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September 14, 2024
Feds rarely punish hospitals for turning away pregnant patients
Ivanni Herrera looks on during an interview in a park Friday, May 18, 2024, in Aurora, Colo. Associated Press
By AMANDA SEITZ Associated Press As the pregnant woman's contractions rolled in every two minutes, staff at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, dispatched an ambulance to
send her elsewhere. Just two minutes later, she gave birth to a 6-pound baby girl in the cab of the ambulance down the road from the 900-bed hospital. The incident, government investigators concluded last year, was a violation of
a federal law that requires emergency rooms to stabilize patients in medical distress before discharging or transferring them. Yet, Our Lady of the Lake has never been been penalized for that incident or any of its other violations of
the law. Few emergency rooms ever are. Just a dozen hospitals have been fined for refusing to treat patients — pregnant or not — over the past two years, an Associated Press analysis of civil monetary penalties issued by the U.S.
Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General found. It took years for the government to decide those penalties.
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Caribbean and Latin American Culinary Experience Arrives at
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UP FRONT Saturday 14 September 2024 A2
Feds rarely punish hospitals for turning away pregnant patients
Continued from Front
Not one of the more than 100 emergency rooms that mistreated or turned away pregnant women since 2022, when the Biden administration pledged to toughen enforcement of the law, has been fined. "What little we know about the investigations have yielded very rare results," said Sara Rosenbaum, a George Washington University health law and policy professor. At Our Lady of the Lake, which did not provide comment for this article, inspectors determined the emergency room's staff members violated the federal mandate seven times since 2017, when they refused a needed surgery to a Medicaid patient with a broken spine, left a suicidal teenager unattended in the lobby and failed to examine another pregnant woman before sending her to another hospital, federal records show. Other emergency rooms denied care to pregnant women, sometimes leaving them to miscarry in bathrooms, deliver babies in cars or develop risky infections. Some repeatedly flouted the mandate without consequence, including one Tennessee emergency room with such long wait times that a pregnant woman had to be hospitalized for a week after an 8-hour wait and a man with chest pain collapsed in the lobby, then died. HHS does not demand fines from hospitals that violate the law except in unusual cases where they refuse to improve their practices, agency officials said. "Because the consequences are so real, we have seen hospitals work with us almost every single time," HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement to the AP. "We have been and will continue to be forward leaning here, communicating our intent directly and very seriously to hospital executives and provider associations which is, in part, why we have seen such good coopera
tion." After the Supreme Court overturned the nationwide right to an abortion, the Biden administration turned to a longstanding federal law, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, in a frantic effort to ensure abortion access for women in dire medical circumstances. The White House has argued that to comply with the law, hospitals must provide emergency abortions for pregnant women who need them to save their lives or reproductive organs, despite state abortion bans. Asked about the AP's findings on Friday, White House press secretary Karine JeanPierre put blame on former President Donald Trump for appointing three Supreme Court justices who ruled to upend U.S. abortion rights. The Biden administration has sent letters to hospitals repeatedly reminding them of that law and the penalties — up to $129,232 per violation or loss of Medicare funding — for flouting it. It also has rolled out a new website making it easier for patients to file a complaint if they are rejected, and it promised to expediate those investigations. Last year, for example, HHS announced that two facilities — Freeman Health Sys
tem in Joplin, Missouri, and University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas — ran afoul of the federal law after refusing an emergency abortion to Mylissa Farmer. Doctors at both hospitals told the 41-year old Missouri woman that her baby had no chance of surviving after her water broke at 17 weeks but because a fetal heartbeat was still detectable, her condition needed to worsen before they'd be willing to terminate her pregnancy. Neither hospital has been fined. "It would be welcomed if the federal government took a stronger enforcement role in those cases." said Alison Tanner, an attorney for National Women's Law Center who represents Farmer. "We have a maternal health crisis in this country and in states with bans on abortion care, it is far worse and more dangerous." Tanner said the HHS Office of Inspector General, which is responsible for issuing fines for violations of the law, is investigating Farmer's case. The office declined to comment on cases under review. The government's most recent fines against hospitals that turned away pregnant patients were cases from
years ago. A Tennessee hospital agreed to pay a $100,000 fine for a 2018 case involving a pregnant patient who was discharged and gave birth in a car at 42 weeks pregnant. A Kentucky hospital was fined $90,000 for refusing to help a patient with an ectopic pregnancy in 2021. After a complaint against a hospital is filed, a state surveyor investigates the hospital. A physician and the federal government review the findings to determine whether or not a patient received inadequate treatment. If an emergency room violated the federal law, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may refer the case to the HHS inspector general to consider penalties. Those investigations are "slow, insufficiently staffed, with a lot of pushback tolerated from hospitals," Rosenbaum, an expert on the law, said. Emergency rooms were supposed to stop turning away patients in medical crisis decades ago, when Congress passed bipartisan legislation designed to prohibit patient dumping that then-Republican President Ronald Reagan signed in 1986. The law requires facilities
that accept Medicare funding to provide a medical screening exam to anyone who shows up at or near their door and offer stabilizing treatment, if needed. Emergency rooms without the resources or staff to properly treat that patient are required to arrange a medical transfer to another hospital, after they've confirmed the facility can accept the patient. The law, Sen. David Durenberger promised nearly 40 years ago as he rallied for its passage, would be a warning to private hospitals that had been dumping pregnant patients and gunshot victims on the doorsteps of public hospitals. "This amendment is to send a clear signal to the hospital community," he said on the floor of Congress. "That all Americans, regardless of wealth or status, should know that a hospital will provide what services it can when they are truly in distress." But a decade ago, a report published by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights concluded there was "insufficient regulatory oversight of the law," and that hospitals were not properly training staff to follow the mandate nor did they have proper funding to comply with it. q
Mylissa Farmer stands for a portrait at her home in Joplin, Mo., on Sept. 28, 2022. Associated Press
U.S. NEWS A3 Saturday 14 September 2024
Too much? Many Americans feel the need to limit their political news, AP-NORC/USAFacts poll finds
By DAVID BAUDER and LINLEY SANDERS Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — When her husband turns on the television to hear news about the upcoming presidential election, that's often a signal for Lori Johnson Malveaux to leave the room. It can get to be too much. Often, she'll go to a TV in another room to watch a movie on the Hallmark Channel or BET. She craves something comforting and entertaining. And in that, she has company. While about half of Americans say they are following political news "extremely" or "very" closely, about 6 in 10 say they need to limit how much information they consume about the government and politics to avoid feeling overloaded or fatigued, according to a new survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts. Make no mistake: Malveaux plans to vote. She always does. "I just get to the point where I don't want to hear the rhetoric," she said. The 54-year-old Democrat said she's most bothered when she hears people on the news telling her that something she saw with her own eyes — like the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol — didn't really hap
pen. "I feel like I'm being gaslit. That's the way to put it," she said. Sometimes it feels like 'a bombardment' Caleb Pack, 23, a Republican from Ardmore, Oklahoma, who works in IT, tries to keep informed through the news feeds on his phone, which is stocked with a variety of sources, including CNN, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press. Yet sometimes, Pack says, it
seems like a bombardment. "It's good to know what's going on, but both sides are pulling a little bit extreme," he said. "It just feels like it's a conversation piece everywhere, and it's hard to escape it." Media fatigue isn't a new phenomenon. A Pew Research Center survey conducted in late 2019 found roughly two in three Americans felt worn out by the amount of news there is, about the same as in a poll taken in early 2018. During
the 2016 presidential campaign, about 6 in 10 people felt overloaded by campaign news. But it can be particularly acute with news related to politics. The AP-NORC/USAFacts poll found that half of Americans feel a need to limit their consumption of information related to crime or overseas conflicts, while only about 4 in 10 are limiting news about the economy and jobs. It's easy to understand, with television outlets like CNN,
