MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (AP) — New York is discriminating against a school district that refuses to get rid of its Native American chief mascot and could face a Justice Department investigation or risk losing federal funding, President Donald Trump’s top education official said Friday.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, on a visit to Massapequa High School on Long Island, said an investigation by her agency has determined that state education officials violated Title VI of the federal civil rights law by banning the use of Native American mascots and logos statewide.
The department’s civil rights office found the state ban is discriminatory because names and mascots derived from other racial or ethnic groups, such as the “Dutchmen” and the “Huguenots,” are still permitted.
McMahon described Massapequa’s chiefs mascot as an “incredible” representation of Native American leadership as she made the announcement backed by dozens of students and local officials in the high school gymnasium.
“The Trump Administration will not stand idly by as state leaders attempt to eliminate the history and culture of Native American tribes,” the former longtime CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment said.
McMahon said her department will be asking the state to voluntarily sign a resolution rescinding its Native American mascot ban and allowing districts to continue using the mascot of their choosing.
The resolution would also include an apology to tribes, acknowledging that the state discriminated against Native Americans and “attempted to erase Native American history,” the department said.
JP O’Hare, a spokesperson for the New York education department, dismissed McMahon’s visit as “political theater” that disrupted students’ class time.
He also said Massapequa is doing a “grave disservice” to its students by ignoring facts and refusing to consult with local tribes about their concerns over the mascot.
“These representatives will tell them, as they have told us, that certain Native American names and images perpetuate negative stereotypes and are demonstrably harmful to children,” O’Hare said in a statement. “If we truly wish to honor our Native American people, we will teach our students the true history of the area’s Indigenous people and how they advanced our civilization – rather than perpetuating outdated and disproven myths.”
Trump ordered the federal education department, which he has moved to dismantle, to launch an inquiry into the dispute last month. The move has made the coastal suburb an unlikely flashpoint in the enduring debate over the place of Indigenous imagery in American sports.
Massapequa, which is about 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Manhattan, has for years fought a state mandate to retire Native American sports names and mascots.
But its lawsuit challenging the state’s 2023 ban on constitutional grounds was dismissed by a federal judge earlier this year.
State education officials, who have been trying to remove offending mascots and team names for more than two decades, gave districts until the end of this school year to commit to replacing them or risk losing education funding.
Schools could be exempt from the mandate if they gained approval from a local Native American tribe, but Massapequa never sought such permission, state officials have said.
Residents who support keeping the mascot have argued the image has been a part of the community’s identity for generations and is meant to honor its Native American past.
The town is named after the Massapequa, who were part of the broader Lenape, or Delaware, people who inhabited the woodlands of the Northeastern U.S. and Canada for thousands of years before being decimated by European colonization.
But indigenous residents on Long Island and elsewhere in New York have called Massapequa’s mascot problematic as it depicts a Native American man wearing a headdress that was typically worn by tribes in the American Midwest, but not in the Northeast.
The cheery mascot also obscures Massapequa’s legacy of violence against Native Americans, which includes the site of a massacre in which scores of Native men, women and children were killed by Europeans in the 1600s, Native American activists have said.
Massapequa, which is roughly 90% white, has long been a conservative bastion popular with New York City police and firefighters.
Trump visited the town last year to attend the wake of a New York City police officer and has made frequent visits to Long Island as it has shifted Republican.
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Hollywood’s Baldwin brothers and the Long Island’s alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer are also among Massapequa High’s notable alums.
Read MoreThe No. 3 Florida Gators play against the No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers in the Women’s College World Series tonight. The matchup will begin at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. Fans can watch this game for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
The Gators enter this matchup with an impressive 48-16 record, but they are coming off a 3-0 loss against Texas.
In order to bounce back tonight, the Gators will need a great performance from their star player Taylor Shumaker. She currently leads the team with 22 home runs and 86 RBI, so she will look to continue her offensive success this evening.
The Volunteers enter this matchup with a 45-16 record, and they are coming off a close 4-3 loss against Oklahoma.
In order to win tonight’s elimination game, the Tennessee squad will need a great performance from their star player Taylor Pannell. She leads the team with 62 RBI and a .391 batting average
Fans can watch the Women’s College World Series for free online by using the free trials offered by DirecTV and Fubo TV. Alternatively, Sling offers a first-month discount to new users.
