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777pub legit or not CHATFIELD, Minn. — Just three months after a nationwide election, voters in Chatfield will return to the ballot box to determine whether to grant their school district $11.03 million for the construction of a new gymnasium. The district’s school board approved the decision to hold a special election during their Nov. 13, 2024, meeting. The election will be held on Feb. 11, 2025. ADVERTISEMENT “The gym we have now is comparable to most modern middle school gyms," Superintendent Ed Harris said. "We severely lack the space to properly serve school and youth programs. There are some things we cannot host due to the small size of the gym.” The new gym would be able to seat 1,000 people and would have “expanded space for wrestling and fitness." A social media post from the district said the plan for the project “was developed based on feedback from community surveys and input from a Community/School Facility Study Group.” Harris said the school board chose not to host the referendum on Nov. 5 because members wanted the question to be “considered upon its own merits.” During a meeting on Oct. 9, School Board talked about the project and whether to put the question before the community. Chair Katie Priebe said it’s important for the school district to be competitive and to be able to provide the kind of environment and options that would make families want to stay in the district. “We’ve been incredibly flexible with space and we do make it work," Priebe said. "Is it at the detriment of our kids a lot? I think sometimes, unfortunately, yes.” The size of the school's existing facilities has meant it has had to extend practices and activities well into the evening since only so many students can be in the gym at once. The board members briefly began talking about extracurricular activities in relation to academics. Harris emphasized the fact that the two realms are intertwined, and that extracurriculars shouldn’t be neglected. ADVERTISEMENT “It is clearly a data-driven fact that the most successful kids are the ones who are most engaged in activities,” Harris said during the October meeting. “To separate activities and academics is an old, tired argument that doesn’t fly.”If the throne speech that kicked off the 30th Saskatchewan Legislature is anything to go by, Premier Scott Moe heard loud and clear that while some residents are happy with the government’s recent performance, a large number are not and want change. Titled ‘A New Beginning’, the 2024 speech started by acknowledging that over 50 per cent of MLAs are new to their jobs. “In every election, voters deliver a message. In this recent election, Saskatchewan voters delivered two messages,” said the speech, which was read by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty on Monday, Nov. 25. “Many Saskatchewan people voted to re-elect my government to ensure a strong economy and a bright future for our province. At the same time, many other Saskatchewan people voted for change.” In the October election, the government changed from the Sask. Party holding 42 seats, to having a slimmer majority at 34. All of those seats went to the NDP and virtually shut the government out of representation in Regina and Saskatoon. The party holds one seat in Saskatoon. The Sask. Party managed to hold on to their two seats in Prince Albert but Northcote was won by only 133 votes. As laid out, the plan addressed a growing population and an economic plan for 2030. Targets are to increase the population to 1.4 million, get $16 billion/year in private capital investment, increase value-added revenue to $10 billion and double forestry sales to $2.2 billion While part of that forestry plan includes the planned construction of an OSB mill north of Prince Albert, the company that owns the pulp mill is not planning to re-open anytime soon. Paper Excellence (now DOMTAR) said this fall it will sell the facility . READ MORE: One Sky said that increased access to wood fibre makes the OSB mill more viable. “My government must also do more to address the challenges of growth – challenges like crowded classrooms and access to health care services,” said Moe. In the area of health, Moe promised to expand access to urgent care. A first-in-Saskatchewan facility is operational now in Regina and has seen 14,000 visitors since July. Another is planned in Saskatoon as a partnership with Ahtahkakoop First Nation. More are now being announced, including Prince Albert, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and Regina. In rural areas, the province will keep recruiting staff through the Health Human Resources Action Plan, something that has resulted in 84 per cent of residents having access to a primary health care practitioner. Moe has committed to ensuring that every resident will have access to healthcare by the end of 2028. “My government will reach this goal through partnership and collaboration with our healthcare providers to deliver team-based primary care to Saskatchewan people,” the speech said. More practical plans including providing at-home HPV tests, developing a Breast Health Centre of Excellence in Regina and introducing a fertility treatment tax credit. No cost coverage for glucose monitoring and supplies will expand to include seniors and those under 25. In the area of education, the government promised two key things: increased support for complex classrooms and funding targeted at getting an increased number of students reading at their age level by Grade 3. Earlier this year, eight schools were selected to pilot a ‘specialized support classroom model’. Two of the schools were in Prince Albert and another two in North Battleford. That program will expand by an additional 200 schools now. Teachers and support staff will be added to boost student’s ability to read at grade level by Grade 3. That grade is a crucial age as children switch from learning to read to reading to learn. Day care spaces will more than double from the 5,100 spaces currently available to an additional 12,000 by the end of the next fiscal year. On the affordability front, the government plans several measures, with the main one being the “largest personal income tax reduction in Saskatchewan since 2008”. The personal, spousal and child exemptions and the senior’s benefit will be supplemented by $500 a year over the next four years. The low-income tax benefit will also increase by 20 per cent over the next four years. The government plans to increase the amount recipients of Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) can earn by $1,000 annually without deductions. That applies to single people, couples or families and right now is maxed at $8,500 for families, making the change an increase of just over 11 per cent. In an effort to keep young people living in Saskatchewan, the Graduate Retention Program will jump by 20 per cent, capping now at $24,000 for a four-year undergraduate degree. A $5,000 Class 1 Driver Training rebate will also be introduced. Wrapping up, Moe promised a more respectful assembly, something that was a contentious issue in the last sitting. House speaker Randy Weekes (Biggar) ended his political career by accusing the sitting government of harassing him by text if they did not like his rulings. He also accused Meadow Lake MLA and now Minister of Crown Investments and Crown Corporations Jeremy Harrison of harassment and bringing a gun into the Legislature . Weekes lost a contested nomination for the newly created Kindersley – Biggar riding. “This Assembly should always be a place of vigorous debate and even strong disagreement. But that debate and disagreement should always be driven by what is best for those we serve – the people of Saskatchewan. It should never be driven by malice toward those on the other side or any individual who may serve here or anywhere in the province,” the speech said. — susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