Fox News Channel and MSNBC full of political talk and a wide array of political news online, sometimes complicated by disinformation. "There's a glut of information," said Richard Coffin, director of research and advocacy for USAFacts, "and people are having a hard time figuring out what is true or not." Women are more likely to feel they need to limit media In the AP-NORC poll, about 6 in 10 men said they follow news about elections and politics at least "very" closely, compared to about half of women. For all types of news, not just politics, women are more likely than men to report the need to limit their media consumption, the survey found. White adults are also more likely than Black or Hispanic adults to say they need to limit media consumption on politics, the poll found. Kaleb Aravzo, 19, a Democrat, gets a baseline of news by listening to National Public Radio in the morning at home in Logan, Utah. Too much politics, particularly when he's on social media sites like TikTok and Instagram, can trigger anxiety and depression. "If it pops up on my page when I'm on social media," he said, "I'll just scroll past it."q
People watch TV screens showing a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at Sports Grill Kendall, where the Miami-Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus had organized a watch party, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Miami. Associated Press
Jill Biden and Lloyd Austin visit an Alabama base to tout expanded military benefits
By DAVID BAUDER and LINLEY SANDERS Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — When her husband turns on the television to hear news about the upcoming presidential election, that's often a signal for Lori Johnson Malveaux to leave the room. It can get to be too much. Often, she'll go to a TV in another room to watch a movie on the Hallmark Channel or BET. She craves something comforting and entertaining. And in that, she has
company. While about half of Americans say they are following political news "extremely" or "very" closely, about 6 in 10 say they need to limit how much information they consume about the government and politics to avoid feeling overloaded or fatigued, according to a new survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts. Make no mistake: Malveaux plans to vote. She always does. "I just get to the point
where I don't want to hear the rhetoric," she said. The 54-year-old Democrat said she's most bothered when she hears people on the news telling her that something she saw with her own eyes — like the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol — didn't really happen. "I feel like I'm being gaslit. That's the way to put it," she said. Sometimes it feels like 'a bombardment' Caleb Pack, 23, a Republican from Ardmore, Oklaho
ma, who works in IT, tries to keep informed through the news feeds on his phone, which is stocked with a va
riety of sources, including CNN, Fox News, The Wall Street Journal and The Associated Press.q
People watch TV screens showing a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at Sports Grill Kendall, where the Miami-Dade Democratic Hispanic Caucus had organized a watch party, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Miami. Associated Press
U.S. NEWS Saturday 14 September 2024 A4
Conservancy, landlord headed to mediation amid ongoing rent dispute for historic ocean liner
By BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI Associated Press The conservancy that oversees a storied but aging ocean liner and its landlord are headed to mediation as they attempt to resolve a years-old rent dispute that could force the historic ship out of its berth on the Delaware River in Philadelphia. A federal judge had ruled in June that the conservancy had until Thursday to present plans to move the SS United States, a 1,000-foot ocean liner that still holds the transatlantic speed record it set more than 70 years ago. That deadline, though, came and went after the conservancy filed a lawsuit Wednesday that accused Penn Warehousing of sabotaging its efforts to sell the vessel. The group also asked U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody to extend the plan deadline to Dec. 5. During a hearing Friday, Brody agreed with a lawyer for Penn Warehousing who suggested the mediation, which will be led by a federal magistrate judge. She also agreed to suspend the deadline for now. A timetable for the mediation has not yet been determined. The conservancy welcomed the mediation proposal, saying it would "continue to work
in good faith to resolve this dispute and relocate the vessel safely." The conservancy has been in talks with a Florida county that wants to acquire the ship and turn it into the largest artificial reef in the world. Those plans were put on hold earlier this month when Penn Warehousing asked Okaloosa County for a $3 million payment to stay past the deadline. Speaking at Friday's court hearing, an attorney for Penn Warehousing described the
request as "negotiation 101," t he Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Craig Mills also said the payment had been made public in past court hearings, had been asked of the conservancy before and should be taken as a starting point for negotiations. The rent dispute stems from an August 2021 decision by Penn Warehousing to double the ship's daily dockage to $1,700, an increase the conservancy refused to accept. The firm has said through its attorneys that it wants to re
gain access to the berth so it can replace the ship with a commercial customer that will provide jobs and tax revenues to the city. When the conservancy continued to pay its previous rate, set in 2011, Penn Warehousing terminated the lease in March 2022. After much legal wrangling, Brody held a bench trial in January but also encouraged the two sides to reach a settlement instead of leaving it up to her. She ultimately ruled that the
conservancy's failure to pay the new rate did not amount to a contract breach or entitle Penn Warehousing to damages. However, she found that under Pennsylvania contract law, the berthing agreement is terminable at will with reasonable notice. Christened in 1952, the SS United States was once considered a beacon of American engineering, doubling as a military vessel that could carry thousands of troops. On its maiden voyage in 1952, it shattered the transatlantic speed record in both directions, when it reached an average speed of 36 knots, or just over 41 mph (66 kph), The Associated Press reported from aboard the ship. On that voyage, the ship crossed the Atlantic in three days, 10 hours and 40 minutes, besting the RMS Queen Mary's time by 10 hours. To this day, the SS United States holds the transatlantic speed record for an ocean liner. It became a reserve ship in 1969 and later bounced to various private owners who hoped to redevelop it but eventually found their plans to be too expensive or poorly timed. It has loomed for years on south Philadelphia's Delaware waterfront.q
The S.S. United States is moored on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. Associated Press
Nevada is joining the list of states using Medicaid to pay for more abortions
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada is primed to become the 18th state to use Medicaid funds to increase access to abortion for lower-income women. The change is a result of a court ruling that became official this week after the state government
declined to appeal it within 30 days of the release of a written opinion in the case that found denying coverage violated the equal right protections adopted by the state's voters in 2022. Nevada officials have not said when the coverage will begin, but
the judge said it should be no later than early November. "Nevadans who have Medicaid as their health insurance will no longer need to fear that they will be forced to carry a pregnancy against their will," Rebecca Chan, a lawyer with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, which sued in the case, said in a statement. Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and ended the nationwide right to abortion, the issue has been a legal and political battleground. Most Republican-controlled states have implemented bans or restrictions, including 14 that now bar abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with some
exceptions, and four more that generally prohibit it after about the first six weeks of pregnancy. Most Democratic-led states have taken steps to protect access. Nevada, with a Republican governor and Democraticcontrolled legislature, has protected access. Voters in November will consider enshrining the right to abortion in the state constitution; if it passes, there will be a second vote in 2026. Apart from whether a state bans or restricts abortion, an important factor in its availability is whether it pays for abortions for those who have medical insurance through Medicaid, the joint statefederal program for lower
income people. Under a 1977 law, federal funds are prohibited from paying for abortion except in cases of rape, incest and when abortion is necessary to save the life of the pregnant person. But states can use their allocations to pay for abortion under more circumstances. The Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights, says that most follow the federal law for the state funds, too — or do so but with some additional exceptions. But 17 of them pay for abortion without limitations. Nine of those are under court orders and eight cover abortion voluntarily. q
People rally in support of abortion rights, May 21, 2019, in Las Vegas. Associated Press
WORLD NEWS A5 Saturday 14 September 2024
By HUIZHONG WU and EMILY WANG FUJIYAMA Associated Press BEIJING (AP) — Starting next year, China will raise its retirement age for workers, which is now among the youngest in the world’s major economies, in an effort to address its shrinking population and aging work force. The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the country’s legislature, passed the new policy Friday after a sudden announcement earlier in the week that it was reviewing the measure, state broadcaster CCTV announced. The policy change will be carried out over 15 years, with the retirement age for men raised to 63 years, and for women to 55 or 58 years depending on their jobs. The current retirement age is 60 for men and 50 for women in blue-collar jobs and 55 for women doing white-collar work. “We have more people coming into the retirement age, and so the pension fund is (facing) high pressure. That’s why I think it’s now time to act seriously,” said Xiujian Peng, a senior research fellow at Victoria University in Australia who studies China’s population
