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JUSTICE DEPT. INDICTS RUSSIAN CONTROLLED MEDIA EMPLOYEES FOR ATTEMPTING TO COVERTLY INFLUENCE U.S. ELECTIONS

View the indictment here

Source: U.S. Dept. of Justice

September 4, 2024 (Washington D.C.) – Attorney General Merrick Garland today announced criminal indictments against two Russian nationals in a scheme to spread disinformation across social media under covert identities posing as U.S.-based media outlets. Their aim was to illegally influence the 2024 election, sow division among Americans, and spread propaganda favorable to Russia regarding its invasion of Ukraine. 

The defendants, Kostiantyn “Kostya” Kalashnikov and Elena “Lena”Afanasyeva, are both employees of Russia’s state-controlled media outlet in Moscow,  RT, formerly known as Russia Today.


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MAYOR BILL WELLS BAND AND SAN DIEGO RESCUE MISSION SHINE A LIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH AT OCT. 12 CONCERT

Annual concert is free this year, focusing on mental health awareness with screenings and information to the public

September 4, 2024 (El Cajon) -- El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and his 14-piece band are partnering with the San Diego Rescue Mission this year on his acclaimed annual concert. This year’s event, “Shine a Light on Mental Health” will be held Saturday, October 12 at the Magnolia Theater,210 East Main St.,El Cajon.

The event begins with a health fair at 6:30 featuring nearly 15 local mental health and wellness providers in the courtyard providing free screening and information, followed by the concert at 8 p.m. Free tickets are available here.

Mayor Wells' 14-piece band plays Rock, Pop, R&B, and Blues from across a few decades by artists including Ray Charles, the B-52s, Santana, Stevie Wonder, Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Joe Walsh, and, as Wells noted, "a few songs you love but have no idea who sang them." The band is made up of friends he's played with over the years, and they are coming in from all over the country for this great cause. 


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MEASLES EXPOSURE AT RADY CHILDREN’S PEDIATRIC UNIT AT GROSSMONT HOSPITAL IN LA MESA AND AT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

By Miriam Raftery

Photo via Centers for Disease Control

September 3, 2024 (La Mesa)  - If you or your children visited Rady Grossmont Pediatric Unit in La Mesa on August 20,  or Rady Children’s Hospital Emergency Room in San Diego on August 25, you may have been exposed to measles. 

A 13-month-old unvaccinated infant who contracted measles while traveling overseas was seen at these locations. The child is the fourth case of measles locally this year.  Measles is a serious illness that spreads easily, so anyone with symptoms is urged to contact their healthcare provider.  


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THE PEOPLE’S PROSECUTOR: KAMALA HARRIS MAKES HER CASE FOR PRESIDENCY IN DNC ACCEPTANCE SPEECH

View full video

August 31, 2022 (Chicago)—In her acceptance speech for the Democratic party’s presidential nomination delivered last week in Chicago, Vice President and former prosecutor Kamala Harris presented her case to the American people. She spoke of domestic and foreign policy priorities, sharply contrasting her goals with those of her opponent.

“My entire career, I have only had one  client. The People,” said Harris, former California Attorney General and a former district attorney.  “With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a New Way Forward.”

Pledging to be a President for all Americans, she added, “You can always trust me to put country above party and self. To hold sacred America’s fundamental principals—from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power,” alluding to her opponent, former President Donald Trump, convicted of felony fraud and facing numerous pending charges related to his efforts to overthrow the 2020 election results.

Harris said that if elected, she would strive to unite Americans around “our highest aspirations” and be a President “who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical, and has common sense. And always fights for the American people.”


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COUNTY UNVEILS NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING MAPPING TOOL

By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
August 29, 2024 (San Diego) -- The County has a new tool to help people find affordable housing.  
 
An interactive website and map is now available to search for affordable housing developments built with the help of County funds. 

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EAST COUNTY ADVANCED WATER PROGRAM JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY ISSUES GREEN BONDS: $433 MILLION IN TAX-EXEMPT INTERIM NOTES

East County News Service
 
August 28, 2024 (Santee) – The East County Advanced Water Purification Joint Powers Authority (Authority) plans to issue approximately $433,235,000 in tax exempt, fixed rate notes on September 4, 2024. The Notes are being issued to finance, on an interim basis, a portion of the design, construction, and development costs of the East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Project. The Notes are special, limited obligations of the Authority payable solely from Net Revenues of the Authority, and, if needed, other funds held by the Authority. 

