
The family of a 2-year-old girl killed by her mother's boyfriend in 2022 has sued the state and a South Hill day care, alleging that the two systems meant to protect the toddler failed. A social worker found the girl's body in the hallway of the Parkland apartment where she lived on March 11, 2022. She died from blunt-force trauma to her head, The News Tribune reported, and medical examiners found she had too many injuries to record. The family's lawsuit is against the state Department of Children, Youth and Families and against the Love and Laughter Learning Center. The day care and a spokesperson for DCYF have not responded to The News Tribune's request for comment. Attorney Raymond J. Dearie, Jr., with the Dearie Law Group, is one of the lawyers representing the family. "They don't want this to happen to another little girl, another little child," he said. "And they want some justice for Sarai." The girl's grandmother, Danielle Benson, is suing as the personal representative of the toddler's estate. "This was a complete system breakdown," Dearie said. "They're hoping that, in Sarai's name, we can do better as a society, as a community." The lawsuit, filed Dec. 3 in Pierce County Superior Court, seeks unspecified damages. It gives this account of what happened: Hospital workers found injuries such as scars, burns and bite marks on Sarai in 2021. DCYF found that Sarai's mother was letting the man she was in a relationship with, Augustino Seu Maile, abuse the girl. They removed the child and put her in the care of her aunt and uncle. Later that year, DCYF returned the girl to her mother, with supervision, and with the requirement that they not have contact with Maile, among other stipulations. The mother continued contact with Maile, and he kept abusing the child. "We believe any basic, competent investigation would have revealed that he was still abusing Sarai," Dearie said. "... Fundamentally, how on Earth did you miss something that seemed to be so obvious?" Sarai started going to the Love & Laughter Learning Center & School Kids Clubhouse in January 2022. Workers at the day care were worried about Sarai when she showed up with injuries, including black eyes, the lawsuit says. They allegedly did not report the injuries to police or to DCYF, as required by state law. Directors of the facility allegedly said they would "take care" of the concerns but also did not report the injuries to police or DCYF. "There was no communication, and in this case the evidence shows that the day care facility, through its employees and its managers, failed to carry out one of its most fundamental responsibilities in protecting kids, and that's functioning as a mandatory reporter," Dearie told The News Tribune. Manslaughter sentencing A judge sentenced Maile to more than 16 years in prison earlier this year. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and three counts of second-degree assault of a child, The News Tribune reported. The assault charges were for hurting Sarai's brothers. He told the court at sentencing that Sarai's death was an accident. Sentencing Judge Angelica Williams disputed that and said that Sarai and her siblings had suffered 15 months of torture. A judge sentenced the girl's mother, Jharmaine Baker, to six years in prison in June 2023 after she pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal mistreatment and two counts of second-degree assault of a child. Benson, Sarai's grandmother, told the court at Maile's sentencing that Sarai "was a fierce little girl," who had been excited for her birthday. They were going to go shopping and get manicures and pedicures to celebrate Sarai turning 3. Maile killed the girl a month before her birthday. 'Complete system overwhelm' The state publishes reports, called child fatality reviews, when a child under state supervision dies. Among other things, the committee that reviewed Sarai's death discussed "what they perceived to be a complete system overwhelm for DCYF and agency partners, such as law enforcement." The agency's "field staff did what they could with the available resources," the report says. The review committee also discussed "the loss of collective knowledge and expertise within DCYF due to recent staff turnover and vacancy rates." The committee found "that turnover in this office led to multiple case transfers and oversight by different supervisors during the course of the CFWS (Child Family Welfare Services) case" and "identified the importance of new field staff having the opportunity to learn through the transfer of knowledge from veteran field staff and supervisors." The report said that DCYF's domestic-violence training is good, but that "no current services are explicitly offered for physical abuse cases or cases involving a parental failure to protect from physical abuse." The group also "wondered if historical racism impacted the mother's willingness to engage with a government agency" and "discussed the importance of DCYF building connections with culturally relevant communities and service providers as a mechanism to reduce barriers for parents accessing services." Among other things, they recommended that DCYF hire a domestic-violence expert to work with caseworkers. "I would hope that those recommendations are being followed," Dearie said. "At this point, there is no way for me or the family to know if they've made any changes following those recommendations." Part of their lawsuit, he said, is to get those answers. ___ (c)2024 The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) Visit The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.) at www.TheNewsTribune.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.In the end, it wasn't just the elderly man who benefited from Mr. Chen's kindness, but the entire community that was uplifted by his unwavering spirit of generosity. As we reflect on this heartwarming story, may we all be inspired to look out for one another, lend a helping hand to those in need, and spread kindness wherever we go.
