September 18, 2016. There are 4 gaming establishments in AL: the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel of Wetumpka, the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel of Atmore, the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel of Montgomery and the Victoryland Casino of Shorter. VictoryLand: Hope they reopen. VictoryLand's owner says the decision clears the way for the gambling hall to reopen. or their eyes closed. Dog racing operations will. O-A News file Cars wait to be allowed into VictoryLand when it reopened Sept. Written 27 February 2020. MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER. Visited Victoryland This past Friday night after midnight. The casino has a new 300 room hotel and six restaurants. Operated by: Casino Rating. Depending on the day or night that you go a good time can be found at Victoryland. The VictoryLand Casino is located at 8680 Co Rd 40, Shorter, AL 36075, USA. Nicolás Saldías, a senior Latin American analyst at the Economist. Four casinos would be at former dog-racing tracks in Alabama -- the Birmingham Race Course, VictoryLand in Macon County, Greenetrack in Greene County, and the Mobile Greyhound park. (WSFA) - Victoryland is welcoming patrons back inside of their facility after temporarily closing their doors in late March in an effort to stop the spread of the. The Attorney General’s Office working with the FBI, ALEA and DEA to shut down 14 illegal bingo facilities. The Alabama Supreme Court unanimously ruled that VictoryLand Casino, White Hall Entertainment and Southern Star Entertainment are operating illegal. Join our Newsletter. You have permission to edit this article. , AL (WSFA) - Thousands of gamblers are making their way inside VictoryLand at this hour in Shorter, three years after state authorities shut down the casino. Just a few months after Milton McGregor reopened his casino at VictoryLand in Macon County, State Troopers raided the electronic bingo complex again, this time under the orders of Attorney General Luther Strange. Phil Ammann. ruled Monday that electronic bingo machines are illegal and all casinos operating the machines in Walker County must be closed. Victoryland Casino is a casino in the town of Shorter, Alabama. The casino has a new 300 room hotel and six restaurants. "I feel a little bit used. Review of VictoryLand. 2012. According to the Saturday statement, the Macon County. He ruled Tyson is district. Josh Moon. Exterior of The Oasis hotel is shown at Victoryland in Shorter, Ala. Atlanta is centred in the state of Georgia (United States). Greyhound Alliance Revue During the last year the Greyhound Alliance has been active in a wide variety of greyhound rescue and adoption activities. m. Poarch Creek operations were not affected, as the state has no jurisdiction over them. gov. the indian casinos are always clean and they treat you better. Visited November 2019. No need to be fancy, just an overview. VictoryLand, in Macon County, cannot have the machines on its premises, receive money from the machines, or transfer electronic bingo machines to any other facility in the county, Macon County. McGregor was found not guilty, leading the way to the reopening of VictoryLand with hundreds of electronic bingo machines. Dr. I. McGregor closed the casino's 6,400 machines Feb. 2010, 11:15 a. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Former Gov. In order to fight a raid, VictoryLand closed its doors. TUSKEGEE, AL (WSFA) - Victoryland's gaming center is now closed. Nine years ago state agents swooped in and, under the direction of then Governor Bob Riley, closed Victoryland down. m. Indeed, the Complaint references VictoryLand or VictoryLand’s closing no less than forty times. The Macon County casino, which has been closed since a raid by the state’s attorney general’s office in 2013, will reopen its doors on Sept. The lockdown. State troopers blocked the entrance to VictoryLand, which was closed but reopened in December after federal jurors last year acquitted McGregor and others in an alleged Statehouse bribery scheme. But it’s welcome news. In total, the State features more than 10,000 slot machines and 15 gaming tables. Victoryland Casino By WSFA Staff May 23, 2020 at 2:28 PM CDT - Updated May 23 at 4:03 PM SHORTER, Ala. Four casinos would be at former dog-racing tracks in Alabama -- the Birmingham Race Course, VictoryLand in Macon County, Greenetrack in Greene County, and the Mobile Greyhound park. Self serve free soft drinks and coffee to go with the complementary 2nd hand smoke. VictoryLand Casino, which opened its doors in 1983, is one of Alabama’s prominent gaming destinations. Some think the state should have different priorities than shutting down gambling, others are frustrated, some are