Tennessee State

Alliance, OH

<div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1TfswV_0uclSHHJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1TfswV_0uclSHHJ00" width="1500" height="947" > ALLIANCE − Eight teenagers from Northern Ireland have come and gone from the Alliance area, leaving with memories of growth and with friendships that will last a lifetime. The group, part of the Ulster Project that promotes peace between Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, flew to the United States and spent three weeks with host families with teenagers. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> "I feel like I've grown as a person," said Ryan Hawkins, 16, of Newtownards, Northern Ireland, after a closing ceremony on July 18 at The Chapel in Marlboro. <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=24whQW_0uclSHHJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=24whQW_0uclSHHJ00" width="1418" height="950" > His group, which included Jack Killough, Diarmuid Mainwaring, Shane McKinney, Niahm McLaverty, Christina Williams and Suzi Smith, flew back to their country on July 19. They arrived in Northeast Ohio on June 29, and stayed in the Alliance area. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> At the ceremony, a tearful 15-year-old Williams said she overcame many of her fears, including meeting new people and heights, during this experience. Like the others, she hopes this group − along with the host friends they made in the U.S. − remain close, even oceans apart. "Like, I didn't really know anybody, apart from Ryan," said Williams, also of Newtownards. "But as soon as we came here, I felt so welcomed by my host family. And like, everybody just grew so close instantly." Hawkins and Williams use the same bus station in Northern Ireland, but they go to different schools. <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> Alliance has one of two Ulster Project chapters in Ohio </h2> Northern Ireland has been a deeply divided country, between Catholics and Protestants, since 1921. That unrest was extremely violent for 30 years. <nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> The division still exists in 2024 with less violence. Since 1975, the Ulster Project − an international organization − has been giving Northern Ireland teens a chance to overcome this division in the United States. Here, the teens − a mixture of Catholics and Protestants − have a safe space, free from societal pressures, to build friendships. The hope is the teens return to Northern Ireland and help bridge the divide. <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0gsFSC_0uclSHHJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0gsFSC_0uclSHHJ00" width="2048" height="1481" ><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> "We show them there is parity between the Catholic and Protestant religions," said Rebecca Umberger, chair of the Alliance Area Ulster Project. "There isn't that much of a divide between the two, and then we also teach them lessons in team building and leadership skills." Continuing, Umberger said: "The general view is that 10 to 15 years from now when they're in the community ... they have this experience to draw from and break down those biases." <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4TqFms_0uclSHHJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4TqFms_0uclSHHJ00" width="960" height="720" ><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> The Alliance chapter is one of only two active Ulster Project chapters in Ohio. The second is in the Mahoning Valley near Youngstown. Two others − Cincinnati and Massillon/Canton − have been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, and their last activities were in 2019. Umberger said COVID-19 stopped her group, too, but it resumed operations. "There are others all over the country, like Texas and Tennessee," she said. "A lot of these kids would never be friends with one another because of the split. Even though the violence has kind of calmed down, there's still a divide." Here, in the United States, is "the melting pot," Umberger added. <h2 class="presto-h2 wp-block-heading"> Northern Ireland teens mixed fun, service in Stark County area </h2><nbtemplate data-id="AdPlaceholder" data-content="JTdCJTdE"></nbtemplate> The Alliance chapter welcomed eight teens, ages 15 and 16, and two adult counselors from the Belfast area. They stayed with host families from the Alliance, Deerfield and Atwater areas. There also were two American counselors. The counselors were Michael McLaughlin, Rebecca McMillan, Erica Headley and Amy Toalston. McLaughlin and McMillen live in Northern Ireland. In total, there were 16 teens − boys and girls − involved in this year's Ulster Project, including the children of the host families. The group quickly became friends, Williams said. <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1srD0n_0uclSHHJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1srD0n_0uclSHHJ00" width="720" height="960" > During the stay, Umberger said the group volunteered at the Stark County Hunger Task Force and visited senior citizens at St. Luke Lutheran Community in North Canton. They also attended church services, watched fireworks on the Fourth of July and saw an Akron Rubber Ducks game. The group also went to New Baltimore Ice Cream, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Elkhorn Valley Christian Service Camp, and shopped at the outlet stores in Grove City, Pennsylvania. They canoed around Walborn Reservoir and flew in two-seat planes out of Barber Airport near Deer Creek Reservoir. They also held a fundraiser. Lilly Urso, 14, of Lexington Township and her parents, Chris and Greta Urso, hosted Williams. She described the Ulster Project as an "amazing" experience. "I've met so many different people and different personalities," said Urso, a freshman at Lake Center Christian School. "I've been able to like overcome fears and do things that I never thought I could. Like, I used to think I was afraid of heights and talking to people. Now that I've done it, it's easy." <iframe height="314" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F100064525212507%2Fvideos%2F1036320808158117%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0" width="100%"></iframe> Jake Dean, 16, of Alliance, his brother Luke, and his parents hosted a couple of the Ulster teens. Hanging out with kids his own age from another country was a "really fun experience" and he hopes they all stay in touch. "It doesn't matter where you come from, you can be friends," he said. <img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3MF7LH_0uclSHHJ00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3MF7LH_0uclSHHJ00" width="1072" height="712" > Umberger expected the Alliance chapter will return with another Belfast group next summer. First, they will review this year's experience. She said the biggest challenge is getting host families. If you would like to be a host family or a counselor (ages 21 and older), email Umberger at rsumberger1@gmail.com, or visit the <a href="http://www.aaupusa.com/" rel="nofollow"> chapter's website </a> . They also have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064525212507" rel="nofollow"> Facebook page </a> . Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or <a href="mailto:ben.duer@cantonrep.com" rel="nofollow"> ben.duer@cantonrep.com </a> . On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP . This article originally appeared on The Repository: <a href="https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/alliance/2024/07/25/northern-ireland-ulster-project-alliance-ohio-2024-experience/74431044007/" rel="nofollow"> Promoting peace: Teens from Northern Ireland learn, grow in Alliance </a></div>

