Welcome to Zion, the fastest-growing Global IT Services Company! With 26 years of experience, we are proud to be the most reliable provider of global 24x7x365 services for datacenter equipment such as servers, storages, networking, no-breaks, and more. Our proprietary AI-powered systems, combined with our 24/7 global support, have a proven track record of reducing incident resolution times by 50% or more.
At Zion, we are committed to efficiency and seamless performance. Our services cater to a wide range of IT needs, including core infrastructure, technology and hardware, operations and management, sustainability and environmental impact, services and business, security and compliance, and emerging trends. We also offer IT equipment recycling services and equipment rentals.
By choosing Zion, you can expect increased organic website traffic, higher search engine rankings, lead generation and conversion, brand awareness, and increased social media engagement. Our expertise in green IT practices ensures that we are environmentally responsible while providing top-notch IT services.
Visit our website today to explore our large inventory of IT equipment available for sale and sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our services and the latest Google search trending news daily. Trust Zion to help your company stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of IT.
AS CEBU City farmers anticipate the occurrence of drought, they are hoping for more assistance from City Hall, such as additional machineries to pump out water for farming.
While commending the City Agriculture Department (CAD) for its preparations for a possible El Niño phenomenon, Alliance of Cebu City Farmers Association head Casimero Pilones told SunStar Cebu on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, that farmers need water pumps.
Pilones said the efforts of the CAD are doing good for the farmers, but it would be best if the City add to their water containers since their current water drums are not enough.
Pilones, whose farm is located in the mountain barangay of Paril, said that while there are insufficient water containers and no water pumps yet, they only rely on the water irrigation system that sometimes cannot reach the upper areas.
He expressed fears that when the El Niño phenomenon hits, farmers will not be able to plant crops since the current water supply cannot support their farming.
In a previous SunStar report, Jhomer Eclarino, weather specialist from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas, said while the El Niño phenomenon only has a 30 percent chance of occurring this 2025, the probability may change.
Water storage
CAD chief Arleigh Gesta said on Friday, Jan. 31, that they had started to distribute water drums and hoses to farmers in areas with water sources.
Farmers in upland barangays are also creating their own water impounding areas to collect runoff from creeks.
The CAD will also continue its programs, including crop production extension, livestock production, alternative marketing, nursery production, reforestation, institutional development, urban agriculture and food security initiatives.
The CAD is also updating farmer profiles to ensure that all registered farmers receive assistance.
Gesta said around 1,000 farmers have been added to the registry system for basic sectors in agriculture, bringing the total to 10,976 registered farmers.
He recalled that some unregistered farmers did not receive additional rice aid last year.
To avoid a repeat of the problem, the CAD is going from barangay to barangay to update records.
The CAD also launched an information campaign to guide farmers on suitable crops to plant.
Gesta advised them to avoid crops with long growing periods and plant those that can be harvested within 45 days to reduce costs.
Effects
In 2024, the El Niño caused severe agricultural losses in Cebu City.
The drought affected 10,000 farmers, with 1,047 farmers suffering direct losses in April last year.
Water shortages forced the City Government to declare a water crisis on April 1.
While farmers struggled as less than 20 out of 44 irrigation facilities remained functional.
The Cebu City Government placed 28 hinterland villages under a state of calamity in March due to El Niño’s impact.
To mitigate losses, the CAD trained farmers on water conservation and identified new water sources for irrigation last year. The agency also provided emergency food assistance, including rice and groceries.
Despite these efforts, some farmers criticized the delayed response from the government.
They called for better coordination and faster aid distribution.
Also in April last year, Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. accused then CAD chief Joselito Baclayon of failing to come up with plans to address the plight of farmers.
Nationwide, the El Niño phenomenon, which started on July 4, 2023, was one of the strongest on record.
Pagasa said it was the fifth-most powerful globally and caused P2.63 billion in agricultural losses. The main crops affected were rice and corn, leading to food insecurity.
The weather bureau declared the end of the El Niño phenomenon on June 7, 2024. (JPS, CDF)
In Cebu City, farmers are facing challenges in meeting the demands of their growing agricultural industry. With limited access to modern machinery and equipment, many farmers are struggling to keep up with the competition.
In a recent survey conducted by the Cebu City Farmers Association, it was found that the majority of farmers expressed a need for more machineries to improve their productivity and efficiency. From tractors to harvesters, farmers are looking for ways to mechanize their operations and increase their yield.