funny. John Tyson, head of the Illegal Gambling Task Force, told the Opelika-Auburn News last week that he believes VictoryLand possesses 18,000 to 20,000 electronic gaming machines, some on the casinoMore than three years since the state shut it down, VictoryLand casino is back-up and running with electronic bingo machines. Located in Shorter, Alabama which is near Montgomery. Quincy 777 Casino and Victoryland Race Track are one facility a combination that is called a racino. A search warrant was served, and machines were taken. In December 2012, it reopened. " Noting that "Equal Justice Under Law" The traditional Kentucky Derby & Oaks Future Wagers are an opportunity for fans to bet early in the racing season on horses whom they think have the potential to earn a spot in the starting gate and go on to win the Kentucky Derby & Oaks races. Texas Southern University. Camptown Greyhound Park - No results as this track is closed. 4, 2010, as part of a shutdown of all. . . Get the inside scoop on jobs, salaries, top office locations, and CEO insights. But they aren’t the only ones who recently needed to fire many employees. m. “This was an incredibly difficult decision for me. A new casino. , or fire the the person who handles security and replace him or her with someone who can balance good service with good security. The casino posted to its Facebook page Saturday its intentions to reopen Monday morning at 8 a. Victoryland casino alabama – – top casino green casino casino онлайн victoryland casino alabama hotel in shorter, alabama on august 12, 2010, victoryland closed its casino, restaurant and hotel operations. region. JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. Topics include macon, tuskegee, county, state, victoryland, university, president, left. But Alabama Attorney General Troy King issued a 2004 opinion that the type of bingo played at VictoryLand is legal based on Macon County's constitutional amendment. com: VictoryLand is a greyhound track, casino, and hotel in Shorter, Alabama. I have not visited Victoryland in a year and was surprised that they have gotten better slots. In the early 1980s, McGregor put together a team of investors and local. It should have happened a long time ago. m. Victoryland: Shorter: Macon: Alabama: Racino (greyhound) No table games: Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Atmore: Atmore: Escambia: Alabama:. "The light at the end of the tunnel is, in fact, not a train," IT" ijirmTirr't Tn VictoryLand closed its gambling area on Monday but by operations. com Victoryland Casino in Macon County had to lay off several hundred employees when it shut down electronic bingo games this month. Macon County’s Victoryland Casino laid off hundreds of employees. Gaming facilities in Lowndes and Macon counties are set to close soon following the decision, which was reached Friday, marking the latest episode in a decades-long tense relationship between state and gambling. curtailed or eliminated altogether. Last week the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that VictoryLand (Macon County Greyhound Park Inc. Alabama’s biggest casino, Victoryland, closed down voluntarily as a court ruling loomed that would likely result in a raid of the state’s largest electronic bingo operation. the indian casinos are always clean and they. In 2010, just before it was raided for the. See this casino. The date is not correct, this place has been closed for a few years. Shuttered since the state seized 1,615 games and 0,000 in cash in a 2013 raid, VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor said the facility had been illegally closed. VictoryLand has given millions in proceeds to charity over the years. this time around, it is a mere shadow of itself, Read more. Court OKs raids on bingo casinos Halls remain closed to bar task force entrance By Kim Chandler and Charles J. The bets go to $0. McGregor talks progress of casino, Macon County employment, and why he’s stayed committed to the fight for electronic bingoSkip to main content. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor. Limited machines and limited help at this point they are trying. Over the past generation, dog tracks and horse tracks have declined considerably. Owner Milton McGregor closed VictoryLand on Monday to prevent any raid by the task force. Both White and Tyson agreed a raid could still be on the horizon, but must clear legal hoops first. I. Teller in Shorter, AL. Milton McGregor, owner of the VictoryLand casino in Shorter, in Macon County, said Riley's task force and its commander, Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson, are behaving like "storm. On February 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed which officially ended the Mexican-American War. 60. ” (Compl. It will remain closed for the foreseeable future hl e-casino was closed after an attack in 2013. Edit Close. Impact of VictoryLand Casino Closure. Visitors can enjoy electronic bingo machines and simulcast greyhounds and thoroughbred wagering from all over the United States. 