Read MoreA report from the National Weather Service was issued on Friday at 1:12 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 1:45 p.m. for Dallas and Lowndes counties.
The storms could bring marble-sized hail (0.5 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 1:12 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm 7 miles east of Belknap, or 11 miles west of Mosses, moving east at 50 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Fort Deposit, Mosses, Hayneville, White Hall, Gordonville, Orrville, Lowndesboro, Benton, Beechwood, Tyler, Old Cahaba Park, Dannelly Reservoir, Belknap, Dallas Lake, Calhoun, Carlowville, Minter, Farmersville, Manack and Tilden.
The weather service comments, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for south central Alabama.”
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:
Lightning safety plan:
Indoors safety measures:
Wait for the all-clear:
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To protect yourself during a thunderstorm, take these recommendations into consideration:
Lightning safety plan:
Indoors safety measures:
Wait for the all-clear:
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors with no access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the weather service to stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of swollen waterways:
In heavy rain, refrain from parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a grave danger.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Prioritize visibility
Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Read MoreRepublican Sen. Joni Ernst quipped that “we are all going to die” while discussing Medicaid.
Ernst was fielding another question on potential changes to Medicaid eligibility at a town hall in north-central Iowa on Friday when she quipped that “we all are going to die.”
She had largely kept her cool as shouts and groans emerged from the crowd at a high school in Parkersburg, Iowa, as she defended President Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax and immigration package.
But as she talked through the types of people that Republicans say should not be covered by Medicaid, including immigrants in the U.S. illegally, someone in the crowd yelled that people are going to die.
“People are not … well, we all are going to die,” Ernst said as the crowd booed. “So, for heaven’s sakes. For heaven’s sakes, folks.”
“What you don’t want to do is listen to me when I say that we are going to focus on those that are most vulnerable,” Ernst went on.
“Those that meet the eligibility requirements for Medicaid we will protect.”
Read MoreAn NFL owner’s foundation has committed to investing in one of Alabama’s fastest-growing high school sports.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has provided grants to 10 Alabama high schools to start a flag football program, the organization announced Friday.
Arthur Blank has partnered with the Atlanta Falcons, which he serves as owner, to provide grants to the 10 Alabama high schools across the state.
In addition, the Atlanta Falcons will host a free girls flag football clinic on Saturday at Legion Field from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Birmingham. Registraion can be found on atlantafalcons.com/girls-flag-football.
Schools being given grants to start flag football programs include:
Alabama Christian Academy (Montgomery)
American Christian Academy (Tuscaloosa)
Athens High School (Athens)
Chickasaw High School (Chickasaw)
Elmore County High School (Eclectic)
I3 Academy High School (Birmingham)
Linden High School (Linden)
Saraland High School (Saraland)
St. John Paul II High School (Huntsville)
Talladega High School (Talladega)
This marks another donation from the Atlanta Falcons, which aided in growing flag football from the start in Alabama.
The 2024-25 championship season marked the first that flag football was an AHSAA fully sanctioned sport. Central-Phenix City claimed the Class 6A-7A title, while Montgomery Catholic won in Class 1A-5A.
Central-Phenix City was also named the consensus flag football national champion last season, according to NFL Flag.
Flag football launched in Alabama high schools for the 2021 season, with Hewitt-Trussville winning the first championship.
Read MoreThey’re moving on! The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in five games to advance to their third-consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. The defending champion Panthers are looking to repeat after winning it all last season.
Fans looking to purchase the latest Panthers Finals gear can do so here. Here’s a look at some of the best items we found:
Fans can get free shipping on any of the items above with code “24SHIP” at checkout.
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Sen. Tommy Tuberville sat down for an interview with Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal this week and talked about his decision to run for governor.
The recorded interview will be broadcast Friday night at 7:30 on APT and repeated Sunday at noon.
Alabama Daily News watched the interview and published a story about some of what Tuberville talked about with Capitol Journal host Todd Stacy.
Tuberville said that if he becomes governor he will push for reduced regulations on businesses and lower taxes, moves that he said would boost Alabama’s economy.
As for legislation on a lottery and expanded legal gambling in Alabama, the senator said he did not plan to take an active role.
“The governor shouldn’t have anything to say with that,” Tuberville said.
