Monthly Archive 11/10/2024

NEW YORK — CBS2 honors and celebrates the contributions of Black people to American history in our special “Black History Is American History.”
The special explores the stories of people and places that impacted the past and strengthened the future for all of us.
You can watch the full special in the video above.
READ MORE:
Ellis Island sheds light on untold stories of Caribbean immigrantsHistorically Black beach communities on Long Island working to protect area’s unique characterSecret benevolent society with ties to the Underground Railroad fights to save its historic Bedford Stuyvesant mansionVirginia Johnson leaves legacy at Dance Theatre of HarlemPatricia Noisette Banks Edmiston reflects on being one of the first Black commercial airline flight attendantsGiants legend Emlen Tunnell’s story fit for HollywoodClick here for more “Black History Is American History” stories

WILMETTE, Ill. (CBS) — Neighbors in Wilmette on Monday protested against a slatted-wood fence that they say is an eyesore blocking beach access, and want gone.
The group rallied Monday evening outside a Wilmette Park District Board meeting to protest the fence at South Beach at Gillson Park, which went up last month.
The protesters argued that the fence restricts access to a “historically open and inclusive public space,” and diminishes the beauty of the park.
In addition, as quoted in a news release, local activist Lee Goodman wrote, “Wilmette’s decision to fence off the beach mirrors a troubling legacy of exclusion that still largely works to keep people of color away.”
The Wilmette Park District said it built the fence to address the “growing concern about the safety and well-being of visitors.”

There are now just three entry points to the beach and the water is officially open to swimmers for the first time. Lifeguards are this summer, and there is also a daily fee of $5.00 for residents and $10 for non-residents.
One resident told CBS 2 last month that she wished the village had considered an option that didn’t block the view from Overlook Drive. However, the park district said moving the fence any closer to the water would endanger the dunes and the grass.

The opinions expressed below are Jon Keller’s, not those of WBZ, CBS News or Paramount Global.
BOSTON – As we await the verdict in the “hush money” trial of former President Donald Trump, political observers wonder how it might affect the outcome of the presidential race. Guilty or not guilty? And will it matter either way when the voting starts this fall?
Poll: Majority of undecided voters think Trump is guiltyA recent Suffolk University/USA Today poll found a solid majority of undecided voters think the former president is guilty of some or all of the charges. But Trump has planted a thriving crop of doubt among those same voters, repeatedly telling them “I’m being forced to sit for days on end in a kangaroo courtroom with a corrupt and conflicted judge.”
Nearly four in ten say the trial is fair, but the rest either say it isn’t or are undecided about that. “Donald Trump has positioned himself to win in either scenario,” said Dave Paleologos, head of the Suffolk University Political Research Center. “He’s been talking about a corrupt judge and an unfair trial, and if he’s found guilty he’ll say, ‘See, I told you so.’ And if he’s acquitted he will say, ‘I told you so.'”
And whatever the verdict, there are more than five months to go before Election Day, an eternity in politics.

“Trump is still going to be campaigning, holding rallies, doing speeches and appealing the decision,” noted Paleologos. “So in the eyes of the voting public, he’s still active, he’s still pursuing it, it’s similar to an impeachment. You’re impeached and then you move on.”
Would the undecided voter really go for a convicted felon in the fall?”If their personal situation is that dire, they can’t pay their bills and their life is much worse than it was four years ago, then it may not matter who the candidate is, they may just want to vote the people in office out,” said Paleologos.
While this situation is unprecedented in many ways, it is reminiscent of 1992, when Bill Clinton unseated President George H.W. Bush. Clinton had sex scandal baggage, but Bush was blamed for the faltering economy. And a third-party candidate named Ross Perot took a lot of votes from Bush in key states. In that recent Suffolk poll, Bobby Kennedy Jr. supporters were more than twice as likely as those undecided voters to view the Trump trial as unfair.
So you wonder if some of them might wind up rallying around Trump.

Uchechukwu Nnaike

Recently, the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund made a generous donation of a digital language laboratory to Keke Senior High School in Agege, Lagos. This initiative honors Adeola Adefemi, who was recognized as the winner of the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition.

During the handover ceremony held at the school, Sade Morgan, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, emphasized that this new infrastructure aims to enhance teaching quality and improve learning outcomes for students. She remarked, “This donation aligns perfectly with our corporate philosophy and the CSR objectives of the education trust fund, as we are committed to addressing the infrastructural challenges in our education system by providing vital resources.”

