Lakers’ big summer looms after 5 straight losing seasons
P16.5-M worth of aid provided for Taal Volcano eruption victims — NDRRMC LATEST STORIES RANDLE’S FUTURERandle’s improvement was among the Lakers’ most impressive developments of the season. The formerly inconsistent power forward played in all 82 games, averaging 16.1 points and 8.0 rebounds and emerging as a dependable two-way player. Randle is a free agent this summer after the Lakers decided not to lock him down with a contract extension last year, but Randle’s outstanding year has greatly increased the chances of a long-term deal in LA. “As far as the summer, who knows what will happen?” Randle said. “I’ve never done this before. All I know is it’s going to be a longer summer than I want it to be, with us not being in the playoffs. I think it’s exciting for me, though.”FREE AGENCYThe Lakers’ desire for plenty of cap room this summer means they’ve got four talented veterans with expiring contracts: Brook Lopez, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Isaiah Thomas and Channing Frye. Lopez had a strong debut season with his hometown team, which won’t be able to afford him unless it comes up empty with the top-shelf free agents. Caldwell-Pope also seems likely to leave, while the market for Thomas’ skills is unpredictable after his injury-plagued year ended with hip surgery. If Thomas doesn’t attract a big offer, he seems amenable to a return to LA — as does Frye, a dependable veteran backup.BALL GAMEAfter showing incredible basketball intelligence and a distressingly inconsistent shot, Ball said he is headed into “pretty much the biggest summer of my life.” The UCLA product with the opinionated parent understands the weaknesses in his game, and he seems determined to address his offensive flaws while building his overall strength. If Ball takes significant strides as a scorer, he would quickly become one of the NBA’s most dynamic young guards with his preternatural court vision and rebounding ability.LUKE’S FUTUREWalton seems extremely likely to return for a third season after his Lakers made a nine-game improvement on last year’s performance. Johnson and owner Jeanie Buss continue to speak glowingly of the young coach, and Walton doesn’t seem satisfied by the Lakers’ incremental improvements. “We know this is a team that’s supposed to be in the playoffs and to contend for championships, and that’s the goal we’re all trying to reach every day,” Walton said. Truck driver killed in Davao del Sur road accident Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Malditas bow to Thailand in crucial match Ever since they took over the Lakers’ basketball operations a year ago, Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka have founded their rebuilding project around the acquisition of one or two elite free agents this summer — or next summer, they’ve recently amended.Magic firmly believes the Lakers’ championship pedigree, glamorous location and salary cap room for two enormous contracts can attract superstars near the primes of their careers to lift one of the NBA’s cornerstone franchises back to its accustomed heights. The Lakers had only missed the playoffs five previous times in their first 65 years of existence before they doubled that number during this dismal half-decade.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownBut while the pursuit of Paul George and LeBron James constantly loomed on the horizon, the Lakers’ day-to-day development over the past season has been downright intriguing. For all their talk of the Lakers’ irresistible lure, Johnson and Pelinka knew they probably couldn’t attract free-agent stars without an attractive young core, and the last six months suggested they have it.“If guys want to come here, they come,” rookie Kyle Kuzma said Thursday after his exit interview with team brass. “But if not, we’re not depending on that. We want to be those great players, those max-level guys. We just think about, ‘How can we make the team better?’” Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Scientists seek rare species survivors amid Australia flames Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina
Green group flags ‘overkill’ use of plastic banderitas in Manila Sto. Niño feast Jo Koy draws ire for cutting through Cebu City traffic with ‘wang-wang’ Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbbles up court during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center on March 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images/AFPEL SEGUNDO, Calif. — And now the real season begins for the Los Angeles Lakers.At least that’s what the fans of the 16-time NBA champions repeatedly have been told while Los Angeles missed the playoffs and finished with a losing record for the fifth consecutive year.ADVERTISEMENT Judy Ann’s 1st project for 2020 is giving her a ‘stomachache’ Rookies Lonzo Ball, Kuzma and Josh Hart all showed clear NBA ability, while