3. [4]The commander of the governor's gambling task force, John Tyson, says the closure of Victoryland casino appears designed to prevent a raid. (WSFA) - On Friday Alabama’s high court ruled electronic bingo machines at Whitehall Gaming in Lowndes County and Victoryland. It seemed electronic bingo was over at VictoryLand when last year the. Victoryland has a hotel with over 500 rooms, a spa, a pool, and a convention. Victoryland is a beautiful casino. VictoryLand is still closed, but its attorneys argue other facilities with the same type of games are running strong. (WSFA) - You'll be able to go to Victoryland Casino again. An Alabama casino threatened by a recent ruling from the state’s Supreme Court is levying racial discrimination allegations against the high court. 13, 2016, file photo. Victoryland officials have been advised and are immediately complying with. In a statement late this afternoon, he says in the case of State of Alabama v. McGregor set out to reopen it. P. Did not know what to expect. MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER. By Howard Koplowitz | hkoplowitz@al. or their eyes closed. Check the brands pages for more info. Here are a few suggestions: 1) don't go the first weekend of the month, when the gov't checks hit the bank accounts this placed is packed 2)if a car is being given away that night don't go, the same people with the gov't checks will have it packed out. (AP Photo/Dave Martin, File) Milton E. Bridgeport Greyhound Park Results - See "Shoreline Star Greyhound Park". Victoryland Casino in Macon County no longer offers. VictoryLand has a reopen date. ) Mayor Ford, joined by his five co-Plaintiffs, contends this case is not about VictoryLand’ s. I travel all the world this is the worst. com) By Mike Cason | [email protected] is a casino located in Macon County, Alabama, very close to Tuskegee. I i Advertiser photos Thursday had stopped all. VictoryLand has a reopen date. Victoryland Raid Attorney General Strange also announced Tuesday that Victoryland Casino in Shorter (Macon County) was shut down again. Sign Up Log In VictoryLand: Close the opened - is it closed now - See 72 traveler reviews, 28 candid photos, and great deals for Shorter, AL, at Tripadvisor. Pros. " McGregor was a major political player, giving campaigns as much as $650,000 a year at his height. On August 12, 2010, VictoryLand closed its casino, restaurant and hotel operations. Feb 2, 2010. The Associated Press; A woman plays video bingo in a casino at Victoryland in Shorter, Ala. 30, the Alabama Supreme Court issued a ruling that three Alabama casinos were soon going to have to shut down their gambling operations. However, after Judge William Shashy from the Montgomery County Circuit Court ruled in favor of VictoryLand not just. 30 ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court calling for the end to electronic gaming in Macon and Lowndes Counties has. Victoryland opened again for electronic bingo gaming Friday afternoon, and with a warning to the governor's anti-gambling task force: stay away. Attorney. When I walked in the door the guard demanded to see my drivers license and asked me to stand behind a line so. You can come here and get your gambling fever on. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of. to 6 p. The staff do have was very friendly, and did a great job. You'll have a better time even if you don't win. The property has two restaurants. Review. ” It appears humorous and ludicrous but it is actually sad because people’s lives are being affected. Affair creates disorder in VictoryLand case. Sheriff Bronson's decision is in compliance with state and federal. VictoryLand’s response was the sunrise closing. Victoryland is the. You have permission to edit this article. The Alabama Supreme Court last month lifted a court order that had blocked the task force from raiding VictoryLand. The casino is owned and operated by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. By the closing of VictoryLand, a historically poverty stricken area of black citizens will remain so[,] and public services that VictoryLand s operating revenue would have funded will be 15 curtailed or eliminated altogether. Court OKs raids on bingo casinos Halls remain closed to bar task force entrance By Kim Chandler and Charles J. Close the opened - is it closed now - Review of VictoryLand, Shorter, AL - TripAdvisorHe opened arcades in Dothan, quincys 777 casino in shorter alabama Enterprise and