Morgan also praised the school’s academic achievements, highlighting its recognition as the ‘Best Senior Secondary School’ during the 2020 Lagos State Governor’s Quiz Competition and its recent victory in the 2024 Lagos Reads Inter-schools Quiz Competition.

Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, expressed his appreciation for Nigerian Breweries Plc’s contribution, stating that the new language laboratory will significantly aid both students and teachers in accessing essential digital resources for their educational growth. He also saluted Adefemi’s impressive performance, noting her unwavering passion and commitment to the teaching profession as a source of inspiration for many.

Mrs. Patience Aina, the principal of Keke Senior High School, shared her gratitude, saying, “We are thankful for the support provided by the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund in enhancing our infrastructure. This language laboratory will enable our students to learn in a well-equipped environment.”

Aina acknowledged the positive influence of the competition on teachers, indicating that the recognition and rewards motivate educators to cultivate their passion for teaching. She also encouraged Adefemi to continue setting an example of excellence, reinforcing confidence among her peers.

In response, Adefemi expressed her appreciation for the support from the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, highlighting how such initiatives will foster positive learning outcomes within the school. For her recognition as the 2023 Maltina Teacher of the Year, she received a cash prize of N6.5 million, along with a fully funded training trip to Tampere, Finland.

Looking ahead, the grand finale of the 2024 Maltina Teacher of the Year competition, the 10th edition of this prestigious event, is scheduled for October 11, 2024.

Can you imagine 503 priceless artifacts traveling thousands of miles on their own from Italy to China, solely to share a 500-year story with audiences from the East?

In 2019, China and Italy agreed to hold a Year of Cultural and Tourism Exchange in 2020, with the aim of organizing exhibitions that reflect the cultural ties between the two nations. However, the pandemic delayed these plans, and it wasn’t until two years later that they finally came to fruition.

On July 10, 2022, the “Origin of Italy: Ancient Roman Civilization Exhibition” opened at the National Museum of China after overcoming numerous challenges. This marked the first international exhibition held by the museum in Beijing since the pandemic.

President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony, noting that China and Italy are outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations. He expressed hope that this exhibition would showcase the rich heritage of Italian culture through its vibrant artifacts and serve as a catalyst for cultural exchange, strengthening ties between the two nations.

The exhibition featured an impressive collection of 503 precious items from 26 national-level museums across Italy, many of which had never left the country before. This included fragile pieces like glass and bronze artifacts, some dating back nearly 2,000 years.

Remarkably, these artifacts made the journey without any Italian personnel accompanying them. Upon arrival in Beijing, staff at the National Museum meticulously unpacked, documented, and arranged the items, sharing the entire process with their Italian counterparts via live video.

One of the main concerns was the collection of bronze fragments. Unlike China’s sturdy ancient bronze vessels, Roman bronze items were often practical, used for things like soldiers’ belts and armor, making them more delicate over time. Some had deteriorated to a state of being mere fragments.

When the museum’s staff opened the crate and discovered that one of the exquisite spiraled-handled wine vessels had broken during transport, they felt a deep sense of regret. The Italian team, witnessing this through the video feed, also felt upset about the artifact potentially missing the opportunity to be seen by Chinese audiences.

After discussions, both parties agreed that the National Museum would repair the broken vessel. The Italian colleagues expressed great trust in the museum’s restoration capabilities, and ultimately, the repaired wine vessel was successfully exhibited as planned.

This event underscores the enduring friendship between two great civilizations, which dates back to ancient times. Historical texts like “The Book of the Later Han” described the Roman Empire and noted similarities between the two cultures. Marco Polo’s accounts further fueled Italian interest in exploring the ancient civilization of China.

The “Origin of Italy: Ancient Roman Civilization Exhibition” was not merely about showcasing artifacts; it was thoughtfully curated to tell a concise yet impactful narrative about the ties between Italy and Roman civilization.

Exhibiting items from the period covering the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD, the exhibition conveyed profound insights into the significance of this era in shaping modern Italy’s territory and culture, promoting themes of peace, unity, and development.

According to Pan Qing, the exhibition curator and Director of International and Art Exhibitions at the National Museum, the “Origin of Italy” exhibition represents a gift from one country to another, rather than just an inter-museum exchange.

The successful display of Italian artifacts in China exemplifies the longstanding friendship and mutual trust between the two nations. The collaborative effort to restore the damaged wine vessel became a symbol of cultural camaraderie, adding a beautiful chapter to the story of cross-cultural heritage exchange.

During a press conference on October 9, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, addressed recent developments regarding the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, which marks a year since the latest outbreak of hostilities.

