West Virginia Couple’s Violent Robbery Spree Thwarted by FBI, Local Partners

Robbers Who Targeted Elderly Sentenced

In 2018, a 74-year-old Tennessee woman was attacked in her home by a pair of robbers who ransacked her house and stole her sense of safety.

Days later, a 72-year-old Tennessee man with dementia was attacked outside his home by the same assailants. They forced him inside and threw him down a stairwell after robbing him of a few possessions. Among the items stolen was a bomber jacket from the man’s service in Vietnam. It was an irreplaceable keepsake that investigators never found.

In all, Joshua Small and his girlfriend, Joni Johnson, robbed—and in some cases violently assaulted—seven senior citizens in West Virginia, Virginia, and Tennessee during a short period in the summer of 2018. In several cases, they subdued their victims by punching or hitting them and then tying them up while they ransacked their homes. The robbers held some of their victims at gunpoint or threatened them with guns.

The incidents shook the small, quiet towns where they took place.

“One victim’s son told us, ‘This is a small town. Everyone here knows me or my dad,’” said Special Agent Wesley Leatham, who investigated this case out of the FBI’s Knoxville Field Office along with FBI Task Force Officer Mark Webber of the Knox County Sheriff’s Department. “It really caused a lot of worry and concern in these communities.”

A break in the case came when a tipster saw a couple driving a rental car that matched the description of the robbers’ car and told local police. Pawn shop employees also confirmed that Small had been seen pawning stolen jewelry and other items.

Investigators found overwhelming evidence against the couple once they were identified, including incriminating evidence on their cell phones. Several victims also identified Johnson and Small based on photos.

The couple lived in West Virginia, and they used Small’s employer, a family paving business, to find some of their elderly victims. In other cases, investigators aren’t certain how the robbers targeted their victims, but they were all in their 70s, 80s, or 90s.

“Everyone really wanted to see justice for these victims, especially given their ages and the level of violence they suffered.”

Wesley Leatham, special agent, FBI Knoxville

With multiple sheriffs’ offices involved, the FBI played a key coordinating role. The Bureau also brought resources to the case, including the ability to press federal charges.

“We had great local partners in this case,” Leatham said. “Everybody came together with outstanding coordination. Everyone really wanted to see justice for these victims, especially given their ages and the level of violence they suffered.”

In July 2019, the couple was convicted of kidnapping charges. In January, Small was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, and Johnson was sentenced to 25 years.

Investigators hope the outcome brought some closure to the victims and communities that were traumatized. One victim died before the trial and some others were unable to travel to it, but their relatives gave powerful impact statements.

“We’ve heard from the victims’ families since then that this has destroyed their sense of safety. They’re constantly checking the door to make sure it’s locked. Visitors have to call before they come over,” Leatham said. “It’s really had a lasting effect on a lot of people.”

Resources

Joshua Small and Joni Amber Johnson Sentenced for Kidnapping Elderly Victims

Texas Man Charged with Defrauding Cisco Systems, the Neat Company, iRobot Corporation, Amazon.com

Out of More Than $1.9 million in Merchandise

PHILADELPHIA PA (March 4, 2020)–– United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Reece A. Line, 23, of Pearland, Texas, was charged today by Information with 22 counts of mail fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, and three counts of tax evasion.

The Information alleges that the defendant perpetrated a scheme to defraud Cisco Systems Inc. (“Cisco”), the Neat Company (“Neat”), iRobot Corporation (“iRobot”), APC by Schneider Electric (“APC”), Amazon.com (“Amazon”), and other companies by engaging in a sophisticated warranty fraud scheme. The charges state that the defendant and his co-schemers obtained serial numbers to products sold or manufactured by Cisco, Neat, iRobot, and APC. They allegedly proceeded to register false domain names, obtain false email addresses, and submit false warranty claims, pretending to own products sold or manufactured by these companies that they claimed were not working. The Information alleges that the defendant provided customer service representatives with descriptions of the non-existent defects that he knew they could not solve by troubleshooting and would require replacement with new products. Cisco, Neat, iRobot, and APC then shipped the replacement products to the defendant and his co-schemers, which they promptly sold via eBay, on Amazon, or through computer resellers.

