NEWS OF THE DAY
From Across the Nation
1 Controversial ad:
A Republican lawmaker trying to unseat Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner is standing by a campaign ad that has been blasted as racist and homophobic, despite the state party chairman’s call for her to stop airing it and apologize. State Rep. Jeanne Ives, a social and fiscal conservative, said the ad that began airing this weekend illustrates the GOP governor’s “chosen constituents based on the policy choices he made.” The ad features actors portraying, among others, a transgender woman, an African American Chicago Teachers Union member and a woman wearing a pink hat associated with women’s marches. Each of them thanks Rauner for his policies. The actor who plays a deep-voiced transgender woman, wearing a dress that reveals chest hair, says “Thank you for signing legislation that lets me use the girls’ bathroom.”
2 Pledge probe:
Police in Colorado say they’re investigating an allegation that a middle school teacher assaulted a student who refused to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave while officers look into the alleged incident, which occurred Thursday in Lafayette, about 22 miles north of Denver. Police did not give details about the nature of the alleged assault. Boulder Valley School District spokesman Randy Barber says students may stand or sit for the flag pledge. Barber identified the teacher as Karen Smith. No phone number could be found for her.
3 Athlete injured:
A wheelchair athlete who was injured after organizers of a San Diego marathon altered the course has been awarded $4 million. A jury ruled for Craig Blanchette last week in a negligence lawsuit against organizers of the 2014 Rock ’n’ Roll marathon. Blanchette, a former Olympian, said on the morning of the race, organizers narrowed part of the course by eliminating one lane without telling the racers. Blanchette was moving at about 20 mph when his wheelchair slammed into a car. The crash broke his collarbone and several ribs, tore his rotator cuff and ended his career as an elite racer. A representative for the race organizer, Competitor Group Inc., declined to comment.
4 Fake illness:
Authorities say a Florida couple lied to their 13-year-old son that he had brain cancer so they could use his fictitious illness to raise money for nonexistent medical expenses. The Okaloosa County Sheriff ’s Office said Ginny Long, 34, and Robert Long, 47, were arrested Thursday and charged with child abuse and fraud. Detectives say they arranged a T-shirt fundraiser for the boy at his school, and a GoFundMe site was set up.
5 Televangelist’s health:
Pat Robertson is recovering after suffering an embolic stroke. In a statement, the Christian Broadcasting Network, which Robertson founded, says he was rushed to a stroke center Friday after a family member recognized the onset of symptoms. The network, based in Virginia Beach, Va., said 87-yearold Robertson is alert and expected to make a full recovery.