When asked by a reporter about the U.S. Treasury’s recent sanctions against individuals and entities in third countries for allegedly providing funding to Hamas, and the $8.7 billion in military aid to Israel announced at the end of September, Mao Ning expressed deep concern over the human toll of the conflict. “The prolonged violence has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 people in Gaza, most of whom are women and children. It is now an international consensus that cooling down the situation, achieving a ceasefire, protecting civilians, and preventing a humanitarian disaster are imperative,” he said.

Mao emphasized that resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict requires more than just military support and unilateral sanctions. “What is truly needed are political will and diplomatic efforts. Major powers should play their proper role by adhering to objectivity and fairness, leading by example in complying with international law to actively work towards swiftly ending hostilities, managing the situation, and preventing the crisis from spreading,” he concluded.

MARLBORO – A new floating boardwalk on Lake Williams in Marlboro, Massachusetts is allowing people to see the city like never before.
“Once you step onto the walk it’s like ‘Oh wow,’ because where else can you do this?” Marlboro Mayor Christian Dumais told WBZ-TV. “Knowing that you can actually walk on water.”
3,000 foot walk across Lake WilliamsThe 3,000-foot floating walkway completes the Lake Williams Trail, covering the southern half of the lake near the courthouse and connecting the woodland trail near the Interstate 495 ramps, creating a 2-mile loop.
“Driving by and seeing everyone doing selfies is pretty cool, because you can see it when you’re driving by. So people are enjoying it,” Dumais said.
The city built the boardwalk using $1.7 million in federal pandemic stimulus money. Dumais said the investment allows people like himself to explore a part of the lake that was, until now, completely inaccessible.
The new 3,000-foot floating boardwalk in Marlboro. CBS Boston “My childhood, the lake was totally off limits,” Dumais said. That’s because Lake Williams was once the source of the city’s drinking water supply.

“Now it’s so much more interesting and fun to be out here and peaceful. It’s very peaceful and we’ve met a lot of people,” walker Marcia Fitzgerald told WBZ. She said there’s a bounce to it. “It’s fun to walk on. It’s squishy.”
Accessible to allThe boardwalk is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, including those using mobility devices. It’s already becoming a tourist destination with walking groups driving to Marlboro to check it out. The attraction also seems to be uniting Marlboro residents who are excited to see their city from a new point of view.
“It makes you feel like the community is coming together,” Fitzgerald said.
The new 3,000-foot floating boardwalk in Marlboro. CBS Boston “Something new, something exciting, something different that other communities don’t have. So now, if Marlboro can be a destination for this, then why not?” added Dumais.

Several restrictions still apply to the boardwalk, including no fishing, bicycles or pets. The boardwalk is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.

SACRAMENTO – A celebration at Sacramento Charter High on Thursday as college-bound seniors announced their campus of choice and 95% were accepted into four-year schools.
Sixty seniors were recognized in a big send-off. Students who navigated the complexities of COVID are now facing their future.
“I actually dreaded it but now that it’s here I’m actually excited about it,” said Alayla Dickerson.
Dickerson is thankful for the dual enrollment curriculum that prepared her.
“I’m taking classes now and getting college credits now,” Alayla said.

She is heading to Sac City College because it’s free and she likes the nursing program. Her mom is so grateful she had help along the way.
“The staff was very instrumental in advocating for Alayla and making sure she had everything she needed, met deadlines given deadlines throughout the process,” said Jazmine York-Dickerson, Alayla’s mom.
College coordinator Laura Davis says 95% have been accepted at four-year institutions. She worked one-on-one with them.
“To get them through applications and I really do sit down and help them every step of the way,” Davis said.

“I feel very proud. I definitely have many accomplishments and now that I’m a senior I’m ready to go ready to get started and start the real journey,” said Melvin Haywood.
Haywood is heading to Cal State Long Beach where he will also run track.
As students put pen to paper to formally commit, for Dickerson, signing day means a big sigh of relief.
“Because of the pressure, a lot of kids are curious. Staff curious. A lot of anticipation that builds up. Now that it’s here I’m calm and set on my decision,” Alayla said.

BALTIMORE — Raising Cane’s continued its expansion in Maryland this week with the opening of a Columbia location.
The wildly popular chicken finger joint opened its doors Tuesday at the Snowden River Shopping Center.
The store even has a Columbia theme with images and memorabilia of famous Columbia natives like entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian and actor Edward Norton.
The restaurant opened with a drawing for 20 lucky customers to win free Cane’s for a year
It’s Raising Cane’s fifth restaurant in the state and fourth in the Baltimore area. Here’s where you can find the closest Cane’s to you.