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GRAND OPENING OF CAL COAST CREDIT UNION STUDENT FINANCIAL CENTER AT SDSU

East County News Service

August 28, 2024 (San Diego) --  San Diego State University and California Coast Credit Union leaders held a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 21 commemorating the grand opening of the new Cal Coast Credit Union Student Financial Center. 

In 2023, California Coast Credit Union pledged $3 million to establish a financial center that would help students gain financial literacy and wellness skills. The Cal Coast Credit Union Student Financial Center, located on the second floor of SDSU’s Student Services West, has undergone renovations and expansions over the past year while remaining open to students. It serves as a hub for financial education, offering resources for financial aid, bill paying, budgeting, and more.

“I worked full time while I attended SDSU and I didn’t know where to turn on campus for personal financial advice,” said Cal Coast President & CEO Todd Lane (class of ’86). “I didn’t want students to experience that today. That is why it’s been a passion of mine to help develop a variety of free resources on campus to assist students with their personal finances, and make sure students are aware of them. I’m proud to know that through these efforts, we’ve helped students by setting them on a path to thrive financially in the long term.”


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LEMON GROVE MAYOR PROMISES "SMOOTHER RIDES AHEAD" IN STATE OF CITY ADDRESS

View video of Mayor Racquel Vasquez’s State of the City 2024 address

By Miriam Raftery

August 28, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – In her 2024 State of the City address delivered August 14, Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez said,  “We are gathered tonight to celebrate our remarkable accomplishments and to embrace the exciting opportunities that are before us, and to report a shared vision for the future of our city.”

That progress includes strengthening the city’s finances, enhancing infrastructure and elevating the quality of life, according to the Mayor.


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SDPD OFFICER KILLED, SECOND OFFICER SERIOUSLY INJURED AFTER SUSPECT STRUCK VEHICLE

By Miriam Raftery

Updated August 29, 2024 with identity of the teen suspect who died at the scene following a pursuit.

August 28, 2024 (San Diego) –  A San Diego Police officer is dead and a second officer hospitalized in critical condition after their patrol vehicle was struck by a suspect following a high-speed chase. The suspect also died at the scene on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. west of I-805 around 11:30 p.m. on Monday.

Ironically, the chase initiated by other officers had been called off to protect public safety, shortly before the suspect slammed into the vehicle driven by Officer Austin Machitar, who was responding to a call to assist with the pursuit. A field training officer who appeared in SDPD recruitment flyers and videos, Officer Machitar had just celebrated his 30th birthday when the deadly crash occurred. He died at the scene.

Officer Zach Martinez, 27, a Navy reservist trained by Machitar, was in the patrol vehicle’s passenger seat during the crash. As of yesterday, he remained hospitalized at Sharp Memorial with serious injuries.

The suspect has been identified as Edgar Giovanny Oviedo, 16, of San Diego.


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FOUR CANDIDATES VIE FOR TWO LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL SEATS

By Miriam Raftery

Photos, top left to lower right:  Sitivi "Steve" Faiai, Councilman George Gastil, Jessyka Heredia,and Seth Smith

August 27, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Four candidates are running for two City Council seats in Lemon Grove.  Councilman George Gastil seeks reelection. The other candidates are Sitivi “Steve” Faiai, Jessyka Heredia, and Seth Andrew Smith.  Depending on the outcomes in the Council and mayoral races, Lemon Grove will have at least one new face on its City Council, and could have as many as three. 

That’s because Councilmembers Liana LeBaron and Alysson Snow are challenging incumbent Racquel Vasquez in the mayoral race. LeBaron’s Council term is up this year, meaning if she loses her mayoral bid, she will be off the Council.  Snow’s term isn’t up until 2026, meaning she will stay on the Council if she loses her mayoral bid. If Snow wins, this would create a new open seat, which the new City Council could fill by appointment or special election.  Read ECM’s article on the mayoral race.

Lemon Grove’s City Council meetings have often been contentious, with clashes among some Councilmembers as well as pushback from some members of the public on issues including homelessness, housing, business development, street repairs and flooded storm drains. The city has a smaller budget than other East County cities, making it a daunting challenge to meet the many priorities voiced by residents.

Here are highlights of each candidate seeking to represent residents on the Lemon Grove City Council, listed in alphabetical order.


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SANTEE ELECTIONS INCLUDE MAYOR, TWO COUNCIL SEATS AND SALES TAX HIKE

By Mike Allen

Photo: Former Padre Dam Municipal Water District director Augie Scalzitti is challenging Councilman Dustin Trotter.

August 27, 2024 (Santee)-- This November, Santee voters are facing several choices on their ballots, one for mayor and one for District Four Council representative, as well as whether to enact a half cent increase to their sales tax.

