Journalist at ABC Australia. SeeDisclaimer.com
Articles by Patrick Wright
Michigan's Energy Monopoly Won't Be Fixed by Restricting Everyone's Free Speech Original
Free Speech Proposal 2 is about much more than DTE and Consumers Energy—and it’s unconstitutional. | (Photo: Aowsakornprapat/Envato) Michigan's energy policy is a mess. But a campaign finance ballot initiative adopted by the state this week won't solve that problem, and it will impose unconstitutional speech restrictions far beyond what most people realize. On November 3, over 80 percent of Michigan residents voted in favor of Proposal 2.
Letter to the Editor: Re-elect Brenda Steady for Vermont House of Representatives, Chittenden 25
This letter is from Pat Wright, a resident of Milton. As a resident of Milton for over 55 years, I have seen our town change, some for the better and some for the worse, but the one thing that has never changed is Brenda Steady's love and devotion to our community.
Former coworkers, friends honor AT&T employee killed in shooting, celebrate his heroism
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Saturday night at Jones Park, Gulfport community members stood together in memory of Shane Basquill, a former AT&T store employee who was one of two people killed in the shooting at Crossroads Mall earlier in the week. A candlelight vigil was held in Basquill's honor. At the vigil, former coworkers stepped up to tell stories about their store manager. Kiarra Dedeaux worked with Shane for nearly four years. She and Shane's girlfriend came together to organize the vigil.
Tunnel to Towers 5K and Climb returns to Biloxi
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Climb returned to Margaritaville Saturday evening, drawing participants who said the event is a way to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Climb returned to Margaritaville Saturday evening, drawing participants who said the event is a way to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission is to never forget the lives lost on 9/11.
Tunnel to Towers 5K and Climb returns to Biloxi
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Climb returned to Margaritaville Saturday evening, drawing participants who said the event is a way to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Climb returned to Margaritaville Saturday evening, drawing participants who said the event is a way to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.(wlox) The Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission is to never forget the lives lost on 9/11.
Picayune car and bike show, glow run honors military members who died by suicide
PICAYUNE, Miss. (WLOX) — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month, and one Picayune woman took the opportunity to honor victims of military suicide with a car and bike show at Crosby Commons. Mejia Johnson's son Ethan Locascio was a U.S. Marine who died by suicide in 2024. Since then, Johnson has dedicated her life to bringing awareness to military suicide.
Picayune car and bike show, glow run honors military members who died by suicide
PICAYUNE, Miss. (WLOX) — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month, and one Picayune woman took the opportunity to honor victims of military suicide with a car and bike show at Crosby Commons. September is suicide prevention awareness month, and one Picayune woman took the opportunity to honor victims of military suicide with a car and bike show at Crosby Commons.(wlox) Mejia Johnson’s son Ethan Locascio was a U.S. Marine who died by suicide in 2024.
Picayune car and bike show, glow run honors military members who died by suicide
PICAYUNE, Miss. (WLOX) — September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month, and one Picayune woman took the opportunity to honor victims of military suicide with a car and bike show at Crosby Commons. September is suicide prevention awareness month, and one Picayune woman took the opportunity to honor victims of military suicide with a car and bike show at Crosby Commons. Mejia Johnson’s son Ethan Locascio was a U.S. Marine who died by suicide in 2024.
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center unveils quilt imagining South Mississippi’s future
GULFPORT, Miss. — A quilt showcasing what South Mississippi children imagine for the future is now on display at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Since March, children in the center’s intersession camps have each drawn what they hope to see years down the line. Project inspired by post-Katrina quilts Arts and Educational Programs Director Heather Johnson said the inspiration for the project comes from 21 years ago, when devastation hit the Coast.
Gulfport Arts Center presents contest-winning poster for upcoming arts festival
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — On Saturday, the Gulfport Arts Center presented the poster for its second annual Gulfport Arts Festival scheduled for Sept. 19. The poster was selected by the Arts Center as part of an inaugural contest between local artists. The winning poster is a digital illustration by Kaitlyn Brewer, a 27-year-old Gulf Coast resident and full-time graphic designer.
