerns about the legitimacy of your businesses The minder chimed in again: “They’re more interested in crime Safi followed the prod: “Crime is a huge issue and they’re more interested in crime Labor has referred you for an investigation What do you say about the use of fake reviews “People are concerned more about cost of living And that’s why we will be coming and getting Australia back on track He then got back in the car and said voters needed him I asked about his former campaign manager Andrew McNabb who resigned his Liberal Party membership after revelations in this blog about his offensive online comments about women “Why haven’t you been answering my questions this whole campaign?” I asked into the street “We’ve been answering them now!” the minder said as he jumped in the car and drove away It’s an odd strategy for a candidate trying to flip a historically safe Labor seat From the beginning I’ve explained that I’m covering the electorate and be invited to any events in which he was participating the nibbles laid out at the back of the room and the conversation had turned to the percentage of the federal budget spent on the ABC when things took a dramatic turn Kooyong MP Monique Ryan had just remarked that the national broadcaster’s annual budget was “about as much as we spend on keeping 100 refugees on Nauru and PNG” when a man’s voice suddenly bellowed from the back of the room “We’re just here to ask about immigration and crime,” he said In a room at the Kew Library filled with civic-minded locals waiting to hear from the Kooyong candidates about the state of the media the arrival of the three unexpected men disrupted the calm wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with the logo of the “Australian Workers Alliance” – a self-described nationalist organisation whose mission includes the “preservation of Western culture and identity” One of the other men wore a leather jacket and filmed the room with his phone – a dead giveaway that the goal was to capture a viral “gotcha” moment loitered nearby with his hands in his pockets as back-up An unsuspecting convener approached the man and asked if he had registered He said yes – then launched into his tirade Matt Trihey at the forum at Kew Library on April 23.Credit: Rachael Dexter “I want to know when political crime will address the correlation between immigration and crime “We have an unprecedented correlation between immigration and crime You are putting our people at risk,” he boomed pointing his finger at the candidates: Ryan Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer was a no-show With no security guard present and the room stunned “This is not the forum for that!” one man shouted But the agitator – later identified by The Age as Matt Trihey an associate of neo-Nazis who denies being a neo-Nazi himself – only roared louder “This is something these people need to answer because the people are being put at risk,” he bellowed Are you all too scared to address it?” The three candidates sat in silence as several female organisers attempted to usher Trihey out It’s the biggest issue of our time and politicians are ignoring it.” clearly weighing whether and how to respond Trihey began ranting about rising rape rates a clearly distressed woman seated near the front A group of women – including Bowen and organisers from ABC Friends – were now actively trying to remove Trihey The room erupted into a cacophony of yelling the woman who had screamed stormed to the back of the room politely nudging aside onlookers before raising her fist and attempting to strike Trihey in the face then devolved into chaos.Credit: Rachael Dexter Ryan then asked Greens candidate Jackie Carter to call the police I attempted to ask them who they were and what organisation they represented Trihey said: “I hope I haven’t spoiled your evening “I want to go to bed at night and not worry about home invasions.” An older woman gave Trihey a final shove out the door to which he responded: “I’m very fragile … have a great day He continued yelling through the sliding doors until an organiser finally closed them They denied being members of a political party saying only that they were affiliated with Trihey’s outfit One attendee led a brief relaxation exercise “If you need to wiggle in your chairs or put your arms in the air or take your feet on the ground because we’re not here to talk about neo-Nazis right now,” she said The forum continued for another 40 minutes including a debate about legislation on social media access for minors and the need for stronger misinformation regulation She said she had spoken to the woman who attempted to hit Trihey but organisers told me the woman was still quite distressed by the incident Ryan also appeared on ABC Radio Melbourne earlier today for a debrief with host Brett McLeod “I think the thing that really distressed some of the members of the audience is they started shouting about rape and women’s rape because many members of the audience who are a little bit older [were] really taken aback by the events and clearly a bit threatened by them.” described the moment involving the older woman where he did give her a push or something like that.” She said the woman was “a bit horrified by the whole thing” telling Ryan she’d been “really enjoying the event” and found it “a really worthwhile thing” really angry at these gentlemen for disrupting as they did,” said Ryan but organisers said she was too distressed to respond Ryan said community groups should not be deterred from holding forums something the organisers of last night’s event agreed with “We shouldn’t be silenced by right-wing nut bags,” said Ryan we should continue to have these forums and enjoy the democracy that we’re so lucky to have.” A docile candidates’ forum about public broadcasting descended into chaos on Wednesday evening after far-right agitators gatecrashed the event Kooyong MP Monique Ryan personally intervened to stop attendees getting into physical altercations after a frustrated female attendee tried to punch one of the agitators in the face. It’s the second such disruption at a forum in Kooyong this week Ryan was speaking alongside Greens candidate Jackie Carter and Labor candidate Clive Crosby to a crowd of about 60 people at Kew Library at the event convened by Friends of the ABC to discuss the state of the media in Australia and ABC funding Liberal candidate Amelia Hamer was invited but did not attend and one – who later identified himself to The Age as Matt Trihey – began shouting about immigration causing crime “You people are destroying this country because you will not address civic safety,” he shouted Attendees at the event started yelling at the men to leave One woman approached Trihey and attempted to punch him in the face before other attendees intervened – including Ryan The woman appeared distraught after the incident and was quickly comforted by Ryan and others Trihey was flanked by two other men – one of whom who was filming – who did not give their identities to The Age The trio were eventually shepherded out after about eight minutes when police arrived. Trihey is trained in martial arts and was a member of the Lads Society but has since denied being a neo-Nazi himself Police were called to the forum about 6.30pm after protesters disrupted proceedings.Credit: Rachael Dexter Earlier this year, Trihey and his self-described “nationalist” group, the National Workers Alliance, gatecrashed a Chinese celebration in Box Hill, which was filmed and praised by neo-Nazi Joel Davis as “solid work” Trihey also drew attention at this year’s Australia Day rally alongside white supremacist Blair Cottrell, and last year when he opened an anti-transgender rights rally on the steps of Victoria’s parliament said the three men entered during proceedings while the front door was unlocked and the registration table unmanned he said yes – I had no opportunity to check,” she said Crooke said she hadn’t considered the event might need security and was shocked by the events that transpired we spoke to Ryan who said she didn’t feel any personal threat against her but had been concerned about the distress caused to the attendees “They weren’t expecting that sort of interruption and it was upsetting [for them],” she said Ryan asked Greens candidate Jackie Carter to call the police I was also concerned that things could potentially get out of hand if someone felt the need to [physically] intervene,” she said “It’s unfortunate … I’ve not heard of that sort of thing [happening at other forums].” A Victoria Police spokesman said officers were called to the event about 6.30pm “Officers spoke to the men and at this stage no further complaints have been made to police That\\u2019s a wrap for week four of the hot seats blog It\\u2019s just before midday when I meet Abu Yusuf at Fawkner\\u2019s Little Anderson cafe Yusuf is the convenor of NOBS \\u2013 short for North of Bell Street but Yusuf says it\\u2019s usually full of life Yusuf\\u2019s group hosted a community forum including three candidates running for the seat of Wills at next Saturday\\u2019s federal election: the Greens\\u2019 Samantha Ratnam socialist Sue Bolton and One Nation\\u2019s Bruce Stevens \\u201CFawkner was one of the suburbs that had a hard lockdown,\\u201D says Yusuf \\u201CWe had police vans scanning numberplates and we had the creek on one end and the freeway on the other \\u2013 we really were stuck in here.\\u201D \\u201CWe broke bread during Ramadan one year after the lockdowns And we realised it was a brilliant little group of people.