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A Fierce Community Voice Silenced : Newcastle Mourns Sudden Death of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan at 40
City of Newcastle lowers flags to half-mast as tributes pour in for the passionate advocate who championed social justice and local voices.
In a shocking and heartbreaking development, City of Newcastle and the grieving family of Councillor Sinead Francis-Coan have confirmed her sudden and unexpected passing early Monday morning, June 24, 2025. She was just 40.
In a mark of deep respect and collective mourning, City of Newcastle has lowered its flags to half-mast to honour Sinead’s life, work, and unwavering dedication to the community she fiercely served.
Born in Ireland and raised in Newcastle from six months old, Sinead carved a path defined by passion for social justice, equity, and community empowerment. Before stepping into politics, she built a meaningful career in leisure and tourism studies and earned recognition as a qualified mediator. As an organiser for the National Tertiary Education Union at the University of Newcastle, she fought tirelessly to improve working conditions and amplify staff voices.
Her election as a Ward 3 Councillor was more than a personal achievement — it symbolised her deep commitment to grassroots representation. At her first Council meeting, she proudly spoke of her Irish roots and fondly remembered her late father, Ollie.
Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge remembered her as a bright light in local governance:
I admired her thoughtful contributions and positive, honest, and optimistic view of the world. She had a charming personality and a great sense of humour. She truly took to being a Ward Councillor like a duck to water.
City CEO Jeremy Bath echoed this sentiment, describing Sinead as a beacon of energy, compassion, and integrity within the Council.
Despite feeling unwell, Sinead continued her duties last week, attending events for Refugee Week and meeting constituents. Her dedication never wavered.
Former Greens Councillor Michael Osborne paid a moving tribute, calling Sinead a “fierce community campaigner, organiser, friend and colleague.” He added, “Her selfless work has left an indelible mark. This tragic loss is deeply felt by our members and beyond.”
Sinead grew up attending Heaton Public School and the Hunter School of Performing Arts in Broadmeadow, shaping her strong ties to the local community. Her passing leaves a gaping hole in the hearts of her family — her mother Lyndall and sisters Roisin and Ciara — who have asked for privacy while they await the Coroner’s report and try to process this sudden loss.
In a city that knew her as a fearless advocate and an ever-smiling friend, Sinead Francis-Coan’s legacy will live on in the community projects she championed and the lives she touched with her kindness and determination.
May her memory inspire more to serve selflessly, just as she did.
News
Democrats Demand Prosecution After ICE Agent’s Fatal Minneapolis Shooting Sparks National Outrage
As video of the Minneapolis shooting circulates, top Democrats clash with the Trump administration over accountability, immunity, and the future of ICE
A fatal shooting involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis has ignited a fierce political and moral debate across the country, with prominent Democrats calling for prosecution while the Trump administration defends the agent’s actions as self-defense.
At the center of the controversy is the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot on Wednesday after masked federal officers approached her vehicle on a Minneapolis street. Video footage, widely shared online, shows officers surrounding Good’s car before it begins to move forward. Moments later, an officer opens fire. The vehicle then veers and crashes into parked cars.
The footage has prompted emotional reactions from Democratic leaders, who argue the shooting represents a dangerous lack of accountability within federal immigration enforcement.
Democrats Call It “Murder”
New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not mince words while speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill. Calling the shooting a “murder,” she warned that ICE has evolved into what many critics long feared — an agency operating with excessive force and little civilian oversight.

