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Two Jan. 6 rioters sentenced to prison; 3 co-defendants still on the run

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Two Tampa Bay area men were sentenced to prison this week for multiple offenses connected to the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. One faces a year and a half incarcerated and the other faces four years while three more from their group remain at large. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols handed down an 18-month prison sentence for Joshua Doolin, 25, followed by three years of supervised release, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). And on Thursday, Nichols sentenced Michael Perkins, 40, to four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.Court documents state that Doolin considered bringing a semi-automatic rifle to the rally outside the Capitol, but decided against it "at the last minute." He traveled to the Capitol with a group of family and friends, including Perkins, of Plant City; Olivia and Jonathan Pollock, of Lakeland...

These Colorado businesses raising money for Maui wildfire victims

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

Coloradans – who are no strangers to wildfires – can donate money to victims of the ongoing wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui by frequenting several businesses statewide.As of Friday, at least 111 people died in the wildfires that swept across Maui’s west side last week. What started as a brushfire strengthened with hurricane winds, leading to the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in the more than a century, according to The Associated Press.Maui County officials reported on Thursday night that the Olinda fire is 85% contained, the Kula fire is 80% contained, the Lāhainā fire is 90% contained and the Pūlehu/Kīhei fire is completely contained, but not extinguished.Today, Native Hawaiians are asking tourists to refrain from visiting Maui as they try to locate their missing loved ones, recover bodies and house people experiencing homelessness – all with limited resources.The wildfires “really wiped out the entire town of Lāhainā,” said Lisa Kelekolio, the current ...

Proposed railway that would bring millions of gallons of crude oil through Colorado halted by federal judge

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

Development has paused on a proposed railway that would haul millions of gallons of crude oil through Colorado after a federal appeals court on Friday found significant deficiencies in analyses of potential environmental impacts like increased wildfire risk and potential spills into the Colorado River basin.A coalition of private companies and seven Utah counties intended to build the 88-mile Uinta Basin Railway Project to connect Utah’s oil fields in the 12,000-square-mile basin to the national rail network. The project would send up to nine more trains a day through Colorado and eventually to refineries in the Gulf of Mexico.The Surface Transportation Board — a federal agency that regulates railways — violated the National Environmental Policy Act by failing to take a “hard look” at some environmental impacts of the project and disclose key potential damage in its environmental analyses, the court found. The analyses failed to mention any potential im...

Letters: Jenna Ellis’ indictment requires her to account for her actions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

Finally, Jenna Ellis indicted tooFinally, after the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel failed to do its duty and disbar Jenna Ellis for her blatant participation in the scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election, she is being required to account for her actions in the Georgia indictment, which accuses her of racketeering and asking a public official to violate their oath.I will never forget her smug response to the slap on the wrist from the Colorado Attorney Discipline office, immediately crowing about how she kept her law license. Maybe now she will recognize that she isn’t above the law. And maybe the Colorado Supreme Court Office of Attorney Regulation has learned its lesson as well. They looked like patsies!Carla LaRosa, AuroraSpecial counsel pick questionableRe: “Hunter Biden probe: Special counsel assigned,” Aug. 12 news storyOK, class, let’s review the material before we take the test: President Joe Biden’s son is offered what we ...

Pick Six: Colorado Mines star QB John Matocha returns as one of the top small college players

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

With only a few Division I walk-on offers, John Matocha seriously considered giving up football after high school.He wasn’t quite ready, though, and decided to pursue a small-school option that took him far from home.It was a good decision. He enters his fourth season as Colorado Mines’ starting quarterback and is bidding to win a second straight Harlon Hill Trophy as the top player in Division II.Last year, Matocha passed for a nation-leading 4,778 yards and 52 touchdowns and led the Orediggers to 13 straight wins and the national championship game following an 0-2 start.Mines brings back 18 starters and begins the season ranked a program-best No. 2 behind Ferris State, the team that beat the Orediggers in the title game.Matocha grew up in Magnolia, Texas, and was named to the Greater Houston first team after putting up huge numbers as a high school senior. But he didn’t fit the mold of a major-college quarterback.“I’m not the most impressive-looking guy — 5...