\\u201D \\u201CI used to live in Brunswick and the services you have there are superb,\\u201D he says \\u201CBut when you hit the 60km/h zone up here in the north of Wills there is no equity in provision of public services \\u2013 why are we treated differently to our counterparts in the south of the seat?\\u201D A complaint I\\u2019ve heard repeatedly while reporting on Wills is that the Upfield train line \\u2013 already one of Melbourne\\u2019s most infrequent \\u2013 is even less reliable beyond Coburg \\u201CEverything stops at Coburg and they cancel them and run them back into the city,\\u201D Yusuf says (State Labor hasn\\u2019t helped instil trust in Khalil\\u2019s message a train turn-back on the Upfield line at Gowrie station as part of a cost-cutting process for the Metro Tunnel.) \\u201CLabor has taken us for granted,\\u201D he says The Greens are openly referring to Israel\\u2019s attacks on Gaza \\u2013 which the Associated Press this week reported had killed 51,000 people quoting the Palestinian Health Ministry \\u2013 as \\u201Cgenocide\\u201D \\u201CPalestine is a burning issue around here In Brunswick it\\u2019s an issue because they are progressive people interested in humanitarian issues Yusuf says the NOBS volunteer group is small \\u2013 just a core of about 10 active members \\u2013 but when they mobilise \\u201CWe are not going to change things but you can influence things,\\u201D he says One of the more contentious issues to follow her so far has been which I revealed a few weeks ago in The Age Hamer owns homes in both Canberra and London a fact not disclosed earlier in her campaign when she was highlighting her status as a renter in Hawthorn it\\u2019s probably more interesting to people that I rent,\\u201D she said \\u201CI\\u2019ve talked about being a home owner I\\u2019ve talked about being a renter.\\u201D Hamer said she wasn\\u2019t deceptive and maintained she shared her background when relevant \\u201CNo one\\u2019s experience is the same as anyone else\\u2019s,\\u201D she said \\u201CBut where I can find common ground with people and the Coalition\\u2019s controversial pledge to allow first-home buyers to use their superannuation for a house deposit \\u201CYou can buy an investment property with your superannuation but you actually can\\u2019t buy your first home if you don\\u2019t own that yet,\\u201D she said \\u201CSo I think it\\u2019s a good thing to say to people: you can invest in shares but you can also invest in your first home.\\u201D This election marks Hamer\\u2019s first tilt at public office and \\u201Cthe basics\\u201D\\u2014including road maintenance it\\u2019s on solving problems,\\u201D she said \\u201CIf the state can\\u2019t fund a project She also stood by the Coalition\\u2019s push to pursue nuclear energy saying Kooyong voters want net-zero solutions but expect \\u201Call technologies on the table\\u201D \\u201CThe level of support and kindness from people,\\u201D Hamer said \\u201CEven those who don\\u2019t necessarily support me have been willing to have open \\u201CHopefully that stands me in good stead in parliament,\\u201D she joked If you\\u2019d like to suggest more questions for Hamer or Ryan when I catch up with them next \\u2013 feel free to leave them below Anzac Day in Bruce started with both major party candidates laying wreaths in darkness at separate predawn ceremonies \\u2013 Liberal Zahid Safi in Dandenong and Labor MP Julian Hill in Narre Warren \\u201CWe gathered in the quiet of dawn in Dandenong to honour the brave men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today,\\u201D Safi posted on social media from the event \\u201CTheir courage and sacrifice shaped the nation we are proud to call home.\\u201D and addressed the schoolgirl choir: \\u201CThanks for being here and double thanks to those who have been up since dawn.\\u201D \\u201CIt\\u2019s important the country remembers the sacrifices of the past,\\u201D he said but he\\u2019d noticed more tension in the community this time round \\u201CWe\\u2019re non-political,\\u201D he said \\u201CThere\\u2019s a lot of friction and we need the community to get together It should be peaceful whatever happens.\\u201D a local woman approached me to say thanks for looking into Safi\\u2019s NDIS businesses why couldn\\u2019t he just answer the questions?\\u201D she said \\u201CI was unnaturally cheery at 6am,\\u201D Hill said \\u201CIt\\u2019s too early to be this happy.\\u201D \\u201CHere\\u2019s always good,\\u201D he said \\u201CI\\u2019ve been coming here for 50 years.\\u201D Battin said he had \\u201Cno idea\\u201D if Safi would attend When asked about the campaign so far: \\u201CI don\\u2019t want to talk about it on Anzac Day.\\u201D Reverend Evelyn Allan of the Berwick Anglican Church spoke about the human toll of conflict and called for \\u201Cjustice and peace for all humanity\\u201D \\u201CLet us pray for the people of those countries throughout this time who are living in the horrors of war \\u201CWe pray for the safety of the peacekeeping forces in those places and for all the volunteers as they reach out to help and administer aid \\u201CMay they all be encouraged and strengthened in their defence and need for peace.\\u201D \\u201CThank you,\\u201D the man said as he shook both their hands Wilson\\u2019s Anzac Day activity has been closely watched after the former MP clashed with one of Daniel\\u2019s representatives at an Anzac Day service two years ago in Beaumaris Wilson managed to make it to the Caulfield RSL just in time to lay his own wreath - somewhat to the surprise of the organisers who announced \\u201Ca representative for Tim Wilson \\u2026 Tim is actually here to the section of \\u201Canybody else who has a wreath to lay Independent MP Monique Ryan and Liberal challenger Amelia Hamer finally shared a stage for the first time on Thursday night in a tightly controlled candidates\\u2019 forum in Kooyong with both women seeking to shore up support from the electorate\\u2019s now-increased Jewish community The event was hosted at Bialik College by a coalition of Jewish organisations including Zionism Victoria and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and had none of the theatrics of the Friends of the ABC forum at Kew library on Wednesday after far-right agitators gatecrashed the event Organisers of the Jewish forum confirmed the AFP were in attendance after the drama of the previous night\\u2019s events Kooyong\\u2019s boundaries this election now include a larger proportion of Jewish voters \\u201CNearly 5000 Jewish voters now live within this electorate \\u2013 a four-fold increase,\\u201D noted moderator Lillian Klein A few attendees wore \\u201CRepeal the Teal\\u201D T-shirts \\u2013 an initiative of the Jewish activist network J-United which is affiliated with the right-wing lobby group The campaign has been active in so-called \\u201Cteal\\u201D-held electorates and has distributed material critical of independents Hamer used her opening remarks to criticise the Albanese government\\u2019s response to antisemitism following the October 7 Hamas attacks accusing it of failing to provide \\u201Cmoral leadership\\u201D She said some Jewish voters in the electorate had shared with her their \\u201Cescape plans\\u201D to leave the country if the situation worsens \\u201CWe can say this is bad \\u2026 but in the end we need action,\\u201D Hamer said \\u201CPeople don\\u2019t have a right to live in this country on a visa if they\\u2019re engaging in vile antisemitic conduct.\\u201D \\u201C[But] we haven\\u2019t stood up early or hard enough,\\u201D she said One of the forum\\u2019s sharpest moments came when Ryan was asked whether she would consider \\u201Cnegotiating with the Greens\\u201D in the event of a hung parliament saying independents can only \\u201Cnegotiate\\u201D with a major party to provide supply \\u201CI will not be negotiating with the Greens,\\u201D she said \\u201CThey are not going to be in the room \\u2026 They\\u2019re not a party of government.\\u201D \\u201CI won\\u2019t apologise for wanting to provide humanitarian aid to children who are dying,\\u201D she said while acknowledging that the agency had \\u201Cdeeply problematic\\u201D elements Hamer had previously said the letter was \\u201Ceffectively calling for Australian taxpayers to fund Hamas terrorists\\u201D Hamer said now was \\u201Cnot the right time\\u201D for recognition but we\\u2019re going to have to fight for it,\\u201D she said \\u201CIf I remain your representative for Kooyong after this election that\\u2019s what I\\u2019ll try to do,\\u201D she said \\u201CI believe that leaders seek to heal divisions Merchant was in Broadmeadows on Thursday in a high-vis vest bearing the group\\u2019s name handing out how-to-vote cards \\u2014 as he has done since pre-polling began on Tuesday Labor\\u2019s Peter Khalil holds Wills by just 4.6 per cent over the Greens The electorate spans 11 kilometres from North Fitzroy and North Carlton in the south \\u2013 where some booths return Greens primaries as high as 63 per cent \\u2013 to suburbs near the Metropolitan Ring Road in the north Most Muslim voters are concentrated at Wills\\u2019 northern edge and \\u2014 perhaps most crucially \\u2014 it has been present at mosques Many Australian Muslims believe the Albanese government has failed to speak out strongly enough on Israel\\u2019s actions in Gaza and on rising Islamophobia in Australia \\u201CWills for us is a very clear example of how this government has ignored the issues our community is concerned about,\\u201D says Ghaith Krayem the Associated Press reported that more than 51,000 Palestinians \\u2013 mostly women and children \\u2013 had been killed since Israel\\u2019s post-October 7 offensive began Muslim Votes Matter\\u2019s how-to-vote cards urge voters to \\u201Cstand against genocide\\u201D recommending in Wills that the Greens\\u2019 Samantha Ratnam be ranked above Khalil repeatedly stating since she began campaigning last April that Labor must \\u201Cshow leadership and show strength in the face of a genocide in Gaza\\u201D Krayem says his group\\u2019s volunteers are especially focused on visiting mosques in Wills each Friday \\u201CWe\\u2019ll be out there again tomorrow,\\u201D he said on Thursday \\u201CWe are confident that we are in touch with the sentiment on the ground in the Muslim community a great many of whom are in step with the views that we are espousing.