“What we saw is a murder, and murders in cold blood need to be prosecuted,” Ocasio-Cortez said, adding that ICE has increasingly acted like an “anti-civilian force” with no meaningful accountability.
California Congressman Ro Khanna echoed those sentiments after viewing the video. He described the incident as horrifying and called for the ICE agent involved to be arrested and put on trial.
“We cannot have a lawless agency continue in this country the way they are,” Khanna said. “There needs to be accountability.”
Minneapolis’ own representative in Congress, Ilhan Omar, condemned the shooting in even broader terms. In a statement, Omar labeled ICE’s conduct “unconscionable and reprehensible,” arguing that the incident crossed the line from law enforcement into state violence.
“This is not law enforcement. It is state violence,” Omar said, calling for a full investigation and legal action against the agency.
Legal Hurdles and Federal Immunity
Despite the outrage, whether the ICE agent will face criminal charges remains uncertain. As noted by Reuters, federal officers are typically shielded from state prosecution when performing duties authorized under federal law. For Minnesota to bring charges, prosecutors would need to prove that the agent acted outside his official responsibilities or that the use of force was clearly unlawful.
That legal reality has only intensified frustration among critics, who argue that immunity doctrines too often shield federal officers from consequences, even in fatal encounters.
Trump Administration Pushes Back
The Trump administration moved swiftly to defend the ICE agent. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the officer acted in self-defense, claiming that Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon in what she described as an act of “domestic terrorism.”
President Donald Trump also weighed in, saying on Truth Social that he had reviewed the video and believed the officer fired in self-defense. Trump described Good as “very disorderly, obstructing and resisting,” and said the incident was under full review while reiterating his support for federal agents.

Minnesota Leaders Reject Federal Narrative
State and local officials in Minnesota have sharply rejected the administration’s explanation. Governor Tim Walz dismissed the Department of Homeland Security’s claims outright.
“I’ve seen the video. Don’t believe this propaganda machine,” Walz said, promising a full, fair, and expedited investigation to ensure accountability and justice.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was even more blunt. Speaking at a press conference, Frey flatly rejected DHS’s description of the shooting as self-defense.
“Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly that is bulls—,” Frey said. “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying.”
The mayor went further, telling ICE to leave the city entirely. “We do not want you here,” Frey said. “Your stated reason for being in this city is to create safety, and you are doing the exact opposite.”
A Broader Reckoning
The Minneapolis shooting has become more than a single incident; it has evolved into a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement, federal power, and civilian safety. With Democrats demanding prosecution and Republicans defending the agent, the case underscores deep divisions over ICE’s role in American cities and whether federal officers should face greater oversight when deadly force is used.
As investigations move forward, the video evidence and public pressure may ultimately determine whether this case leads to charges — or becomes another chapter in a long-running struggle over accountability in federal law enforcement.
News
Sherrone Moore Jailed Hours After Being Fired as Michigan Head Coach: Investigation Into Alleged Assault Underway
Former Wolverines head coach detained the same night he was terminated for an “inappropriate relationship” with a staff member; police confirm arrest in alleged assault case.
Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore found himself behind bars on Wednesday night, just hours after being abruptly fired by the university. According to Washtenaw County Jail records, Moore was booked at 10:11 p.m. ET, and remained in custody through early Thursday morning. As of now, the jail system has not listed any formal charges, bond details, or upcoming court dates.
The unfolding situation has sent shockwaves through the college football world, not only because of Moore’s sudden dismissal but also because of the serious nature of the police investigation that followed.

Police Confirm Arrest in Alleged Assault Case
Responding to media inquiries, Pittsfield Township Police released a statement saying officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Ann Arbor Saline Road to investigate a reported assault.
The statement confirmed:
- A suspect was taken into custody
- The incident “does not appear to be random in nature”
- The investigation remains active
- Police are currently prohibited from releasing additional details
Notably, the press release did not name the suspect. However, ESPN reported earlier Wednesday that Moore had been detained in Saline, Michigan, before being transferred to Pittsfield Township police for further investigation.
Fired With Cause: University Confirms Policy Violation
Sherrone Moore’s arrest came on the heels of his immediate termination from the University of Michigan. In a sharply worded statement, the university announced that Moore was fired “with cause” after an internal investigation found credible evidence that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
The statement underscored the institution’s stance:
“This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.”
The abrupt firing ended Moore’s historic tenure as Michigan’s first Black head football coach, a position he assumed in 2024 after six seasons on the program’s offensive staff.
A Rapid Rise and a Sudden Fall
Moore’s ascent to head coach had been one of the most significant stories in college football. After Jim Harbaugh departed for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers’ job, Moore was promoted to lead the Wolverines. His tenure included:
- A 9-3 season record in 2024
- A dramatic win over Ohio State
- A bowl victory against Alabama
Before becoming head coach, Moore had twice taken over in Harbaugh’s absence during the 2023 season, leading Michigan to wins over Penn State, Maryland, and a pivotal victory against Ohio State.
However, Moore also faced setbacks. In 2024, he served a two-game suspension for his involvement in the NCAA investigation related to the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal, a saga that had already strained the program’s reputation.

