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ISTANBUL — Turkey is pushing Russia and Ukraine to begin peace talks, hoping to build on recent successful diplomatic initiatives such as the critical grain deal that allows Ukraine to export food through a safe corridor in the war zone.
"Out of the grain corridor, we can open a corridor of peace, and the best way for this is to go from dialogue to peace," Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on Saturday. Earlier this month, after Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone, Russia reversed its decision to leave the grain deal.
Turkey is maintaining a fine balance between Russia and Ukraine. A NATO ally, Turkey has positioned itself as a neutral player in the Ukraine war — as being pro-Ukrainian without being anti-Russian, analysts say.
On Monday, a White House spokesperson confirmed that Turkey is also where discussions were taking place between CIA chief Bill Burns and his Russian counterpart, Sergei Naryshkin. However, the spokesperson denied that peace negotiations were on the table.
Burns "is not conducting negotiations of any kind. He is not discussing settlement of the war in Ukraine. He is conveying a message on the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons by Russia, and the risks of escalation to strategic stability. He will also raise the cases of unjustly detained U.S. citizens," the spokesperson said.
Turkey has deepened economic and political ties with Moscow while keeping defense and trade links with Kyiv
Turkey's stated neutral stance has drawn criticism from the West and even raised questions about Turkey's loyalty to NATO. But it has been a mostly successful strategy for Turkey, says Sinan Ulgen, the director of the Center for Economics and Foreign Policy Studies in Istanbul.
"The Turkish president has been able to reach both Putin and [Ukrainian President] Volodymyr Zelenskyy — one of the very few world leaders who have been able to do that," he says.
Turkey has long had defense cooperation and trade relationships with Ukraine. In the days following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones supplied to Ukraine helped keep the Russian advance at bay, one of the initial turning points in the war.
The Turkish president has urged Russia to return all occupied territories to Ukraine, including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
But Turkey has also deepened its economic and political ties with Russia. Turkey chose not to join Western sanctions against Moscow — a major area of concern for the United States and European Union countries. Turkish businesses swooped in to fill the void left by Western businesses in the Russian market, which has helped Turkey gain some leverage. At the same time, Russian trade, tourism and investment have poured into Turkey, encouraged by Erdogan, who is facing a critical election next year and whose economic policies are blamed by many as the reason for Turkey's crippled economy.
The day after Russia rejoined the Black Sea exports deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, Putin praised Turkish neutrality in a speech to members of Russia's security council and said "without a doubt" that Russia would not get in the way of the grain deal.
"Taking into account Turkey's neutrality in the conflict in general, the possibilities of the grain industry, and Erdogan's efforts to meet the interests of the poorest countries, we will not interfere in any way in the future with the supply of grain from Ukraine to Turkey," Putin said, adding that Russia would continue to cooperate with Turkey.
Now Turkey wants to use its influence with both Ukraine and Russia to get them to talk and negotiate an end to the war.
Ibrahim Kalin, Erdogan's chief adviser and spokesperson, has been involved in meetings with both Russian and Ukrainian officials. "Turkey sees room for diplomacy in the war," he says. "Impossible as it may seem."
As much as the war is about Ukrainian territorial integrity and sovereignty, he says, there's a larger geopolitical picture for Russia.
"Russia, whether you like it or not, whether you agree with their arguments or not, is interested in finding and reaching a new deal with the West, and more particularly with the United States," Kalin tells NPR. "And this is the main issue, I think, that will occupy us all for the years to come."
Turkey wants to keep communication open to both Russia and Ukraine, and is urging Western allies to do the same.
"Without some kind of a talk and negotiation, without involving and engaging the Russian side, how are we supposed to end this war?" Kalin says.
"You can try to stop this with an overarching peace deal," he says. "Or you go for more localized solutions, you know, a cease-fire here, deescalation here, a prisoner exchange here, a grain deal here. The second model has been working for the last seven, eight months since the beginning of this war."
Turkey doesn't equate engagement with Russia to approval of Russia's actions, he notes. But he acknowledges that ongoing Russian attacks on civilian Ukrainian targets could make it harder for Turkey to maintain its position of neutrality.
Turkey's stance has risks
That is one of several vulnerabilities in Turkey's stance, according to Ulgen. Another is the possibility of economic pain.
"This stance can indeed be jeopardized if and when, and probably when, the West is going to increase and strengthen sanctions against Russia," he says.
Calls for peace talks are increasing. The U.S. has recently nudged Ukraine to consider negotiations eventually.
A senior State Department official, asking not to be named in order to discuss policy options, tells NPR the U.S. believes "the only real solution to this conflict is, in the end, going to be diplomatic. And we continue to work with the Turks on that, on the need to reach a diplomatic end." The official would not go into detail about those efforts.
"But that can only happen when Russia isn't destroying civilian infrastructure and launching these unjust and unjustified attacks on Ukraine."
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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2022-11-16T10:50:21+00:00
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kpcc.org
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https://www.kpcc.org/npr-news/2022-11-16/turkey-is-friendly-with-both-russia-and-ukraine-now-it-wants-them-to-talk-peace
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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia-based Parkway Corporation, a leading parking operator and real estate development and investment company, announced today that it has recently completed the formation of Parkway U.S. Land Carry Fund I, LP. The fund was capitalized to acquire more than $100 million of surface parking lot assets in the United States.
For three generations, Parkway has leveraged innovative management, state-of-the-art technology, customer service solutions, design, real estate acumen, and joint venture-based collaboration to maximize parking asset values. Today, Parkway's portfolio consists of parking and mixed-use assets in central business districts across the United States and Canada, including over 21,000 parking spaces across over 80 structured and surface assets.
Robert Zuritsky, CEO, said, "We are extremely pleased to have completed the capitalization of the fund on the basis of investment by ourselves and some of the most innovative people across all commercial real estate asset classes and non-real estate asset classes as well. Having done this during the height of the pandemic and economic dislocation, we are pleased to have already completed our first four acquisitions."
Parkway U.S. Land Carry Fund I, LP is targeting acquisition opportunities in primary, secondary, and tertiary markets that have mature or emerging paid‐parking characteristics, a multiplicity of parking demand generators, and demonstrable economic momentum and business growth. This platform is focused on acquiring surface parking lot facilities that have current operating cash flows where a higher or better use may be achievable over a longer time horizon.
David Dobkin, Managing Director & Head of Acquisitions for Parkway, added, "We have broad and deep relationships with parking operators, brokers, and advisors across the country. We are formally collaborating with multiple strategic operating partners across the country to help source opportunities and provide unique market and submarket intelligence that we believe sets our platform apart."
According to Daniel Dean, the fund's Operating Partner, "This is the first of many capital platforms that Parkway anticipates utilizing to diversify its footprint nationally while making investment opportunities available to individual and institutional investors. Our profile as a hybrid platform that represents deep operations, real estate, technology, and capital markets capabilities all under one roof is quite unique. As a result, the range of opportunities we see is very broad."
About Parkway Corporation
Parkway Corporation is a real estate developer, investor and best-in-class parking operator. Founded and headquartered in Philadelphia, Parkway Corporation has been an industry leader for over 92 years in combining operational excellence and innovative technology to deliver exceptional products and customer experiences. More information about the company is available at www.parkwaycorp.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws and regulations. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "should," "will," and other similar terms and phrases, including references to assumptions and forecasts of future results. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks include but are not limited to: national and local economic, business and real estate market conditions; the ability to maintain sufficient liquidity and our access to capital markets; our ability to identify, successfully compete for and complete acquisitions and loans; the performance of real estate assets and loans after they are acquired; and our ability to provide stakeholder value through sales or otherwise dispose of our properties and other assets. Although Parkway Corporation and Parkway US Land Carry Fund I, LP believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Neither Parkway Corporation nor the Parkway US Land Carry Fund I, LP undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform the statement to actual results or changes in expectations. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities.
Contact: Sara McGovern, smcgovern@slicecommunications.com, 610-914-5977
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2022-09-01T15:43:34+00:00
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kcrg.com
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https://www.kcrg.com/prnewswire/2022/09/01/parkway-corporation-announces-formation-us-land-carry-fund-i-lp/
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Cardinal Health's Outcomes™ business will combine with Transaction Data Systems to offer improved patient engagement and clinical pharmacy solutions, expanding connections between payers and pharma to its nationwide pharmacy network
DUBLIN, Ohio, June 5, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to contribute its Outcomes™ business to Transaction Data Systems (TDS), a portfolio company of BlackRock Long Term Private Capital and GTCR, in exchange for a minority stake in the combined entity. Under the terms of the agreement, Cardinal Health's pharmaceutical segment CEO, Debbie Weitzman, will be appointed to the TDS board of directors.
The transaction will create a broad, integrated offering of pharmacy workflow software with patient engagement and clinical solutions to serve the patient, pharmacy, payer, and pharmaceutical company ecosystem, including one of the nation's largest networks of 40,000 retail, chain and grocery pharmacies.
TDS's existing portfolio of clinical pharmacy solutions includes the Rx30 and Computer-Rx pharmacy management systems and PrescribeWellness, its patient communication-pharmacy enablement application. Through its OutcomesOne™ platform, Outcomes offers a portfolio of patient engagement, clinical care, workflow, and financial solutions.
The combined organization will expand upon TDS's existing solutions for delivering clinical care, medication therapy management and diversifying pharmacy revenue streams by adding Outcomes' digital capabilities for patient engagement, virtual verification, order grouping, pill counting, and financial insights. Together, TDS and Outcomes will create additional opportunities for pharmacists to participate in sponsored clinical interventions and better access for payors and pharmaceutical companies to drive better care and outcomes for patients.
"This is an exciting new chapter for our Outcomes business, reflecting our continued commitment to pharmacies as trusted, community healthcare destinations," said Debbie Weitzman, CEO of Cardinal Health's pharmaceutical segment. "Bringing together the powerful connections and unified platform of Outcomes with TDS's best-in-class pharmacy management solutions will enable pharmacies to offer an elevated level of personal care for their patients, operate more effectively and achieve even better clinical and financial results."
"Adding Outcomes to TDS's platform represents a major milestone for optimizing care delivery and maximizing clinical reimbursement in the pharmacy," said Jude Dieterman, CEO of Transaction Data Systems. "Together we can drive more meaningful connections with payers and pharma companies to improve adherence and health outcomes through streamlined programs in pharmacy workflow directly at the point of care."
The transaction is anticipated to close, subject to customary closing conditions and the expiration or termination of regulatory periods, in the third calendar quarter of 2023. Jones Day is serving as legal advisor to Cardinal Health. SVB Securities is acting as financial advisor and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal advisor to Transaction Data Systems.
About Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products, and a provider of performance and data solutions for health care facilities. With more than 50 years in business, operations in more than 30 countries and approximately 46,500 employees globally, Cardinal Health is essential to care. Information about Cardinal Health is available at cardinalhealth.com.
About Transaction Data Systems
For over 45 years, TDS has been dedicated to the success of the pharmacy market and pharmacy supply chain. With its portfolio of products and services including Rx30, Computer-Rx, and PrescribeWellness, TDS provides innovative patient-centric technology solutions and pharmacy management systems to the pharmacy industry. We proudly support one of the largest install base of independent pharmacies in the industry with systems in all 50 states and the Virgin Islands. TDS is a leading provider of pharmacy-focused, patient-centric solutions. For more information, please visit tdsclinical.com.
About BlackRock LTPC
BlackRock LTPC is an innovative private equity strategy focused on investing in high-quality businesses and value creation through active collaboration with management teams. The strategy's flexible duration and prudent approach to leverage preserve optionality for growth and help enable compounded capital appreciation. LTPC's team of 21 professionals are based in New York and London and invest across North America and Western Europe. LTPC is backed by BlackRock, Inc., which manages $320 billion in alternative investments and commitments on behalf of clients worldwide as of March 31, 2023. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.
About GTCR
Founded in 1980, GTCR is a leading private equity firm that pioneered The Leaders Strategy™ – finding and partnering with management leaders in core domains to identify, acquire and build market-leading companies through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. GTCR is focused on investing in transformative growth in companies in the Business & Consumer Services, Financial Services & Technology, Healthcare and Technology, Media & Telecommunications sectors. Since its inception, GTCR has invested more than $24 billion in over 270 companies, and the firm currently manages more than $35 billion in equity capital. GTCR is based in Chicago with offices in New York and West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.gtcr.com.
Contacts
Cardinal Health
Media: Erich Timmerman - erich.timmerman@cardinalhealth.com, 614.757.8231
Investors: Kevin Moran - kevin.moran@cardinalhealth.com, 614.757.7942
BlackRock: Christopher Beattie, christopher.beattie@blackrock.com, 646.231.8518
Transaction Data Systems: Tycene Fritcher, tfritcher@tdsclinical.com, 813.786.1136
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2023-06-05T14:02:02+00:00
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kfyrtv.com
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https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2023/06/05/cardinal-health-announces-merger-its-outcomes-business-into-transaction-data-systems-related-partnership/
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DULUTH — Max Erickson, a University of St. Thomas School of Law student in Minneapolis, had themself a disappointing Twin Cities Marathon last fall. They posted a time of 3 hours, 18 minutes and 23 seconds that October, but was looking to run faster.
Then, Erickson received a pick-me-up from Grandma’s Marathon, which had just opened its registration for 2023.
“I'm sitting there, I'm mad at myself, and I'm like, ‘Oh, Grandma’s just opened up,’” Erickson said. “And then I see that they have discounted registration for nonbinary people. I went, ‘Oh, that's me.’ Well that's pretty natural. It'd be pretty cool to save myself a little bit of change. You’re not exactly rolling in it when you're a law student.”
Erickson, 24, is running Grandma’s Marathon on Saturday as part of the event’s new Running to Common Ground program, which offered 500 discounted entries this year to one of the weekend races — Grandma’s Marathon, Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and William A. Irvin 5K — to runners from underrepresented communities or cultures.
Running to Common Ground is a “really cool program” that Grandma’s Marathon is putting on, Erickson said, and not just because of the discounted registration. It’s brought a runner like themself to Grandma’s Marathon for the first time, and made them feel comfortable about running as who they really are.
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“Grandma's introducing a nonbinary category is going to expose more people to the fact that nonbinary people exist and enjoy a sport that they might enjoy,” said Erickson, a native of Kansas City who is running his fourth marathon on Saturday. “And they're going to be aware of it and have to get used to that this is where we are and we're not going backwards.”
The Boston Marathon, New York Marathon and Twin Cities Marathon are among those races that now feature a nonbinary division, with Boston introducing the division for the first time in 2023.
Grandma’s Marathon first introduced a nonbinary division in 2022, and this year is offering prize money in the nonbinary divisions ranging from $75-$150 for the half marathon and up to $500 for winning the full marathon.
Zach Schneider, the marketing and public relations director for Grandma’s Marathon, credited Jake Fedorowski of the Seattle Frontrunners with starting the conversation about adding a nonbinary division. Schneider said the message Grandma’s Marathon received from Fedorowski and others about adding a nonbinary division is not to wait until everything is perfect, but do what you can now.
“The people who have registered as nonbinary athletes, it's less about the prize money for them,” Schneider said. “It's about being able to be seen and being able to compete without having to stray away from who they are, and be forced to put male or female on a registration form. Now they can register as who they are.”
Schneider said growing the nonbinary division — which this year features 29 runners between all three races — is part of a much broader conversation Grandma’s Marathon is having about diversity, equity and inclusion not only in its races, but in the industry as a whole. The Running to Common Ground program was born out of those conversations.
Grandma’s Marathon opened the program — but didn’t limit it — to runners from communities of color, athletes with disabilities, nonbinary athletes and LGBTQI+ athletes. With little fanfare or promotion, all 500 discounted entries offered this year were snatched up for the 2023 races.
Schneider said Running to Common Ground is not the be-all, end-all when it comes to the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, but it is a step in the right direction toward creating more representation throughout the sport. Grandma’s Marathon understands there are other barriers besides money, and those barriers can vary by community, he said.
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“We want them to feel just as welcome, just as wanted and just as important as our other participants do,” Schneider said. “That's one of the things that has become a hallmark of Grandma's Marathon. People leave Duluth, going home, back to their hometown, saying, ‘You would never believe how they treated me. I'm a six-hour marathoner, but they treated me like I'm an elite athlete for the weekend.’ We want everyone to be able to feel like that and I think it's quite evident right now that, I don’t think it extends to all of the communities that we would like it to. We're going to hopefully take more steps forward to doing our part to make that happen.”
Erickson said they’ve known they were something else since they were 13 years old, and has bounced around different labels for six or seven years before landing on queer, “because I don’t need to know anything else besides that.”
For them, the barriers to participation in events like Grandma’s Marathon do not necessarily exist within the events themselves, but in the communities. Erickson said safety is something they think about when out for a training run — not necessarily in a large, diverse city like Minneapolis, but in less diverse areas.
When major races such as Grandma’s Marathon, the Twin Cities Marathon, Boston Marathon and New York Marathon invest in nonbinary divisions, it validates the existence of nonbinary athletes. Erickson said it what these events are doing shows everyone — in communities big and small — that it’s unacceptable to continue denying the existence of nonbinary athletes.
It impacts a lot of people, especially in a time when transgender athletes remain controversial “for a lot of silly reasons.” Like everyone else, they just want to compete. Everyone should be allowed to compete, Erickson said.
“When someone's passing me during a race, I’m not thinking about if it's a dude, or a woman. I'm just trying to run as fast as I can,” Erickson said. “I think we get such a weird mindset about these things sometimes. I'm going to start in Two Harbors and finish in Duluth, and everything else in between is gravy.
“I'm all about running this just because I like to do it. I think it's really validating to get to compete, to see where I am against other nonbinary people.”
Grandma’s Marathon welcomes Alison Mariella Désir as special guest this week
As part of the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Grandma’s Marathon is welcoming nationally known author and activist Alison Mariella Désir as a special guest for this week’s events.
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Désir is the author of “Running While Black” and founder of Harlem Run in New York. At 8 a.m. on Friday, she will be leading an approximate 3-mile group run along the Lakewalk to the Aerial Lift Bridge that will begin and end at Duluth Running Company. The run aims to create a safe space for runners from underrepresented groups and communities, as well as their allies in the running community, who want to show support.
Désir will also be speaking and serving as a panelist during the Grandma’s Marathon Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Roundtable Discussion on Friday afternoon at the Essentia Health Fitness Expo at the DECC’s Paulucci Hall.
Schneider said Désir is someone Grandma's Marathon reached out to early on about the Running to Common Ground Program. She’s a “good friend” of Grandma’s Marathon because she is willing to have difficult conversations and let the organization know where it is falling short.
“Her message is so important, not just to running and to sport nationwide, but to Grandma's Marathon in particular,” Schneider said. “We know the bulk of our participant base is white, the bulk of it is from the Upper Midwest, and we want to do our part making sure that we're expanding our reach into some of those other communities — not just in the Upper Midwest region, but from around the country. We want to make sure when we say ‘Running is for everybody,’ we want to make sure we mean those words.”
Editor’s note: Matt Wellens and Zach Schneider co-host the News Tribune’s Bulldog Insider Podcast together during the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey season.
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2023-06-12T19:11:42+00:00
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duluthnewstribune.com
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https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/grandmas-marathon-steps-up-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-efforts-with-running-to-common-ground-program
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MEXICO CITY – Mexico's Environment Department promised to do more to protect the endangered vaquita marina porpoise Thursday, to head off trade sanctions by the international wildlife body CITES.
The department said several steps will be taken, including controlling illegal gillnet fishing that can trap and kill the vaquita, which is the world's most endangered marine mammal.
But experts had misgivings, saying Mexico has made almost exactly the same promises in the past and failed to fulfill them, and has even gone back on some previous pledges.
There are estimated to be as few as eight vaquitas left in the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, the only place it lives. The species cannot be captured, held or bred in captivity.
In late March, CITES called on its 184 member countries to stop trade with Mexico for products linked to sensitive species, such as orchids, cactuses and skins from crocodiles and snakes, as punishment for continued fishing in the vaquita protection zone in the upper Gulf of California.
The body said Thursday those sanctions had been dropped following the agreement with Mexico.
CITES — the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora — regulates trade and protection for endangered species. Trade is permitted in some protected species, like crocodiles harvested for use in shoes or handbags, but such trade is closely regulated.
Alejandro Olivera, the Mexico representative for the Center for Biological Diversity, expressed skepticism over Mexico's announcement.
“The Mexican government has been promising this since it published a plan in September 2020. I don't know what the difference is going to be now,” he said.
Mexico has been slow to stop illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, a fish whose swim bladder is considered a delicacy in China. The nets used to catch totaba also trap and drown vaquitas.
The Mexican government promised CITES it would control the approved landing and launching zones for fishing boats and ensure they do not intrude on the relatively small “exclusion zone" where the last vaquitas were seen.
Dozens of boats are still regularly seen fishing in the zone despite a program by Mexico's navy to sink concrete blocks in the area with hooks to snare illegal nets.
Local residents say boats with illegal gillnets still set out regularly from the dock in the seaside town of San Felipe in broad daylight.
Olivera said that a GPS satellite monitoring system to track where boats go had been promised by officials but that the Mexican government had stopped paying for the service some time ago.
Experts have also said that the government often fails to post any regulatory or enforcement officers at docks and boat launch sites and that many fishermen launch their boats illegally from area beaches.
Mexico’s plan lists implementing “alternative fishing techniques” to gillnet fishing as a top priority, but experts note the government has promised to do that in the past but never paid for it. As a result, they say, private groups are struggling to supply alternative fishing gear that won't trap and drown vaquitas.
“There is still shrimp fishing with illegal nets, and the key points for launching and docking boats are still without inspectors,” Olivera said. “Right now, everything is on paper, and the vaquita is on the brink of extinction, so that all these measures should be implemented now, urgently.”
The government’s protection efforts have been uneven, at best, and also often face violent opposition from local fishermen.
President Andrés Manuel López's administration has largely declined to spend money to compensate fishermen for staying out of the vaquita refuge and to stop using gillnets.
The activist group Sea Shepherd, which has joined the Mexican navy in patrols to deter fishermen and help destroy gillnets, says the efforts have reduced gillnet fishing. But with so few vaquitas remaining, that may not be enough.
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2023-04-14T00:51:59+00:00
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wsls.com
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https://www.wsls.com/tech/2023/04/13/experts-doubt-mexicos-pledge-to-protect-endangered-porpoise/
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The U.S. Department of Transportation is investigating the Southwest Airlines holiday travel debacle, which left thousands of travelers stranded for days. The investigation comes as the airline reported a $220 million loss last quarter and further losses in the first quarter.
Southwest canceled more than 16,700 flights over several days in late December. While a massive winter storm caused the initial cancellations, the company's outdated software systems turned what should have been a normal problem into a snowballing disaster that lasted for days after other airlines had resumed their usual operations.
The department's investigation will look into whether Southwest made unrealistic flight schedules, "which under federal law is considered an unfair and deceptive practice," according to a department spokesperson.
"DOT has made clear to Southwest that it must provide timely refunds and reimbursements and will hold Southwest accountable if it fails to do so," the department spokesperson said.
The flight cancellations cost the company about $800 million, according to Bob Jordan, the airline's president and chief executive officer.
About half of those losses come directly from the flight cancellations. The rest largely come from compensating customers who bought tickets on other airlines and dispensing extra frequent flier points, which are worth about $300 per passenger.
Passengers and employees alike were frustrated by the company's lack of communication during and immediately after the cancellations.
In the report announcing the losses, Jordan apologized to customers and employees, saying the company has "swiftly taken steps to bolster our operational resilience and are undergoing a detailed review of the December events."
Fewer people are booking with Southwest due to the December 2022 disaster. The company is expecting to lose over $300 million in revenue in the first quarter, though it reports that booking trends are improving.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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2023-01-26T18:01:04+00:00
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kunm.org
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https://www.kunm.org/npr-news/2023-01-26/southwest-faces-investigation-over-holiday-travel-disaster-as-it-posts-a-220m-loss
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Updated April 24, 2023 at 8:24 AM ET
In the California desert, under heavy heat and against a hazy horizon, I fell for music festivals. 2013 was my first year as a teenager, the year I began to flex into my own agency and find my place in the Gen Z zeitgeist. It was the year I convinced my father to take me to Coachella, under the guise of a "growth opportunity."
There is a feeling of complete bliss when the bass reverberates in your chest — you float with the synchronized movements of the crowd, spiraling into the pockets, letting it out and letting go. For a 13-year-old, it was a feeling of absolute possibility.
Despite their excesses and absurdities, there is something primal about attending music festivals. At Coachella, the aroma of marijuana lingering with the desert dust was redolent. The discomfort is some part of the authenticity. The sprinkler of ambiguous liquids glitter bodies. As festivalgoers we untether, if only for a moment. Hypnotized by the performer, drifting through a music- (and, for many, drug-) induced haze, making our way across a soundscape satiating all flexible parts of our bodies.
In 2014, my dad and I saw A$AP Ferg at his peak, nestled against the stage barricade. My first real mosh pit was at that set. A vortex opens up in the crowd and the audience slams their bodies against each other. It definitely wasn't what my dad had signed up for. But Ferg, A$AP Rocky and the rest of the Mob were so New York. They had the swagger, style and bravado, and this resonated with my hip-hop-head dad. Sharing this experience with him was extending a legacy — dating back the seminal New York hip-hop scene, which thrived in cramped quarters and obscure venues. He left the show understanding my passion.
I've been to 10 festivals, some as many as three times, and that passion remains as the events and patrons evolve. This year, I traveled to Inglewood, Calif., for Rolling Loud's LA festival. In 2019, I attended their New York event. Perhaps it was the coastal contrast or the effect of the pandemic on social intimacy, but something was different. The crowd was younger and there was an unspoken understanding among them. In this space, kids can find themselves outside the oversaturated technological void. There seemed to be a greater social consciousness — the festival incorporated local vendors and provided immersive experiences, touchpoints to hip-hop culture, a basketball court for pick-up games, a barber for shop talk and a tattoo parlor for spontaneous remembrances. The urge to get a tattoo to honor my own festival experience was palpable.
Rolling Loud LA was the much-publicized return of Travis Scott since a crowd crush incident killed 10 concertgoers during his Astroworld Festival in 2021. That tragedy illustrates the worst of the festival experience but doesn't define it, and the Rolling Loud crowd showed the collective resilience of the culture.
While the dangers of substance abuse, crowd control and overindulgence are still present, when people look out for each other it fulfills a sense of humanity. When the pit opened up at Travis Scott's Rolling Loud set it gave more of a dance battle. Rather than bodies thrashing against each other, people made pockets for one another, hyping each other up, performing within the show. It was evident throughout the festival that there was a heightened awareness around safety.
One of the founders, Tariq Cherif, dealt with crowd surges during the headlining sets. When there was an issue, the attendees jumped into action — calling for help, clearing space, flashing lights. They seemed to be more aware of and responsible for each other. Suddenly strangers became friends and allies.
The capacity for music to reinforce bonds and create community is realized through these festivals. They are a spectrum of taste and discovery, allowing fans to experience their favorite artists and introducing them to new ones. I have experienced festivals with friends, family and strangers. I am never happier than when I am in these spaces. Coming from New York, the city of people-watching and never sleeping, festivals remind me of home. It may be overwhelming, but they remind me that I'm not alone. At a festival I can express myself, wear the wildest fit, belt at the top of my lungs, and meet people who share a love for music. At a festival I tried my first donut ice cream sandwich, endured a flash flood and a dust storm, got photographed for Cosmopolitan, sat on my dad's shoulders swaying to Lorde's "Royals," bought my first crystal with my mom, entered a VR experience, rode a ferris wheel — and came into my adulthood.
What are you really into? Fill out this form or leave us a voice note at 800-329-4273, and part of your submission may be featured online or on the radio.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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2023-04-26T03:11:29+00:00
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nprillinois.org
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https://www.nprillinois.org/2023-04-22/embracing-the-primal-letting-it-out-and-letting-go-at-music-festivals
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CHICAGO, Nov. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Katten announced today that the firm earned 2022 Mansfield Certified Plus status, marking the second consecutive year in which the firm has achieved at least 30 percent underrepresented attorney representation in a notable number of current leadership roles.
"We work hard at meeting and exceeding the Mansfield Rule certification benchmarks because we are committed to diversifying the legal industry and the leadership ranks at Katten by creating pipelines for women, attorneys of color and LGBTQ+ attorneys," said Katten's Chief Diversity Partner Leslie Minier.
As a result of Katten's efforts, the firm has notably achieved year-over-year increases for the past two years in regards to its senior-level hiring. For example, this year more than half of Katten's lateral partners hired have been diverse, and that number is higher when it comes to diverse associates fourth year and above joining Katten, in addition to a diverse class of summer associates. During the Mansfield 5.0 certification process, a number of attorneys also rotated into leadership positions as practice leaders and members of the board of directors, ensuring diversity is represented at all leadership levels.
Equally important is supporting all attorneys in their career goals and building a more inclusive workplace at Katten, according to Minier.
"Through programs ranging from mentoring and sponsorship to business development boot camps, we are focused on offering equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement in the careers of our attorneys so everyone — particularly historically underrepresented attorneys — can find success at all levels," Minier said.
For example, Katten expanded its Kattalyst sponsorship program this year to a yearlong professional development curriculum, pairing diverse senior associates and income partners as protégés with firm leaders and senior-level partners as sponsors, who use their insights and business relationships to open more doors to opportunities for underrepresented attorneys.
Another offering was this summer's diversity summit designed to provide diverse attorneys and summer associates with insight into ways to navigate their careers, identify and overcome obstacles, and build successful relationships. This fall, the Katten Women's Leadership Forum offered female attorneys a two-part business development boot camp, providing practical advice on how to create winning pitch documents, conduct successful pitch meetings and land new work.
Additionally, Katten regularly partners with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity and participates in the Fellows and Pathfinder professional development training programs.
The Mansfield Rule is a winning idea offered in 2016 during Diversity Lab's Women in Law Hackathon and was named after Arabella Mansfield, the first woman admitted to practice law in the United States. Katten was a member of the inaugural Mansfield Rule cohort and has renewed its participation and met the certification requirements every year.
Since launching, the program's parameters have been expanded to consider at least 30 percent women, attorneys of color, LGBTQ+ attorneys and attorneys with disabilities when choosing candidates for top leadership roles as well as critical talent pipeline activities, such as pitch teams staffing, senior-level lateral hiring and equity partnership promotions. Certification Plus status indicates the firm actually achieved diversity in leadership positions, not just considered it.
Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm's core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit katten.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Katten
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2022-11-17T21:19:12+00:00
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wbrc.com
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https://www.wbrc.com/prnewswire/2022/11/17/katten-designated-mansfield-rule-50-certified-plus-law-firm/
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PITTSBURGH (AP) — A third-period lead over one of the worst teams in the NHL suddenly gone and well aware his club is fighting through a midseason malaise, Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan braced for a letdown.
“In a lot of instances that can deflate a team,” Sullivan said. “I never sensed that on the bench.”
On the ice, either.
Bryan Rust scored with 25 seconds left in regulation to tie it and Jake Guentzel beat John Gibson 33 seconds into overtime as the Penguins rallied for a 4-3 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night.
Pittsburgh appeared to be reeling after goals by Anaheim’s John Klingberg and Trevor Zegras just over four minutes apart turned a 2-1 Penguins lead into a 3-2 deficit with 4:20 left in regulation.
Instead, Pittsburgh turned up the pressure, with Rust getting his first goal since Dec. 22 thanks to a pretty backhand feed from Guentzel in front that gave Rust a wide-open net to shoot at.
“We didn’t have any doubt,” Rust said. “I think everybody had that mindset. Guys talking on the bench, ’Hey, we’re going to get this one. Keep digging. Keep pushing. Let’s get this to overtime and then we’ll win it there.’ And that’s exactly what we did.”
The Ducks had the first chance in the extra period when Zegras broke in all alone on Casey DeSmith. Yet rather than shoot, Zegras tried a drop pass to Cam Fowler that Fowler couldn’t convert.
“(We) give up one late, then I make a stupid pass in overtime (and they) go down the ice and score,” Zegras said. “Not what you want.”
Guentzel and Sidney Crosby raced the other way, with Guentzel beating Gibson from in close to snap a two-game skid and avoid a potentially crushing loss.
“It’s huge,” Guentzel said. “We need two points now and the same two points at the end of the year. You never want to lose games, but I think for us to come back tonight hopefully gives us some confidence here.”
Jason Zucker scored his 11th goal this season on his 31st birthday and Evgeni Malkin added his 15th for Pittsburgh. DeSmith stopped 26 shots to win for just the second time in his last seven starts.
Rickard Rakell had three assists in his first game against the Ducks, for whom he played 550 games to start his career before being traded to Pittsburgh last season.
Adam Henrique scored his 14th of the season for Anaheim. Gibson, a Pittsburgh native, played well in his return to his hometown. He stopped 42 shots but didn’t have an answer for Guentzel’s wrist shot as the Ducks dropped their fourth straight.
“With our team, we have to play a perfect game, where we’re at as a team,” Anaheim coach Dallas Eakins said. “We played a hell of a game. We were opportunistic when we needed to be. … Obviously, in overtime, you have your chance at one end. If you don’t put it in, you know it’s coming back the other way.”
Anaheim is destined for the NHL draft lottery. The Penguins have been postseason regulars for the better part of two decades.
Yet Pittsburgh has reached the season’s midway point struggling to play with any consistency. Injuries along the blue line to veteran defenseman Kris Letang and Jeff Petry haven’t helped. Their absence has dampened Pittsburgh’s firepower and contributed to a sluggish stretch in which goals have been hard to come by.
“We’re asking a lot of some guys right now,” Sullivan said. “We’re putting them in positions where they’re probably not comfortable, but it’s out of necessity.”
UP NEXT
Ducks: Continue their lengthy road trip Tuesday in Philadelphia.
Penguins: Begin a home-and-home series with Ottawa when they visit the Senators on Wednesday.
___
AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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2023-01-17T05:30:17+00:00
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seattletimes.com
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https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/guentzels-ot-winner-lifts-penguins-past-lowly-ducks-4-3/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry hopes to get back to some on-court work during the All-Star break but will miss time afterward as he recovers from a left leg injury.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP missed his fourth straight game after getting injured against Dallas on Feb. 4 in a collision while defending McKinley Wright IV as he drove to the basket. Wright’s knee hit Curry’s shin.
“It was pretty big knock that kind of jolted the bone and ligaments in there, which was all terms I didn’t know existed before,” Curry said. “It was just a timing thing. If my foot’s elevated and it’s just more like a contusion you can kind of deal with it but because my foot was planted and a lot of weight on it, the force of the impact was a little more serious than I wanted it to be.”
Curry said he will likely have a better idea of the timeline and a possible target date for his return once he actually tests the leg on the court. An MRI exam showed partial tears to his superior tibiofibular ligament and interosseous membrane in his left leg. He also had a bruise.
Because of the ligament damage, Curry said it’s hard to know how long his healing will take.
“At first it felt like it was a normal contusion, just a real serious one, that’s why I went to the bench and thought I could kind of just shake it off, then I got up from the bench and felt something different and was like ‘Nah, that’s not right,'” Curry said. “I knew it was something more than just a normal contusion because I couldn’t put any weight on it and was hobbling around. Thankfully there weren’t any broken bones or anything.”
Curry is looking forward to welcoming back newly acquired guard Gary Payton II and having everyone healthy to try to make a run at another title. Curry is averaging 29.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.4 assists. He will miss the All-Star game but posed with his No. 30 West jersey.
Curry sat out his 19th game overall this season for the defending champions, 11 of those with a partially dislocated left shoulder. He remains confident about Golden State’s chances despite its struggles and inconsistency.
“I know we’re a different team than we were, I know we have different challenges than we did last year but it still has been proven that if we’re healthy come playoff time and we have a shot to get into a series, that we’re a tough out,” Curry said. “That’s where all the optimism is until proven differently.”
___
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
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2023-02-14T16:36:13+00:00
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mytwintiers.com
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https://www.mytwintiers.com/sports/ap-stephen-curry-hopes-to-return-shortly-after-all-star-break/
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Food manufacturers who deliberately add sesame to products and include the ingredient on labels are not violating a new federal food allergy law, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food safety advocacy group, had petitioned the FDA to halt an unintended consequence of the January law — more companies adding sesame to foods that didn’t have it before. But the agency denied the advocacy group’s request.
More than 1.6 million people in the U.S. are allergic to sesame, food allergy experts say. Food allergies can lead to serious, even deadly reactions.
Sesame can be found in obvious places, like sesame seeds on hamburger buns, but it is also a major ingredient in everything from protein bars to ice cream and is added to sauces and spice mixes.
Restaurant chains like Olive Garden, Chick-Fil-A and Wendy’s — as well as bread makers whose products are in grocery stores and schools — are adding sesame to their products. Producers say the new federal regulations to prevent cross-contamination are so stringent, that it’s easier to add sesame and note it on the label than to try to keep the ingredient out of other foods and away from equipment.
But food safety advocates say the practice endangers people with sesame allergies.
“It limits our choice and it puts our community at greater risk,” said Robert Earl, vice president of regulatory affairs for the nonprofit group Food Allergy Research & Education.
Since the law took effect, Earl said he has received reports of people having allergic reactions after eating formerly “safe” restaurant foods to which sesame was added.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, a pediatrician and director of the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research at Northwestern University, called the FDA’s decision “disappointing.”
“It doesn’t violate the law; people can do what they want,” she said. “But in order to support these adults and children with sesame allergy, I would have hoped they would have come out in a way to prevent or discourage this.”