\\u201D The Age asked Krayem whether all Muslim voters would be comfortable supporting the Greens\\u2019 policies on \\u201CWe will never find a candidate that aligns with all of our faith-based values,\\u201D Krayem said We will continue to deal with the Greens and all parties on a range of issues \\u2013 but the No.1 issue at the moment for us is genocide.\\u201D He said during an interview with The Age earlier this month that it was \\u201Cbased on the false premise that the Labor government has not done enough \\u201CThe Labor government\\u2019s been criticised by the Jewish community \\u2014 not all [Foreign Minister] Penny Wong [backed] international tribunals and has called for that adherence to the protection of innocent civilians again and again and again.\\u201D \\u201CI\\u2019m not interested in the politics of this I\\u2019m interested in representing my community members which I have done within government.\\u201D And the MP says there is \\u201Ca lot of misinformation and disinformation\\u201D being distributed by Muslim Votes Matter and by another group in the electorate particularly a flyer titled \\u201CYour Labor MP is supporting genocide\\u201D \\u201CThat shows me ripping up a piece of paper that says \\u2018Free Palestine\\u2019 That is a doctored image \\u2013 it\\u2019s me actually ripping a piece of paper that says \\u2018Cut HECS debt\\u2019 It\\u2019s been 23 days since I started my efforts to interview the Liberal candidate for Bruce I\\u2019ve tried calling and texting his personal mobile his campaign manager and Liberal Party HQ \\u2013 to no avail four emails to Liberal party HQ and countless calls \\u2013 each time asking for an interview as I cover the Bruce electorate this election I\\u2019ve visited his campaign office in Berwick to find it unattended and left my contact details at Liberal MP for La Trobe Jason Wood\\u2019s office next door I turned up to Safi\\u2019s campaign launch three weeks ago and today released \\u201Cmissing\\u201D posters on social media \\u201CWhere is the Liberal Party hiding him?\\u201D the Facebook post reads I was told he\\u2019d been spotted at the Narre Warren South polling station around 11.30am so I dropped my late breakfast at a Lebanese bakery in Hallam and zoomed over to meet him one blue-shirted volunteer yelled out \\u201Chey!\\u201D to warn of my arrival I\\u2019m a journalist with The Age.\\u201D shorts and a white-buttoned shirt and tie followed Safi and responded: \\u201CYeah Charlotte I explained I\\u2019d been trying to get in touch with Safi for weeks \\u201CWhy have you been dodging my media requests?\\u201D Safi had this to say: \\u201CCost of living is a huge issue We\\u2019ve been talking to voters and getting in touch with them Cost of living and meeting as many voters as possible.\\u201D like his family\\u2019s NDIS businesses that uses fake reviews \\u201CWhat about your wife\\u2019s business that uses fake reviews the people are concerned about cost of living and that is what we\\u2019re focused on.\\u201D The fedora-wearing minder tried to keep things positive: \\u201CWe can talk \\u201CWhat do you say to voters concerns about the legitimacy of your businesses Why does it use fake reviews?\\u201D I asked The minder chimed in again: \\u201CThey\\u2019re more interested in crime Safi followed the prod: \\u201CCrime is a huge issue and they\\u2019re more interested in crime Labor has neglected the people of Bruce.\\u201D \\u201CBut I\\u2019m asking about your business \\u201CPeople are concerned more about cost of living And that\\u2019s why we will be coming and getting Australia back on track \\u201CWhy haven\\u2019t you been answering my questions this whole campaign?\\u201D I asked into the street \\u201CWe\\u2019ve been answering them now!\\u201D the minder said as he jumped in the car and drove away It\\u2019s an odd strategy for a candidate trying to flip a historically safe Labor seat From the beginning I\\u2019ve explained that I\\u2019m covering the electorate see how he\\u2019s engaging with the community Kooyong MP Monique Ryan had just remarked that the national broadcaster\\u2019s annual budget was \\u201Cabout as much as we spend on keeping 100 refugees on Nauru and PNG\\u201D when a man\\u2019s voice suddenly bellowed from the back of the room \\u201CWe\\u2019re just here to ask about immigration and crime,\\u201D he said wearing a black T-shirt emblazoned with the logo of the \\u201CAustralian Workers Alliance\\u201D \\u2013 a self-described nationalist organisation whose mission includes the \\u201Cpreservation of Western culture and identity\\u201D One of the other men wore a leather jacket and filmed the room with his phone \\u2013 a dead giveaway that the goal was to capture a viral \\u201Cgotcha\\u201D moment He said yes \\u2013 then launched into his tirade \\u201CI want to know when political crime will address the correlation between immigration and crime \\u201CWe have an unprecedented correlation between immigration and crime You are putting our people at risk,\\u201D he boomed \\u201CThis is not the forum for that!\\u201D one man shouted But the agitator \\u2013 later identified by The Age as Matt Trihey an associate of neo-Nazis who denies being a neo-Nazi himself \\u2013 only roared louder \\u201CThis is something these people need to answer because the people are being put at risk,\\u201D he bellowed \\u201CGet out of here,\\u201D another man yelled Are you all too scared to address it?\\u201D The three candidates \\u201CDon\\u2019t touch me,\\u201D he screamed It\\u2019s the biggest issue of our time and politicians are ignoring it.\\u201D \\u201Cf--- off!\\u201D The woman screamed again A group of women \\u2013 including Bowen and organisers from ABC Friends \\u2013 were now actively trying to remove Trihey we are the working class,\\u201D he yelled but Trihey\\u2019s cameraman turned his back Trihey said: \\u201CI hope I haven\\u2019t spoiled your evening \\u201CI want to go to bed at night and not worry about home invasions.\\u201D to which he responded: \\u201CI\\u2019m very fragile \\u2026 have a great day saying only that they were affiliated with Trihey\\u2019s outfit \\u201CIf you need to wiggle in your chairs or put your arms in the air or take your feet on the ground because we\\u2019re not here to talk about neo-Nazis right now,\\u201D she said \\u201CI think the thing that really distressed some of the members of the audience is they started shouting about rape and women\\u2019s rape because many members of the audience who are a little bit older [were] really taken aback by the events and clearly a bit threatened by them.\\u201D where he did give her a push or something like that.\\u201D She said the woman was \\u201Ca bit horrified by the whole thing\\u201D telling Ryan she\\u2019d been \\u201Creally enjoying the event\\u201D and found it \\u201Ca really worthwhile thing\\u201D really angry at these gentlemen for disrupting as they did,\\u201D said Ryan something the organisers of last night\\u2019s event agreed with \\u201CWe shouldn\\u2019t be silenced by right-wing nut bags,\\u201D said Ryan we should continue to have these forums and enjoy the democracy that we\\u2019re so lucky to have.\\u201D A docile candidates\\u2019 forum about public broadcasting Kooyong MP Monique Ryan personally intervened to stop attendees getting into physical altercations after a frustrated female attendee tried to punch one of the agitators in the face It\\u2019s the at a forum in Kooyong this week and one \\u2013 who later identified himself to The Age as Matt Trihey \\u2013 began shouting about immigration causing crime \\u201CYou people are destroying this country because you will not address civic safety,\\u201D he shouted One woman approached Trihey and attempted to punch him in the face before other attendees intervened \\u2013 including Ryan Trihey was flanked by two other men \\u2013 one of whom who was filming \\u2013 who did not give their identities to The Age The trio were eventually shepherded out after about eight minutes when police arrived Trihey is trained in martial arts and was a of the Trihey and his self-described \\u201Cnationalist\\u201D group gatecrashed a Chinese celebration in Box Hill which was filmed and praised by Joel Davis as \\u201Csolid work\\u201D Trihey also drew attention at this year\\u2019s Australia Day rally alongside white supremacist Blair Cottrell and last year when he an anti-transgender rights rally on the steps of Victoria\\u2019s parliament he said yes \\u2013 I had no opportunity to check,\\u201D she said Crooke said she hadn\\u2019t considered the event might need security we spoke to Ryan who said she didn\\u2019t feel any personal threat against her \\u201CThey weren\\u2019t expecting that sort of interruption and it was upsetting [for them],\\u201D she said I was also concerned that things could potentially get out of hand if someone felt the need to [physically] intervene,\\u201D she said \\u201CIt\\u2019s unfortunate \\u2026 I\\u2019ve not heard of that sort of thing [happening at other forums].