The Information further alleges that the defendant and his co-schemers defrauded Amazon by using false identities, domain names, email addresses, and mailing addresses to order products that they falsely claimed never arrived or arrived broken, thereby inducing Amazon to repeatedly send replacement products. The Information alleges that the defendant and his co-schemers then sold the products obtained in this manner via eBay.

All told, the defendant and his co-schemers successfully obtained at least $1,950,000 worth of products from the victim companies through their alleged fraud. The Information also alleges that the defendant evaded the payment of any income tax on the income he earned from his fraud for tax years 2014 through 2016 by, among other things, failing to file returns, storing his fraud proceeds in bank accounts and PayPal accounts in the names of co-schemers, storing cash at his residence, paying his personal living expenses with cash, and using false email addresses, false domain names, prepaid gift cards, and false identities to conceal his involvement in the fraud scheme.

“As alleged, the defendant engaged in a sophisticated fraud scheme that netted almost $2 million worth of products,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Retail fraud, whether in brick-and-mortar stores or online, is a serious crime that must be punished and deterred. I would like to thank both the FBI and the IRS for their dedication and partnership in this matter.”

“Taxpayers are required to cooperate with the tax system by filing honest and accurate returns and paying their fair share,” said Michael Montanez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “The Special Agents of IRS-CI will continue to investigate and bring charges against those who intentionally violate our tax system.”

The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 825 years’ incarceration, a five-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $8,250,000.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael S. Lowe.

An Indictment, Information, or Criminal Complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Top Gambling Apps for Windows 10

Gloucestercitynews.net (March 4, 2020)–From the second that online casino became a part of our lives, the game was changed forever. Before that, our favorite pastime was watching sports or something like that. Introducing

real money online gambling

into people’s lives had that same impact on humans as if one would give bears a life supply of honey. Your favorite amusement had become instantly accessible and an integral part of your life.

Advantages of PC casino games

No one would trade places with those old school players who visited gambling joints with a

solid reputation

if they were lucky to pick one. Those romantic days of rounders are gone as nothing can compare with that coziness of your comfy chair as one browse through his favorite game catalog. Crowded plus smokey rooms filled with angry or frustrated customers who had a bad luck streak is something one doesn’t need to put up with anymore. He can choose when or where he puts his chips and can take his break anytime, knowing that his earnings are secured plus guaranteed by trusted institutions. The virtual world of gaming is taking over, so take a seat in that front row hence enjoy your ride.

Top PC games

Slots Pro

This little application brings that touch of pro-slots straight onto your desktop. Choose between several themes set in the Victorian age, ancient Greece or tropical jungle. It comes in multiple languages with a size of fewer than two hundred megabytes. One can track his stats compared with players worldwide who also downloaded this charming app to enjoy

best slots

AE Blackjack Online

Practice makes it perfect, which is certainly true regarding blackjack gameplay. For getting your skills sharpened, try this online simulator which is very stylish but also informative for younger players eager to hone their skills. It is just over fifteen megabytes in size, plus one gets free one hundred credits every hour to continue the fun.

Microsoft Jackpot

This interactive slot adventure is made for younger audiences to get familiar with slots gameplay dynamics. Several cartooney themes provide visual delight which relaxes players as they immerse themselves into the roleplay. One can purchase play coins plus unlock achievements in this casual, lighthearted title, which is basically a community-driven experience.

Zynga Poker — Texas Holdem

This title brings back some happy memories as it represents a revolution in casual tournament poker play. What started as an extension of hanging on Facebook with your friends had become some worldwide phenomenon. With millions of players interlinked in this virtual jungle, poker enthusiasts can enjoy any kind of tournament setting as they please.

Simons Slots

This five-reel old-school retro slot fest is meant to induce some nostalgia for that time when first slot games hit the streets. Choose between multiple retro themes plus enjoy features like exchanging credits with your buddies or claiming new ones every few hours. It is constantly updated, plus it is small in size hence easily installed.

Conclusion

This casual world of free gambling applications is some great starting point to get familiar with most wanted games in some safe plus cozy environment. It allows young players to learn those basics before entering that world of real cash entertainment. Once equipped with a solid understanding of game dynamics, they will be ready for some serious action afterward.