and its ties to the economy. The previous retirement ages were set in the 1950’s, when life expectancy was only around 40 years, Peng said. The policy will be implemented starting in January, according to the announcement from China’s legislature. The change will take effect progressively based on people’s birthdates. For example, a man born in January 1971 could retire at the age of 61 years
and 7 months in August 2032, according to a chart released along with the policy. A man born in May 1971 could retire at the age of 61 years and 8 months in January 2033. Demographic pressures made the move long overdue, experts say. By the end of 2023, China counted nearly 300 million people over the age of 60. By 2035, that figure is projected to be 400 million, larger than the population of the
U.S. The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences had previously projected that the public pension fund will run out of money by that year. Pressure on social benefits such as pensions and social security is hardly a China-specific problem. The U.S. also faces the issue as analysis shows that currently, the Social Security fund won’t be able to pay out full benefits to people by 2033. “This is happening everywhere,” said Yanzhong
Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations. “But in China with its large elderly population, the challenge is much larger.” That is on top of fewer births, as younger people opt out of having children, citing high costs. In 2022, China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported that for the first time the country had 850,000 fewer people at the end of the year than the previous year , a turning point from population growth to decline. In 2023, the population shrank further, by 2 million people. What that means is that the burden of funding elderly people’s pensions will be divided among a smaller group of younger workers, as pension payments are largely funded by deductions from people who are currently working. Researchers measure that pressure by looking at a number called the dependency ratio, which counts the number of people over the age of 65 compared to the number of workers under 65. That number was 21.8% in 2022, according to government statistics, meaning that roughly five workers would support one retiree. q
Associated Press MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on Friday asked the warring factions of the Sinaloa cartel to act “responsibly” so no one else gets killed, after a week of escalating violence nearly paralyzed the Sinaloa state capital, Culiacan. Asked by a journalist if he trusted that the cartels would heed his call, López Obrador answered bluntly: “The president of Mexico is always listened to.” “Even by criminals?” pressed the journalist. “By everyone, more so if one has moral authority,”
responded the president. The exchange Friday during the president’s morning press briefing is the latest in a series of instances where López Obrador has downplayed the clashes between factions of the Sinaloa cartel. The president, who leaves office on Sept. 30, has repeatedly refused to confront cartels, laying out various justifications for his “hugs, not bullets” strategy offering opportunities to youths so they won’t join cartels. The latest clashes in Culiacan are the latest example of the violence that continues to plague Mexico,
where cartels employ increasingly sophisticated forms of warfare including
roadside bombs or IEDs, trenches, home-made armored vehicles and bomb
dropping drones. The cartels “have to look for other ways, so they do not harm innocent people ... and avoid further loss of life,” López Obrador said on Friday. “They also should take care of themselves and their families.” The surge in violence had been expected after Joaquín Guzmán López, a son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, landed near El Paso, Texas on July 25 in a small plane with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. Zambada was the cartel’s elder figure and reclusive leader. q
People on their bicycles and electric bikes wait at a traffic lights junction during the morning rush hour in Beijing, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Associated Press
China is raising its retirement age, now among the youngest in the world’s major economies
Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador delivers his last State of the Union at the Zocalo, Mexico City’s main square, Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024.
Associated Press
Mexico’s president asks Sinaloa cartel to act ‘responsibly’ as violence escalates in the north
WORLD NEWS Saturday 14 September 2024 A6
By JEAN-YVES KAMALE Associated Press KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — A military court in Congo handed down death sentences Friday to 37 people, including three Americans, after convicting them on charges of taking part in a coup attempt. The defendants, most of them Congolese but also including a Briton, Belgian and Canadian, have five days to appeal the verdict on charges that included attempted coup, terrorism and criminal association. Fourteen people were acquitted in the trial, which opened in June. The court convicted the 37 defendants and imposed “the harshest penalty, that of death” in the verdict delivered by the presiding judge, Maj. Freddy Ehuma, at an open-air military
court proceeding that was broadcast live on TV. Richard Bondo, the lawyer who defended the six foreigners, said he disputed whether the death penalty
could currently be imposed in Congo, despite its reinstatement earlier this year, and said his clients had inadequate interpreters during the investigation of the
case. “We will challenge this decision on appeal,” Bondo said. Six people were killed during the botched coup attempt led by the littleknown opposition figure Christian Malanga in May that targeted the presidential palace and a close ally of President Felix Tshisekedi. Malanga was fatally shot while resisting arrest soon after live-streaming the attack on his social media, the Congolese army said. Malanga’s 21-year-old son Marcel Malanga, who is a U.S. citizen, and two other Americans were convicted in the the attack. His mother, Brittney Sawyer, has said her son is innocent and was simply following his father, who considered himself president of a shadow government in exile. The other Americans were
Tyler Thompson Jr., who flew to Africa from Utah with the younger Malanga for what his family believed was a vacation, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 36, who is reported to have known Christian Malanga through a gold mining company. The company was set up in Mozambique in 2022, according to an official journal published by Mozambique’s government, and a report by the Africa Intelligence newsletter. Thompson’s family maintains he had no knowledge of the elder Malanga’s intentions, no plans for political activism and didn’t even plan to enter Congo. He and the Malangas were meant to travel only to South Africa and Eswatini, Thompson’s stepmother said.q
Back row, Tyler Thompson, 2nd left, Marcel Malanga, center, and Benjamin Reuben Zalman-Polun, 2nd right, all American citizens, attend a court verdict in Congo, Kinshasa, Friday Sept .13, 2024, on charges of taking part in a coup attempt in May 2024. Associated Press
Congo court sentences 3 Americans and 34 others to death on coup charges
By SOPHENG CHEANG and GRANT PECK Associated Press PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Cambodia on Friday decried newly imposed U.S. sanctions on one of the country’s top tycoons who has been implicated in allegations of forced labor, human trafficking and lucrative online scams. Cambodia’s foreign ministry expressed “deep regret over the unjust decision” to sanction Ly Yong Phat and suggested that the action could hurt bilateral relations. Ly Yong Phat, one of Cambodia’s richest men, is also a Cambodian senator and a leading member of the ruling Cambodian People’s Party of Prime Minister Hun Manet. The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on Ly Yong Phat and five of his businesses “for their role in serious human rights abuses related to the treatment of workers subjected to forced labor in online investment scam
operations.” “Victims forced to run virtual currency investment scams and other online schemes are often lured by fraudulent jobs and promises of free housing,” said the statement. “Instead, they find them
selves forced to run scam operations for criminal organizations under horrifying working and living conditions.” Washington’s move, which blocks any of Ly Yong Phat’s assets in the United States and prohibits U.S.
entities from doing business with him, reflects mounting concern about cybercrime, including from Southeast Asia and Cambodia in particular. Cambodia has been the location of cyberscams that include “ pig butchering,”
a term that refers to gaining victims’ trust through dating apps or other sites and steering them toward bogus investments. Cryptocurrency is often used in such schemes to make them harder to stop. Friday’s statement from Cambodia’s foreign ministry claimed the Treasury’s action was “based on unconfirmed reports of forced labor linked to online investment scams,” as well as “politically motivated” and “counter to the spirit of reinforcing our bilateral cooperation and mutual trust.” Cambodian-U.S. relations have long been strained over Washington’s criticism of alleged political repression and human rights violations by the government, as well as its close relationship to China. In June, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Phnom Penh and his meetings with Cambodian officials had suggested the beginning of a thaw in relations between the countries.q
In this photo released by Agence Kampuchea Press (AKP), Cambodian tycoons, Ly Yong Phat, left, attends the welcome the return of cultural treasures of artifact statues ceremony in Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Thursday, Aug. 22. 2024.
Associated Press
Cambodia decries U.S. sanctions against one of its top tycoons implicated in forced labor
local a7 Saturday 14 September 2024
Aruba’s Bocas: home to the rarest fossil reefs on the planet!