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(See Langley Christmas Fun for holiday events listing) . Mary Poppins, the Musical: Theatre in the Country staging the show Wednesdays through Saturdays from Nov. 27 to Dec. 14. Dinner theatre or show-only options. Tickets and info: theatreinthecountry.com. . Historical re-enactment: Bicentennial of the James McMillan expedition that ventured north from Oregon to this area for the Hudson's Bay Company will be commemorated by the Living Arts Society with re-enactments at Portage Park, 2964 204 St., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. followed by talks, an art workshop, an art exhibit, music, costumes, and more at the Timms Community Centre between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14. Free but must reserve tickets for Timms events. Info: https://tinyurl.com/rjxhj59j. . Weed pulls: Join the Glen Valley Watersheds Society Tuesdays until April from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for blackberry removal. Dec. 17 at West Creek Wetlands. Blackberry pulls will be cancelled due to high winds, snow, or unfavourable driving conditions. Info: stewardship@leps.bc.ca. . Saturday paddles: Fort Langley Canoe Club invites people to join the voyageurs Saturdays at 9 a.m. to paddle the Fraser River. No previous paddling experience necessary. Teaching provided. Paddles and life jackets (PFDs) are included in the drop-in rate. Info: Judy Fawcett, voyrep@fortlangleycanoeclub.ca. . Probus Club: Langley residents able to join Maple Ridge Probus Club, a social group for semi-retired and retired people 55-plus. Group meets third Thursday of the month except in summer. Info: Dick, 604-467-1590 or www.probusclubofmapleridge.org. . Hope Meets Action: Echoes through the Black Continuum: New display about Black history in B.C. is at Fort Langley National Historic Site until Dec. 12. Created in partnership with the B.C. Black History Awareness Society and the Royal BC Museum. . Senior Pride: Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Langley Senior Resources Society Centre, 20605 51B Ave. Open to all LGBTQ+ people who are 50 or older. Info: Barb, 604-888-7755. . Langley Quilters Guild: Day meeting is 10:30 a.m. while the evening gathering is 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month (except December) at the George Preston Recreation Centre, 20699 42 Ave. Info: langleyquiltersguild.com. . Holding Hope: Peer facilitated support group by Moms Stop the Harm started to support families and individuals whose loves ones use or have used substances. Info: momsstoptheharm.com. . BC Farm Museum: Open for the season from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 9131 King St. in Fort Langley. Museum features a children’s scavenger hunt, murals, interactive storytelling tech, and more than 6,000 items on display. Admission by donation. Info: bcfma.com. . Old-time dance: Dance or just enjoy the music and company at the OAP Heritage Hall, 3015 273 St. Coffee, tea and snacks included in $10 admission. $20 annual membership. New time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Info: Angie, 778-836-0270, or Mary, 604-534-4802. Dec. 14 Ukrainian Prairie Band. Resume in 2025. . Music and Friends - A Celidh Celebration: All ages live music event is at the Aldergrove OAP Hall, 3015 273rd St., from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday. $10 for those 14 and older. Tickets at the door. Tea, coffee and treats available as well as 50/50 draw. . Bertrand Creek Enhancement Society: Monthly Zoom meetings are on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. Info: stewardship@leps.bc.ca. . Valley Bluegrass Music Society: Public invited to Friday bluegrass performances in St. Andrew’s Church, 9025 Glover Rd. $7 for members and $10 for non-members (cash only). Weekly jams happen September through June. Info: valleybluegrassmusic@gmail.com or the society Facebook page. . Aldergrove Swing Club: Open to all levels. No partner required. Friday dances are at the OAP Heritage Hall, 3015 273rd St. Free lesson at 7:30 p.m. with general dancing at 8:15. $10 admission. Info: mrthejackel@gmail.com or aldergrooveswing.com. . Valley Promenaders: No experience necessary for modern square dance sessions. Club meets Thursdays from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. at the Aldergrove Heritage Hall, 3015 273rd St. Info and reservations: wkrueger@shaw.ca or 778-878-4244. . Langley Camera Club: Group meets regularly at the Langley Lions Society West Langley Hall at 9400 208th St. Info: contact@langleycameraclub.ca. . Steersperson wanted: FORTified, a mixed 55-plus dragonboat team paddling in Fort Langley, is looking for a steersperson. Practices are at 10 a.m. on Sundays for the months of November and January through March. Spring and summer practices are at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April through September. Info: Terry, 604-340-9108. . Aldergrove drop-in coffee group: Langley Hospice Society adult bereavement support group meets at the Aldergrove Community Station House, 2900 272nd St. on the first and third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. To join, book an appointment with the bereavement outreach and peer support worker, 604-530-1115. . Walnut Grove drop-in coffee club: Langley Hospice Society adult bereavement support group meets at the Second Story Treasures thrift shop, 8948 202nd St., every other Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. To join, book an appointment with the bereavement outreach and peer support worker, 604-530-1115. . Walkers and manual wheelchairs: Langley Pos-Abilities Society needs donations to help make life more accessible to people. Charity has a waitlist of people in need. Info: 604-961-0117 or pos-abilities.org. . Learning Farm Garden Club: LEPS garden club meets at the Learning Farm at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn new gardening skills. Info: agriculture@leps.bc.ca. . Langley Meals on Wheels: volunteers needed two to three hours per week. Roles include meal delivery, cafe support workers, and kitchen help. Training and support provided. Info: lmow.ca, info@lmow.ca, or 604-533-1679. . Langley Community Chorus: Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the United Churches of Langley (Murrayville). Group is looking for more tenors. Info: membership secretary, lccmembershipsec@gmail.com. . Timms Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Club: Afternoon games played Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Timms Community Centre. Free with City rec pass ($25 annually). Drop-in format. Info: city.langley.bc.ca. . Seniors Gardening Club: Langley Environmental Partners Society invites seniors to take part. Drop-in format Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Langley Learning Farm, Derek Doubleday Arboretum. Info: Amanda, agriculture@leps.bc.ca. . Monday Morning Talk Show: Langley Seniors Resource Society Centre 10 a.m. speaker series is free and open to the public at 20605 51B Ave. Info: 604-530-3020. . Municipal retirees: Municipal Pension Retirees Association Langley chapter quarterly, in-person meetings are at 1:30 p.m. in the Douglas Recreation Centre, 20550 Douglas Cres. Public is welcome. Light refreshments will be provided. Info: langleympra@gmail.com. . Swing