Gulfport Arts Center presents contest-winning poster for upcoming arts festival
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — On Saturday, the Gulfport Arts Center presented the poster for its second annual Gulfport Arts Festival scheduled for Sept. 19. The poster was selected by the Arts Center as part of an inaugural contest between local artists. The poster was selected by Arts Center as part of an inaugural contest between local artists. The winning poster is a digital illustration by Kaitlyn Brewer, a 27-year-old Gulf Coast resident and full-time graphic designer.
Pass Christian Parks Committee recommends a butterfly garden artwork donation
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — The Pass Christian Parks Committee has unanimously recommended that the city's Board of Aldermen accept a donation of artwork for the butterfly garden at War Memorial Park. The piece, titled “Flora and Fauna,” is being donated by the Pass Christian Garden Club, which commissioned the artwork from local artist John Walrod. The committee expects it to be ready for installation before Oct. 1.
Biloxi chef among final 128 in national James Beard Favorite Chef competition
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Chef Chris Drake, owner of The Sicilian II on Pass Road, is a semi-finalist in the national James Beard Favorite Chef competition. The competition began with 30,000 chefs. After several rounds of voting, the field has been narrowed to 128, with Drake among those remaining. Drake said the recognition is a reflection of his father, Hristos Drake, who founded the restaurant. He said his father opened The Sicilian II not to turn a profit, but to share a meal with people.
Memorial Health System celebrates 80 years of serving the Gulf Coast
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Memorial Health System marked its 80th anniversary Thursday with a celebration honoring the organization’s history and its ties to the Gulf Coast community. The health system was founded in 1946 and has grown to include three hospitals and more than 100 physician clinics along the Coast. Memorial Health System Gulfport chaplain Travis Northcutt said consistency and community trust have sustained the organization over eight decades.
Roadside Delivery: Gulfport couple delivers baby boy on shoulder of I-10
GULF COAST, Miss. (WLOX) — A Gulfport couple welcomed their newborn on the shoulder of Interstate 10 after traffic prevented them from reaching the hospital in time. Rielle Compton and Gabriel Absher were en route from their Gulfport home to Compton’s doctor in Pascagoula on July 16 when Compton went into labor. Their two other children were in the backseat. Water breaks, baby follows minutes later “I was okay up until, like, 2 o’clock in the afternoon,” Compton said.
Banking Modernization at Scale: A Conversation with Patrick Wright
Full Transcript DAMIAN STEPHENSON: I'm Damian Stephenson. I lead Bain's enterprise technology practice in Asia-Pacific. Today, I'm in Melbourne, Victoria, with Patrick Wright, group executive of technology and enterprise operations at NAB. Patrick, thanks for taking the time. Since 2017, Patrick's been on a multi-year modernization journey. Do you remember what stood out to you most about the technology environment at the time when you joined the bank? PATRICK WRIGHT: I think a few things.
Historic Biloxi Saenger Theatre reopens with celebration
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Biloxi Saenger Theatre reopened Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and performances celebrating the venue’s history. The Biloxi Saenger Theatre reopened Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and performances celebrating the venue’s history. The theatre originally opened in 1929 in downtown Biloxi. It closed in 2018 and sat empty for years. Saturday’s event, The Homecoming: A Celebration, featured cast members from shows spanning 50 years of Saenger history.
Historic Biloxi Saenger Theatre reopens with celebration
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Biloxi Saenger Theatre reopened Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and performances celebrating the venue’s history. The Biloxi Saenger Theatre reopened Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and performances celebrating the venue’s history.(wlox) The theatre originally opened in 1929 in downtown Biloxi. It closed in 2018 and sat empty for years. Saturday’s event, The Homecoming: A Celebration, featured cast members from shows spanning 50 years of Saenger history.
Israel, Max Makoka and their host family discuss the brothers’ nine-day detention
DIAMONDHEAD, Miss. (WLOX) — Israel and Max Makoka, brothers from the Republic of the Congo, are back home after nine days in ICE detention. Israel and Max Makoka, brothers from the Republic of the Congo, are back home after nine days in ICE detention. The boys came to the country legally and were originally at Piney Woods School, but they felt isolated. Luckily, they were connected to Gail and Cliff Baptiste, who had helped students in their situation before.