(Oranjestad)—If you’ve been to the northern coast of Aruba already, you’ve probably noticed how the ground differs entirely from the sandy beaches on the southern part of the island. These hard surfaces, with sharp bumps and holes are actually fossilized coral reefs, of which its growth and changes can be traced back to the last gla
cial period.
On May 30 2023, geoscientists, Dr. Patrick Boyden from the Marum research faculty at the University of Bremen, Prof. dr. Alessio Rovere from the Ca' Foscari University of Venice and Prof. dr. Gianfranco Scicchitano, from the University of Bari Aldo Moro, presented their research on these
fossilized coral reefs at the University of Aruba. Their focus for their research included studying the health and formation patterns of these coral reefs, and to investigate how these reefs have responded and can respond to fluctuating sea levels or extreme weather, like hurricanes and tsunamis.
Through underwater and land surveillance, and 3D models of the reefs, they were able to narrow down when these formations started to take place. They were also able to track the fluctuation of sea levels during the past hundred or even thousands of years, and the effects that this fluctuation has had on the coral reefs of the windward side of Aruba.
These findings can certainly
put things into perspective. The ground on which we have walked many times in the northern part of the island hold such rich history, history that dates back to a time that most of us cannot even imagine. As the scientists themselves have pointed out, these fossilized reefs on the windward side are truly an incredible and rare remnant of geological history, as they provide a clear view of how these reefs have formed.
This research is also important for the future of coral reefs on the island. By studying rising sea levels and climate impact on these coral reefs, we are able to take concrete action in protecting and preserving our coral reefs. So, if you are ever visiting one of the bocas or driving along the northern part of the island, please be conscious to help protect our natural historical remnant. Oh, and wear (coral-friendly) sunscreen! q
Why You Should Not Miss Aruba’s Free City Center Street Car Tour
ORANJESTAD - Aruba’s City Center Street Car - or as we call it in Dutch; “Tram van Oranjestad’ - is a single track tram line in Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba. It was inaugurated on 22 December 2012, being the first and so far the only passenger rail service on Aruba and the rest of the Dutch Caribbean. There are two trolleys, a single-deck one with 42 seats and a double-decker with 64 seats. The line was inspired by the popular battery-powered streetcar operation at the Grove in Los Angeles, USA. Aruba’s
streetcars are powered by hydrogen fuel cells, which are charged by the island’s year-round trade winds.
Caya Betico Croes, mostly referred to as our “main street” has been developed into a pollution-free pedestrian mall. The double-decker offers you a 360 degree view of the down town area with a picture perfect scenery of the island’s clear blue skies. Who would not enjoy a ride on this beautiful and naturally air-conditioned vehicle? The tour consists of a total of 9 stops approximately 200 meters apart from each other; all stops are clearly marked. The tram will bring you close to different museums, historical plazas, monuments, the Protestant church, Aruba’s high- end mall, retail shops, and a variety of local and international cuisine restaurants. The “I love Aruba” trademark also belongs to that list. The third stop on the route is close to a 5-minute walk to the famous Renaissance Marina showcasing luxurious yachts and Aruba’s blue waters.
The “Tram van Oranjestad” starts from a balloon loop near the Port of Call and
serves the downtown area and ends at Plaza Nicky. The first ride starts at 10:00 am sharp with intervals of 25minutes. The last trolley
departs from the cruise port at 5:00pm. Don’t miss this tour of the beautiful Aruba’s City Center– it is free for all!q
local Saturday 14 September 2024 a8
Caribbean and Latin American Culinary Experience Arrives at Caya House
Caya House, an iconic establishment on the culinary scene in Aruba, has taken a step forward with the launch of its new menu, designed to take diners on a journey through the vibrant and authentic flavors of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Since its opening, Caya House has stood out for offering a culinary experience that combines tradition and creativity, and this new menu is no exception. Inspired by the rich traditions of countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, the menu reflects a commitment
to authenticity and quality. Caya House brings the essence of Latin America and the Caribbean to life through a culinary experience that is as rich in tradition as it is in flavor. The menu showcases the depth and diversity of the region's cuisine, where every dish is a tribute to the home-cooked meals passed down through generations. Diners at Caya House can expect more than just a meal; they will be transported through the vibrant colors, textures, and tastes of the Caribbean. The new menu promises to offer an unforgettable exploration of flavor, crafted with authenticity and care. What customers can expect: • Inspiring Dishes: Caya's new menu offers a variety of dishes that pay homage to the culinary roots of the Caribbean and Latin America. From fresh fish prepared with local ingredients to tender, juicy meats, each dish is designed to delight and surprise. • Authentic Cocktails: The cocktails at Caya are a natural extension of our culinary philosophy. With tropical ingredients, fresh herbs, and premium liquors, our drinks perfectly complement the dishes and add a festive touch to every meal. • A Complete Sensory Experience: At Caya, food is just part of the experience. Latin and Caribbean music, décor evoking a tropical home, and attentive, welcoming service
combine to create an atmosphere where every visit becomes an unforgettable memory. Caya House is also the perfect setting for gatherings and special celebrations. Whether it’s a family reunion, a milestone birthday, or a corporate event, our space offers the ideal backdrop for memorable moments. Private reservations for large groups and exclusive events are available to make any occasion extraordinary. Reserve now and savor the best of Caya House. For more information and reservations, visit caya.aw or call +297 6993982.q
Aruba to me
ORANJESTAD — You are back and we would like to portrait you! By inviting you to send us your favorite vacation picture while enjoying our Happy Island.
Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is ……. Send your picture with that text (including your name and where you are from) to: [email protected]
and we will publish your vacation memory. Isn’t that a special way to keep your best moments alive? Please do note: By submitting photos, text or any other materials, you give permission to The Aruba Today Newspaper, Caribbean Speed Printers and any of its affiliated companies to use said materials, as well as names, likeness, etc. for
promotional purposes without compensation. Last but not least: check out our website, Instagram and Facebook page! Thank you for supporting our free newspaper, we strive to make you a happy reader every day again. For today we received a lovely message from Shannon Flaherty from Boston. She wrote to us saying: Aru
ba to me is fun with family and friends! This year was her parents’ 30th visit to Aruba and they celebrated Anne’s birthday. “Ee loved the vibes
with our friends/family!”
Thank you for sending us this wonderful message sharing what Aruba means to you with us and our readers!q
LOCAL A9 Saturday 14 September 2024
Learn more about the culture and history of Aruba through our museums
ORANJESTAD — Museums are an integral part of conserving and honoring cultures, and Aruba is no exception. Our Island has a wide selection of various museums for our locals and visitors to see. Take this opportunity to learn about our island and experience a different day beyond the beach. Let us introduce to you these museums.
Museum of Industry Aruba The Museum of Industry is located in San Nicolas—better known as the art capital of Aruba. This museum exhibits the industrial history of gold, aloe, phosphate, oil and tourism through elaborated displays and multimedia installations.
The Museum of Industry is situated in the Water Tower in San Nicolas and narrates Aruba's industrial history, which began in the 19th century. The Water Tower was built in 1939 and consists of three sections: the substructure, the high-rising vertical shaft,
and the tank at the top. The Water Tower was purchased by the Monuments Fund in 2003 so it can be restored and preserved as one of Aruba's monuments. The Museum of Industry is part of Aruba Museum Foundation (Fundacion Museo Aruban), which is a foundation set to maintain, preserve, and protect the Aruban cultural sector, history, and nature. The museum of Industry is open daily from 9 am till 6 pm.
For more information, check out their Facebook page Museum of Industry Aruba.
Archaeological Museum of Aruba The Archaeological Museum of Aruba is located at Schelpstraat 42 in downtown Oranjestad. The renovated historic Ecury complex in the area has been transformed from a family home to a modern museum that preserves Aruba’s Amerindian cultural heritage. This 21st century museum is especially
designed to preserve valuable artifacts dating back to the Pre-Ceramic period of 2500 BC.