What should I do when disaster strikes? Here's a place to startALL the places of interest and local food stops in Petaling Jaya’s oldest township are marked out in the “PJ Old Town Cultural and Food Map”. The project, conceptualised by Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, is a pilot initiative undertaken to inject life into the city’s old town. Lee embarked on the project to highlight the historical places, landmarks and eateries in PJ Old Town after setting up his service centre in 2023. “I decided to embark on this project to highlight the historical places, landmarks and dining places after setting up my service centre in Petaling Jaya Old Town in May 2023. “I find that this area has its own beauty and characteristics that are different from other urban areas in Petaling Jaya. “People will get to experience a different vibe and atmosphere when they come here,” said Lee, describing the neighbourhood as having a blend of nostalgic charm and modern living. Petaling Jaya Old Town, better known as PJ Old Town, comprises Sections 1, 2, 3 and 4. It was built as a satellite town in Selangor in 1952 by the British to address overcrowding in Kuala Lumpur. The PJ Old Town Cultural and Food Map highlights 18 landmarks including places of worship, 13 old shops and 18 types of food including both Muslim-friendly and non-halal options. “The map is designed to be a walking guide where visitors can explore on their own. It includes a suggested itinerary for a day trip, although a half-day visit is sufficient,” said Lee. “PJ Old Town is accessible by public transport. Visitors can stop at Taman Jaya or Asia Jaya LRT stations, then board either the PJ01 or T640 bus for the PJ Old Town Bus Terminal.” A must-visit destination when in the old quarters of Petaling Jaya is Medan Selera Jalan Othman, which was established in 1960. Besides the food court, the old and popular Pasar Besar Jalan Othman is also listed on the map. Other decades-old notable landmarks are Assunta Hospital (established in 1954), Church of The Assumption (built in 1959), Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple better known as Petaling Jaya Pillaiyar Temple with its Dravidian architecture (built in 1964), Kwan Inn Teng Temple (founded in 1952) and Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Aziz (started off as a surau in 1956, then a mosque in 1964) which is the first mosque in Section 1. According to the guide, the site of Terminal Bas Jalan Othman Petaling Jaya was initially used by visiting circuses in the 1950s before the building came about. The original bus terminal building, which was popular among commuters in the 1970s to 1990s, made way in 2015 for the construction of a modern two-storey facility completed three years later. Built at a cost of RM3.19mil, the bus terminal was an initiative by Transport Ministry and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ). Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple, a prominent landmark along Jalan Selangor. From vision to reality The map was launched at a Mid-Autumn Festival event jointly organised by Lee and Bukit Gasing assemblyman Rajiv Rishyakaran’s offices in September. Lee said it took his team six months to work on the project, through research, dialogue sessions with resident groups and interviews with business operators in the old town. “PJ Old Town has a rich history as it served as the first administrative centre in Petaling Jaya. It was also an important economic and social hub. “We included bits of interesting information as fun facts in the map, such as the biggest roundabout in Petaling Jaya (which was demolished) and origins of the names Jalan Templer and Jalan Othman. “We also engaged a local illustrator to draw the map. A core team of five people worked on the project, with the project costing less than RM20,000,” he said, adding with a laugh that his team tried every dish and visited dining spots mentioned in the map to ensure they were worth recommending. The first print run of the map features 7,000 copies in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin. Lee described the map as a “living document”, as his team would improve on it from time to time, with future plans to translate it into Tamil and other languages. While most places listed in the map are accessible on foot, Lee acknowledged that more needed to be done to make Petaling Jaya Old Town suitable for walking. To make the area more inclusive, MBPJ upgraded Section 1’s commercial area to include disabled-friendly facilities such as ramps. Medan Selera Jalan Othman has been around since 1960. Lee is hoping that the map project encourages people to visit the area and patronise businesses there – be it discovering old shops with their unique trades or the local food. For example, Pat Seong Wine Merchant and Sang Hup Hardware and Sons, which have both been around since 1954, are touted as the oldest shops in Petaling Jaya. Then there is Brother Lim Cushion, which specialises