\\u201D \\u201COfficers spoke to the men and at this stage no further complaints have been made to police The investigation is ongoing,\\u201D he said BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University senior first baseman Amelia Blake has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Softball Player of the Week five runs scored and eight RBI in a 5-1 week for the Bears Blake went 4-for-6 with three RBI as the Bears swept a MASCAC doubleheader from conference regular season champion Westfield State a run and three RBI in a doubleheader split with Salve Regina; and 2-for-5 with a pair of walks four runs and two RBI in a twinbill sweep of Vermont State Lyndon Blake is batting .344 (31-90) with three doubles 13 runs scored and 19 RBI to go along with a .400 slugging percentage and a .392 on base percentage In 103 games over three seasons with the Bears Blake is sporting a career batting average of .337 (88-261) with 13 doubles The MASCAC Player of the Week honor marks the second of Blake's career The BSU softball team wrapped up the regular season with an overall record of 19-17 including an 8-6 MASCAC mark The Bears are the #4 seed in this week's MASCAC Tournament and will host a preliminary round game against #5 Salem State University on Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 We use cookies to ensure you have the best browsing experience on our website. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy & Terms of Service I am fortunate to be a member of a team of experienced researchers and explorers who meet via Zoom every month or two to discuss our on-going efforts to solve the disappearance of Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan. In this column back in 2021 I detailed the 3.5 (!) major theories and since then there have been some interesting developments in the case Tony Romeo and his Deep Sea Vision (DSV) team made headlines around the world when they spotted what they thought might be Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed 10-E Electra in 16,000 feet of seawater (fsw) in the north Pacific just above the Equator Tiny Howland was one of the last destinations for the aviators on their ill-fated 1937 around-the-world flight attempt DSV is a robotics company based in Charleston and uses an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Their HUGIN was called the “Miss Millie Pollywog,” after the nickname “Millie” that Amelia’s family used for her The impressive AUV can search at depths down to almost 20,000 fsw When I saw the blurry image made public by DSV (see the photos below) I thought that it was possibly a plane but if it was it was most likely a swept wing fighter like the North American F-86 Sabers used in the Korean War I knew that the Earhart plane had a very strong main spar that ran 22 feet across the plane from the right to the left engine and that two wing breaks right beside the fuselage in November 2024 the DSV team revisited the site for a closer look and concluded that the object was actually a rock formation covering 1,500 square nautical miles using underwater drones conducted at the National Archives I and II in DC and Maryland in 2023 and 2024 At NA I in DC I found the logs of the USS Bushnell which surveyed Gardner Island (now Nikumaroro in the Republic of Kiribati) which may be where Earhart and Noonan landed and survived for one or two weeks largely based on Earhart’s last radio transmission “We are on the line 157 337.” Extending the 337 degrees line southward hits the Phoenix Islands group The logs and associated maps and soundings revealed that the surveyors covered the island’s lagoon in great detail they likely would have spotted any large parts of wreckage in the lagoon or on the fringing reef and might have spotted items left by the wrecked aviators In the photo images section at NA II in Maryland I found a photo of a large photo mosaic that had been compiled from excellent taken by a USN seaplane launched by the USS Pelican in 1939 The seaplane flew at 8000 feet and took numerous overlapping 8”x 8” negatives of the island The negatives were then made into positives and the positives skillfully cut up to remove the overlaps and create a large photo mosaic on a “Confidential” but de-classified card that I found was clear enough that individual features could be seen and I was able to take closeups of key areas of interest on the island A small blurry version of the photo mosaic had previously been found but in 35 years of searching no other analyst had ever found this useful was apparently not at the Archives (although you can never be completely sure what is hidden back in the stacks so at the suggestion of NA staff I contacted the Naval History and Heritage Command at the US Navy Yard in DC They rapidly and professionally searched their holdings and stated that they did not have the mosaic but the Naval Air Station Museum in Pensacola might looking for information on a sextant box found on Gardner so I will be returning there in the future Next month we will see how the image I found in the Archives is helping in the planning of a new expedition to Gardner/Nikumaroro is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and of The Explorers Club He has worked in 30 developing countries and traveled to 145 of the world’s 196 nations He and his wife Susan live in Silver Spring actress Sheryl Faye will perform her show “Amelia Earhart: Pioneer in Aviation.”  Sheryl Faye has masterfully brought to life important historical women who have shaped the world in which we live learning experience that captivates viewers and sparks their desire to learn more Earhart’s love of the air “took flight” when she paid a pilot exactly $1.00 to take her up for a short “hop” in his plane the science of aviation became her passion Earhart followed her dreams with an unconquerable spirit Her story will inspire everyone to pursue their own paths The presentation highlights the importance of family and respect for others – but it also emphasizes the importance of the individual the Friends of Case Memorial Library will host their Annual Business Meeting; following the brief meeting they will award the Lucy Scillia Scholarship guests may enjoy delectable refreshments before the 2:00 pm show begins If you are not yet a member of the Friends of Case Memorial Library Your membership helps build community and ensures that shows such as these Sponsored by Friends of Case Memorial Library, this event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Register at https://casememoriallibrary.org or call 203-891-2170 The Orange Town News is focused on bringing you the live, local news of the Orange, CT community. We encourage our readers to support their local businesses and their local news source by submitting interesting town and local announcements and happenings. We also love hearing From Our Readers Submit your letters for our From Our Readers section via our contact form, email your letter to: letters@orangetownnews.com Please include your email and a daytime phone number in case we have any questions Letters must be exclusive to the Orange Town News for publication We use cookies to improve your experience on our site Snow Canyon’s Amelia Nadauld stole the show during Day 2 of the BYU Invitational on Saturday but two overall state records in a dominant display as she competed against hundreds of her sprinter peers in the massive track meet Nadauld broke a 300 meter hurdles state record that had stood since 2013 and then later in the meet she broke a long jump record dating back to 2001 “She has been so focused this year in her training She is not doing club sports to focus on her training She is doing all the little things to take it to the next level,” said Snow Canyon coach Justin Redfearn Nadauld came into Saturday’s BYU Invitational with the best 300 hurdles time in the state this spring posting a 42.44 at the Pine Vite Invite back in March She missed the state record by .90 in that meet but in the process showed the record breaker was inevitable The moment came Saturday as she blazed down the track in a time of 41.05 breaking the older record of 41.54 that was set by Sky View’s Brenna Porter back in 2013 It is the fourth fastest time in the nation this spring “She is as dedicated and committed to excellence that I have ever seen in an athlete What has set her apart this year is how she has improved her mental preparation and positive self talk It has helped to train daily with other elite athletes like Tia Brown and Makiah Turner They have been so supportive and encouraging of one another,” said Redfearn perhaps more impressive was what Nadauld did in the long jump pit a few hours later snapping the 19’04.75 record that Alta’s Amy Menlove set over two decades ago in 2001 It was the third oldest state record in the record books said that Nadauld’s trust in the process and trusting the coaches have enabled her to stop overthinking and just go out and perform Timpview star Jane Hedengren broke her own 1,600-meter state record in the first event of the day raising the total of new state records at this year’s BYU Invitational to six after 11 records fell a year ago A day after Hedengren broke the 800 meter state record she opened Saturday’s competition with a bag as she shaved five seconds off her own state record in the 1,600 meters A year ago she posted a 4:37.72 in the 1,600 but on Saturday shattered that mark with a 4:32.61 to continue her phenomenal spring season Brown set a new record in the 100 hurdles on Friday as she became the first girl in Utah to run under 14 seconds as she