One farmer, Juan dela Cruz, shared his frustrations about the lack of machinery available to him. “I have been farming for years, but without proper equipment, I am unable to maximize my output. It’s time for the government to support us by providing us with the tools we need to succeed,” he said.
The Cebu City Farmers Association is now calling on the local government to invest in more machineries for the agricultural sector. They believe that by providing farmers with the necessary equipment, they can help boost the city’s economy and ensure food security for its residents.
As the demand for agricultural products continues to rise, it is crucial for farmers in Cebu City to have access to modern machinery to meet these demands. By investing in machineries, the city can support its farmers and help them thrive in today’s competitive market.
Newly filed bills during the legislative session seek to fund public safety initiatives while defunding and reallocating revenue for a new 3,000-bed prison that is planned to be built in Franklin County. “If my bills pass, we know that the first $100 million of sales tax revenue that comes in, the state is going to be able to address this crisis,” Arkansas District 28 Sen. Bryan King said. “Then they’re not going to have the money for the mega prison, major financial disaster in Franklin County.”Senate Bill 143 would reallocate $100 million in sales tax revenues to Arkansas State Police for new crime reduction and prevention programs.According to the bill, the programs would include assisting with probation and parole services, while also allowing funds for local sheriffs to hire more deputies to focus on preventing and reducing crimes in their counties.Senate Bill 144 would allow the eight Arkansas counties, which account for approximately two-thirds of the state’s prison inmates, to partner with adjoining counties to build or expand a shared multi-county jail to house inmates who are waiting to go to prison.King told 40/29 News that his proposals would ease local jail overcrowding issues while also adequately funding public safety measures in Arkansas.”We’ve got to address the crime issue right now. There’s nothing in the governor’s proposal that’s going to do anything substantial to reduce the crime. We’ve already got a high incarceration rate,” King said. “This is just finding revenue streams that we know will pay for, and do it in a fiscally responsible way, and get immediate safety out there to our citizens.”
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. —
Newly filed bills during the legislative session seek to fund public safety initiatives while defunding and reallocating revenue for a new 3,000-bed prison that is planned to be built in Franklin County.
“If my bills pass, we know that the first $100 million of sales tax revenue that comes in, the state is going to be able to address this crisis,” Arkansas District 28 Sen. Bryan King said. “Then they’re not going to have the money for the mega prison, major financial disaster in Franklin County.”
Senate Bill 143 would reallocate $100 million in sales tax revenues to Arkansas State Police for new crime reduction and prevention programs.
According to the bill, the programs would include assisting with probation and parole services, while also allowing funds for local sheriffs to hire more deputies to focus on preventing and reducing crimes in their counties.
Senate Bill 144 would allow the eight Arkansas counties, which account for approximately two-thirds of the state’s prison inmates, to partner with adjoining counties to build or expand a shared multi-county jail to house inmates who are waiting to go to prison.
King told 40/29 News that his proposals would ease local jail overcrowding issues while also adequately funding public safety measures in Arkansas.
“We’ve got to address the crime issue right now. There’s nothing in the governor’s proposal that’s going to do anything substantial to reduce the crime. We’ve already got a high incarceration rate,” King said. “This is just finding revenue streams that we know will pay for, and do it in a fiscally responsible way, and get immediate safety out there to our citizens.”
In a move aimed at prioritizing public safety over incarceration, a group of legislators in Franklin County have introduced a series of bills aimed at defunding the construction of a new prison in the area. The proposed facility has faced backlash from community members and advocates who argue that investing in alternatives to incarceration, such as mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and affordable housing, would better address the root causes of crime and promote long-term public safety.
The bills, which are currently being considered by the state legislature, would redirect funding earmarked for the new prison towards community-based programs that aim to reduce recidivism, support reentry, and address systemic issues within the criminal justice system. Advocates for the legislation argue that the construction of a new prison would only perpetuate cycles of incarceration and harm, particularly for marginalized communities who are disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system.
Supporters of the bills point to successful examples of states and cities that have invested in alternatives to incarceration and seen significant reductions in crime rates and recidivism. By prioritizing prevention, rehabilitation, and support services, they argue that Franklin County can create a safer and more equitable community for all residents.