in repair and customisation of sofa and car seat cushions and has been in the old town since 1972. Auntie Peggy’s Classic ais kacang and cendol, Kavitha Banana Leaf, Traditional Hakka Lui Char Restaurant and Nasi Lemak Goreng Chef Fauzey are among the well-known eateries listed. Lee is open to the idea of future collaborations, such as a photo exhibition featuring old snaps of Petaling Jaya Old Town or in-depth walking tours led by experienced guides. Traditional Hakka Lui Char Restaurant specialises in Hakka lei cha – a vegetarian rice dish topped with loads of herbs and green, and savoured with herbal broth. “I feel very welcomed since opening my office here. The senior folks enjoy sharing and chatting about their experiences, and life here resembles the harmonious fabric of Malaysia. “PJ Old Town has reached a crossroad. It is an ageing neighbourhood, so there is a need to develop it in a sustainable manner to retain its traditional charm while attracting young people to come here. “There is also a need to look into better care and having engaging programmes for the many senior folk living here.” Physical copies of the map are available at Lee’s office in Section 1, Rajiv’s office in Petaling Jaya New Town, Jalan Othman Petaling Jaya Bus Terminal as well as at these restaurants – Tingkap Cafe in Section 1, Kanna Curry House in Section 17 and New Ipoh Chicken Rice in Jalan Gasing. The digital version is available at pjlestari.com/cultural-map/ 'CLICK TO ENLARGE' Walking tour Lee, a first-term MP and former assemblyman from Pahang, personally led a group on a half-day walk in mid-October to visit several places mentioned in the PJ Old Town Cultural and Food Map. For Heidi Khalisah Azwari, the walking tour allowed her to gain insight and rediscover old places she used to frequent during her childhood years. “I grew up at my grandmother’s house in Taman Medan and studied at SK Assunta 2,” said Heidi Khalisah, 20, who is now studying at a private university in Raub, Pahang. “I got the opportunity to appreciate the buildings I used to walk past. “It is also nice to know the eateries I frequented are still around.” She said she used to eat satay at Medan Selera Jalan Othman, nasi lemak with ayam goreng at Nasi Lemak Goreng Chef Fauzey and enjoyed celebratory treats at McDonald’s when she did well at school. Petaling Jaya Community Library has a small exhibition area with artefacts curated by Petaling Jaya Museum. Heidi Khalisah added that the Petaling Jaya Community Library was where she would study for her exams and hang out with friends. Pong Siew Chu, 62, said the walking tour offered new insight into her neighbourhood, even after having lived in Section 1 for 40 years. Her husband, Wong Chong Tow, is the Section 1B Rukun Tetangga treasurer. “It was the first time I entered the premises of several places of worship,” said Pong who did the half-day walk with her son, Wong Jun Zhi, 22. “I am keen on renewing my membership at PJ Community Library after learning of its newer facilities. “It has a play area with books and activities for children aged up to seven years, so I can take my two grandsons, aged two years and five months, there when they come for a visit.” Kompleks Rakan Muda Arena Petaling Jaya is a sports complex located along Jalan Selangor. Pong said she has patronised a number of shops and eateries listed in the map, and goes to Pasar Besar Jalan Othman to do her daily marketing. “I hope the map helps draw in more visitors to the Section 1 neighbourhood and revive businesses here. “Perhaps Lee or a relevant authority could consider having murals on walls to add an artistic element to PJ Old Town, similar to the ‘Little Children on a Bicycle’ mural in George Town, Penang,” she added. Pong said she would also promote the map to her neighbours and students attending the daycare service she operates.
The driving school released a statement to clarify the misunderstanding and reassure the public that there was no malicious intent behind the incident. They emphasized that the safety of their students and instructors is their top priority, and they adhere to strict maintenance and inspection protocols for all vehicles used in training.As the football world watches closely, Kylian Mbappe's actions and words will continue to shape his legacy and impact beyond the confines of the field. Only time will tell how this chapter in his career unfolds, but one thing is certain – the artistry and talent of this young football sensation will not be overshadowed by controversy or scandal.
Addressing the sleep disparities between men and women is crucial for promoting gender-specific strategies to improve sleep health. Healthcare providers and policymakers should prioritize sleep education and promote healthy sleep habits tailored to the unique needs of women. This may include strategies such as creating a conducive sleep environment, practicing relaxation techniques before bedtime, and establishing a consistent sleep routine.