youngsters Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle continued their development into above-average pros. Los Angeles’ 35-47 record and 11th-place conference finish in the just-completed season are its best performances by a considerable margin during this woeful five-year stretch.The Lakers aren’t good yet, but the guys who are already in purple and gold could be key pieces in a very good team.Here are more things to watch during another long offseason in LA:PG SWEEPSTAKESThe Lakers are expected to put a full-court press on George, the Oklahoma City Thunder star who grew up idolizing Kobe Bryant in Palmdale, just north of Los Angeles. Even if James decides to stay home in Cleveland instead of becoming a dual-threat Hollywood mogul, the addition of George’s 20-plus points per night almost certainly would make the Lakers very entertaining in coach Luke Walton’s up-tempo system this fall. If George decides to play for a franchise closer to a championship, the Lakers will undoubtedly spin the narrative to the summer of 2019, when another bumper crop of free agents will be on the market.ADVERTISEMENT MOST READ View comments Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew Nadine Lustre’s phone stolen in Brazil
Gilgeous-Alexander grew up in Canada and played for the Canadian Junior National Team. He played high school basketball in Tennessee and one season at Kentucky.At Kentucky, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 assists and 1.6 steals.FEATURED STORIESSPORTSGinebra beats Meralco again to capture PBA Governors’ Cup titleSPORTSAfter winning title, time for LA Tenorio to give back to Batangas folkSPORTSTim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crownHe joins Robinson as the Clippers’ two newest guards.“It’s something you can’t put into words,” Robinson said during the telecast of the draft. “It’s a crazy, unreal feeling. I’m very excited.” Sports Related Videospowered by AdSparcRead Next Christopher Tolkien, son of Lord of the Rings author, dies aged 95 Volcano watch: Island fissures steaming, lake water receding View comments Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard PLAY LIST 02:14Carpio hits red carpet treatment for China Coast Guard02:56NCRPO pledges to donate P3.5 million to victims of Taal eruption00:56Heavy rain brings some relief in Australia02:37Calm moments allow Taal folks some respite03:23Negosyo sa Tagaytay City, bagsak sa pag-aalboroto ng Bulkang Taal01:13Christian Standhardinger wins PBA Best Player award Robinson was an unheralded recruit out of high school in Raleigh, North Carolina, and stayed in school for three years. Last year with the Eagles, he averaged 20.7 points per game.He’s not new to Los Angeles, either. Robinson spent last summer working out with other NBA players before returning to Boston College for his final season.The Clippers have gone through a lot of change over the last year in trading Chris Paul to Houston almost one year ago and Blake Griffin — the former No. 1 overall pick — to Detroit in January.Coach Doc Rivers recently signed a contract extension with the Clippers.ADVERTISEMENT Cloudy skies over Luzon due to amihan Jury of 7 men, 5 women selected for Harvey Weinstein rape trial Michigan State’s Miles Bridges, right, poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after he was picked 12th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers during the NBA basketball draft in New York, Thursday, June 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Kevin Hagen)LOS ANGELES — The Clippers came out of the first round of the NBA draft with a new-look backcourt.They drafted forward Miles Bridges of Michigan State with the 12th overall pick Thursday night then quickly sent him and two future second-round picks to the Hornets for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whom Charlotte picked at No. 11. They used the second of their back-to-back picks to select Jerome Robinson of Boston College at No. 13.ADVERTISEMENT Jiro Manio arrested for stabbing man in Marikina Bicol riders extend help to Taal evacuees MOST READ Don’t miss out on the latest news and information. Lights inside SMX hall flicker as Duterte rants vs Ayala, Pangilinan anew In fight vs corruption, Duterte now points to Ayala, MVP companies as ‘big fish’ LATEST STORIES Taal victims get help from Kalayaan town Knicks select Kentucky’s Kevin Knox with No. 9 pick