As the debate over the new prison continues, community members are urged to contact their legislators and voice their support for the public safety bills that seek to defund its construction. By investing in solutions that address the root causes of crime and support individuals in need, Franklin County can move towards a more just and compassionate approach to public safety.
Tags:
public safety bills, defund new prison, Franklin County, criminal justice reform, prison funding, community safety, legislative proposals, incarceration policies, public policy changes
Hide and Seek Climber and Swing Playset, for Ages 3+, Multi-Color
Price : 119.04
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Introducing the Hide and Seek Climber and Swing Playset, the ultimate backyard playtime adventure for kids ages 3 and up! This multi-color playset features a sturdy climbing wall, a fun slide, and a swing for hours of active play.
The Hide and Seek Climber and Swing Playset is perfect for little ones who love to climb, slide, and swing. The bright, colorful design will capture their imagination and keep them entertained for hours on end.
Not only is this playset loads of fun, but it also helps kids develop their motor skills, balance, and coordination. It’s a great way to encourage physical activity and outdoor play.
So why wait? Treat your little ones to the Hide and Seek Climber and Swing Playset and watch as they have the time of their lives exploring and playing in their very own backyard playground. Order yours today!
#Hide #Seek #Climber #Swing #Playset #Ages #MultiColor,ages 3+
Mason McTavish’s line has led the way of late, as the 21-year-old centerman earned the NHL’s Second Star of the Week honors with back-to-back multi-goal performances.
“He’s amazing,” Zegras said of McTavish. “It’s nice to see them go in for him. We’ve beenm calling him ‘iron sights’ because he’s hit a lot of posts and crossbars, but we’re going to get him that third one (for a first career hat trick). It’s coming, I can feel it.”
“When a [scorer] like McTavish starts scoring, the whole team picks up right there,” Cronin said. “There’s more pace to the game, more confidence around the puck. I thought he was terrific.”
Anaheim now visits the Emerald City for a matchup against a Seattle squad also scrapping to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff picture while struggling to find consistency. The Kraken have earned a a 5-5-0 mark in their last 10 games, and last night fell 4-2 to the first-place Edmonton Oilers in the return of star Connor McDavid from suspension.
“I think it’s a game of momentum, especially with the firepower they have,” Seattle forward John Hayden told the team’s Geoff Baker. “And in the second (period), I think some turnovers — myself included — fed them a bit.”
Seattle earned four power-play opportunities in the loss but could not connect on the man advantage, ultimately a key factor in the result for head coach, and former Mighty Duck, Dan Bylsma.
“It just wasn’t good enough,” Bylsma said. “You want your power play to provide a goal and provide a spark, and it wasn’t there. There’s no other way to say it, the power play didn’t do that and that was a dent in the game.”
Seattle (22-26-3, 47 points) sits sixth in the Pacific Division, eight points back of a Wild Card spot.
The Anaheim Ducks are gearing up for a showdown tonight against the Seattle Kraken as they aim to secure their third straight win. With victories over the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames in their last two games, the Ducks are riding a wave of momentum and looking to continue their winning streak.
The team’s offense has been firing on all cylinders, with players like Troy Terry, Adam Henrique, and Sonny Milano leading the charge. Goalie John Gibson has also been a standout, making key saves to keep the Ducks in the game.
On the other side, the Kraken are looking to bounce back from a tough loss to the Edmonton Oilers and will be hungry for a win on their home ice.
With both teams hungry for a victory, tonight’s game promises to be an exciting matchup. Will the Ducks continue their winning ways, or will the Kraken come out on top? Be sure to tune in tonight to find out!
Michigan Democratic Sen. Gary Peters will not seek re-election when his term ends in Jan. 2027, Fox News has confirmed.
Peters, a two-term senator and former congressman, told the Detroit News that he will start a “new chapter,” spending more time with family after nearly two decades of public service.
“I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation. I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life,” Peters told the outlet.
“And that goes back to 2008 when I first won that House seat. I thought it would be for a matter of a few terms that I would serve, and then I would go back to private life.”
His decision to retire leaves open a senate seat in a state President Donald Trump won in 2024. But Democrats held a similarly open seat when Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., narrowly defeated Republican Mike Rogers.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Fox News’s Chad Pergram contributed to this report. This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Chris Pandolfo is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Send tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.
Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters announced today that he will not seek re-election in 2022. In a statement released to the press, Peters cited a desire to spend more time with his family and to pursue new opportunities outside of politics.
Peters, who has served in the Senate since 2015, has been a vocal advocate for issues such as healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental protection. He has also been a key player in the Democratic party’s efforts to regain control of the Senate.
Peters’ decision not to seek re-election comes as a surprise to many in the political world, as he was widely expected to run for a third term. His departure leaves a significant gap in the Democratic party’s efforts to hold onto his seat in the upcoming election.
In his statement, Peters expressed his gratitude to the people of Michigan for their support and promised to continue fighting for their interests until his term ends. He also hinted at future endeavors, stating that he looks forward to finding new ways to serve his community.
As the news of Peters’ decision spreads, speculation is already swirling about who might step up to fill his shoes in the Senate. With the race for his seat now wide open, the political landscape in Michigan is sure to heat up in the coming months.
Tags:
Michigan Democratic Senator, Gary Peters, re-election, Senate, Michigan politics, Democratic Party, 2022 elections, political news
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Sen. Gary Peters says he won’t be seeking a third term in 2026.
The surprise decision Tuesday again complicates for Democrats in Michigan, who will be forced to defend an open seat in the battleground state for the second straight election cycle. Peters led the Democrats’ Senate campaign efforts from 2021 to 2025 and helped the party hold control of the chamber in 2022 before Republicans flipped it last year.
Among the top names expected to circulate to replace Peters is former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who moved to Michigan in recent years. The race is expected to be among the most competitive in the country with control of the chamber again up from grabs in 2026.
Michigan Sen. Gary Peters announced today that he will not seek reelection in 2026, opening up a key U.S. Senate race in the state. Peters, a Democrat, has served in the Senate since 2015 and previously served in the House of Representatives.
His decision not to seek another term has already sparked speculation about who will run to replace him. Michigan is a crucial swing state, and the outcome of the Senate race in 2026 could have significant implications for national politics.
Peters cited a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue new opportunities as reasons for his decision not to run again. He thanked his constituents for their support and pledged to continue working on behalf of Michigan during the remainder of his term.
The race to replace Peters is expected to be hotly contested, with both Democrats and Republicans likely to field strong candidates. The outcome will be closely watched as both parties vie for control of the Senate in the next election cycle.
Stay tuned for updates on the Michigan Senate race as potential candidates begin to emerge and the campaign heats up.
Tags:
Michigan, Sen. Gary Peters, reelection, U.S. Senate race, 2026, Michigan Senate, political news, election updates, Democratic Senator, Michigan politics
Washington ― Gary Peters, Michigan’s senior senator and a former congressman, said he won’t seek reelection next year and will retire from the U.S. Senate when his second term ends in January 2027.
In an exclusive interview, the Bloomfield Township Democrat told The Detroit News that he is ready to leave public office in two years and move onto a “new chapter” that includes spending more time with his family ― particularly a new grandchild who lives on the West Coast.
“I always thought there would be a time that I would step aside and pass the reins for the next generation. I also never saw service in Congress as something you do your whole life,” said Peters, who was first elected to the Senate in 2014.
“And that goes back to 2008 when I first won that House seat. I thought it would be for a matter of a few terms that I would serve, and then I would go back to private life.”
Peters’ decision is likely to surprise many of his colleagues and ignite an intense scramble on both sides of the aisle for his seat in battleground Michigan.
At 66, Peters is relatively young for a U.S. senator, but after 10 years in the Senate and six in the House, he has decided to pass the torch to a younger generation. He has other things he wants to do, like finding “endless, winding roads” for his Harley Davidson, he said. It’s a decision he’s been mulling for several months.
“I think this is pretty normal for everybody to say, I’ve done a job, and I’m proud of the job I did, but there are other things I want to do in my life. There are other ways that I can give back to the community,” Peters said.
“I want to be very clear: I’m not retiring. I’m just not running for reelection in the Senate. I hope, God willing, I have a lot more good years ahead.”
Asked if he would run for governor of Michigan or any other elected office, Peters said no. He’s instead focused on “finishing strong” for his last two years in the Senate, where he serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security panel and is the new co-chair of the Auto Caucus.
“There’s still a lot of work to do. We have issues related to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, natural disasters, cybersecurity to border security, and I’m intimately involved in all these issues, and we’ll continue to do that,” Peters said.