The new law, which took effect Jan. 1, requires all foods made and sold in the U.S. to be labeled if they contain sesame, designated by Congress as the nation’s ninth major allergen. Food industry experts and manufacturers alike said it was difficult, expensive and impractical to expect producers to eliminate cross-contamination risks.
Advocates have lobbied for years to have sesame added to the list of major allergens, which include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nut, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.
The FDA acknowledged the potential impact that added sesame could have on consumers.
“We recognize that this practice could make it more difficult for sesame allergic consumers to find foods that are safe for them to consume, an outcome that FDA does not support,” the agency wrote in its response.
The FDA also clarified that companies can’t add sesame to the ingredient list or say a product “may contain” sesame if it’s not actually added.
Dr. Peter Lurie, executive director of CSPI, said he hoped that would send a message to food manufacturers.
“If FDA is not going to force them, it’s on the companies to act responsibly,” he said.
Representatives for Wendy’s and Olive Garden did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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2023-07-27T06:59:40+00:00
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upmatters.com
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https://www.upmatters.com/health/ap-health/ap-sesame-is-being-newly-added-to-some-foods-the-fda-says-it-doesnt-violate-a-allergy-law/
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Tens of thousands of Philly drivers have been disrupted after I-95 collapse By Aaron Moselle | WHYY Published June 12, 2023 at 2:11 PM PDT Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Listen • 2:54 Tens of thousands of drivers had to make a new plan after a fire in Philadelphia destroyed a section of Interstate 95. Copyright 2023 NPR
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2023-06-12T22:01:43+00:00
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kcbx.org
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https://www.kcbx.org/2023-06-12/tens-of-thousands-of-philly-drivers-have-been-disrupted-after-i-95-collapse
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It’s hard to believe, but it’s already time to think about back-to-school shopping. As you make a list of must-have items for the kids, new shoes are probably near the top.
With the change of season around the corner, it’s important to pick up a pair of rain boots to keep the kids’ feet warm and dry at the bus stop or while outside playing at recess.
As part of its anniversary sale, Nordstrom has Hunter Kids’ First Class Rain Boots available at a special discounted price.
You can choose from three different colors of these rain boots. The pink rain boots are on sale for $46.99, marked down from the regular retail price of $6 — a savings of $18.01.
Or, you can select either the black or hunter-green rain boots for $65. Those are marked down $5 from the regular retail price of $70.
No matter which pair of Hunter Kids’ First Rain Boots you choose, buy them before Nordstrom’s anniversary sale ends on Aug. 7.
MORE: The Best Kids Rain Boots
You don’t need a coupon or special discount code to get any of these deals. Pick which pair you want, put it in your shopping cart, and the discount is automatically applied.
The Hunter Kids’ First Rain Boots have three size categories: Walker (12 to 24 months), Toddler (2 to 4 years), and Little Kid (4 to 8 years). With this rain boot collection, you can find something for preschoolers through elementary students.
Each pair of boots has a removable insole, and the latex rubber exterior has a snug, comfortable fit to keep little feet warm and dry even when jumping in puddles.
Buy Hunter Kids’ First Classic Rain Boots from Nordstrom for $46.99 or $65 (was $65 to $70).
This story originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money. Checkout Don't Waste Your Money for product reviews and other great ideas to save and make money.
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2023-07-28T15:29:36+00:00
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kgun9.com
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https://www.kgun9.com/kids-hunter-rain-boots-sale-july-28-2023
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The 2024 White House race is days away from unofficially kicking off and there’s a big Democratic name positioned to leap back into the fray should Joe Biden step aside.
Don’t forget Hillary Clinton.
As much as she’s reviled by Republicans and some Democrats who feel she has too much baggage, Clinton could easily lap a field devoid of other big Democratic names.
A lot of voters, especially women, still see the former Secretary of State as a hero who got shafted by Donald Trump in 2016.
After staying out of the spotlight, Clinton jumped into the midterm election this week – appearing in a rally for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and making herself available for TV interviews.
Clinton accused Republicans of wanting “to turn back the clock on abortion” and “women’s rights in general.”
It was familiar turf for the former first lady, who served as U.S. senator from New York and just turned 75 years old – a spring chicken compared to Biden.
Clinton also got in trouble — no surprise — for a comment that harkened back to her “deplorables” gaffe, suggesting that voters weren’t informed enough to elect Democrats.
And weeks before, Clinton also was subjected to ridicule for claiming that “right-wing extremists” were planning to “literally steal” the 2024 election.
“The right-wing controlled Supreme Court may be posed to rule on giving state legislatures, yes, you heard me correctly, state legislatures the power to overturn presidential elections,” she said. “Just think, if that happens, the 2024 presidential election could be decided not by the popular vote or the anachronistic Electoral College but by state legislatures, many of them Republican-controlled.”
Hillary Clinton may seem like a gaffe-prone, outdated blast from the past but compared to other potential Democratic candidates she is a seasoned and battle-tested contender.
She has been more outspoken and combative lately, not holding her punches. And she could immediately raise tons of campaign money for what will be a historically expensive campaign.
Most importantly, Clinton doesn’t have ties to the current Democratic administration and can’t be blamed for its failures.
Pete Buttigieg? Sorry, but the Transportation Secretary is too closely linked to the unpopular Biden and will be hurt by the gas and supply chain crisis.
Clinton’s strongest rival could be California Gov. Gavin Newsom, but he lacks any foreign policy credentials and has personal baggage. Newsom recently joined in the criticism of his own party for their midterm strategy.
“We’re getting crushed on narrative,” Newsom said. We’re going to have to do better in terms of getting on the offense and stop being on the damn defense.”
Join the Conversation
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2022-11-05T10:01:12+00:00
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bostonherald.com
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https://www.bostonherald.com/2022/11/05/battenfeld-hillary-clinton-back-into-the-fray-as-2024-white-house-race-kicks-off/
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(WKBN) — First News has heard your concerns about where contaminated soil is being taken. A business on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border claims it’s being dumped right behind their property.
This is the scene behind State Line Tavern in East Palestine. It’s located just outside East Palestine Village limits.
The owners say trucks have been moving soil from the derailment here for over two weeks.
Much of it is covered up.
New fences are keeping people away from the tracks. The work behind the tavern has closed it for almost three weeks now.
Owner Terry Berresford says he has not been told when to reopen.
“Looks like it might be two more weeks. Well, that’s a lot of trucks in a parking lot. There’s not one kid in the road shut down downtown. Come on, this way — the road is shut down. Taggart street towards Pa., so you couldn’t get here anyways from Espousing,” Berresford said.
Berresford says soil and water tests have been taken near the tavern. He is still waiting for the results. He has not heard of when the dirt will be taken away.
First News reached out to Norfolk Southern and the Ohio EPA about the matter.
The EPA responded with the following statement:
The process to remove the contaminated soil from the site of the Norfolk Southern derailment began today. Under the direction of the Ohio EPA, Norfolk Southern brought in large dump trucks to move contaminated soil to U.S. Ecology Wayne Disposal, a licensed hazardous waste disposal facility in Michigan. This will be a continuous effort to properly manage and safely dispose of the waste. So far, 4,832 cubic yards of soil have been excavated from the ground and more may be removed as cleanup proceeds. When the process begins to dig up the tracks and remove the soil underneath, that soil will be hauled away immediately and taken to a proper disposal facility.
A total of 1,715,433 gallons of contaminated liquid has also been removed from the immediate site of the derailment. Of this, 1,133,933 gallons have been hauled off-site, with most going to Texas Molecular, a hazardous waste disposal facility in Texas. A smaller amount of waste has been directed to Vickery Environmental in Vickery, Ohio.
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2023-02-24T23:39:36+00:00
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wdtn.com
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https://www.wdtn.com/news/ohio/business-claims-contaminated-east-palestine-soil-is-being-dumped-by-its-property/
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(The Hill) – NASA has suggested an experimental cooling system it is funding could ultimately allow electric vehicle users to charge their cars within five minutes.
The agency said a team led by a Purdue University professor has developed the “subcooled flow boiling” technology for experimentation, with the hope it can control future systems’ temperatures in space.
“A team sponsored by NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division is developing a new technology that will not only achieve orders-of-magnitude improvement in heat transfer to enable these systems to maintain proper temperatures in space, but will also enable significant reductions in size and weight of the hardware,” NASA said in a blog post last week.
“What’s more, this same technology may make owning an electric-powered car here on Earth easier and more feasible,” the post continued.
NASA indicated achieving such a feat of charging electric vehicles within five minutes would require chargers to provide current at 1,400 amperes, far higher than currently available technology.
Most chargers currently available support currents less than 150 amperes, while some of the most advanced chargers on the market deliver currents up to 520 amperes, the post noted.
But NASA said Purdue University’s developmental cable can provide currents of up to 2,400 amperes by removing heat through the new technology, which would deliver charging at 4.6 times the rate of the fastest charger currently available.
“Application of this new technology resulted in unprecedented reduction of the time required to charge a vehicle and may remove one of the key barriers to worldwide adoption of electric vehicles,” NASA wrote.
President Biden has emphasized a shift to electric vehicles as a significant component of his climate initiatives, but the proposals have been met with criticism among some in the GOP, who have portrayed the plans as elitist and boons for the rich.
Questions have also been raised about whether the U.S. electrical grid could even handle a hard shift toward EVs.
The Inflation Reduction Act, a party-line reconciliation package passed over the summer, includes billions in funding for electric-vehicle tax credits and other financial incentives.
It also includes a $7.5 billion investment to build a network of charging stations across the U.S.
“The great American road trip is going to be fully electrified,” Biden said in Detroit last month. “Whether you’re driving coast to coast along I-10 or on I-75 here in Michigan, charging stations will be up and easy to find as gas stations are now.”
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2022-10-13T00:21:46+00:00
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qcnews.com
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https://www.qcnews.com/nexstar-media-wire/nasa-suggests-new-space-cooling-technology-could-charge-electric-cars-in-5-minutes/
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By JOE WILSON and ANGELA CHARLTON
PARIS (AP) — Strong winds and hot, dry weather are frustrating French firefighters’ efforts to contain a huge wildfire that raced across pine forests in the Bordeaux region Saturday for a fifth straight day, one of several scorching Europe this week.
Among the worst fires have been in Portugal, where the pilot of a firefighting plane died Friday when his plane crashed while on an operation in the northeast. It was the first fatality in fires in Portugal so far this year, which have injured more than 160 people this week and forced hundreds to be evacuated.
Fire season has hit parts of Europe earlier than usual this year after an unusually dry, hot spring that left the soil parched, and that authorities attribute to climate change.
As the worst French fire moved closer to inhabited towns, some of the 11,000 people evacuated in the region described fear and uncertainty about what they’d find when they get back home. Images shared by firefighters showed flames shooting across a mass of pine trees and black smoke stretching across the horizon.
Firefighters focused efforts Saturday on using fire trucks to surround villages at risk and save as many homes as possible, Charles Lafourcade, overseeing the French firefighting operation, told reporters at the scene.
Some 3,000 firefighters backed by water-dumping planes are battling the blazes in southern France, the president said, and Greece sent firefighting equipment to help.
French firefighters managed to contain one of the worst fires overnight, near the Atlantic coast resort of Arcachon that is popular with tourists from around Europe, the regional emergency service said Saturday.
But it said “tough meteorological conditions” thwarted efforts to contain the biggest fire in the region, which started in the town of Landiras, south of a valley of Bordeaux vineyards. Regional prosecutors suspect arson.
The two fires have burned at least 9,650 hectares (23,800 acres) of land in recent days.
A similar scene is playing out in Portugal, where more than 1,000 firefighters worked Saturday alongside ordinary citizens desperate to save their homes after a long week of battling multiple blazes that kept flaring up around the country. The fires have been fanned by earlier-than-usual extreme temperatures and drought conditions.
Portuguese state television RTP reported Friday that the area burned this year has already exceeded the total for 2021. More than 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of land has been burned, it said, most in the past week.
Across the border, Spain was struggling to contain several fires, including two that have burned about 7,400 hectares (18,200 acres) of land.
In southern Andalusia, some 3,000 people were evacuated from villages in danger from a blaze started near the village of Mijas in the province of Malaga. Around 200 firefighters supported by 18 aircraft tried to contain the fire. Authorities were investigating its cause.
For a sixth day, firefighters were also trying to bring under control a fire started by a lightning strike in the west-central Las Hurdes area. Some 400 people from eight villages were evacuated Friday as the flames approached their houses and threatened to spread into the nearby Monfrague National Park.
Croatia and Hungary have also fought wildfires this week, as have California and Morocco.
Many European countries are facing exceptional heat this month also attributed to climate change.
Portuguese authorities said a July national high of 47 degrees Celsius (117 Fahrenheit) was registered in the northern town of Pinhao on Wednesday.
Britain’s Met Office weather agency issued its first-ever “red warning” of extreme heat for Monday and Tuesday, when temperatures in southern England are forecast to reach 37 Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit).
“All heat waves studied so far in Europe are getting warmer,” said Robert Vautard of the Pierre-Simon Laplace Institute at the Sorbonne University. “As long as greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced to zero, heatwaves will continue to intensify, become more frequent and last longer.”
___
Wilson reported from Barcelona, Spain.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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2022-07-16T16:43:43+00:00
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wtmj.com
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https://wtmj.com/national/2022/07/16/bordeaux-blazes-rage-firefighting-pilot-killed-in-portugal-2/
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(NEXSTAR) — Starbucks has entered the chicken sandwich chat. On Tuesday, the coffee giant announced the arrival of its Chicken Maple Butter and Egg Sandwich, becoming the latest restaurant chain to offer its own version of the ever-popular food item.
The sandwich features an oat biscuit roll filled with white meat chicken, eggs and a maple butter spread, Food and Wine reports. A Starbucks representative told Nexstar the sandwich is now a permanent menu item.
The sandwich is part of Starbucks’ new items released this summer. The roster also includes the Pineapple Passionfruit Refresher beverage, the nondairy Paradise Drink Refresher, and Cookies & Cream Cake Pops. New items are available in U.S. stores starting Tuesday.
Several food chains have introduced their own specialty chicken sandwiches in the past few years, including Popeye’s, Burger King and Wendy’s. Popeye’s chicken sandwich release in 2019 was widely viewed as being a viable competitor to Chick-Fil-A’s chicken sandwich.
Though new chicken sandwich launches are big headline-grabbers for restaurants, the new items don’t always take off. Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich Taco launched nationally in September 2021 but was phased out in the following months.
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2022-06-21T20:27:58+00:00
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pahomepage.com
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https://www.pahomepage.com/uncategorized/starbucks-first-chicken-sandwich-has-arrived/
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ACCIDENT
Man hit by freight train near Camp Butler; Sangamon County Sheriff's office investigating
Zach Roth
State Journal-Register
A man was hospitalized Tuesday morning following a collision with a Norfolk Southern train northeast of Springfield near Camp Butler National Cemetery.
The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office said that at 10:15 a.m., they were called to the corner of Camp Butler and Laverna Road after a NS employee said that they hit a man who was laying on or near train tracks in that area.
When deputies arrived, they found the man lying a mile-and-a-half from where the train had stopped. Emergency medical services were contacted and the man was transported to HSHS St. John's Hospital with unknown injuries.
The sheriff's department is continuing to investigate what led to the collision.
This story will be updated.
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2023-01-24T23:06:45+00:00
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sj-r.com
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https://www.sj-r.com/story/news/accident/2023/01/24/man-hospitalized-after-collision-with-train-near-camp-butler/69837014007/
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MITCHEL FIELD, N.Y. (AP) _ Frequency Electronics Inc. (FEIM) on Wednesday reported a fiscal fourth-quarter loss of $6.8 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier.
The Mitchel Field, New York-based company said it had a loss of 74 cents per share.
The maker of precision timing products posted revenue of $10.2 million in the period.
For the year, the company reported a loss of $8.7 million, or 93 cents per share, swinging to a loss in the period. Revenue was reported as $48.3 million.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on FEIM at https://www.zacks.com/ap/FEIM
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2022-07-13T20:36:29+00:00
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lmtonline.com
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https://www.lmtonline.com/business/article/Frequency-Electronics-Fiscal-Q4-Earnings-Snapshot-17303163.php
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Family of boy mauled by dogs sues owner over attack, seeking punitive damages
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/Gray News) - The family of a boy who was mauled by three dogs has sued the owner of the pit bulls and is seeking compensatory damages along with punitive damages with “no limitation.”
WRDW reported that 11-year-old Justin Gilstrap was attacked by the dogs on Jan. 6 as he was riding his bike in Columbia County, Georgia.
The dogs reportedly ripped off most of Justin’s scalp, and the boy suffered wounds all the way to the bone on his legs. He also lost one of his ears, while the other ear had to be reattached.
“He has undergone and continues to undergo, extensive medical care and treatment,” the lawsuit said. “Despite this medical care and treatment, Justin Gilstrap will be left with permanent mental and physical injuries, including scarring and permanent disfigurement.”
The dogs in the attack and several others with the same owner have been euthanized since the attack.
Justin’s family is seeking punitive damages to deter the dogs’ owner, Burt Thomas Baker II, from ever letting something like this happen again. The family filed a lawsuit against Baker as well as a number of others believed to be involved.
Along with Baker, defendants in the suit include Brenda Johnson and several others the lawsuit calls John and Jane Does who Justin’s family said believed contributed to the problem.
The lawsuit said the defendants are liable for all damages sustained by Justin, “including his medical expenses, physical and mental pain and suffering past, present, and future, and his permanent scarring and disfigurement.”
The lawsuit alleges Baker and Johnson failed to take reasonable steps to prevent their dogs from attacking Justin.
As a result, “there is no limitation regarding the amount to be awarded as punitive damages,” states the lawsuit.
With the filing of the suit, Baker and Johnson have 30 days to respond. Then, there will be a discovery process which could take around six months before a trial date is set.
Despite being confined to the hospital, WRDW reports Justin has shown remarkable resilience and optimism that’s drawn support from around the world.
Justin’s mother said some days for him in the Children’s Hospital of Georgia are good while some are not so good.
Through his challenges, Justin said he’s a fighter.
“I don’t give up. I don’t give up for nothing,” he said.
His road to recovery is long but he’s taking it one day and one surgery at a time.
“I’m looking to get better and walk again, being able to walk,” he said.
He showed he was able to walk by taking a few steps.
“It made me happy,” Justin said. “I was proud of myself to be able to walk again.”
Copyright 2023 WRDW via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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2023-02-02T01:32:27+00:00
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kwtx.com
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https://www.kwtx.com/2023/02/02/family-boy-mauled-by-dogs-sues-owner-over-attack-seeking-punitive-damages/
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AMERICAN CEMETERY, Normandy, France (AP) — U.S. Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley said Tuesday that fighting in Ukraine has increased, but he cautioned against reading too much into each day’s operations.
“There’s activity throughout Russian-occupied Ukraine and fighting has picked up a bit,” Milley said in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France — the final resting place of almost 9,400 troops who died 79 years ago, during the allied June 6, 1944, D-Day invasion.
Milley said it was up to Ukraine to announce whether its counteroffensive campaign has formally begun, but he said the Ukrainians are ready for this fight. As time goes on, however, he said that the fighting will vary.
“Like the Battle of Normandy or any other major battle, warfare is a give and take,” Milley said. “There will be days you see a lot of activity and there will be days you may see very little activity. There will be offensive actions and defense actions. So this will be a back-and-forth fight for a considerable length of time.”
Milley spoke as the fighting increased, and Ukraine reported the collapse of a dam in southern Ukraine that both sides blamed on the other.
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2023-06-06T14:37:40+00:00
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wate.com
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https://www.wate.com/news/politics/ap-politics/milley-says-fighting-in-ukraine-has-increased-and-cautions-it-will-continue-for-lengthy-time/
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BEIJING , Aug. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NaaS Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: NAAS, "NaaS" or "the Company"), a leading electric vehicle (EV) charging service provider in China, and Tunghsu Group, recently signed a strategic cooperation agreement whereby both parties will begin comprehensive cooperation on the construction, operation and maintenance of charging stations, as well as supplying non-charging services to new energy vehicles.
Senior executives from both companies attended the ceremony, including Wang Chunxiang, Vice President of Newlink Group, Jiang Yi, Vice President of Operations, NaaS, Gao Chao, Executive Vice President of Tunghsu Group and Liu Guowei, Vice President of Tunghsu Group.
Gao Chao, Executive Vice President of Tunghsu Group , extended a warm welcome to the C-level guests from NaaS Technology Inc. Mr. Gao said, "Tunghsu Group has advantages in technology, talent and in its industry in the areas of semiconductor optoelectronic display materials and cutting-edge advanced materials, and has been committed to independently innovating in core equipment and materials in the related industries. Tunghsu Group has repeatedly broken up international monopolies and reduced the limits on China's key developing industries. The cooperation between our two companies, leaders in our respective industries would expedite the growth and facilitate the overall development of our businesses."
Wang Chunxiang, Vice President of Newlink, also expressed his agreement with the development strategy, the vision for both enterprises, the innovation of new technologies and the potential market applications for Tunghsu Group. "Newlink Group has continuously focused on the Internet of Things, new retail and other fields of new energy for many years now, and has established multiple business lines such as Tuanyou, NaaS, Newlink Enterprise Service, Nengcheng Technology (logistics), and Newlink Retail." He said, "This partnership will enable both companies to jointly help realize China's Dual Carbon goals, creating a better future for everyone in process."
According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAC), sales of new energy vehicles in China totaled 2.6 million for the first half of this year, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.2 times, accounting for 21.6 percent of the market, and is expected to exceed 5 million by the end of the year. The rapid increase in sales and inventory has resulted in a greater need to build new energy vehicle charging infrastructure, and has driven the rapid development of the charging industry. Data from the National Energy Administration shows that 1.3 million new charging piles were built in the first half of this year, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.8 times. Currently, both central and local governments are constantly developing new energy policies, which are being included in the seven key areas of their "new infrastructure construction" plan.
Tunghsu Group is a large high-tech group with businesses covering semiconductor optoelectronic display materials, high-end equipment manufacturing, environmentally friendly new energy, new energy vehicles and cutting-edge advanced materials, and has accumulated profound technological know-how, developing a strong presence in new energy vehicles, photovoltaic, energy storage, charging stations and other fields related to China's "Dual Carbon" goals. Tunghsu Group has been awarded the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award (First Class and Second Class), "Chinese Patent Gold Award" and the title of "Manufacturing Individual Champion Demonstration Enterprise."
As a leader in both the domestic production of core display materials and China's new materials industry, Tunghsu Group is committed to consistently improving its capacity for independent innovation in its core technologies, and to complement, extend and strengthen Tunghsu Group's multiple industry value chains to ensure that each industry value chain is self-supporting, and thereby contribute to the overall high-quality development of China's national industry.
NaaS Technology Inc. has integrated participants throughout the EV charging industry value chain, including charger manufacturers, operators and OEMs, improving the operational efficiency of all parties in the process through both online and offline charging and non-charging solutions. For commercial clients, NaaS helps operators to attract users with charger connectivity and traffic support. At the same time, NaaS provides one-stop solutions for charging station development to help reduce construction, operation and maintenance costs for charging stations. NaaS also provides professional operations management, and help improve charging station profitability by adding non-charging services such as car wash service and ancillary products.
As of June 30, 2022, NaaS operates in 358 cities across China and has connected to more than 400,000 chargers and 44,000 charging stations. On June 13, NaaS was officially listed on NASDAQ with the stock code "NAAS".
Industry experts say that the strategic cooperation between the two parties will promote the organic integration of the upstream and downstream portions of China's new energy charging industry value chain, facilitate the development of innovative cooperation models in the charging ecosystem, and build a more intelligent charging network. An important sector for achieving China's "Dual Carbon" goals, the new energy charging industry is now in a critical period of development. This cooperation is of great importance for promoting the development of the industry and for creating a new energy ecosystem in China. It will further advance China's new energy industry and contribute to achieving China's "Dual Carbon" goals through the respective strengths of both companies.
About NaaS Technology Inc.
NaaS Technology Inc. is one of the largest and fastest growing electric vehicle charging service providers in China. The firm is a subsidiary of NewLink, a leading energy digitalization group in China. NaaS offers a comprehensive one-stop shop to charger manufacturers and operators, OEMs, in-house delivery fleets as well as fleet operators, with online, offline, and non-electric services covering the entire EV industry value chain. As of June 30, 2022, NaaS operates in 358 cities across China and has connected to more than 400,000 chargers and 44,000 charging stations. On June 13, 2022, NaaS Technology Inc. was officially listed on the NASDAQ under the ticker NAAS.
For more information, please visit NaaS Technology Inc.
Media Contact
E-mail: pr@enaas.com
View original content:
SOURCE NAAS
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2022-08-23T13:00:37+00:00
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kwtx.com
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https://www.kwtx.com/prnewswire/2022/08/23/naas-tunghsu-group-signs-strategic-cooperation-agreement-jointly-drive-towards-realization-chinas-dual-carbon-goals/
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Elections maintains a Twitter account that primarily shares updates on upcoming elections and info on how to vote — but for at least a few hours on Thursday, May 4, it was following an election-denying conspiracy theorist.
The official account — with a little over 12,000 followers — normally doesn’t follow anyone, but on May 4, it followed Ivan Raiklin, bringing the number of accounts it followed to one.
Raiklin is a conservative best known for promoting the conspiracy theory that Mike Pence could overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
These screenshots show the Virginia Department of Elections Twitter account on May 4. (Screenshot: Delaney Murray/WRIC)
Raiklin, who ran in the Republican primary for Tim Kaine’s senate seat in 2018, wrote a memo in December 2020 — retweeted and apparently endorsed by Donald Trump — claiming that Vice President Mike Pence could block certification of the 2020 election results on January 6, 2021.
Now, on a blog titled “Depp State Marauder,” Raiklin writes frequently about his theories that Pence, members of federal law enforcement and other political enemies plotted the January 6 insurrection as a false flag operation.
Shortly after 8News sent the Department of Elections questions about their Twitter activity, the account unfollowed Raiklin. The department has ignored multiple requests for comment.
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2023-05-11T17:26:10+00:00
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wric.com
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https://www.wric.com/news/politics/capitol-connection/why-did-virginias-department-of-elections-follow-a-conspiracy-theorist-on-twitter/
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Christina Lusk, a transgender woman who sued the Minnesota Department of Corrections over her treatment while in prison, has reached a settlement that includes a move to the state's women-only Shakopee prison and access to gender-affirming health care.
Lusk had been fighting for these rights since she was incarcerated in 2019 and filed the lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Corrections nearly a year ago.
As part of the settlement, Lusk will also receive a $495,000 payout, which includes about $250,000 in legal fees.
"With this settlement, the Department of Corrections takes an important and necessary step toward fulfilling its responsibilities to the people in its care," said Gender Justice Legal Director Jess Braverman. The organization represented Lusk in this case, along with Robins Kaplan LLP.
"Thanks to Christina Lusk's willingness to speak out, transgender people in custody will now have expanded access to the housing and health care they need, and the legal protections they deserve," Braverman said.
A new Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) transgender policy — which covers medical treatments and allowing transgender or gender non-conforming individuals to request a facility matching their gender identity — went into effect in January, months after Lusk filed her lawsuit.
The DOC says it currently houses 48 transgender people out of a total incarcerated population of just over 8,000. Lusk is the first transgender person to be moved to a facility matching their gender identity, the department said in a statement.
"As part of settling the lawsuit and in accordance with the DOC's new transgender policy, the DOC has agreed to provide [Lusk] access to a transgender healthcare specialist to determine if gender-affirming surgery is medically necessary. The DOC will also assist her in obtaining surgery if the specialist determines it is necessary," the DOC said in a statement.
"The DOC is constitutionally obligated to provide medically necessary care for incarcerated people, which includes treatment for gender dysphoria," said Minnesota DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell. "Based on the facts of this specific case, the incarcerated person will now have access to the medical care she needs, she deserves, and we have a legal obligation to provide."
NPR covered Lusk's case last fall and how it fits into the larger issues facing incarcerated transgender inmates in the U.S. prison system.
Lusk's situation is one that's shared by many transgender people behind bars in the United States. They are often forced to stay in prisons according to their assigned sex at birth or their genitalia at the time they were arrested. This puts them at greater risk of assault, discrimination and abuse, NPR's previous reporting has highlighted.
Many advocates and attorneys have said that lawsuits are the main way that individuals have been able to be moved into facilities that align with their gender identity, as Lusk's case shows.
After her guilty plea in 2019, Lusk was sent to the Moose Lake men's facility. This happened despite the fact that Lusk had a reissued birth certificate that states she is female and had undergone gender-affirming procedures.
(It should be noted that the authenticity around a trans person's gender identity is not inherently tied to surgeries, other medical treatments or changes to legal documents. Some people don't take these steps for a variety of reasons.)
It was at Moose Lake where Lusk said she dealt with harassment and assault, was denied gender-affirming health care and was consistently misgendered by the DOC, she alleged.
In her lawsuit, Lusk said the DOC's discriminatory policies and practices violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the Minnesota Constitution's guarantee of equal protection under the law, bodily autonomy and freedom from cruel or unusual punishment.
Lusk also wanted the judge to rule that the DOC denying her gender-affirming surgery was unconstitutional.
While the settlement stops short of that, Minnesota's DOC has agreed to strengthen its policies to better protect "the basic rights, health and safety
of any transgender people incarcerated in Minnesota," Gender Justice said in a statement.
The DOC will follow the World Professional Association for Transgender Health's standards of care, contract with a WPATH-certified health care provider, train staff on providing appropriate care for transgender people and honor the name changes of incarcerated transgender people.
Federal guidelines call for housing decisions for transgender inmates to be made on a case-by-case basis. But NPR found that some states explicitly don't do this.
Others states have policies that are in line with federal standards, but in practice, they tend toward housing inmates based on assigned sex at birth.
The policies of the vast majority of states, including Minnesota, align with federal guidelines. They say decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with the inmate's gender identity being a piece of that consideration. The inmate's safety is considered a priority.
Lusk is up for release in May 2024.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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2023-06-01T15:30:43+00:00
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kgou.org
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https://www.kgou.org/politics-and-government/2023-06-01/a-trans-inmate-wins-health-care-and-will-move-to-womens-prison-after-suing-minnesota
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The Marshall Project and NPR investigated how the newest federal prison — the penitentiary in Thomson, Ill. — has quickly become one of the deadliest. The story is the latest in our years-long coverage of the dangers of "double-celled solitary confinement" — putting two people on lockdown in a small cell — as well as the use of force in federal prisons.
Here are five takeaways from our investigation.
Officials moved a notorious double-celled prison program to a new facility. The problems followed.
The "Special Management Unit" is a high security prison program meant for some of the most dangerous people in federal custody (though many have ended up there who don't fit that description). Volatile people are often locked down in pairs for nearly 24 hours a day in a cell roughly the size of a parking space, forced to eat, sleep and defecate just feet from each other. In 2016, NPR and the Marshall Project wrote about violence and abuse in that unit when it was housed in the penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pa.
After our stories ran, the federal Bureau of Prisons announced in 2018 that it was moving the unit to a new federal penitentiary in Illinois. Some hoped it would be a fresh start and a chance to improve conditions. But things only got worse. There have been five suspected homicides at Thomson since it opened — among the most of any federal prison in that time.
Restraints are supposed to be a last resort. At this prison, men say they're used frequently — often as punishment.
Prison guards are only supposed to use restraints to subdue someone who is actively dangerous to themselves or others, and for as short a time as possible. But dozens of men incarcerated at Thomson reported in letters, lawsuits and interviews that officers there use these restraints frequently, and leave people in chains for hours or days at a time. NPR and the Marshall Project heard many of the same complaints in 2016, when the Special Management Unit was housed at Lewisburg.
"Ambulatory restraints" are ankle cuffs and handcuffs that are chained to a strap around the torso.. Even more intense are "four-point restraints," where each limb is chained to a concrete bed, leaving someone splayed and immobile. Many held at Thomson said they often weren't allowed to eat or drink while in restraints, and were sometimes forced to urinate on themselves. Some said restraints were applied so tightly that they left scars — what men there call "the Thomson tattoo."
A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson told NPR and the Marshall Project that he couldn't comment on pending lawsuits, but that "restraints are not used as a method of punishing an inmate or in any manner which restricts blood circulation or obstructs the inmate's airways or in a manner that causes unnecessary physical pain or extreme discomfort." Any allegation of staff abuse would be investigated, he said.
This level of violence is preventable.
Prisons can be violent places, especially maximum security facilities such as Thomson. But homicides behind bars often happen when warning signs are ignored, or people are knowingly put in dangerous situations. "There's no excuse for there to be any homicides in a prison," said David Fathi, director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project. "It's an environment of total surveillance and control."
Matthew Phillips — a Jewish man with a Star of David tattooed on his chest — was killed after Thomson corrections officers locked him in a recreation cage with two members of a white supremacist gang. Bobby Everson was killed at Thomson after he had been writing to his family for months, saying he felt officers were purposefully housing him with violent men.
Lawmakers say persistent understaffing is a part of the problem. And attorneys say many people held at Thomson report not getting the mental health care they need, or are denied their psychiatric medication. The Special Management Unit has been sued for this before.
A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said in an email that prison officials consider gang affiliation, geography, religion and past incident reports when deciding whom to cell together. Any instance of an officer intentionally ignoring a valid threat would be treated as misconduct and investigated, he said.
Federal prisons across the country are under fire right now for mistreatment.
The Bureau of Prisons has had one scandal and crisis after another. COVID-19 killed hundreds of people in federal prisons.
The Associated Press recently revealed how hundreds of prison employees have been arrested since the start of 2019, and how guards sexually abused women at a federal prison in California. And understaffing escalated during the pandemic, forcing everyone from cooks to counselors to work as guards and increasing risks for staff and incarcerated people alike.
In response, the Senate has formed a new group to investigate federal prison operations, and Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal announced his resignation in January. The agency has yet to name his successor.
Prison abuse and violence has widespread ripple effects.
"Lewisburg was not only a violence factory, it was a homicide factory," said Mark Donatelli, a defense lawyer who works on death penalty cases out of prisons. Donatelli said he knows of at least seven people who were involved in homicides after getting out of the Special Management Unit at Lewisburg. The violence endured in one prison begets more in the future, he said.
For the people who survive such conditions, the impact lasts long after their release date. In 2019, NPR and the Marshall Project followed Chuck Coma when he came home from federal prison, after he nearly died from a prison assault at Lewisburg. He returned to his family with a traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder exacerbated by the violence he witnessed inside.
A prisoner identified only as John Doe said in a federal lawsuit that being attacked by cellmates and being left in restraints at Thomson caused "extreme permanent mental anguish."
Sebastian Richardson was housed at Lewisburg from 2010 to 2012, and sued the prison for leaving him in shackles for nearly a month when he tried to refuse a dangerous cell assignment. A decade later, he still has searing pain, swelling and numbness in his hands as a result of the cuffs, and has trouble trusting authority. "You come out with a lot of anger, and they create that," he said.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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2022-05-31T11:29:23+00:00
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kgou.org
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https://www.kgou.org/politics-and-government/politics-and-government/2022-05-31/five-things-to-know-about-one-of-the-deadliest-federal-prisons
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Upcoming work shines a critical spotlight on the industry's current state
BOSTON, Nov. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Nomi Health, a direct healthcare service provider that's rewiring the nation's healthcare system, has brought on Arnold Worldwide to drive brand creative campaigns that highlight some of the healthcare industry's biggest problems.
"Over the last handful of years, you can't help but notice the massive spike in crowdfunding as a means of paying for essential healthcare in the US," said Sean McBride, CCO of Arnold. "The more normal this practice has become, the more it feels like the existing healthcare industry is perfectly happy to accept this practice vs. viewing it as a problem they're on the hook to solve. Our first creative work for Nomi follows this trend to its natural conclusion."
CEO Mark Newman founded Nomi Health after learning he could save 30% on his hospital bills by paying the total cost up front. He is now on a mission to create a real-time healthcare ecosystem at mass scale that is purpose-built to make care delivery as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
From paying millions in healthcare costs to providing COVID-19 testing sites throughout the country for people with or without insurance, the growing company is using a simple and transparent approach in an industry filled with complexity.
"Nomi Health's growth is in direct response to people wanting a better, modern, and more affordable way to pay for their healthcare services. We're disrupting a deeply rooted, time-old system and need a creative agency to help us do that," said Nomi Health's Chief Marketing Officer, Anthony Modano. "Arnold is one of the best agencies at making the complex simple and understandable in order to meet people where they are. Nomi Health is breaking through the healthcare system in similar fashion."
With Nomi Health at a pivotal moment in their rapid growth trajectory, the brand is working with the Boston-based agency to drive national brand awareness and connect to new audiences. The first creative work from Arnold, "Go Fund Yourself," just launched at one of the industry's biggest events, HLTH, in Las Vegas. You can view the work here. The campaign reinforces that the most important "innovations" to make in healthcare aren't the most futuristic. It's all about fixing the basics, such as same-day doctors' appointments, easier system navigation, and less expensive costs. In tandem with the campaign, Nomi Health is putting forth a $100,000 donation to The HealthWell Foundation, a leading independent non-profit dedicated to improving access to health care for America's underinsured.
"We're thrilled to be working with such an inspiring group of people and can't wait for the world to see what's next," McBride added.
Arnold is an independent-minded integrated advertising agency that makes it Safe to be Brave. We transform brands into household names and grow businesses by delivering breakthrough, culturally connected work. Arnold is headquartered in Boston and is part of the Havas Group. Learn more on arn.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
For more information about Arnold Worldwide, visit www.arn.com.