In the late 1980’s, AMA identified its need for an adequate housing for its collection and activities. After studying various options, a project proposal was drawn up, including the acquisition and restoration of historical buildings in downtown Oranjestad.
These historical buildings were formerly the property of the Ecury family. The “Ecury Complex”, is a cluster of single and two-story historic buildings, mainly Dutch colonial architecture from the late 19th and 20th century on a plot of approximately 1.700 m2.
In 1997, the Aruban Government bought the complex for the National Archaeological Museum project. In 2004, a financial agreement was signed with the European Development Fund and in
2006, restoration and construction work began on the monumental buildings and the soon-to-be exhibition space. In December 2007, the key to the complex was delivered and the museum’s employees moved to the new location. The final design for the exhibit was completed in November 2007 and the permanent exhibit, financed by the Aruban Government and the Union of Cultural Organizations (UNOCA), opened in July 2009.
At the new location, the National Archaeological Museum Aruba disposes of approximately 500 m2 for its permanent exhibit. This ex
hibit conveys information on the origin and culture of the first inhabitants of the island through archaeological objects and modern exhibition techniques. The new permanent exhibit gives the visitor an insight into the cultures that inhabited the island in Pre-Historical and Early Historical times. The museum also hosts attractive public programs, including lectures, educational projects, temporary exhibits and workshops.
The museum is open daily from 9:30 am till 4:30 pm. For more information check out the Facebook page Museo Arqueologico Nacional Aruba.q
Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Aruba on Sunday for a special event!
ORANJESTAD – Stichting Monumentenfonds Aruba (SMFA) is leading and organizing different events to commemorate International Day of Monuments on the 15th of September. The National Archaeological Museum of Aruba – MANA y also one of the 13 monuments which will be open to the public this coming Sunday, from 10am to 3pm.
Historical buildings that are part of MANA were declared legally protected monuments
in 2010. Each one of them has its own history, culture, beauty and architecture. Present on Sunday will be two grandsons of Dundun Ecury, who will share memories of their elders and of the different buildings which used to belong to the Ecury family. Only on Sunday, the first floor of Cas Dundun will be opened to the public. Get to know Cas di Mamachi, the impressive balcony of Cas Dundun, as well as the bedrooms of, among others, famous Aruban hero Boy Ecury and Nicky
Ecury. Visitors will be able to watch the short documentary “Dada Picus”, produced by Rebeca Roos Productions and co-financed by UNOCA, Aruba’s participation fund for art and culture. Dada Picus built different monuments in Aruba and is recognized as an architect with a unique style. Archaeologist Raymundo Dijkhoff will give a short walk regarding land and sub-aquatic archaeological monuments. There will be two moments to attend this interesting pre
sentation, which are at 11am and 1pm. As always, MANA will give the opportunity to collect funds for a good cause. This time, the group “Hunto mane un famia” (which means, “together as a family”) will be in charge of the bar and kitchen. There will be a soup festival, Aruban snacks, popcorn and lime juice available. Additionally, there will be fun activities for children, like face painting, sensory box, and more. SMFA will ensure a great at
mosphere with different traditional bands playing in front of MANA, and their neighbour, Monumentenburo which will also be open. This way, the visitors can visit both of these at the same time. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get to know the 13 monuments in the center of Oranjestad, and have a great day with family and friends!
For more information, please visit the Facebook or Instagram page of Stichting Monumenten Fonds Aruba.q
Saturday 14 September 2024 A10 LOCAL Island Initiatives to Restore Coral Reefs
Each of the six islands—Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten—has taken unique and proactive measures to address the challenges facing their reefs. The restoration efforts by local nature conservation organizations were presented during the recent Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) Reef Restoration Workshop and are critical in ensuring the health and longevity of these underwater treasures for many years to come.
Aruba: Building a Future for Coral Reefs Aruba’s reef restoration efforts are spearheaded by the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF), which has been actively working to revive and sustain the island's coral ecosystems. One of the key initiatives is the new “Turning the Tide” project, funded by RESEMBID and partnered with Wageningen University & Research. The project is using artificial reefs placed across 3 different seabed locations located within the Parke Marino Aruba. The artificial reefs recreate the three– dimensional structure which will hopefully help restore key herbivorous species. ACF is also supported by the work of ScubbleBubbles and University of Aruba, who are maintaining coral nurseries and conducting regular beach and reef clean ups. There is also exciting new work with their partnership with the Metabolic Foundation to map the sea floor.
Bonaire: A Global Leader in Reef Preservation STINAPA Bonaire has implemented one of the Caribbean’s most successful marine protected area (MPA) systems, which has been crucial in preserving its coral reefs. Furthermore, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB) has been at the forefront of restoration efforts, establishing coral nurseries that are among the most advanced in the region. In addition to outplanting thousands of corals each year, RRFB enhances the genetic diversity of vulnerable species via their coral breeding program. Additional partnerships with partners such as STINAPA Bonaire, Wageningen University and Research, Florida State University and Rasster Lab has further elevated local nature conservation organization’s ability to integrate science-based monitoring into its management efforts, making it a leader in the field of coral conservation. New innovative ways to improve local fish populations is being explored by Blijdorp (RoffaReefs) and this
project is co-funded by WWF-NL. A new ReefGrazers project aims to restore the reefs by reintroducing native algae-eating species. This collaborative effort involves Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen Marine Research, the Public Entity Saba, STINAPA Bonaire, STENAPA and Saba Conservation Foundation, and WWFNetherlands.
Curaçao: Innovative Approaches to Reef Restoration Curaçao’s reef restoration activities are driven by a combination of scientific research and community involvement. The Carmabi Foundation, in collaboration with the Curaçao Marine Park, Reef Renewal Curaçao and Branch Coral Foundation, has pioneered several innovative techniques in coral restoration, including microfragmentation and the use of substrates designed to enhance coral growth. These techniques have been developed in partnership with international experts, including researchers from SECORE International and the University of Miami. Curaçao’s restoration efforts also involve local dive shops like Ocean Encounters and Dive Division, which contribute to outplanting efforts and monitoring the health of the reefs. Public education and outreach programs, supported by local nature conservation organizations and the University of Curaçao, are essential in fostering a culture of marine stewardship among residents and visitors.
Saba: Protecting the “Unspoiled Queen” The Saba Conservation Foundation manages the Saba Marine Park and the Saba Bank, which have been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the island’s marine ecosystems. Coral restoration initiatives on Saba are supported by partnerships with universities such as Wageningen University & Research and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, and the ongoing Dutch government’s Nature and Environmental
Policy Plan (NEPP) reef restoration project. These efforts focus on establishing coral nurseries to propagate threatened coral species, as well as cutting edge research on herbivore restoration, for example the Diadema II project working to understand recovery and restoration the Diadema antillarum populations. The SCF also collaborates with local dive operators, such as SeaSaba, to involve the community in reef monitoring and restoration activities, ensuring that Saba’s reefs remain pristine and vibrant.
St. Eustatius: Reviving Coral Reefs Through Community Engagement St. Eustatius has been actively involved in reef restoration through the work of the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA). STENAPA's previous past coral restoration project focused on cultivating and outplanting corals. STENAPA is now focusing on herbivore restoration with its NEPP Coral Reef Restoration project. Statia has experienced a drop from 25% hard coral coverage to less than 2.5% in the past 20 years. Reefs are now dominated by macroalgae which compete with coral for space on the reef and preventing young coral larvae from settling. Bringing key herbivore populations such as the long spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum back to the reef is paramount to provide space for coral to settle and grow. This restoration project is conducted in partnership with restoration practitioners and researchers and will in the future include other complementary herbivores. Currently STENAPA has changed focus with the ongoing NEPP Coral Reef Restoration Project to the cultivation and release of key herbivores such as Diadema antillarium. These herbivores graze on and subsequently reduce algal cover on reefs, clearing crucial space for settling coral recruits. Coral cover needs to improve on reefs after a drastic drop from 25% to 1% in the 20 years between 1999 and 2001. Community engagement is a cornerstone of Statia’s restoration strategy, with local schools and volunteers learning
about reef conservation activities. Educational programs organized by STENAPA aim to build local capacity for long-term reef management and foster a deep connection between the community and their marine environment.