In the 4th District, incumbent Councilman Dustin Trotter is being challenged by Augie Scalzitti. Development is emerging as a key issue in this race.


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BORREGO WOMAN DIES OF INJURIES FROM CRASH

East County News Service
 
August 26, 2024 (Borrego Springs) – Cynthia Soller, 89, from Borrego Springs has died of injuries sustained in a crash that occurred August 23 around 8:25 a.m. She was driving a 1999 Subaru Forester southbound on Country Club Road, north of T Anchor Drive in Borrego Springs when her vehicle veered off the road and struck a rock and a palm tree. 

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LAKESIDE WOMAN DIES AFTER WRONG-WAY CRASH ON I-8 IN EL CAJON

East County News Service
 
August 26, 2024 (El Cajon) – A Lakeside woman, 49, driving a 2001 Kia K5 the wrong way on I-8 died at the scene of a head-on collision on August 25 around 12:48 a.m. She was driving east on I-8 westbound near El Cajon Blvd. at a high rate of speed, when she struck a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado.

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TWO KILLED IN SPRING VALLEY VAN CRASH

East County News Service
 
August 26, 2024 (Spring Valley) – Two people from Perris, CA died at the scene of a crash that occurred August 24 around 6:13 p.m. in Spring Valley. According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of a silver Nissan Quest van lost control of the vehicle on the offramp from State Route 94 to Bancroft Drive, veering off the roadway and hitting a light pole.  

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LEMON GROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING RUNS PAST MIDNIGHT: CABINS FOR HOMELESS, CARWASH AND CHICKEN EATERY RAISE CONTROVERSY

 

 

By Branda Gorgies

Photos by Branda Gorgies and via Creative Commons Google

August 26, 2024 (Lemon Grove) -- On August 6, the Lemon Grove City Council held a meeting that lasted seven hours, until 1 a.m. Public comments were moved to the end of the meeting for non-agendized items, so residents had to stay late to speak out on the proposed sleeping cabins for the homeless.  

Two other items that were on the agenda also drew controversy: approval of a Quick Quack Car Wash and a Raising Cane’s chicken restaurant.

The room was filled with protestors holding signs. First to speak against the sleeping was Bryan Delgado, who called them “tin cans.” He cited concern that  constituents were not being consulted, but his main concern was bringing down the neighborhood. After Delgado’s comments, Mayor Racquel Vasquez clarified that the project is county-based..


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PROMINENT REPUBLICANS ENDORSE HARRIS, INCLUDING TRUMP ADMIN. OFFICIALS WHO SAY TRUMP POSES DANGER TO DEMOCRACY

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2024 (Chicago, IL) – In an unprecedented action, numerous prominent Republicans have spoken at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for President—including top Trump administration leaders, a conservative judge,and elected Republican officials. These speakers urged Americans to put country over party, warning that their former boss poses a threat to American democracy and is unfit to hold the nation’s highest office.

Many other prominent Republicans have also endorsed Harris and/or warned that Donald Trump should not be president again, including his former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, his former national security advisor, Trump’s White House chief of staff, other administration insiders, and 15 former Republican members of Congress.


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FOUR CANDIDATES NOW IN RUNNING FOR TWO SEATS ON LA MESA CITY COUNCIL

By Miriam Raftery

Photos, top left to lower right: Kristine Alessio, Genevieve Suzuki, Lauren Cazares, and Shawn Townsend.

August 22, 2024 (La  Mesa) – Former La Mesa City Councilmember Kristine Alessio is the latest to file papers to run for the La Mesa City Council. The three other candidates in the race, previously profiled by ECM, are Lauren Cazares, Genevieve Suzuki, and Shawn Townsend. 

La Mesa’s City Council will have two new members after the November election.  That’s because Councilman Jack Shu is retiring and Councilman Colin Parent, whose term  expires, is running for State Assembly. The top two vote-getters will fill the seats.

Here are highlights of the four candidates vying for the two open seats, hoping to represent La Mesans.


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PUBLIC POLICY EXPERT CHALLENGES COUNCILMAN GOBLE IN EL CAJON’S DISTRICT 3

By Miriam Raftery

August 23, 2024 (El Cajon) – Three seats are on the ballot in El Cajon.  In districts 2 and 4,  Councilmembers Michelle Metschel and Phil Ortiz are running unopposed.  In district 3, Councilman Steve Goble, a retired businessman, faces a challenge from  Courtney Hall, a public policy expert and data analyst.