Nomi Health is a nationwide direct healthcare system making it easier than ever for any healthcare buyer to access the highest quality affordable care for their communities. The company's direct care ecosystem encompasses a real-time operating and payment system — inclusive of analytics and payment rails — as well as an integrated care delivery infrastructure featuring essential care services, pharmacy and an open network. To date, Nomi Health has saved buyers of care an average of 30 percent compared to traditional healthcare costs while enabling them to give their communities more access to lower-cost, high-quality care.
From rural counties to some of the largest cities in America, Nomi Health has administered everyday healthcare services to more than 14 million Americans and in hundreds of communities nationwide. During COVID-19, this direct care model played a pivotal role in care access, public health and keeping economies open and operating.
Based in Orem, Utah, Nomi Health employs more than 2,000 nationwide, working to lower healthcare expenses, widen care access and improve the patient experience. An experienced, cross-functional leadership team leads the company with clinical, healthcare, technology and finance backgrounds. Nomi Health has invested more than $10 million dollars in improving the well-being of the communities it serves. Visit us on Twitter @NomiHealth and www.nomihealth.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Arnold Worldwide
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2022-11-17T14:58:33+00:00
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newschannel10.com
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https://www.newschannel10.com/prnewswire/2022/11/17/nomi-health-brings-arnold-worldwide-take-aim-healthcare-industry-demand-meaningful-change-with-new-brand-creative-campaigns/
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Kentucky school shooter says he’s still hearing voices
PADUCAH, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky man who killed three students and wounded five more in a school shooting 25 years ago told a parole panel on Tuesday that he is still hearing voices like the ones that told him to steal a pistol and shoot into a crowded high school lobby in 1997.
The two-person panel hearing Michael Carneal’s testimony deferred a decision until Monday, when the state’s entire parole board will meet and could decide to grant his parole request, defer his next parole decision to a later date, or determine that he must spend the rest of his life in prison.
Carneal was a 14-year-old freshman on Dec. 1, 1997, when he fired the stolen pistol at a before-school prayer group in the lobby of Heath High School, near Paducah, Kentucky. School shootings were not yet a depressing part of the national consciousness, and Carneal was given the maximum sentence possible at the time for someone his age — life in prison with the possibility of parole. A quarter century later, in the shadow of Uvalde and in a nation disgusted by the carnage of mass shootings, Carneal, now 39, tried Tuesday to convince the parole panel he deserves to be freed.
Parole Board Chair Ladeidra Jones told Carneal after his testimony that the two members had not reached a unanimous decision and were referring his case to the full board, which meets on Monday. Only the full board has the power to order Carneal to serve out his full sentence without another chance at parole.
Speaking on a videoconference from the Kentucky State Reformatory in La Grange, Carneal told the panel that at the time of the shooting, “I was hearing in my head to do certain things, but I should have known that stealing guns ... was going to lead to something terrible.” He said he has been receiving therapy and taking psychiatric medications in prison but admitted that he still hears voices. As recently as a couple of days ago, he heard voices telling him to jump off the stairs.
Jones told Carneal that his inmate file lists his mental health prognosis as “poor” and says that even with mental health services, he is still experiencing paranoid thoughts with violent imagery.
Asked how the board could be assured that he would not act on those thoughts, Carneal said he has learned to ignore them and hasn’t acted on them for many years. He said there are days that he believes he deserves to die for what he did, but other days he thinks he can still do some good in the world.
“It doesn’t have to be something grand,” he said. “Every little thing you do affects somebody. It could be listening to someone, carrying something. I would like to do something in the future that could contribute to society.”
Carneal attributed the shooting to a combination of factors that included his mental health and immaturity, but added that it was “not justified at all. There’s no excuse for it at all.”
Killed in the shooting were 14-year-old Nicole Hadley, 17-year-old Jessica James, and 15-year-old Kayce Steger.
Carneal said he knew all of his victims.
“Nicole was a very good friend,” he said. “Some of them I knew more than others, but it was a small school and a lot of these people were in band with me. I’d went to several of them’s birthday parties. ... None of them do I have any negative memories of them.”
He ended with an apology.
“I would like to say to you and the victims and their friends and families and the whole community that I’m sorry for what I did. I know it’s not going to change things or make anything better, but I am sorry for what I did.”
Watching from her home in Kirksey was Missy Jenkins Smith, who was paralyzed by one of Carneal’s bullets and uses a wheelchair. Her friend Kelly Hard Alsip, also wounded that day, and their children and other relatives were crowded onto a large sectional sofa.
They scoffed as they heard Carneal say he had not targeted the prayer group but simply shot at random. They also reacted with disbelief when he said he had heard voices just two days ago.
After the hearing, Jenkins Smith said she doesn’t like having to wait another week to find out what will happen, but “at least he’s not being released.”
She had testified to the parole board panel on Monday that she believes there are too many “what ifs” with Carneal. What if he stops taking his medication? What if his medication stops working?
“Continuing his life in prison is the only way his victims can feel comfortable and safe,” she said.
She also said it would be unfair to the girls he killed and their loved ones for Carneal to be released.
“They will forever be a 17 year old, a 14 year old, and a 15 year old — allowed only one full decade of life. A consequence of Michael’s choice,” she said.
Also testifying Monday was Christina Hadley Ellegood, whose younger sister Nicole was killed in the shooting. Ellegood has written about the pain of seeing her sister’s body and having to call their mom and tell her Nicole had been shot.
“I had no one to turn to who understood what I was going through,” she said. “For me, it’s not fair for him to be able to roam around with freedom when we live in fear of where he might be.”
The two-person panel of the full parole board only has the option to release him or defer his next opportunity for parole for up to five years. They could not agree on those options and sent the case to a meeting of the full board next Monday.
Hollan Holm, who was wounded that day, spoke Monday about lying on the floor of the high school lobby, bleeding from his head and believing he was going to die. But he said Carneal was too young to comprehend the full consequences of his actions and should have a chance at supervised release.
“When I think of Michael Carneal, I think of the child I rode the bus with every day,” he said. “I think of the child I shared a lunch table with in third grade. I think of what he could have become if, on that day, he had it somewhere in him to make a different choice or take a different path.”
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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2022-09-20T20:56:27+00:00
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ksla.com
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https://www.ksla.com/2022/09/20/kentucky-school-shooter-says-hes-still-hearing-voices/
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How can we miss her when she won’t go away?
No surprise that the fake Indian is planning to run for yet another six-year term in the US Senate next year, when she’ll be 75 years old, and does anything seriously believe that will be her swan song?
You know, I get that Liewatha doesn’t want to retire. As the late Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden used to say, “Ain’t but one major event left after you retire.”
That one major event would be a trip to the Happy Hunting Grounds, as Fauxchahontas’ ancestors, er, non-ancestors, used to say, at least in the Republic Pictures B-movie westerns.
But when did careers in Congress become peerages – lifetime appointments, with titles?
When Harry S Truman left the presidency in 1953, he drove his own car back to Independence MO. Few politicians stayed in Washington after retirement or defeat. Maybe it was the lack of air conditioning.
Then the Congressmen realized that post-retirement, they could make a lot more dough as lobbyists or influence peddlers or whatever. So they remained in DC until they either died or were imprisoned (like ex-Speaker Dennis Hastert).
Then they collectively figured out that they would just remain in office until they died, again, just a duke or earl in the House of Lords. Think Strom Thurmond, Robert Byrd, Ted Kennedy, Frank Lautenberg.
Now, even after they’re incapacitated, they remain in office. Resignations are no longer an option. They just move into hospitals, like Sens. Dianne Feinstein, age 89, and John Fetterman, who at age 53 hasn’t been seen publicly since he checked into Walter Reed Hospital five weeks ago.
It’s not just the White House that has been converted into an assisted-living facility or hospice.
The “junior” senator from Massachusetts is Ed Markey, who will be 77 in July. He’s already announced his plans to run for another term in 2026, at age 80.
What. Else. Would. He. Do?
To put it in fake-Indian terms, Markey has been in Congress for many, many moons – before Iron Horse, since there were more buffalo on the plains than stars in the sky. I remember his first run for the Senate – in 1984.
He had to drop out because he knew if he lost his House seat, he would have most likely either starved to death or ended up panhandling outside the Pine Street Inn. When he quit the Senate fight, I asked him at my TV station to autograph one of his Senate brochures for me as a souvenir.
He scrawled, “I wish I could have two jobs like you, Howie.”
Meaning that even if he lost, he wouldn’t have to do something unthinkable – like go to work.
But he’s almost 80 now. How much money does he need?
Same question for Cong. Richie Neal, age 74. And even more so, Rep. Bill Keating. He’s 70, he’ll get a huge federal kiss in the mail. And for more than 12 years, he’s also been pocketing a state pension that has risen to $115,099 a year.
Then there’s Rep. Steve Lynch – he turned 68 yesterday. He got confused recently at a hearing and called a witness named Shellenberger “Shellenbeck.”
As one commenter noted, “I went by a dry cleaner yesterday and saw an empty suit. I thought of Steve Lynch.”
Going back to the theme of fake Indians, these ancient House Hibernians are the local political versions of the Last of the Mohicans – white Irish-Catholic heterosexual males who were born here. Talk about unelectable in modern-day Massachusetts.
They aren’t any more of them coming up, that’s for sure. We used to describe these would-be dynasties – the Markeys, the O’Neills, the Creedons, even the Multiple-Choice Joyces – as K-Mart Kennedys.
Now even Kennedys can’t get elected in Massachusetts. Just ask young JoJoJo, crushed by Markey. JoJoJo was born in Brighton. Total deal-breaker in a Democrat primary.
As for the dinosaurs still clinging to their seats in Congress, you couldn’t pry ‘em out with the Jaws of Life. They’re all obsessed with not being “Capuano’ed” – defeated by some woke blow-in who checks all the boxes, like Rep. Ayanna Pressley back in 2018.
Pressley, native of Chicago like Mayor Wu, won’t take on the fake Indian, a native of Oklahoma. Business is too good in the racket that Tom Wolfe used to call “steam control.” And a run for higher office might mean more scrutiny, which is never a good thing in the steam control industry.
As for the fake Indian, of course she’d like to run for president, but c’mon. She had her chance in 2020, when she finished third in the Massachusetts primary.
She’s probably the least popular statewide politician in Massachusetts. Sure, she won a landslide reelection in 2018, but when you’re running against Geoff “DoorDash” Diehl, even a drunkard like state Sen. Michael Brady could win overwhelmingly, back in 2015.
As time goes by, even her fake-Indian scandal recedes into the past, especially since a new Pretendian is busted almost weekly. Johnny Depp, a dean at Dartmouth, Canada’s top “indigenous health expert,” and then over the weekend a Hollywood producer with, you guessed it, high cheekbones.
It’s almost become a cottage industry, the racial fraudulence that Elizabeth Warren pioneered. This latest flim-flammer, Heather Rae, was apparently planning on passing her grift down to the next generation. Her daughter had become an actress under the name of “Johnny Sequoyah.”
Now that her mom Heather Rae has been busted, maybe “Sequoyah” can go back to using her family’s real surname – Friedenberg.
The fake Indian will never be president, but being a US senator isn’t such a bad consolation prize. Big money, little responsibility, even less accountability. The only thing she must worry about is that one of her crackpot proposals might actually become law. Bailouts – for student loans! For the FDIC! How ‘bout a “wealth tax?”
It’s fun to hold hearings, not so nice if somebody actually follows through on any of your unconstitutional lunatic schemes. Down that road lies the Consumer Finance Protection Board… and disaster.
But hey, Diane Feinstein is 89. Robert Byrd made it to 92, Strom Thurmond to 100. Fake Indian can last many, many moons, maybe even as long as Great White Father Ed Markey.
|
2023-03-29T10:22:06+00:00
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bostonherald.com
|
https://www.bostonherald.com/2023/03/29/carr-elizabeth-warrens-reelection-bid-no-surprise/
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WASHINGTON — When the pandemic shut down schools across the country, the federal government responded with billions of dollars to help districts support remote learning, serve free meals to students, and safely reopen schools.
In 2021, the Biden administration gave districts another $122 billion through its $1.9 trillion stimulus package, an amount that far surpassed previous rounds. Districts were required to spend at least 20 percent of those funds on helping students recover academically, while the rest could be used on general efforts to respond to the pandemic.
Yet, while most schools have since deployed various forms of interventions and some have spent more on academic recovery than others, there are ample signs that the money has not been spent in a way that has substantially helped all of the nation’s students lagging behind.
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Recent test scores underscore the staggering effect of the pandemic, which thrust much of the nation’s students into remote learning for extended periods. Students in most states and across almost all demographic groups experienced major setbacks in math and reading after many schools closed their doors. In 2022, math scores underwent the largest declines ever recorded on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which tests a broad sampling of fourth- and eighth-graders dating back to the early 1990s.
Education researchers and advocates say recovering from the effects of remote learning should be the top priority, but it is unclear how much of the funding is helping students across the nation fully catch up.
Plans for the relief funds have varied across the country. Some districts have invested more in extending learning time or offering intensive small-group tutoring focused on math or English, which research has shown to be among the most powerful interventions. Others have used much of their funds on facility upgrades, online tutoring services, across-the-board bonuses for employees, and other measures that education experts have argued are less effective for helping students catch up.
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National data on how the money has been spent is scarce. The federal government does limited tracking of the relief funds, which were sent directly to states. Many states, which dole out the money to districts, do not provide detailed breakdowns of expenditures.
Some education experts who have closely monitored the relief money said the federal guidelines should have been more focused on addressing learning loss and were skeptical that many districts’ recovery plans were robust enough. Although schools were initially slow to spend the money, they are now on track to exhaust the funding by the September 2024 deadline for budgeting the money.
Robin Lake, the director of the Center on Reinventing Public Education, said the impact of the funding has been a “bit of a black box” and she expected to see different recovery rates across districts. Lake said giving across-the-board bonuses, completing maintenance projects, and plugging holes in budgets were less effective interventions.
“In some districts, I think we’re going to see that the money was well spent,” Lake said. “And in many — maybe most — it won’t have been spent as well as it should have been, in terms of addressing the urgent need right in front of us.”
She pointed to data showing that many students still did not have access to the kind of intensive tutoring programs that have proved effective, with demonstrated large positive effects on math and reading achievement.
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A federal survey conducted in December found that most public schools offered some form of tutoring, but only 37 percent provided students more intensive “high dosage” tutoring, which is typically done in smaller groups, takes place for at least 30 minutes, and includes at least three sessions a week. Out of all public schools, just 10 percent of students participated in that type of tutoring.
Early reports show that schools have had difficulty setting up academic recovery programs. A recent paper from Harvard University’s Center for Education Policy Research found that schools struggled last year to carry out recovery programs at their intended scale because of staffing shortages and lower student engagement. The researchers, who sampled 12 districts, found that some of the estimated effects were positive, but even if the programs were fully set up, they would still not be enough to help all students catch up by 2024.
Education Department officials said they were confident much of the stimulus money was being spent on academic recovery.
“The department’s ongoing technical assistance and communication with states indicate that investments in academic recovery, staffing, and student mental health comprise the majority of local spending,” Adam Schott, a deputy assistant secretary, said in a statement.
Sasha Pudelski, a director at AASA, the School Superintendents Association, said districts were prioritizing spending on additional learning time. According to July data from AASA, 68 percent of districts were spending some funds on expanded summer learning, 42 percent were adding learning time by compensating staff, and 39 percent were providing high-intensity tutoring.
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In Tennessee, 87 districts are participating in a program that provides matching grants using federal dollars to districts offering small-group tutoring in reading or math.
One of the participating districts, Elizabethton City Schools, hired 14 full-time staff members to administer English language arts tutoring to 404 elementary and middle school students this year. Students attended sessions during the school day twice a week for 45 minutes each.
Myra Newman, the assistant director of schools for academics, said the district was spending 56 percent of its $5.6 million in relief funds on academic recovery. The district has already seen significant gains: In 2022, 45.6 percent of third- to eighth-graders were proficient in English, up from 33.9 percent in 2021 and 43 percent in 2019.
“Most of our money went toward students and closing the gap in learning loss,” Newman said.
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2023-06-05T23:38:33+00:00
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bostonglobe.com
|
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/05/nation/schools-received-billions-stimulus-funds-it-may-not-be-doing-enough/
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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday evening's drawing of the Texas Lottery's "Daily 4 Evening" game were:
1-1-2-9, FIREBALL: 6
(one, one, two, nine; FIREBALL: six)
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ The winning numbers in Friday evening's drawing of the Texas Lottery's "Daily 4 Evening" game were:
1-1-2-9, FIREBALL: 6
(one, one, two, nine; FIREBALL: six)
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2022-07-16T00:11:57+00:00
|
sfgate.com
|
https://www.sfgate.com/lottery/article/Winning-numbers-drawn-in-Daily-4-Evening-game-17308705.php
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DETROIT – General Motors said Wednesday that a new electric vehicle battery plant built in Ohio has started producing cells, which could help customers get federal tax credits.
The joint-venture plant near Warren, Ohio, is focused on training as it prepares to ramp up manufacturing. A spokeswoman for the venture said it is producing cells but they are not yet being shipped. They'll go into vehicles with GM's Ultium batteries, which currently include Hummer EVs, Chevrolet Silverado EV pickups and the Cadillac Lyriq electric SUV.
Eventually, though, the plant should help GM's EVs meet requirements to qualify for a $7,500-per-vehicle federal tax credit.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act recently signed into law, electric vehicles and their batteries must be manufactured in North America to get the credit. Battery minerals must be mined or recycled on the continent as well, or half the tax credit would be lost. And the batteries can't have any components from China, another difficult hurdle.
The requirements are designed to build a North American supply chain for EVs so the country isn't reliant on China and other overseas countries.
GM says it's working to meet the requirements. The Ohio plant built with battery maker LG Energy Solution is a step toward getting the credits, which are key to boosting electric vehicle sales. No automaker wants to put EVs on the market that cost $7,500 more than the competition.
The $2.3 billion, 2.8-million-square-foot battery plant now employs 800 people, and eventually it will have 1,300. The factory is near Lordstown, Ohio, where GM closed a huge small-car assembly plant.
GM has a goal of making only electric passenger vehicles by 2035, and CEO Mary Barra has pledged to unseat Tesla as the top seller of EVs by the middle of this decade.
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2022-08-31T22:23:18+00:00
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ksat.com
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https://www.ksat.com/business/2022/08/31/gm-venture-starts-building-battery-cells-at-new-ohio-factory/
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2023-03-08T19:14:19+00:00
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wishtv.com
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https://www.wishtv.com/fuel/jane-king-3-8-2023/
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A popular annual festival held in the streets of Richmond’s Jackson Ward has been canceled due to inclement weather — though the festival’s headliner will still be performing in the city.
Venture Richmond, the organizers of the 2nd Street Festival that was set to take place Oct. 1 and 2, announced Thursday morning that the organization had made the “incredibly difficult” decision to cancel the festival.
“Like many, the Venture Richmond Events team has watched Ian for days, hoping that it would not be the massive and potentially deadly weather event that it clearly is,” said Erika Gay, marketing and communications manager for Venture Richmond in an email. “While we are extremely lucky to be a few states away from the serious issues Florida is facing, we also know that this weekend promises uncertain amounts of rainfall and potential wind gusts for our area.”
Gay said the organizers consulted meteorologists, vendors, security and others, and determined it would not be safe to hold the event this weekend.
“We must put the safety of our patrons, artists, vendors, contractors, and staff foremost,” said Gay in the email.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency for Virginia in anticipation of the storm reaching the Commonwealth. Ian has been downgraded to a tropical storm and is expected to bring rain to the Richmond area throughout the weekend.
Although the festival will not take place, its headliner will still be performing in Richmond this weekend. Grandmaster Flash will be performing at the Hippodrome Theater on 2nd Street in Jackson Ward. Doors for the free show are set to open at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1.
|
2022-09-29T15:28:57+00:00
|
wric.com
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https://www.wric.com/community/2nd-street-festival-canceled-due-to-hurricane-ian-headliner-still-performing-in-richmond/
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HOUSTON, Sept. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Firm co-founder Joel M. Androphy's 20-plus years of fighting government contracting fraud, waste and abuse has led to unprecedented recognition by the federal Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Berg & Androphy said today.
Presented by the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of the Inspector General and the DCIS, the award honors Androphy's "dedication, teamwork, and professionalism in support of the common interests of the Department of Defense and the nation."
Settlements negotiated by Androphy, his co-counsel and government attorneys exceed $2.6 billion. According to the award citation to Androphy, "Your efforts, expertise and tenacity were instrumental in protecting America's warfighters."
Androphy's long record of success in fraud, waste and abuse cases includes False Claims Act (FCA) / whistleblower cases involving drug manufacturers, food manufacturers and freight companies that contract with the federal government in the United States and abroad, including in wartime activity.
Androphy, who authored Federal False Claims Act and Qui Tam Litigation and has served as program director for the American Bar Association National False Claims and Qui Tam Trial Institute since 2013, said, "I am grateful for and humbled by this recognition. Along with our outstanding team at Berg & Androphy, I am proud of our record in helping fight government contracting fraud, waste and abuse."
The award was presented to Androphy by Michael C. Mentavlos, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Southwest Field Office, and Gregory P. Shilling, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Southwest Field Office.
Berg & Androphy co-founder David Berg said, "We understand that Joel's award is unprecedented for a lawyer in the qui tam practice area. We applaud his extraordinary, dedicated service to our clients and to the nation."
Berg & Androphy tries big cases. Over the years, our lawyers, as both plaintiff and defense counsel, have represented Westinghouse, CBS, Samsung, Robert Bass' Acadia Partners, L.P., Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, and other major companies. These cases range from a dispute over nuclear steam generators to a billion-dollar patent infringement case to complex securities class actions. We have represented individuals throughout the United States in qui tam cases against large multinational companies that have defrauded federal and state governments. We have also represented victims of catastrophic personal injuries, and executives and others accused of white-collar crime. More information is available at bafirm.com.
Contact: Joel Androphy, Berg & Androphy, 713.529.5622.
View original content:
SOURCE Berg & Androphy
|
2022-09-28T18:45:29+00:00
|
wymt.com
|
https://www.wymt.com/prnewswire/2022/09/28/berg-amp-androphy-us-department-defense-honors-joel-m-androphy/
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MIAMI – Authorities gave Local 10 News viewers an inside look and warning Tuesday about a designer drug sweeping South Florida’s party scene called “pink cocaine.”
Customs and Border Protection Watch Commander Bryan Picado oversees enforcement teams at Miami International Airport.
“We have special equipment to test whatever products they are bringing to see if it is what it is or if it is narcotics,” he said.
Federal officers are trained to intercept illegal drugs here.
Vazquez: Out of all the different narcotics is there one drug that seems to be the most prolific right now?
Picado: “So right now, for Miami, this is the party scene. The party drug right now that is very popular is called 2c.”
2c, also known as pink cocaine, a new designer drug is even on the radar of the United Nations.
“There is a lot of music, especially in the reggaeton scene, that make reference to 2c because it is a very popular dance, club drug that is being utilized right now in the party scene of Miami,” said Picado.
But it turns out this “new” nightclub party drug, made its debut in the 1970s.
1970 was the year of the controlled substance act, which was followed by a boom in designer drugs made to skirt regulations, explains Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein, medical director of the Florida Poison Control Center.
“The cocaine part is really a misnomer, and the pink actually comes from food coloring. Sometimes they use you know, Kool-Aid to give it a little flavor. It’s really just a marketing ploy,” Bernstein said.
The synthetic stimulant can pack a deadly punch with symptoms that include a racing heart rate dilated pupils sweaty, increased blood pressure, stroke, seizure, hyperthermia, increased blood pressure and increased temperature, according to Bernstein.
Ingredients used can vary from batch to batch.
“People can die. and the worst part about it is, there’s really no quality control out on the street. so you don’t really know what you’re getting. I mean, they’re referring to this as cocaine and they’re making it pink because it makes it easier to market and easy to sell because it looks cool and it looks like it’s something new,” Bernstein said in part.
“But really, you have no idea what you’re getting and there are several varieties of substituted amphetamines that cause your temperature to go up, and really cause you to go into multi-organ failure,” he added.
Miami Police Assistant Chief Armando Aguilar told Local 10 News that his department has made multiple arrests after catching people with 2c.
“Our narcotics detectives have made in the past year, about seven arrests for 2c,” he said.
Aguilar said while the drugs that continue to fuel street-level sales and violent crime are cocaine, crack, and fentanyl, they are also keeping tabs on 2c.
“It is very concerning to law enforcement whenever there is a drug that is out there that is going to alter someone’s mental state,” Aguilar said in part.
“Are you going to be injured, possibly even raped, as a result of being under the influence of these drugs where you don’t know the quantities of what they are putting in?” he asked. “It really creates the conditions that are ripe for victimization.”
“My takeaway is, it’s not worth the risk. You’re playing Russian roulette,” said Bernstein.
For any poison questions or emergencies call 1-800-222-1222 or click here for more information.
|
2023-06-28T05:11:26+00:00
|
local10.com
|
https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/06/28/local-10-news-gets-inside-look-at-new-nightclub-narcotic-sweeping-south-floridas-party-scene/
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A German lawmaker and environmental advocate is planning to visit southwest Louisiana this month to tour the region’s expanding liquefied natural gas industry, an environmental justice group said.
Kathrin Henneberger, a member of Germany’s Bundestag lawmaking body since 2021, will tour Louisiana and Texas from July 17 to 22, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade said in a news release.
Henneberger’s stops will include the Plaquemines LNG terminal in Plaquemines Parish, along with Lake Charles and Cameron Parish. She also will visit Port Arthur, Texas, home of Port Arthur LNG.
Henneberger, who is affiliated with Germany’s Alliance 90/The Greens party, voted earlier this month to strike down amendments to Germany’s LNG Acceleration Act, which aims to speed up LNG terminal construction as the nation searches for alternative sources of natural gas, according to international reports. The Bundestag ultimately approved the legislation.
The Bucket Brigade said German banks have loaned billions of dollars to Gulf Coast LNG terminals in the past two years, including $2.1 billion to Plaquemines LNG. That terminal is set to complete construction this year.
|
2023-07-13T22:42:20+00:00
|
theadvocate.com
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https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/business/german-lawmaker-to-tour-southwest-louisianas-lng-sector/article_ae78892c-21a8-11ee-b1cc-b7c11246b96e.html
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Re: JERKOVICH, MARC EDWARD
Trustee Sale # 096760-WA Title # 200123614-WA-MSI Notice of Trustee’s Sale Grantor(s): MARC EDWARD JERKOVICH, AN UNMARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE ESTATE Grantee(s): FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, as Trustee Original beneficiary of the deed of trust: COLUMBIA STATE BANK Current beneficiary of the deed of trust: WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF STANWICH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST I Current trustee of the deed of trust: CLEAR RECON CORP Current mortgage servicer of the deed of trust: Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC Reference number of the deed of trust: 200505311752 Parcel number(s): 0120025041 LOT 4, SHORT PLAT, REC. 8206070284 I. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, CLEAR RECON CORP, 601 West 1st Avenue, Suite 1400, Spokane, WA 99201, Trustee will on 9/23/2022 at 10:00 AM The 2ND floor entry plaza outside the County Courthouse, 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402 sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder, payable, in the form of cash, or cashier’s check or certified checks from federally or State chartered banks, at the time of sale, the following described real property, situated in the County of Pierce, State of Washington, to-wit: LOT 4 OF PIERCE COUNTY SHORT PLAT, ACCORDING TO PLAT RECORDED JUNE 7, 1982 UNDER RECORDING NO. 8206070284, IN PIERCE COUNTY, WASHINGTON. Commonly known as: 634 6TH AVE FOX ISLAND, WA 98333 which is subject to that certain Deed of Trust dated 5/25/2005, recorded 5/31/2005, as Auditor’s File No. 200505311752, records of Pierce County, Washington, from MARC EDWARD JERKOVICH, AN UNMARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE ESTATE, as Grantor(s), to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY, as Trustee, to secure an obligation in favor of COLUMBIA STATE BANK, as Beneficiary, the beneficial interest in which was assigned to WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF STANWICH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST I, under an Assignment recorded under Auditor’s File No 202106240134. II. No action commenced by the Beneficiary of the Deed of Trust or the Beneficiary’s successor is now pending to seek satisfaction of the obligation in any Court by reason of the Borrower’s or Grantor’s default on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust/Mortgage. III. The default(s) for which this foreclosure is made is/are as follows: Failure to pay when due the following amounts which are now in arrears: $50,784.10 IV. The sum owing on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust is: The principal sum of $126,263.93, together with interest as provided in the Note from 11/1/2019, and such other costs and fees as are provided by statute. V. The above described real property will be sold to satisfy the expense of sale and the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust as provided by statute. Said sale will be made without warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances on 9/23/2022. The defaults referred to in Paragraph III must be cured by 9/12/2022, (11 days before the sale date) to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time before 9/12/2022 (11 days before the sale) the default as set forth in Paragraph III is cured and the Trustee’s fees and costs are paid. Payment must be in cash or with cashiers or certified checks from a State or federally chartered bank. The sale may be terminated any time after the 9/12/2022 (11 days before the sale date) and before the sale, by the Borrower or Grantor or the or the Grantor’s successor interest or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance by paying the principal and interest secured by the Deed of Trust, plus costs, fees and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/or Deed of Trust and curing all other defaults. VI. A written Notice of Default was transmitted by the Beneficiary or Trustee to the Borrower and Grantor at the following address(es): SEE ATTACHED EXHIBIT “1” by both first class and certified mail on 4/4/2022, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and the Borrower and Grantor were personally served, if applicable, with said written Notice of Default or the written Notice of Default was posted in a conspicuous place on the real property described in Paragraph I above, and the Trustee has possession of proof of such service or posting. VII. The Trustee whose name and address are set forth below will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale. VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above-described property. IX. Anyone having any objections to this sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustee’s sale. X. NOTICE TO OCCUPANTS OR TENANTS – The purchaser at the trustee’s sale is entitled to possession of the property on the 20th day following the sale, as against the grantor under the Deed of Trust (the owner) and anyone having an interest junior to the Deed of Trust, including occupants who are not tenants. After the 20th day following the sale the purchaser has the right to evict occupants who are not tenants by summary proceedings under chapter 59.12 RCW. For tenant-occupied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060. If you are a servicemember or a dependent of a servicemember, you may be entitled to certain protections under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and any comparable state laws regarding the risk of foreclosure. If you believe you may be entitled to these protections, please contact our office immediately. THIS NOTICE IS THE FINAL STEP BEFORE THE FORECLOSURE SALE OF YOUR HOME. You have only 20 DAYS from the recording date on this notice to pursue mediation. DO NOT DELAY. CONTACT A HOUSING COUNSELOR OR AN ATTORNEY LICENSED IN WASHINGTON NOW to assess your situation and refer you to mediation if you are eligible and it may help you save your home. See below for safe sources of help. SEEKING ASSISTANCE Housing counselors and legal assistance may be available at little or no cost to you. If you would like assistance in determining your rights and opportunities to keep your house, you may contact the following: The statewide foreclosure hotline for assistance and referral to housing counselors recommended by the Housing Finance Commission Telephone: 1-877-894-HOME (1-877-894-4663) . Web site: http://www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/homeownership/post_purchase_counselors_foreclosure.htm The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Telephone: 1-800-569-4287 Web site: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/fc/index.cfm?webListAction=search&searchstate=WA&filterSvc=dfc The statewide civil legal aid hotline for assistance and referrals to other housing counselors and attorneys Telephone: 1-800-606-4819 Web site: http://nwjustice.org/what-clear THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: May 05, 2022 CLEAR RECON CORP, as Successor Trustee Monica Chavez, Authorized Signor For additional information or service you may contact: Clear Recon Corp 601 West 1st Avenue, Suite 1400 Spokane, WA 99201 Phone: (206) 707-9599
EXHIBIT “1”
NAME
ADDRESS
MARC EDWARD JERKOVICH 634 6TH AVE
FOX ISLAND, WA 98333
MARC EDWARD JERKOVICH PO BOX 122
FOX ISLAND, WA 98333
IDX955536
08/19/2022 09/09/2022
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2022-08-19T10:35:27+00:00
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tacomadailyindex.com
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https://www.tacomadailyindex.com/blog/re-jerkovich-marc-edward-trustee-sale/2459334/
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Biden decides to keep Space Command in Colorado, rejecting move to Alabama
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has decided to keep U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado, overturning a last-ditch decision by the Trump administration to move it to Alabama. The choice ended months of thorny deliberations, but an Alabama lawmaker vowed to fight on.
U.S. officials told The Associated Press on Monday that Biden was convinced by the head of Space Command, Gen. James Dickinson, who argued that moving his headquarters now would jeopardize military readiness. Dickinson’s view, however, was in contrast to Air Force leadership, who studied the issue at length and determined that relocating to Huntsville, Alabama, was the right move.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details of Biden’s rationale for the decision.
In announcing the plans, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, said the decision was based on an “objective and deliberate process informed by data and analysis.” He said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin supported the president’s decision.
Reaction to the decision came fast and was sharply divided, as Colorado lawmakers praised it and Alabama officials slammed it as a political maneuver. “This fight is far from over,” warned Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
Biden, said the U.S. officials, believes that keeping the command in Colorado Springs would avoid a disruption in readiness that the move would cause, particularly as the U.S. races to compete with China in space. And they said Biden firmly believes that maintaining stability will help the military be better able to respond in space over the next decade. Those factors, they said, outweighed what the president believed would be any minor benefits of moving to Alabama.
Biden’s decision enraged Alabama lawmakers and is sure to fuel accusations that abortion politics played a role in the choice. The location debate has become entangled in the ongoing battle between Alabama Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville and the Defense Department over the move to provide travel for troops seeking reproductive health care. Tuberville opposed the policy is blocking hundreds of military promotions in protest.
The U.S. officials said the abortion issue had no effect at all on Biden’s decision. And they said the president fully expected there would be different views on the matter within the Defense Department.
Tuberville, in a statement, said the top three choices for Space Command headquarters were all in Republican-leaning states — Alabama, Nebraska and Texas — and bypassing them “looks like blatant patronage politics.”
Formally created in August 2019, the command was temporarily based in Colorado, and Air Force and Space Force leaders initially recommended it stay there. In the final days of his presidency Donald Trump decided it should be based in Huntsville.
The change triggered a number of reviews.
Proponents of keeping the command in Colorado have argued that moving it to Huntsville and creating a new headquarters would set back its progress at a time it needs to move quickly to be positioned to match China’s military space rise. And Colorado Springs is also home to the Air Force Academy, which now graduates Space Force guardians, and more than 24 military space missions, including three Space Force bases.
Officials also argued that any new headquarters in Alabama would not be completed until sometime after 2030, forcing a lengthy transition.
Huntsville, however, scored higher than Colorado Springs in a Government Accountability Office assessment of potential locations and has long been a home to some of earliest missiles used in the nation’s space programs, including the Saturn V rocket. It is home to the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command.
According to officials, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, who ordered his own review of the matter, leaned toward Huntsville, while Dickinson was staunchly in favor of staying put. The officials said Austin presented both options to Biden.
In a statement Monday, Kendall said the service will work to quickly implement Biden’s decision, adding that keeping the command in Colorado will “avoid any disruption to its operational capability.”
The decision was hailed as a victory in Colorado lawmakers and condemned in Alabama.
“For two and a half years we’ve known any objective analysis of this basing decision would reach the same conclusion we did, that Peterson Space Force Base is the best home for Space Command,” Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., said in a statement. “Most importantly, this decision firmly rejects the idea that politics — instead of national security — should determine basing decisions central to our national security.”
Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., said the decision “restores integrity to the Pentagon’s basing process and sends a strong message that national security and the readiness of our Armed Forces drive our military decisions.”
Rogers, meanwhile, vowed that his committee will continue an investigation into the matter, calling it a “deliberate taxpayer-funded manipulation of the selection process.” He added, “It’s clear that far-left politics, not national security, was the driving force behind this decision.”
Republican Alabama Sen. Katie Britt echoed his sentiment, saying it was irresponsible for Biden to “yank a military decision out of the Air Force’s hands in the name of partisan politics.” She said an Air Force evaluation of the potential locations ranked Huntsville first, adding that the decision ”should have remained in the Air Force’s purview.”
___
Associated Press writer Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Ala., contributed to this report.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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2023-07-31T23:15:10+00:00
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kaaltv.com
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/us-world-news/biden-decides-to-keep-space-command-in-colorado-rejecting-move-to-alabama/
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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A courthouse in upstate New York was closed for fumigation Tuesday after hundreds of cockroaches were released during an altercation that broke out at an arraignment, according to court officials.
The clash broke out during proceedings in Albany City Court for four people for an arrest at the state Capitol. A defendant who started to film the courtroom proceedings was told to stop. In the altercation that followed, hundreds of cockroaches brought into the courthouse in plastic containers were released, according to the state court system.
The bug release was being investigated while the courthouse was closed for the rest of the day for fumigation.
Court officers arrested a 34-year-old woman in the audience for charges related to the altercation, including disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental administration and tampering with physical evidence.
She was released, and it was not immediately clear whether she had an attorney to speak on her behalf.
“What transpired is not advocacy or activism, it is criminal behavior with the intent to disrupt a proceeding and cause damage,” read a statement from the Office of Court Administration.