“The great thing is this really allows me to just be completely, completely focused on the day-to-day work that I do as a U.S. senator and fight for issues that are important to people here in Michigan.”
Blow to Michigan clout
Peters has trained much of his focus in Congress on issues related to Michigan’s auto industry, the Great Lakes, cybersecurity, veterans issues, toxic PFAS contamination and initiatives to make government more efficient. His annual motorcycle tour around the state has become a staple of lawmakers’ August recess.
Peters’ decision to not seek reelection in 2026 follows last year’s blockbuster battle for the seat of Sen. Debbie Stabenow, a Lansing Democrat who retired earlier this month after 24 years in the Senate.
Democrat Elissa Slotkin, a former congresswoman from Holly, succeeded Stabenow this month after defeating Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake Township in November with the narrowest margin of victory among Democratic Senate candidates nationally, about 19,000 votes.
Peters’ departure would deliver another blow to Michigan’s clout in Washington. He’s the delegation’s most senior Democrat and has secured seats on some of the Senate’s most influential committees, including Appropriations, Armed Services and the powerful Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee that’s important to Michigan’s auto industry.
Prior to Peters, Michigan hadn’t had an appropriator in the Senate since 1958, he said ― a reference to GOP Sen. Charles Potter.
“I’m confident the seat will stay Democratic, and I’m gonna do everything I can to make sure that that is indeed the case,” said Peters, who just completed two consecutive election cycles as chairman of the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm.
“We’ve got a lot of young, dynamic folks who can run for this office, who have distinguished themselves, so I suspect there’ll be a number of folks who will be interested. I’ll encourage them to run. But I know that there’s no shortage of talent.”
Political resume
Born in 1958, Peters grew up in Rochester Hills in a union household, the son of a public school teacher and a nurse’s aide who helped organize the nursing home where she worked and became a steward in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
Peters’ parents met in France during World War II when his father was stationed in his mother’s town and serving at Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s headquarters after the invasion of Normandy.
In Michigan, Peters graduated from Alma College and worked as a financial adviser for over two decades, including management positions at Merrill Lynch and UBS/PaineWebber. He spent 12 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
His first stint in elected politics was on the Rochester Hills City Council in 1991, followed by two terms in the state Senate from 1995-2002. Peters ran unsuccessfully for attorney general against Republican Mike Cox in 2002 before his appointment as the state lottery commissioner by Democratic then Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2003.
He won election to the U.S. House in 2008, defeating 16-year incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg by nearly 9.5 percentage points.
Peters served three House terms before succeeding longtime Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, in the Senate by winning a 2014 race against Republican former Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land by 13 percentage points.
That year, Peters was the only Senate Democratic freshman elected amid a GOP midterm wave when Republicans picked up nine seats in the U.S. Senate, and Michigan Republicans picked up other statewide offices.
Peters won a second term in 2020, defeating GOP businessman John James by about 2 percentage points after a contentious, high-profile campaign that broke fundraising records at the time. James was elected to the U.S. House in 2022.
Peters said he’s most proud of his record of bipartisanship while in the Senate. The nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking ranked him the No. 1 senator for effectiveness in the 116th and 117th Congresses. In the 117th, he had 19 measures signed into law, according to his office, and 10 in the 116th.
The 116th Congress covered the years he served in the minority under GOP President Donald Trump and ran for reelection against James ― a campaign in which Republicans claimed Peters was “invisible” and “the politician known for doing nothing.”
“Probably every bill that I’ve got passed is because I’ve actually walked over to the House, I’ve set up a meeting with the Republican leader in that committee, and I’ll sit down and first build a relationship,” Peters said. “The first part of the conversation has nothing to do with the bill.”
Legislative legacy
While in the House, Peters sat on the conference panel that finalized the sweeping 2010 Dodd-Frank reforms to Wall Street and the banking system. During his House days, Peters said he was also “intimately” involved in the federal rescue of General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC when the Michigan automakers were hit by the 2008 financial crisis.
More recently, Peters wrote parts of the CHIPS and Science Act to ensure the legislation supported not just the domestic manufacturing of top-of-the-line computer chips but also the “legacy” chips used in automobiles, he said.
A 2018 legislative provision authored by Peters created the National Center of Expertise for the Great Lakes, located at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie and at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor. The center’s mission is to do research and training activities to prepare the Coast Guard for oil spills in freshwater or ice-laden environments.