The president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Morweh Energy Group, Incorporated, Dr. Christopher Z. Neyor, has on behalf of the entity’s partners and friends, written a letter of commendation to President Barrack Obama of the United States of America, for committing his government to the ongoing fight against the deadly Ebola virus in Liberia.“I would like to thank President Barack Obama, the government and people of the United States of America for their great humanity in coming to the rescue of West Africa, especially Liberia, to contain the deadly Ebola epidemic that is ravaging our land and people,” Mr. Neyor said in his letter dated September 17, addressed to President Obama at the White House.Over the course of the week, President Obama has come up with a massive response of 3000 troops, US$500 million, and the further appointment of an Ebola Czar. Neyor said that was indeed the kind of robust intervention required to contain this killer virus.Mr. Neyor, a onetime president of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and now a senatorial candidate for Montserrado County, is also the CEO of the Morweh Energy Group based in Monrovia.Speaking on behalf of his company, he said he believed that no other nation on earth has the military or civilian resources and capability as the United States to undertake the level of intervention President Obama has committed the US to do for Liberia. In his dispatch, Mr. Neyor said deployment of the US military intervention through the US Army Corp of Engineers was commendable, “because we advocated for this in 2006 for restoration of power in post conflict Liberia.”“We are delighted that it is working this time with a more profound intervention of saving lives.”“By this outstanding humanitarian gesture,” he said, “the United States has again shown the world the great compassion of the American people. Real global power is not bullying weaker countries, but utilizing your power to go to distant lands to save the oppressed and the dying where there are no ulterior motives.”According to Mr. Neyor, by naming Liberia as the control center of the American response, President Obama has taken into account and elevated to a new level the nearly two centuries of US-Liberia relations, starting in 1816 with formation of the American Colonization Society (ACS).Liberians, both at home and abroad, especially those in the United States, are appreciative and remain grateful to the United States for rescuing our homeland once again, this time from the deadly Ebola menace. At the same time, Dr. Neyor has expressed thanks and gratitude to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for putting the request to President Obama. Neyor called on the government to not to leave everything to the Americans, but to improve on those things we can ourselves do to save the lives of our dying people.“With this massive assistance, we can now be reassured that Ebola will be kicked out of Liberia and West Africa. Let us all continue and intensify our individual and collective awareness and preventive initiatives.“Let all our citizens continue to take all the prescribed measures to remain Ebola free,” the Neyor’s letter concluded.Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Human Rights activist and former Public Works Minister, Attorney Kofi Woods yesterday challenged the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to be more civilian-friendly and eschew (avoid, shun) its tragic legacy when it played the role of “terrorist to democracy.”Fresh in the mind of this year’s Armed Forces Day Speaker were two particular incidents of terror. The first was the AFL’s invasion of the University of Liberia on August 22, 1984 when, led by Samuel Doe’s Defense Minister Gray D. Allison, the heavily armed AFL soldiers stormed the UL’s main campus and stripped naked, brutalized, raped and killed many professors, students and staff and ransacked the campus. The Daily Observer, too, remembers vividly the horrors of that day, which we covered in detail. Our editorial the following morning cried, “Bleed, Bleed, Poor Country—Great Tyranny”—a line borrowed from William Shakespeare.Kofi Woods’ second fresh recollection of AFL brutality was the shooting and subsequent bleeding to death last August of the West Point youth, Shaki Kamara.It was heartwarming to hear Defense Minister Brownie Samukai himself, in his remarks yesterday, apologetically recall that tragic incident, for which he showed contrition (remorse). The logical and most welcomed denouement (conclusion) to this unfortunate episode is for the government to release the results of the investigation that followed and tell the public what punishment has been meted out to those involved in Shaki’s untimely death and other victims. A more distant reminiscence (recall) of Attorney Woods was the cruel participation of the AFL’s predecessor, the Liberia Frontier Force (LFF), in hut tax collection in the Liberian interior.But this is all in the past. Mr. Woods, who told his audience that he had long been a severe critic of the AFL, including even denying the necessity for its very existence, was now full of praises for the men and women in arms. He commended their role in road building, carried out by the AFL’s Engineering Battalion, in the erection of Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) in various parts of the country, and their successful role in peace keeping in Mali.Recalling, however, the Biblical dictum that “Charity begins at home,” Mr. Woods then challenged the AFL to turn