Israel, Max Makoka and their host family discuss the brothers’ nine-day detention
DIAMONDHEAD, Miss. (WLOX) — Israel and Max Makoka, the two brothers who gained national attention after they were detained by ICE, are now back home with their host family.
12th annual Wings over Wiggins offers aviation education, free flights for children
WIGGINS, Miss. (WLOX) — The 12th annual Wings Over Wiggins took off from Dean Griffin Memorial Airport Saturday. The 12th annual Wings Over Wiggins took off from Dean Griffin Memorial Airport Saturday. (wlox) The fly-in event is a fundraiser for Gateway Christian Academy and features aircrafts on display, skydiving demonstrations, and even free plane rides for children.
Long Beach Radish Festival returns after 14 years on hiatus
LONG BEACH, Miss. (WLOX) — After 14 years on hiatus, the Long Beach Radish Festival returned Saturday, taking over Jeff Davis Avenue. After fourteen years in hiatus, the Long Beach Radish Festival returned Saturday, taking over Jeff Davis Avenue. Alongside street vendors, seven participating coast restaurants brought radish-themed dishes. It was all a reminder of Long Beach’s reputation in the early 20th century as the radish capital of the world.
Bladesmiths offer old fashioned craftsmanship at Deep South Knife Show
WIGGINS, Miss. (WLOX) — Bladesmiths from across the South filled the fairgrounds Saturday, crafting and selling custom handmade blades to anyone in need of a piece of good old-fashioned craftsmanship. One of the vendors was Seth Borries. Several years ago, Seth featured on national television for his knife-making skills on the show Forged in Fire. One of the vendors was Seth Borries. Several years ago, Seth featured on national television for his knife-making skills in a show falled Forged in Fire.
12th annual Wings over Wiggins offers aviation education, free flights for children
WIGGINS, Miss. (WLOX) — The 12th annual Wings Over Wiggins took off from Dean Griffin Memorial Airport Saturday. The 12th annual Wings Over Wiggins took off from Dean Griffin Memorial Airport Saturday. The fly-in event is a fundraiser for Gateway Christian Academy and features aircrafts on display, skydiving demonstrations, and even free plane rides for children.
Coast Marine veteran turns marsh roots into bird carvings
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) — David Wilson, a former Marine and Navy diver, now creates bird carvings from reclaimed marsh roots as part of Arts Alive in Bay St. Louis, which features local artists from across the Coast.
New waterfront venue opens on Biloxi Boardwalk
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - A new venue space opened Thursday on the Biloxi Boardwalk, taking over the former Kingjak’s location. The Grand Sofia held its grand opening and has its first official event scheduled for Saturday. The 10,000-square-foot venue offers waterfront views for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. “What we really offer is what nobody else has, and that is a view of the Gulf Coast. We are right on the beach. The only thing that separates us is the sand and the boardwalk.
Humane Society of South Mississippi reaches 96% save rate, seeks volunteers
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - The Humane Society of South Mississippi held a “state of the shelter” presentation Tuesday, offering community members an update on the organization’s progress over the last ten years. The shelter’s save rate increased from 78 percent in 2016 to 96 percent in 2026. The organization said it had a positive impact on more than 16,000 animals last year alone. The presentation also served as a call for new volunteers.
Topping up your super can boost your retirement nest egg. But is there a right time for voluntary contributions?
Topping up your super can boost your retirement savings, but with so many competing financial priorities, how do you know when it's the right time to contribute? According to ASIC's Moneysmart, a 30-year-old contributing an extra $20 per week could be $50,000 better off in retirement — and there can be tax savings from making extra super contributions, too. But finding money to save isn't easy, especially in the current economic environment, and adding extra to super isn't always the right move.
Juggling work and parenting on school holidays is tough. Here's how three families manage
School holidays can be a tricky time for working parents. It's not always possible to take leave or find school holiday care, which leaves some parents wondering how they'll possibly juggle their responsibilities at work while looking after their kids. For other parents, such as those with children in boarding schools, school holidays are a wonderful time where the family is together. We spoke to three different parents about how they juggle parenting and work during school holidays.