posted a 13.89 The annual BYU Invitational featured 137 registered teams across the intermountain region and 3,474 registered athletes Mountain View’s Kyle Steadman set a new 4A record in the 1,600 meters as he posted a time of 4:08.99 He finished fourth behind Charlie Vause of Rio Rancho Herriman’s Jackson Spencer and Skyline’s Jonah Fearnley While Nadauld and Hedengren won multiple events throughout the meet this weekend Mountain Ridge’s Kinzlee Riddle had a phenomenal meet of her own as she won both the 200 and 400 meters there were still some standout performances on the boys side Bonneville’s Davis DeGroot won both the 200 and 400 meters while Lone Peak’s Matthew Bryant won the shot put and discus Riverton’s Tyler Warnick set a new overall state record in the long jump with a leap of 24’00.75 Ally Lutter is a Marketing Manager for the Epson Tour She majored in Broadcast Journalism at Penn State University and has a sports journalism certificate The Los Angeles-based R&B artist has selected songs to soundtrack times of romantic anticipation NME’s latest star of The Cover, Amelia Moore has put together an exclusive playlist to accompany the story’s launch – check it out below The Los Angeles-based pop/R&B artist is on this week’s (May 5) edition of The Cover, a manifestation of NME’s commitment to supporting emerging talent across the globe on a weekly basis. Every week, a rising artist will feature on The Cover – you can read Amelia Moore’s profile here written by Kayleigh Watson and featuring photography by Aubree Estrella After first making a mark with her 2022 EP ‘Teaching A Robot To Love’, Amelia Moore scored a wider breakout moment with her set at last year’s Camp Flog Gnaw – the festival founded by Tyler, The Creator enlisting back-up dancers and guest artists “There are thousands of people at this festival who have no idea who I am,” she says it was my main goal for that entire set to get everybody passing to fall in love with me.” Five months later a continuation of last year’s ‘He’s Just Not That Into You!’ The series takes inspiration from the 2009 self-help book-turned-rom-com which has totally fucked up our mindset when it comes to dating,” says Moore a lightbulb went off in my brain and I was like ‘This is the vibe of the entire project’.” Read Amelia Moore’s full Cover story here and find out who else has been on The Cover here. The world’s defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking what’s new and what’s next since 1952. Amelia Heintzelman (left) and Leah Fournier (right) Imagine you’re in the middle of a mat class with your favorite Pilates teacher gritting your teeth through a killer series of clamshell reps when you notice the person next to you is groaning with a little more drama than necessary has launched into an earnest conversation with another student about what sounds like a dance show she’s creating you’ve entered the world of Comedy Pilates conceived and directed by choreographer and certified Pilates instructor Comedy Pilates takes place at the Center for Performance Research in Brooklyn in three sessions Karen Hildebrand (Rail): Comedy Pilates sounds like nothing I’ve ever experienced Or is it some kind of immersive performance Comedy Pilates was a Zoom class—it was a COVID project Like there would be a performer behind me pretending to be a thief taking things from my apartment while I was teaching This variation at CPR is going to feel very different because the class will be live but the premise is the same: an hour-long Pilates mat class Everybody is there to take a Pilates class but I’m also interviewing a special guest—an artist or choreographer about their artistic practice Rail: So you’re deliberately complicating your task as a fitness instructor Heintzelman: I really am curious about these artists And then there’s a whole ensemble of characters that will disrupt class Between trying to have an earnest conversation and facilitating a group fitness experience with a high level of performativity there’s almost an impossible number of things to juggle Rail: How does this ensemble of characters show up or does somebody on the mat next to me suddenly start doing something odd Heintzelman: So the characters are class participants They’re loosely based on experiences I’ve had as a teacher verging-on-toxic qualities of a person in Pilates class There’s going to be someone who is there to show off There’s going to be someone there who’s looking for love There is going to be someone who takes the class really seriously It’s all to create a scenario in which we’re collectively dealing with a really uncomfortable level of having split attention The push for self-optimization requires us as artists and people to deal with constant competing demands Leah Fournier (left) and Amelia Heintzelman (right) Rail: Are these performances scripted or are they improvised so nothing is going to be scripted; I work improvisationally in my own choreography practice This project has been a really different experience since I usually work with scores that are a lot more abstract and based in the body It’s been a fun challenge working with this ensemble to craft characters as containers for each of their own improvisational experiences within the class You bring your intuition to whatever needs to happen in the class that day Heintzelman: I’ve been saying that for a long time you have to kind of write out a script for yourself—you need structure you know how to abandon the structure and be really intuitive in how you’re paying attention to the folks who are in the room with you Rail: How does Comedy Pilates fit into your portfolio as a dancemaker Heintzelman: I think this is the first time I’ve let my artistic practice really kind of bleed into my teaching life I am a Pilates and yoga instructor in my daily life It always felt very separate from my artistic practice as a performer and choreographer I feel like I have to turn on a different personality—a little bit louder or a little bit more dominant a little bit more tuned in to other people So the tension between the internal and external that exists in Comedy Pilates is something that interests me generally Heintzelman: In my artistic and working life there’s a lot of tension between the idea of authenticity and performativity There’s tension between perfection and failure These things seem like they’re maybe pushing up against each other but they are actually quite dependent on each other This project is a really good way of just letting all those things kind of bubble up to the surface Leah Fournier (above) and Amelia Heintzelman (below) Rail: Where do you want to go with this project Heintzelman: I’m excited about this being a video project because it’s something that can be revisited The interviews will be videotaped and turned into a short series I’m inspired by dancers and choreographers and it’s important that we record them for other people to have access to Heintzelman: Sophia Parker is someone I’ve worked with as a dramaturg She has a lot to say about switching between those different roles and the power dynamics involved Glenn Potter-Takata had a show at Danspace Project this past winter He’s someone who works with props and technology in a way that I think is unique So I’m curious to talk to him about that experience Lena Engelstein recently had a show at New York Live Arts She is one of my favorite performers as well as someone who I love talking about dance with and I feel like every time I’m in conversation with her Rail: I’m picturing you interviewing these people while they’re pumping their arms in an abdominal curl you mention editing these into episodes similar to Hot Ones that show where the host asks people questions about their lives and careers while they eat chicken wings with hot sauce and their mouths are on fire You’re doing sort of the same thing: their abs are on fire and they’ve got to talk coherently about why they’re making a dance piece Heintzelman: I think there’s something about the idea of interviewing artists while they’re doing Pilates that’s going to lead to really interesting conversation Everyone’s guard will be down from the start I’m really curious about how that will change the conversation—and take us somewhere that we wouldn’t get to if we were hanging out after a show one night Rail: Is there a performer who works in a vein similar to what you want to achieve with Comedy Pilates who inspires you Heintzelman: I’ve always loved the Eric Andre Show I find so much joy in the interviews he does because they’re so crazy also have a great podcast; I like their banter Heintzelman: I’m able to find humor in a lot of places you wouldn’t expect to see it—more so than being a comedian myself I’m always looking for that moment of awkwardness Rail: How do you think Comedy Pilates will feed back into your dancemaking life Heintzelman: This project is teaching me how to be really uncomfortable in a way that I don’t know if I’ve gotten to within my own work There’s something that feels really good about it because I’m not in control of a lot of elements here It feels really counter to the type of work that I do when I’m choreographing And I think it’s teaching me about my relationship to control and perfectionism as a maker It’s changing my relationship to failure and understanding what failure does in a performative setting So this project is both challenging me and giving me a lot of joy Rail: What do you have coming up on the horizon trying to continue to work from a place of interiority and trying to understand my relationship to the audience I’m interested in thinking about arousal—how and I am performing with a lot of folks who I really