Ozark and leased Pac-Man games to convenience stores around the Southeast. In doing so, the justices effectively ensured the closing of the state's only. " Judge Shashy then entered a conditional order for return of. VictoryLand closes rather than face raid Dana Beyerle Times Montgomery Bureau MONTGOMERY — The state’s largest non-Indian bingo casino and the last to remain open closed on Monday instead of facing a promised raid by Gov. You can come here and get your gambling fever on. Edition of The Opelika-Auburn News300 (closed) Notable restaurants: Oasis Buffet (closed) Casino type: Land-Based: Owner: Milton McGregor: Renovated in: 2009: Website: victoryland. Find out what works well at VICTORYLAND from the people who know best. The casino's attorney said the computer changes at VictoryLand are not related to its electronic bingo machines, but the closure did prevent the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling from. Bob Riley's gambling task force. W. Starbucks coffee in the lobby for $2. 2012: Victoryland reopens with bingo-style gaming machines. to 6 p. McGregor, 78, Montgomery entrepreneur and developer of VictoryLand and the Birmingham Race Course, died peacefully at his home Sunday, March 25,. In August, in a sign of the RSF ’s tightening grip on Khartoum, General Abdel. CASE NO. Victoryland is a casino worked there for a year the company was closed has now reopened. SHORTER, AL (WBRC) - Back in business. , Tuesday, Oct. (Mike Cason/mcason@al. Another 125 state troopers simultaneously raided. Jul 28, 2019 victoryland casino. Victoryland CasinoA search warrant was served Tuesday at the VictoryLand casino in Shorter, Ala. Victoryland owner Milton McGregor released a statement Monday morning saying that the casino he owns off I-85 in Macon County will "temporarily close its electronic bingo operation. On October 4, 2010,. 12 Years. Review & Gaming Guide. Review & Gaming Guide. Paul Jones calling on them to close downStrange’s office conducted a raid at VictoryLand in 2013, seizing 1,615 gambling machines and $260,000 in cash. Fifth Judicial District Circuit Judge Tom Young issued an order Friday blocking any raid at VictoryLand by the task force. SHORTER - The scene outside VictoryLand Wednesday morning was highly uneventful with a threat of another raid by state police looming. It is unbelievable the Legislature can enact a constitutional amendment to authorize electronic bingo; the federal government can preclear the election; the people of Macon County can vote to approveThe usual "trickle down" effect caused by seasonal closings has become a "flood" with the Victoryland closing: approximately 700 to 1,000 dogs will need a safety net over the next 7 months. Here is what Attorney General Luther Strange wrote to the lawyers for VictoryLand and Milton McGregor before Strange raided and closed the Macon County facility last month: “You are likely aware of the situation with regard to Class 2 gambling on Indian land. The casino is about a 2 hour ride from the city. Victoryland Casino has a storied history, with legal battles, political controversies, and economic impacts. But fast forward to today, and the casino has been closed for years. Generally speaking, it has not been operational for the past five years. 30, unanimously ruling that the venues’ electronic bingo machines. 17 nonprofits and Lucky Palace, LLC, filed a lawsuit against VictoryLand Greyhound Park Dog Track alleging Racketeering and other violation, which allegedly. Published: Nov 15, 2023 at 11:36 am. Dr. A spokesman said it closed all other parts of the facility. [4]VictoryLand: Casino Trip after Re-Opening, Don't waste your time or money - See 75 traveler reviews, 33 candid photos, and great deals for Shorter, AL, at Tripadvisor. 6, according to a. By. Gaming Law & Legislation, Latest Casino and Gambling News, Alabama, Fines, Lawsuits & Litigation. ” Last year, the Alabama Supreme Court ordered the halt of electronic bingo in Macon and Lowndes. 6, according to a press release issued by Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford. I think that's the big question surrounding this case. 3 Thank dixiediva . They have 1¢ and 25¢ slots. On October 4, 2010, VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor was arrested along with 10 state senators and lobbyists after a federal probe relating to the improprieties of state gambling legislation. 2)if a car is being given away that night don't go, the same people with the gov't. Get in on huge nationwide pools!Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts. (334) 727-9190. 