1000\’s Attend St. Mary\’s/ Gloucester City Irish Parade (photos)

by CNBNews Staff

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (March 3, 2020)–This year\’s parade, held Sunday, March 1, was \”much bigger than last year\”, said Mayor Dan Spencer. \”Between all the marchers and spectators it was estimated upwards of 5,000 people in town.\’\”

Spencer said, \”I would like to extend my appreciation to all of our parade sponsors especially the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders, all of our great city employees from the Public Works Department, Police and Fire Departments, Camden County Special Events Department, Msgr. William Hodge from St. Mary’s, Charlie Kain, President of the New Jersey Irish Society, Tom Gurick our MC, Bob Kelly from Fox 29 News, Principal Ed Beckett our Grand Marshall from Gloucester Catholic High School, Dr. Dennis Vespe and Principal Sean Gorman from the Gloucester City School District for all their support, Members of City Council, my friends from the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association for their help and support in organizing things on parade day, and all of those who had anything to do with making this a bigger and better event for putting Gloucester City in the spotlight. We are happy for the many people who visited our businesses that day, especially those who visited our taverns and restaurants. I apologize for anyone I forgot, so a GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE, Especially the great citizens of Gloucester City for being so humble and hospitable. See you next year for an even bigger and better parade.\”

( photos courtesy of Heidi Weaver heidiho7272@gmail.com )

The opening ceremony of the parade began in front of the church with Sheila McGirl singing the anthems as the flags for the United States and Ireland were raised by Assemblyman Bill Moen. Grand Marshall Ed Beckett and Deputy Consul General from Ireland Sean O\’Hageon look on

The Brian Boru Pipes and Drums Band with Kevin Flatley Drum Major parades by St. Mary\’s Church

Several thousand people attended this year\’s parade. Gloucester City Mayor Dan Spencer was decked out in his Irish scarf, tie and carried his Irish shillelagh

Gloucester City Mayor Dan Spencer and Monsignor Bill Hodge do their impression of the mummer strut with one of the string band captains in front of St. Mary\’s Church

Monsignor Bill Hodge enjoyed the day. Being the Irishman that he is he couldn\’t contain himself when the music starting playing he had this urge to strut his stuff.

Celebrity Parade Marshall Bob Kelly from Fox 29 was dressed out in his finery including his shamrock sports coat which he only wears, hopefully, at St. Patrick\’s celebrations. Where do you buy something like that Bob?

Mary Blackiston just couldn\’t help herself. She showed everyone that you can\’t keep a Gloucester City girl down when the string band starts playing you have to dance!

Honor guest Deputy Consul General from Ireland Sean O’Hageon

Ladies AOH State Officers Roseann Michel and Maread Gallagher

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

( photos courtesy of Heidi Weaver heidiho7272@gmail.com )

PA Legislators Concerned With $100M Redesign of State College System

By Christen Smith |

The Center Square

Gloucestercitynews.net files

Pennsylvania lawmakers questioned a proposed $100 million redesign of its higher education system this week after years of declining enrollment left many of its 14 universities in the red.

Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Chancellor Dan Greenstein said the “radical” plan – which includes a $20 million boost annually in state funding over the next five years – would allow the organization to share services, demolish underutilized buildings and encourage staff retirements that altogether could save between $80 million and $120 million through 2025.

“The universities have created five-year plans which demonstrate how they will balance the budgets from which these numbers are derived,” he told the Senate Appropriations Committee during PASSHE’s budget hearing this week. “And they will be held accountable for this. … This can has been kicked down the road, and the road has ended.”

Gov. Tom Wolf’s $36.1 billion state budget proposal allocates $490 million to PASSHE and $12.9 million in support of the system’s redesign effort. Greenstein said the agency needs a 2 percent increase over last year’s funding, plus the $20 million appropriation, to target its joint goals of keeping tuition affordable and the five-year redesign plan.

Greenstein said PASSHE also renegotiated labor union contracts and created an extended sick leave payout program the agency hopes will encourage 200 staff and faculty to retire annually. In October, all universities implemented “sustainability policies” that establish balanced budgets and new procedures meant to effectively manage personnel – from curtailing the use of temporary faculty to consolidating existing roles at all levels to eliminating or combining duplicative programs with low enrollment.