That idea arose out of Peters’ concern about an oil spill or leak from Energy Inc.’s Line 5 and his questioning of the Coast Guard commandant in committee. Peters recalled asking him how confident he was that the Coast Guard could clean up a spill in the Great Lakes.
“And his quote was, ‘I’m not confident at all. I’m not sure we could do that,’ which is pretty frightening,” Peters said. “That’s why I went to work to create this center of expertise, which is up and running now. It’s about protecting fresh water all over the country from an oil spill.”
Peters was among the first in the Senate to sound the alarm about toxic PFAS contaminants, holding the first Senate hearing on the topic in 2018, he said. He passed a bill to discontinue the use of PFAS- containing fire-fighting foams at commercial airports.
Homeland Security investigations under Peters as chair probed Secret Service failures in relation to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump last year, intelligence failures ahead of the Jan. 6 attack in 2021, and the country’s overreliance on China, India and other countries for crucial pharmaceutical drugs.
The panel also passed legislation to protect people’s privacy and protect systems from ransomware and other attacks. A 2022 bill by Peters required that the owners of critical infrastructure like banks and electric grids promptly report to federal officials major cyber attacks or ransomware payments.
A bill that was meaningful to Peters personally, he said, was one to help veterans who were given a less-than-honorable discharge from the military due to behavior resulting from post-traumatic stress disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury conditions that were not diagnosed.
The idea for the bill came from a homeless veteran in Grand Rapids who fit that description, Peters said.
“He went to the VA because he knew something was really bad, and the VA said, ‘Well, you’re suffering from PTSD as a result of your service in Afghanistan, but because you have a bad paper discharge, we can’t treat you,” Peters recalled.
His 2016 legislation allowed veterans like that individual to get their status changed so they can get care or educational benefits from the VA.
“He’s now getting the treatment that he certainly earned and deserves,” Peters said.
Peters doesn’t have plans for after he leaves the Senate, but a teaching job in academia or policy work at a think tank fit his interests. He wants to continue to play a role in developing public policy, he said, particularly around ensuring equitable access to changes in technology like artificial intelligence.
Peters previously served as the Griffin Endowed Chair of American government at Central Michigan University and was working on a doctorate in philosophy at Michigan State University when he put it on hold to run for Congress.
“The PhD is still on hold right now, but who knows?” Peters said. “Maybe it could be part of that next chapter.”
Michigan Senator Gary Peters announced today that he will not seek reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2022. Peters, a Democrat, cited a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other opportunities outside of politics.
In a statement released by his office, Peters expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Michigan and highlighted his accomplishments during his time in office, including fighting for affordable healthcare, protecting the Great Lakes, and supporting small businesses.
Peters’ decision not to seek reelection comes as a surprise to many in the political world, as he was widely expected to run for a third term. His departure leaves an open seat in a crucial battleground state, setting the stage for a competitive race in the upcoming midterm elections.
Several potential candidates have already expressed interest in running for Peters’ seat, including Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. The race is expected to draw national attention and could play a key role in determining control of the Senate.
As Peters prepares to step down from the Senate, he leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service to the people of Michigan and a commitment to fighting for the values he believes in. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
Tags:
Gary Peters, Michigan senator, Gary Peters reelection, U.S. Senate news, Michigan politics, Gary Peters retirement, Senate seat opening
LGBTQ+ rights advocates protested at the Idaho State Capitol after lawmakers approved a memorial calling for the reversal of federal same-sex marriage protections.
BOISE, Idaho — Dozens of LGBTQ+ rights advocates rallied at the Idaho State Capitol Sunday to protest a legislative petition that calls on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn its landmark same-sex marriage ruling.
The demonstration came four days after the House State Affairs Committee approved a memorial asking the high court to reverse its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
“One day, I want to marry someone that I love just as much as my counterparts,” said one of the rally organizers, Cole Lancaster.
Lancaster said his dreams of marriage feel increasingly threatened in his home state.
State lawmakers backing the memorial argue that marriage regulations should be determined at the state level rather than by federal mandate.
“I don’t think marriage is a fundamental right,” said Heather Scott, the petition’s sponsor. “It’s not the federal government’s job to figure out what’s going on in Idaho.”