Below are details on their experience, qualifications, accomplishments and endorsements.


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REP. ISSA INTRODUCES BILL TO STOP MISUSE OF AI-GENERATED DIGITAL REPLICAS

East County News Service

Image: AI facial generation; CC by NC via Bing

August 22, 2024 (San Diego) -- Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced the Preventing Abuse of Digital Replicas Act (PADRA), landmark legislation to protect the voice, image, and likeness of individuals from being used in unauthorized commercial ways.

The recent rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has led to a sharp increase in the number and sophistication of deceptive digital replicas being abused to mislead consumers. Such deepfakes were recently used to falsely portray actor Tom Hanks, country music star Lainey Wilson, and  Elon Musk, owner of Twitter, SpaceX and Tesla, as endorsing various products and services.

“AI is here to stay – and with it all the benefits and risks that are coming into view. We developed this legislation to give individuals the best opportunity to protect their image and likeness and stop its use without their permission for commercial gain,” said Rep. Issa, a Republican who represent portions of San Diego and East County.


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COACH WALZ DELIVERS PEP TALK TO DNC, ACCEPTS VP NOMINATION

View video of full acceptance speech by Tim Walz

By Miriam Raftery

August 22, 2024 (Chicago, IL) – Cheered on by Democratic National convention delegates and many of his former students, Minnesota GovernorTim Walsh accepted the vice presidential nomination as Kamala Harris’ running mate last night. “I haven’t given a lot of big speeches like this,but I have given a lot of pep talks,” the former high school football coach, teacher, former Congressman and military veteran told the crowd.

He likened the 76-days until Election Day to a football game in the fourth quarter, adding, “We’re on offense and we’ve got the ball...and boy, do we have the right team.” He called Harris tough, experience and ready to “build a country where workers come first, healthcare and housing are human rights, and the government stays the hell out of of your bedroom.”

Walz said it was the players he once coached and his students who first inspired him to run for Congress.  “They saw in me what I had hoped to instill in them: a commitment to the common good, an understanding that we’re all in this together, and the belief that a single person can make a real difference for their neighbors.”


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INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN LAKESIDE SHOOTING

East County News Service
August 21, 2024 (Lakeside) -- The Lakeside Sheriff's Substation is investigating a shooting that sent a man to the hospital early Monday morning.
 
It happened just after a dreadful Sunday night and into the morning of August 19. Sheriff's Deputies were called to the 12000 block of Woodside Avenue for a report of a shooting. When they arrived, they found a 24-year-old man who had been shot multiple times. He was taken to the hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

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HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION IN BOULEVARD

East County News Service

Update August 21, 2024:  The victim has been identified as Arthur Stephen Andreatta, 74.

August 19, 2024 (Boulevard) – The Sheriff’s homicide unit is investigating the death of a 75-year-old man found dead with head trauma inside his home in the 900 block of Tierra Del Sol Road in Boulevard.

Cal Fire  called for deputies from the Pine Valley Sheriff’s station to assist after finding the man unresponsive and later pronouncing him dead.


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JUDGE RULES AGAINST SANTEE’S FANITA RANCH; CITY MULLS APPEAL

 

Court finds City Council should have allowed citizens to vote on ballot initiative before approving project

By Mike Allen

Photo: Fanita Ranch site, courtesy of Preserve Wild Santee

August 15, 2024 (Santee) -- Santee’s Fanita Ranch project, which would put about 3,000 new homes into the northwest quarter of the city, was dealt another set back last week when a Superior Court judge ruled that the City Council didn’t follow its own rules regarding new development.


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TWO COUNCILMEMBERS CHALLENGE VASQUEZ IN LEMON GROVE MAYORAL RACE

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Mayor Racquel Vasquez,Councilmember Liana LeBaron, and Councilmember Alysson Snow

August 15, 2024 (Lemon Grove) – Lemon Grove Mayor Racquel Vasquez will face two elected officials as challengers in her quest to win reelection in November: Councilmembers Alysson Snow and Liana LeBaron.  The city, which is smaller than other East County incorporated communities, faces greater challenges in addressing issues such as homelessness, housing, and infrastructure including road repairs and storm drains that caused recent flood damage.

Here are highlights of each candidate's background and stances on key issues.


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SOME BORDER FIRES SPARKED BY MIGRANTS, IGNITING SAFETY CONCERNS

Photo via CalFire: Border 47 fire was started by migrants, possibly seeking rescue in a remote location near the border, according to Cal Fire.  The blaze charred 50 acres. 