its attention to winning “the hearts of its citizens at home.”He urged the AFL to start within its own community—PHP [and nearby Buzzi Quarters] and do something to help the people in those slum communities. He also called for the revival of the AFL’s Agricultural Battalion. This could help train Liberian farmers and AFL itself could grow food, in order to enhance Liberia’s food security.He further dared the AFL to return to West Point, not with guns this time, but with shovels and diggers, copybooks and pencils, to engage in agriculture, clean-up campaigns and house repair as well as adult literacy.He called these endeavors “the civilianization” of the AFL.For sure, if the AFL could return to West Point in the way Attorney Woods has suggested, it would be a tremendous attempt at reconciliation. But beyond that, should the AFL be able to reenergize its Agricultural and Engineering Battalions, they could make their impact felt throughout the country, by helping to improve and expand agricultural activities and to build more farm-to-market roads around the country.There is a big BUT to all this—and Defense Minister Samukai took pains to emphasize this in his own Armed Forces Day Address yesterday: funding. The Ministry was seriously cash-strapped, limiting it from doing the urgent items on its agenda. The Defense Ministry was not oblivious to the need for better pay, housing conditions and other emoluments for the men and women in arms—something Keynote Speaker Woods also called for, toward making our military truly professional people. The more professional they become, the better service they would be able to render the country following their retirement, Mr. Woods averred.But, as Minister Samukai cautioned, none of this would be possible without more money.We urge the GOL to heed this plea and empower the Ministry and our men and women in arms not so much with military hardware as with money, to professionalize them and turn them into a truly CIVILIAN-friendly force for good. Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
The proprietor of Sleepin International Hotel and Casino Inc, Clifton Bacchus, has filed legal proceedings against the Gaming Authority after the company was not granted a Casino Operator’s Licence or a Casino Premises Licence by the agency even after the submission of all requisite documents and materials since 2016.Legal documents seen by this newspaper revealed that Bacchus is asking the court to grant an order or writ of mandamus directing the authority to process, consider and determine in accordance with law, the applicant’s applications for a Casino Premises Licence and a Casino Operator’s Licence made on or about April 5, 2017, with all convenient speed; costs and such further or other orders that the Honorable Court may deem just.Sleepin International Hotel and Casino IncThese claims are being made on the grounds that the respondent (Gaming Authority) is a statutory corporation created under the Regulations to the Gambling Prevention Act, Chapter 79:02 and that is therefore tasked with the responsibility of issuing casino premises licences and casino operator’s licences in accordance with the Gambling Prevention Act and the Regulations made thereunder. This is together with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the businessman and the Government of Guyana, signed in 2015, which guarantees him a licence to operate a casino once he is able to complete construction in line with several specifications, including the construction of a minimum of one hundred and fifty-five (155) rooms at its hotel.Further, it is stated that upon making an application for the licence, the company paid an application fee for the said licences in the sum of $9 million, which was refused to be granted three months after the application was made.The documents also revealed that after almost two years since the required documents were submitted, the licence was not yet granted. According to the legal proceedings filed, Attorney-at-Law for the company, Anil Nandlall wrote to Chairman of the Gaming Authority, Roysdale Forde, enquiring as to why the issuing of the said licence was delayed.In response, the Chairman pointed out that the agency is awaiting the completion of certain investigations being conducted by the Guyana Police Force in respect of the applicant and its principals, but according to the claims, Bacchus was never contacted in relation to such investigations.In July of this year, the attorney sought clarity in the matter in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, but to date, no response was received.Since the opening of the state-of-the-art casino, Bacchus disclosed plans to reapply for a licence in 2017 after he was denied permission in 2016 after failing to provide proof of “its financial soundness and capability,” which was critical for approval.As such, the court hearings for the parties is set to commence on November 13 at the Demerara High Court.