St. Maarten: Collaborative Efforts for Reef Recovery In St. Maarten, the Nature Foundation St. Maarten plays a pivotal role in coral reef restoration, collaborating with local and international partners to enhance their efforts. The foundation has established coral nurseries around the island, with a particular focus on restoring populations of elkhorn and staghorn corals. These efforts are supported by partnerships with the St. Maarten Nature Reserve, EPIC (Environmental Protection in the Caribbean), and academic institutions such as the University of St. Martin and the University of the Virgin Islands. The Nature Foundation also works closely with local businesses, including dive centers like Dive Sint Maarten, to involve them in coral outplanting and monitoring efforts. Public education and outreach campaigns, supported by these partnerships, aim to increase awareness of the importance of coral reefs and encourage sustainable practices among residents and tourists.
A United Front for Reef Restoration Coral reefs face several serious threats, ranging from climate change, invasive species, pollution to overfishing. Protecting these reefs must go beyond just restoration, as tackling these issues alongside ongoing efforts will be essential to fully protect these vital ecosystems. During the DCNA workshop, it was clear that there is a need to improve interisland collaboration and knowledge sharing. Working together we can leverage the power of our local experts to elevate projects across the islands. DCNA is currently exploring next steps to facilitate this further, for example, the set up the Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitat Program which will span all six islands and will include coral reef habitats. This workshop was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) and supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery. q
For any questions or interviews, please email [email protected] Photos: Photos- Island Initiatives to Restore Coral Reefs (photo credits in file name)
A11 Saturday 14 September 2024 LOCAL Aruba’s neighborhoods; the meaning behind their names
Just like any other country, Aruba has unique and beautifully named neighborhoods that all form a part of its culture and development. Many of these names have a historical background and meaning that teaches us about the island and its rich culture every day.
With this series, we want to take you on a journey of discovery, where you’ll learn not only the beautiful names but the history behind it that gives it life and meaning.
Anabui/Tierra Del Sol This neighborhood can be seen on Van Raders map and Werbata as Anna Boei. Anna Boei is a name of which there isn’t much information about its origin.
The best historians were able
to deduce is that this name came to be because of a miscommunication between Van Spengler and the natives who were living on the island. In the Arawak/Taino language one can find the word Anaiboa, which consists of Ana meaning flower or the best and Iboa; the juice of a cassava, which together would mean “the best juice of a cassava”.
If one assumes that the ac
tual word heard was Anaboio instead, consisting of Ana meaning the best and Boio (bohio); house, the iteration of Anabui would mean “the best house.” This is the origin that has been more or less speculated and assumed for the word Anabui and it’s meaning. During the second world war and later, this area was used as a terrain for training of shooting by militia and latero n Korps Mariniers (the marines of Aruba). By the end of the previous century a large part of Anabui was developed to have luxurious villas and a golf course, which lead to it getting the name Tierra Del Sol, Spanish for Land of the Sun. The name is not an official name, but the name of the development proyect that took place. It is hoped that the original and ‘old’ name of Anabui is never lost and now it will be remembered by both locals and
tourists.
Angochi This name can be seen on the Werbata map with little and cursive letters. It is the unofficial name for the area given by a tenant to the land that was rented to him.
The biggest probability that historians believe is that it comes from native descent, during the time in the 19th century where Mestizos still
lived on Aruba. The name can’t really be explain and according to books on its history seems to be more of a sign of corruption.
However, it seems to come from combining A(n), which is a generalizing prefix and Goeiza, which means ‘the spirit of a living man’. Angochi remains more of a guess.
This neighborhood’s abbreviation is; An.q
Birds of Aruba
ORANJESTAD — On May 11th, 2010, the Aruba Birdlife Conservation was founded with the aim of protecting the biodiversity in general and birds in and around Aruba in particular.
Among other things, the foundation will focus on increasing the survival chances of species of wild birds by promoting their preservation and conservation. The foundation publishes the most beautiful pictures of local birds on their social media that show us the beauty of Aruba’s birds and nature in general. Aruba Today gives you a little peek with the following
pictures and descriptions from the foundations Facebook page.
The Great Egret Serenity in Aruba’s National Park, a Great Egret flying in peace. When it is peaceful and quite, beautiful things start happening in nature.
Canadian in the house The breeding season is over and it’s getting pretty cold in North America. Shore birds have started moving southwards as early as July. This wetland beauty wants to keep its toes warm.
Our Canadian friends know exactly where they can do so best. A Greater Yellowlegs rediscovering Aruba’s Bubali Wetlands.
Cabochon In its living form of so much more value than any gemstone. Aruba’s smallest and most master of flight. A top pollinator. A hovering Blenchi inspecting the human who just entered his territory. English: Blue-tailed Emerald (male) Dutch: Blauwstaartsmaragdkolibrie (mannetje). Aruba’s to enjoy. Aruba’s to protect.q
Saturday 14 September 2024 A12 service
Helpful tips for your stay on Aruba
Supermarket hours
Supermarket hours may vary depending on where you are staying on the island. Generally though, most supermarkets are open from 8am to 9 or 10pm, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, supermarkets generally close earlier; mostly around 2pm.
Safety
Since February 2024, Aruba has been categorized as the safest country in the Caribbean by The Telegraph, and many tourist that visit have often told us how they feel safe to explore the island or walk around at night. However, rare incidents do occurs, so keep yourself and your belongings safe.
(Oranjestad)—When traveling to another country, especially for the first time, it is always better to be over-prepared than underprepared. That is why we have a list of basicbut important information that we think may come in handy to Aruba’s visitors.
Electrical power
Aruba generally operates on 110V to 127V supply voltage and 60Hz. There are also three types of out
lets used on the island: type A with two flat prongs; type B with two flat and one grounding prong, and on occasion, type F with two round prong and two earth clips on the side. However, Type A is most commonly found in homes and establishments.
Drinking water
The water that flows through the sinks of every house, hotels and other establishments is distilled and perfectly safe to drink. Aruba’s drinking water exceeds WHO’s international standards for water quality, so there is no need to buy bottled water from the store.
Cruise ship Schedule: September 03 - 24 2024
A13 Saturday 14 September 2024 BUSINESS
San Nicolas
Police 100 Oranjestad 527 3140 Noord 527 3200 Sta. Cruz 527 2900 San Nicolas 584 5000 Police Tipline 11141 Ambulancia 911 Fire Dept. 115 Red Cross 582 2219
Women in Difficulties PHARMACY ON DUTY
TAXI SERVICES Taxi Tas 587 5900 Prof. Taxi 588 0035 Taxi D.T.S. 587 2300 Taxi Serv. Aruba 583 3232 A1 Taxi Serv. 280 2828
Aruba Airport 524 2424 American Airlines 582 2700 Avianca 588 0059 Jet Blue 588 2244 Surinam 582 7896
FAVI- Visually Impaired Tel. 582 5051 Alcoholics Anonymous Tel. 736 2952
Quota Club Tel. 525 2672
Centre for Diabetes Tel. 524 8888
Narcotics Anonymous Tel. 583 8989 Fundacion Contra Violencia Relacional Tel. 583 5400
DOCTOR ON DUTY
Oranjestad
OTHER
Dental Clinic 587 9850 Blood Bank Aruba 587 0002 Urgent Care 586 0448 Walk-In Doctor’s Clinic +297 588 0539 Women in Difficulties EMERGENCY
Women in Difficulties TRAVEL INFO
Women in Difficulties AID FOUNDATIONS
Child Abuse Prevention Tel. 582 4433
Women in Difficulties General Info
Phone Directory Tel. 118
Oranjestad: Oduber : tel.582 1780 San Nicolas: San Lucas:tel. 584 5119
Hospital 7:00 pm / 10:00pm Tel. 527 4000
Imsan 24 hours Tel.524 8833
facebook.com/arubatoday/
HEALTH
Aruba Food Bank Tel. 588 0002
By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Stuck-in-space astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams said Friday it’s been tough dealing with their Boeing ride leaving without them and the prospect of spending several extra months in orbit. It was their first public comments since last week’s return of the Boeing Starliner capsule that took them to the International Space Station in June. They remained behind after NASA determined the problemplagued capsule posed too much risk for them to ride back in. Their eightday mission is now expected to last more than eight months.