The Wolverines Move Forward
With Moore’s termination and arrest occurring within hours of each other, the University of Michigan announced that Biff Poggi would serve as interim head coach. The Wolverines are still scheduled to face the University of Texas in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, though the leadership change adds new complications during a critical phase of preparation.
Unanswered Questions Loom
As the investigation continues, several key details remain unclear:
- What specific charges, if any, will Moore face?
- How is the alleged assault connected, if at all, to his termination?
- When will police release additional information?
For now, the incident has raised profound questions about Moore’s future in coaching and has cast a shadow over a football program already navigating controversy.
News
Eileen Higgins Becomes First Democratic Mayor of Miami in Nearly 30 Years, Marking a Historic Political Shift
The 61-year-old former county commissioner wins with 59% votes, becomes Miami’s first woman mayor, and signals a decisive new direction for the city
Miami has entered a new political era. Eileen Higgins, a Democrat and former county commissioner, has won the city’s mayoral race, becoming the first Democrat to hold the position in almost three decades and the first woman ever elected as mayor of Miami.
Her victory—securing 59% of the vote in a decisive runoff—defeated Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez, who had received high-profile endorsements from former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, but finished with 41%.
Speaking to supporters during her election night celebration, Higgins said,
“Miami chose a new direction… you chose competence over chaos.”
Her message echoed throughout a city that has long leaned Republican at the local political level, making her win even more significant.

A Historic Win and the Start of a New Chapter
At 61, Higgins has made history as Miami’s first female mayor, a milestone widely highlighted across U.S. media.
She told her supporters that the election results, while historic, are just the beginning.
“This marks the beginning of the work ahead,” she said.
Her priorities include addressing Miami’s growing concerns over immigration policies, affordable housing, governance, and inclusivity.
Higgins campaigned on promises to build a city “that belongs to everyone,” a clear contrast to the tone adopted by her opponent.
Her message resonated strongly among voters in a city where more than half of the population consists of immigrants or first-generation Americans.
Higgins vs Trump-Backed Gonzalez: A Clear Contrast
Although the race was technically non-partisan, the political contrast between the candidates was unmistakable.
- Gonzalez was openly backed by Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis.
- Higgins was supported by prominent Democrats, including former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
In an interview with El Pais, Higgins highlighted her opposing stance on immigration, saying,
“He [Trump] and I have very different points of view on how we should treat our residents, many of whom are immigrants.”
During the mayoral debate, she criticized the former president’s immigration enforcement policies as “inhumane and cruel.”
Still, she emphasized a willingness to collaborate on shared goals, telling CBS News,
“When we disagree, I’ll make my voice heard.”

Democrats Riding Momentum After Multiple Wins
Higgins’ victory follows a wave of Democratic wins in the first major elections of President Trump’s second term.
Recent victories include:
- Zohran Mamdani defeating independent Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race
- Abigail Spanberger flipping Virginia’s governor’s seat from Republican to Democrat
- Mikie Sherrill winning the governor’s race in New Jersey
Higgins now replaces outgoing mayor Francis Suarez, who briefly sought the Republican presidential nomination.
Miami’s mayoral win continues a trend of Democrats gaining ground in traditionally challenging territories.
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