Columbus, OH

Lancaster County, PA

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community_voice

NewsByJoshua

Fans of Frisco's Chicken were left reeling as the beloved Peruvian-style eatery announced the closure of all its locations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The chain, known for its delicious food and strong community values, posted a heartfelt note on its doors, informing customers of the devastating news.

Favorite Chicken Chain Suddenly Closes All Stores, Heartfelt Message Found on Doors

Blanco, TX

Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

California State

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The HD Post

CALIFORNIA – Starting July 1, landlords will only be allowed to collect one month’s rent for the security deposit on a rental property. Assembly Bill 12, signed into law last October, says regardless of whether the residential property is unfurnished or furnished, only one month’s rent can be charged in addition to any rent for the first month paid on or before initial occupancy.

Law limiting security deposits goes into effect July 1

Virginia State

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

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Anchorage, AK

Cheryl E Preston

Daily Express reports that Roger Allan Holmberg Sr., a Virginia pastor, has been accused of hitting his wife while on an Alaskan Airlines flight from Seatle to Anchorage. Holberg allegedly verbally and physically abused his wife, who said she has epilepsy, and her husband hit her in the head, knowing it could cause a seizure.

Virginia pastor facing federal charges after he allegedly hit his wife on an Alaskan Airlines flight

New York City, NY

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

Some of the top cited reasons for reluctance included a lack of skill, cognitive capacity and knowledge. Health care systems making workflow and staffing changes could be a possible strategy to address barriers. Most physicians who are reluctant to treat addiction cited poor training and other institutional factors as major...

‘Physicians don’t feel comfortable’ treating addiction due to poor training, lack of resources

J. Souza

After hitting the jackpot in the cruise ship's casino, one man was shocked by the prize he won. A recent TikTok video has gotten a lot of attention, showcasing a couple's unexpected windfall during a cruise vacation.

Cruise Passenger Wins Jackpot on Cruise and Gets $50k Cabin Upgrade

Chicago, IL

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

Ronkonkoma, NY

The New York Post reveals that two men who died in a plane crash at MacArthur Airport were from Virginia. The men had been visiting friends in Long Island and were returning home when the tragedy occurred.