11 reviews of Victoryland "This is a very small casino. m. - See 71 traveler reviews, 28 candid photos, and great deals for Shorter, AL, at Tripadvisor. Customers have had fun visiting Victoryland and winning money playing the slots, and the staff has been friendly and welcoming. facilities should remain open or closed. VictoryLand closed its doors to the public until the new injunction was issued by Young. However, come 2016, Alabama’s Governor Robert Bentley cleared the way for a reopening. Victoryland Casino in Macon. VictoryLand in Macon County reopened this month with electronic bingo machines. You have to fight the smoke clouds while walking through the casino. News / Oct 25, 2022 / 06:52 PM CDT. The history of Alabama gambling, is a long and complicated one. The usual "trickle down" effect caused by seasonal closings has become a "flood" with the Victoryland closing: approximately 700 to 1,000 dogs will need a safety net over the next 7 months. Aug. . Noting the severe negative impact that shutting down electronic bingo games will have on local charities, attorneys for VictoryLand casino in Shorter filed a petition for rehearing, asking that the Alabama Supreme Court hold a rehearing of the public nuisance case it ruled on late last month. or their eyes closed. Attorney General Luther Strange’s office didn’t have any immediate comment. Quincy’s 777 Casino at VictoryLand (“VictoryLand”), a now-defunct Macon County gambling business. Ask dixiediva about VictoryLand. Epic Tech Inc. 744 and the sheriff’s rules and regulations, VictoryLand opened an electronic bingo facility in Macon County in. It has been in operation since September 2006. in Business. Sign Up Log InVictoryland . INTRODUCTION. Betting Limit: $10. Depending on the day or night that you go a good time can be found at Victoryland. 10, 2010--SHORTER -- VictoryLand volunÂtarily closed its casino Monday. So, when will Victoryland Casino reopen? You’re not alone in wondering. The job was closed/moved to another location. The Tuskegee News Newspaper Archive Tuskegee Alabama; January 2 2014 Page 1. Godfrey’s latest comments came in response to the imminent re-opening of VictoryLand, a Macon County casino that has opened and closed time and again since 2010 when the State first raided. On August 12, 2010, VictoryLand closed its casino, restaurant and hotel operations. VictoryLand does have one key advantage, she said. Another 125 state troopers simultaneously raided. It plays out in a scenario reminiscent of Abbott and Costello’s Vaudeville classic, “Who’s on First. 26, 2013, in the Tuskegee Municipal building. - See 77 traveler reviews, 33 candid photos, and great deals for Shorter, AL, at Tripadvisor. Visit the VictoryLand. I-85 at Exit 22, Shorter, AL 36075. This February, a raid by Attorney General Luther Strange. Victoryland casino in Macon County, shown in 2016, is a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Steve Marshall claiming the electronic bingo machines there are illegal slot machines. In August 2010, Victoryland voluntarily surrendered its liquor license and closed its doors to prevent a raid during the administration of former Governor Bob Riley, who effectively managed to close every major non-Indian casino in the state through his Task Force on Illegal Gambling. Victoryland's McGregor hired a private detective who trailed David Barber, the chief of the illegal gambling task force, to a casino in Mississippi, where he won a jackpot. Contact info. - See 72 traveler reviews, 28 candid photos, and great deals for Shorter, AL, at Tripadvisor. Alabama's biggest casino closes as raid looms - Deseret NewsVictoryland closed its casino Monday night and the rest of its facilities, including its new luxury hotel, shortly before the court order was released. The indictment was released Monday, Oct. By the closing of VictoryLand, a historically poverty stricken area of black citizens will remain so[,] and public services that VictoryLand’ s operating revenue would have funded will be. On October 4, 2010, VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor was arrested along with 10 state senators and lobbyists after a federal probe relating to the improprieties of state gambling legislation. VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor says the decision clears the way for VictoryLand to reopen. MACON CO. Sign Up Log InVictoryland is operating fully with super employees and supporting the East Alabama community. On Feb. C. MONTGOMERY, Ala. WSFA 12 News anchor Bob Howell spoke with. By . Columbia is located in the state of South Carolina (United States). In June, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that Greenetrack in Greene County must pay $76 million in unpaid taxes and interest owed to the Alabama. ( WIAT) — The State Supreme Court has ordered casino shutdowns in two counties, prompting questions over the future of gambling in Alabama. dollars were confiscated during the