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2022-06-08T18:31:45+00:00
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wearegreenbay.com
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https://www.wearegreenbay.com/strange/ap-strange-news/disorder-in-the-court-cockroaches-released-during-hearing/
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Acquisition by Consortium including Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital Paves Way for VICE to Continue Serving Audiences, Brands and Partners with Award-Winning Content
BROOKLYN, N.Y., June 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- VICE Media Group today announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Court") has approved the previously announced asset purchase agreement ("APA") with a consortium of its lenders (the "Investor Group"). The Investor Group includes Fortress Investment Group, Soros Fund Management and Monroe Capital. Pursuant to the APA, which has been amended, the Investor Group has agreed to provide total purchase consideration of approximately $350 million in the form of a credit bid for substantially all of the Company's assets, in addition to the assumption of significant liabilities upon closing.
"VICE is one of the world's most trusted brands in news and entertainment, serving a global youth audience with differentiated premium content, experiences, commerce and creative services through a unique collection of brands, formats and distribution channels," said Bruce Dixon and Hozefa Lokhandwala, VICE's Co-Chief Executive Officers. "Following a robust court-supervised process, we are pleased to receive Court approval for this transaction, which we believe represents the best path forward for VICE. The relationships we have built with our audience, creators, distribution partners, brand and agency constituents are foundational to VICE, and we look forward to strengthening those relationships as we continue to deliver the award-winning storytelling and journalism that VICE is known for."
"VICE produces incredibly compelling and distinctive content that reaches global audiences every single day," said Brian Stewart, Fortress Managing Director. "As VICE moves into its next chapter, we look forward to working closely with the Company's leadership team to execute on its strategy. We have confidence in the management team and believe that the Company is now well-positioned to build on its strong legacy to create significant value for all its stakeholders."
VICE Media Group is a global multi-platform media company with a global reach of over 400 million people. Its Emmy and Peabody award-winning News division is one of the most trusted news sources among Gen Z and its coverage of the war in Ukraine has been watched on TikTok by hundreds of millions of people. Its studio group, including VICE Studios and Pulse Films, produced Bamarush for HBO Max, Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now for Netflix, American Gladiators for ESPN, Gangs of London for Sky, and Tell Me Lies for Hulu. Its award-winning publishing division includes VICE.com, Refinery29 and the fashion bible i-D. Its advertising, commercial and music video teams work with brands and artists including Coke, Target, Harry Styles and Stormzy and created award-winning campaigns such as "Backup Ukraine" and "Unfiltered History." VICE TV is home to shows including Tales from the Territories, produced by Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson and the Dark Side franchise, including Dark Side of the Ring, Dark Side of Comedy and Dark Side of the 90s.
The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close on or around July 7.
Additional Information
Additional information regarding the court-supervised process is available at https://www.vmgrestructuring.com/. Court filings and other information about the claims process are available at https://cases.stretto.com/vice, or by calling the Company's claims agent, Stretto, toll-free at 855-620-5725, or 949-620-1618 for calls originating outside of the U.S., sending an email to ViceInquiries@stretto.com.
Advisors
LionTree and PJT Partners are serving as financial advisors, Shearman & Sterling LLP and Togut, Segal & Segal LLP are serving as legal counsel, and AlixPartners is serving as restructuring advisor to the Company.
Houlihan Lokey is serving as financial advisor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Investor Group.
About VICE Media Group
VICE Media Group is a global multi-platform media company. Launched in 1994, VICE has offices across multiple countries and a focus on five key businesses: An award-winning international network of digital content including VICE.com; VICE Studios, an Oscar-nominated feature film and television production studio; VICE TV, an Emmy-winning international television network; a Peabody and Emmy award-winning News division; and Virtue, a global, full-service creative agency. VICE Media Group's portfolio includes Refinery29, a leading global media and entertainment company focused on women; Pulse Films, a London-based next-generation production studio with an office in Los Angeles; and i-D, a global digital and quarterly magazine defining fashion and contemporary culture and design.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Bing
jonathan.bing@vice.com
(818) 643-0146
or
Dan Moore / Scott Bisang
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
(212) 355-4449
View original content:
SOURCE VICE Media Group
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2023-06-23T16:19:24+00:00
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waff.com
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https://www.waff.com/prnewswire/2023/06/23/court-approves-vice-media-group-purchase-agreement-by-lenders/
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‘Less worries’: Single mom wins $1 million after trip to store to buy thermometer for sick son
LATROBE, Pa. (Gray News) – A single mom in Pennsylvania won $1 million, thanks to a quick stop at the store to buy a thermometer for her sick son.
According to a news release from the Pennsylvania Lottery, certified nursing assistant Diane Babbin won the big prize April 28.
That day, Babbin said her teenage son was sick with a fever, so Babbin asked her mother to go to Shop ‘n Save in Latrobe to pick up a thermometer and a scratch-off ticket.
Babbin and her two teenagers live with her parents.
Babbin said she and her mother always play scratch-offs together.
“My mom ended up scratching the ticket in the car and called me saying, ‘You have to come get me. I can’t drive home.’ I said, ‘What’s wrong?’ She’s a senior, and she was in shock!” Babbin said.
After scratching the ticket, Babbin’s mother saw they had won $1 million.
“My mom apologized that she scratched the ticket without me because we usually scratch them together. When I got there, I asked her about the thermometer, and she was in such shock that she forgot to buy it,” Babbin said.
Babbin collected her prize on May 24. The Shop n’ Save store that sold the winning ticket also received a $5,000 bonus.
Babbin told lottery officials she plans to likely buy a home with the winnings, but for now, “it just means less worries.”
Copyright 2023 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
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2023-05-31T20:20:25+00:00
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wsfa.com
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https://www.wsfa.com/2023/05/31/less-worries-single-mom-wins-1-million-after-trip-store-buy-thermometer-sick-son/
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Pennsylvania officer killed, 2nd wounded; suspect shot dead
BRACKENRIDGE, Pa. (AP) — The man suspected of fatally shooting a Pennsylvania police chief and wounding another officer in confrontations during a foot pursuit near Pittsburgh was killed by police after a chase later Monday, authorities said.
The officers were shot blocks apart in Brackenridge, an Allegheny County town northeast of Pittsburgh. The suspect carjacked a vehicle, and when Pittsburgh detectives later spotted it, he fled, Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns said.
The suspect crashed the vehicle after a car chase, ran into a wooded area and then toward a housing development, and fired at the pursuing detectives, who returned fire and killed him Monday evening, Kearns said.
State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the governor-elect, identified the slain officer in a tweet as Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire, saying he “ran towards danger to keep Pennsylvanians safe — and he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to community.”
Police say the second officer was wounded in the leg and is expected to survive.
Authorities had identified the suspect as Aaron Lamont Swan, 28, of the nearby city of Duquesne. Kearns told reporters that Swan had been sought for a parole violation involving a weapons charge.
Allegheny County Police will investigate the shooting of the suspect, Kearns said.
___
This story has been corrected to reflect that the shootings occurred Monday.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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2023-01-03T04:27:40+00:00
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ksla.com
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https://www.ksla.com/2023/01/03/pennsylvania-officer-killed-2nd-wounded-suspect-shot-dead/
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Hawk freakout of guitarist caught on camera
(CNN) - A young woman recently got the shock of a lifetime while peacefully strumming her guitar at home.
It was a hawk sneaking up on her and her dog and making for a chaotic moment that turned into a viral video.
Watch the video like a hawk, because the hawk on the railing is going to sneak up behind Nikki Kundanmal.
She may be “contemplating giving up guitar,” but the hawk is contemplating dropping in for a snack.
Kundanmal may be blissfully unaware, but her feisty little dog Khushi started going nuts to warn her about the hawk.
“Khush hey! Uh uh, no barking! No barking! Uh uh, hey,” she says.
She notes she “yells out for her roommate who moved out months ago” as her energy drink spills onto her laptop. But the energy in the room only intensifies.
The hawk is screeching, the bowl is flying and then silence reigned. The bird flew the coop.
Commenters called this little TikTok video “a cinematic masterpiece.” Maybe it wasn’t Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” but it left viewers in suspense.
Nikki declined to do an interview, telling CNN “I’ve been very overwhelmed,” but “everything is good here.”
It sure made a hero out of little Khushi, who got off his tushy to defend mom.
Copyright 2023 CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.
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2023-07-06T18:52:05+00:00
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wcjb.com
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https://www.wcjb.com/2023/07/06/hawk-freakout-guitarist-caught-camera/
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Updated September 4, 2022 at 7:30 AM ET
NASHVILLE — Marie met her husband, Shaun Varsos when they both worked at a movie theater in Nashville in 2006 or so. A few years later, that movie theater flooded and was turned into a shooting range where the two would go shoot guns together.
That anecdote took on a tragic irony when Marie's brother, Alex Youn, got a phone call the morning of April 12, 2021.
"Shaun had shot Marie and my mother," he says.
Alex lost his mother, Debbie Sisco, 60, and his younger sister, Marie Varsos, 31, the people to whom he was closest - in an instant.
In the month leading up to their tragic deaths, records left by Marie show that she had exhausted every option available to victims of domestic violence to try and prevent what she saw coming.
But the system was not enough to protect her.
Marie had left a trail of the domestic violence that led to her death at the hands of her husband
Alex remembers being overcome with grief. It was like being trapped in some horribly tragic movie.
"It just hasn't seemed real and it still doesn't seem real," Alex, 37, says. "It's been hard to sort of process it."
He flew from San Francisco where he lives now back home to Nashville. To try and cope, he kept himself busy. He had so much to get done - planning their funerals, and settling their estates.
It was during this process that Alex found something that spurred him to turn that grief into action.
He remembers opening his sister Marie's laptop. It was locked. But then there, by the track pad, was a sticky note. With her computer password on it.
"It was almost like a sign that she wanted me to have access to her computer," Alex says.
And on that computer, Marie had been documenting her husband Shaun Varsos' abuse and her efforts to escape it.
She left notes to herself. She had texts from Shaun. She even made audio recordings of some of their fights, and Shaun's threats.
"It sort of really sort of weirdly turned into a solving a murder mystery," Alex says.
Marie had left a trail.
And her brother decided he was going to follow it, retracing the steps Marie took to get protection from law enforcement, and the courts.
"And through that process, I discovered the irregularities, the loopholes and the failures in the system," Alex says.
Failures that he believes led to the deaths of his sister, and their mother, Debbie Sisco.
Her family called the police to report the abuse but dispatchers said there was no one to help at the moment
Marie's attempts to get help from law enforcement and the courts began on March 7, 2021. Marie and Shaun had a horrible argument.
In recordings found on Marie's computer, she shouts, "Stop! Don't put your hands on me!" Shaun then wrapped his hands around her neck, choking her until she passes out.
When she came to, he was holding a gun to her head. She told police that he threatened to kill her, her family and himself.
Experts say strangulation and threats with a gun are two of the biggest warning signs that a domestic violence case could become lethal. And the police should have responded urgently.
But they didn't.
Marie escaped from Shaun. An hour later, she and her family sat in a pickup truck outside an empty police station, trying to file a police report. Bruises were forming on Marie's neck. Her mom, Debbie, was in the backseat, comforting her.
But when they called the police, they were told by dispatchers that they would have to wait.
"They're working on getting out there to you. There's just nobody in the precinct right now," the dispatcher says. "So what's going to happen is a patrol car is going to have to free up from whatever they're doing and come to. But they do have to take those life threatening emergencies first."
Alex, Marie, and their mom, Debbie, were in disbelief. Didn't her case qualify as life-threatening?
Alex kept calling. For hours. His frustration grew and grew.
"My sister was choked out when she passed out and her husband threatened to shoot her ... my patience is gone"
"I'm trying to be as appreciative and waiting as long as possible," Alex says to dispatchers. "But my sister was choked out when she passed out and her husband threatened to shoot her and threatened to shoot himself. So my patience is gone."
"That timeframe was completely unacceptable for response time to a victim," Metro Nashville Police Capt. Kevin Lovell later told Alex. Since Marie's death, Lovell says domestic violence calls are categorized differently to get victims help quicker.
Eventually, Marie was able to file a police report that night and get a temporary order of protection from the court. Shaun was charged with assault and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
He was summoned by the sheriff's office the very next day to pick up the order. But he walked in and out of the office without being arrested. The sheriff's department says when they ran Shaun's name, they didn't see any warrants ... even though one had been issued the night before.
It wasn't until days later, when Marie notified law enforcement of Shaun's location, that he was actually taken into custody.
"That has definitely been an issue that has come up many times; is the separateness of the work that the sheriff's department does and the work of the Metro police," says Susan Tucker-Smith, with the Office of the District Attorney Nashville-Davidson County.
The sheriff's department says it has added one more step to its process to notify the police in cases like Shaun's.
And then another mistake: Shaun was accidentally released early.
And another: Marie was never notified - even though she signed up for the state's victim notification system. A sheriff's deputy failed to follow through and would later be disciplined for it.
Records show Marie even tried to fix the department's mistake.
"I never got a notification, or a missed call, or anything that that happened so I just want to make sure my contact info was correct," she says in a call to the city's non-emergency line later that week.
And then there were the guns - the court ordered Shaun to give them up.
But Tennessee has no method to enforce that ruling. Part of the problem is that someone who has been ordered to turn in their guns can give them to a licensed firearms dealer, law enforcement or — the most potentially dangerous option — a third party like a friend or a relative.
"We're saying we trust you to give this gun to someone, and not to steal it back or have access to it whenever you want or for that third party to just give it back to them," says Becky Bullard of Nashville's Office of Family Safety, which works with domestic violence victims.
In Shaun's case, he said he was going to give his guns to his dad, but there is no documentation of that ever happening.
On April 12 of last year, Shaun took his guns, zip ties, and battery acid to Marie's mom's house. He waited outside in a rental car.
Marie and Debbie spotted him and tried to run away. But he shot them on their neighbors lawn.
Then he shot and killed himself.
In Nashville, nearly half of suspects in domestic violence homicides were prohibited from having access to a gun.
Tennessee has one of the highest rates of women killed by men, ranking 10th in the United States. Experts say guns play a big role in that statistic; in domestic violence situations, the risk of death is five times greater when a gun is present.
"We are not waiting for a homicide to happen," says Bullard of Nashville's Office of Family Safety. "They have happened and they are happening — they continue to happen — with individuals who should never have a weapon."
Domestic violence victims face similar barriers because when abusers are determined it's hard to stop them
These barriers that Marie faced are not unique to Nashville.
It's a challenge for domestic violence victims all over the country, says Ruth Glenn of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
"If they fall through the cracks or their needs aren't being addressed or something really bad happens," Glenn says. "It's mostly because they're a domestic violence victim, and our systems are not set up as properly as they could be to address the unique needs of every domestic violence victim."
To protect victims, Glenn says there needs to be a coordinated response. But they interact with so many separate agencies that don't work together it creates a safety net with too many holes in it.
And as Marie's case illustrates, that's a problem — especially because domestic violence abusers are incredibly determined, Glenn says.
"When they decide that something bad is going to happen, it's almost impossible to stop them," Glenn says. "They will cut off a GPS. They will go put a false record to get a gun. They will sit in the dark for two hours. The list goes on and on."
Pushing through legislation to protect domestic violence victims is challenging
Glenn says pushing through legislation to protect domestic violence victims is not easy. Federally, it took three years of negotiations for Congress to finally reauthorize the violence against women act.
And here in Tennessee, Alex took everything he learned about his sister's case and brought it to the state Capitol last session.
"I wanted to make sure ..."Alex said to a room full of representatives, his voice catching. "I wanted to make sure that no one — no family — had to endure what we had to go through."
In the end, Alex helped write four bills. But because of concerns about expenses, or implementation, only one became a law. It requires more communication between sheriff's offices and the police.
But Alex says it's not enough.
"For them, they view it as one thing that went wrong with their agency," Alex says, "but coupled together there are like eight things that went wrong for this person that is dealing with the government to try and get the help they needed."
Alex says he will return to Tennessee's state capitol as many times as it takes to close the gaps that Marie fell through. For him, the fight for justice has only just begun.
Copyright 2022 WPLN News
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2022-09-07T23:09:58+00:00
|
mtpr.org
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https://www.mtpr.org/2022-08-29/his-mom-and-sister-were-killed-by-domestic-violence-now-hes-trying-to-help-others
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After sifting through the numbers from a 2020 National Science Foundation report, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has determined it ranks among the nation’s top 100 public research universities.
E. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president, shared the news Wednesday during the annual State of the University address.
“Coming on the heels of our R1 designation, this is exceptional news worth celebrating and it’s a headline that all of you helped to write,” Savoie said.
UL Lafayette’s rise to the ranks of the nation’s top public research universities is based on data from the National Science Foundation.
The University expended $164 million on R&D in 2020, which ranked it 134th among the 655 institutions included in the Higher Education Research and Development Survey. The HERD Survey is NSF’s annual index of research spending at U.S. public and private colleges and universities.
Among public universities on the HERD Survey, UL Lafayette ranks 94th.
The announcement was among several milestones related to the University’s research capacity that Savoie shared with faculty and staff members during the presentation. The State of the University is held at the start of the fall semester and marks the beginning of the new academic year.
The University’s research and development expenditures set a record at $181.4 million last year – an “incredible” 193% increase in R&D spending at UL Lafayette in eight years, Savoie said.
The University’s R&D expenditures increased by from $62 million to $181.4 million between 2013 and 2021, the HERD Survey said: An increase of $119 million. During that same period, UL Lafayette marked slightly more than $1 billion in R&D spending, Savoie announced.
UL Lafayette competes against other universities for federal and state grants, and private sector contracts. The University acts as a steward for the funds awarded to faculty and staff researchers.
“This money comes to us from state and federal funding agencies and through partnerships with business and industry because of the reputation this University has for consequential work that answers the greatest questions we face as a global community,” Savoie said. “Because these dollars have an effect that ripples beyond campus – into our region and into businesses and into the tax base – this figure represents an infusion into the local economy that is extraordinary.”.
NSF has not released UL Lafayette’s HERD Survey ranking for 2021 that will be based on the $181.4 million total.
Fall semester classes begin at UL Lafayette on Monday.
|
2022-08-17T21:38:36+00:00
|
theadvocate.com
|
https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/education/article_a4043e38-1e56-11ed-a278-bf8327225989.html
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TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas’ governor and top state lawmakers were to meet Thursday to consider a proposed legal settlement between the state and the owner of a Wichita fitness studio forced to shut down during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic and then operate under restrictions.
The lawsuit argued that the state used Floyd’s and his business’ private property “for the benefit of the general public” when it and local officials imposed restrictions to check the spread of COVID-19. Statewide restrictions started with Kelly's order shutting down most businesses for five weeks, starting in late March 2020.
The lawsuit cited part of the state’s emergency management law that says people can seek compensation in court if their property is “commandeered or otherwise used” by state or local officials. There’s been no ruling on whether shutting down or restricting a business represents a use of its property.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, Omega Bootcamps received two pandemic relief loans totaling about $24,000 in 2020 and 2021. Regarding his lawsuit, Floyd has said he wants an appraiser to be appointed to set the amount of damages.
State officials did not disclose details of the settlement ahead of Kelly’s meeting with top lawmakers, and state Attorney General Kris Kobach’s office did not immediately respond to an email requesting details. Ryan Kriegshauser, an attorney representing Floyd and his business, said he couldn’t discuss details of the settlement before the meeting.
Kobach, a Republican, was elected attorney general last year but served as secretary of state, Kansas’ top elections official, from 2011 to 2019, and Kriegshauser worked for him as an attorney and policy deputy in 2011-12. Lawyers outside the attorney general’s office have handled the state’s defense in the lawsuit.
The Kansas meeting came the same day as the formal end of the U.S. national public health emergency for COVID-19. In Kansas, Republican legislative leaders forced an end to a state of emergency in June 2021, about three months earlier than Kelly wanted. The Legislature also whittled away at the power of the governor and local officials to close or restrict businesses or impose mask mandates during pandemics.
The state health department reported 485 new cases and 18 new deaths in the seven days ending Wednesday, an average of 69 new cases a day. The state has reported nearly 946,000 cases and more than 10,200 deaths since its first reported case in early March 2020 — one case for every three residents and one death for every 287 residents.
The lawsuit was put on hold by the judge in 2021 so that Kriegshauser could urge Kansas lawmakers to use federal COVID-19 relief funds to compensate small businesses for their financial losses during the pandemic. Republican lawmakers approved a plan that could have set aside tens of millions of dollars, but Kelly vetoed it, arguing that the “well-intentioned” measure violated a national coronavirus relief law.
In 2022, Kelly and lawmakers agreed on providing up to $50 million worth of refunds on the local property taxes paid by retail “storefront” businesses shut down or restricted during the pandemic. But critics have said the process of getting the aid is difficult and a $5,000 cap discourages businesses from applying.
___
Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna
|
2023-05-11T18:45:25+00:00
|
washingtonpost.com
|
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/11/covid19-pandemic-restrictions-business-lawsuit-kansas/3f8f9a40-f026-11ed-b67d-a219ec5dfd30_story.html
|
For years, fans have wanted to see British actor Idris Elba onscreen as the coveted 007 agent James Bond. But comments from Elba and the producers of the franchise suggest it might not happen.
Elba said on an episode of HBO's "The Shop" that although he wants to act for the rest of his life, "it is not a goal for my career."
"I don't think that playing Bond will satisfy some of my personal goals," he said. "It will definitely satisfy the will of a nation, I'm not going to lie. Every corner of the world I go...they always go, 'Bond.' And I feel it is beyond me at this juncture."
He said the idea of him being the first Black Bond could help conversations about diversifying casting, though.
Daniel Craig's Bond died in the most recent iteration, No Time To Die, so the search is on. But the producers understand Elba's hesitance, they told Variety.
"We love Idris," producer Barbara Broccoli said. "The thing is, it's going to be a couple of years off. And when we cast Bond, it's a 10-, 12-year commitment. So he's probably thinking, 'Do I really want that thing?' Not everybody wants to do that."
That won't stop people from wishing, though.
"If it's not you, I don't want to see it," said actress Drew Barrymore, who was also a guest on the episode.
Elba asked why, to which Barrymore said, "Can you be strong and charming and sexy, and seem like a friend, be intimidating? How many characteristics can one person embody, but be utterly unique at the same time? You are that."
Elba's career has spanned almost three decades, in roles that have ranged from Marvel and DC Comics movies (Thor and Suicide Squad, respectively), hit TV shows (The Wire, Luther, The Office) and the voice of children's characters (Finding Dory, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Zootopia).
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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2022-09-22T15:43:42+00:00
|
kgou.org
|
https://www.kgou.org/arts-and-entertainment/2022-09-22/fans-have-wanted-idris-elba-to-play-james-bond-for-years-but-it-likely-wont-happen
|
Rochester hosts Children’s Business Fair
ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Some local students had to opportunity to to launch their very own startup business at the Rochester Children’s Business Fair.
Saturday, around 20 students gathered outside the The Daniel Christian Academy to set up booths around the parking lot.
The students attend public, private and home school all in the southeast Minnesota area.
At each booth, students sold items they made themselves. Students sold baked goods, jewelry, beauty products and even comic books.
For months, the kids worked on developing their brand, creating their product, and building a marketing strategy, and Saturday was the big day to show off and sell their items.
“Even at their young age, they can offer something and they can sell and they can start from nothing and they can grow it into something. You never know what it will be, but even more than that, they’re building character development and skills that will serve them no matter where they go in life,” Rochester Children’s Fair organizer Brittny Major-Elechi said.
To get prepared for the fair, some students took classes through a local business club to learn more about business. The next Rochester Children’s Business Fair is next spring where students will focus on education.
Copyright 2022 KTTC. All rights reserved.
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2022-10-02T01:11:14+00:00
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kttc.com
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https://www.kttc.com/2022/10/02/rochester-hosts-childrens-business-fair/
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The combination of Deltek + TIP Technologies will accelerate Deltek's capabilities for aerospace & defense and engineer to order manufacturers
HERNDON, Va., Sept. 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, announced that it has completed its acquisition of TIP Technologies – the leading provider of quality, compliance and manufacturing execution solutions for the highly regulated aerospace and defense (A&D) and government contracting industry. The agreement to acquire TIP Technologies was announced on Thursday, July 14.
With this acquisition, Deltek will add quality management system (QMS) and manufacturing execution system (MES) capabilities to its portfolio of ERP and manufacturing solutions for government contractors, aerospace & defense (A&D) and Engineer to Order (E2O) firms. For decades, Deltek has offered award-winning solutions to government contractors of all sizes. With the combination of Deltek + TIP Technologies, the company will provide the most comprehensive solutions for government contractors and in particular, aerospace & defense and engineer to order firms.
"Joining forces with Deltek is a strategic milestone for TIP Technologies and we look forward to seeing how our businesses and solutions can progress together," said Mike Miller, founder and CEO of TIP Technologies. "We are thrilled to now be a part of Deltek and I want to thank all our TIP Technologies employees and all the parties involved that helped us complete this acquisition."
"Having already partnered with TIP Technologies for years, we are confident that the team's knowledge and strength in complex manufacturing is the perfect complement to Deltek's government contracting solutions. Together with TIP Technologies, we now offer the most complete integrated ERP, QMS and MES solutions for government contractors to meet strict federal government compliance requirements. We are thrilled to begin this journey together with the TIP Technologies team," said Mike Corkery, President and CEO at Deltek. "While Deltek is excited to add TIP Technologies to its existing portfolio of purpose-built solutions for government contractors, we do remain committed to supporting the needs of the A&D firms using third party ERP solutions."
Deltek + TIP Technologies will be highlighted in sessions and demos this November at Deltek's annual user conference, Deltek ProjectCon. Attendees will get a first-hand look at the solution and can also meet one-on-one with experts. Find out more about Deltek ProjectCon or read more about Deltek + TIP Technologies on Deltek.com.
About Deltek
Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management, and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. www.deltek.com
About TIP Technologies
Founded in 1989, TIP Technologies was one of the first to provide integrated quality assurance software using a commercial, off-the-shelf strategy. Now a recognized leader in the industry, TIP Technologies continues to develop highly respected software that is used by some of the world's largest corporations. For more information: www.tiptech.com
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Deltek
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2022-09-26T16:08:48+00:00
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ksla.com
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https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2022/09/26/deltek-completes-its-acquisition-tip-technologies/
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It's summer -- and Blake Lively is having a blast. The actress took to Instagram ahead of her 35th birthday with a picturesque snap of herself poolside.
The star smiled in a white bikini against a backdrop of palm trees and sunshine. "Summer lovin’ …had me a blast," she captioned the post, a reference to Grease's "Summer Nights."
Lively's comment section was filled with compliments, including from celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, who wrote back, "With a body like that I’d have a blast all year round."
"Ok smoke show," her sister, Robyn Lively, commented.
As for her husband, Ryan Reynolds, the Deadpool star weighed in with a punchline -- as he's known to do. "Wrexham is the Ibiza of Wales," the actor quipped, seemingly revealing the photo was taken abroad.
While it's unclear what brought the star to the U.K., the reason is possibly connected to Reynolds' newly debuted Hulu docuseries, Welcome to Wrexham. The show chronicles his and Rob McElhenney's new ownership of the Wrexham Association Football Club in Wales.
Reynolds recently shared photos of himself at the club's stadium. Wrote the actor, "Made it to church on time. @wrexham_afc."
In addition to Lively's 35th birthday, she and Reynolds have another special occasion coming up: their 10th wedding anniversary. The couple is set to celebrate the milestone on Sept. 9.
"I'm paired up with my best friend," he recently told ET. "When that happens, you recognize how unbelievably lucky you are."
RELATED CONTENT:
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2022-08-25T22:30:27+00:00
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ktvb.com
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https://www.ktvb.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-tonight/blake-lively-rocks-a-white-bikini-poolside-see-ryan-reynolds-comment/603-4be1c747-0c80-44b7-b96e-ea57d433ece9
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HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) — U.S. authorities on Thursday expanded slots to seek asylum at land crossings with Mexico through a mobile app for the second time in less than a month, seeking to dispel doubts it isn’t a viable option.
There are now 1,250 appointments at eight land crossings, up from 1,000 previously and 740 in early May.
The increase “reflects our commitment to continue to expand lawful options for migrants,” said Blas Nuñez-Neto, the Homeland Security Department’s assistant secretary for border and immigration policy. “We’ll continue to expand appointments at the border as our operations allow in terms of capacity.”
Nuñez-Neto called CBP One a “safe and orderly option” during a visit to Harlingen, Texas. He announced the expansion a week after Texas sued to end what the state government considers an illegal method of boosting immigration.
Demand has far outstripped supply from the Jan. 12 start, prompting many to consider crossing the border illegally or giving up. Enrique Lucero, migrant affairs director for the city of Tijuana, said the latest increase would have little impact considering how many are waiting.
“It’s not a big deal,” he said. “It’s still very low and not enough for the pent-up demand.”
After pandemic-related asylum restrictions ended May 11, the Biden administration continued its embrace of a carrot-and-stick approach to the border, introducing a general ban on asylum for people who travel through other countries, like Mexico, and enter the U.S. illegally.
U.S. authorities are trying to funnel people to “legal pathways” like CBP One and parole for up to 30,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who apply online with a financial sponsor and arrive by air.
CBP One is for people of any nationality who apply in central and northern and northern Mexico and enter by land.
The expansion on Thursday was met with with cautious optimism and mild indifference among some of the 150 people, mostly families with young children, camped on a sidewalk at a border crossing where Tijuana leads to San Diego, hoping U.S. officials admit them without a CBP One appointment.
They said it appeared authorities were allowing about one family every several hours, enough to create a growing bottleneck over the last week as word spread it was an alternative.
Carlos Vasquez, 25, reached southern Mexico from Honduras in January with his pregnant wife and their 4-year-old daughter and started trying daily on the app once he was in central Mexico. He became frustrated and, on Monday, began sleeping at the border camp, hoping U..S. officials would take mercy on his family.
Vasquez said the increase to 1,250 a day was good news but not enough for a major impact.
“We are many and there are few chosen,” he said.
Sergio Hernandez, 35, scored an appointment on May 24 after more than five months of daily effort. The appointments are scheduled up to two weeks out.
Hernandez, a Guatemalan who plans to seek asylum while living with a childhood friend in Kansas City, Missouri, said he had received countless “system error” messages before confirming a slot. He was once given a date on his phone screen but email confirmation never arrived.
“They keep improving it little by little,” he said.
Hernandez, who was traveling alone, said perceptions persist that larger families are at a disadvantage, which U.S. officials deny.
Beatriz Melchor, 47, said she would wait to see if the latest increase has an impact. She has been trying the app for about six weeks with her husband and son and said changes announced in early May have produced no noticeable benefit.
The changes included giving higher priority to asylum-seekers who have been trying the app longest and making appointments available throughout the day instead of all at once, which created mad rushes.
“We have more than a month trying and there are people here nine days, four days, and they get their appointments,” she said.
Melchor said returning to her hometown in the Mexican state of Guerrero wasn’t an option. Criminals blocked exits and entrances and she had to escape. If the mobile app doesn’t work, she is prepared to wait, though she said Tijuana is unsafe.
___
Spagat reported from Tijuana, Mexico.
|
2023-06-02T07:39:09+00:00
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wivb.com
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https://www.wivb.com/news/u-s-headlines/us-expands-slots-for-asylum-app-at-land-crossings-as-demand-overwhelms-supply/
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WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Governor Baker will be in Westfield Tuesday, with Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, at Westfield Technical Academy to announce the latest round of Skills Capital Grants.
Later, the Governor will join Congressman Richard Neal and other state and local officials at Barnes Air National Guard Base to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new main gate, followed by the ribbon cutting for a new taxiway.
|
2022-09-27T10:21:55+00:00
|
wwlp.com
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https://www.wwlp.com/news/gov-baker-to-appear-in-westfield-tuesday/
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Enthusiasm for sedans may be waning across the globe, but the body style is still popular in the U.S. And one of the most popular sedans is the Honda Accord which in 2021 managed to rack up a respectable 202,676 sales.
Honda has now introduced a redesigned Accord which will reach dealerships next January as a 2023 model, and with two powertrain options, one of which is a hybrid.
The 11th-generation Accord is based on a modular platform known as the Honda Architecture. It’s stiffer and more rigid than the platform in the outgoing Accord, which should result in improved handling and ride. The platform also supports hybrid technology, and Honda expects half of the Accord’s buyers to opt for the electrified option.
The standard powertrain is a 1.5-liter turbo-4 generating 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated exclusively to a CVT. The hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-liter turbo-4 with a two-motor hybrid system that acts as a transmission. It’s good for 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. In both cases drive is to the front wheels only.
The length of the 2023 Accord measures 195.7 inches, which is up about three inches compared to the outgoing model. The wheelbase, at 111.4 inches, is also up about an inch, which should translate into more interior space.
Inside, the design is a close match to the latest Civic and CR-V, with a mesh-like trim piece running across much of the dash below a standard 7.0-inch or available 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The larger screen adds wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while the smaller screen still requires use of a cord. Digital gauges are displayed on a 10.2-inch screen.
Other tech features include in-built Google apps (Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play) on certain grades, wireless charging for mobile devices, support for over-the-air updates, and multiple electronic driver-assist features including automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.
Pricing information for the 2023 Accord will be announced closer to the market launch. As a guide, the 2022 model starts at $26,485, including destination.
Production for the U.S. market will be handled at Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio.
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2022-11-10T21:39:33+00:00
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texomashomepage.com
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https://www.texomashomepage.com/automotive/internet-brands/bigger-more-high-tech-honda-accord-arrives-for-2023/
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Who are they? Squirrels. As climate change is making extreme heat events more common, these bright-eyed and bushy-tailed critters are "splooting" to cope.
"They're trying to find a cool space, and if they can put as much of their core body on to a cool space, then the heat is going to transfer from their bodies to the other surface. So in the case of squirrels, you'll often see them maybe on a shady sidewalk, or a park path, or in the grass, just splayed out."
Sploot like nobody’s watching. pic.twitter.com/31iGceEoQp
— National Park Service (@NatlParkService) June 5, 2023
What's the big deal? Splooting squirrels are popping up all over social media. And while it may seem goofy and cute (it is), splooting can be a sign that squirrels are experiencing temperatures much higher than what they're used to. Climate change is making things worse.
What's next? You can expect to see more splooting while extreme heat persists. But splooting can only do so much to cool squirrels down.
"Just like with humans. Sweating works really well a lot of the time. But if it's too humid outside and the water won't evaporate, you can sweat all you want but it won't evaporate off you and draw that heat away."
"For every kind of thermal regulatory mechanism, there is a point at which it doesn't work anymore, and that depends on environmental temperature. So it's going to get harder and harder for squirrels to sploot effectively – for humans to sweat effectively – as temperatures rise."
Learn more:
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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2023-06-29T21:10:13+00:00
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kgou.org
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https://www.kgou.org/science-technology-and-environment/2023-06-29/the-heat-is-making-squirrels-sploot-a-goofy-act-that-signals-something-serious
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(CNN) — A 76-year-old woman is in custody after fatally shooting her terminally ill husband in the head in what police say was an intended murder-suicide at a hospital in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Saturday.
The terminally ill man, 77, was hospitalized at the Advent Health Hospital and made a plan with his wife three weeks ago to “end it” should his health get worse, Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari E. Young said in a news conference. Police did not specify the man’s illness.
The man intended to turn the gun on himself but was physically too weak to do so, police said. His wife, who intended to take her own life after, said she “couldn’t go through with it,” according to Young.
The woman then barricaded herself in the hospital room.
Officers responded to the hospital shortly after 11:30 a.m. and hostage negotiators made contact with the woman, whose identity hasn’t been released. She was taken into police custody at approximately 3 p.m., Young said.
Keeping other patients on the 11th floor, where the situation took place, was a “logistical nightmare” as many patients were on ventilators and could not be easily evacuated, he added.
The woman is in custody and could be awaiting a first-degree murder charge, according to Young.
“She’s very sad, it’s a tough situation,” Young said.
It’s unclear how the woman entered the hospital with a gun and if the hospital had a metal detection security system. The exact gun used in the shooting also remains unclear.
CNN reached out to AdventHealth for comment.
There is no longer a police presence at the hospital, according to Young.
Dr. Joshua Horenstein, a cardiologist at Advent Health Hospital, was working in the emergency department when he learned of the shooting incident.
“Someone came in screaming in the emergency department that this was not a drill and to shelter in place,” Horenstein told CNN while hiding in a supply room with a nurse.
Horenstein said he was finally able to leave the supply room after roughly 90 minutes.
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2023-01-23T01:20:49+00:00
|
wishtv.com
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https://www.wishtv.com/news/national/an-elderly-florida-couples-murder-suicide-agreement-ended-with-a-shooting-at-a-daytona-beach-hospital/
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The NBA-leading Boston Celtics will be without All-Star Jaylen Brown when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
Brown collided with teammate Jayson Tatum while both players were chasing down a rebound in the second quarter of Boston’s 106-99 victory over Philadelphia on Wednesday. Tatum’s right elbow hit Brown on the left side of his face during the collision. Brown left the game and did not return.
Multiple reports said Brown could be out through the All-Star break. The Celtics have four games remaining before the Feb. 17-19 break.
Brown was recently named an Eastern Conference reserve for this year’s NBA All-Star Game. He’s averaging 26.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game this season.
“I hope he’s all right,” Tatum said after the game. “We both went for the rebound, collided … just a freak accident. I feel terrible, so I hope he’s going to be all right.”