“It’s going to require an unprecedented level of collaboration with our unions and close collaboration with our universities,” Greenstein said. “This will stretch us, but I am confident we are ready, and as the numbers portray, it is time.”

Enrollment across PASSHE’s 14 universities declined 20 percent over the past decade, Greenstein said, while state funding levels for the system rank 47th nationwide. Pennsylvania’s student debt is also the second highest in the nation, Greenstein added, despite the agency’s priority of keeping tuition affordable.

“You and all the students have the absolute right to be enraged and livid by the lack of leadership from this General Assembly,” said Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks. “The fact is that we are not investing where we should be investing. We are not giving you the resources you need.

“The cost that our students are asked to bear, as you just said, has a direct relationship with the funding we give to our state system” he added. “It’s inexcusable that Pennsylvania ranks 47th in the country.”

Other senators pressed Greenstein on whether the redesign plan should consider closing universities with lower attendance rates – an idea the chancellor said disenfranchises the rural communities many of them serve.

“I don’t think the numbers support your theory because the rural institutions are the ones that had the greatest reduction in numbers,” said Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming. \”I know how important Mansfield University is to the town of Mansfield, … but somewhere along the line, we really have to take a look at would we be better off closing them and folding the funding into the institutions that are really thriving.”

Sen. Scott Martin, R-Lancaster, told Greenstein the “backwards” prioritization of struggling universities concerns him and undermines the few schools that remain successful.

“My big worry, from many different perspectives, is the fact that we are missing out on opportunities with the institutions that are growing, that are doing their best to keep their head above water and that they cannot do these things because they’re not getting the resources,” he said. “The resources are being funneled through back channels to create opportunities that every single student in the commonwealth is not being given, in terms of scholarships, and that’s just fundamentally not fair.”

Martin’s comments reference Wolf’s $204 million proposed Nellie Bly Tuition Program, which would target financial assistance to full-time PASSHE students. Under program rules, students must agree to stay in Pennsylvania for as many years as they received the benefit.

Senate Education Committee Minority Chairman Andy Dinniman, D-Chester, criticized the scholarship program proposal during Thursday’s hearing, insisting that raiding the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund would only result in court challenges the state is certain to lose.

\”I wish it was as simple as we’ve said,\” he said. \”If you try to take the money out … and to play this game of letting students think they will get these scholarships and they will not, because it will go to court.\”

published by Gloucestercitynews.net with permission of

The Center Square

Temple’s Dr. Silvia Fossati Awarded $500,000 Grant for Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Discovery Research

(Philadelphia, PA) – Silvia Fossati, PhD,

Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Associate Director of the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, has been awarded a two-year $500,000 grant from The Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, as part of the Foundation’s Awards Program in Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Discovery Research.

Dr. Fossati, the principal investigator on the grant, will work with co-investigator

Marc Ilies, PhD,

Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Temple University School of Pharmacy, to develop a new Alzheimer’s-specific version of an already-existing drug family called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat conditions such as glaucoma and high-altitude sickness.

Previous studies in Dr. Fossati’s Lab showed that these drugs were effective in cell and animal models at targeting certain features of Alzheimer’s disease, including mitochondrial dysfunction, amyloid protein build-up, and inflammation.

Research has suggested that chronic inflammation in the brain may be due to the build-up of cells that normally free the organ of debris, waste and protein collections – including amyloid protein. When amyloid protein deposits in abnormal levels in the brain, it can disrupt cell function and communication pathways. Elevated levels can also be a factor in abnormalities of the mitochondria – the energy-generating batteries of cells – and in damaging the brain vasculature (its blood vessels). Collectively, these can eventually contribute to cognitive dysfunction, including impairments in memory and learning – hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.

Ideally, Dr. Fossati and Dr. Ilies’ drug would target these characteristics, as currently available carbonic anhydrase inhibitors do, but would better infiltrate the brain and cause fewer side effects.

The drug would be tested in cell and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease first and then potentially in human clinical trials in two to three years.