love and admire So I get to ping-pong between these different roles Yet there are only so many hours of the week to be all the different versions of myself That’s who my character is in Comedy Pilates We were joking that if we each had a T-shirt describing our character  Leah Fournier (left) and Amelia Heintzelman (right) but it seems like Comedy Pilates is also taking a jab at a respected fitness institution Heintzelman: There’s a contradiction in the wellness industry with the idea of something being “holistic,” when it is actually about an obsession with personal perfection The way capitalism markets wellness is a regimented and individualist attempt to optimize one’s time Comedy Pilates allows for humor and irony while also pointing out the danger of buying into an ideal body or way of executing an exercise and losing the ability to think critically or with curiosity Being obsessed with “wellness,” as it’s sold to us Rail: I understand you’ve worked with a dramaturg to articulate some of your themes Heintzelman: This project is a hugely collaborative effort Sitting down with a dramaturg really helps me develop the language to express the “why” within a piece It’s helped shape my work in a way I wouldn’t have been able to do on my own it’s really helpful to have an outside perspective Rail: What kind of response do you anticipate It could be an entire hour of just really not landing has the capacity to be very meaningful for people beyond just now I’m having conversations with people I have full faith will go on to have prolific careers and that there can be a big library of conversations Karen Hildebrand is former editorial director for Dance Magazine and served as Dance Teacher editor in chief for a decade. She lives in Clinton Hill. Home Conceptual rendering of the new Amelia Earhart Terminal at Purdue University Airport As summer nears, construction on the new Amelia Earhart Terminal will continue The terminal project is expected to be completed in August Some parking changes have gone into effect to accommodate commercial airfare passenger parking. Updates regarding lane restrictions and closures will be posted to the Physical Facilities Construction and Travel Notices page as needed watch for pedestrians walking along Aviation Drive and observe safety signage near the construction site entrance Questions about the project may be directed to Don Petersen, project executive, at drpeter@purdue.edu Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInOXFORD, N.Y. (WBNG) -- May 3 marks six years since Chenango County teen Amelia Wakefield was murdered the non-profit founded in her name Amelia’s Voice held a 5k event Amelia’s Voice was founded shortly after Amelia lost her life to domestic violence in 2019 The nonprofit works to spread awareness about domestic violence and support survivors While they usually host their annual 5k for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October This weekend’s run served as a memorial and a message that Amelia’s Voice is back included Amelia’s gravesite as the halfway point “I think we saved others’ lives,” said Amelia’s Aunt and Vice President of Amelia’s Voice if there’s one thing we can say we’re happy about People come forward with their stories and share their surviving stories and that’s the best thing we can hope for.” Amelia’s Voice was joined by the organizations New York State Women and Help Restore Hope Organizers announced a new initiative: the Amelia Wakefield Grant The annual grant provides funds to Help Restore Hope which provides shelter and resources to survivors in Chenango County Amelia Wakefield Grant made their first donation of $10,000 to the organization Please select what you would like included for printing: Copy the text below and then paste that into your favorite email application 2025 at DCH Regional Medical Center surrounded by loved ones at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home located at 4905 Hwy 69 N Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Magnolia North Chapel directing Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Herman Krause and Clara Westbrook Bond; brother James Blair III; grandson Tyler Blair (Madison); granddaughter Kristen Blair; sister Emily Kahaneck; brothers-in-law Carl Blair (Suzie) John Blair (Kay); sister-in-law Cindy Bond; a host of nieces and nephews Amelia "Amy" was born on August 1 She graduated from Ball High School in Galveston through his long service with the United States Coast Guard They were happily married for over 57 years After Jim's retirement from the Coast Guard where Amy was the director of Shiner's senior citizen center and also helped Jim run their electronics store She was an active member of Chapel Hill Baptist Church for many years Her devotion for Christ always drove her to serve others especially through her numerous recipes which were all cooked with love God saw fit to call her to her Heavenly home on Easter which serves as a great reminder that she is now spending eternity with Him she was passionate about sports-especially when her grandkids played-as well as cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide Honorary pallbearers are Amy's Sunday School class members of the WINGS ministry at Chapel Hill donations can be made to Hemophilia and Bleeding Disorders of Alabama (www.hbda.us) Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors Beau Welling took the ceremonial first tee shot at Oak Marsh Golf Course The Pete Dye layout has reopened following a $7.4 million renovation Greens and bunkers have been rebuilt and surfaces regrassed The renovated course complements the natural beauty of Amelia Island Oak Marsh Golf Course at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa in Florida officially reopened this week following a renovation by golf course architect Beau Welling who took a ceremonial first tee shot at the oceanfront course The goal of the $7.4 million renovation project was to protect features from Pete Dye’s original 1972 design – characterised with greens that meander along salt marsh creeks and through Oak canopies – while also modernising the layout to meet the requirements of today’s game Greens and bunkers have been rebuilt and surfaces have been regrassed with TifEagle bermudafor greens and Bimini bermuda elsewhere Tee areas are now a ‘ribbon’ design for increased tee placement options and the course’s irrigation system has also been updated “Our celebrated Oak Marsh is now even better and provides one of the great golf course experiences in both Florida and the US,” said Theo Schofield managing director at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa “Beau Welling and his team are fantastic to work with as well as ideal to maintain Pete Dye’s original concept while modernising the layout to be enjoyed by our resort guests and club members for decades to come.” Oak Marsh is Welling’s second project at Omni Amelia Island, having designed the resort’s 10-hole par-three course Little Sandy and an 18-hole putting course in 2022. “Our team is incredibly excited about this renovation of Oak Marsh,” he said. “We were very mindful to preserve Pete Dye’s strategy and design intent as well as elevating the playing experience for today’s golfer. We have such a great relationship with the Omni team at Amelia Island, and we hope the overall aesthetic improvements, coupled with Amelia Island’s natural beauty, will truly showcase how special Oak Marsh is.” On Friday, WBUR will publish my story about efforts to preserve the legacy of the late Jon Sarkin The artist died at his Gloucester studio last summer at the age of 71 he suffered a stroke during surgery to repair tinnitus; doctors ended up removing part of the left side of his brain Sarkin emerged from the ordeal with an obsessive desire to create art Some 20,000 of his works are now stored in the studio where he once spent most of his waking hours Thousands of works by Jon Sarkin in storage in the back of his former studio in Gloucester (Jesse Costa/WBUR)Sarkin is often described as an “outsider artist,” a term generally applied to artists without formal training or connections to the art world Because of a historic focus on art created by psychiatric patients “outsider art” can sometimes imply a savant-like quality and therefore a lack of sophistication or self-awareness There are potential pitfalls to anointing someone an outsider artist in recognizing work produced outside the art world’s way of thinking and doing business I found Sarkin’s work immediately appealing cartoon-like style that was surreal and deeply expressive with text that offered a kind of meta-commentary about the work a literal stream of consciousness riffing humorously on language and art in touch with a childlike urge to put marker to paper but also quite sophisticated in its formal characteristics and wry self-awareness In one series of drawings that I was shown Sarkin experimented openly with abstraction by drawing fish that became increasingly unfishlike An angular shape with three eyes was still A square with three sets of teeth was less so but it was surrounded by the word “fish” written dozens of times You say; This looks nothin like a fish,” Sarkin declared in blocky text on the picture’s right-hand corner A drawing from Jon Sarkin's series "Is it still a fish?" (Amelia Mason/WBUR)My encounter with Sarkin’s work made me consider how we decide what art is “good.” I’m used to walking into a gallery and being able to read a plaque that explains an artist’s meaning I enjoy the intellectual exercise of making sense of art and appreciate when artists are able to communicate a message in their work But Sarkin never wrote an