This image made from a NASA live stream shows NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during a press conference from the International Space Station on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024.
Associated Press
Stuck-in-space astronauts reflect on being left behind and adjusting to life in orbit
“It was trying at times. There were some tough times all the way through,” Wilmore said from 260 miles (420 kilometers) up. As spacecraft pilots, “you don’t want to see it go off without you, but that’s where we wound up.” While they never expected to be up there nearly a year, as Starliner’s first test pilots, they knew there could be problems that might delay their return. “That’s how things go in this business,” Williams said. Wilmore and Williams are now full-fledged station crew members, chipping in on routine maintenance and experiments. Williams will take over command of the space station in a few more weeks, Wilmore told reporters during a news
conference only their second since blasting off from Florida on June 5. The duo, along with seven others on board, welcomed a Soyuz spacecraft carrying two Russians and an American earlier this week, temporarily raising the station population to 12, a near record. And two more astronauts will fly up on SpaceX later this month; two capsule seats will be left empty for Wilmore and Williams for the return leg. The transition to station life was “not that hard” since both had previous stints there, said Williams, who logged two long space station stays years ago. “This is my happy place. I love being up here in space,” she said. Wilmore noted that if his adjustment wasn’t instantaneous, it was “pretty close.” The astronauts said they appreciate all the prayers
and well wishes from strangers back home, and that it’s helped them cope with everything they’ll miss out on back home.q
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PEOPLE / ARTS Saturday 14 September 2024 A14
By JOCELYN NOVECK AP National Writer Quick. Has there ever been a horror film set in a country home with a decent cell signal? Nope, and there’s no signal at Paddy and Ciara’s house, either, deep in the English countryside. Soon, that land line will be cut, too, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Paddy and Ciara are that fun-but-somewhat-odd British couple whom Louise and Ben, early in “Speak No Evil,” meet on their idyllic Tuscan family holiday. Americans based in London, Louise and Ben are at loose ends, with both job and relationship issues. And so, when the new acquaintances write to invite them for a country weekend, they decide to go. After all, how bad could it be? Don’t answer that. There are many such moments in the first two-thirds of “Speak No Evil,” a Hollywood remake of the 2022 Danish film, here starring a deeply menacing James McAvoy. Moments where Louise and Ben, out of mere politeness and social convention, act against their instincts, which tell them something is wrong very wrong. Director James Watkins
and especially his excellent troupe of actors, adult and children alike, do a nice job of building the tension, slowly but surely. Until all bloody hell breaks loose, of course. And then, in its third act, “Speak No Evil” becomes an entertaining but routine horror flick, with predictable results. But for a while, it’s a way more intelligent film. And the jumpy moments work
I’ll confess to literally springing out of my seat when someone uneventfully turned on a power drill. We begin in stunning Tuscany, where Louise (Mackenzie Davis, in the film’s most accessible and empathetic performance) and Ben (Scoot McNairy, all nerves and insecurity) are vacationing with 11-year-old daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler). At the pool, they meet Paddy (McAvoy)
and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), a British couple with a disabled son, Ant, apparently born without a proper tongue. One day in town, Paddy offers Agnes a ride on his Vespa. Louise is frightened to see her daughter disappear on the motorbike with a strange man, but it would be churlish to say no, right? In briefly sketched backstories, we learn that Louise and Ben moved to London
for Ben’s job, but he was soon downsized out. As for Paddy, all we know is he’s a doctor. At least, we think he is. The Americans, accepting the weekend invitation back in England, arrive at the secluded country home in dead of night. Immediately something feels off. The rooms are quirky but musty, the sheets stained. How can a doctor live like this, Louise asks? Ben brushes off her concern, quipping that even Downton Abbey is in terrible shape. When the couple cooks dinner, Paddy proudly explains they’ve butchered their prize goose in their guests’ honor. He proffers Louise a forkful even though he well knows she’s a vegetarian. Louise is disgusted but, politely, takes a bite. Daughter Agnes, too, is freaked out. She’s being made to sleep on the floor next to Ant (Dan Hough, poignant in a role with no words.) And the next evening, when everyone dresses for a special dinner out, Paddy and Ciara inform Louise and Ben that the kids will stay home with a strange male babysitter. “We’ve had mannies before,” Ben tells Louise, unconvincingly.q
By ANITA SNOW Associated Press Haitian American writer Edwidge Danticat explores family, homeland and her literary heroes in “We’re Alone,” a new volume of essays that include personal narratives of her early years as child immigrant in Brooklyn to reportage of recent events like the assassination of a president back in her native county. In the essay collection, the author of the celebrated memoir “Brother, I’m Dying,” and novels like “Breath, Eyes, Memory” and “Claire of the Sea Light,” moves from her na
tive Port-au-Prince to the New York of her childhood and finally to the adopted hometown of Miami, where she lives as an adult with a family of her own. In one essay in the slim volume, Danticat contemplates her family, describing the consequences of one uncle being gripped by dementia, his memory erased, his past suddenly vanished. “An entire segment of our family history, of which he was the sole caretaker, was no longer available to us. Or to himself,” Danticat recalled. Yet, she wrote, “family is not only made
up of your living relatives. It is elders long buried and generations yet unborn, with stories as bridges and potential portals. Family is whoever is left when everyone else is gone.” Another essay pays homage to distinguished writers of color she admires, including James Baldwin and Colombian Gabriel García Márquez. On the plane to Grenada for a tourism conference, Danticat considers the work of Black feminist Audre Lorde, reading the essay Lorde wrote about the island just weeks after the 1983 U.S. invasion of her
parents’ homeland. Danticat fondly remembers the time she spent with friend and mentor American novelist Toni Morrison, including their participation in a conference in Paris. And she reflects on the earthquakes and hurricanes that have rocked her native Haiti and other Caribbean countries in recent decades, following centuries of colonization. “’We are a people,’ is what we have been saying for generations to colonizers, invaders and imperialists hellbent on destroying us. And now, more than ever, Mother Nature, too.”q
This image released by Universal Pictures shows James McEvoy in a scene from “Speak No Evil.”