“Since carbonic anhydrase inhibitors have already been approved by the FDA and have demonstrated promising results, we are hopeful that we will be able to tailor what is currently available on the market to specifically target Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Fossati said. “We are so thankful that the foundation sees such promise in our work and has chosen to recognize us with this grant.”

The Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, which was established in 2002 by Robert P. Thome to honor the memory of his parents, provides funding in two areas – support for the dignified treatment of older adults and support for medical research on diseases affecting older adults. The medical research division alternates between funding research on macular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease.

About Temple Health

Temple University Health System (TUHS) is a $2.2 billion academic health system dedicated to providing access to quality patient care and supporting excellence in medical education and research. The Health System consists of Temple University Hospital (TUH)

;

TUH-Episcopal Campus; TUH-Jeanes Campus; TUH-Northeastern Campus; The Hospital of Fox Chase Cancer Center and Affiliates, an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center; Temple Transport Team, a ground and air-ambulance company; Temple Physicians, Inc., a network of community-based specialty and primary-care physician practices; and Temple Faculty Practice Plan, Inc., TUHS’s physician practice plan comprised of more than 500 full-time and part-time academic physicians in 20 clinical departments. TUHS is affiliated with the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.

Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Katz School of Medicine. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents.

It is the policy of Temple University Health System that there shall be no exclusion from, or participation in, and no one denied the benefits of, the delivery of quality medical care on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, age, ancestry, color, national origin, physical ability, level of education, or source of payment.

The Future of Gambling Sponsorship in Sport

(Gloucestercitynews.net)(March 3, 2020)–It goes without saying that bookmakers are inextricably linked with various sports events. Moreover, betting companies have significantly influenced the popularity of some sports. The profitability of some sporting events sometimes reaches several billion dollars. Thanks to this, many companies and clubs can earn significant financial support from sports advertising, ticket sales, gadgets, and so on. Bookmakers strive to promote their brands and ensure a stable income so they sign partnership contracts with many sports clubs. One can frequently see the logos of gambling companies on the T-shirts of the most popular football players, on banners at stadiums, and in other places. However, it would be wrong to deny the fact that gambling in sports really supports athletic events by investing money in world contests. Indeed, it actually helps to promote an active lifestyle among the population even though betting businesses gain profits.

Vulkan Vegas, bet365, and other betting companies as sponsors of Premier League teams

In the UK, bookmakers have long gone beyond the narrow framework of providing their services in their hometowns. Large British betting companies are not just entering the national arena, they are also challenging European leadership. Companies such as

Vulkan Vegas

, bet365, and many others already support a large variety of football clubs in England and Europe as a whole. However, the gambling business cannot yet compete with the world\’s richest titans. For example, Manchester United is sponsored by General Motors, which bought the right to place the name of its Chevrolet car brand on the club’s shirts. Their neighbors, Manchester City, also have a rich supporter – the airline from the Emirates,

Etihad Airways

, which had enough money to buy the name of the stadium.

Sponsorship of mid-range teams

Gambling companies do not yet have such budgets to approach the richest clubs in the league. However, with the mid-range teams, they are already able to reach agreements. At a time when

Tottenham Hotspur

had not yet shown the high results it has in recent years, its partner was Mansion.com and this logo appeared on the team’s shirts from 2006 to 2010. This gambling operator, registered in Gibraltar, began its activities with online casinos and poker but has recently become interested in bookmaking.

The most successful sports and gambling collaboration in England is an agreement between bet365 and Stoke City. Gambling company has managed to not only become the official sponsor of Stoke City in 2012 but also to redeem the right for the club’s stadium to be named after this bookmaker in 2016.

Second division clubs

Championship clubs frequently work with bookmakers. Most of them have sponsorship contracts or partnerships with betting companies. Nottingham Forest has partnered with the 888sport online bookmaker. Starting from the 2017/18 season, Bolton has been placing the logo of the British betting company Betfred on its shirts. This bookmaker also collaborated from 2006 to 2013 with Manchester United as the club\’s betting partner. It seems that it will not be long before every football club in Britain has a sponsor or partner from the world of betting. Moreover, it is likely that the last strongholds of the

Premier League

will soon fall – the richest clubs in England that will not resist the temptations of the contracts offered by local gambling representatives.

