Virginia Representative Gerry Connolly Passes at 75 After Cancer Battle

Published

1 year ago

May 21, 2025

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Virginia Representative Gerry Connolly Passes at 75 After Cancer Battle—-Representative Gerry Connolly, a fiery Virginia Democrat with decades of experience on Capitol Hill, died Wednesday morning after a short stint with cancer, his family announced.

Connolly, 75, was a familiar figure around the halls of the Capitol, where he was known as a feisty advocate for the institutions of Washington — particularly following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol — and a champion of the many federal workers hailing from his Northern Virginia district.

First elected in 2008, Connolly rose this year to become the senior Democrat on the power House Oversight and Government Reform Committee — a seat he had sought unsuccessfully twice before.

His ascension was not without controversy. Connolly announced shortly after November’s elections that he was being treated for esophageal cancer, and a challenge for the ranking member seat from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) had rekindled the long-running generational debate over the role of seniority within the House Democratic Caucus.

Still, Connolly was a popular figure within the caucus, and he prevailed easily.

On Tuesday, Connolly joined forces with Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the chair of the Oversight Committee, to sponsor what would be his final piece of legislation: the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act.

In a statement, Connolly’s family remembered him as a devoted family man and dedicated public servant, one who had served Northern Virginia for decades in both county and national politics.

“Gerry lived his life to give back to others and make our community better,” they wrote in a statement. “He looked out for the disadvantaged and voiceless. He always stood up for what is right and just.”

While pointing to Connolly’s accomplishments in elected office, the family said his greater contribution was to the local community, where he leaves behind a host of local projects that will serve as his legacy.

“[M]ore important than his accomplishments in elected office, Gerry lived by the ethos of ‘bloom where you are planted,’” they said. “From the Silver Line to the Oakton Library, Mosaic District to the Cross County Trail and beyond, his legacy now colors our region.”

Connolly’s illness had caused him to step back from his daily responsibilities on the Oversight Committee last month, when he tapped Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), another senior member of the panel, to take the seat as interim ranking member — a temporary position requiring no elections.

With Connolly’s death, Democratic leaders will now start the process of seating a permanent replacement, which is likely to be fiercely contested and could pit senior members against a newer crop of up-and-coming Democrats clamoring to rise quickly in the ranks.

Lynch, 70, is among the most experienced Democrats on the panel, but several younger members — including Reps. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) and Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) — have expressed interest in the seat.

Ocasio-Cortez, for her part, has said she won’t seek the seat.

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)

Published

19 hours ago

June 14, 2026

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)—-Tragic rope-jump accident in São Paulo leaves young woman dead as authorities detain six people and launch an investigation into safety failures.

A 21-year-old woman has died after being launched from a bridge during a rope-jump activity without being attached to the required safety rope in the Brazilian city of Limeira, São Paulo state. The victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, fell approximately 40 metres after staff allegedly failed to secure her safety equipment before the jump.

The fatal incident occurred at the Ponte do Esqueleto trail, a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. Video footage circulating on social media reportedly shows instructors carrying the woman to the jump platform before releasing her. Moments later, witnesses can be heard shouting that the rope had not been attached.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the scene but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the site of the accident. Authorities say witness statements indicate a critical safety lapse may have occurred before the jump.

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Brazilian police detained six individuals connected to the operation as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Reports indicate that some workers attempted to leave the area following the incident before being located by authorities.

The companies linked to the rope-jump operation have come under intense scrutiny as officials investigate potential negligence and safety protocol violations. The case has reignited debate over safety standards in Brazil’s growing extreme-sports industry.

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BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener

Published

20 hours ago

June 14, 2026

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BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener—-Morocco stunned the five-time champions with an early breakthrough before Vinícius Júnior’s moment of brilliance earned Brazil a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Group C.

Brazil were forced to settle for a point in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a spirited Morocco side held the South American giants to a 1-1 draw in a captivating Group C encounter at MetLife Stadium.

The Atlas Lions struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Díaz before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Morocco a deserved lead. The African side’s intensity and organization troubled Brazil throughout the opening stages.

Brazil responded through their star man Vinícius Júnior, who produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 32nd minute. The Real Madrid winger drove into the box and unleashed a powerful finish beyond Yassine Bounou to restore parity and ignite the Brazilian supporters.

Despite enjoying more possession after the break, Brazil struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence. Morocco, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counterattack and arguably created the clearer opportunities in the closing stages.

The result leaves Group C finely poised, with both teams earning a valuable point in what was billed as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round. While Brazil avoided an early setback thanks to Vinícius’ heroics, Morocco once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most dangerous sides on the international stage.

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