Dance Social: Monthly dances hosted by Swing Shift, a non-profit dance group, are offered at the Murrayville Hall on the first Friday of the month. First lesson free for beginners (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.). No partner necessary. Tickets: $10 in advance through eventbrite or $15 at the door. Info: Rock Step Swing Dance on Facebook, or rockstepswing@gmail.com. Next one is Dec. 6. . Aldergrove Legion: Branch 265 supports Rolling Barrage, a national effort to help veterans and first responders with PTSD. Legion does a 50/50 on the first Saturday of the month at 4:30 p.m. Branch also fundraises with meat draws Saturdays 2 to 5 p.m. and Tuesday 5 to 7 p.m. . Men’s Shed: Langley has a chapter of the international group that allows men to get together and socialize, work on projects, or help the community by using their skills. Meetings are at 10:30 a.m. Mondays at the Ricky’s restaurant, 5978 Glover Rd. Info: info@MensShedLangley.ca or MensShedLangley.ca. . Hope after Stroke: Support group for those who have returned home after a stroke meets Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Info: Marilyn, 604-882-4672 or hopeafterstroke.ca. . Gamblers Anonymous: Non-profit can help adults with problem gambling. Call 1-855-222-5542. . Gamblers Anonymous family groups: Gam-Anon helps people impacted by someone else’s gambling. Welcome whether gambler seeks help or not. Info: vancouvergamanon@shaw.ca or 604-626-9418. . Hub meeting: Langley Seniors in Action monthly meetings allows local seniors to gather virtually, collaborate and network. Open to seniors and those in the senior-serving organizations and businesses. Meetings are third Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. Info: langleyseniorsinaction.ca/hub/meetings. . Community Engagement: Langley Community Services Society program for senior immigrants who are permanent residents. Meet people from around the world, learn about topics such as Canadian culture, financial literacy, recipes, gardening and more. Free. In person at LCSS office, 5330 207th St. or online. Info and registration: Yoona Ahn, 604-534-7921 ext. 1204 or yahn@lcss.ca. . Assistance needed: Critter Care Wildlife Society looking for volunteers for various duties (animal capture, transport, painters, builders, gardeners, landscapers, general maintenance and labour. Charity urgently needs dog and cat food, fresh produce, and towels during baby season. Info: Michelle Binnet, crittercare9@shaw.ca. . Langley Newcomers and Friends: Women’s group meets on the first Tuesday of each month for outings and activities, including movie nights, brunch, lunch, socials, walks, and more. Info: langleynewcomers.webs.com. . Meditation: Free session Thursdays 7 to 8 p.m. at the Derek Doubleday Arboretum Rotary Interpretive Centre, 21177 Fraser Hwy. Folding chairs available on site or bring one. Hosted by Melissa Kramer, Low Entropy Foundation. Open to all skill levels and those wanting to learn more. Info: www.lowentropy.org/events. . Heartfulness meditation class: Free. Learn guided relaxation and meditation techniques. Info: Judith, 604-533-1172 or divinetraveller@gmail.com. . Queen Mum’s Jewels: Women’s group meets at various venues for socializing and activities, such as luncheons, brunch, movies, live theatre, games, bus tours, fashion shows, and more. Info: bgfleming@shaw.ca. . Prostate Cancer Support Group: Group meets monthly in the Arbor Room at Valley View Memorial Garden, 14644 72nd Ave. Open to any interested in prostate cancer. Info: 604-594-5257. . Myles of Smiles Open Mic: Thursday gatherings at Veggie Bob’s Kitchen Cafe in Fort Langley are 6 to 9 p.m. Info: creative-compass.com. . CARES: Local no-kill cat shelter needs people to foster kittens. Info: mjhaney@shaw.ca. . Aldergrove Art Club: Everyone welcome Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Heritage OAP hall, 3015 273rd St. to practise, socialize and help each other. Info: Faith, 604-530-2900, or Joan, 604-856-9792. . TOPS open house: Take Off Pounds Sensibly invites public to learn about the support group at 10:30 a.m. Group meets Tuesdays at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 20955 Old Yale Rd. Info: Marnie, 604-539-8602. . Open mic: Artful Dodger Pub, 2364 200th St., has open mic night Sundays starting at 5 p.m. All ages until 9 p.m. . Fort Langley Farmers Market: Open for the season as of Saturday, April 6, the market runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday at 9025 Glover Rd. until Dec. 7. . LIBRARIES (programs and events are free unless specified otherwise) . A Sleuth of Bears scavenger hunt: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has a scavenger hunt for kids throughout December. Find groups of animals throughout the library. (A group of bears is called a sleuth.) . Reindeer scavenger hunt: Kids can find deer throughout the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., until Dec. 24. Prizes for finding all of them. . Monday Crafternoon: From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, kids can get creative at a free craft session in the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Afternoon STEAM Club: Kids ages seven to 12 can learn science, technology, engineering, art, and math through play at a session from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave. Sign up in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Teen Dungeons & Dragons: Ages 12 to 14 can play Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Ages 14 to 19 can play at a session noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. No experience nor supplies necessary. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Tween and teen Dungeons & Dragons: Session for kids nine to 18 is from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Registration appreciated. No experience nor supplies needed. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Morning book club: Lively discussions of book is monthly at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Session is 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Books are provided. Next gathering is Tuesday, Dec. 17. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Afternoon book club: Adults can join fellow book enthusiasts at a gathering Thursday, Dec. 19, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Books provided. Register in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . All ages chess: No registration required to play chess Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, but all ages and all skill levels welcome. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Saturday free play: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has afternoon fun for children ages three and older Sundays between noon and 2 p.m. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy an assortment of games and toys. Drop-in format. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . "Not Bored" Games Club: All ages can play games at the Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. No sign up is required. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Sunday free play: Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., has afternoon fun for children ages three and older each Sunday between 2 and 4 p.m. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Enjoy an assortment of games and toys. Drop-in format. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Scrabble Club: No registration is required for games scrabble at the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave., Sundays from 1 to 2 p.m. No experience necessary. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Book Club: Adults invited to club at Muriel Arnason library. Sign up in advance. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Monday afternoon book club: From 2 to 3 p.m., the club for adults meets at the Aldergrove library. New members welcome. Book provides. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Hooked on Reading: Murrayville library’s book club for adults will meet 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday. Books provided and new members welcome. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Chat and Chill: Described as “adult show and tell” the club is for collectors of things old and new. Meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Murrayville Library, 22071 48 Ave. Free. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Babytime: Fraser Valley Regional Library 30-minute sessions for babies and caregivers are on Tuesdays at the Dean Drysdale branch (10:30 a.m.) and Murrayville branch (10 a.m.). Thursdays at the Aldergrove branch at 10:30 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. at Murrayville. Friday sessions are at 9:30 at Muriel Arnason branch, and 10:30 a.m. at Brookswood. Limited space. Register in advance through the website. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Sensory playtime: Baby (birth to two) sensory playtime with textures, sounds, and colours is Thursdays 2 to 3 p.m. at the Murrayville branch. No registration required. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Storytime: Prepares children to learn to read. Children and caregivers enjoy interactive songs, stories, rhymes, and more. Tuesday 10 a.m. at the Muriel Arnason branch. Wednesday sessions are at Aldergrove (10:30 a.m.), Murrayville (10:30 a.m.) and Brookswood (11 a.m.). Thursday 10 a.m. at the Dean Drysdale branch. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Pyjama Storytime: Children and caregivers can visit the Aldergrove Library Thursdays at 6 p.m. for a 30-minute session of stories, songs, rhymes and more. Kids can wear PJs and bring a stuffie. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. Next session: Nov. 19. . Builders’ Club: Monday sessions are 3:30 p.m. at the Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave. Tuesday sessions are at the Aldergrove Library, 26770 29 Ave., at 3:30 p.m. Drop-in fun for all ages. Library provides the LEGO, Keva planks and Magformers. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Knit and crochet: Fraser Valley Regional Library groups open to all skill levels. Group meets Mondays from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Muriel Arnason branch. Tuesday session is 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Murrayville branch. Thursdays: Aldergrove branch gathering is 1 to 3 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Tech help for seniors: Aldergrove library, 26770 29 Ave., has one-on-one help for seniors Fridays 1 to 3 p.m. Bring the device (cellphone, tables, ereaders, laptops) and receive up to 60 minutes free help. Register in advance at 604-856-6415, in person, or at www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Teen Night: Stop by the Aldergrove Library from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays for board games, puzzle cubes, LEGO, Keva planks, colouring and more. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . LEGO and KEVA Club: Aldergrove Library provides the playing pieces for anyone who wants to stop by Tuesdays 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Morning Coffee Club: Adults can head to the Murrayville Library Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to relax by the fireplace, and enjoy coffee and conversation. Info: www.fvrl.bc.ca. . Coffee and conversation: Brookswood Library, 20045 40 Ave., invites adults to enjoy a relaxing get-together Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Conversation circle: Drop-in format for ages 12 and older for gathering for those wanting to improve their English skills. Meet at the Muriel Arnason Library, 20338 65 Ave., from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Info: fvrl.bc.ca. . Groups are welcome to submit information about upcoming community events in Langley. Publication is at the discretion of the newspaper, and host groups are responsible for keeping their information up to date.

Quarterback threw without pain Monday and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan will wait until midweek to evaluate the progress of edge rusher and left tackle as the team determines whether they’ll play next weekend in Buffalo. It remains to be seen who will and won’t be available when the 49ers embark on a cross-country trip to face the AFC East-leading Bills, currently 9-2 and the No, 2 seed in the conference. The 49ers are expected to get a practice lift with the activation of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who will begin his 21-day window off injured reserve after offseason Achilles surgery after being injured in the Super Bowl. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who worked with the scout team last week as he works through his grief following the loss of his 23-month-old daughter, may also begin getting work again with the first team. Are things actually looking up for the 49ers? One thing for sure is that the 49ers are looking up at everybody else in the AFC West but are still only a game out of first place with Seattle and Arizona at 6-5 and the 49ers and Rams at 5-6. It’s clear to Shanahan that any pathway to the playoffs would be as a division title rather than as a wild card, where Washington holds the final spot at 7-5. “You look at the whole NFC picture and if you don’t win the division, 10-7 is not guaranteed to get in as a wild card by any means this year,” Shanahan told reporters during his weekly conference call. “That is why the Seattle game was so tough, and that’s why last night was even worse. “We know exactly what the playoff situation is, but really all that matters is this week when you do need to go on a run and put a lot of wins to even think of that, then you’d better be thinking of only one thing – and that’s Buffalo.” Should Purdy be unable to go, Shanahan said Brandon Allen would get a second start at quarterback after he played Sunday in Green Bay. Safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha and middle linebacker Fred Warner played every defensive snap. When Allen at quarterback and Jaylon Moore at left tackle play every snap (along with Colton McKivitz, Dominick Puni and Jake Brendel) then you know there’s a problem with injuries. And Allen and Moore were the least of their problems. Related Articles Leonard Floyd played 61 percent — about his usual number — even without Nick Bosa in the lineup. With 3 1/2 sacks in his last two games, he’s a half-sack behind Bosa for the team lead. Rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. played 67 percent of the snaps — the same as Deebo Samuel — and did not have a pass thrown his way. Robert Beal Jr. played a season-high number of snaps in Bosa’s absence at defensive end and did not appear on the stat sheet for having a tackle or an assist. Running back Jordan Mason has played 14 snaps in three games since McCaffrey’s return and has six carries for 26 yards. Tashaun Gipson was promoted to the 53-man roster but still hasn’t played on defense in three games at safety. He had four special teams snaps against Green Bay.They’ve had enough. A movement in a myriad of rural counties across deep blue states such as Illinois and California to split off and form new states appears to be gaining some steam in the wake of