Scott said the goal isn’t to take away rights but rather to transfer conversations like same-sex marriage to the state level so Idaho lawmakers can decide for themselves.
“What we’re encouraging is that these discussions happen within the state, with our local people, instead of through the federal government,” Scott said.
But protesters expressed deep skepticism about putting their marriage rights in the hands of state legislators. Many wrote letters to lawmakers explaining what their marriages and equal rights meant to them personally.
“Our marriages don’t affect anyone else,” Lancaster said. “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re going to be heard, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Protesters vowed to continue fighting against the memorial and any other attempts to roll back marriage equality.
“We’re telling people in the Capitol building that we don’t want this initiative to continue any further,” Lancaster said.
In a recent move that has sparked outrage among the LGBTQ+ community, lawmakers in Idaho have introduced a bill that aims to challenge the legality of same-sex marriage in the state. In response, activists have come together to rally under the banner of “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re going to be heard.”
The proposed bill, known as HB 396, seeks to nullify the 2014 federal court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in Idaho. This move has been met with fierce opposition from advocates of LGBTQ+ rights, who see it as a blatant attack on the progress that has been made in achieving marriage equality.
“We will not stand idly by while our hard-fought rights are threatened,” said one activist at the rally. “We have come too far to allow discriminatory legislation to turn back the clock on marriage equality.”
The rally, which drew a large crowd of supporters, featured speeches from community leaders, allies, and individuals directly impacted by the potential repeal of same-sex marriage rights. Chants of “Love is love” and “Equality for all” echoed through the streets as demonstrators made their voices heard.
As the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues, activists are determined to stand firm in their commitment to equality and justice. “We will not be silenced,” declared one speaker. “We will continue to fight for our rights, our love, and our families. We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re going to be heard.”
Los Angeles Kings at Detroit Red Wings (7 p.m. ET; FDSNW, FDSNDETX, NHLN)
The Kings (26-14-6) are looking to right the ship, having lost five of their past seven games (2-4-1). They are third in the Pacific Division, seven points behind the Edmonton Oilers and just three points ahead of the Calgary Flames. Adrian Kempe leads Los Angeles in goals (24) and points (44); he has four goals and one assist in his past five games. The Red Wings (23-21-5) trail the Tampa Bay Lightning by four points for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference after a 2-0 win against Tampa Bay on Saturday. Detroit has won the first two of a three-game homestand; it will begin a four-game road trip Thursday at Edmonton.
Vancouver Canucks at St. Louis Blues (7:30 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, Prime)
The Canucks (21-17-10) are three points behind the Flames for the second wild card from the Western Conference. Quinn Hughes can tie the Canucks record for most consecutive team goals scored by a defenseman, having scored both their goals in a 2-1 win against the Washington Capitals on Saturday; Dale Tallon scored three straight Dec. 11-14, 1971, a mark Hughes matched with three on April 2 and 3, 2024. The Blues (23-23-4) have lost three of four and are five points back in the West wild-card race. Jordan Kyrou leads St. Louis with 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) in 50 games.
Connor McDavid returns from a three-game suspension for cross-checking Canucks forward Conor Garland on Jan. 18. McDavid is second on the Oilers (31-15-3) with 65 points (20 goals, 45 assists) in 43 games. Edmonton went 2-1-0 without its captain and has won six of its past eight games. The Kraken (22-25-3) have won three of four. If Brandon Montour scores against the Oilers, he would match Vince Dunn with the most goals by a Kraken defenseman through their first 50 games of a season. Montour has eight goals and 15 assists; Dunn had nine goals in 2022-23 through 50 games.
After a tough start to the season, the Los Angeles Kings are looking to turn things around as they take on the Detroit Red Wings tonight. The Kings have struggled to find their footing in the early stages of the season, but they will be looking to capitalize on a matchup against the struggling Red Wings.
Detroit, on the other hand, has also had a rocky start to the season and will be looking to bounce back with a win against the Kings. Both teams will be hungry for a victory, making for an exciting and competitive game.
Fans can expect a fast-paced and physical game as both teams look to secure a much-needed win. Will the Kings be able to turn their season around with a win against the Red Wings, or will Detroit come out on top? Tune in tonight to find out.
Tags:
NHL, NHL On Tap, Kings, Red Wings, hockey, turnaround, game preview, matchup, NHL game, NHL teams, sports, professional hockey