August 13, 2024 (San Diego) – The vast majority of California’s wildfires are caused by humans, as Cal Matters recently reported. Vehicles and lawn equipment are the most common culprits in accidental fires, while a few have natural causes from lightning. 

But along the international border, campfires lit by migrants and fires set by smugglers have sparked numerous recent blazes -- also igniting public safety concerns.

After a surge in border fires in May, Amy Reichert, chairwoman of Restore San Diego, obtained public records from CalFire from May 1 through June 1. .Reichert claimed that  of the eight fires along the border May 1-June 1, seven were tied to illegal border crossers, with one of undetermined cause, since it started in Mexico. 

ECM fact-checked that claim and found it largely accurate, with migrant fires the most likely cause of six fires, shooting the most likely cause in one fire despite a campfire nearby, and the Mexico fire of undetermined cause.


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ANITA FIRE HALTED YARDS FROM HOMES IN SPRING VALLEY



Story and Photos by Josh Stotler



August 12, 2024 (Spring Valley)--A vegetation fire threatened homes on Millar Ranch Road north of Millar Anita Ln in Spring Valley today. Some residents were ordered to evacuated and others asked to shelter in place amid flying ash and debris, with firefighting vehicles lining the roadway. Emergency responders helped escort evacuating residents to safety while crews worked to bring the blaze under control.

The fire was first reported at 1:24 pm and crews responded to find a fire in dense vegetation moving at a moderate rate of spread. Homes on Millar Ranch Rd were immediately threatened and more resources were ordered. Air and ground resources worked under a unified fire command to attack this fire head on and keep the loss of life and property to zero.

Cal Fire crews lit a back fire to eliminate fuel between the head of the fire and houses.

One homeowner, Grace Russo, stayed behind to help save her home. “I sent my daughter and my 90 year old mother to safety and I stayed behind with my labs,” she said of the family's dogs.


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SHELTER-IN-PLACE/EVACUATION ORDER BETWEEN 94 AND SD NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE/SAN MIGUEL MTN

UPDATE: Forward progress stopped at ~12 acres, per incident command, reports Liam Winstead
 
UPDATE: Zone SDC-2217 has been split into two zones. Zone SDC-2217B remains under an Evacuation Order. Zone SDC-2217-A is now under an Evacuation Warning. A new Evacuation Warning has been issued for zone SDC-2218. The Evacuation Warning has been lifted for zone SDC-2098. For the zones' parameters download Watch Duty app.
 
UPDATE: the #AnitaFire is now 15-20 acres and designated evacuation point Regal Edwards Cinema on Jamacha Road in Rancho San Diego (El Cajon)
 
August 12, 2024 (Spring Valley) -- The #AnitaFire started on the west side of Millar Ranch Road but jumped, now well established on both sides, just north of Millar Anita Lane, resulting in immediate structures threatened and a requested Evacuation Order for Zone SDC-2217.

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SUPERVISOR ANDERSON SEEKS SIGNATURES ON PETITION TO OPEN LOVELAND RESERVOIR FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET

 

East County News Service

August 11, 2024 (Alpine)—Supervisor Joel Anderson is asking the public to sign a petition which he will deliver to Sweetwater Water Authority asking the agency to restore sunrise-to-sunset hours at Loveland Reservoir. You can sign the petition here.  

Anderson  has emerged as a champion for local recreational enthusiasts seeking to protect access at several local lakes, including a prior petition that yielded positive results.


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CHICAGO DELEGATES MEET VIA CONFERENCE CALL AND CERTIFY HARRIS/WALZ

By Dennis Moore (photo)
 
August 10, 2024 (Chicago) -- It's official, the Chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Minyon Moore, announced on X(Twitter) that she was a part of a historic moment. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz are now certified as democratic nominees, overseen by Moore.

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TEAM USA MEDALIST PREFERS HEALTHCARE IN PARIS OLYMPIC VILLAGE

"In the Olympic Village in Paris, everyone has free healthcare as a human right. In America, 1 in 4 cancer patients go bankrupt or lose their homes because of the outrageously high cost of care."
 
 
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August 10, 2024 (Paris) -- U.S. Olympic rugby player Ariana Ramsey became a sensation on social media this week after documenting a series of free healthcare visits in the Olympic Village in Paris and becoming an advocate for universal care in her home country.
 
Ramsey's initial TikTok video, published Saturday, went viral in France after she expressed disbelief about the free healthcare on offer, playing into the European idea that Americans—who live in the only high-income country in the world without universal care—don't know what they are missing.
 
Read the full article with clickable links and embedded videos in Common Dreams.

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