The future of gambling sponsorship in sport

Gambling companies will, for sure, strive to become more deeply immersed in world sport in the next years. They invest a lot of money into sponsorship and gain even bigger profits from it. Despite the fact that not every football club is loyal to betting businesses, it is a good opportunity for weaker teams to secure financial stability and use it for improving youth academies, infrastructure, management, etc. That is why the upcoming years will definitely be the years of gambling companies sponsoring local and national teams.

Conclusion

It is impressive how gambling has incorporated itself in sport sponsorship at the world’s largest event. Currently, almost every football, basketball, or hockey club has a sponsor connected to betting. For sure, such a tendency has some negative features, since bookmakers might be able to insider sports betting, but the fact that gambling companies invest in sport, making it thrive definitely covers the drawbacks of betting sponsorship in sports.

A Little Girl from Indiana is Pursuing Her Dreams Thanks to Her New Kidney

March is National Kidney Month:

March 2, 2020

—

March is National Kidney Month, which is a month-long, awareness-raising grassroots effort to spread the word nationwide about the importance of kidney health. An Indiana transplant family knows all too well the life-saving difference a

healthy kidney can make.

Paula and David Check of Fishers, Indiana, remember the excitement of learning they were pregnant with their first child. Paula’s pregnancy was normal by all accounts and they were simply counting the days until their precious baby would be born. Baby Lydia arrived in December 2009 and the family of three felt complete. She was an adorable infant who grew into a toddler — her first years of life seemed ‘normal’ to both Paula and David.

But during the summer months of 2014 Paula noticed then four-year-old Lydia was becoming increasingly sick, tired and weak. By the fall months Lydia was vomiting and having diarrhea regularly. She began bleeding from her bowels. Paula remembers taking Lydia to the family doctor several times insisting there was something seriously wrong with their little girl. In January 2015 Lydia’s weight loss became incredibly noticeable; she was literally skin and bones. In February 2015 a gastro intestinal specialist diagnosed Lydia with Ulcerative Colitis, which meant she had bleeding ulcers in her stomach and colon. Eight months later in September 2015 it was determined Lydia also had a serious kidney issue that would require a kidney transplant for her long-term survival.

Lydia, with a little help from her mom, has written a narrative about her transplant journey. Here is how Lydia tells her transplant story to date:

Hello my name is Lydia, I am 10 years old, and the last six years have been really difficult. I have been sick since August 2014 with an autoimmune disorder. When I was younger I was weak, tired and had extreme weight loss. My parents took me to the doctor repeatedly, always telling him something was wrong. But my problem went undiagnosed until January 2015. That is when I began treatment for Ulcerative Colitis. After several doctor appointments and medications, it went into remission.

In August 2015 something was not right with my kidney function. Labor Day weekend I was admitted to Riley Hospital for Children and I had a biopsy performed. I spent the entire day in bed. I was required to lay flat on my back to prevent bleeding from the procedure. The next three days in the hospital I was given super strength IV steroids. I initially showed improvement from the steroids and was sent home on Labor Day afternoon. Steroids work great for some people but I was not showing signs of improvement — just the side effects of weight gain, a puffy face, lots of emotions and not being able to sleep through the night. In May 2016 a G Tube was placed in my belly so medications could go right to my tummy. An overnight drip of Pedialyte was started to keep me from dehydrating. Testing determined I have a genetic disease.

Lydia’s diagnosis, Nephronophthisis, is a

genetic disorder

of the

kidneys

that affects children. The disorder is inherited in an

autosomal recessive

fashion and, although rare, is the most common genetic cause of childhood kidney failure. Although the range of characterizations is broad, those kids affected by nephronophthisis typically produce a large volume of urine, drink excessive amounts of liquid, and after several months to years, develop

end stage renal (kidney) disease

— a condition necessitating either dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive.

As Lydia’s kidney disease progressed, Paula and David started meeting with the transplant team at Riley Hospital for Children. In January 2017, upon a transplant social worker’s urging, Paula called the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) to learn more about fundraising for transplant-related expenses. COTA is a 501(c)3 charity so all contributions to COTA in honor of Lydia are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, and COTA funds are available for a lifetime of transplant-related expenses. COTA uniquely understands that parents who care for a child or young adult before, during and after a life-saving transplant have enough to deal with, so COTA’s model shifts the responsibility for fundraising to a community team of trained volunteers. On February 24th Lydia became part of the COTA Family.