Life partners from Virginia have been identified as the victims of a New York plane crash

Bucks County, PA

Doylestown, PA

Bucks County Beacon

More than 200 Democratic and Independent voters braved the sweltering heat Saturday for a chance to meet California Governor Gavin Newsom in a rally to support President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ reelection.

California Governor Gavin Newsom Visits Doylestown, Urges Bucks County to ‘Help Save Democracy’ in November

Shenandoah, PA

The Shenandoah (PA) Sentinel

NORTHERN SCHUYLKILL – The following is a collection of police incidents reported by local law enforcement...
The post Police Log, 7/10/2024 first appeared on The Shenandoah Sentinel.

Police Log, 7/10/2024

West Virginia State

Norfolk, VA

Four Virginians were confirmed to be onboard when the Titanic sank on April 14, 1912. Phillip Acts and Selini Decker, who lived a few blocks apart in Norfolk, died when the ship sank. Richmond native Robert Decker and Eloise Smith, who later moved to Richmond from West Virginia, survived.

There's a reason no remains from the Virginia Titanic victims will ever be found

Athens, GA

Now Habersham

A 19-year-old Lawrenceville man is in custody after allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor, according to a news release from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department.

Teen arrested for kidnapping and molestation after Athens hit-and-runs

Georgia State

Douglas, GA

Daily Coffee Press

Last week, a 32-year-old was arrested on trafficking charges after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and abandoning the vehicle with a child in the passenger seat. The chase resulted in the discovery of 230 grams of methamphetamine, which the suspect allegedly threw out while fleeing on foot. According to local detectives, the vehicle the suspect was driving was registered to NFL football player Tyreek Hill.

Man Driving Vehicle Registered to Tyreek Hill Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges in Douglas

Raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 14 years old in South Australia is an important step forwards in progressing the principles of trauma-informed justice systems, Flinders experts say. Criminology expert Dr. Katherine McLachlan, author of a new book targeting a more compassionate "trauma-informed" criminal justice system,...

Crime expert promotes trauma-informed justice

Newark, NJ

Morristown Minute

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man has been charged with numerous offenses related to narcotics distribution and firearms trafficking. Kyrell Domnie, 39, of Irvington, known by the alias "Fly Ky," was charged by complaint and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor in Newark federal court on July 17, 2024. He remains detained following the hearing.

Convicted Felon Faces Multiple Narcotics and Firearms Charges

Jacksonville, FL

Jacksonville Today

A man died in police custody Sunday after he was arrested when he scuffled with firefighters and police, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said. Joseph Lawson, 43, was the second person to die in the past week while in police custody. Both were hospitalized at the time they died, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Suspect dies in custody; he’s the second in six days

Kentucky State

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Kentucky’s medical cannabis program has taken significant steps toward ensuring those with qualifying conditions have access to medical cannabis as soon as possible, said Gov. Andy Beshear this week.

State to open licensing applications for medical cannabis businesses beginning July 1

Massachusetts State

Camilo Díaz

(MA) Get ready to open your heart to a wiry bundle of love named Chunk. This 2-year-old Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier mix pup recently came into rescue for heartbreaking reasons. Though he started his life as a cared for and well-loved pup, Chunk's owner sadly passed away, leaving Chunk all by his lonesome.

Meet Chunk: A Little Chihuahua Who Lost her Owner Now Looking For Love

CALIFORNIA – Plaintiffs, in a case against Wells Fargo alleging that the bank knowingly took part in a marketing scam, asked the court, July 8, not to grant a motion for summary judgment.

Class action lawsuit says Wells Fargo customers lost over $160 Million

Limaville, OH

Sebring, OH

Beloit, OH

North Benton, OH

Homeworth, OH

Paris, OH

Louisville, OH

Atwater, OH

Middlebranch, OH

Robertsville, OH

Hartville, OH

Canton, OH

Minerva, OH

Berlin Center, OH

East Rochester, OH

East Canton, OH

Diamond, OH

Winona, OH

Salem, OH

The Repository


                        ALLIANCE − Eight teenagers from Northern Ireland have come and gone from the Alliance area, leaving with memories of growth and with friendships that will last a lifetime. 
                        The group, part of the Ulster Project that promotes peace between Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, flew to the United States and...

Promoting peace: Teens from Northern Ireland learn, grow in Alliance

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