160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! LANCASTER – A Lancaster man was killed early Wednesday morning in a home-invasion robbery, authorities said. Coroner’s investigators identified the victim as 39-year-old Melvin Lee Bright. Bright was shot to death in his home in the 2000 block of West Avenue H-7 shortly after midnight, authorities said. Homicide detectives said Bright’s wife and three children were unharmed. They were asleep when Bright apparently was awakened by a noise downstairs in the family’s home, and he was killed when he went to investigate, authorities said. Sheriff’s deputies said it was not immediately known if any money or property was stolen from the home. gideon.rubin@dailynews.com (661) 267-7802
160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set! Thirteen candidates qualified for the Oct. 20 ballot, most notably the Republican congressman, Democratic state Sen. Walter Boasso, Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell and businessman John Georges, who dropped his Republican Party affiliation Thursday before signing up to run as an independent. Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who beat Jindal four years ago, chose not to run for re-election. Nagin had remained coy about his plans even in the final hours, saying early Thursday in a TV interview that he hadn’t made up his mind and was “having great fun with this.” Later in the day, he said in a radio interview that it was “very unlikely.” By Melinda Deslatte THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BATON ROUGE, La. – Keeping speculation alive until the very end, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin opted not to join the Louisiana governor’s race Thursday – a decision that became clear only when the qualifying deadline passed. Many in Nagin’s city were surprised he was even considering a run, with more than 2 years left in his second term, a painfully slow hurricane recovery effort in the city and a gubernatorial candidate – U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal – who has held a commanding lead in polls. 
A San Fernando Valley teacher was one of five educators named Monday as a 2008 California Teacher of the Year by state schools chief Jack O’Connell. Lewis Chappelear, who teaches engineering design at James Monroe High School in North Hills, was also chosen out of the five by O’Connell to represent California in the National Teacher of the Year competition. The winner will be selected in the spring. “I am honored to recognize Mr. Chappelear not only as one of California’s best teachers, but also as one of America’s finest as I nominate him for the nation’s top tribute,” O’Connell said. Monroe High Principal Lynda Schwarz said Chappelear, who has been teaching for eight years, “connects with students, teachers and parents in a way that few others can.” The other honorees are Andee Aceves, who teaches in San Diego County; Michael Allen Long, who teaches in Whittier; Orange County teacher Gregory McFall; and San Diego teacher Tamara “Tammy” Reina. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!
16. Swansea City spent £2.76m per player – Swansea did brilliantly well to finish in 12th position despite spending less per player than 75 per cent of the rest of the league. 7. Southampton spent £6.52m per player – The Saints needed to reinvest after losing key players and they did so well, earning a Europa League spot after finishing 6th. 18. Leicester City spent £2.07m per player – Everyone knows the Leicester story, although expect them to spend bigger this summer as they attract some more stellar names. 20 19. Watford spent on average £1.15m per first team player fielded – Quique Sanchez Flores lost his job for, among other things, not spending enough on players, despite finishing 13th. 20 20 11. Aston Villa spent £3.76m per player – Villa did not see much return on the money they spent on the likes on Jordan Ayew as they finished rock bottom of the table. 20 6. Tottenham spent £8.67m per player – Spurs clever signings such as Toby Alderweireld are a far cry from their reckless spending with the Gareth Bale money a few seasons ago. Every team will be looking to strengthen by bringing in new players to replace those leaving the club, which many fans see as misplaced investments.Someone who has become a victim of spending too much on the wrong players is Louis van Gaal, who was relieved of his job after spending nearly £300m in two seasons.On the other side of the coin is Leicester City, who famously spent very little on their way to sealing their first ever Premier League title.Both of these examples highlight that no matter what the cost of a player, it doesn’t guarantee success.So which teams spent wisely, and which teams wasted their money?Click the arrow above, right, to see the average transfer cost per first team player fielded for each Premier League club.Numbers courtesy of CIES Football Observatory 4. Liverpool spent £12.27m per player – Liverpools big spending summer under former boss Brendan Rodgers did not have the desired effect, with £32.5m striker Christian Benteke disappointing in particular. 20 12. Sunderland spent on average £3.60m per player – Sunderland spent well to keep themselves in the Premier League with Sam Allardyce the driving force behind their survival. 