A COTA fundraising specialist travelled to Fishers, Indiana, on March 20th to train the family’s volunteers and walked them through the entire process. This group of family members and friends quickly got to work organizing fundraisers to help with mounting transplant-related expenses. According to Paula, COTA’s team of professionals was supportive, encouraging and very helpful every step of the journey.

Once we found out I needed a new kidney, several people started the testing process to see if they could be my living donor. Those tests were unsuccessful. In late 2017 I was approved to be on the national kidney waiting list. However my wait was long and in August 2018 I went from low kidney function to kidney failure.

That is when the doctors told us it was time to begin dialysis. Our family decided hemodialysis was the best choice and I went in for the surgery that would allow me to be on dialysis. During the first surgery I lost a lot of blood and needed a blood transfusion. Then they were unable to get the dialysis machine up to full speed during my first treatment. It was decided there was a problem with my central line and they needed to do surgery again. This time it worked. I was on dialysis four hours a day, three days a week. It was long and exhausting.

On August 31, 2018, right when we got home from dialysis, Mom got a phone call from Riley. They had a kidney match for me! It was an emotional roller coaster. I was happy. I was scared. I had no idea what to expect. The next day on September 1

, I received my new kidney and the transplant was a big success. Sixteen days later on September 17

I was released from the hospital to go home. Wow.

“I knew Lydia’s transplant surgery and follow-up care and medications and everything would be very expensive. Once we found COTA a huge stressor was lifted from our shoulders. If we had not been introduced to COTA our family would have been very lost during a time of tremendous need. COTA gave us the strength and direction we needed to get through a very challenging chapter in our family’s story,” Paula said.

“The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) gave us hope when we were feeling hopeless. COTA’s team of professionals were supportive and encouraging every step of the way. Knowing COTA funds are not just for the expenses leading up to a transplant but will be there throughout Lydia’s life is truly amazing. If we had not found COTA, we would have been lost during a time of tremendous need. COTA gives our family strength and direction, and will continue to do so …

for a lifetime

,” Paula said.

Lydia returned to Fall Creek Elementary and completed third grade with her new kidney. She also was able to return to her beloved dance classes at Wishes Dance Studio. When asked how life has been with her new kidney Lydia said, “I have done amazing things like riding on my very own float in the Fishers Spark Parade, running in a Super Hero 5K, going to my first Indiana Pacers game, and meeting Mickey & Minnie Mouse.” These days dancing remains at the top of the list of the things Lydia enjoys doing, but she also loves singing, pretending she is a Super Hero, cheerleading and meeting Disney princesses. She also loves to tell the story of her transplant journey.

Lydia’s new lease on life has allowed her to start dreaming about a future, which is the best gift Paula and David can imagine for their vivacious girl who has a huge smile and a huge heart. Lydia’s bucket list currently includes taking a Disney Cruise, seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, meeting Taylor Swift and having tea with the Queen of England.

In Lydia’s word, “Wow.”

March is designated National Kidney Month to raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of kidney disease. More than 30 million Americans have kidney disease, and many do not know it. There are more than 100,000 people waiting for kidney transplants, with close to 600,000 people in the United States suffering with kidney failure. More than 3,000 new patients are added to the kidney waiting list each month; 13 people die each day while waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. Every 14 minutes someone is added to the kidney transplant list. You can visit

www.RegisterMe.org

to indicate your wish to be a life-saving donor.

For more information about the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA),

or to find a COTA family in your area, please email

kim@cota.org

Federal Court Orders Deposition of Hillary Clinton on Emails and Benghazi

Court: ‘It is Time to Hear Directly from Secretary Clinton’

(Washington, DC) March 2, 2020–

Judicial Watch today announced that U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth

granted

Judicial Watch’s request to depose former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton about her emails and Benghazi attack documents. The court

also ordered the deposition of Clinton’s former Chief of Staff, Cheryl Mills and two other State Department officials.

Additionally, the court granted Judicial Watch’s request to subpoena Google for relevant documents and records associated with Clinton’s emails during her tenure at the State Department.