the Nov. 5 election . Conservative residents of the rural regions are taking note of their peers fleeing to lower-taxed and less-regulated red states but they are ready to stay put — pining for a divorce with the urban sectors of their state. A group dubbed the New Illinois State has drafted a new constitution and championed plans to “Leave Illinois Without Moving.” On Election Day, seven rural counties in Illinois voted to contemplate splitting off from the state. “There’s a lot of people in Chicago, and I think that they make a lot of decisions that affect people downstate,” Phil Gioja, from Iroquois County, told the Wall Street Journal . “It’s just sending a message that, ‘Hey, you know, there’s people that would like to be part of the conversation, and often aren’t.’” In Iroquois County, about 73% of voters backed the idea of banding together with other counties in Illinois, except Cook County, which encompasses Chicago and forming a new state. Chicago is home to about 40% of Illinois’ population. While Gioja doesn’t anticipate a separation soon, some backers of a rural divorce think that an opening will come. “We always believed that our best opportunity to negotiate our way out of Illinois was when Illinois was approaching that financial cliff — it’s been on a path toward it for years,” G.H. Merritt, who chairs New Illinois State told the outlet. Out in California, a similar movement has taken root as well. The New California State organization hopes to splinter off the counties outside the Bay Area, Sacramento and Los Angeles. “I’m so flipping excited,” Paul Preston, who founded New California State, told the Wall Street Journal. Preston bashed the Golden State to the outlet as a “one-party communist state, and technically, they have seceded from the Union already.” But his and other like-minded movements face an uphill battle. To win statehood, they would need the green light from state legislatures — difficult to lock down from the states where they’d like to splinter off. Hawaii was the last state formally added to the US. There have been efforts by Puerto Rico and Washington DC to attain statehood, but none of them have garnered much steam. Following the Nov. 5 election, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has visited red counties and told voters: “Message received.” “I don’t care who you voted for. I care about Trump supporters, I care about Robert Kennedy Jr supporters, I care about Tucker Carlson supporters, I care about Charlie Kirk supporters, I care about Ben Shapiro supporters, I care about all people,” Newsom said during one of his stops. Out in Oregon, the Greater Idaho movement is hoping to reconfigure state lines so that rural counties past the Cascade mountain range can join their conservative-run neighbor Idaho. “The State of Oregon has said we’re not going to talk about it and are basically holding people in Eastern Oregon captive against our wishes,” Matt McCaw, executive director of Greater Idaho, told the outlet. A similar movement had taken place in three Maryland counties — Garrett, Allegany and Washington — which asked to join West Virginia and got support from Gov. Jim Justice (R) back in 2021. None of those counties have moved over. The urban-rural divide has long had ripple effects in domestic politics. President-elect Donald Trump enjoyed a major advantage over Vice President Kamala Harris in rural areas. Trump, 78, also managed to chip away at the Democrats’ long-held grip on urban centers, dramatically reducing the margins in traditionally blue states relative to the 2020 election. Throughout his campaign, the 45th and soon-to-be 47th president assailed liberal-run cities, claiming that they were overtaxed, rife with crime and falling apart.

( MENAFN - APCO Worldwide) Riyadh, 8 December 2024 – The Riyadh Metro, the world’s largest single-phase metro project and longest driverless metro system, officially commenced operations on December 1, marking a historic milestone for Saudi Arabia’s urban transformation under Vision 2030. At the heart of this achievement is ACES, a leading Saudi telecom infrastructure provider and a portfolio company of ewpartners, a global leader in cross-border investments. ACES delivered advanced telecom solutions, including neutral host infrastructure, Wi-Fi networks, and digital displays, enabling seamless connectivity and an enhanced commuter experience. Dr. Akram Aburas, CEO of ACES, highlighted the company’s role at the metro’s inauguration: "Guided by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, ACES is proud to have been an ICT partner in transformative projects like the Riyadh Metro. These accomplishments underscore our leadership in advanced telecom and digital infrastructure and reflect our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence." According to the Riyadh Royal Commission (RCRC), the Riyadh Metro spans 176 kilometers, includes 85 stations, and is fully powered by renewable energy. Designed to transport up to 3.6 million passengers daily, the system is set to reduce traffic congestion by 30%, stimulate investment, and generate thousands of jobs, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of economic diversification and reduced oil dependency. This project is more than a transportation milestone—it’s a step toward building smarter, more connected cities, improving the quality of life, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in infrastructure innovation. Driving Innovation and Connectivity Beyond the Riyadh Metro, ACES is advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital and telecom infrastructure through its key national projects, including the Grand Mosque in Mecca and Riyadh and Jeddah International Airports. Recognized by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) as one of the fastest-growing companies in Saudi Arabia, ACES is at the forefront of innovation. The company is expanding its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, targeting 23,000 homes in Riyadh by the end of 2024, and plans to launch Open Access Fiber-to-the-Business (FTTB) services by 2025. With its focus on IoT and data center infrastructure, ACES aims to become a comprehensive digital infrastructure provider, aligning with Vision 2030’s aspirations to position Saudi Arabia as a global technology leader. Global Expansion with ewpartners’ Support As the first Saudi local company to receive investment from ewpartners, ACES has expanded its footprint internationally, executing major projects like telecom infrastructure for Bangalore International Airport and Mumbai Metro in India. These achievements highlight Saudi Arabia’s potential to export innovation globally. Jessica Wong, Founder and Managing Partner of ewpartners, and a Board Member of ACES, expressed her pride in the partnership: "ACES is the first Saudi local company we’ve invested in, and we are proud of its remarkable achievements. Over the past four years, we've supported its international expansion and the development of new businesses. ACES exemplifies how Saudi companies can succeed on a global stage." This sentiment was echoed during the 2025 Budget Forum, where His Excellency Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted ACES’s success in international markets. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman remarked: "Whenever I see exports, I see competition, I see success. This is one of the great stories." Positioning Saudi Arabia as a Global Innovation Hub ACES’s contributions to the Riyadh Metro and other giga projects showcase Saudi Arabia’s leadership in technology and infrastructure. As global mobile data traffic triples by 2029 and 5G adoption accelerates, ACES is positioned to capitalize on these trends, driving growth and innovation. ewpartners remains committed to supporting ACES’s journey, delivering impactful solutions that contribute to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and Vision 2030. MENAFN08122024002825012069ID1108969351 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