14. Stoke City spent £3.07m per player – Stoke broke their transfer record twice with the arrivals of Xherdan Shaqiri and Giannelli Imbula but still spent relatively little per player on the way to a top-half finish. 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 17. Norwich City spent £2.22m per player – Alex Neil should perhaps have spent a little more if he was to keep the Canaries in the Premier League. 15. West Brom spent £2.91m per player – The Baggies just about over achieved based on their spend per player as Tony Pulis guided them to a 14th-place finish. 20 9. Everton spent £5.75m per player – A disappointing season which saw Roberto Martinez lose his job. Expect a lot more to be spent this summer with the arrival of Iranian investor Farhad Moshiri. 2. Manchester United spent £20.55m per player – Louis van Gaal paid the ultimate price for his failure to turn his expensive group of players into title challengers. 13. Crystal Palace spent £3.37m per player – Palace will likely spend more this summer after a disappointing end to the season which saw them drop to 15th. 20. Bournemouth spent on average £0.92m per first team player fielded in the 2015/16 season (click the arrow, right, to see who tops the table) – Eddie Howe clearly spent wisely as Bournemouth finished 16th, with each of his players worth on average less than £1m. 20 8. Newcastle United spent £6.06m per player – The Magpies spent the best part of £100m on players this season but even all that money couldnt save them from relegation to the Championship. 20 5. Arsenal spent £11.27m per player – Despite fans criticism that manager Arsene Wenger is reluctant to open his chequebook, only four other clubs spent more per player then the Gunners. 20 20 20 20 10. West Ham spent £5.21m per player – West Ham enjoyed one of their best seasons in the league as they finished 7th but they will certainly spend big this summer, with a £31m bid for Lyons Alexandre Lacazette having already been rejected. 1. Manchester City spent on average £21.09m per player – Unsurprisingly, Manchester City have the most expensive squad per player over the season given the frivolous spending in the last few seasons but it still only just secured them a fourth-place finish. 3. Chelsea spent £16.49m per player – The Blues have spent big over the years and while it has normally brought them unrivalled success, this season it only led them to the worst title defence in Premier League history. 20
AD Quality Auto 360p 720p 1080p Top articles1/5READ MOREGift Box shows no rust in San Antonio Stakes win at Santa Anita She asked if a proctor could administer the exam at the hospital if necessary, but was told there could be no exceptions, except for firefighters on active military duty. Kent’s doctor tried to induce labor on Jan. 4, but discovered doing so could cause complications and force a Caesarean birth, with a longer recovery that would take away from Kent’s time to study. After her daughter was born, Kent left the infant named Brina Sue at the hospital within hours. Houston Fire Chief Phil Boriskie had an ambulance on standby at the test site in case Kent needed it, she said. “After a while, it did get to be uncomfortable, and thank God they did give us 2 hours to take the test because I had to readjust and refocus,” Kent said. HOUSTON – A firefighter took a promotion exam just 12 hours after giving birth because of a state law requiring all promotion candidates to be tested at once. Beda Kent gave birth Jan. 10, slept for a little more than two hours and popped some painkillers before taking the exam. She scored 104 out of 110 and expects to return from maternity leave in March as a captain with a $6,000 raise. “I wanted that promotion,” Kent said of the job she had sought for two years. “I feel I was overdue for this promotion.” When she was six months’ pregnant, Kent learned the test would be given on Jan. 11 – just four days after her due date. After the exam, Kent’s insurance did not allow her to be readmitted to the hospital so she and her husband returned every four to five hours to nurse the new baby. “We made the best of it for the next 36 hours,” Kent said. “It was tough.” District Fire Chief Jack Williams has said firefighters given a reprieve from the testing rule may have an unfair advantage by learning about the exam from other test-takers. He was in meetings Tuesday and did not immediately return a call to The Associated Press. Terese Floren, executive director of Women in the Fire Service Inc., said Tuesday the Houston Fire Department was probably powerless because of the law. Promotion tests are given only periodically because they are expensive to develop and require a department’s entire command staff to administer, Floren said. Floren said women should not be forced to choose between having a family and a career within the fire department. Kent, who has worked for the Houston Fire Department for 12 years, opted to take the test because missing it would have meant waiting at least two years before the next promotion exam. 160Want local news?Sign up for the Localist and stay informed Something went wrong. Please try again.subscribeCongratulations! You’re all set!