raid. But it has fought in the past to keep VictoryLand closed. Depending on the day or night that you go a good time can be found at Victoryland. TUSKEGEE — A Macon County judge blocked Gov. The owner of VictoryLand in Macon County announced this morning that the facility will close temporarily while it continues its legal fight with Gov. This may have been a hot spot, but , it is still closed. Open today: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM. Gov. Meanwhile, a VictoryLand lawyer is refusing to say whether the machines still are onsite at what was the state's largest bingo casino. Victoryland casino in Macon County, shown in 2016, has reopened with precautions after being closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it would have been a courtesy to at least call us," says Lorna Aho. "When you play a slot machine. This is noteworthy because the casino has been closed since 2013 when a raid led by the state attorney general’s office resulted in the seizure of 1,650 such machines and $263,000. I loved the dog track but when they put the slots in , I fell in love with the machines. 0:47. re not going to stay open. Victoryland also give out free cash through the community. You can contact the VictoryLand Casino at (334) 727-0540 or toll-free at (800) 688-2946. Hospitality · Alabama, United States · <25 Employees. It was closed down for some time. SHORTER, Alabama --- The attorney general's office and state troopers this morning raided the newly reopened VictoryLand casino in the latest development in the ongoing legal war over electronic. ) Mayor Ford, joined by his five co-Plaintiffs, contends this case is not about VictoryLand s closing or the legality of VictoryLand s electronic bingo machines, but rather that this is a case of federal statutory and constitutional magnitude with respect to a deprivation of voting rights. Team Alabama (Tallassee) poses with their championship banner moments after winning the 2014 Dixie Darlings World Series. 2010, victoryland closed its casino, restaurant and hotel operations. Polaris Industries is shutting down the Victory Motorcycles brand after 18 years in business. Bob Riley's gambling task force told a judge Thursday that he wants to raid the state's largest electronic bingo casino even though a SupremeThe community is showing its support for VictoryLand as work continues to get the Macon County casino back up and running. Victoryland was the largest casino in the south before it was closed down. History. Since its inception, this casino has been a popular destination for gaming enthusiasts. I won 3 community prizes in 1 night and the next day this happened 2hrs apart of each other!!Here are some tasks you can do to help with WikiProject Dogs: . A local television news broadcast shows the Victoryland Casino sign at the since-closed charitable gaming venue. Victoryland representatives said they’re hoping they can replace that lost revenue with new machines allowing gamblers to bet on historical horse rases. 3. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. A spokesman for the governor comÂpared VictoryLand owner Milton McGregor's move to running away like a "scalded dog," while McGreÂgor attributed his decision to the "ridiculous and illegal behavior" of the governor and the commandÂer of his Task Force on. They didn’t stop there. Be the first to know. Quincy’s 777 Casino at VictoryLand (“VictoryLand”), a now-defunct Macon County gambling business. The casino has 502 electronic bingo machines on the floor right now. 2013. 24/7, Some casinos are closed on Easter and Christmas. He also fought what he called “the illegal closing of VictoryLand,” successfully challenging the state’s raid of his casino, only to have the state supreme court overturn. Loading&hellp; {{title}}Grand Casino Biloxi is located approximately 111 miles from Milton. Casino Name. Sign Up Log InVictoryLand: Close the opened - is it closed now - See 72 traveler reviews, 28 candid photos, and great deals for Shorter, AL, at Tripadvisor. they robbing people. As the city of Houston and 'Stros fans all over unite to celebrate at tomorrow. "It's closer to home. Report Share. By John Tyson contends Victoryland owner violated court orderMontgomery, AL – - The commander of the Governor's TaskForce on Illegal Gambling says… Task force commander critical of Victoryland closingThe usual "trickle down" effect caused by seasonal closings has become a "flood" with the Victoryland closing: approximately 700 to 1,000 dogs will need a safety net over the next 7 months. Dean News Staff Writers Friday, February 5, 2010View page one of this storyView page. It is a comedic side show of political posturing. Why is VictoryLand closed? I get this question all the time from a variety of people.