Associated Press
Sinister and unhinged, James McAvoy is the weekend host from hell in ‘Speak No Evil’
This cover image released by Graywolf Press shows “We’re Alone” by Edwidge Danticat. Associated Press
‘We’re Alone’ by Haitian American writer Edwidge Danticat weaves personal and political
SPORTS A15 Saturday 14 September 2024
By BEN NUCKOLS AP Sports Writer GAINESVILLE, Va. (AP) — Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz became the first American duo to win three straight alternate-shot matches in the Solheim Cup, taking control on the back nine against Charley Hull and Esther Henseleit to help the United States open an early 3-1 lead on Friday. Two U.S. rookies also won their opening matches. The summer’s hottest American player, Lauren Coughlin, teamed with Rose Zhang for a 3-and-2 win over Celine Boutier and European rookie Albane Valenzuela. Sarah Schmelzel, picked by U.S. captain Stacy Lewis to play in her first Solheim Cup, chatted amiably with partner Lilia Vu as they beat the deliberately paced duo of Carlota Ciganda and Linn Grant, 3 and 2. The only European win came from the fist-pumping, high-fiving pair of Maja Stark and Emily Pedersen, who went 3 up through four holes and survived a nervy back nine to close out Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho, 2 up. The U.S. also dominated the opening foursomes session last year in Spain, 4-0,
before Europe rallied for a 14-14 tie that allowed it to capture its third consecutive Solheim Cup. Neither team has taken the cup four times in a row. Friday’s matches began quietly under overcast skies at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, with transportation problems leading to half-empty grandstands surrounding the first tee when Henseleit struck the
opening tee shot at 7:05 a.m. Fans complained they were stuck for hours waiting for shuttle buses to the sprawling property about 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., prompting an apology from the LPGA Tour. The grandstands were full Friday afternoon when former President Barack Obama, an RTJ member, greeted Korda and a
pumped-up Megan Khang ahead of their fourball match. Korda and Corpuz went 2-0 in foursomes in Spain. Their match on Thursday was tied on the par-5 14th hole when the rookie Henseleit, who won the silver medal for Germany at the Paris Olympics, hesitated before deciding to hit a fairway wood for her second shot. Her ball was tracking
toward the flagstick but ballooned in the wind and splashed into the pond in front of the green, leading to bogey. A poor drive by Henseleit on the par-4 15th led to a three-putt bogey, and the top-ranked Korda hit her approach to 5 feet on the par-3 16th. Corpuz made the putt to close out the match, 3 and 2. “Both of them were silent assassins,” said Zhang, who heard the roar for the closing putt from the nearby 15th green. Korda improved her Solheim Cup record to 8-4-1 but has never been part of a winning U.S. team. The Americans last won in 2017 in Iowa. Playing in her home state, the long-hitting Coughlin who made four scouting trips to RTJ this year holed birdie putts on the par-5 eighth hole and again on the par-5 12th after her uphill, fairway-wood second shot found the back of the green. “I feel like we were playing well all match, and then we just finally started getting some putts to go in,” Coughlin said. “But I feel like we played super solid the whole round.”q
United States’ Nelly Korda hits from the second tee during a Solheim Cup golf tournament foursomes match at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Gainesville, VA.
Associated Press
Korda and Corpuz remain perfect and propel the U.S. to an early lead over Europe in the Solheim Cup
By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer Tiger Woods had yet another surgery on his lower back on Friday morning. This one he hopes will relieve some of the spasms he experienced this year. It was the sixth surgery on his lower back in the last 10 years. In a brief statement on social media, Woods described it as a microdecompression surgery of the lumbar spine for nerve impingement on the lower back. That also is referred to as a microdiscectomy, and the recovery time can be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks. Woods was not scheduled to play again
until the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Dec. 5-8, and the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie, on Dec. 21-22 in Orlando, Florida. “The surgery went smoothly, and I’m hopeful this will help alleviate the back spasms and pain I was experiencing throughout most of the 2024 season,” Woods said. Woods played only five tournaments this year the four majors and the Genesis Invitational at Riviera in February, where he is the tournament host. He lasted only 24 holes at Riviera because of illness. That was the only tournament he specifically men
tioned back spasms, and that was while explaining a shank he hit on the 18th hole of the opening round. He said he had been dealing with spasms, “not during competition, but at home.” Asked the cause of the spams he said curtly, “Because my back is fused.” Woods had his first microdiscectomy in April 2014, two more the following year and then had his lower back fused in 2017. He had another microdiscectomy surgery in December 2020 to remove a pressurized disc fragment. Two months later, he crashed his speeding SUV in Los Angeles that shattered bones in his right leg
and ankle, leading to another level of injuries he has coped with while trying to play a limited schedule.q
Tiger Woods of the United States plays from the rough on the sixth hole during his second round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland, July 19, 2024.
Associated Press
Tiger Woods has another surgery on lower back to relieve pinched nerves
SPORTS Saturday 14 September 2024 A16
By TIM REYNOLDS AP Sports Writer MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins will bring in another quarterback while starter Tua Tagovailoa deals with his latest concussion, and coach Mike McDaniel insisted Friday that the only thing that should matter to him or anyone is Tagovailoa’s health. For the short term at least, Skylar Thompson will be considered the Dolphins’ starter while Tagovailoa is sidelined. Tagovailoa left Thursday night’s 31-10 loss to Buffalo in the third quarter with the third known concussion of his NFL career, all of them coming in the last 24 months. “The team and the organization are very confident in Skylar,” McDaniel said. McDaniel said the team has not made any decision about whether to place Tagovailoa on injured reserve. Tagovailoa was at the team facility Friday, as expected and as McDaniel said would be the case, to start the process of being evaluated in earnest. How long that process takes is one of the countless unknowns right now. “The people that matter
most, and their opinions, are Tua, the doctors and the experts,” McDaniel said. McDaniel and Tagovailoa have expressed often over their time together that their relationship is close. And McDaniel tried to make clear multiple times Friday that his top priority is Tagovailoa’s well-being not when he plays again. “All the science behind
concussions tells you what we’ve learned is how delicate the time is right after an injury and how important it is that you don’t institute extra sources of anxiety,” McDaniel said. “So, from my vantage point, I feel it’s supremely important in understanding that, that I’m not giving off any sort of vibes.” There are a slew of veteran quarterbacks available for
the Dolphins to consider, including Jimmy Garoppolo and former Miami starter Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins have not revealed any players who are under consideration, and despite plenty of former players suggesting it may be time for Tagovailoa to consider his long-term health McDaniel said it would be “so wrong” for him to even think about weighing in on
whether the quarterback should play again. “I wish people would for a second hear what I’m saying, that bringing up his future is not in the best interest of him,” McDaniel said. “So, I’m going to plead with everybody that does genuinely care that should be the last thing on your mind.” Concerns and opinions from around the football world were coming nonstop Friday, from former Alabama coach Nick Saban Tagovailoa’s college coach urging the quarterback and his family to proceed with caution, to Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce saying he would tell Tagovailoa to stop playing the game. “I’ll be honest: I’d just tell him to retire,” Pierce said. All that seems certain: McDaniel doesn’t envision Tagovailoa playing in Miami’s next game at Seattle on Sept. 22. Tagovailoa was hurt on a play where he collided into Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin. Tagovailoa, who was rushing successfully for a first down, initiated the contact by lowering his shoulder into Hamlin instead of sliding as many quarterbacks do on a scramble.q
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) lies on the field after suffering a concussion during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Associated Press
Dolphins will bring in another quarterback, while Tagovailoa deals with concussion
NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam singles champion, led the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s fan vote her first year on the ballot an important part to possible selection to the hall’s next class. The organization released the voting results Friday. American doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan finished second with Canada’s Daniel Nestor third. The Hall of Fame said tens of thousands of fans from 120 countries cast ballots. Fan voting is one of two steps in the hall’s selection process. The second is an official group of journalists, historians, and Hall of Famers from the sport who vote on the ballot for the hall’s class of 2025. “I am incredibly grateful to the fans all around the world who supported me during the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s fan votes,” Sharapova said in a statement. “It is a tremendous honor to be considered for the Hall of Fame, and having the fans’
support makes it all the more special.” Sharapova became the first Russian woman to reach No. 1 in the world. She won Wimbledon in 2004, the U.S. Open in 2006 and the Australian Open in 2008. She also won the French Open twice, in 2012 and 2014. Sharapova was also part of Russia’s championship Fed Cup team in 2008 and won a silver medal at the London Olympics in 2012. To make the hall, candidates must receive 75% or higher on combined results of the official voting group and additional percentage from the fan vote. Sharapova will have an additional three percentage points from winning the fan vote. The Bryans, who won 16 Grand Slam doubles titles, will have two additional percentage points and Nestor, who won eight Grand Slam doubles titles, will get one extra percentage point.q
Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after she won the women’s final match against Ana Ivanovic of Serbia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Jan. 10, 2015. Associated Press
Former world No. 1 Sharapova wins fan vote for International Tennis Hall of Fame