artist statement For me, it’s still a bit of a mystery. I appreciate when art makes me think, which Sarkin’s does. But first, it needs to make me feel. Sarkin’s work has stayed with me. It shifts my perceptions, altering – pleasantly, unsettlingly – the way I see the world. I get a visceral sensation when I look at it: like falling down the rabbit hole, like stepping through a portal, like falling into the vast unknown. That’s how I know it’s good. Amelia Mason Senior Arts & Culture ReporterAmelia Mason is an arts and culture reporter and critic for WBUR passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on November 21 2017 in Hoffman Estates to Aaron and Anna Subich 2024 from 1 PM until 8 PM at The Orchard Church A Celebration of Mia’s life will be on Wednesday and rose again so she could be right with God and live forever and she enjoyed talking to God and giving to others unequivocally loved every kid she ever met; she loved all her school She especially had a heart to include everyone and naturally had a way of connecting and even reconnecting She talked about one day wanting to be a dress designer or just playing in the park for her to hear a loud “MIA!” because she was so endearing to those that knew her When she wasn’t loving and playing with other kids she showered that love on Barbie dolls and other dolls and her 3 Barbie houses were among her most treasured possessions (which she ‘usually’ shared with her sisters) usually led family dance parties in the kitchen was always the first one done with dessert (to go play) and never left any bacon or candy leftovers (unless she knew someone didn’t have any) Her favorite time every day was at night being read a book in her bed by Mom after reading the Bible and praying with her sisters and parents Her two worst moments in life were hearing she had to leave to come home from Kanakuk Family Camp (a Christian summer camp/resort in Missouri) and learning she had to wash off her tiger face paint after a work party of her Dads.  Mia was all of their favorite middle child in the whole world and was so loved and wanted In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mia’s favorite place in the world, Kanakuk at https://kanakuk.com/ Good Morning Northland likes to showcase the artistic talents of our young viewers with the GMN Weather Sketch.Weather Sketch for May 2nd Good Morning Northland would like you to send in your Weather Sketch Join the Good Morning Northland team as they talk about the drawings LIVE at approximately 6:50 a.m Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public file should contact Vicki Kaping at vkaping@wdio.com or (218) 727-6864 This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page WashU Votes co-chair boosted civic engagement on campus Amelia Letson has long been passionate about civic engagement and political advocacy she became accustomed to political polarization and learned the importance of making her voice heard A Civic Scholar at the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement Letson has spent the past four years promoting voter education researching progressive policy and increasing civic engagement on campus “College is such a crucial part in our lives shaping how we view politics and influencing how we get involved in things,” Letson said ‘Are you registered to vote?’ that might be their first interaction with civic engagement practices If we make people care about these things now hopefully they’ll carry that and be engaged citizens for many years to come.” Letson is also an advocate for reproductive justice Synthesizing her academic background in political science and in women gender and sexuality studies in Arts & Sciences she has served as co-president of WashU’s Planned Parenthood Generation Action chapter and currently works as a legislative assistant for Abortion Action Missouri Letson reflects on her civic involvement on campus From dorm-to-dorm canvassing to presenting at civic engagement conferences what have been your proudest moments in WashU Votes WashU has consistently been recognized as an engaged campus Missouri changed its voter identification law in 2022 meaning students could not use their WashU ID to vote We had to think about how to reach people with that information and to make sure they knew they absolutely had the right to vote in Missouri I was proud that our voter turnout was still higher than the national college average and I think it made students think more about barriers to voting and why these identification laws exist nonprofit organizations and even the federal government How has your vision of leadership evolved through these experiences I thought being a leader meant directing others at all times it is more about forging an environment that empowers people to come up with ideas and actually pursue them I’ve been in so many spaces where I am the youngest person and it feels amazing when people trust me and want to hear my perspective making sure I listen to everyone and give them an opportunity to speak from day one Where do you see your work going in the future I’m committed to advocating for progressive policies and for people in ‘red’ states Places like Missouri and Florida are easy to count out — you look at the policies and think they are representative of what everybody wants But that doesn’t really paint the full picture Missouri is a state that has consistently voted for conservative political figures but it also voted to enshrine reproductive rights into the state constitution this is indicative of a larger issue: Why are our policies not representing our people and why are we constantly blaming people for the representatives that are elected I want to find ways to make policies more representative and to help support people and places Campus & Community Politics Students Read more stories from Arts & Sciences Visit Arts & Sciences Class Acts: Gaelen Clayton Class Acts: Andrew Rudolph Class Acts: Emily Culley Temperature-controlled switch activates sperm, is key to fertility WashU partners with leading St. Louis recreation organizations Brain decoder controls spinal cord stimulation Federal court order a victory for rule of law Tips for Class of 2025 jobseekers How tariff uncertainty will impact economy, businesses Want to Start a Business? Maybe Begin by Being a Gig Worker. Trump’s Budget Cuts Funding for Chronic Disease Prevention Religion in Schools — About a dozen parents protested outside Amelia County High School Monday morning demanding the district respond to reports of bullying they say have gone unanswered The protest comes after the family of John Tyrcha said their son took his own life last week after enduring what they called "relentless bullying." Tyrcha's stepfather told CBS 6 the family had reported the bullying to the school multiple times and had been in contact with school representatives by email including the word "John," alongside several insults When asked if she could confirm the validity of the photo and message and if the district had taken any disciplinary action Superintendent Lori Harper responded in part via email "My focus is on supporting our students and staff We are working on gathering additional information that may in the future provide answers to some of your questions," Harper said via email Concerned parents and community members who shared information about the picture said they believe the message was written just days before Tyrcha died "It's time for them to live up to their responsibilities There are a whole lot of good people in them schools they need to let us know so we can untie them It's time to act," Amelia County resident David Worner said "We have to talk to whoever needs to be talked to and not stop who was among the people who left flowers and held signs outside the high school Monday morning knows all too well the pain of losing a child and his heart breaks for the family in this small community who lost theirs In a message from the school system sent Sunday night and shown to CBS 6 by a concerned parent the school system began their weekly note acknowledging the “deep loss within our community” and sent condolences to the student’s family and friends The message went on to explain counselors will be available for students and staff who need support shared the following statement with CBS 6 on Monday: Monday evening, Dr. Harper sent this email to family and staff addressing their concerns "Please be assured that the leadership of Amelia County Public Schools is actively investigating the concerns that have been brought to our attention," the email said "We recognize that the efforts and actions taken by school leadership often remain unseen by the public This is due to necessary rules and laws that protect student privacy While we understand that this lack of public dissemination may sometimes lead to a perception of inaction we want to assure you that every incident is taken with the utmost seriousness and we have clear expectations for a thorough and timely response," it continued Harper said there will be a special school board meeting on Monday May 5 at 6:30pm in the Amelia County High School auditorium The letter said ACPS will provide detailed information about the Code of Conduct anti-bullying programs and other resources at the meeting Some of the protesting parents also acknowledged that the work to stop bullying can start at home "Please don't let this happen again," said Worner If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health call the suicide and crisis hotline at 988 This story will be updated as we learn more. Click here to email the CBS 6 Newsroom Photography: Zoey Grossman, Styling: Jessica Willis February 13th after bravely battling COPD for several years shared all aspects of their life together for 30 years.  