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How a South Dakota priest inspired 125 years of direct democracy – and the fight to preserve it

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

Thanks to a rabble-rousing, socialist priest, it’s a milestone year for direct democracy in the U.S. and not just because Ohio voters are circumventing their Republican-controlled legislature to decide for themselves if they have constitutional abortion rights.The practice of citizen-originated ballot measures began 125 years ago when South Dakota became the first in the nation to enact a statewide initiative and referendum process. More states followed, and the movement giving voters lawmaking powers grew far bigger than the Rev. Robert W. Haire’s spirited advocacy for it.The pioneering Catholic priest is an obscure historical figure today. But some still invoke his name in their fight to preserve voters’ ballot measure rights. Others carry on with the advocating, educating and ministering that Haire set into motion — whether they know it or not.South Dakotans still cherish being able to vote on their state’s laws and constitution — and that’s Haire’s legacy, said Cory Heidelberger...

Palestinians plead 'stop the bombs' at UN meeting but Israel insists Hamas must be obliterated

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — “Stop the bombs and save lives!” the Palestinian ambassador pleaded at an emotional U.N. meeting Thursday on the nonstop attacks in Gaza. But Israel’s envoy was adamant, declaring again, “We will not rest until Hamas is obliterated.”The attacks sparked by Hamas' surprise attacks on Israel on Oct. 7 played out in the vast hall of the 193-nation General Assembly, where Arab nations expected to adopt a resolution Friday calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza after the Security Council’s four failed attempts to agree on any action.At the assembly’s resumed emergency special session on Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories Thursday, speaker after speaker backed the Arab resolution’s cease-fire call — except for Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan, who told the 193-member world body, “A cease-fire means giving Hamas time to rearm itself, so they can massacre us again.”He said, “Any call for a cease-fire is not an attempt at peace. It is an attempt to t...

Dean's Weekender: Ramy Youssef, The 1975 and more

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

Check out Dean's Weekender for the latest events coming to the Chicagoland area this weekend.

Dean's Reviews: Five Nights at Freddy's

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

Check out Dean's review on the latest film, "Five Nights at Freddy's."Get Dean's reviews and A-List interviews delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for Dean's Downloads weekly newsletter. You'll also get his Dean Cooks recipes too!

Trump Jr. calls RFK Jr. a 'Democrat plant'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

(The Hill) — Donald Trump Jr. dubbed presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a “Democrat plant” after the candidate left the Democratic primary to pursue a presidential bid as an independent, potentially hurting former President Trump’s election chances.“It legitimately always felt like it was a Democrat plant to hurt the Trump thing,” Trump Jr. said to Trump campaign volunteers in Iowa on Thursday, NBC News reported. “He wouldn’t be there if the Democrats didn’t want him.”The Democratic establishment essentially ignored Kennedy’s longshot primary bid against President Biden. Now, early polls show that Kennedy may actually pull more voters from Trump than Biden in a three-man race, turning a former primary opponent into a boon for the president.Kennedy centered his campaign on a rejection of the two-party system, distrust in government and skepticism of COVID-19, including the COVID vaccine.Those positions could appeal to voters who otherwise would vote for Trump, political ana...

Efforts to make desalination cheaper than tap water

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- There are water scarcity concerns worldwide, but there's plenty of salt water in the world's oceans. However, you can't drink salt water, so scientists at MIT's Device Research Laboratory are attempting to create desalination technology. The hope is that the technology will turn salt water to fresh water and open up doors to more water access to people and places where it's hard to come by.KXAN Meteorologist Nick Bannin spoke with Yang Zhong, a Graduate Student at MIT's Device Research Laboratory, about how they're working to make this happen.Nick Bannin, KXAN Meteorologist: So you and your colleagues have developed a device capable of producing freshwater from saltwater, powered by the sun? What makes this device special?Yang Zhong, Graduate Student at MIT's Device Research Laboratory: Certainly, there are quite a few research and also products available on the market. This device is also powered by sunlight, but I think for those devices, a key challenge is that t...

Friday is the deadline to apply for ballot by mail

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – The Texas Secretary of State's Office has sent out a reminder that Friday is an important deadline for Texas voters in the Nov. 7 election. Friday is the last day voters can apply for a ballot by mail.The Secretary of State's office said to be eligible to vote early by mail in Texas, you must:be 65 years or older;be sick or disabled;be out of the county on election day and during the period for early voting by personal appearance; orbe expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day; orbe confined in jail, but otherwise eligible. KXAN Voter Guide November 2023 Here are the instructions according to the SOS's office for submitting an Application for Ballot by Mail (“ABBM”):Print (PDF) the ABBM formOR submit an order online and an ABBM will be mailed to you.Complete Sections 1 through 4.Sign and Date Section 5.If you were unable to sign the application and someone witnessed your signature, that person must complete Section 6.If s...

Newspaper delivery delayed by up to two hours on Friday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

Due to significant press issues, delivery of Friday’s Pioneer Press has been delayed by up to two hours.We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.For free access to our online newspaper, click here: epioneerpress.comTo register a complaint, click here: [email protected] use our automated voice response unit please call: 651-717-7377.Related ArticlesNews | Drug Takeback Day provides a place to safely dispose of unwanted medication, syringes News | Man found dead in marshy area off St. Paul freeway had been reported missing News | Our 2023 guide to the best burgers in the Twin Cities News | Goats and sheep grazed on a hillside on the Capitol grounds in St. Paul on Wednesday News | St. Paul man sentenced for killing girlfriend’s friend during domestic assault

Biden will face a primary bid from Minnesota’s Rep. Dean Phillips

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

CONCORD, N.H.  — For months, Dean Phillips has been calling for a Democratic primary challenge to President Joe Biden. He’s drawn no public interest from governors, lawmakers, and other would-be alternatives.The Minnesota congressman is finally entering the race himself.The 54-year-old Phillips has scheduled a campaign announcement Friday at the New Hampshire statehouse in Concord. Asked during an interview by CBS if he was running for president, Phillips responded: “I am. I have to.”“I think President Biden has done a spectacular job for our country,” he said. “But it’s not about the past. This is an election about the future.”While Phillips is highly unlikely to beat Biden, a run would offer a symbolic challenge to national Democrats trying to project the idea that there is no reason to doubt the president’s electability — even as many Americans question whether the 80-year-old Biden should serve another term.Phillips may also benefit from New Hampshire Democrats angry at Biden fo...

'RuPaul's Drag Race' alums coming to the Capital Region

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:35:00 GMT

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Two "RuPaul's Drag Race" alums are coming to the Capital Region. Season nine winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Sasha Velour, will be at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady and Opal Essence from season four of “Camp Wannakiki” will be at Capital Repertory Theatre. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Essence will be hosting a Dragtacular New Year’s Eve experience at theREP on December 31. The show will feature Violencia Exclamation Point and Onyx Ondyx with appearances by Paris LuRux, Lexxi Pro and London Jae Precise.Velour is a drag queen, visual artist, television host and author and is bringing “The Big Reveal Live Show!” to Proctors on March 2, 2024. The new, 90-minute show includes lip-syncing, visuals, reveals and high camp. Upcoming celebrity appearances in the Capital Region You can buy tickets on theREP website and the Proctors website, respectively. VIP tickets are also available for each performance.