“I’m one vote, the people vote that in, I don’t have anything to do with that, (so) the Legislature has got to make their mind up of the direction they want to go and what they want to do.”
Legislation to allow a lottery or other forms of expanded gambling requires a constitutional amendment that voters would have to approve. The governor does not have to be directly involved.
Gov. Kay Ivey has been involved in the lottery and gambling issues.
Ivey appointed a study group on gambling that issued a report on how expanded gambling would affect the state.
In 2024, the governor supported legislation to allow voters to decide on whether to allow a lottery, sports betting, casinos, and a statewide gambling commission.
The Alabama House passed a comprehensive gambling bill last year, but a scaled back, compromise version eventually fell one vote short in the Senate.
This year, Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, was unable to round up the votes to pass a gambling bill and did not introduce it.
Alabama voters have not had their say on a lottery plan since rejecting Gov. Don Siegelman’s lottery plan in 1999.
Read MoreAn updated weather alert was issued by the National Weather Service on Friday at 1:31 p.m. for strong thunderstorms until 2 p.m. for Macon, Lee and Russell counties.
The storms may bring wind gusts of up to 50 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches).
“At 1:31 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Tuskegee National Forest, or near Auburn, moving east at 50 mph,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Auburn, Opelika, Tuskegee, Notasulga, Franklin, Auburn University, Tuskegee National Forest, Beauregard, Society Hill, Bleecker, Griffen Mill, Liberty City, Loachapoka, Robert G. Pitts Airport, I 85 Rest Area, Uphapee Creek, Chewacla State Park, Marvyn and Moton Field Municipal Airport.
The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for southeastern and east central Alabama.”
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
Indoors safety measures:
Wait for the all-clear:
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times each year, with the bulk of these electrical discharges occurring during the summer months. Tragically, lightning claims the lives of about 20 individuals annually, as reported by the weather service. The risk of lightning-related incidents escalates as thunderstorms draw near, reaching its peak when the storm directly looms overhead. However, it gradually recedes as the tempest moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, consider the following recommendations:
Lightning safety plan:
Indoors safety measures:
Wait for the all-clear:
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, preparedness and vigilance are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of lightning-related incidents and prioritize your safety.
When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the weather service to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness.
Slow down and stay cautious:
On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes.
Visibility matters:
Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass them swiftly and safely.
Mind your windshield wipers:
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
Read MoreA number of salad and salsa products containing cucumbers have been recalled because they could potentially be contaminated with salmonella, federal officials announced.
According to an announcement from the FDA, the Coastal Companies is issuing a voluntary recall of 17 products produced from cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc. and distributed by Fresh Start Produce Sales. These products were distributed by East Coast Fresh in Laurel, Md. and Hearn Kirkwood in Jessup, Md.
The affected products were distributed between May 6-21 to multiple customers in Washington D.C., Ohio, Virgina, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont and North Carolina.
A list of the recalled products and UPC numbers is available on the FDA website.
To date, no illnesses related to The Coastal Companies’ products have been reported, according to the FDA announcement, but the Bedner’s Farm cucumber recall is linked to 26 illnesses in 15 states. No other products distributed by The Coastal Companies are being recalled.
Customers with questions about the recall can contact [email protected] or call 410-133-8000.
Read MoreYeti just dropped its first-ever can crusher just in time for summer when endless cold canned drinks are a must.
According to Yeti, its new Can Crusher is best used for standard 12-ounce cans, 12-ounce slim cans and 16-ounce tall boys. It includes screws for mounting on solid surfaces along with a five-year warranty.
RELATED: Yeti drops new Beekeeper and Papaya Collection perfect for Summer 2025
“Quit your stomping and give this 5.3 lb metal mutilator a go. This can crusher gets to work quickly and mounts easily. It’s at home in the garage, backyard, or on the dock – basically anywhere you can crush suds you can crush cans, too,” Yeti states.
Yeti recommends to find a solid surface to mount the can crusher on and to avoid placing it on drywall. It also states that while the can crusher has a protective powder coating to help prevent rust and degradation, most metals can form rust over time. However, this can be prevented by keeping the can crusher clean.
Those interested in the new Yeti Can Crusher can checkout the full listing on Yeti’s website.
Read More