The ruling comes in Judicial Watch’s

lawsuit

that seeks records concerning “talking points or updates on the Benghazi attack” (

Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of State

(No. 1:14-cv-01242)). Judicial Watch famously uncovered in 2014 that the “talking points” that provided the basis for Susan Rice’s false statements were

created by

the Obama White House. This Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit

led directly

to the disclosure of the Clinton email system in 2015.

In December 2018, Judge Lamberth first

ordered discovery

into whether Secretary Clinton’s use of a private email server was intended to stymie FOIA; whether the State Department’s intent to settle this case in late 2014 and early 2015 amounted to bad faith; and whether the State Department has adequately searched for records responsive to Judicial Watch’s request. The court also authorized discovery into whether the Benghazi controversy motivated the cover-up of Clinton’s email. The court

ruled

that the Clinton email system was “one of the gravest modern offenses to government transparency.” The State and Justice Departments continued to defend Clinton’s and the agency’s email conduct.

Judge Lamberth today overruled Clinton’s and the State and Justice Department’s objections to limited additional discovery by first noting:

Discovery up until this point has brought to light a noteworthy amount of relevant information, but Judicial Watch requests an additional round of discovery, and understandably so. With each passing round of discovery, the Court is left with more questions than answers.

Additionally, Judge Lamberth said that he is troubled by the fact that both the State Department and Department of Justice want to close discovery in this case:

[T]here is still more to learn. Even though many important questions remain unanswered, the Justice Department inexplicably still takes the position that the court should close discovery and rule on dispositive motions. The Court is especially troubled by this. To argue that the Court now has enough information to determine whether State conducted an adequate search is preposterous, especially when considering State’s deficient representations regarding the existence of additional Clinton emails. Instead, the Court will authorize a new round of discovery …

With respect to Clinton, the court found that her prior testimony, mostly through written sworn answers, was not sufficient:

The Court has considered the numerous times in which Secretary Clinton said she could not recall or remember certain details in her prior interrogatory answers. In a deposition, it is more likely that plaintiff’s counsel could use documents and other testimony to attempt to refresh her recollection. And so, to avoid the unsatisfying and inefficient outcome of multiple rounds of fruitless interrogatories and move this almost six-year-old case closer to its conclusion, Judicial Watch will be permitted to clarify and further explore Secretary Clinton\’s answers in person and immediately after she gives them. The Court agrees with Judicial Watch – it is time to hear directly from Secretary Clinton.

“Judicial Watch uncovered the Clinton email scandal and we’re pleased that the court authorized us to depose Mrs. Clinton directly on her email conduct and how it impacted the people’s ‘right to know’ under FOIA,” stated Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

EPA Exhibit at 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show

Highlights the American Riviera

PHILADELPHIA

— This year’s Philadelphia Flower Show showcases the

Riviera Holiday

and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) exhibit,

called “American Riviera,” is no exception. The exhibit shows the wonderful aquatic treasures of the Mid-Atlantic region and educates guests on the human health benefits provided by wetlands, streams, and rivers.

“Riparian areas are an extremely important component of healthy watersheds and ecological function,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “The establishment, enhancement and protection of riparian areas can promote clean and healthy water, while serving as a sustainable landscaping practice.”

EPA’s flower show team, along with other exhibitors, are setting up the exhibit this week at the Philadelphia Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia where the flower show runs February 29 through March 8.

EPA’s exhibit will showcase a variety of native plants of the Mid-Atlantic region. Some of the environmental benefits of these native plants include: better adapted to local weather conditions; little to no need for pesticides, fertilizers, or supplemental watering; less maintenance; help to restore natural habitats; and provide buffers for aquatic resources to naturally manage stormwater – all of which can directly improve water quality.

Exhibit volunteers will engage with the public on the connection between healthy aquatic resources and drinking water, as well as provide visitors with information on the benefits of using native plants, sustainable landscaping, and stormwater management practices to instill positive ways of protecting our water. To learn more about these topics, visit EPA’s websites:

■

https://www.epa.gov/soakuptherain

■

https://www.epa.gov/wetlands/why-are-wetlands-important

For more information on the flower show, visit:

https://theflowershow.com/