THE ANDREWS/ALLAN GOVERNMENT'S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS: or signup to continue reading * Huge infrastructure agenda, known as the Big Build * Legalisation of voluntary assisted dying * Same-sex couples granted equal adoption rights * Creation of abortion clinic safe access zones * Advancing truth and treaty THE ANDREWS/ALLAN GOVERNMENT'S BIGGEST FAILURES: * Red shirts rorts scheme * Hotel quarantine breaches and public housing towers lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic * Infrastructure cost blowouts and soaring debt * Branch-stacking scandal * 2026 Commonwealth Games cancellation LONGEST-SERVING CONTINUOUS VICTORIAN GOVERNMENTS: * Bolte/Hamer/Thompson (Liberal) - June 7 1955 to April 8 1982 (26 years, 10 months and two days) * Bracks/Brumby (Labor) - October 20 1999 to December 2 2010 (11 years, one month and 13 days) * Cain/Kirner (Labor) - April 8 1982 to October 6 1992 (10 years, five months and 29 days) * Andrews/Allan (Labor) - December 4 2014 to current day (nine years, 11 months and 20 days) * Dunstan (United Country) - April 2 1935 to September 14 1943 (eight years, five months and 13 days) LONGEST-SERVING CURRENT GOVERNMENTS: * ACT - Labor (23 years and 19 days) * Tasmania - Liberal (10 years, seven months and 24 days) * Victoria - Labor (nine years, 11 months and 20 days) * Western Australia - Labor (seven years, eight months and seven days) * South Australia - Labor (two years, eight months and three days) * Federal - Labor (two years, six months and one day) * NSW - Labor (one year, seven months and 27 days) * Northern Territory - Country Liberal (88 days) * Queensland - Liberal-National (26 days) DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementI was just 8 years old the first time my family came under attack. Even at that young age, I could sense the tension in my parents as they tried to shield me from the vitriol. But secrets were never their strong suit. It was 2015 and my dad had decided to leave his corporate job to run for the state legislature. On weekends, we’d hit the pavement, knocking on doors and attending fundraisers. Some people would greet us warmly with offers of coffee and cookies. But there were others, like the older man who thought it was OK to yell at a kid and his father to get off his property before he “made us.” It wasn’t your typical family bonding experience, but I loved it. Being immersed in politics at such a young age gave me a unique perspective and appreciation for civic engagement. Little did I know the personal toll it would take on all of us. As my dad’s political career progressed, the demands on his time became increasingly brutal. During legislative sessions, I would often go days without seeing him, as he burned the midnight oil at the Capitol. He missed family dinners, vacations, and school events. The line between our personal and his professional life vanished. Personal attacks bled into my life as social media posts circulated among my friends. The need for police surveillance of our home due to death threats had become a reality. Yet, I admired his dedication and believed the positive impact he could have made the hard parts worthwhile. That changed in 2022 when my dad decided to run for mayor of Denver. I remember sitting in the audience with my mom and brother, when one of his opponents flat-out called him a racist live on air in front of thousands of people. I watched as almost everyone on stage piled on knowing nothing about him. This was my father, a man raising two boys of color in Denver who talked to us all of the time about the things he knew he couldn’t understand. The following weeks, he was subjected to a relentless barrage of personal attacks from his opponents, attacks that had nothing to do with ideas or policy — they were just about him as a white man. Standing on the sidelines unable to come to my father’s defense, I had never felt more powerless in my life, or more disillusioned by politics. His opponents were not interested in debating the issues or understanding his positions. They wanted to create clickbait to help further their own campaigns. In that moment, something inside me snapped. The pure, unshakable love for politics that I had once felt gave way to a deep cynicism about the state of public discourse. I had grown up dreaming of one day following in my father’s footsteps, but now those ambitions felt tainted by the harsh realities I had witnessed. Only days ago, even after my dad decided to resign from the state Senate, the attacks continued. Rather than celebrating his years of service and often unrecognized achievements, he was met with a scathing, unprofessional news segment that was more character assassination than responsible journalism. From someone who publicly advocates for professionalism and impactful journalism, it’s deeply disappointing to witness such inappropriate and unprofessional attacks. As Denver’s most-watched local newscaster, Kyle Clark’s vulgar remarks highlight the very issues plaguing our political system. Reducing a man who has spent a decade in public service to a caricature of a power-hungry politician is simply wrong. The media and critics know Senator Chris Hansen. They don’t know “Dad” – that he loves good coffee, worries about paying for college, felt guilty having to say no to us a lot as we were growing up. They don’t understand the hard conversations and decisions that have been made within our home. And I know my family isn’t alone. We live in a world in which public servants are supposed to just ignore personal attacks, yet these attacks too often cross boundaries in inappropriate ways. They impact families, friends and neighbors. I’ve come to realize that the personal toll of political life makes long careers in public office a near impossibility in today’s climate unless you are someone who shuts everyone out and doesn’t care. But that’s not what good leaders do. Good-intentioned people simply cannot succeed in a political landscape that rewards division, demonization, and a single-minded pursuit of scoring points and tearing each other down. But what can we do to change it? Get involved in a campaign to elect someone you believe in. Show up at local city council, school board, state House or Senate meetings to actually listen to your representatives and ask questions. This will let you get to know them as people — imperfect but hopefully well-intentioned. It will let you become a more critical consumer of the news; it will give you insight into the agendas people might have when they misrepresent an elected official’s position. And it lets you be a partner to your elected officials instead of just bystanders. Before criticizing an elected official, try asking yourself, “What things might they be thinking about that I am not because they see a bigger picture?” I’ve seen the good side of politics. I’ve been infatuated with the change that it can bring into people’s lives. Yet we get so caught up in the hatred of political opponents that we forget politics can be a pure and true tool for the American people. If we can restore a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect in our politics, then perhaps the personal sacrifices required of our public servants will not be in vain.