Amy was a dedicated stepmother to Scott's three children She was affectionately known as "Grammy" by her five grandchildren: Mackenzie who brought immense joy and love into her life.  She was a proud Aunt to her five nieces and nephews: Candice Amy is now reunited in rest with her mother Winfred; her Aunt Dorothy “Dot”; and her brother-in-law Amy's compassion extended beyond her family; she was a lover of animals throughout her life and dedicated much of her time to caring for them co-owning a business with her husband for many years Amy’s tenacious and resilient spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew her as we fondly reflect on the memories we are left with - - hot summer days at the pool road trips visiting family and the everyday conversations around the dining room table Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Tuesday February 18 Willow Grove PA 19090.  A Memorial Service will follow at 11am the family requests that donations be made to their local animal shelter in her honor From reality TV to owning the runways, Amelia Gray affirms her supermodel status. But her passions don’t stop at the catwalk Photo: Chelsea Lauren (Getty Images)Over a decade later, she’s carved out a name entirely her own — but traces of Rinna’s influence are still visible in Gray’s bold, expressive style. Whether it’s her dramatic runway walk, her unpredictable beauty looks, or the playful irreverence of her Instagram, Gray has clearly inherited a love of performance and self-reinvention. Raised in the public eye and deeply familiar with fame’s backstage machinery, Gray seems remarkably grounded — another trait that likely stems from Rinna’s influence. “It doesn’t make you better than anyone — we’re all human,” she tells Vogue Arabia. She’s also unbothered by commentary around her family background: “Yeah, I have parents that are actors… and? No matter what I do, I can never please everyone. All that matters is that I please myself, and lead with my heart.” That instinct — to lead with heart, to own your narrative — feels like a direct throughline from Rinna, who never shrank herself to make others comfortable. Instead, she taught her daughters to be self-possessed and to perform when it counts. For Gray, that magic happens on the catwalk. “I love being on the runway, because I am completely present,” she says. “No phone. No thoughts. It’s the most serene moment. At the same time I get to perform, to be someone I’m not.” Photo: Jean Catuffe (Getty Images)Now 23, Gray is defining her own path. Her aesthetic leans less California bohemia and more moody avant-garde: bleached brows, sheer silhouettes, retro references, Hello Kitty on her bed and haute couture on her back. She’s in constant evolution — much like Rinna, who’s made a career out of shapeshifting through decades, trends, and mediums. Extended Search A loggerhead Sea Turtle was the first to nest on Amelia Island this year A beachgoer photographed these sea turtle tracks Thursday morning from what appeared to be two false crawls Mary Duffy of Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch said it was most likely the same young loggerhead trying to figure things out Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription Read News-Leader, Fernandina Beach Florida Thanks for visiting The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here 4. Favourite movie you’ve watched more than five times? “I really like This is 40, it just a chill and fun one. But obviously The Notebook.” “Cheddar cheese, dates or Pirate's Booty.” “I watch Modern Family every single night to go to sleep, so I would say that's my guilty pleasure or Sex and the City.” 8. One thing you can’t leave the house without (besides your phone)? “Besides my Vogue, my lip liner or my new Chloe bag.” “Anything vanilla, there's a rotation.” “My style icon is either my mum, or… I'm really into the Cher vibe these days but it changes depending on the day.” 11. If you could trade closets with anyone, who would it be? “You know I feel like Bella Hadid has got a real good closet. I've never gone there and I think it's time to go there. I need to hit her up.” 12. What’s the wallpaper on your phone right now? “I don't have my phone on me but it's actually a picture of a tarot card that I really like.” “First thing that came to mind was silly bandz. I don't know if I will wish that would come back but initially my subconscious said that.” 15. One word your friends would use to describe you? Amelia Hobart was a 19-year-old nursing student at Towson University when she got into the rear seat of a car being driven by someone believed to have been drinking The car she was in collided with another car also being driven by someone believed to be under the influence of alcohol One day after celebrating Thanksgiving with her family A grand jury in Montgomery County indicted a Beltsville man on charges stemming from the crash her parents and stepparents joined a news conference to warn families and young people of the dangers of driving under the influence Their message stressed that now – during prom and graduation seasons – is a very deadly time for young people making Hollandaise sauce and dancing to “inappropriate music.” A failed loaf of bread Amelia made for Thanksgiving remains in the family’s freezer “All we have left of her now” are photographs and memories “We never got to say goodbye,” she said as other members of Amelia’s family stood nearby Please don’t drive if you are impaired.” “It’s like a piece of you is missing “There’s nothing really.” traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 15 and 20 Most deaths of teenagers involved in traffic accidents occur between May and August according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Prom should be remembered for its joy said MADD Mid-Atlantic Region Executive Director Bryna Clark-Braverman at the news conference at Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters The press event was led by Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) President Karl Erickson “Talk to your teens,” Erickson said “Have a plan in place if your child does decide to drink.” Use rideshares or a designated driver Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy urged young people “to send a message of love and care for each other Suzanne is a freelance reporter with Montgomery Community Media She has over 35 years professional experience writing for newspapers Alice had a passion for puzzles and movies and a career that showcased her remarkable talents Alice's early years in Clinton were filled with the love and support of her parents She found her lifelong partner in Vernon Ginn Alice's role as a grandmother to Garrett Alice was the epitome of efficiency and skill serving as the secretary to the vice president at PYA Monarch Her colleagues respected her for her sharp mind and her ability to solve complex problems with grace and ease Her involvement in the company went beyond her job description as she was an active participant in various associations contributing her time and expertise to further collective goals 1/20Native ShareAmelia Gray at H&M Block PartyPhoto: Marsha Bernstein (Getty Images) 2/20Native ShareAmelia Gray Hamlin arrives to the 2024 WSJ Magazines Innovator AwardsPhoto: James Devaney (GC Images) 3/20Native ShareAmelia Gray Hamlin attends the Aritzia SoHO opening partyPhoto: TheStewartofNY/GC Images 4/20Native ShareAmelia Gray Hamlin arrives to the Michael Kors Collection Fall/Winter 2025 Runway ShowPhoto: Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images 5/20Native ShareAmelia Gray is seen during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2025/2026Photo: Robino Salvatore/GC Images – Architect Beau Welling has completed a $7.4 million renovation of Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa’s Oak Marsh Golf Course which originally was designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1972 sitting on a barrier island less than an hour north of Jacksonville at an expansive beach resort alongside the Atlantic Ocean With the intent of maintaining Dye’s legacy at Oak Marsh without interrupting Dye’s famous design style Welling rebuilt all 18 greens at Oak Marsh The greens were also covered with fresh TifEagle Bermuda grass roughs and greens surrounds with new Bimini Bermuda grass Each bunker was rebuilt or moved to better fit the modern game on the 6,471-yard layout and the irrigation and drainage systems were updated more than a dozen acres of thick native scrub that lined many fairways were removed and replaced with a mixture of sand and coquina shells allowing more opportunity for recovery shots from the now-wider playing corridors with the new sandy waste areas also better framing the holes “Our team is incredibly excited about this renovation of Oak Marsh,” Welling – a frequent design partner of Tiger Woods who runs his own architecture company, Beau Welling Design – said in a media release announcing the reopening “We were very mindful to preserve Pete Dye’s strategy and design intent as well as elevating the playing experience for today’s golfer.” Welling also built the 10-hole, par-3 course Little Sandy at Omni Amelia Island “We have such a great relationship with the Omni team at Amelia Island and we hope the overall aesthetic improvements coupled with Amelia Island’s natural beauty will truly showcase how special Oak Marsh is.” Add to Calendar Complete the form below to get directions for the Memorial Service for Amelia Ann Ramsey There 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