Tatum is listed as questionable for Friday with a non-COVID illness, while Marcus Smart (ankle) will miss his ninth straight game. The good news for the Celtics is that Al Horford (knee swelling) and Robert Williams III (ankle sprain) were both upgraded to probable for Friday after missing Wednesday’s win.
The Celtics added Mike Muscala before Thursday’s trade deadline in a deal with the Thunder, shipping Justin Jackson and draft picks to Oklahoma City.
Boston’s depth was on display during Wednesday’s win against Philadelphia. Despite missing three Smart, Horford and Williams, the Celtics received 41 points from their bench players and had six players score in double figures.
Blake Griffin made five 3-pointers, including his first three 3-point attempts. The Celtics, who have won four of their last five, made 19 of their 35 3-point attempts overall.
“I think we go into situations like this with the utmost trust and comfortability because of our depth and the character of our guys,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “Payton (Pritchard), Blake, the whole crew. You can always count on them. I thought Blake did a great job giving us presence and just giving us a lift at the beginning of the game.”
Charlotte enters Friday’s matchup on a five-game losing streak and has lost its last six road games.
It will be the fourth time the Hornets and Celtics have played this season. Tatum scored 51 points in the last meeting, a 130-118 Boston victory on Jan. 16. Jalen McDaniels, who was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday in a three-team deal, led Charlotte with 26 points in the loss.
In the McDaniels trade, the Hornets received Svi Mykhailiuk and two second-round picks and the Portland Trail Blazers landed Matisse Thybulle.
The Celtics also beat the Hornets 140-105 in Boston on Nov. 28 and 122-106 on the road Jan. 14.
Charlotte, which is fighting with Detroit to stay out of the bottom spot in the Eastern Conference standings, is coming off Wednesday’s 118-104 loss to Washington. The game was tied at halftime, but the Wizards took control by outscoring the Hornets 27-15 in the third quarter.
Washington’s Kristaps Porzingis scored 36 points and matched his career high by making eight 3-pointers.
“We just didn’t come out in the third quarter with the same offensive purpose and energy … and Porzingis obviously got going,” Charlotte coach Steve Clifford said. “We made two mistakes at the end of the first half (that) led to two wide-open 3s for him and kind of got him going, which is what happens with a lot of primary scorers.”
Charlotte ranks last in the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage (32.1 percent).
–Field Level Media
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2023-02-10T22:14:52+00:00
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krqe.com
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https://www.krqe.com/sports/nba-basketball/celtics-missing-key-pieces-while-hornets-try-to-avoid-last-place/
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Which coffee maker is better?
For coffee drinkers, a coffee maker is an essential part of the home, letting you have your caffeinated beverage exactly when and how you want it. While some drinkers prefer a single-serve coffee pod, others opt to drink fresh drip coffee brewed right into a pot with a standard coffee maker.
Keurig and Mr. Coffee, two of the industry leaders, offer both types of machines, as well as some products that include both options. Here’s what to know about Keurig and Mr. Coffee to find the best coffee maker.
Keurig
Keurig is credited with popularizing single-serve coffee pods called K-Cups, introducing its first machine in 1998. It partnered with popular brands such as Starbucks and sold cups of tea and hot chocolate alongside various flavors of coffee.
The Keurig machine lineup is now diversified, however. While most still exclusively use pods, some machines also let you brew drip coffee.
Keurig pros
- Convenience: Keurig champions ease of use; it only takes minutes to pop in a pod, hit brew and enjoy your coffee.
- Supply: K-cups are made by a wide range of popular brands and offer an array of exciting flavors. They are not exclusive to a single online website or retail store.
- Colors: Some models come in a few colors, including bold red and pastel blue that may accentuate or complement kitchen decor.
Keurig cons
- Size: While Keurig offers a few compact machines, most are bulky and tall. You’ll need to mind the cabinets above, as Keurig machines are top-loading.
- Price: Keurig’s smallest machines are mid-range in price compared to competitors. Its largest machines exceed the price of competitors’ top-of-the-line products.
- Waste: K-Cups are single-use only. Most communities cannot recycle K-Cup pods, so they make for a great deal of waste.
Best Keurigs
This large, versatile machine lets you use both K-Cups and ground coffee to make your drink. A large water reservoir, auto-brew programming and strong brew personalize offer convenience. Sold by Keurig, Amazon and Kohl’s
This compact machine brews from a single pod quickly and easily. With its small footprint, it can live on the counter or be stored conveniently in a cabinet. It also comes in a variety of attractive colors, including dusty rose and poppy red. Sold by Keurig, Amazon and Kohl’s
Mr. Coffee coffee maker
For over 50 years, Mr. Coffee has offered convenient, versatile coffee machines. It has both inexpensive models and more durable, personalized coffee makers.
Mr. Coffee specializes in drip coffee, but the company does offer a few coffee makers that use coffee pods. Most machines are programmable so you can set the precise time you want to enjoy your coffee.
Mr. Coffee coffee maker pros
- Thermal carafe: Several machines include a thermal carafe instead of a glass one, which is more durable and keeps coffee hotter and fresher longer. You also can buy a thermal carafe separately to replace or supplement a glass one.
- Capacity: Mr. Coffee offers some of the largest coffee makers available, with machines brewing 10, 12 or even 14 cups at a time.
- Personalization: Some of the more elaborate machines offer a few ways to personalize your coffee. Buttons let you set a time to brew, toggle brew strength and pause mid-brew to grab a quick cup.
Mr. Coffee coffee maker cons
- Speed: Mr. Coffee machines aren’t the fastest, so be patient when you’re in need of coffee. Use the programmable feature if possible.
- Bulk: Most Mr. Coffee machines are rather wide and large, taking up valuable counter space. You’ll need clearance above the machine as well to load water and grinds.
- Material: While Mr. Coffee does sell inexpensive makers, these tend to be made of plastic, which means they can easily wear down over time.
Best Mr. Coffee coffee makers
Mr. Coffee Optimal Brew Coffee Maker
This stainless steel machine includes a thermal carafe to keep coffee fresh longer. With a permanent filter, durable construction and 10-cup capacity, it will serve a coffee-drinking house well for a long time. Sold by Amazon
Mr. Coffee Iced + Hot Coffee Maker
A compact machine offering a quick single serving, this versatile coffee maker produces both hot drip coffee and iced coffee. It also includes a compatible, reusable tumbler. Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s
Should you get a Keurig or Mr. Coffee coffee maker?
While Keurig popularized the coffee pod, other companies, including Mr. Coffee, have made them more accessible and convenient. For those who prefer the pods, Mr. Coffee offers similar machines for a lower price, including options that welcome both coffee pods and grinds. As many are programmable, mid-range Mr. Coffee machines that include thermal carafes provide the best value.
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Anthony Marcusa writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
Copyright 2022 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.
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2022-05-23T18:20:24+00:00
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pix11.com
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https://pix11.com/reviews/keurig-vs-mr-coffee-coffee-maker/
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LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Ronnie C. Wright founder of the sports podcast network known as "The Boat" today announced the meaning of his podcast platform.
Years ago, over breakfast with NFL Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice, Wright known at the time as the world's first Acroneticist said, "Jerry - from now on you are 'The BOAT – Best Of All Time,' and, it will be known around the world."
Today, The BOAT is the first sports podcast network based on "Acronetics," a cognitive technology invented by Wright designed as 'a creative resource offering new expressions to improve cognitive skills,' especially in sports.
"I have always worked hard to be a leader when it comes to adding value in sports," Wright concluded. "The BOAT will include Acronetics in its podcast."
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Amblacks Media
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2022-07-01T13:08:10+00:00
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kfyrtv.com
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https://www.kfyrtv.com/prnewswire/2022/07/01/ronnie-c-wright-defines-boat-podcast-amblacks-media/
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., March 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- SandRidge Energy, Inc. (the "Company" or "SandRidge") (NYSE:SD) today announced financial and operational results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Recent Highlights
- Generated net income of $242.2 million, or $6.59 per basic share in 2022. Adjusted net income(1) was $171.5 million, or $4.67 per basic share (please see table below for reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income)
- Generated adjusted EBITDA(1) of $191.2 million in 2022 compared to $113.5 million in 2021
- Generated approximately $120.6 million of free cash flow(1) in 2022, which represents a conversion rate of approximately 63% relative to adjusted EBITDA(1)
- Production remained relatively consistent throughout the year, averaging 17.7 MBoed in 2022. This consistent production profile was driven by the Company's stable, low-decline production base and 2022 drilling, completion, and workover programs
- Drilled eight and completed six new wells in 2022. In 2023, the Company currently plans to drill two and complete four new wells
- Returned 50 wells to production in 2022 that were previously curtailed. The Company has returned 179 wells to production since the beginning of 2021, helping to flatten expected annual PDP decline to an average of ~8% over the next ten years
- Decreased 2022 adjusted G&A(1) by $0.4 million to $7.9 million, or $1.22 per Boe, from $8.3 million in the prior year
- Natural gas commodity derivative contracts have an average strike price of $8.39 per MMBtu with a positive mark-to-market asset value of $4.4 million as of December 31, 2022. In 2022, the Company recorded $6.0 million in gains from its commodity derivative contracts
Financial Results & Update
Profitability & Realized Pricing
For the quarter, the Company reported net income of $105.2 million, or $2.86 per share, and net cash provided by operating activities of $30.1 million. After adjusting for certain items, including a $64.5 million non-cash tax benefit for the partial release of its valuation allowance, the Company's adjusted net income(1) amounted to $38.0 million, or $1.03 per share, adjusted operating cash flow(1) totaled $45.6 million and adjusted EBITDA was $43.2 million for the quarter. The Company defines and reconciles adjusted net income, adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure in supporting tables at the conclusion of this press release.
Full year 2022 realized oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids prices, before the impact of derivatives,(2) were $92.21 per Bbl, $4.88 per Mcf and $31.88 per Bbl, respectively, compared to $65.10 per Bbl, $2.60 per Mcf and $22.42 per Bbl in the prior year.
For the full year 2022, the Company reported net income of $242.2 million, or $6.59 per share, and net cash provided by operating activities of $164.7 million. After adjusting for certain items, the Company's adjusted net income(1) amounted to $171.5 million, or $4.67 per share, adjusted operating cash flow(1) totaled $192.8 million and adjusted EBITDA(1) was $191.2 million for the year.
Operating Costs
During the fourth quarter of 2022, lease operating expense ("LOE") was $11.2 million or $7.02 per Boe compared to $9.7 million, or $5.92 per Boe in the prior quarter. For the full year 2022, LOE was $41.3 million, or $6.39 per Boe compared to $36.0 million, or $5.30 per Boe in the prior year.
For the three months ended December 31, 2022, general and administrative expense ("G&A") was $2.4 million, or $1.48 per Boe compared to $2.4 million, or $1.45 per Boe in the prior quarter. Adjusted G&A(1) was $2.0 million, or $1.24 per Boe during the fourth quarter of 2022 compared to $2.0 million, or $1.22 per Boe in the prior quarter. For the full year 2022, G&A was $9.4 million or $1.46 per Boe compared to $9.7 million, or $1.42 per Boe in the prior year. Adjusted G&A(1) was $7.9 million, or $1.22 per Boe for the full year 2022 compared to $8.3 million in the prior year.
Liquidity and Capital Structure
As of December 31, 2022, the Company had $257.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash. The Company has no outstanding term or revolving debt obligations.
Operational Results & Update
Production
Production totaled 1,599 MBoe (17.4 MBoed, 17% oil, 27% NGLs and 56% natural gas) for the fourth quarter and 6,463 MBoe (17.7 MBoed, 15% oil, 31% NGLs and 54% natural gas) for the full year of 2022.
2022 Development Program
SandRidge operated one drilling rig in the fourth quarter and successfully drilled three wells and completed three wells targeting the Meramec formation in the core of the NW Stack play as part of its previously announced capital development program. During 2022, the Company drilled eight wells and completed six wells, achieving production rates consistent with the Company's expectation range. The higher oil content of these new NW stack wells versus the Company's base production was the primary driver of oil as a percentage of total production increasing to approximately 17% in the fourth quarter of 2022 versus approximately 13% in the first quarter. This higher oil content further enhances SandRidge's commodity realizations.
Well Reactivation & Rod Pump Conversion Program
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company continued returning wells to production that were previously curtailed, and in many cases, improving their production potential through capital improvements. Strong commodity prices, high rates of returns, and low execution risk support the Company's belief that these projects represent an accretive use of capital. During 2022, the Company brought 50 wells back online, bringing the total since the beginning of 2021 to 179. SandRidge also completed 28 artificial lift conversions in 2022, which help lower forward looking costs for this well set.
Proved Developed PV-10
As outlined in the table below under "Year End 2022 Estimated Proved Reserves," SandRidge's SEC proved developed reserve PV-10 is approximately $811 million.
Year End 2022 Estimated Proved Reserves
Proved reserves increased from 71.3 MMBoe at December 31, 2021 to 74.3 MMBoe at December 31, 2022, primarily as a result of positive revisions of 8.1 MMBoe associated with the increase in year-end SEC commodity prices for oil and natural gas, improved realizations and other improvements, well reactivations, and purchases of 0.2 MMBoe of proved reserves. The Company also recorded 2022 production totaling 6.5 MMBoe.
2023 Operational and Capital Expenditure Guidance
In 2023, the Company plans to spend $14 - $19 million in drilling and completions ("D&C") capital and $12 - $16 million in non-D&C capital. Total production for 2023 is projected to be 5.3 - 6.5 MMBoe. SandRidge currently plans to drill two wells and complete four wells. The Company's current 2023 plans also include 12 well reactivations and 28 artificial lift conversions. SandRidge will remain vigilant in ensuring prudent capital allocation and will continue to adapt appropriately to changing environments. Other operational guidance details can be found on the "2023 Operational and Capital Expenditure Guidance" table below.
Outlook
SandRidge will continue to focus on growing the cash value and generation capability of its asset base in a safe, responsible and efficient manner, while exercising prudent capital allocations to projects it believes provide high rates of returns in the current commodity price outlook. These projects include well reactivations, artificial lift conversions to more efficient and cost effective systems, and focused drilling in high-graded areas. The Company will continue to monitor forward-looking commodity prices, results, costs and other factors that could influence returns on investments, which will continue to shape its disciplined development decisions in 2023 and beyond. SandRidge will also continue to maintain the optionality to execute on value accretive merger and acquisition opportunities that could bring synergies, leverage the Company's core competencies, complement its portfolio of assets, further utilize its approximately $1.6 billion of net operating losses ("NOLs"), or otherwise yield attractive returns for its shareholders.
Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG")
SandRidge maintains its Environmental, Social, and Governance ("ESG") commitment, to include no routine flaring of produced natural gas and transporting approximately 97% of its produced water via pipeline instead of truck. Additionally, SandRidge maintains an emphasis on the safety and training of our workforce. We have personnel dedicated to the close monitoring of our safety standards and daily operations.
Conference Call Information
The Company will host a conference call to discuss these results on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 10:00 am CT. The conference call can be accessed by registering online in advance at https://conferencingportals.com/event/IsWEjozq at which time registrants will receive dial-in information as well as a conference ID. At the time of the call, participants will dial in using the participant number and conference ID provided upon registration. The Company's latest presentation is available on the Company's website at https://investors.sandridgeenergy.com/Investor-Relations/.
A live audio webcast of the conference call will also be available via SandRidge's website, investors.sandridgeenergy.com, under Presentation & Events. The webcast will be archived for replay on the Company's website for 30 days.
Contact Information
Investor Relations
SandRidge Energy, Inc.
1 E. Sheridan Ave. Suite 500
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
investors@sandridgeenergy.com
About SandRidge Energy, Inc.
SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SD) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development and acquisition of oil and gas properties. Its primary area of operations is the Mid-Continent region in Oklahoma and Kansas. Further information can be found at www.sandridgeenergy.com.
-Tables to Follow-
2023 Operational and Capital Expenditure Guidance
Presented below is the Company's operational and capital expenditure guidance for 2023:
Operational and Financial Statistics
Information regarding the Company's production, pricing, costs and earnings is presented below:
Capital Expenditures
The table below presents actual results of the Company's capital expenditures for the three months and year ended December 31, 2022:
Derivative Contracts
The table below sets forth the Company's open derivative contracts as of December 31, 2022:
Capitalization
The Company's capital structure as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is presented below:
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP measures are not alternatives to GAAP measures, and you should not consider these non-GAAP measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Below is additional disclosure regarding each of the non-GAAP measures used in this press release, including reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted Operating Cash Flow
The Company defines Adjusted operating cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities as shown in the following table. Adjusted Operating cash flow is a supplemental financial measure used by the Company's management and by securities analysts, investors, lenders, rating agencies and others who follow the industry as an indicator of the Company's ability to internally fund exploration and development activities or incur new debt. The Company also uses this measure because operating cash flow relates to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements that the Company may not control and may not relate to the period in which the operating activities occurred. Further, Adjusted operating cash flow allows the Company to compare its operating performance and return on capital with those of other companies without regard to financing methods and capital structure. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net cash provided by operating activities prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow
The Company defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities plus net cash (used in) provided by investing activities less the cash flow impact of acquisitions and divestitures. Free cash flow is a supplemental financial measure used by the Company's management and by securities analysts, investors, lenders, rating agencies and others who follow the industry as an indicator of the Company's ability to internally fund exploration and development activities or incur new debt. This measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net cash provided by operating or investing activities prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
The Company defines EBITDA as net income before income tax (benefit) expense, interest expense, depreciation and amortization - other and depreciation and depletion - oil and natural gas. Adjusted EBITDA, as presented herein, is EBITDA excluding items that management believes affect the comparability of operating results such as items whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated or are non-recurring, as shown in the following tables.
Adjusted EBITDA is presented because management believes it provides useful additional information used by the Company's management and by securities analysts, investors, lenders, ratings agencies and others who follow the industry for analysis of the Company's financial and operating performance on a recurring basis and the Company's ability to internally fund exploration and development activities or incur new debt. In addition, management believes that adjusted EBITDA is widely used by professional research analysts and others in the valuation, comparison and investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas industry. The Company's adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Reconciliation of Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted EBITDA
Reconciliation of Net Income Available to Common Stockholders to Adjusted Net Income Available to Common Stockholders
The Company defines adjusted net income as net income excluding items that management believes affect the comparability of operating results and are typically excluded from published estimates by the investment community, including items whose timing and/or amount cannot be reasonably estimated or are non-recurring, as shown in the following tables.
Management uses the supplemental measure of adjusted net income as an indicator of the Company's operational trends and performance relative to other oil and natural gas companies and believes it is more comparable to earnings estimates provided by securities analysts. Adjusted net income is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for net income available to common stockholders.
Reconciliation of G&A to Adjusted G&A
The Company reports and provides guidance on Adjusted G&A per Boe because it believes this measure is commonly used by management, analysts and investors as an indicator of cost management and operating efficiency on a comparable basis from period to period and to compare and make investment recommendations of companies in the oil and gas industry. This non-GAAP measure allows for the analysis of general and administrative spend without regard to stock-based compensation programs and other non-recurring cash items, if any, which can vary significantly between companies. Adjusted G&A per Boe is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for general and administrative expense per Boe. Therefore, the Company's Adjusted G&A per Boe may not be comparable to other companies' similarly titled measures.
The Company defines adjusted G&A as general and administrative expense adjusted for certain non-cash stock-based compensation and other non-recurring items, if any, as shown in the following tables:
Cautionary Note to Investors - This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended., and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, but not limited to, the information appearing under the heading "2023 Operational and Capital Expenditure Guidance." These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance and reflect SandRidge's current beliefs and expectations regarding future events and operating performance. The forward-looking statements include projections and estimates of the Company's corporate strategies, future operations, development plans and appraisal programs, drilling inventory and locations, estimated oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production, price realizations and differentials, hedging program, projected operating, general and administrative and other costs, projected capital expenditures, tax rates, efficiency and cost reduction initiative outcomes, liquidity and capital structure. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, our success in discovering, estimating, developing and replacing oil and natural gas reserves, actual decline curves and the actual effect of adding compression to natural gas wells, the availability and terms of capital, the ability of counterparties to transact with us to meet their obligations, our timely execution of hedge transactions, credit conditions of global capital markets, changes in economic conditions, the amount and timing of future development costs, the availability and demand for alternative energy sources, regulatory changes, including those related to carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We refer you to the discussion of risk factors in Part I, Item 1A - "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in comparable "Risk Factor" sections of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed after such form 10-K. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The actual results or developments anticipated may not be realized or, even if substantially realized, they may not have the expected consequences to or effects on our Company or our business or operations. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SD) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development and acquisition of oil and gas properties. Its primary areas of operation are the Mid-Continent in Oklahoma and Kansas. Further information can be found at www.sandridgeenergy.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE SandRidge Energy, Inc.
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2023-03-15T22:06:06+00:00
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live5news.com
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https://www.live5news.com/prnewswire/2023/03/15/sandridge-energy-inc-announces-financial-operating-results-quarter-year-ended-december-31-2022-provides-conference-call-information-full-year-2023-guidance/
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It’s the first week of school at OU. In a lab — up on the ninth floor of one of the university’s brick buildings — researchers are carrying out work that started back in 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic hit.
They’re decked out: lab coats, safety goggles. Their gloved hands are inside white metal boxes, full of pipettes and tiny tubes.
Dr. Kara de Leon is a microbiologist at OU. She’s overseeing part of an expanded wastewater monitoring program. It’s allowing academic researchers — like the ones in this lab — to work with public health agencies across the state to detect viral and bacterial outbreaks by testing sewage.
Samples come from about 20 cities across the state, taken at different sites — water treatment facilities, airports. De Leon says they’re trying to get that up to 30.
That team is working with another one headed by OU civil engineering professor Dr. Jason Vogel.
He says the practice isn’t new; it helped identify a polio outbreak in Israel in 2013. But it’s new to Oklahoma.
“In Oklahoma, we started in the summer of 2020 on the OU campus,” Vogel said.
The team collected samples from manholes outside of dorms to monitor spread among their residents. It’s been growing since, and now they’re developing a statewide program.
Of course, monitoring across a city looks a little different from monitoring a specific residence hall. They still test manhole-accessible water, but they go to city treatment facilities too.
“In a small community that has 10,000 people, the treatment plant is still pretty representative of a relatively small population, whereas the largest treatment plant in Oklahoma City that we monitor drains 440,000 people,” Vogel said. “When we’re looking at a dorm, we may have been looking at 300 people. And so you can look at different populations… So that’s collected in the field. It’s refrigerated and it’s brought in under controlled conditions. And then we hand it off to Dr. de Leon’s lab. “
There, step one is cleaning up the samples.
“If you think about things that people put down the drain, they vary substantially,” de Leon said.
That’s flushing the toilet, yes, but also dishwashers, laundry machines. And then there are industries contributing too. De Leon says the lab workers extract genetic materials from those samples, and then scan those genetic materials for about a dozen pathogens.
Right now, there is a lot of COVID in the water. That’s easy to find. Vogel says that’s not the case for all of the pathogens.
“Something that’s brand new, such as monkeypox — if there’s only a few cases in there, we may or may not be able to see it, depending on how many people are contributing to that,” he said. “If we have 100,000 people and there’s only one or two cases, that’s going to be hard for us to find that needle in a haystack. “
He and de Leon say there is still work to do to refine the process and make it as accurate as possible.
But State Epidemiologist Jolianne Stone says the program has already proven helpful, especially with COVID.
“One of the ways that COVID wastewater testing was used was to look at where do we need to target testing or vaccination pods or, you know, maybe messaging to let them know that they might have high cases of COVID in their area,” she said.
This monitoring has one major benefit that other sampling, like PCR tests at the county health department, lacks.
“It doesn’t necessarily rely on individuals seeking out testing at a health care provider,” she said. “And in the era of moving to home testing, especially with COVID, we may not always get positive lab results to our agency.”
COVID data is skewed by home testing, monkeypox by misleading symptoms — such as appearing like herpes or other STDs — and some of the infections are transmissible without symptoms. That means these health officials need another way to find infections.
StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahoma’s public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online.
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2022-08-25T21:35:01+00:00
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kgou.org
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https://www.kgou.org/health/2022-08-25/a-new-wastewater-monitoring-program-means-oklahoma-doesnt-have-to-rely-solely-on-testing-to-find-covid-and-monkeypox
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The Rutgers Scarlet Knights face the Hofstra Pride in the first round of the NIT tournament, a single-elimination tournament comprised of 32 DI men’s college basketball teams who were not selected for the 2023 NCAA Tournament, at Jersey Mike’s Arena on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 (3/14/23).
HOW TO WATCH: Fans can watch the game, which tips off at 7 p.m. ET, via a free trial to fuboTV or DirecTV Stream. Fans can also watch via SlingTV’s Blue Package, which is offering 50% off for the first month.
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Here’s what you need to know:
What: 2023 NIT Tournament, First round
Who: Rutgers vs. Hofstra
When: Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Where: Jersey Mike’s Arena
Time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: ESPNU
Channel finder: Verizon Fios, AT&T U-verse, Comcast Xfinity, Spectrum/Charter, Optimum/Altice, DIRECTV, Dish, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling
Live stream: fuboTV (free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), SlingTV (50% off your first month)
***
Here’s the complete NIT bracket, courtesy of Draft Kings:
Top Left Bracket
No. 1 Oklahoma State vs. Youngstown State
No. 4 Washington State vs. Eastern Washington
No. 3 North Texas vs. Alcorn State
No. 2 Sam Houston vs. Santa Clara
Bottom Left Bracket
No. 1 Oregon vs. UC Irvine
No. 4 Florida vs. UCF
No. 3 Wisconsin vs. Bradley
No. 2 Liberty vs. Villanova
Top Right Bracket
No. 1 Rutgers vs. Hofstra
No. 4 Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
No. 3 New Mexico vs. Utah Valley
No. 2 Colorado vs. Seton Hall
Bottom Right Bracket
No. 1 Clemson vs. Morehead State
No. 4 UAB vs. Southern Miss
No. 3 Vanderbilt vs. Yale
No. 2 Michigan vs. Toledo
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Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust.
Ryan Novozinsky may be reached at rnovozinsky@njadvancemedia.com.
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2023-03-14T21:44:30+00:00
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nj.com
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https://www.nj.com/rutgersbasketball/2023/03/rutgers-vs-hofstra-free-live-stream-31423-watch-nit-tournament-2023-online-time-tv-channel.html
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ROME (AP) — Pope Francis has revealed in an interview published Sunday that shortly after being elected pontiff in 2013 he wrote a resignation letter in case medical problems impede him from carrying out his duties.
Speaking to the Spanish newspaper ABC, Francis said he gave the note to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who then was the Vatican secretary of state. The pontiff added that he presumes that the prelate currently in that Vatican No. 2 role, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, now has the written instruction.
Francis, who turned 86 on Saturday, had surgery in 2021 to repair a bowel narrowing and has been hobbled by knee pain that for months saw him use a wheelchair. Lately, he has increasingly used a cane instead of the wheelchair to get around in public.
Asked what happens if health issues or an accident suddenly leaves a pope unable to do his job, and whether there should be a rule for such instances, Francis replied, “In practice there is already a rule.”
“I have already signed my renunciation,” Francis revealed, noting that he did so early in the papacy.
“I signed it and said: ‘If I should become impaired for medical reasons or whatever, here is my resignation. Here you have it,’” he said, referring to Cardinal Bertone, who stepped down as secretary of state in October 2013, in the first months of Francis’ papacy.
The pontiff quipped that now that he has revealed the existence of his resignation note, “someone will run up to Bertone (saying), ‘Give me that piece of paper.’”
Francis said he was sure Bertone would have passed on the letter to the current secretary of state, Parolin.
In past remarks, Francis has hailed the decision of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, to resign because he felt due to advancing age he wouldn’t be best able to carry out his duties. Benedict, who is living in a monastery on the Vatican’s grounds, was the first pontiff to resign in 600 years, and his stepping down paved the way for Francis’ election as the first pope from South America.
Francis in the interview played down his mobility challenge, saying “One governs with the head, not the knee.”
Catholic church law requires a papal resignation be “freely and properly manifested” — as was the case when Benedict startled the world when he announced his resignation to a gathering of prelates at the Vatican in February 2013.
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2022-12-18T22:31:36+00:00
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krqe.com
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https://www.krqe.com/news/world/ap-pope-wrote-resignation-note-in-case-of-health-impediment/
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MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Mikel Arteta is making believers out of Arsenal doubters, while his predecessor Unai Emery has unfinished business in the Premier League.
It was a good day for Gunners managers past and present as Arsenal moved back to the top of the table with a 1-0 win against Chelsea on Sunday and Aston Villa stunned Manchester United 3-1 in Emery’s first game in charge.
The win at Villa Park saw Emery taste triumph — at the first opportunity — with his new club, something the Spaniard hadn’t achieved in his previous seven games with Arsenal. That run ultimately saw Emery replaced by Arteta.
Emery has returned to England three years later to see his former team transformed.
Arsenal’s win against Chelsea overcame the latest test of its title credentials. Victory in the final round of games before the World Cup will ensure Arsenal is top of the table for Christmas, with the domestic calendar resuming Dec. 26.
The celebrations at Manchester City after a late 2-1 win against Fulham on Saturday underlined the level of threat that Arteta’s Arsenal presents to the reigning champions.
And when Gabriel pounced after 63 minutes at Stamford Bridge it strengthened the growing belief that Arsenal can maintain a genuine challenge.
“Individually, collectively, that’s as good as I’ve seen an Arsenal team in years,” former defender Martin Keown told BT Sport. “Desire, tenacity, hunger, it’s all there. They’re ready to win.”
Arsenal fans have experienced many false dawns in the past, but a run of 11 wins from 13 games at the start of the season has set a pace that even City cannot match.
Not that Arteta is ready to publicly declare his team is in contention for the title.
“Just look at the last six years, what Manchester City have done,” he said. “With the best manager in the world, the best team in the world.
“They have shown it consistently in every single competition. We have to be very, very respectful of that.”
Emery will hope to earn the respect that didn’t always come his way when he was in charge at Arsenal.
A manager with nine major trophies to his name lasted just 18 months at the Emirates Stadium and was largely dismissed as a failure.
The rehabilitation of his reputation in England could not have got off to a better start, with Villa 2-0 up against United within 11 minutes.
“I think we made the first step today,” Emery said afterward. “I am a privileged man to be here and to win against them.
“It’s only one step and we have to achieve regularity and we have to achieve being consistent in the next matches — at home and away. We have a lot of work to do.”
SALAH DOWNS SPURS
Mohamed Salah made it nine goals in his last eight games in all competitions to secure Liverpool’s first away win in the league this season.
The Egyptian struck twice in the first half to set up Liverpool’s 2-1 win against Tottenham, with Harry Kane scoring for the hosts.
“I’m focused on making a difference and managed to do so today,” Salah told Sky Sports.
NEWCASTLE RUN CONTINUES
It’s now six wins from seven games for third-place Newcastle after beating Southampton 4-1 on Sunday, but manager Eddie Howe still wasn’t satisfied.
“The overall performance was below where it has been,” Howe told BBC Sport. “Recently we’ve played at a really high level consistently and today dropped below it.
“I don’t think we were particularly good with the ball. I’m not being over dramatic or critical, the players have done brilliantly and it’s not easy to win in the Premier League at home or away. We’ve won comfortably but I think the lads know they weren’t quite there today.”
Miguel Almiron, Chris Wood, Joe Willock and Bruno Guimaraes scored for Newcastle.
TEN HAG: ‘NOT ACCEPTABLE’
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag criticized his players after the defeat at Villa.
It is the third time United has lost away in the Premier League this season.
“Our players are experienced,” he told Sky Sports. “You have to read the game and get right the organization. Not concede two (early) goals — that’s totally unnecessary.
“It starts with the players following the rules. It looked like they (Aston Villa) were fresher. That’s not acceptable. Players have to take responsibility and be ready.”
MOYES BEMOANS GIFTS
West Ham manager David Moyes said his team gifted Crystal Palace a 2-1 win.
“We scored against the run of play then we gave away a terrible goal,” he said. “We hadn’t played well, but it was still even at halftime.
“For all the things Palace did well, their good play didn’t lead to goals. Our bad play got them the first goal and the second was bad play as well.”
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup
___
James Robson is at https://twitter.com/jamesalanrobson
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2022-11-07T14:30:28+00:00
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wcia.com
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https://www.wcia.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-arsenal-looks-a-genuine-title-contender-after-chelsea-win-2/
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How much did you earn at your first job? Social Security can tell you
Ever wonder how much you earned the year you worked your first job? Or any other year you worked? You can find out by reviewing your Social Security earnings record.
Your earnings record shows your income for each year worked and your progress toward your future Social Security benefits. We keep track of your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. That’s why it’s important for you to review your Social Security earnings record.
While it’s your employer’s responsibility to provide accurate earnings information to us, you should still review your earnings history and inform us of any errors or omissions. This is so you get credit for the contributions you’ve made through payroll taxes. You’re the only person who can look at your lifetime earnings record and verify that it’s complete and correct. If an employer didn’t properly report even just one year of your earnings to us, your future benefit payments could be less than they should be. Over the course of a lifetime, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits to which you are entitled. It’s important to identify and report errors as soon as possible. As time passes, you may no longer have easy access to past tax documents. Also, some employers may no longer exist or be able to provide past payroll information.
The easiest way to verify your earnings record is to visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount and create or sign in to your personal mySocial Securityaccount. You should review each year of listed earnings carefully and confirm them using your own records, such as W-2s and tax returns. Keep in mind that earnings from this year and last year may not be listed yet.
You can find out how to correct your Social Security earnings record by reading our publication How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081.pdf.
Let your friends and family know they can access important information like this any time at www.ssa.gov and do much of their business with us online.
Kylle’ D. McKinney is an Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
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2023-06-27T16:10:30+00:00
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montgomeryadvertiser.com
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https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2023/06/27/how-much-did-you-earn-at-your-first-job-social-security-can-tell-you/70360517007/
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NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump was ordered Thursday to appear by video at a May 23 hearing in his Manhattan criminal case after a judge this week set rules barring him from using evidence in the case to attack witnesses.
Judge Juan Manuel Merchan scheduled the hybrid hearing — the former president on a TV screen, his lawyers and prosecutors in court — to go over the restrictions with Trump and to make clear that he risks being held in contempt if he violates them.
The case is continuing in state court even as Trump’s lawyers seek to have it moved to federal court. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who is considering the transfer request, issued an order this week setting paperwork deadlines and a hearing for late June.
Merchan, still in charge while that drama plays out, agreed to instruct Trump on the rules by video, rather than in person, after a prosecutor reminded him last week that bringing Trump to court would present mammoth security and logistical challenges.
Trump’s April 4 arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, attracted a crush of media and protesters, involved multiple street closures, extra security screenings and shut down non-Trump court business for an afternoon.
“We’ll setup the camera for Mr. Trump to appear wherever he is at that time and we’ll do it here in the courtroom virtually,” Merchan said.
Merchan issued what’s known as a protective order on Monday, days after a hearing where he urged Trump’s lawyers and prosecutors from the Manhattan district attorney’s office to reach a compromise regarding the Republican’s access to and use of evidence turned over by prosecutors prior to trial. That kind of evidence sharing, called discovery, is routine in criminal cases, and is intended to help ensure a fair trial.
Prosecutors sought the order soon after Trump’s arrest, citing what they say is his history of making “harassing, embarrassing, and threatening statements” about people he’s tangled with in legal disputes.
Merchan added Trump’s virtual hearing to the court calendar a day after Trump appeared on a CNN forum and offered up a barrage of falsehoods, excuses and insults on a variety of topics, including what he deemed the “fake charge” of his criminal case.
Trump, found liable in a $5 million civil court verdict Tuesday for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, argued to CNN that “you can’t get a fair trial” in New York City. He called Carroll a “whack job,” characterized her claims that he assaulted her in the 1990s as “playing hanky-panky in a dressing room” and denied the allegations as a “fake story, made up story.” He also criticized the judge in that case as a “horrible Clinton-appointed judge.”
Merchan’s protective order bars Trump and his lawyers from disseminating evidence to third parties or posting it to social media, and it requires that certain, sensitive material shared by prosecutors be kept only by Trump’s lawyers, not Trump himself. Trump can review that material with his lawyers, but can’t copy or photograph it, the order said.
Merchan, noting Trump’s “special” status as a former president and current candidate, made clear at last week’s hearing that the protective order shouldn’t be construed as a gag order or a way of preventing Trump from speaking publicly about the case.
“I’m bending over backwards and straining to make sure that he is given every opportunity possible to advance his candidacy and to be able to speak in furtherance of his candidacy,” Merchan said. “The last thing I want to do is infringe on his or anybody else’s First Amendment rights.”
Trump’s criminal charges are related to payments his company made to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen. Prosecutors say those payments were intended to reimburse and compensate Cohen for orchestrating hush money payments during the 2016 campaign to bury allegations of extramarital sexual encounters.
Absent a move to federal court, Merchan expects the case to go to trial next February or March, meaning Trump could be stuck in court during next year’s primaries.
__
Follow Michael Sisak on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mikesisak and send confidential tips by visiting https://www.ap.org/tips/
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2023-05-12T12:52:25+00:00
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kdvr.com
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https://kdvr.com/news/nationalworld-news/ap-us-news/trump-to-get-schooled-on-rules-after-district-attorney-worries-hell-use-evidence-to-slam-witnesses/
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The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Simplemost may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.
It doesn’t require cutting down, watering or dragging out to the green bin at the end of the holiday season. And you’ll possibly enjoy decorating it even more than your real Christmas tree.