Judge says lawsuit over former NFL player Glenn Foster Jr.'s jail death can proceed

Potato supply ban sparks political tensions, price hikes in statesDavid Hilzenrath, Jodie Fleischer, Cox Media Group | (TNS) KFF Health News In March, newly installed Social Security chief Martin O’Malley criticized agency “injustices” that “shock our shared sense of equity and good conscience as Americans.” He promised to overhaul the Social Security Administration’s often heavy-handed efforts to claw back money that millions of recipients — including people who are living in poverty, are elderly, or have disabilities — were allegedly overpaid, as described by a KFF Health News and Cox Media Group investigation last year. “Innocent people can be badly hurt,” O’Malley said at the time. Nearly eight months since he appeared before Congress and announced a series of policy changes, and with two months left in his term, O’Malley’s effort to fix the system has made inroads but remains a work in progress. For instance, one change, moving away from withholding 100% of people’s monthly Social Security benefits to recover alleged overpayments, has been a major improvement, say advocates for beneficiaries. “It is a tremendous change,” said Kate Lang of Justice in Aging, who called it “life-changing for many people.” The number of people from whom the Social Security Administration was withholding full monthly benefits to recoup money declined sharply — from about 46,000 in January to about 7,000 in September, the agency said. Asked to clarify whether those numbers and others provided for this article covered all programs administered by the agency, the SSA press office did not respond. Another potentially significant change — relieving beneficiaries of having to prove that an overpayment was not their fault — has not been implemented. The agency said it is working on that. Meanwhile, the agency seems to be looking to Congress to take the lead on a change some observers see as crucial: limiting how far back the government can reach to recover an alleged overpayment. Barbara Hubbell of Watkins Glen, New York, called the absence of a statute of limitations “despicable.” Hubbell said her mother was held liable for $43,000 because of an SSA error going back 19 years. “In what universe is that even legal?” Hubbell said. Paying down the overpayment balance left her mother “essentially penniless,” she added. In response to questions for this article, Social Security spokesperson Mark Hinkle said legislation is “the best and fastest way” to set a time limit. Establishing a statute of limitations was not among the policy changes O’Malley announced in his March congressional testimony. In an interview at the time, he said he expected an announcement on it “within the next couple few months.” It could probably be done by regulation, without an act of Congress, he said. Speaking generally, Hinkle said the agency has “made substantial progress on overpayments,” reducing the hardship they cause, and “continues to work diligently” to update policies. The agency is underfunded, he added, is at a near 50-year low in staffing, and could do better with more employees. The SSA did not respond to requests for an interview with O’Malley. O’Malley announced the policy changes after KFF Health News and Cox Media Group jointly published and broadcast investigative reporting on the damage overpayments and clawbacks have done to millions of beneficiaries. When O’Malley, a former Democratic governor of Maryland, presented his plans to three congressional committees in March, lawmakers greeted him with rare bipartisan praise. But the past several months have shown how hard it can be to turn around a federal bureaucracy that is massive, complex, deeply dysfunctional, and, as it says, understaffed. Now O’Malley’s time may be running out. Lang of Justice in Aging, among the advocacy groups that have been meeting with O’Malley and other Social Security officials, said she appreciates how much the commissioner has achieved in a short time. But she added that O’Malley has “not been interested in hearing about our feelings that things have fallen short.” One long-standing policy O’Malley set out to change involves the burden of proof. When the Social Security Administration alleges someone has been overpaid and demands the money back, the burden is on the beneficiary to prove they were not at fault. Cecilia Malone, 24, a beneficiary in Lithonia, Georgia, said she and her parents spent hundreds of hours trying to get errors corrected. “Why is the burden on us to ‘prove’ we weren’t overpaid?” Malone said. It can be exceedingly difficult for beneficiaries to appeal a decision. The alleged overpayments, which can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more, often span years. And people struggling just to survive may have extra difficulty producing financial records from long ago. What’s more, in letters demanding repayment, the government does not typically spell out its case against the beneficiary — making it hard to mount a defense. Testifying before House and Senate committees in March, O’Malley promised to shift the burden of proof. “That should be on the agency,” he said. The agency expects to finalize “guidance” on the subject “in the coming months,” Hinkle said. The agency points to reduced wait times and other improvements in a phone system known to leave beneficiaries on hold. “In September, we answered calls to our national 800 number in an average of 11 minutes — a tremendous improvement from 42 minutes one year ago,” Hinkle said. Still, in response to a nonrepresentative survey by KFF Health News and Cox Media Group focused on overpayments, about half of respondents who said they contacted the agency by phone since April rated that experience as “poor,” and few rated it “good” or “excellent.” The survey was sent to about 600 people who had contacted KFF Health News to share their overpayment stories since September 2023. Almost 200 people answered the survey in September and October of this year. Most of those who said they contacted the agency by mail since April rated their experience as “poor.” Jennifer Campbell, 60, a beneficiary in Nelsonville, Ohio, said in late October that she was still waiting for someone at the agency to follow up as described during a phone call in May. “VERY POOR customer service!!!!!” Campbell wrote. “Nearly impossible to get a hold of someone,” wrote Kathryn Duff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, who has been helping a disabled family member. Letters from SSA have left Duff mystified. One was postmarked July 9, 2024, but dated more than two years earlier. Another, dated Aug. 18, 2024, said her family member was overpaid $31,635.80 in benefits from the Supplemental Security Income program, which provides money to people with little or no income or other resources who are disabled, blind, or at least 65. But Duff said her relative never received SSI benefits. What’s more, for the dates in question, payments listed in the letter to back up the agency’s math didn’t come close to $31,635.80; they totaled about a quarter of that amount. Regarding the 100% clawbacks, O’Malley in March said it’s “unconscionable that someone would find themselves facing homelessness or unable to pay bills, because Social Security withheld their entire payment for recovery of an overpayment.” He said that, starting March 25, if a beneficiary doesn’t respond to a new overpayment notice, the agency would default to withholding 10%. The agency warned of “a short transition period.” That change wasn’t automated until June 25, Hinkle said. The number of people newly placed in full withholding plummeted from 6,771 in February to 51 in September, according to data the agency provided. SSA said it