'It slows down service': Why alternative milks attract a surcharge at cafes
If you order your takeaway coffee with oat, almond, soy or lactose-free milk, you're likely used to getting charged extra. But as alternative milks become more popular, you might be wondering why your favourite beverage costs more than if it was made with regular dairy. Professor Nitika Garg, a consumer behaviour researcher at UNSW Sydney's School of Marketing, says extra charges for alternative milks are often a source of frustration for cafe customers.
What the Australian consumer law says about returning items bought in Black Friday sales
Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales can be a great time to grab clothes, appliances and Christmas presents at a discount. Australians are expected to spend $6.36 billion across the four-day sales period, according to research by the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan, which is up 3 per cent on last year. But there can be a reality check when an item you've bought is delivered or brought home: maybe the clothing doesn't fit, or the item is different to what you expected.
What you need to know to protect your pets from ticks this season
If you have a pet, it's important to be on the lookout for ticks as we head into the warmer months. The Australian paralysis tick is known by the scientific name Ixodes holocyclus. The tiny parasite is found along the eastern coast of Australia and is most active from September to March, but is active year-round. When these ticks bite a dog or a cat, they inject a toxin that causes paralysis and can be fatal if left untreated.
There's billions of lost money waiting to be claimed. Here's how to check if some is yours
Australians have billions of dollars in lost and unclaimed money. One source that you might not know about is inactive bank accounts. If a bank account has no deposits or withdrawals for seven years or more, it can be flagged as unclaimed and sent to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Thankfully, the money isn't lost forever. In fact, you can make a claim and even receive interest on unclaimed money owed to you.
Three in 10 millennials check their super less than once a year. Here's why that's a problem
There's a good chance that your superannuation is one of your largest assets. But how much do you know about how your retirement money is invested? Recent research from ASIC's Moneysmart found many millennials — which make up 21.5 per cent of the population — were disengaged with their super.
The US now has a 'click to cancel' rule for subscriptions. What's the law in Australia?
As more businesses are turning to paid subscription models, there's been growing frustration about the tactics used to prevent people from cancelling. A recent report by the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) found 75 per cent of Australians have had a negative experience when trying to cancel a subscription, and 32 per cent felt pressured into keeping a subscription they wanted to cancel.
Why 'asynchronous communication' is useful when working with people in different time zones
If you work with people in different parts of the country, the first week of daylight saving can cause all sorts of headaches. It can be particularly challenging for people in Queensland, who for most of the year share the same time with the rest of the east coast.
Home brand products are cheaper at the supermarket. But are they good value?
Groceries are one of the largest expenses for most households and lately prices seem to keep going up. A recent survey by Canstar Blue found Australians are spending an average of $168 per week on groceries in 2024, five per cent higher than 2023 ($160 per week). If you're looking to spend less on groceries (who isn't?), it helps if you're not loyal to a particular brand.
Having an AFL grand final party? Try one of these three delicious recipes
If you're planning a show-stopping AFL grand final party, it's important that the food is on point. If you're struggling with ideas, we've got you covered. From steak to salad and an option for vegetarians, here are some ideas to make this year's party the best ever. If you fancy a barbecue on grand final day, why not try something a bit different with this steak salad from Julia Busuttil Nishimura. It's colourful, light and filling and requires minimal cooking.
Thriller at The Pit: Kennedy edges St. Amant on late field goal
Nahun Lalin kicked a 24-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining to give John F. Kennedy a 31-29 win over St. Amant in a nondistrict thriller Thursday night at the Pit in St. Amant. The game-winning kick was set up by an 86-yard pass from Amyne Darensbourg to James Evans on a third-and-13 play with 1:30 remaining. Kennedy (3-0) then ran three plays to the middle of the field to set up Lalin’s game-winner.
Contribution splitting can help couples balance their super. Here's how it works
When Rebecca Pritchard and her partner were starting a family four years ago, she wanted to ensure her superannuation kept ticking over. So, she used a little-known strategy called contribution splitting to redirect some of her husband's super contributions to her fund. "[I said], 'Here's the contribution I'm bringing to the family, this is my expectation. I'm not going to be getting contributions during this time, but you are, so let's make an adjustment for that,'" she says.