I’m just getting started! How writer-director Nikki Cole addresses gender inequality and ageism in Hollywood

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

Although women represent the majority of consumers in film and television, only 27% reach C-Suite positions in the industry. This glass ceiling has been present for decades. While women were on screen during the 1950s, the chosen actors always had a particular set of traits, one of the most important involving their age. Younger actresses have been the ideal hire for production studios, but even behind the screen, recruiters are not fond of hiring more experienced and knowledgeable women.Despite the success of a current blockbuster directed by a woman, according to a 2019 report, women working behind the scenes on top-grossing films hasn’t changed in the last two decades. Female directors, writers, producers, and cinematographers only made up 21% of the crew on these big-budget creations. As a mature creator, Nikki Cole continually works to raise awareness.In her own experiences as a writer, producer, director and showrunner, she has faced sexist remarks and rejections from th...

Texas Realtor Shaye Grant Eager to Usher In Los Angelenos for a Relocation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

Amid the glittering allure of Los Angeles, a growing number of the city’s residents find themselves grappling with mounting concerns over crime, strikes,homelessness, and the unyielding surge of prices and taxes. As the City of Angels contends with these challenges, an increasing wave of Los Angelenos is setting their sights on Texas,  seeking solace and opportunity amidst the vast expanse of a neighboring region. According to a recent survey conducted by the LA Times, more than 30% of respondents cited these mounting concerns as the primary factors driving their consideration to make the transformative move to a more promising horizon, where a balanced blend of affordability, safety, and vibrant possibilities beckons.For those embarking on this exciting relocation journey, finding their dream home in a new state can be a challenging task. This is where Shaye Grant, a devoted real estate agent, comes to the rescue, offering exceptional service and a unique perspective to the busines...

Pathman Senathirajah emphasizes philosophy of RYTHM to excel in the entrepreneurial space

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, few individuals manage to stand out not only for their business acumen but also for their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Pathman Senathirajah, an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, lawyer and author, embodies this rare combination. With over 24 years of experience in direct selling and business leadership, Pathman’s journey serves as an inspiring example of dedication and success.At the heart of Pathman’s journey is RYTHM (Raise Yourself To Help Mankind). This philosophy deeply revolves around the concept of self-empowerment leading to a broader positive impact on the lives of others. This echoes the sentiments of renowned icon Mahatma Gandhi, be the change you wish to see in the world. This philosophy resonates not only in his company’s business operations and investments but also in its foundation, sponsorships, and other corporate endeavours.Achieving success in the direct selling in...

Tragedy to Triumph: Tara Troy’s Rise from Cancer Survivor to Award-Winning Filmmaker

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

 Award-winning filmmaker, actor and two-time cancer survivor Tara Troy is no stranger to the limelight. Her incredible talent for storytelling has been fueled by the trials and tribulations of her triumphant personal journey.Tara’s story of resilience is an inspiration, and she has infused this into her forthcoming film, “A Moment in Time”—her directorial debut which is dedicated to her father, who passed away from lung cancer.The creation of her film was delayed two times: once by the pandemic, and then a diagnosis of cancer.She lives by the philosophy and poignant reminder that “Delay is not denial.” She believes that all unfolds in divine timing.Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, Tara was always fascinated with the world of film and television. It was a window into a world of infinite possibilities and full of adventure and knowledge. But one thing seemed amiss — the absence of representation. Where were the women of color?Her childhood was marked by her creative pursuits:...

Awakening the Power Within: Awakend’s and BrainTap’s Mission to Better a Billion Brains 

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:03 GMT

Stress is an equal opportunity player. It doesn’t choose favorites, and no one can hide from its damaging effects. If the terms burned-out, stressed-out and overwhelmed are part of your everyday vocabulary, you aren’t alone. According to Gallup’s 2022 Global Emotions Report, stress and negative emotions have reached record levels worldwide. Stress is attacking our relationships, health, income, and ability to thrive.Stress and worry are nothing new, but unique shifts in technology and how we relate to the world and each other have changed over the years at an alarming rate, leading to a profound psychological impact that transitions us into a constant fight-or-flight state.But what if we could create a shift in the way we see stress and the way stress sees us?Creating a shift of a seismic nature is needed. That’s where Awakend comes in. Both a company and a movement, Awakend works to create this shift by helping people wake up to the intrinsic power that lives inside each and every ...