would notify recipients they could request reduced withholding if it was already clawing back more than 10% of their monthly checks. Nonetheless, dozens of beneficiaries or their family members told KFF Health News and Cox Media Group they hadn’t heard they could request reduced withholding. Among those who did ask, roughly half said their requests were approved. According to the SSA, there has been almost a 20% decline in the number of people facing clawbacks of more than 10% but less than 100% of their monthly checks — from 141,316 as of March 8 to 114,950 as of Oct. 25, agency spokesperson Nicole Tiggemann said. Meanwhile, the number of people from whom the agency was withholding exactly 10% soared more than fortyfold — from just over 5,000 to well over 200,000. And the number of beneficiaries having any partial benefits withheld to recover an overpayment increased from almost 600,000 to almost 785,000, according to data Tiggemann provided. Lorraine Anne Davis, 72, of Houston, said she hasn’t received her monthly Social Security payment since June due to an alleged overpayment. Her Medicare premium was being deducted from her monthly benefit, so she’s been left to pay that out-of-pocket. Davis said she’s going to need a kidney transplant and had been trying to save money for when she’d be unable to work. A letter from the SSA dated April 8, 2024, two weeks after the new 10% withholding policy was slated to take effect, said it had overpaid her $13,538 and demanded she pay it back within 30 days. Apparently, the SSA hadn’t accounted for a pension Davis receives from overseas; Davis said she disclosed it when she filed for benefits. In a letter to her dated June 29, the agency said that, under its new policy, it would change the withholding to only 10% if she asked. Davis said she asked by phone repeatedly, and to no avail. “Nobody seems to know what’s going on” and “no one seems to be able to help you,” Davis said. “You’re just held captive.” In October, the agency said she’d receive a payment — in March 2025. Marley Presiado, a research assistant on the Public Opinion and Survey Research team at KFF, contributed to this report. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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I was just 8 years old the first time my family came under attack. Even at that young age, I could sense the tension in my parents as they tried to shield me from the vitriol. But secrets were never their strong suit. It was 2015 and my dad had decided to leave his corporate job to run for the state legislature. On weekends, we’d hit the pavement, knocking on doors and attending fundraisers. Some people would greet us warmly with offers of coffee and cookies. But there were others, like the older man who thought it was OK to yell at a kid and his father to get off his property before he “made us.” It wasn’t your typical family bonding experience, but I loved it. Being immersed in politics at such a young age gave me a unique perspective and appreciation for civic engagement. Little did I know the personal toll it would take on all of us. As my dad’s political career progressed, the demands on his time became increasingly brutal. During legislative sessions, I would often go days without seeing him, as he burned the midnight oil at the Capitol. He missed family dinners, vacations, and school events. The line between our personal and his professional life vanished. Personal attacks bled into my life as social media posts circulated among my friends. The need for police surveillance of our home due to death threats had become a reality. Yet, I admired his dedication and believed the positive impact he could have made the hard parts worthwhile. That changed in 2022 when my dad decided to run for mayor of Denver. I remember sitting in the audience with my mom and brother, when one of his opponents flat-out called him a racist live on air in front of thousands of people. I watched as almost everyone on stage piled on knowing nothing about him. This was my father, a man raising two boys of color in Denver who talked to us all of the time about the things he knew he couldn’t understand. The following weeks, he was subjected to a relentless barrage of personal attacks from his opponents, attacks that had nothing to do with ideas or policy — they were just about him as a white man. Standing on the sidelines unable to come to my father’s defense, I had never felt more powerless in my life, or more disillusioned by politics. His opponents were not interested in debating the issues or understanding his positions. They wanted to create clickbait to help further their own campaigns. In that moment, something inside me snapped. The pure, unshakable love for politics that I had once felt gave way to a deep cynicism about the state of public discourse. I had grown up dreaming of one day following in my father’s footsteps, but now those ambitions felt tainted by the harsh realities I had witnessed. Only days ago, even after my dad decided to resign from the state Senate, the attacks continued. Rather than celebrating his years of service and often unrecognized achievements, he was met with a scathing, unprofessional news segment that was more character assassination than responsible journalism. From someone who publicly advocates for professionalism and impactful journalism, it’s deeply disappointing to witness such inappropriate and unprofessional attacks. As Denver’s most-watched local newscaster, Kyle Clark’s vulgar remarks highlight the very issues plaguing our political system. Reducing a man who has spent a decade in public service to a caricature of a power-hungry politician is simply wrong. The media and critics know Senator Chris Hansen. They don’t know “Dad” – that he loves good coffee, worries about paying for college, felt guilty having to say no to us a lot as we were growing up. They don’t understand the hard conversations and decisions that have been made within our home. And I know my family isn’t alone. We live in a world in which public servants are supposed to just ignore personal attacks, yet these attacks too often cross boundaries in inappropriate ways. They impact families, friends and neighbors. I’ve come to realize that the personal toll of political life makes long careers in public office a near impossibility in today’s climate unless you are someone who shuts everyone out and doesn’t care. But that’s not what good leaders do. Good-intentioned people simply cannot succeed in a political landscape that rewards division, demonization, and a single-minded pursuit of scoring points and tearing each other down. But what can we do to change it? Get involved in a campaign to elect someone you believe in. Show up at local city council, school board, state House or Senate meetings to actually listen to your representatives and ask questions. This will let you get to know them as people — imperfect but hopefully well-intentioned. It will let you become a more critical consumer of the news; it will give you insight into the agendas people might have when they misrepresent an elected official’s position. And it lets you be a partner to your elected officials instead of just bystanders. Before criticizing an elected official, try asking yourself, “What things might they be thinking about that I am not because they see a bigger picture?” I’ve seen the good side of politics. I’ve been infatuated with the change that it can bring into people’s lives. Yet we get so caught up in the hatred of political opponents that we forget politics can be a pure and true tool for the American people. If we can restore a sense of shared purpose and mutual respect in our politics, then perhaps the personal sacrifices required of our public servants will not be in vain.