The newly released Lego Christmas tree kit currently costs $89 on Amazon, or you can get it at the Lego website for $44.99. This set has 784 pieces including tiny faux candles, ornaments and a star for the tree topper.
It’s actually a 2-in-1 Lego kit. You can either build one taller, 11-inch Christmas tree or two smaller trees that are 6 inches and 9 inches tall. You can also, of course, change up the decor if you have other Legos at home you’d like to incorporate. The Lego Christmas tree is recommended for builders 12 and up.
Want more options for your block-building Christmas tree projects?
You can get a tiny Lego Christmas tree that’s just 36 pieces and costs $12.95 on Amazon. This pint-sized tree also comes with two tiny Lego presents and would make a great stocking stuffer for Lego-lovers. It has a 4.2-star rating from more than 600 ratings.
Or try the $44.99 Lego Holiday Santa’s Front Yard kit. The kit has an elf, reindeer, snowy moonlight backdrop, snowy trees and a North Pole sign. It has a 4.7 rating from more than 60 customers.
Animal-lovers might like the Lego Christmas Penguin which sits on a snowy white platform next to a tiny tree and three presents. This set will set you back $14.99 and comes with 244 pieces.
The 4.5-inch-tall penguin can rotate and move its wings, and is possibly celebrating Christmas from the southern hemisphere since that’s where penguins live. The kit also has 4.8 out of 5 stars from its 130-plus ratings since its release in 2021.
Amazon reviewer Stevo Smith said of the penguin holiday kit, “These little seasonal builds are super fun and cute. The base of each has a hidden thing in them.”
Another reviewer, Adam, revealed that the hidden item is a snowflake and that they preferred to display it outside the base.
And don’t forget the Lego City Advent Calendar and the Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar are both out for 2022.
If you don’t mind buying non-Lego kits, the Aokesi Christmas Tree Building Kit costs $29.99 and is also a music box.
The kit is 373 pieces and plays “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” once assembled. The tree is topped with a golden snowflake and trimmed with tiny ornaments. A mini train, snowman and presents fit under the tree too.
One Amazon reviewer said that her 10-year-old loved this set.
“The whole piece is bigger than I expected and a perfect addition to our Christmas decorations while adding my son’s love of Legos,” Blutziyona wrote. “Though this isn’t Lego brand, these pieces for nice and tight and he even said they’re hard to take off when misplaced, which is good knowing all the decorations on the tree and around it won’t fall off easily. The music is beautiful and the rotating of the trains and the star move nice and smooth.”
There’s also a 506-piece version on sale for $25.59. You can clip a 5% coupon on the page for both versions right now.
Which of these Lego Christmas tree and holiday-themed building kits would be your pick? Or do you prefer to deck out a real tree over one made of building blocks?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for additional stories.
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2022-10-14T13:57:02+00:00
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ksby.com
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https://www.ksby.com/lego-christmas-tree-set-builds-two-small-trees
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NAPA VALLEY, Calif., April 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fine wine importer Demeine Estates is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of import partner La Chablisienne, which was founded on April 8, 1923. The cooperative has weathered many challenges, both societal and agricultural, and today consists of 270 winegrowing families who together own vineyards and produce 25% of the wine made in the Chablis AOC. Vineyards including the crus of Fourchaume, Côte de Léchet, Grenouilles and Les Clos were among those owned by the 180 initial members in 1923 and are still among the vineyards producing La Chablisienne today.
Demeine Estates first announced their partnership with La Chablisienne in May of 2022, and as of 2023 has launched the brand in all 50 states. La Chablisienne produces age-worthy, minerality driven wines of exquisite quality and are known for their bottlings of Chablis La Sereine, Chablis Le Finage, and Chablis Grand Cru Château Grenouilles.
"We are thrilled to be partnered with the historic La Chablisienne," said Demeine Estates President Philana Bouvier. "It is an honor and privilege to be the United States importer that celebrates 100 years of these beautiful wines that set the standard for quality in Chablis, both with the local community that crafts them and the consumers in the US who enjoy them."
La Chablisienne's century of history is built on the goals of enhancing the reputation of the Chablis AOC, safeguarding the quality of the wines, prioritizing innovation in winemaking, and advocating for its winegrowers. Since then, they have shepherded their growers and wines through the economic troubles of the 1930s and the German occupation of World War II, rallying the community in its aftermath and enacting a new policy to consolidate operations and control quality: sending out vehicles to bring the musts into the winery to allow for greater control of winemaking. In 1978, La Chablisienne purchased the majority of Chablis Grand Cru Grenouilles, establishing Château Grenouilles and entering the very restricted circle of the Union des Grands Crus de Chablis.
As the cooperative moves through the 21st century, it only continues to improve; the International Wine & Spirit Competition has awarded La Chablisienne the prize for French Producer in 2016 and 2018, the Revue des Vins de France has twice elected La Chablisienne the Best Wine Cooperative. The estates are audited regularly towards the goal of acquiring 100% HEV3 and 75% Terra Vitis certification by 2025.
"As we look back and celebrate the first century of La Chablisienne, we enter a new era for our dynamic winery and growers," said La Chablisienne's Director General Damien Leclerc. "We are proud to represent the region, history and people of Chablis, and to share the vineyards we call home across the world, with long-time enthusiasts and new introductions alike."
Demeine Estates introduced the wines in January with trade partners alongside La Chablisienne Export Director Olivier Masmondet, who presented wines from the 2019, 2020 and 2021 vintages, and shared more about the winery's history and winemaking and viticultural practices. Select wines from La Chablisienne are also included in Demeine Estates' Icon Offering, a limited collection of top tier wines from their portfolio of producers available April 1st through May 31st.
About La Chablisienne
La Chablisienne was established in 1923 by a group of winegrowers in Chablis with the goals of driving quality and innovation in the region, as well as bolstering the influence of its members. This cooperative is rooted in a pioneering spirit, creating pure, minerality driven wines of exquisite quality. Today, La Chablisienne spans 270 winegrowing families and 1,200 acres farming and is known for producing some of the top wine in Chablis. www.chablisienne.com
About Demeine Estates
Demeine Estates is a family-owned producer, importer and marketer of the world's finest wines based in the heart of Napa Valley, California. A leader in luxury wines in the U.S., Demeine Estates sets the standard in exceptional marketing, fine wine sales, and distribution services. Founded by The Lawrence family and Carlton McCoy Jr., MS, and led by President Philana Bouvier, Demeine Estates curated portfolio also consists of both premium family-owned domestic and international producers who represent exceptional wines anchored by quality viticulture. www.demeineestates.com
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SOURCE Demeine Estates
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2023-04-27T16:09:06+00:00
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newschannel10.com
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https://www.newschannel10.com/prnewswire/2023/04/27/fine-wine-importer-demeine-estates-is-celebrating-100-year-anniversary-premiere-chablis-producer-la-chablisienne/
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A jury was selected Monday in the civil trial of a man who was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2010 death of University of Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love.
A wrongful death lawsuit brought by Love’s mother seeks to hold George Huguely V liable in Yeardley’s killing. Love and Huguely — who also played lacrosse at UVA — were in an on-again, off-again dating relationship. The lawsuit seeks $29.5 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.
Eleven jurors were chosen to hear the case, including seven regular jurors and four alternates. The trial in Charlottesville Circuit Court is expected to last about eight days. Opening statements are expected Tuesday.
Love, of Cockeysville, Maryland, and Huguely, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, were both seniors who were weeks away from graduation. They were known for their play on UVA’s nationally ranked men’s and women’s lacrosse teams, but also for their volatile relationship.
Prosecutors said Huguely kicked a hole in Love’s bedroom door, then beat her after a day of golf and binge drinking, enraged that she had had a relationship with a lacrosse player from North Carolina.
A medical examiner concluded the 22-year-old Love died of blunt force trauma to her head, but defense and prosecution experts offered differing medical opinions on the lethal consequences of her injuries.
During the jury selection process Monday, many of the potential jurors told Judge Richard Moore they had read or heard media reports about the case after Yeardley was killed or during Huguely’s criminal trial in 2012. Moore dismissed three potential jurors who said they had formed an opinion about the case and would be unable to put that opinion aside to serve as jurors in the civil case.
The civil trial is expected to include many of the same witnesses, although many of them are expected to testify in videotaped depositions instead of in person.
Huguely’s attorney, Matthew Green, said the defense will acknowledge that Huguely’s assault and battery caused Love’s death and that her family is entitled to compensatory damages in an amount to be decided by the jury. But he said the defense does not believe punitive damages are appropriate.
Love’s mother and sister, and Huguely’s mother, were present in the courtroom on Monday.
Green said Huguely will be brought to court from prison on the day he is scheduled to testify, but not on the other days of the trial.
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2022-04-26T01:23:02+00:00
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valleycentral.com
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https://www.valleycentral.com/news/national-news/trial-to-begin-in-lawsuit-over-death-of-uva-lacrosse-player/
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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — "I woke up alive, so that's a good blessing."
Those are words spoken by Harris County Sheriff Detention Officer J. Valdiviez who was recovering at his home Monday after being badly beaten by an inmate Friday.
Valdiviez said he was doing his regular routine, checking on the inmates, when he was ambushed from behind and beaten unconscious.
"We were pretty much having a fight going down the stairwell where they said that my head hit the rails, the steps and then the floor," Valdiviez said. "According to other coworkers and staff and friends of ours, they said that I flatlined and they had to do CPR."
The inmate accused of randomly attacking Valdiviez has done this before. According to court records, this is the fourth time Christian Dillard has assaulted an officer since 2021.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Dillard has been in Harris County Jail since April 2020.
Valdiviez is now able to fully open his eyes after they were swollen shut, and though he is still sore, his biggest fight is fighting for change.
He said he spoke to Gonzalez and told him he wants to see change.
"I'm not gonna wait for someone else to get hurt, or for someone else to go through the same incident," Valdiviez said.
Gonzalez said his department does what it can to keep everyone safe inside the jail, but it's difficult to maintain because of overcrowding.
"We work hard to make our jail safe for everyone who lives and works there," he said. "That's no easy task in an overcrowded facility that houses more than 800 people charged with murder or capital murder."
Gonzalez said anyone who harms public servants will be held accountable. Dillard has been charged with aggravated assault against a public servant in connection to the Valdiviez attack.
While this plays out in court, Valdiviez said he is going to continue to advocate for change.
"I just wanted to raise awareness of the situation and prevent someone else's son or daughter from getting that crucial phone call from someone, telling them they're not going to make it," he said.
Valdiviez does not plan on quitting his job.
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2023-07-25T19:51:27+00:00
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wtsp.com
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https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/nation-world/harris-county-detention-officer-beaten/285-353ed8aa-0f16-4099-8bfa-5644df28f17d
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LAS VEGAS (AP) — Arizona, Nevada and California said Monday they’re willing to cut back on their use of the dwindling Colorado River in exchange for money from the federal government — and to avoid forced cuts as drought threatens the key water supply for the U.S. West.
The $1.2 billion plan, a potential breakthrough in a year-long stalemate, would conserve an additional 3 million acre-feet of water through 2026, when current guidelines for how the river is shared expire. About half the cuts would come by the end of 2024. That’s less than what federal officials said last year would be needed to stave off crisis in the river but still marks a notable step in long and difficult negotiations between the three states.
The 1,450-mile (2,334-kilometer) river provides water to 40 million people in seven U.S. states, parts of Mexico and more than two dozen Native American tribes. It produces hydropower and supplies water to farms that grow most of the nation’s winter vegetables.
In exchange for temporarily using less water, cities, irrigation districts and Native American tribes in the three states will be paid. The federal government plans to spend $1.2 billion, said Lauren Wodarski, a spokesperson to U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, a Nevada Democrat.
Though adoption of the plan isn’t certain, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Camille Touton called it an “important step forward.” She said the bureau will pull back its proposal from last month that could have resulted in sidestepping the existing water priority system to force cuts while it analyzes the three-state plan. The bureau’s earlier proposal, if adopted, could have led to a messy legal battle.
“At least they’re still talking. But money helps you keep talking,” said Terry Fulp, former regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Lower Colorado Basin region.
The three Lower Basin states are entitled to 7.5 million acre-feet of water altogether from the river. An acre-foot of water is roughly enough to serve two to three U.S. households annually.
California gets the most, based on a century-old water rights priority system. Most of that goes to farmers in the Imperial Irrigation District, though some also goes to smaller water districts and cities across Southern California. Arizona and Nevada have already faced cuts in recent years as key reservoir levels dropped based on prior agreements. But California has been spared.
Under the new proposal, California would give up about 1.6 million acre-feet of water through 2026 — a little more than half of the total. That’s roughly the same amount the state first offered six months ago.
But the threat of forced federal cuts — made more strongly last month — appears to have prompted action.
“It’s always a concern when states lose control of their own process,” said John Entsminger, general manager for the Southern Nevada Water Authority.
The Imperial Irrigation District would account for more than half of California’s cuts. J.B. Hamby, chairman of the Colorado River Board of California, said the district has already taken measures to improve water efficiency and will need to do more. He said the district is working on a pilot summer idling program where farmers would sign up to turn off their water for 60 days for forage crops. During that time of year, yields are already down and more water is required, he said.
Bill Hasencamp, manager of Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District of California, which supplies water to 19 million people in southern California, said the wet winter means the state simply needs less water. His district is planning on leaving 250,000 acre feet this year in Lake Mead, and won’t withdraw it until after 2026.
The district will also turn over to the federal government a program that pays farmers to fallow land that typically nets them about 130,000 acre feet of water a year, he said. Metropolitan will save roughly $100 million over three years, he said.
Buschatzke stressed that the announcement is not a final deal.
“We agreed to a proposal. This is not an agreement,” Buschatzke said during a conference call with reporters. Buschatzke said the proposal still needs analysis and approval from the federal government, which will determine how much funding will be allocated for entities that give up water.
The plan doesn’t change how much water the Upper Basin states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah or Wyoming will receive. Becky Mitchell, director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, said that Upper Basin states didn’t have a chance to analyze the Lower Basin’s plan in detail.
“The wet winter has given us a bit of space to negotiate, but we must not squander this gift from Mother Nature,” Mitchell said. She said Colorado and other basin states urged federal officials to return to longer-term discussions about how to preserve water levels at Lakes Mead and Powell beyond 2026.
The Colorado River has been in crisis for years due to a multi-decade drought in the West intensified by climate change, rising demand and overuse. Water levels at key reservoirs dipped to unprecedented lows, though they have rebounded somewhat thanks to heavy precipitation this winter.
In recent years the federal government has cut some water allocations and offered billions of dollars to pay farmers, cities and others to cut back. But key water officials didn’t see those efforts as enough to prevent the system from collapsing.
Last summer, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation called for the seven basin states to figure out how to cut their collective use of Colorado River water by about 2 to 4 million acre feet in 2023 alone — roughly 15% to 30% of their annual use — but states blew past that deadline and an agreement remained elusive.
In April, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released a plan that considered two ways to force cuts for Arizona, Nevada and California. One contemplated using a decades-old water priority system that would have benefited California and some Native American tribes with senior water rights. The other would have been a percentage cut across the board.
Michael Cohen, a senior researcher at the Pacific Institute focused on the Colorado River, called the amount of cuts the three states have proposed a “huge, huge lift” and a significant step forward.
“It does buy us a little additional time,” he said. But if more dry years are ahead, “this agreement will not solve that problem.”
___
Associated Press writer Amy Taxin in Orange County contributed. Naishadham reported from Washington.
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2023-05-23T01:52:44+00:00
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siouxlandproud.com
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https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/national/ap-breakthrough-proposal-would-aid-drought-stricken-colorado-river-as-3-western-states-offer-cuts/
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PUNJAB, Pakistan — When Muhammad Aslam sold his house in Gujranwala, Pakistan, to finance smuggler fees for his two grown sons, he imagined it would pay off when they landed safely on the shores of Europe.
Aslam's sons, Qasim, 36, and Munir, 24, along with two other male relatives, informed their family the trip for the group of four would cost around 10 million rupees, nearly $35,000. They would depart in early May from Noor Jamal – the village where they had moved after selling their house in Gujranwala. They'd drive to Lahore, Punjab's largest city — flying from there to Dubai and then on Libya, where they'd get on a boat headed to Italy.
As they prepared to depart, the men were excited about the prospect of leaving their area in rural Punjab — a cluster of mud-walled houses on the edge of agricultural land where their family members work as contract farmers. Once they made it to Europe, they planned to find jobs as laborers. They expected to earn enough money to cover their living expenses and send funds home to support their wives and children as well as an extended family of around 40 people.
No one in Aslam's family had tried dunki, the colloquial term in the area for illegal migration from Pakistan to Europe, and everything his sons told him about the process was new. "We had no knowledge about it," Aslam said.
Aslam last heard from Qasim and Munir on June 8. Six days later, they were aboard the overloaded migrant fishing vessel that departed from Libya and capsized as it crossed the Mediterranean. The estimated 750 passengers included as many as 350 Pakistani passengers, many of whom were reportedly trapped on the lower level of the boat, as well as Egyptians, Syrians and Palestinians. It was the worst shipwreck off the coast of Greece in a decade.
The two relatives who traveled with Qasim and Munir survived. But the brothers are still missing. The family hopes the men somehow made it out alive and are as yet unaccounted for. But nearly two weeks on, that possibility is increasingly unlikely.
Pakistan's government has cited various figures for how many of its nationals were aboard the ship and how many are presumed dead. Soon after the accident, Mohammad Sadiq Sanjrani, chairman of the Senate, said 300 Pakistanis had died. The country's interior minister on Friday said that at least 350 nationals were on the boat and Pakistan's investigative agency said that 209 that are known to be missing. So far, Greek authorities have recovered 82 bodies. The shipwreck took place in one of the deepest areas of the Mediterranean, and many bodies may be forever lost at sea.
The number of Pakistanis who were aboard the migrant ship is a telling indicator of conditions in the country, which has undergone months of political and economic upheaval. Families of migrants who undertook the journey from Libya say the rising cost of living and lack of options for employment fueled the desire to get out of Pakistan. "Everyone in Pakistan is looking to go outside," said Ibrahim Khan, a close friend of Makhdoom Sadiq, a missing Pakistani passenger from the village of Goleki in Punjab. "If the situation in Pakistan or business was good, nobody would want to leave."
While legal migration takes many steps and much information, the illegal sea route to Europe is widely advertised as a quicker alternative by "agents" who share information on Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp. They often use pseudonyms and refer to the journey in English as "game," a code word for the illegal journey understood by those who are seeking to take it. Pakistan has arrested at least 10 people for their alleged involvement in a human smuggling network that helped organize travel for victims of the shipwreck. Cases have been registered against alleged smugglers in the Pakistani cities of Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat.
Societal expectations that sons will earn for the household and support aging parents plays a role in the migration trend as young people look abroad for work opportunities. Enticed by social media posts and the prospect of improving their economic conditions, people are willing to risk everything for a future beyond the confines of their villages. "They convince themselves that if they go there, they'll make more money," said Mian Muhammad Khan, a politician from Noor Jamal. Even news of the wreck hasn't deterred them. "After this incident, people still went from our village to Libya," Khan said.
Only 104 people are confirmed to have survived the shipwreck, 12 of them Pakistani. One survivor, Azmat Khan, is also from Goleki, a village just over an hour away from where Qasim and Munir live. According to his brother Javed Iqbal, Khan had married a year earlier and planned to go abroad to provide for his new family. He sold 27 of his buffalo – his main source of income – to raise 3 million rupees for his journey to Europe. "When people [from the village] settle in countries like Italy, Spain and America and come back here, we are impressed by their lifestyle," Iqbal said. "They have big mansions and we have small houses."
Iqbal said his brother made it to the ship's deck from his spot on the lower floor near the window. He jumped from the ship as it started sinking and swam until the Greek coast guard picked him up. Khan's family learned that he was still alive when his picture and identity card surfaced in a WhatsApp group to identify people missing from the wreck. He is now in Libya and has no clear plan for returning home. Pakistan offers him little now, Iqbal said. "Here he's already sold off his property and livestock."
In a grim move, Pakistan has begun DNA testing families of the missing migrants to identify the recovered bodies. The family of 31-year-old Syed Ali Zain from Budho Kalas village said they still have faith that their son is alive, possibly recovering in a hospital, they hope, and unable to make contact. "My heart tells me that wherever Zain is, he is fine," said Zain's mother, Rukhsana Jafri. In an interview with NPR, Zain's father, Syed Ali Raza, broke into tears when talking about the anguish of not knowing the fate of his missing son.
Zain quit his job as a police officer last year to start a rental car business with his friend but became frustrated and depressed when he wasn't making enough money for his family to live comfortably. In hindsight, Jafri said the promise of more money wasn't worth the risk. "I don't think people should go like this but they do it from compulsion. They take a big risk," she said. "My request is that no one should go like this."
In Noor Jamal, Aslam is mostly relying on social media for updates about his sons. Family members saw a post on Facebook claiming some of the boat's passengers were dropped off at a beach in Malta, and Qasim and Munir's names were on the list. Aslam is skeptical about the list and some of his relatives believe it was created by agents and smugglers to avoid responsibility for their possible deaths.
Aslam said the experience has made them even more wary of the journey by boat to Europe, which has stolen away his two sons. It's not likely anyone from his family will attempt the dunki again, he said. "Now we are afraid of the sea."
Betsy Joles is a journalist based in Pakistan. Follow her work on Twitter and Instagram.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
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2023-06-27T17:49:29+00:00
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iowapublicradio.org
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https://www.iowapublicradio.org/news-from-npr/2023-06-27/they-set-sail-with-dreams-and-met-disaster-stories-from-the-ill-fated-migrant-ship
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WASHINGTON (AP) — As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues with no end in sight, NATO’s much-celebrated unity faces fresh strains when leaders gather for their annual summit this week in Vilnius, Lithuania.
The world’s biggest security alliance is struggling to reach an agreement on admitting Sweden as its 32nd member. Military spending by member nations lags behind long-standing goals. An inability to compromise over who should serve as NATO’s next leader forced an extension of the current secretary-general’s term for an extra year.
Perhaps the most difficult questions are over how Ukraine should be eased into NATO. Some maintain admitting Ukraine would fulfill a promise made years ago and be a necessary step to deter Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Others fear it would be seen as a provocation that could spiral into an even wider conflict.
“I don’t think it’s ready for membership in NATO,” President Joe Biden told CNN in an interview that aired on Sunday. He said joining NATO requires countries to “meet all the qualifications, from democratization to a whole range of other issues.”
He said the United States should provide long-term security assistance to Ukraine — “the capacity to defend themselves” — as it does with Israel.
Bickering among friends is not uncommon, and the current catalogue of disputes pales in comparison with past fears that Donald Trump would turn his back on the alliance during his presidency. But the current challenges come at a moment when Biden and his counterparts are heavily invested in demonstrating harmony among members.
“Any fissure, any lack of solidarity provides an opportunity for those who would oppose the alliance,” said Douglas Lute, U.S. ambassador to NATO under President Barack Obama.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is eager to exploit divisions as he struggles to gain ground in Ukraine and faces political challenges at home, including the aftermath of a brief revolt by the Wagner mercenary group.
“You don’t want to present any openings,” Lute said. “You don’t want to present any gaps or seams.”
By some measures, the war in Ukraine has reinvigorated NATO, which was created at the beginning of the Cold War as a bulwark against Moscow. NATO members have poured military hardware into Ukraine to help with its counteroffensive, and Finland ended a history of nonalignment to become NATO’s 31st member.
“I think it’s appropriate to look at all the success,” Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky told The Associated Press. “So I think the invasion has strengthened NATO — exactly the opposite of what Putin anticipated.”
He noted Germany’s shift toward a more robust defense policy as well as an increase in military spending in other countries.
The latest test of NATO solidarity came Friday with what Biden said was a “difficult decision” to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine. More than two-thirds of alliance members have banned the weapon because it has a track record for causing many civilian casualties. The U.S., Russia and Ukraine are not among the more than 120 countries that have not signed a convention outlawing the use of the bombs.
As for Ukraine’s possible entry into NATO, the alliance said in 2008 that Kyiv eventually would become a member. Since then, little action has been taken toward that goal. Putin occupied parts of Ukraine in 2014 and then tried to capture the capital in 2022 with his invasion.
“A gray zone is a green light for Putin,” said Daniel Fried, a former U.S. ambassador to Poland who is now a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, called for a unified signal from NATO on Ukraine and for his country to join the alliance.
“It would be an important message to say that NATO is not afraid of Russia,” Zelenskyy said through a translator in an ABC interview, when asked whether he would come to Vilnius. “Ukraine should get clear security guarantees while it is not in NATO. And that is a very important point. Only under these conditions our meeting would be meaningful. Otherwise, it’s just another politics.”
The U.S. and Germany insist that the focus should be on supplying weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, rather than taking the more provocative step of extending a formal invitation to join NATO. Countries on NATO’s Eastern flank — Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland — want firmer assurances on future membership.
NATO could decide to elevate its relationship with Ukraine, creating what would be known as the NATO-Ukraine Council and giving Kyiv a seat at the table for consultations.
Also in the spotlight in Vilnius will be Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the main obstacle to Sweden’s attempts to join NATO alongside neighbor Finland.
Erdogan accuses Sweden of being too lenient on anti-Islamic demonstrations and militant Kurdish groups that have waged a long insurgency in Turkey.
Sweden recently changed its anti-terrorism legislation and lifted an arms embargo on Turkey. But a man burned a Quran outside a mosque in Stockholm last week, and Erdogan signaled that this would pose another hurdle. He equated “those who permitted the crime” to those who perpetrated it.
Turkey and the U.S. are also at an impasse over the sale of F-16 fighter jets. Erdogan wants the upgraded planes, but Biden says Sweden’s NATO membership has to be dealt with first. McConnell said in the AP interview that he supports the sale of the fighter jets to Turkey “provided that the membership of Sweden is settled.”
Underscoring the prominence of Turkey at the upcoming summit, Biden held a lengthy call with Erdogan aboard Air Force One on the way to London. During the conversation, Biden “conveyed his desire to welcome Sweden into NATO as soon as possible,” according to the White House.
It’s not the first time that Erdogan has sought to use a NATO summit for Turkish gain. In 2009, he held up the nomination of Anders Fogh Rasmussen as secretary-general but agreed to the move after securing some senior posts for Turkish officials at the alliance.
Max Bergmann, a former State Department official who leads the Europe Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said there’s growing frustration among allies toward Erdogan, building on concerns about his ties to Putin, democratic backsliding and sanctions evasion.
“They’ve tried playing nice,” Bergmann said. “The question is whether it’s time to get much more confrontational.”
Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, is also delaying his country’s approval of Sweden’s membership. In response, Idaho Sen. Jim Risch, the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is blocking a $735 million U.S. arms sale to Hungary.
“We don’t want members who aren’t interested in doing everything possible to strengthen the alliance rather than the pursuit of their own or individual interests,” Risch said. “I’m just sick and tired of it.”
But he rejected the idea that these disagreements are a sign of weakness within NATO.
“These are kinds of things that always arise in an alliance,” he said. “The fact that we’ve been able to deal with them and will continue to deal with them proves that this is the most successful and strongest military alliance in the history of the world.”
At least one potentially difficult issue is off the summit agenda. Rather than seek consensus on a new NATO leader, members agreed to extend the tenure of Jens Stoltenberg, who’s held the job since 2014, for a year. It’s his fourth extension.
Most members wanted a woman to be the next secretary-general, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had been considered a favorite. But Poland insisted on a candidate from the Baltic states because there had already been two Nordic secretaries general in a row. (Stoltenberg was a Norwegian prime minister and Rasmussen was a Danish prime minister.)
Others are skeptical of accepting a nominee from the Baltics, whose leaders tend to be more provocative in their approach to Russia, including supporting Ukraine’s desire to rapidly join NATO.
More disagreements loom over NATO’s updated plans for countering any invasion that Russia might launch on allied territory.
___
Cook reported from Brussels. Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
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2023-07-10T00:02:29+00:00
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keloland.com
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https://www.keloland.com/news/national-world-news/ap-natos-unity-will-be-tested-at-summit-in-vilnius/
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Josh Richardson Player Prop Bets: Pelicans vs. Hornets - March 23
Josh Richardson and his New Orleans Pelicans teammates hit the court versus the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET.
Let's dive into the prop bets available for Richardson, using stats and trends to make good predictions.
Josh Richardson Prop Bets vs. the Hornets
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Josh Richardson Insights vs. the Hornets
- Richardson's Pelicans average 102.4 possessions per game, which ranks 18th among NBA teams, while the Hornets have a middling offense in terms of tempo, ranking 16th with 101.4 possessions per contest.
- On defense, the Hornets have given up 117.4 points per contest, which is 22nd-best in the league.
- Allowing 46.5 rebounds per contest, the Hornets are the 29th-ranked team in the league.
- The Hornets allow 26 assists per game, 22nd-ranked in the league.
- In terms of 3-pointers, the Hornets have given up 12.3 makes per game, 16th in the NBA.
Josh Richardson vs. the Hornets
Want another way to try to win cash prizes? Add Richardson or any of his Pelicans teammates to your lineup in FanDuel Daily Fantasy NBA contests. Use our link to sign up and get a great offer for new users. (See website for offer details, not available in all areas.)
Not all offers available in all states. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has developed a gambling problem or addiction, contact 1-800-GAMBLER.
© 2023 Data Skrive. All rights reserved.
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2023-03-23T19:23:38+00:00
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wafb.com
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https://www.wafb.com/sports/betting/2023/03/23/josh-richardson-nba-player-prop-bets-pelicans-vs-hornets/
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Former SpaceX employees file labor-law complaint
By Jackie Wattles, CNN
Eight former SpaceX employees filed labor-law complaints, alleging that Elon Musk’s space company unlawfully fired workers after they wrote company management a letter begging them to publicly condemn Musk’s “harmful” behavior on social media.
The former workers allege that SpaceX terminated their employment for participating in “concerted protected activities.” Those protected activities included putting together an open letter in June that alleged SpaceX’s “current systems and culture do not live up to its stated values.” According to a copy of the letter attached to one of the complaints, the former employees claim Musk’s public comments were a “frequent source of distraction and embarrassment for us.”
SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment, nor has it responded to routine requests from reporters in years.
The company, which Musk founded in 2002, is one of the most influential and powerful commercial space companies in the world. It holds billions of dollars worth of contracts with the US military and NASA, including deals to deliver astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station as well as a contract to ferry astronauts to the lunar surface as part of the space agency’s cornerstone Artemis program.
The existence of the letter, which was signed by at least 400 other employees, was first reported by The Verge, and the New York Times broke the news Thursday that eight of nine employees who allege they were fired for their involvement in drafting or sharing the letter were filing formal NLRB complaints. SpaceX has nearly 10,000 total employees, according to an NLRB complaint.
A lawyer representing Paige Holland-Thielen, one of the terminated SpaceX workers who held the role of lead avionics operations and automation engineer, sent CNN a copy of her complaint and said the allegations in the other seven complaints are “substantially the same.”
Of the eight employees alleging wrongdoing, only Holland-Thielen and Tom Moline, a former senior engineer at SpaceX, agreed to go on the record.
In a statement, Holland-Thielen said that she “experienced the deep cultural problems firsthand and spent countless hours comforting my peers and colleagues going through the same things and worse.
“We drafted the letter to communicate to the executive staff on their terms and show how their lack of action created tangible barriers to the long term success of the mission,” she said. “We never imagined that SpaceX would fire us for trying to help the company succeed.”
Moline said that management used an “‘ends justifies the means’ philosophy to turn a blind eye to the ongoing mistreatment, harassment, and abuse reported by my colleagues, much of which was directly encouraged and inspired by the words and actions of the CEO.
“I hope that this … claim will demonstrate that no one is above the law, and empower SpaceXers to continue to speak up and fight for a better, more equitable workplace,” Moline said in a statement.
Their letter asked SpaceX management to make it publicly clear that Musk’s statements — particularly on Twitter — did not reflect the views or values of the company or its employees and asserted that SpaceX’s so-called “No Asshole” policy was unevenly enforced.
SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell described the “No Asshole” policy in a commencement address last year, saying, “These kinds of people — assholes — interrupt others; they shut down or co-opt conversation; and they create a hostile environment where no one wants to contribute. … Embrace the ideas of your fellow workers, especially when they differ greatly from yours.”
In the weeks leading up to the letter, Musk posted tweets that mocked newly surfaced reports that he exposed himself to a female flight attendant on a private jet (he also called the allegations “untrue“); suggested creating a university with the acronym “TITS”; made sexual jokes at the expense of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos and a US senator; appeared to pillory the use of pronouns and gay pride flags during pride month; posted a meme that dismissed the idea that “mansplaining” exists and another that compared the Canadian prime minister to Hitler. It was also around the time Musk was embroiled in the will-he-won’t-he phase of his decision to buy Twitter.
The letter was circulated among employees before it was sent to management, and SpaceX chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell responded in an email to staff, alleging that a survey revealed that the letter and requests for signatures had “upset many.”
“That is, the letter, solicitations and general process made employees feel uncomfortable, intimidated and bullied, and/or angry because the letter pressured them to sign onto something that did not reflect their views,” Shotwell’s email, sent June 16, reads.
The same day the letter was sent, Holland-Thielen and four others were fired, according to the NLRB complaint.
“After this initial wave of wrongful retaliatory terminations, over the next two months SpaceX continued its campaign of retaliation and intimidation by interrogating dozens of employees in private meetings and falsely telling them that the conversations were attorney-client privileged and could not be disclosed to anyone,” the complaint reads, referring to the meetings as “unlawful coercive interrogations.”
Laurie Burgess, another attorney representing the former employees, called the events “shocking” in a statement.
“It’s shocking that SpaceX appears to believe that its mission of getting humans to Mars justifies turning a blind eye to workers’ basic civil rights,” Burgess said. “I’m proud to represent the brave employees who stepped up to challenge SpaceX’s conduct by collectively advocating for basic workplace protections.”
When an NLRB claim is filed, the board launches its own investigations of the claims that includes “interviewing witnesses and requesting documents,” Anne Shaver, a San Franciso-based employment attorney representing the eight former SpaceX workers, told CNN. The process typically takes seven to 14 weeks, according to its website. If the charges are found to have merit, the NLRB will then file its own complaint appoint an attorney, Shaver added, and the matter will go to a hearing before an administrative law judge unless there is a settlement.
This isn’t the first time Musk has elicited allegations of violating labor laws, which are designed to protect workers from harassment, discrimination and unsafe working conditions. The NLRB has already taken action against Tesla, Musk’s electric car company, for attempting to prohibit workers from wearing clothing that bears the insignia of a labor union. The labor relations board has also ordered Musk to delete an old tweet that was overtly anti-union, and a judge last year deemed that Musk illegally fired employees who attempted to unionize.
Tesla, which does not have a communications team, did not respond to reporters’ inquires about those developments.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2022 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
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2022-11-19T04:03:35+00:00
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krdo.com
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https://krdo.com/money/cnn-business-consumer/2022/11/18/former-spacex-employees-file-labor-law-complaint/
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ROCHESTER, Minn. – A collision on Highway 52 in Rochester sends two people to the hospital.
The Minnesota state patrol says Aownyowan Mihmad Noase, 18 of Austin, and Korrena Theresa Wyro, 20 of Dodge Center, were both driving north on Highway 52 when they collided near 16th Street Southwest, rolled, and wound up in the ditch just before 7 pm Wednesday.
Noase and a passenger, Amane Ojulu Cham, 21 of Austin, suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to St. Marys Hospital for treatment. Wyro was not hurt.
The Rochester Fire Department and Mayo Clinic Ambulance assisted with this accident.
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2023-02-16T04:51:41+00:00
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kimt.com
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https://www.kimt.com/news/rochester-rollover-accident-injures-two-wednesday-evening/article_2f0eacf0-ada6-11ed-92a2-9fba49377706.html
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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez was arrested Thursday in the U.S. territory on corruption charges, an official told The Associated Press.
Two other unidentified people were arrested along with her, said the official, who was not authorized to talk about the federal case.
Juan Rosado-Reynés, a spokesman for Vázquez, told the AP he did not have immediate comment.
In mid-May, Vázquez’s attorney told reporters that he and his client were preparing for possible charges as the former governor at the time denied any wrongdoing: “I can tell the people of Puerto Rico that I have not committed any crime, that I have not engaged in any illegal or incorrect conduct, as I have always said.”
Vázquez was the second woman to serve as Puerto Rico’s governor and the first former governor to face federal charges. Former Gov. Aníbal Acevedo Vilá was charged with campaign finance violations while in office and was found not guilty in 2009. He had been the first Puerto Rico governor to be charged with a crime in recent history.
Vázquez was sworn in as governor in August 2019 after former Gov. Ricardo Rosselló stepped down following massive protests. She served until 2021, after losing the primaries of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party to now Gov Pedro Pierluisi.
Vázquez previously served as the island’s justice secretary and a district attorney for more than 30 years.
She became governor after Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court ruled that the swearing in of Pierluisi — who was secretary of state in 2019 — as governor was unconstitutional. Vázquez at the time said she was not interested in running for office and would only finish the nearly two years left in Rosselló’s term.
Rosselló had resigned after tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans took to the street, angry over corruption, mismanagement of public funds and an obscenity-laced chat in which he and 11 other men including public officials made fun of women, gay people and victims of Hurricane Maria, among others.