Why psychologists want us to stop talking about the 'five stages' of grief
By Patrick Wright for ABC Most people have heard of the "five stages of grief". The idea is that as we grieve, we progress through different stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. This popular concept was introduced by Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying. What might surprise you is that, despite its popularity, there is no scientific basis for the model and experts say it can be more harmful than helpful.
If a child is upset or tired, is it OK to let them stay home from school?
It's a scene that will be familiar to many parents of primary school-aged children: you're about to do school drop-off and your child says they want to stay home. You might wonder if it's OK to let them. After all, we're trying to teach our kids to look after their mental health, right? But it can cause further problems down the road, says Kimberley O'Brien, an educational psychologist based in Sydney. "Parents sometimes talk about it like a mental health day.
Why Jarred and his family found living in Tuscany 'a lot harder than we were expecting'
Many of us dream about packing up our lives and moving to Europe. But have you wondered what it's really like? In 2022, Jarred Holt and his family moved to Arezzo, a town in Tuscany about an hour's drive from Florence. Jarred, 38, and his wife Aurora, 31, were looking for a different lifestyle after the pandemic. With two young kids, the couple was attracted by Italy's cheaper housing and the potential for better work-life balance. But last October, the family moved back to Australia.
Should you worry about safety of non-stick cookware?
If you have non-stick pots and pans in your kitchen, you might be worried about whether they're safe to use. Common concerns are usually focused on the use of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the coatings of non-stick cookware. These substances, which have been dubbed "forever chemicals" because they take so long to break down, have been used in many household products, including waterproof clothes and anti-staining products for fabrics and carpets.
When Benn lost his son, his grief wasn't always acknowledged. Here's why that can be harmful
Readers are advised this story discusses neonatal death and contains content and images that may be distressing to some people. Each September, Benn Lockyer and his wife Sarah hold a small gathering to remember the loss of their first son, James, who died three days after he was born in 2017. Sarah's pregnancy had been normal, but she was rushed into an emergency caesarean after the midwife couldn't find James's pulse on a heart rate monitor during labour.
Want to make an offer for a property? Here's what you need to know
When Melbourne couple Alex Ellis Friedl and Emily Pickett bought their first home, they didn't expect the process to be so stressful. The couple, both in their 30s, were regularly outbid by investors and spent hours each week on real estate websites. When they finally had an offer accepted, they found out the property had major problems. "When we had a building and pest inspection done, it failed that miserably, so we pulled out of the contract," Alex says.
Drink decaf coffee? Here's what to know about the chemicals used to make it
By Patrick Wright, ABC News If you're a fan of decaf coffee, you might have come across some concerning headlines about chemicals in your morning brew. Many people are switching to decaf coffee for health reasons and it's a common choice during pregnancy, when people are advised to reduce their caffeine intake. Many decaf coffee producers use the "European" or "direct" method, which involves steaming green coffee beans before repeatedly rinsing them with a chemical solvent to extract the caffeine.
Drink decaf coffee? Here's what to know about the chemicals used to make it
If you're a fan of decaf coffee, you might have come across some concerning headlines about chemicals in your morning brew. Many people are switching to decaf coffee for health reasons and it's a common choice during pregnancy, when people are advised to reduce their caffeine intake. Many decaf coffee producers use the "European" or "direct" method, which involves steaming green coffee beans before repeatedly rinsing them with a chemical solvent to extract the caffeine.
Yes, you can claim a tax deduction for a bag — as long as you follow these rules
Have you ever bought a handbag or backpack for work and wondered if you can claim it at tax time? It turns out that these items may be tax deductible, providing they comply with some rather strict rules. Here's what to know about claiming handbags, backpacks and other work bags as a tax deduction.
These financial housekeeping tasks can save you hundreds - and you can tick them off in a few hours
Do you shop around when your insurance company or energy supplier sends you a bill with increased prices? If the answer is no, you might be missing out on savings, because these companies often offer better deals to new customers than existing ones. You might be surprised to find out that comparing and switching policies and plans isn't that hard or time consuming. Here are three changes that can help boost your household budget — and you can do all three in a few hours or even less.
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