Title: Unstoppable! Champions League 6-time winners secure 5 consecutive victories, sweep aside Real Madrid and AC Milan to easily advance!
I own more than 100 homes in Australia. If you're a renter, this is why it's time to say THANK YOU to your landlord
One of the key storylines of this match is the battle between Flick and Barcelona's head coach Ronald Koeman. Both tacticians are renowned for their strategic acumen and ability to get the best out of their players, making the tactical chess match between them a fascinating aspect of the upcoming clash. Flick's meticulous preparation and emphasis on attacking football will be pitted against Koeman's tactical versatility and keen tactical awareness, promising a compelling showdown on the touchline.The summit kicked off with a keynote address by Amazon's Global Store Vice President, highlighting the latest trends and innovations in cross-border e-commerce. From personalized shopping experiences to streamlined shipping solutions, participants gained valuable insights into how to enhance their online presence and maximize international sales.
As the countdown to New Year's Day begins, whispers and rumors about the identity of the new couple abound. Some speculate that it could be a pair of long-time friends who have finally taken their relationship to the next level, while others suggest that it might be a scandalous affair between a married member and a mysterious newcomer.Syria latest: Russian state news agencies report Assad has arrived in Moscow and been granted asylum
The survey, which is being sent out to various industry stakeholders, competitors, and customers, will seek to gather insights and feedback on a range of topics related to NVIDIA's business practices. Questions will likely cover issues such as NVIDIA's pricing strategies, the impact of its acquisitions on competition, and potential barriers to market entry faced by rivals.
In a recent forecast, Anthony Pompliano , founder of Morgan Creek Capital, anticipates a significant upswing for Bitcoin BTC/USD and the broader crypto market in 2025 . What Happened : Pompliano, a prominent crypto advocate, asserts that digital assets are gaining traction in the conventional finance sector, which will act as a key driver in 2025. Recently on Fox Business, Pompliano said, “I think the big story of 2025 is going to be that crypto has now grown up and is part of the traditional financial system.” He further emphasized that Bitcoin will continue to dominate the crypto sphere, with the majority of capital influx from the traditional sector being directed towards Bitcoin. “I think that Bitcoin is the king and will remain the king. Most of the capital flows from the traditional world are going into Bitcoin. There are going to be other assets that enter into the market, you obviously see the Ethereum ETH/USD ETF get approved and you'll probably see others get approved as well,” he said during the interview. Also Read: This Analyst Says Bitcoin Could Reach $200K By End of 2025 Pompliano also pointed out that the case for any crypto other than Bitcoin is essentially a technological one, drawing parallels to the choice between tech behemoths such as Google , Amazon and Facebook . “The argument for anything other than Bitcoin is a very different one, it's a technology argument. It's no different than trying to pick between Google, Amazon, and Facebook. The Bitcoin argument is much more akin to ‘Do I want to protect my purchasing power?’" Despite the recent declaration by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that the U.S. is legally prohibited from holding BTC as a reserve asset, Pompliano maintains a positive outlook for Bitcoin’s future. At the time of the report, Bitcoin was trading at $94,108, reflecting a 2.1% drop on the day. Why It Matters : Pompliano’s forecast comes at a time when cryptocurrencies are increasingly being recognized and adopted by traditional financial institutions. This growing acceptance, coupled with technological advancements in the crypto space, is expected to fuel the predicted surge in 2025. Despite regulatory hurdles, such as the recent statement by the Fed Chair, the optimism surrounding Bitcoin and other digital assets remains high, indicating a promising future for the crypto market. Read Next Bitcoin's Bull Run: Betting On A $125K Finish To 2024 © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.As the world continues to embrace digital connectivity and information sharing, initiatives like the compilation and digitization of the "儒藏" play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the past and the present. By preserving and disseminating the wisdom of Confucian classics in a digital format, Peking University and ByteDance are paving the way for future generations to engage with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of China.One of the significant highlights of this upcoming plenary session is the expected release of the work report for the period since the last session. This report is likely to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress made in fighting corruption and promoting clean governance within the Party. It will also outline the strategies and initiatives that will be prioritized in the coming years to further strengthen the anti-corruption campaign.