Shortly after she was sworn in, Vázquez told the AP that her priorities were to fight corruption, secure federal hurricane recovery funds and help lift Puerto Rico out of a deep economic crisis as the government sought to emerge from bankruptcy.
During the interview, she told the AP that she had long wanted to be in public service: as a girl, she would stand on her balcony and hold imaginary trials, always finding the supposed defendants guilty.
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2022-08-04T13:18:19+00:00
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cbs42.com
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/international/official-ex-puerto-rico-governor-wanda-vazquez-arrested/
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s most powerful Republican narrowly survived being targeted by Donald Trump in Tuesday’s primary, then said his win proved that lawmakers “don’t have to be a lapdog to whatever Donald Trump says.”
Robin Vos, the longest-serving speaker in the state’s history, overcame intense criticism from Trump and others that he hadn’t pursued decertifying the 2020 election won by President Joe Biden.
But the narrow margin of his win over Adam Steen, a landlord and political newcomer, suggested the power Trump still holds over many conservative voters.
Soon after his victory, Vos lashed out at former Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, whom he hired to investigate the 2020 election results under pressure from Trump. Vos has had a testy relationship with Gableman, who ended up endorsing Steen and campaigned for him, including appearing at a Friday rally that included Trump.
Vos called Gableman “an embarrassment to the state” and said “he embarrassed himself.” Vos said Assembly Republicans would meet next week to discuss Gableman’s investigation and what to do next. Five lawsuits are pending related to the investigation, which has cost taxpayers more than $1.1 million and which Vos put on hold earlier this year.
Asked if he regretted hiring Gableman, Vos paused, then said, “I’m going to have to think about that.”
Vos was first elected in 2004 and rose to become speaker in 2013. Vos has had a hand in every major Republican initiative over the last decade. Unofficial results show Vos beat Steen by just 260 votes, or less than 3 percentage points. No Democrats are running for the seat.
Vos, and the Republican agenda, has been largely blocked by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers the past two years. Vos fell out of favor with Trump after he refused to push to decertify Biden’s win in Wisconsin. Vos, citing legal experts, said decertification was unconstitutional.
Steen ran on the platform of decertifying the election. Days before the primary, he touted his support for banning all birth control.
“This election was only about one topic. It was only about whether or not we could decertify the last election and overturn it,” Vos said. “This was only a referendum on overturning the election, which is unconstitutional.”
Vos’ win comes in the face of Trump-aligned challengers who have been defeating Republican incumbents across the country. Last week, Arizona’s Republican House speaker, Rusty Bowers, lost his bid for a state Senate seat after refusing then-President Trump’s pleas to help overturn the 2020 results and testifying before Congress about the efforts.
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2022-08-10T19:28:52+00:00
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localsyr.com
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https://www.localsyr.com/news/politics/wisconsin-assembly-leader-vos-beats-trump-backed-challenger/
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2022-11-16T16:41:46+00:00
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ourmidland.com
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https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/article/Toronto-Raptors-Stax-17589132.php
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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The key to dispelling conspiracy theories and misinformation about how elections are run is to confront the lies head on, top state election officials said Wednesday.
The advice from election administrators in Georgia, Ohio and Utah came during a gathering of the National Association of State Election Directors, which is being held under heightened security because of threats that have targeted election workers since the 2020 election.
“When it comes to election results, it’s really pretty simple,” said Blake Evans, state elections director for Georgia. “People want accuracy, speed, transparency, and they want their candidate to win. Unfortunately, usually under that kind of formula, there’s going to be slightly less than half of the population in a close contest that’s not going to be very happy with the way the results come out.”
Election officials across the country have been the target of violent threats and anger from those who falsely believe the 2020 presidential election was stolen from former President Donald Trump. Trump and his allies continue to push for decertification of President Joe Biden’s win in Wisconsin.
With security concerns in mind, the exact location of this week’s gathering was disclosed only to attendees, who were required to show a badge to gain entrance and also urged not to wear the name tag identifying themselves outside the meeting room. There was no live-streaming of the presentations, and attendees were urged to be cautious in what they posted to social media.
In Georgia, a special grand jury is investigating whether Trump and others illegally tried to interfere in the 2020 general election. The investigation’s scope includes a Jan. 2, 2021, phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. During that call, Trump urged Raffensperger to “find” enough votes to overturn his loss in the state. Trump has denied wrongdoing and has described his call to Raffensperger as “perfect.”
Evans said the key to dispelling misinformation during the 2020 election in the state was to address the false claims head on, a process that included frequent news conferences.
“I hate to imagine a world where we didn’t,” Blake said of talking openly about all the conspiracy theories being floated in 2020. “I think it was one of the most effective ways. … What we tried to do was just be very, very frequent with putting out facts and being very, very transparent about what was going on.”
Ricky Hatch, the clerk and auditor in Weber County, Utah, said election officials must find creative ways to get their messages out. His office has created memes using Legos and cats, an approach he said has led to engaging with people who otherwise might not be interested in elections.
Hatch also opened his office to tours to show how elections are run. Even if just one person is won over about the fairness of how elections are run, it’s a success, he said.
“They will talk to their neighbors,” Hatch said. “They will hopefully share their experience when others challenge the process.”
Amanda Grandjean, the director of elections in Ohio, said it was important to realize that many of the people election leaders talk to — including judges and lawmakers — don’t understand how elections work. She relayed her experience testifying before a panel of federal judges in a redistricting case ahead of Ohio’s May primary.
“I had to really check myself and say ‘No Mandi, these people don’t have any idea what you’re talking about,’” she told conference attendees. “Slow down and try your hardest to explain how our democracy, at a very technical level, how our elections work.”
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2022-07-20T22:13:06+00:00
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cbs42.com
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https://www.cbs42.com/news/national/election-leaders-urge-openness-to-dispel-misinformation/
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Connecticut man arrested in killing, dismemberment of baby
WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man wanted for the killing and dismemberment of his 11-month-old daughter has been arrested after a two-week search by local and federal authorities.
Police said Christopher Francisquini, 31, was found at a bus stop in Waterbury on Friday afternoon after a person who had been following media coverage of the case recognized him and called 911. Bystander and officer body camera videos show police swarming the scene and taking him into custody without incident.
Francisquini was arrested under a warrant charging him with murder in the Nov. 18 killing of his daughter, Camilla, in Naugatuck. A reward in the case had recently been increased to $25,000 from $10,000.
It was not immediately clear if Francisquini has a lawyer who could respond to the allegations. Public defenders representing him in other cases have not returned messages seeking comment.
“There’s a sense of relief that a dangerous criminal has been taken into custody and brought off the street,” Naugatuck Police Chief Colin McAllister said at a news conference Friday evening.
Police allege Francisquini killed the girl and later got into an argument with the child’s mother. A motive has not been released. The girl died of neck compressions and stab wounds, the chief medical examiner’s office said.
Court records show Francisquini was on parole for a 2012 assault conviction, and authorities said he cut off an electronic monitoring device from his ankle after the killing. He also was free on bail in several pending criminal cases involving carjacking, assault and other charges, court records show.
Naugatuck police said Saturday would have been Camilla’s first birthday. A vigil was planned on the Naugatuck Green late Saturday afternoon.
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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2022-12-06T03:10:57+00:00
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witn.com
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https://www.witn.com/2022/12/06/connecticut-man-arrested-killing-dismemberment-baby/
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SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) _ First American Financial Corp. (FAF) on Thursday reported second-quarter earnings of $109 million.
The Santa Ana, California-based company said it had profit of $1.01 per share. Earnings, adjusted for investment costs, were $1.97 per share.
The financial services company posted revenue of $2.06 billion in the period.
_____
This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on FAF at https://www.zacks.com/ap/FAF
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2022-07-28T12:36:00+00:00
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lmtonline.com
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https://www.lmtonline.com/business/article/First-American-Financial-Q2-Earnings-Snapshot-17334490.php
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Programs Focus on Mental Health Conditions and Addiction with Special Treatment for Young Adults 18 and Over
ST. CHARLES, Ill., May 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Recovery Centers of America (RCA) at St. Charles and at South Elgin has launched two new programs during May Mental Health Awareness Month: Discover, to address the increasing threat to young adults of drug and alcohol addictions; and Balance, to treat individuals diagnosed with primary substance use disorder (SUD) and a secondary mental health diagnosis.
An analysis of government data has revealed that the number one cause of death in adults aged 18-45 is fentanyl, a synthetic opioid drug often covertly mixed with other substances. Additionally, recent research indicates that nearly half of those who experience a mental health disorder also experience SUD and vice versa.
"Recovery Centers of America has created 'Discover,' especially for young adults who have distinct developmental treatment needs in addition to their primary substance use disorder, and 'Balance' for all adults with co-occurring disorders," says Karen Wolownik Albert, CEO of RCA at St. Charles and South Elgin.
"So many people right now, particularly young adults, are suffering in silence and need immediate treatment for their substance use disorder, but they also suffer from mental health conditions. That's why we designed new treatment programs where patients are provided an extra layer of expertise and unique therapy experiences," says Trish Caldwell, Senior Vice President of Clinical Services at RCA. "Both programs have been extremely well received by patients and families."
Discover is a life-changing RCA addiction treatment program designed specifically for young adults ages 18-25. The Discover program includes a separate "neighborhood" within the treatment center for young adults to reside and receive their own therapy sessions. WorkFlex and SchoolFlex also provides them with virtual academic or professional work time without sacrificing their treatment experiences.
The Discover program for young adults incorporates:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the perfect tool to break out of the vicious cycle of negative thinking.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy, to discover what truly motivates patients.
- Adventure Grow, to engage in new experiences and activities that ignite an individual's interest or create a challenge.
- Families Rise, for families of young adults to participate in a special support and education group which becomes a crucial part of the solution, as family involvement has been shown to be key to achieving recovery for patients.
Balance is a skills-based RCA treatment program that makes the connection and treats both substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Conditions treated include manic depressive diagnoses, anxiety, bipolar disorders, ADHD, PTSD, interpersonal conflicts, self-harm, impulsivity, personality disorders and trauma.
Balance uses:
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), a proven therapeutic approach that equips patients with individualized coping skills to handle their own unique emotional triggers using techniques based on mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation.
- Psychiatric assessments and medication management.
- Holistic treatment focused on mental, physical and spiritual enrichment.
"The beauty of what Balance provides to our patients is the hope that they can learn new skills and behaviors and appreciate that there is nothing 'wrong' with them," explains Caldwell. "Patients learn that their substance use and associated behaviors make sense to their experiences and that recovery provides an alternative life choice of healing."
Coming this summer, RCA will further address the burgeoning mental health needs of the community by launching Virtual Outpatient Treatment for Mental Health Conditions for those without SUDs as well as with SUDs. This specialized treatment program is designed for those whose mental health conditions are the primary diagnosis.
About Recovery Centers of America
Setting a new standard for addiction treatment in the Chicagoland area, RCA at St. Charles opened in September 2020. Covering 125 acres and located less than 50 miles outside downtown Chicago, patients are able to receive convenient treatment close to home where family members can be involved in the treatment process, increasing the likelihood of maintaining recovery.
Recovery Centers of America has ten inpatient substance use disorder treatment facilities in the United States, outpatient facilities nearby and opioid treatment programs. RCA facilities have been recognized as the best U.S. treatment facilities in the past two years by Newsweek Magazine. RCA's mission is to help 1 million patients achieve a life of recovery through evidence-based alcohol and drug addiction treatment. St. Charles is RCA's eighth inpatient location, with others in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Patients can obtain immediate care by calling 1-800-Recovery with complimentary transportation provided in most cases. Click here for a video tour.
RCA Contact: Terri Malenfant, RCA Vice President of Public Relations
tmalenfant@recoverycoa.com
Recovery Centers of America St. Charles: Facebook
Recovery Centers of America: LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Recovery Centers of America
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2022-05-23T13:22:21+00:00
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ksla.com
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https://www.ksla.com/prnewswire/2022/05/23/recovery-centers-america-st-charles-south-elgin-announce-two-new-specialized-treatment-programs-discover-balance-during-may-mental-health-awareness-month/
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(NEXSTAR) – A federal judge recently declined to block a controversial law enacted in Georgia following the 2020 presidential election — one that effectively prohibits the distribution of food or water to voters waiting to cast their ballots at polling places throughout the state.
Georgia’s Election Integrity Act of 2021, signed into law by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) in March 2021, made headlines across the country when it was first proposed. In addition to restrictions on handing out snacks or water within 100 feet of polling places — or within 25 feet of anyone waiting in line to vote — the law reduces the amount of time to request absentee ballots, and requires more specific identification voter identification than in previous elections, among other changes.
Defenders of the Election Integrity Act, like Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, say the law makes the state’s elections more secure and even expands voting access by granting one extra day of early voting. But opponents, like President Biden, claim it was designed to suppress voting, particularly among Black voters.
“This is Jim Crow in the 21st century,” Biden said in a statement issued by the White House in March 2021. “It must end.”
Biden later singled out the restriction on food and water, calling it an “atrocity,” as reported by The Hill.
“If you want any indication that it has nothing to do with fairness, nothing to do with decency, they passed a law saying you can’t provide water to people standing in line while they’re waiting to vote,” Biden said. “You don’t need anything else to know that this is nothing but punitive, designed to keep people from voting.”
All states, meanwhile, have at least some restrictions on electioneering activities near polling places, though few specify that civic organizations or voting advocacy groups be prohibited from providing food or water, like Georgia.
Montana’s law stipulates that voters may not be provided with “alcohol, tobacco, food, drink, or anything of value” in a polling place (or within 100 feet of one), but only if the people providing the aforementioned items are candidates, family members of candidates, or affiliated with any candidate’s campaign. In other words, a nonpartisan organization can provide water or food to voters waiting in line, provided they adhere to the state’s other electioneering guidelines.
New York, too, bans “meat, drink, tobacco, refreshment or provision” unless it’s valued at less than $1 and handed out by individuals who don’t identify themselves to voters. But $1 could easily cover the cost of a water, or a piece of fruit, or some other such food or drink.
Few other states even mention consumables in their statutory provisions, according to the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), a non-governmental bipartisan organization comprised of legislators from across the country.
Among others that appear to come somewhat close, Minnesota has a specific ban on bringing or serving “intoxicating liquors” or malt beverages at or within polling places, the NCSL pointed out. And New Hampshire prohibits directly or indirectly providing “intoxicating liquor” to voters with the intention of swaying votes, according to its official election procedures.
A representative for the NCSL declined to comment on whether Georgia’s law was the most restrictive in the nation as it pertains to food and water. Georgia, however, is the only state with a law prohibiting anyone from handing out water to voters waiting in line, said the representative, who identified herself as an elections project manager who updates the NCSL’s state-by-state electioneering resource.
As restrictive as it may be in terms of food and drink, it’s worth noting that Georgia’s Election Integrity Act of 2021 does not prohibit a polling place’s workers from making water available to voters. According to the law, every polling location in Georgia is allowed to provide “self-service water from an unattended receptacle to an elector waiting in line to vote,” if they choose to do so.
Several challenges to Georgia’s law have already been filed, though it has yet to be blocked. Just this August, U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee denied a motion for an injunction, ruling that there wasn’t enough evidence to show that restrictions on water or food within 150 feet of Georgia’s polling places was unconstitutional. But Boulee, in his ruling, appeared to indicate a problem with the law’s restrictions on handing out water within 25 feet of any voter waiting in line, as there is no limit to how long the line may be. The plaintiffs, he said, were “substantially likely to succeed” in showing that particular restriction was unconstitutional.
In any case, the motion was denied, in part because the November midterm elections were too close to the date of the ruling.
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2022-11-01T13:57:48+00:00
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fox44news.com
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https://www.fox44news.com/news/national-world-news/is-it-illegal-to-hand-out-water-or-food-outside-your-polling-place/
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LONDON (AP) — British energy firm BP reported record annual earnings on Tuesday, fueling demands that the U.K. government boost taxes for companies benefiting from the high price of oil and natural gas after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
London-based BP said underlying replacement cost profit, which excludes one-time items and fluctuations in the value of inventories, jumped to $27.7 billion in 2022 from $12.8 billion a year earlier. That beat the $26.8 billion BP earned in 2008, when tensions in Iran and Nigeria pushed world oil prices to a record of more than $147 a barrel.
BP also increased its quarterly dividend by 10% and announced plans to buy back an additional $2.75 billion of stock from shareholders.
But the good news for BP shareholders is likely to be tempered by the public fallout, particularly in its home country. High oil and gas prices have hit Britain hard, with double-digit inflation fueling a wave of public sector strikes, soaring food bank use and demands that politicians expand a windfall tax on energy companies to help pay for public services.
Ed Miliband, the opposition Labour Party’s spokesman on climate issues, called on the U.K. government to bring forward a “proper” windfall profits tax on energy companies.
“It’s yet another day of enormous profits at an energy giant, the windfalls of war, coming out of the pockets of the British people,″ Miliband said.
Similar censure was directed at London-based Shell last week, when it said annual earnings doubled to a record $39.9 billion last year.
Bumper profits for energy companies around the world have sparked demands that the fossil fuel industry do more to offset high energy bills even as they cut climate-damaging carbon emissions. U.S.-based Exxon Mobil posted record earnings of $55.7 billion last week.
Last year, Britain approved a 25% windfall profit tax on earnings from oil and gas produced in the U.K., with the levy increasing to 35% in 2023. But opposition leaders have criticized the government for allowing energy companies to reduce the tax by investing in the U.K.
BP said it took a charge of more than $1.8 billion last year to cover the new U.K. tax.
The company also took charges of $25.5 billion as the result of its decision to exit its investments in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
After including one-time items and fluctuations in the value of inventories, BP posted a net loss of $2.49 billion for 2022, compared with net income of $7.57 billion the previous year.
BP on Tuesday said it would boost investment in renewable energy, hydrogen and electric vehicle charging as well as its oil and gas businesses, plowing an additional $8 billion into the two segments through 2030.
The investments will push oil and gas production to about 2 million barrels of oil equivalent a day in 2030. While the new target is 25% lower than in 2019, BP previously planned to cut production by 40%.
“We will prioritize projects where we can deliver quickly, at low cost, using our existing infrastructure, allowing us to minimize additional emissions and maximize both value and our contribution to energy security and affordability,” chief executive Bernard Looney said in a statement.
Energy prices soared after the invasion of Ukraine. Brent crude, a benchmark for global oil prices, averaged $101.32 a barrel last year, 43% higher than in 2021. The average wholesale price of natural gas in Britain jumped 76%.
Prices have dropped in recent months, with Brent crude averaging $88.87 in the fourth quarter.
Alice Harrison, Fossil Fuels Campaign Leader at Global Witness, said BP’s profits were made “on the back of three global crises’’ — the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and climate breakdown.
“For those struggling, these mammoth profits will be a bitter pill to swallow,’’ Harrison said “There are no two ways about it — BP is richer because we’re poorer.’’
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2023-02-07T14:19:24+00:00
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localsyr.com
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https://www.localsyr.com/news/international/ap-uk-energy-company-bps-profits-double-to-27-7-billion/
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MONTRÉAL, Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ - Quebecor Inc. ("Quebecor" or "the Corporation") today reported its consolidated financial results for the second quarter of 2022. Quebecor consolidates the financial results of its wholly owned Quebecor Media Inc. ("Quebecor Media") subsidiary.
- Revenues: $1.12 billion in the second quarter of 2022, down $16.0 million (‑1.4%) from the same period of 2021.
- The Telecommunications segment's adjusted cash flows from operations increased by $39.3 million (11.9%), its adjusted EBITDA increased by $6.0 million (1.2%) and its revenues decreased by $15.8 million (‑1.7%) in the second quarter of 2022.
- Videotron Ltd. ("Videotron") increased its revenues from mobile services and equipment by $27.0 million (11.4%) in the second quarter of 2022.
- Subscriber connections to the mobile telephony service increased by 34,600 (2.1%) in the second quarter of 2022.
- Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:1 $491.4 million, a $10.0 million (‑2.0%) decrease.
- Net income attributable to shareholders: $157.4 million ($0.66 per basic share), an increase of $33.9 million ($0.16 per basic share).
- Adjusted income from continuing operating activities:2 $161.7 million ($0.68 per basic share), an increase of $3.4 million ($0.03 per basic share).
- Adjusted cash flows from operations:3 $361.0 million, a $22.9 million (6.8%) increase.
- On June 17, 2022, Videotron entered into an agreement with Rogers Communications Inc. ("Rogers") and Shaw Communications Inc. ("Shaw") to acquire Freedom Mobile Inc. ("Freedom Mobile") for $2.85 billion on a cash‑free and debt‑free basis. The agreement, which is conditional, among other things, on clearance under the Competition Act and the approval of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, provides for the acquisition of the Freedom Mobile brand's entire wireless and Internet customer base, as well as its owned infrastructure, spectrum, and retail outlets. It also includes a long‑term undertaking by Shaw and Rogers to provide Videotron with transport services (including backhaul and backbone) and roaming services. Videotron has secured the committed debt financing required for this transaction.
"In what remains a highly competitive environment, Quebecor maintained its operational rigour and financial discipline in the second quarter of 2022, as evidenced by the 6.8% increase in adjusted cash flows from operations to a total of $361.0 million, despite increased strategic investments in unique, differentiated content for both the TVA Network and its Club illico and Vrai over‑the‑top video platforms. These investments caused a slight $10.0 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA to $491.4 million. Videotron generated adjusted cash flows of $369.4 million, an increase of $39.3 million or 11.9%. Our efforts to better position our illico and Helix brands and improve margins led to a slight decrease in wireline equipment revenues. Nevertheless, the operating cost reduction initiatives of the past year enabled Videotron to post adjusted EBITDA of $487.5 million, an increase of 1.2%, and a 53.4% margin, still the industry standard‑setter. Videotron also increased its revenues from mobile services and equipment by 11.4% in the second quarter of 2022. The number of connections to the mobile service grew by 34,600, or 27.2% more than in the same quarter of 2021.
"Videotron continues to invest in high-value growth initiatives such as wireline network extensions across the province, including the Régions Branchées program, in order to expand coverage while maintaining performance and reliability. Also, our 5G network already covers the major urban centres and roll-out is continuing apace.
"The results of TVA Group Inc. ('TVA Group') were significantly affected by lower profitability in the Broadcasting segment in the second quarter of 2022, due mainly to increased content investments at TVA Network, particularly in reality and variety programming. Delivering varied programming of high quality remains the cornerstone of our business strategy. It's how we attract a steadily growing number of viewers, as indicated by the 0.7‑point market share gain posted by TVA Network in the second quarter of 2022. Despite the soft advertising market due to the unfavourable business landscape and regulatory environment, our strong programming enabled us to stand out with advertisers and to limit the impact on our over‑the‑air network's advertising revenues.
"We are more determined and motivated than ever to pursue our ambitious plans to grow across Canada as an agile, proven player that aims to disrupt the market and lower prices for Canadian consumers. The acquisition of Freedom Mobile will be a highly beneficial transaction for all parties. By investing in Canadian expansion with the goal of becoming the fourth national wireless carrier, we will foster healthy competition in the interests of Canadian consumers and position ourselves in a high‑growth market, in which we will be able to offer consumers in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario multiservice bundles and innovative mobile and Internet products. We will leverage our strong operational and competitive expertise, significant financial resources and extensive spectrum assets to continue rapidly evolving to 5G technology and a world‑class network. In addition, the recent acquisition of VMedia Inc. will support our growth strategy outside Québec with advantageous multiservice bundles, giving Canadian consumers more choice at better prices.
"We remain focused on our objectives of creating value for all our stakeholders through adroit execution of our strategies on a daily basis, coupled with the operational excellence and financial discipline that have been the hallmarks of our success in recent years."
Since March 2020, the COVID‑19 pandemic has had an impact on some of the Corporation's quarterly results, more particularly in the Media and the Sports and Entertainment segments. Given the uncertainty around the future evolution of the pandemic, including any major new waves, all future impacts of the health crisis on the results of operations cannot be determined with certainty.
The Corporation uses financial measures not standardized under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), such as adjusted EBITDA, adjusted income from continuing operating activities, adjusted cash flows from operations, free cash flows from continuing operating activities and consolidated net debt leverage ratio, and key performance indicators, including RGU. Definitions of the non‑IFRS measures and key performance indicator used by the Corporation are provided in the "Definitions" section.
Table 1
Consolidated summary of income, cash flows and balance sheet
(in millions of Canadian dollars, except per basic share data)
2022/2021 second quarter comparison
Revenues: $1.12 billion, a $16.0 million (‑1.4%) decrease.
- Revenues decreased in Telecommunications ($15.8 million or ‑1.7% of segment revenues) and in Media ($10.1 million or ‑5.1%).
- Revenues increased in Sports and Entertainment ($11.5 million or 34.3%).
Adjusted EBITDA: $491.4 million, a $10.0 million (‑2.0%) decrease.
- Adjusted EBITDA decreased in Media ($12.6 million or ‑75.4% of segment adjusted EBITDA) and there was an unfavourable variance at Head Office ($5.0 million) due to a change in the allocation of corporate expenses.
- Adjusted EBITDA increased in Telecommunications ($6.0 million or 1.2%) and in Sports and Entertainment ($1.6 million or 51.6%).
- The change in the fair value of Quebecor stock options and stock‑price‑based share units resulted in a $1.8 million unfavourable variance in the Corporation's stock‑based compensation charge in the second quarter of 2022 compared with the same period of 2021.
Net income attributable to shareholders: $157.4 million ($0.66 per basic share) in the second quarter of 2022, compared with $123.5 million ($0.50 per basic share) in the same period of 2021, an increase of $33.9 million ($0.16 per basic share).
- The main favourable variances were:
- The main unfavourable variances were:
Adjusted income from continuing operating activities: $161.7 million ($0.68 per basic share) in the second quarter of 2022, compared with $158.3 million ($0.65 per basic share) in the same period of 2021, an increase of $3.4 million ($0.03 per basic share).
Adjusted cash flows from operations: $361.0 million, a $22.9 million (6.8%) increase due to a $22.8 million decrease in additions to intangible assets and a $10.1 million decrease in additions to property, plant and equipment, partially offset by the $10.0 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA.
Cash flows provided by operating activities: $241.7 million, a $12.0 million (5.2%) increase due primarily to the favourable net change in non‑cash balances related to operating activities and the decrease in the cash portion of financial expenses, partially offset by the decrease in adjusted EBITDA, the increase in current income taxes and the unfavourable variance in the cash portion related to restructuring of operations and other items.
2022/2021 year‑to‑date comparison
Revenues: $2.20 billion, a $19.1 million (‑0.9%) decrease.
- Revenues decreased in Telecommunications ($26.4 million or ‑1.4% of segment revenues) and in Media ($3.1 million or ‑0.8%).
- Revenues increased in Sports and Entertainment ($14.4 million or 22.3%).
Adjusted EBITDA: $933.5 million, a $20.6 million (‑2.2%) decrease.
- Adjusted EBITDA increased in Telecommunications ($15.1 million or 1.6% of segment adjusted EBITDA).
- There were unfavourable variances in Media ($25.8 million), Sports and Entertainment ($0.6 million or ‑11.5%) and Head Office ($9.3 million), due in the latter case to a change in the allocation of corporate expenses.
- The change in the fair value of Quebecor stock options and stock‑price‑based share units resulted in a $0.4 million unfavourable variance in the Corporation's stock‑based compensation charge in the first half of 2022 compared with the same period of 2021.
Net income attributable to shareholders: $278.8 million ($1.17 per basic share) in the first half of 2022, compared with $244.8 million ($1.00 per basic share) in the same period of 2021, an increase of $34.0 million ($0.17 per basic share).
- The main favourable variances were:
- The main unfavourable variances were:
Adjusted income from continuing operating activities: $290.4 million ($1.22 per basic share) in the first half of 2022, compared with $288.2 million ($1.17 per basic share) in the same period of 2021, an increase of $2.2 million ($0.05 per basic share).
Adjusted cash flows from operations: $677.1 million, a $31.4 million (4.9%) increase due to a $41.3 million decrease in additions to intangible assets and a $10.7 million decrease in additions to property, plant and equipment, partially offset by the $20.6 million decrease in adjusted EBITDA.
Cash flows provided by operating activities: $469.4 million, a $21.9 million (‑4.5%) decrease due primarily to the decrease in adjusted EBITDA and the increase in current income taxes, partially offset by the favourable net change in non‑cash balances related to operating activities and the decrease in the cash portion of financial expenses.
On May 20, 2022, Videotron amended its $1.50 billion secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to July 2026 and Quebecor Media amended its $300.0 million secured revolving credit facility to extend its term to July 2025. Certain terms and conditions of the credit facilities were also amended.
On August 3, 2022, the Corporation authorized a normal course issuer bid for a maximum of 1,000,000 Class A Multiple Voting Shares ("Class A Shares"), representing approximately 1.3% of issued and outstanding Class A Shares, and for a maximum of 6,000,000 Class B Subordinate Voting Shares ("Class B Shares"), representing approximately 3.8% of issued and outstanding Class B Shares as of July 29, 2022. The purchases can be made from August 15, 2022 to August 14, 2023 at prevailing market prices on the open market through the facilities of the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative trading systems in Canada. All shares purchased under the bid will be cancelled. As of July 29, 2022, 76 984 034 Class A Shares and 157 170 556 Class B Shares were issued and outstanding.
The average daily trading volume of the Class A Shares and Class B Shares of the Corporation between February 1, 2022 and July 31, 2022 on the TSX was 1 220 Class A Shares and 703 584 Class B Shares. Consequently, the Corporation will be authorized to purchase a maximum of 1,000 Class A Shares and 175 986 Class B Shares during the same trading day, pursuant to its normal course issuer bid.
The Corporation believes that the repurchase of these shares under this normal course issuer bid is in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders.
The Corporation also announced that on or around August 5, 2022 it will enter into an automatic securities purchase plan ("the plan") with a designated broker whereby shares may be repurchased under the plan at times when such purchases would otherwise be prohibited pursuant to regulatory restrictions or self‑imposed blackout periods. The plan received prior approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange. It will come into effect on August 15, 2022 and terminate on the same date as the normal course issuer bid.
Under the plan, before entering a self‑imposed blackout period, the Corporation may, but is not required to, ask the designated broker to make purchases under the normal course issuer bid. Such purchases shall be made at the discretion of the designated broker, within parameters established by the Corporation prior to the blackout periods. Outside the blackout periods, purchases will be made at the discretion of the Corporation's management.
On April 27, 2022, the Corporation received approval from the Toronto Stock Exchange to amend its previous normal course issuer bid in order to increase the maximum number of Class B Shares that may be repurchased to 10,000,000 Class B Shares, representing approximately 6.8% of the Class B Shares public float as of July 30, 2021. No other terms of the normal course issuer bid have been amended. Between August 15, 2021 and July 31, 2022, of the 1,000,000 Class A Shares and 10,000,000 Class B Shares it was authorized to repurchase under this normal course issuer bid, the Corporation repurchased no Class A Shares and 8,978,851 Class B Shares at a weighted average price of $29.7984 per share on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and alternative trading systems in Canada.
In the first half of 2022, the Corporation purchased and cancelled 4,202,951 Class B Shares for a total cash consideration of $123.1 million (4,073,200 Class B Shares for a total cash consideration of $131.5 million in the same period of 2021). The $98.3 million excess of the purchase price over the carrying value of the repurchased Class B Shares was recorded as a reduction in retained earnings ($107.5 million in the same period of 2021).
On August 3, 2022, the Board of Directors of Quebecor declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share on its Class A Shares and Class B Shares, payable on September 13, 2022 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 19, 2022. This dividend is designated an eligible dividend, as provided under subsection 89(14) of the Canadian Income Tax Act and its provincial counterpart.
In accordance with the terms of the trust indenture governing the convertible debentures, the quarterly dividend declared on May 11, 2022 on Quebecor Class B Shares triggered an adjustment to the floor price and ceiling price then in effect. Accordingly, effective May 26, 2022, the conversion features of the convertible debentures are subject to an adjusted floor price of approximately $25.07 per share (that is, a maximum number of approximately 5,984,010 Class B Shares corresponding to a ratio of $150.0 million to the adjusted floor price) and an adjusted ceiling price of approximately $31.33 per share (that is, a minimum number of approximately 4,787,208 Class B Shares corresponding to a ratio of $150.0 million to the adjusted ceiling price).
For a detailed analysis of Quebecor's second quarter 2022 results, please refer to the Management Discussion and Analysis and condensed consolidated financial statements of Quebecor, available on the Corporation's website at www.quebecor.com/en/investors/financial documentation or from the SEDAR filing service at www.sedar.com.
Quebecor will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2022 results on August 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. There will be a question period reserved for financial analysts. To access the conference call, please dial 1‑877‑293‑8052, access code for participants 31698#. The conference call will also be broadcast live on Quebecor's website at www.quebecor.com/en/investors/conferences-and-annual-meeting. It is advisable to ensure the appropriate software is installed before accessing the call. Instructions and links to free player downloads are available at the Internet address shown above. Anyone unable to attend the conference call will be able to listen to a recording by dialing 1‑877‑293‑8133, access code 31698#, recording access code 0112465#. The recording will be available until November 11, 2022.
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward‑looking statements and are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the Corporation's actual results for future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward‑looking statements. Forward‑looking statements may be identified by the use of the conditional or by forward‑looking terminology such as the terms "plans," "expects," "may," "anticipates," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "seeks," "believes," or similar terms, variations of such terms or the negative of such terms. Certain factors that may cause actual results to differ from current expectations include seasonality (including seasonal fluctuations in customer orders), operating risk (including fluctuations in demand for Quebecor's products and pricing actions by competitors), new competition, and Quebecor's ability to retain its current customers and attract new ones, risks related to fragmentation of the advertising market, insurance risk, risks associated with capital investments (including risks related to technological development and equipment availability and breakdown), environmental risks, risks associated with cybersecurity and the protection of personal information, risks associated with service interruptions resulting from equipment breakdown, network failure, the threat of natural disaster, epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises, including the COVID‑19 pandemic, political instability is some countries, risks associated with emergency measures implemented by various governments, risks associated with labour agreements, credit risk, financial risks, debt risks, risks related to interest rate fluctuations, foreign exchange risks, risks associated with government acts and regulations, risks related to changes in tax legislation, and changes in the general political and economic environment. Investors and others are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward‑looking statements. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause Quebecor's actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to Quebecor's public filings, available at www.sedar.com and www.quebecor.com, including, in particular, the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of Quebecor's Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2021.
The forward‑looking statements in this press release reflect Quebecor's expectations as of August 4, 2022 and are subject to change after that date. Quebecor expressly disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward‑looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Quebecor, a Canadian leader in telecommunications, entertainment, news media and culture, is one of the best‑performing integrated communications companies in the industry. Driven by their determination to deliver the best possible customer experience, all of Quebecor's subsidiaries and brands are differentiated by their high‑quality, multiplatform, convergent products and services.
Quebecor (TSX: QBR.A, QBR.B) is headquartered in Québec and employs nearly 10,000 people in Canada.
A family business founded in 1950, Quebecor is strongly committed to the community. Every year, it actively supports more than 400 organizations in the vital fields of culture, health, education, the environment, and entrepreneurship.
Visit our website: www.quebecor.com
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Quebecor
In its analysis of operating results, the Corporation defines adjusted EBITDA, as reconciled to net income under IFRS, as net income before depreciation and amortization, financial expenses, loss (gain) on valuation and translation of financial instruments, restructuring of operations and other items, loss on debt refinancing and income tax. Adjusted EBITDA as defined above is not a measure of results that is consistent with IFRS. It is not intended to be regarded as an alternative to IFRS financial performance measures or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Corporation uses adjusted EBITDA in order to assess the performance of its investment in Quebecor Media. The Corporation's management and Board of Directors use this measure in evaluating its consolidated results as well as the results of the Corporation's operating segments. This measure eliminates the significant level of impairment and depreciation/amortization of tangible and intangible assets and is unaffected by the capital structure or investment activities of the Corporation and its business segments.
Adjusted EBITDA is also relevant because it is a component of the Corporation's annual incentive compensation programs. A limitation of this measure, however, is that it does not reflect the periodic costs of tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in the Corporation's segments. The Corporation also uses other measures that do reflect such costs, such as adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from continuing operating activities. The Corporation's definition of adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Table 2 provides a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income as disclosed in Quebecor's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Table 2
Reconciliation of the adjusted EBITDA measure used in this press release to the net income measure used in the condensed consolidated financial statements
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
The Corporation defines adjusted income from continuing operating activities, as reconciled to net income attributable to shareholders under IFRS, as net income attributable to shareholders before (loss) gain on valuation and translation of financial instruments, restructuring of operations and other items, and loss on debt refinancing, net of income tax related to adjustments and net income attributable to non‑controlling interest related to adjustments. Adjusted income from continuing operating activities, as defined above, is not a measure of results that is consistent with IFRS. It should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Corporation uses adjusted income from continuing operating activities to analyze trends in the performance of its businesses. The above‑listed items are excluded from the calculation of this measure because they impair the comparability of financial results. Adjusted income from continuing operating activities is more representative for forecasting income. The Corporation's definition of adjusted income from continuing operating activities may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Table 3 provides a reconciliation of adjusted income from continuing operating activities to the net income attributable to shareholders' measure used in Quebecor's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Table 3
Reconciliation of the adjusted income from continuing operating activities measure used in this press release to the net income attributable to shareholders' measure used in the condensed consolidated financial statements
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
Adjusted cash flows from operations
Adjusted cash flows from operations represents adjusted EBITDA, less additions to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets (excluding licence acquisitions and renewals). Adjusted cash flows from operations represents funds available for interest and income tax payments, expenditures related to restructuring programs, business acquisitions, licence acquisitions and renewals, payment of dividends, repayment of long‑term debt and lease liabilities, and share repurchases. Adjusted cash flows from operations is not a measure of liquidity that is consistent with IFRS. It is not intended to be regarded as an alternative to IFRS financial performance measures or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted cash flows from operations is used by the Corporation's management and Board of Directors to evaluate the cash flows generated by the operations of all of its segments, on a consolidated basis, in addition to the operating cash flows generated by each segment. Adjusted cash flows from operations is also relevant because it is a component of the Corporation's annual incentive compensation programs. The Corporation's definition of adjusted cash flows from operations may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Free cash flows from continuing operating activities
Free cash flows from continuing operating activities represents cash flows provided by operating activities calculated in accordance with IFRS, less cash flows used for additions to property, plant and equipment and to intangible assets (excluding expenditures related to licence acquisitions and renewals), plus proceeds from disposal of assets. Free cash flows from continuing operating activities is used by the Corporation's management and Board of Directors to evaluate cash flows generated by the Corporation's operations. Free cash flows from continuing operating activities represents available funds for business acquisitions, licence acquisitions and renewals, payment of dividends, repayment of long‑term debt and lease liabilities, and share repurchases. Free cash flows from continuing operating activities is not a measure of liquidity that is consistent with IFRS. It is not intended to be regarded as an alternative to IFRS financial performance measures or to the statement of cash flows as a measure of liquidity. The Corporation's definition of free cash flows from continuing operating activities may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Tables 4 and 5 provide a reconciliation of adjusted cash flows from operations and free cash flows from continuing operating activities to cash flows provided by operating activities reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Table 4
Adjusted cash flows from operations
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
Table 5
Free cash flows from continuing operating activities and cash flows provided by operating activities reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
The consolidated net debt leverage ratio represents consolidated net debt, excluding convertible debentures, divided by the trailing 12‑month adjusted EBITDA. Consolidated net debt, excluding convertible debentures, represents total long‑term debt plus bank indebtedness, lease liabilities, the current portion of lease liabilities and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments, less assets related to derivative financial instruments and cash and cash equivalents. The consolidated net debt leverage ratio serves to evaluate the Corporation's financial leverage and is used by management and the Board of Directors in its decisions on the Corporation's capital structure, including its financing strategy, and in managing debt maturity risks. The consolidated net debt leverage ratio excludes convertible debentures because, subject to certain conditions, those debentures can be repurchased at the Corporation's discretion by issuing Quebecor Class B Shares. Consolidated net debt leverage ratio is not a measure established in accordance with IFRS. It is not intended to be used as an alternative to IFRS measures or the balance sheet to evaluate its financial position. The Corporation's definition of consolidated net debt leverage ratio may not be identical to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Table 6 provides the calculation of consolidated net debt leverage ratio and the reconciliation to balance sheet items reported in Quebecor's condensed consolidated financial statements.
Table 6
Consolidated net debt leverage ratio
(in millions of Canadian dollars)
The Corporation uses RGU, an industry metric, as a key performance indicator. An RGU represents, as the case may be, subscriptions to the Internet access, television and OTT services, and subscriber connections to the mobile and wireline telephony services. RGU is not a measurement that is consistent with IFRS and the Corporation's definition and calculation of RGU may not be the same as identically titled measurements reported by other companies or published by public authorities.
QUEBECOR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
QUEBECOR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
QUEBECOR INC.
SEGMENTED INFORMATION
QUEBECOR INC.
SEGMENTED INFORMATION (continued)
QUEBECOR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
QUEBECOR INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
QUEBECOR INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
View original content:
SOURCE Quebecor
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2022-08-04T10:52:23+00:00
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live5news.com
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https://www.live5news.com/prnewswire/2022/08/04/quebecor-inc-reports-consolidated-results-second-quarter-2022/
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Josh Hawley, a Republican, represents Missouri in the U.S. Senate.
Social media has not connected or united the world. It’s tearing people apart. And young people are suffering the most. Researcher Jean Twenge, who has spent her career chronicling social media’s effects on kids, has observed that the longer children use social media, the more likely they are to harm themselves. This finding held true for both boys and girls — but especially girls. Depression and social media use go hand in hand.
Conservatives aren’t the only ones noticing who’s responsible. Seattle Public Schools — no right-wing stronghold — has sued TikTok, Meta, Snap and other companies for worsening the youth mental health crisis. And a British court recently held Instagram liable for peddling self-harm content to a 14-year-old girl who took her own life.
None of this should come as a surprise to the platforms. They have known about the consequences of their operations for years. In 2021, the Wall Street Journal published internal documents from Instagram researchers revealing a long history of investigating the platform’s harm to kids. As Instagram employees acknowledged, a third of teenage girls said “that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse.” The company also found that “among teens who reported suicidal thoughts, 13% of British users and 6% of American users traced the desire to kill themselves to Instagram.”
It’s not just algorithms and design decisions putting kids at risk. Child sexual abuse material circulates on mainstream platforms such as Twitter, fueling an underground economy run by human traffickers. With millions of exploitation images circulating across the internet — and more every year — the scale of the problem far outpaces law enforcement’s effort to keep up. While Congress talks, children suffer.
In short, these platforms have become dangerous to young people, pushing them toward nihilistic disengagement or despair. Predators and traffickers, like vultures, hover just out of view.
Congress could blunt these harms by simply passing a law that would keep kids off social media until they’re at least 16 and better positioned to use the technologies safely.
Such a law would need teeth, of course. So let’s give it some. We can require real age verification processes and direct the Federal Trade Commission to carry out periodic audits to ensure compliance. And we can empower parents to bring lawsuits against companies that break the rules.
Such a law wouldn’t replace parents. Rather, it would support them. Most of them don’t want their kids on social media at an early age anyway, and many kids join only because their friends have joined. We can protect kids when they are most vulnerable by keeping them off social media during their formative years.
At the same time, Congress should authorize a federal study to examine social media’s effects on kids’ mental health. And websites that collect data from minors should be required to provide straightforward opt-outs. These are simple, common-sense steps that should sail through Congress by unanimous consent.
Decades from now, future generations will look back on social media in the 2010s and 2020s as we look back on the days of asbestos in buildings or lead in the water supply. Danger was everywhere; leaders only needed to realize it.
|
2023-02-16T16:34:06+00:00
|
washingtonpost.com
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/02/16/children-social-media-protection-congress/
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) is coming back to New Mexico. Knuckle Mania 3 is set to take stage at Tingley Coliseum on February 17, with the co-headline event, Austin Trout vs Diego Sanchez.
Story continues below:
- Trending: Woman who admitted to murder to be released from jail
- Albuquerque: Albuquerque lawmakers’ private information scrubbed from internet
- Crime: Woman involved in crime spree avoids prison time
- New Mexico: New Mexico will send more child support money to families
The rest of the card features plenty of other New Mexican fighters, including Eric Dodson, Will Santiago, Jayme Hinshaw, and Joshua Moreno. All won their respective fights during the last BKFC event in New Mexico, at the Rio Rancho Events Center in August.
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2023-01-11T03:26:36+00:00
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krqe.com
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https://www.krqe.com/sports/local-sports/bkfc-returns-to-albuquerque-with-diego-sanchez-vs-austin-trout/
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BEIJING, June 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloopen Group Holding Limited (OTC: RAASY) ("Cloopen" or the "Company") today announced that, on June 5, 2023, it entered into a binding term sheet (the "Term Sheet") for the settlement of class action lawsuits commenced in April 2021 in the New York Supreme Court (captioned Sonny St. John v. Cloopen Group Holding Limited et al., Index No. 652617/2021 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. N.Y. Cnty.)) and in December 2021 in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (captioned Dong v. Cloopen Group Holding Limited et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-10610-JGK-RWL (S.D.N.Y.)), collectively alleging claims for violations of Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Term Sheet requires Cloopen to pay a total of US$12.0 million in cash to the plaintiff class, representing approximately 6% of its cash and cash equivalents as of May 31, 2023 based on unaudited management accounts.
The settlement is subject to certain conditions including entering into a final settlement agreement, notice to the class members, and court approval. The parties jointly informed the court that they hope to be in a position to finalize and file the preliminary settlement approval and notice documents within forty-five (45) days from the execution of the Term Sheet.
Mr. Changxun Sun, chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Cloopen, commented, "We will use our best efforts to enter into a final settlement agreement and obtain the necessary court approval. We believe that the full and final resolution of the class action lawsuits will enable us to focus more on our daily, ongoing business operations as well as the pursuit of future developments."
About Cloopen Group Holding Limited
Cloopen Group Holding Limited is a leading multi-capability cloud-based communications solution provider in China offering a full suite of cloud-based communications solutions, covering communications platform as a service (CPaaS), cloud-based contact centers (cloud-based CC), and cloud-based unified communications and collaborations (cloud-based UC&C). Cloopen's mission is to enhance the daily communication experience and operational productivity for enterprises. Cloopen aspires to drive the transformation of enterprise communications industry by offering innovative marketing and operational tactics and SaaS-based tools.
For more information, please visit https://ir.yuntongxun.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements made under the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Cloopen may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed with or furnished to the SEC, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Cloopen's beliefs and expectations as well as its financial outlook, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Cloopen's current expectations and involve factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in Cloopen's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is current as of the date of the press release, and Cloopen does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Cloopen Group Holding Limited
Investor Relations
Email: ir@yuntongxun.com
View original content:
SOURCE Cloopen Group Holding Limited
|
2023-06-14T13:02:49+00:00
|
newschannel10.com
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https://www.newschannel10.com/prnewswire/2023/06/14/cloopen-enters-into-binding-term-sheet-settle-us-securities-class-actions/
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TARRYTOWN, N.Y., July 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) today announced that it will report its second quarter 2022 financial and operating results on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, before the U.S. financial markets open. The Company will host a conference call and simultaneous webcast at 8:30 AM Eastern Time that day.
Conference Call Information
Participants may access the conference call live via webcast on the 'Investors and Media' page of Regeneron's website at https://investor.regeneron.com/events-and-presentations. To participate via telephone, please register in advance at this link. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number along with a unique passcode and registrant ID that can be used to access the call. A replay of the conference call and webcast will be archived on the Company's website for at least 30 days.
About Regeneron
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led for nearly 35 years by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to nine FDA-approved treatments and product candidates in development, almost all of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, pain, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases and rare diseases.
Regeneron is accelerating and improving the traditional drug development process through our proprietary VelociSuite® technologies, such as VelocImmune®, which uses unique genetically humanized mice to produce optimized fully human antibodies and bispecific antibodies, and through ambitious research initiatives such as the Regeneron Genetics Center, which is conducting one of the largest genetics sequencing efforts in the world.
For more information, please visit www.Regeneron.com or follow @Regeneron on Twitter.
Contact Information:
Investor Relations
Ryan Crowe
914.847.8790
ryan.crowe@regeneron.com
Corporate Communications
Christina Chan
914.847.8827
christina.chan@regeneron.com
View original content:
SOURCE Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
|
2022-07-06T21:29:43+00:00
|
kcbd.com
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https://www.kcbd.com/prnewswire/2022/07/06/regeneron-report-second-quarter-2022-financial-operating-results-host-conference-call-webcast-august-3-2022/
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Shortly after hundreds of rioters at the Capitol started chanting “Hang Mike Pence!” on Jan. 6, 2021, the White House chief of staff, Mark Meadows, left the dining room off the Oval Office, walked into his own office and told colleagues that President Donald Trump was complaining that the vice president was being whisked to safety.
Meadows, according to an account provided to the House committee investigating Jan. 6, then told the colleagues that Trump had said something to the effect of, maybe Pence should be hanged.
It is not clear what tone Trump was said to have used. But the reported remark was further evidence of how extreme the rupture between the president and his vice president had become, and of how Trump not only failed to take action to call off the rioters but also appeared to identify with their sentiments about Pence — whom he had unsuccessfully pressured to block certification of the Electoral College results that day — as a reflection of his own frustration at being unable to reverse his loss.
The account of Trump’s comment was initially provided to the House committee by at least one witness, according to two people briefed on their work, as the panel develops a timeline of what the president was doing during the riot.
Another witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Meadows who was present in his office when he recounted Trump’s remarks, was asked by the committee about the account and confirmed it, according to the people familiar with the panel’s work. It was not immediately clear how much detailed information Hutchinson provided. She has cooperated with the committee in three separate interviews after receiving a subpoena.
A lawyer for Meadows said he has “every reason to believe” that the account of what Meadows said “is untrue.”
Taylor Budowich, a spokesman for Trump, criticized the committee’s work. “This partisan committee’s vague ‘leaks,’ anonymous testimony and willingness to alter evidence proves it’s just an extension of the Democrat smear campaign that has been exposed time and time again for being fabricated and dishonest,” he said. “Americans are tired of the Democrat lies and the charades, but, sadly, it’s the only thing they have to offer.”
Budowich did not address the substance of the information provided to the committee.
A lawyer for Hutchinson did not respond to a message seeking comment. A spokesman for the committee declined to comment.
Pence resisted weeks of pressure from Trump and some of his allies to use his ceremonial role in overseeing Congress’ certification of the electoral votes Jan. 6 to block or delay Joe Biden’s victory. Despite being told by Pence and his advisers that they did not believe that the vice president had that power, Trump continued to apply pressure, privately and publicly, through that morning.
Trump denounced Pence’s unwillingness to go along with the effort during his rally at the Ellipse just before the Electoral College certification began in the Capitol.
“We want to be so respectful of everybody,” Trump said in a slashing speech in which he attacked various people and institutions for not cooperating with his desires. “And we are going to have to fight much harder. And Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us, and if he doesn’t, that will be a sad day for our country. Because you’re sworn to uphold our Constitution.”
A short time later, Trump’s supporters marched up to the Capitol on his encouragement. Some chanted “Hang Mike Pence!” as a gallows was set up outside the Capitol building. Pence, who had arrived earlier at the Capitol, was taken to safety in an underground garage as the top congressional leadership of both parties was evacuated.
Trump, watching television throughout the riot, spoke approvingly of those chants as he discussed them with Meadows and possibly other aides, according to the testimony that the committee has heard.
Trump made his displeasure with Pence clear not just to his aides but to the public when he tweeted, at 2:24 p.m., as the rioters were swarming the building, that “Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution.”
The panel is trying to develop a report portraying the events as part of Trump’s quest to stay in office, including how he stoked anger at his loss among his supporters and redirected it against Pence and members of Congress during what is typically a routine certification process.
Breaking News Alerts
The committee has also gathered testimony that Meadows used the fireplace in his office to burn documents, according to two people briefed on the panel’s questions. The committee has asked witnesses about how Meadows handled documents and records after the election.
The news came as one of the five Republican members of Congress who received subpoenas to appear before the committee signaled he would not appear for his deposition Friday unless the panel turned over voluminous documents to him.
Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, who is in line to become Judiciary Committee chairman should his party take control of the House next year, demanded that he be given “all documents, videos or other material in the possession of the select committee” to be used in his questioning and any material in the panel’s possession in which his name appears.
“Your attempt to compel testimony about a colleague’s deliberations pertaining to a statutorily prescribed legislative matter and an important constitutional function is a dangerous escalation of House Democrats’ pursuit of political vendettas,” Jordan wrote to Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who is chairman of the committee.
A spokesperson for the committee said the panel did not have an immediate response to Jordan.
The four other Republican congressmen subpoenaed, including Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, the minority leader, have all denigrated the committee but have not ruled out testifying. Two of their depositions are scheduled for Thursday.
c.2022 The New York Times Company
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2022-05-26T12:06:00+00:00
|
sun-sentinel.com
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https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-aud-nw-nyt-trump-pence-jan-6-20220526-53m3qage3vf6debzplf4pwycoq-story.html
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BRYAN, Texas — Bryan firefighters responded to a fire in the 400 block of Pierce Street at 9:35 p.m. on Weds, Sept. 21. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they found 70-year-old James Green dead, according to Bryan FD Assistant Fire Marshal Gerald Burnett.
Neighbors at the scene reported a slight smoke smell after 8 p.m., according to authorities. It was also reported that a fire was not noticed until 9:30 p.m., when fire became visible at the roof of the house.
Authorities arrived at the scene at 9:35 p.m. and were unsure if anyone was in the residence, according to Burnett.
According to authorities, the fire originated in the kitchen of the apartment. However, smoke alarms were noticeably absent at the scene of the fire.
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2022-09-23T06:33:03+00:00
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kagstv.com
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https://www.kagstv.com/article/news/local/bryan-pierce-street-apartment-fire/499-2966cff7-1434-43f3-b80d-63a7a70ded39
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By COSTAS KANTOURIS and DEREK GATOPOULOS
Associated Press
THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Emergency crews cut through the mangled remains of a passenger train on Thursday, progressing “centimeter by centimeter” in their search for the dead from a head-on collision in northern Greece that killed at least 46 people. Rail workers went on strike to protest years of underfunding that they say has left the country’s train system in a dangerous state.
The passenger train and a freight train slammed into each other late Tuesday, crumpling carriages into twisted steel knots and forcing people to smash windows to escape. It was the country’s deadliest crash ever, and more than 50 people remained hospitalized, most in the central Greek city of Larissa. Six of them were in intensive care.
Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Artopios said the grim recovery effort was proceeding “centimeter by centimeter.”
“We can see that there are more (bodies) people there. Unfortunately they are in a very bad condition because of the collision,” Artopios told state television.
WORKERS SAY TRAIN SYSTEM IS UNSAFE
The cause of the crash is still not clear. The Larissa station manager arrested after the collision was charged Wednesday with multiple counts of manslaughter and causing serious physical harm through negligence, as a judicial inquiry tries to establish why the two trains were traveling in opposite directions on the same track.
Railway workers’ associations, meanwhile, called strikes, halting national rail services and the subway in Athens. They are protesting working conditions and what they described as a dangerous failure to modernize the Greek rail system due to a lack of public investment during the deep financial crisis that spanned most of the previous decade and brought Greece to the brink of bankruptcy.
“Unfortunately, our long-standing demands for full-time staff hirings, better training and above all, implementation of up-to-date security systems have always ended up in the wastepaper basket,” Greece’s federation of railway employees said in a statement announcing Thursday’s strike.
Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis resigned following the crash, his replacement tasked with setting up an independent inquiry looking into the causes of the crash.
“Responsibility will be assigned,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a televised address late Wednesday after visiting the collision site.
“We will work so that the words ‘never again’ … will not remain an empty pledge,” he said. “That I promise you.”
Supporters of the strike plan to protest in central Athens later Thursday.
CRASH SURVIVOR DESCRIBES FIERY ESCAPE
More than 300 people were on board the passenger train, many of them students returning from a holiday weekend and annual Carnival celebrations around Greece.
Andreas Alikaniotis, a 20-year-old survivor of the crash, described how he and fellow students escaped from a jackknifed train car as fire approached, smashing windows and throwing luggage onto the ground outside to use as a makeshift landing pad.
“It was a steep drop, into a ditch,” Alikaniotis, who suffered a knee injury, told reporters from his hospital bed in Larissa.
“The lights went out. … The smoke was suffocating inside the rail car but also outside,” Alikaniotis said.
He said he was “one of the few around who had not been seriously injured.”
“Me and my friends helped people get out.”
“50 TICKETS TO DEATH”
Relatives of the victims and still-missing passengers lashed out at government officials and Italian-owned private rail operator Hellenic Train.
Dimitris Bournazis, whose father and 15-year-old brother remain unaccounted for, said phone calls to the rail company have been fruitless.
“I’ve been trying since yesterday afternoon to communicate with the company to find out what seat my father was in,” he said. “Nobody has called me back.”
He’s lost hope of seeing either of his loved ones alive again.
“I’ve lost my brother, my father. That can’t change, I know it,” he said. “But the point is for us not to mourn victims like that again. They bought 50 tickets to death.”
Bournazis said responsibility for the crash should go far beyond the stationmaster.
“We can’t dump all the blame on one person for making one mistake,” he said.
ZELENSKYY AND TURKEY SEND CONDOLENCES
Residents in Larissa lined up to give blood, many waiting in heavy rain for more than an hour, while the city’s hotel association provided free accommodation to relatives of the crash victims and to those who traveled to the city to provide DNA samples to help police forensics experts identify bodies. Nine bodies have been identified through genetic matches so far, authorities said.
Pope Francis and European leaders sent messages of sympathy in the wake of the crash. Among them were Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, whose country is recovering from devastating earthquakes last month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent a message in Greek, writing, “The people of Ukraine share the pain of the families of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to all the injured.”
___
Gatopoulos reported from Athens, Greece.
|
2023-03-02T23:21:18+00:00
|
wtmj.com
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https://wtmj.com/national/2023/03/02/greece-train-crash-search-moves-centimeter-by-centimeter/
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President Biden on Tuesday took aim at Russian President Vladimir Putin in remarks from Poland ahead of the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, arguing the Russian leader’s “craven lust for land and power” had only served to unite democracies around the world.
Biden addressed thousands of people in Warsaw to mark one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. He repeatedly invoked Putin’s name in his remarks as he framed the battle as part of a broader confrontation between autocracies and democracies.
“President Putin’s craven lust for land and power will fail, and the Ukrainian people’s love for their country will prevail,” Biden said. “Democracies of the world will stand guard of our freedoms today, tomorrow, and forever. That’s what’s at stake here — freedom.”
The president’s speech came roughly one year after he first visited Warsaw just after the start of the war and, in an impromptu moment, declared Putin could not remain in power. White House aides later walked back the comment, insisting Biden was not advocating for regime change.
But in his remarks on Tuesday, the president made clear Putin was responsible for the war in Ukraine, and he was adamant that the U.S. and its allies in Europe would not waver in their support for Ukraine.
“President Putin is confronted with something today he didn’t think was possible a year ago,” Biden said. “The democracies of the world have grown stronger, not weaker. But the autocracies of the world have grown weaker, not stronger.”
Biden at one point directly addressed Russian citizens, seeking to make clear that the United States and its allies do not seek to control or attack Russia.
“Millions of Russian citizens only want to live in peace with their neighbors are not the enemy. This war is never a necessity,” Biden said. “It’s a tragedy. President Putin chose this war.”
The president’s speech came hours after Putin himself delivered a speech announcing that Russia would suspend its participation in a nuclear arms treaty with the United States.
Putin used his speech to attack the West, accusing the U.S. and European allies of worsening the conflict in Ukraine by providing military equipment and other support to Ukraine.
|
2023-02-21T21:27:06+00:00
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myfox8.com
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https://myfox8.com/news/politics/hill-politics/biden-takes-aim-at-russian-president-in-warsaw-speech-putin-chose-this-war/
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GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organization says it has fired one of its doctors who faced allegations, first reported by The Associated Press, that he had repeatedly engaged in sexual misconduct.
The U.N. health agency had come under pressure from the United States and other countries to do more in the fight against sexual misconduct in the wake of the claims against the doctor, Fijian national Temo Waqanivalu.
“Dr. Temo Waqanivalu has been dismissed from WHO following findings of sexual misconduct against him and corresponding disciplinary process,” said WHO spokeswoman Marcia Poole in a email to the AP early Tuesday.
“Sexual misconduct of any kind by anyone working for WHO — be it as staff, consultant, partner — is unacceptable,” she added.
In January, the AP reported that Waqanivalu had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Berlin conference in October and was flagged to senior WHO directors years ago for allegedly harassing another staffer.
The earlier allegation didn’t result in any significant consequences for Waqanivalu, who headed a small team in WHO’s noncommunicable diseases department and had been preparing to run for regional director of the Western Pacific.
According to confidential documents obtained by the AP, senior WHO directors were informed of a sexual harassment allegation made against Waqanivalu in 2018. The accuser was later informed that pursuing a formal investigation might not be the best option for her.
Waqanivalu was later given an informal warning that didn’t cite the woman who made the claim or his specific behavior.
In interviews with WHO investigators, Waqanivalu “categorically” denied he had ever sexually assaulted anyone. He declined to comment to the AP.
In recent years, WHO has been plagued by numerous reports of misconduct. In May 2021, the AP reported that senior WHO managers were informed of sex abuse allegations during an Ebola outbreak in Congo but did little to stop it. A panel appointed by WHO later found that more than 80 workers under WHO’s direction sexually abused women.
The Western Pacific regional director that Waqanivalu was seeking to replace at WHO was put on leave in August, months after the AP reported that numerous staffers had accused him of racist and abusive behavior that compromised the U.N. agency’s response to COVID-19.
Last month, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in an email to employees that the appointment of the regional director, Dr. Takeshi Kasai, had been terminated after an internal investigation resulted in “findings of misconduct.”
|
2023-04-25T08:42:07+00:00
|
seattletimes.com
|
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/who-fires-doctor-after-findings-of-sexual-misconduct-by-him/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=RSS_all
|
Mahalo for supporting Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Enjoy this free story!
Sarah Kern, a science teacher at Kamakahelei Middle School on Kauai, found an eighth grade student last year sobbing uncontrollably because the girl had gotten her period and bled through her shorts, a situation that Senate Bill 2821 will soon address if signed into law.
The Legislature on Tuesday gave its final vote to the measure, which requires public and charter schools to provide students with free feminine hygiene products. It now heads to Gov. David Ige for his signature.
“I am fortunate to have a male colleague thoughtful enough to keep a few extra jackets in his room for situations like hers,” Kern wrote in testimony in support of the bill. “However, this student should never have been in such a position in the first place.”
Kern told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that students have been asking her for pads or tampons about twice a month since she first began teaching in 2013.
On several occasions, she said, students told her they missed class because of their period.
“I can only guess at how many students missed class for the same reason but didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell me,” Kern wrote.
Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School is one of six involved in the Ma‘i Movement pilot program to provide students with free menstrual products.
But before Kamakahelei became a participant, Kern said she kept a supply of products in her class and announced her willingness to provide them to students at the start of each school year.
“I try to model not being ashamed or embarrassed to talk about it, but it’s not something they’ll ask in front of other students,” Kern said.
A 2021 study by the Ma‘i Movement and the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women found that students resorted to using newspapers, old rags, diapers and leaves when they did not have access to menstrual products.
The Department of Education provides schools with extra masks, paper towels, hand sanitizer and Band-Aids to keep in classrooms, Kern wrote. But when the blood comes from a source that the student has no control over, the DOE fails to provide menstrual products, she wrote.
The state budget allocates $2 million for menstrual products in schools, said state Sen. Michelle Kidani (D, Mililani-Waikele-Kunia), who introduced SB 2821. Funding will be available July 1, Kidani said.
How and when schools dispense menstrual products is up to each campus, according to the DOE and supporters of the bill.
Sen. Kurt Fevella (R, Ewa Beach-Iroquois Point) spoke on the Senate floor Jan. 19 and called the need for widely available feminine hygiene products “very serious” and something that will change young women’s lives.
“People don’t realize how difficult it is for a girl to ask the parents, or sometimes single parent — could be a dad — to help purchase these products,” Fevella told the Star-Advertiser. “People don’t understand unless you’re a female or you have a lot of female family.”
Keeping girls’ restrooms regularly stocked should be a priority, said Fevella, who worked as a custodian at Campbell High School for over two years. He said clothing would be used to stanch bleeding when parents or grandparents decided to buy food over menstrual products.
“It hurts me to relate that some of her (his daughter’s) classmates might be without these products,” Fevella said. “I don’t think there should be any excuses on how are we going to maintain it and do it for our young ladies or young girls in school.”
At the start of Kamakahelei’s participation in the Ma‘i Movement, school officials kept free menstrual products in classroom bins. But when no one seemed to take them, officials added bins in bathroom stalls, and that led to much higher use, Kern said.
Gallon-size bags of feminine hygiene products are also kept in the school’s health room ahead of long weekends and school breaks, and their availability is relayed in the morning announcements, Kern said.
The school also eventually plans to make gallon-filled bags available in girls’ restrooms.
It’s a horrible reality that some parents have to choose between groceries and menstrual products, Kern said. But the pandemic has illustrated the importance of in-person learning, Kidani said.
“What they’re going through, it’s heartbreaking,” Kern said. “Our students should not be the ones who are suffering from that terrible choice.”
|
2022-05-07T11:17:57+00:00
|
staradvertiser.com
|
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2022/05/07/hawaii-news/proposal-for-free-feminine-products-in-schools-approved/
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VERO BEACH, Fla., Nov. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- At Market Street Memory Care Residence Palm Coast, veterans and veteran spouses were honored and celebrated with an annual Veterans Day recognition ceremony. Thanks to the Market Street team and their partners, Vitas and the Matanzas High School JROTC, the significance of the day was met with symbolism and respect from the entire community.
Family, friends, community partners and residents joined together on Veterans Day as opening ceremonies began. The Matanzas High School JROTC began with the presentation of flags during the national anthem followed by the recognition of each veteran with hats and certificates of honor. Community partner, Vitas Healthcare led a prayer and presented each veteran with certificates and an American flag pillow, handcrafted by the Vitas volunteers as a symbolic gesture of appreciation. Guests in attendance enjoyed the sweet gift of a decorative cake to honor the veterans as patriotic music played throughout the afternoon.
"It is a blessing to honor our residents each and every day, but it is even more touching to feel the support and warmth of our community partners who volunteer their time and efforts to make events such as this one even more significant," says Jennifer Wilson, Memory Care Director of Market Street Palm Coast. "The traditional sights and sounds of holiday events spark memories for our memory care residents which helps to improve engagement and interaction."
Market Street Memory Care Residence Palm Coast is an award-winning memory care community in Palm Coast, Florida operated by Watercrest Senior Living Group. Market Street Palm Coast was recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2022-23 Best Memory Care Community.
The Veterans Day community celebration is an aspect of Watercrest CARES, a company-wide movement by Watercrest Senior Living Group encompassing their common unity initiatives such as Connectivity. Watercrest is committed to supporting residents in staying connected in meaningful ways and inspiring a sense of community at each location.
Market Street Memory Care Residence Palm Coast offers world class care, multi-sensory programming, diverse culinary experiences, and unparalleled associate training honoring seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. The community is conveniently located at 2 Corporate Drive in Palm Coast, Fla. For information, please call 386-388-7495.
About Watercrest Senior Living Group
Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A five-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com.
View original content to download multimedia:
SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group
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2022-11-15T19:49:18+00:00
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kcbd.com
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https://www.kcbd.com/prnewswire/2022/11/15/market-street-memory-care-residence-palm-coast-recognizes-resident-veterans-with-teamwork-community-partners/
|
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WLIP Featured
Apartment Fire closes Kenosha restaurant
May 23, 2022 @ 2:14pm
Kenosha firefighters responded today to a fire in the apartment above “The Garage” restaurant.
The fire, at 3001 60th St, took about an hour to extinguish, resulting in the closure of streets in the area around the building.
The business will be closed for the foreseeable future. There were no reported injuries.
The restaurant and the apartment both had visible damage. In a statement from The Garage’s Facebook page…
“It is with a heavy heart we must close for the foreseeable future.
The apartment above the restaurant caught fire earlier today. Everyone is safe and no one was hurt.
We would like to thank the first responders for their dedication to keeping our city safe.
We will keep you updated as we learn more and hope to be serving up tasty burgers and seeing our amazing customers soon.”
WLIP 75th Anniversary Tour Stops
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|
2022-05-24T01:25:57+00:00
|
wlip.com
|
https://www.wlip.com/32610-2/
|
MUNICH (AP) — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called on world leaders Saturday to “double down” on support for Ukraine, saying additional arms and security guarantees are needed to protect the country and the rest of Europe from Russian aggressio n now and in the future.
Sunak delivered the message in a speech to the Munich Security Conference, an annual meeting of heads of state, defense ministers and other world leaders. This year’s conference is focused on threats to the accepted rules of international relations nearly a year after Russian troops invaded Ukraine.
Highlighting Britain’s recent commitment to provide battle tanks, advanced air defense systems and longer-range missiles to Ukraine, Sunak urged other nations to follow suit before Russia launches an expected spring offensive.
“Now is the moment to double down on our military support,” Sunak said. “When Putin started this war, he gambled that our resolve would falter. Even now he is betting we will lose our nerve.”
Sunak also called on NATO to provide long-term security guarantees for Ukraine. Such commitments are necessary to shield Ukraine from future Russian aggression and to protect the system of international rules that have helped keep peace since the end of World War II, Sunak said.
“It’s about the security and sovereignty of every nation,” the prime minister said. “Because Russia’s invasion, its abhorrent war crimes and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric are symptomatic of a broader threat to everything we believe in.”
___
Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
|
2023-02-19T04:02:48+00:00
|
cbs4indy.com
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https://cbs4indy.com/news/national-world/ap-international/ap-uks-sunak-set-to-say-security-guarantees-need-for-ukraine/
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WACO, Texas (AP) — Staring down a possible indictment, a defiant Donald Trump is hoping to put on a show of force Saturday as he holds the first rally of his 2024 presidential campaign in a city made famous by deadly resistance against law enforcement.
The former president will gather with supporters at an airport in Waco, which will mark the 30th anniversary of the Waco massacre next month. In 1993, an attempted raid by law enforcement of a compound belonging to the Branch Davidians, a religious cult, resulted in a shootout that led to a 51-day siege, ending in a blaze that left dozens dead.
The rally comes as Trump has berated prosecutors, encouraged protests and raised the prospect of possible violence should he become the first former president in U.S. history to face criminal charges. Some of his recent rhetoric has echoed language he used before the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol by a mob of his supporters seeking to stop the transfer of power.
“What kind of person can charge another person, in this case a former President of the United States … and leading candidate (by far!) for the Republican Party nomination, with a Crime, when it is known by all that NO Crime has been committed, & also known that potential death & destruction in such a false charge could be catastrophic for our Country?” Trump wrote on his social media site early Friday.
Trump’s campaign insisted the location and timing of the event had nothing to do with the Waco siege or anniversary. Instead, a spokesperson said the site was chosen because it was conveniently situated near four of the state’s biggest metropolitan areas — Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin and San Antonio — and has the infrastructure to handle a sizable crowd.
“This is the ideal location to have as many supporters from across the state and in neighboring states attend this historic rally,” said Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung.
The city is part of McLennan County, which Trump won in 2020 by more than 23 points. The airport where the rally is being held is 17 miles from the Branch Davidian compound.
The rally had already been in the works before it became clear that a grand jury in New York was drawing closer to a possible indictment as it investigates hush money payments made to women who alleged sexual encounters with Trump during the height of his 2016 campaign. Trump has denied the women’s claims.
But the timing will give Trump an opportunity to demonstrate his continued popularity with the GOP base and to portray himself as the victim of a politically motivated “witch hunt” as he campaigns for a second term in the White House.
The grand jury investigating the hush money payment is expected to meet again Monday in New York.
Trump has spent weeks now railing against the investigation. In a move that seemed designed to preempt a formal announcement and to galvanize his loyal base, he claimed last Saturday that he would be arrested the following Tuesday. While that did not happen, Trump has used the days since to try to shape public perception, claiming, for instance, that the Manhattan district attorney’s office had plunged into “Total disarray,” though there was no evidence to suggest prosecutors were backing away from the case.
His efforts echoed a strategy the former president has used before, including during special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
Trump has also launched a series of increasingly personal attacks against Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, calling him “a danger to our Country” who “should be removed immediately,” and using increasingly racist and dehumanizing rhetoric.
On Thursday, he sought to tie Bragg, Manhattan’s first Black district attorney, to George Soros, a liberal billionaire donor who doesn’t know Bragg and hasn’t donated directly to him. “A SOROS BACKED ANIMAL,” Trump wrote of Bragg, adding, “THIS IS NO LEGAL SYSTEM, THIS IS THE GESTAPO.” He also shared an article that juxtaposed a picture of Bragg with a photo of Trump swinging a baseball bat in Bragg’s direction.
The former president has also repeatedly involved violence. Last Saturday, he called on his supporters to “PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!” And on Thursday, he bemoaned, “OUR COUNTRY IS BEING DESTROYED, AS THEY TELL US TO BE PEACEFUL!”
On Friday, a powdery substance was found with a threatening letter in a mailroom at Bragg’s offices, authorities said. Officials later determined the substance wasn’t dangerous.
Bragg’s office sent an internal email to staff last Saturday saying, “We do not tolerate attempts to intimidate our office or threaten the rule of law in New York.” After the powder was discovered, Bragg sent another email to staffers telling them their safety was the top priority.
“We will continue to apply the law evenly and fairly, which is what each of you does every single day,” he wrote Friday.
Even before the threatening letter was sent to Bragg’s office, Democrats warned that Trump’s remarks had the potential to incite violence.
“The twice-impeached former president’s rhetoric is reckless, reprehensible and irresponsible. It’s dangerous, and if he keeps it up he’s going to get someone killed,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said earlier Friday.
The Manhattan case focuses on a $130,000 payment that Trump’s longtime lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, made to porn actor Stormy Daniels as Trump was in the throes of the 2016 campaign. Trump later reimbursed Cohen and his company logged the reimbursements as a legal expense. Cohen has already served time in prison after pleading guilty to campaign finance charges and lying to Congress, among other crimes.
Trump is also facing an investigation in Georgia over his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election as well as federal probes into his handling of classified documents and possible obstruction, as well as his efforts on Jan. 6.
___
Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak and Sagar Meghani contributed to this report from Washington.
|
2023-03-25T12:22:49+00:00
|
localsyr.com
|
https://www.localsyr.com/news/national/trump-rallying-supporters-in-waco-ahead-of-possible-charges/
|
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